Chapter 8, Young Master Zhou

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If force will not suffice, then this young master shall conquer you with culture. I intend to use my talent to make you completely submit beneath my robe. This is the thought in Zhou Yuanjie's mind. He has come prepared today, having previously asked the family scholar to compose a fine poem, which is why he feels so confident.

Whether to follow back is none of your business, Bai Miaodan muttered to herself

Zhou Yuanjie was not embarrassed; he lightly shifted his large feet and shook his head, "The petals have just begun to bloom, each vying for beauty, the flower's stamen a tender red, the fragrance wafting a thousand miles." After reciting the poem, Zhou Yuanjie surveyed the crowd, awaiting their applause

Zhou Yuanjie squinted his eyes again, as cold water was splashed in the restroom of the academy. Don't think I don't know it's you who stuck the note on me. It can be said that Zhou Yuanjie would love nothing more than to tear Bai Miaodan in half in his dreams, but he is truly afraid of the little golden snake on her. Zhou Yuanjie has suffered quite a bit under that little golden snake, and thinking about it now still sends chills down his spine; his greatest fear is snakes.

Zhou Yuanjie asked proudly, "Miaodan, is this poem good?"

Bai Miaodan finds herself in a difficult position, akin to riding a tiger. If she does not agree, it is evident that she is retreating; however, if she agrees, her chances of winning are quite slim. Just the thought of having to call this timid fellow "Brother Zhou" after losing sends shivers down her spine

Indeed, it is truly remarkable that wwwhetushu.com has achieved such prominence. The other two individuals, like Zhou Xiaoan, also play the role of followers to Zhou Yuanjie within the academy

The young man in white must have a certain demeanor; he would not mention that this flower is also grown in his family's courtyard. Since he arrived at the Bai family courtyard, he has been looking around, hoping to find a flower he is familiar with, to show off his literary talent. "Xiao An, why don't you compose a poem for this flower? Your performance at the academy has been outstanding, so this shouldn't be difficult for you, right"

"Young Master Zhou, you flatter me too much. With my limited talent, how could I dare to show off in front of you? You are the one with exceptional skills and vast knowledge; it would be better for you to compose this poem!" Zhou Xiaoan's skill in flattery is indeed remarkable.

Bai Miaodan let out a grunt and, without holding back, honestly remarked: "It's terrible; even the aunt in our kitchen could compose such poetry."

"Good, good, good, good poetry..." Zhou Xiaoan and the other two cheered loudly, as if the volume of their applause diminished would mean they were no longer "favored"

The sound of applause suddenly erupted, "This poem is absolutely remarkable." Zhou Yuanjie brought three people who praised it endlessly

Both individuals fell asleep, each harboring their own thoughts and feelings in a state of confusion

Bai Miaoxi hummed in response and did not speak further. Being able to converse with Yue Kang was already unprecedented, and Yue Kang would not expect to become familiar with Bai Miaoxi all at once

"Fine, this young lady is truly going to compete with you today; let’s see who is more afraid of whom," Bai Miaodan said, immediately regretting her words. How could she compose poetry? She was notorious in the academy for being a troublemaker. Not to mention poetry, even if asked to write a few characters, she probably wouldn’t be able to produce more than a handful.

"Alright, I promise you, hum..." Bai Miaodan reluctantly agreed, gritting her teeth as she shot a glare at Zhou Xiaoan. Zhou Xiaoan turned her head away, pretending not to see anything.

Young Master Zhou is indeed knowledgeable and talented; this flower is precisely the Blue English Flower. Young Master Zhou truly deserves admiration for recognizing it at a glance. Another boy, dressed and looking quite ordinary, is Zhou Xiaoan. At sixteen years old, Zhou Xiaoan comes from a modest background in Xiangle County, where his father runs a small tea house. He is a loyal follower of the white-clad gentleman Zhou Yuanjie, and flattering others is his greatest skill.

Miaodan has lacked affection since childhood, and she tends to be unreasonable in her actions. I do not care whether you have truly forgiven her; I only ask that you do not harm her. Bai Miaoxi's feelings towards Yue Kang are quite peculiar; she neither dislikes him nor particularly likes him.

"Delightful, let us compose a poem inspired by this beautiful peony. Listen closely." Zhou Yuanjie deliberately cleared his throat, took a couple of steps, and recited with a shake of his head: "The golden sun tilts among the flowers, only the peony is intoxicated in a haze, the spring breeze sways, releasing the flower's silk, its beauty akin to a cherished maiden." Seemingly entranced by his own poetry, Zhou Yuanjie gazed dreamily, his outstretched right hand remaining suspended.

"It's important to have a little incentive, isn't it? How about this: if I lose, you can call me 'Little Mouse.' But if I happen to win, then the next time we meet, you must call me 'Brother Zhou.' What do you think, Miaodan?"

"Very well, I shall compose this poem, then. The gentleman has always advised me not to reveal my talents lightly, but today there are no outsiders present. It is a rare opportunity for such refined enjoyment, so I will reluctantly help everyone celebrate. Sister Miao Dan, what do you think?" Zhou Yuanjie said shamelessly, his eyes fixed on the stunningly beautiful Bai Miao Dan, nearly losing his composure.

It seems that Miss Bai is hesitant; I thought she would outshine Young Master Zhou in terms of literary talent, but I truly did not expect this. Zhou Xiaoan whispered with two others, but coincidentally, Bai Miaodan was just able to hear their conversation

Rest assured, with Miaodan's clever mind, I have never even considered harming her; all I ask is not to be bitten by a snake again. There is no reason not to speak well of someone's sister in front of her sister. Yue Kang truly cannot think of any good way to avenge the grievance of being bitten that night

Although the voice was not loud, Zhou Yuanjie heard it. Suppressing the anger within, he pretended not to hear, a fleeting coldness flashing in his eyes. Feigning calmness, he gazed at the garden full of flowers with a look of intoxication. "Today, the sun is bright and the sky is clear, and being amidst this sea of flowers truly inspires poetic thoughts. How about we each compose a poem?" Zhou Yuanjie said, winking at Zhou Xiaoan, who understood and raised his hand in agreement.

Yue Kang, upon hearing the question, chuckled and said, "How could that be? I know she is venting for you; it is all my own doing, and I have never held any resentment against her." Indeed, to say that Yue Kang felt no resentment after being bitten by the snake would be disingenuous. Considering that in their eyes, he had violated their sister, if he were in their position, he might be even harsher than that girl. His hatred for her had diminished significantly. However, he still needed to regain some face afterward; only then could he find balance within himself. Thinking about how, in their eyes, he had violated their sister, if he were in their position, he might be even harsher than that girl. His hatred for her had diminished significantly. However, he still needed to regain some face afterward; only then could he find balance within himself.

At this moment, Zhou Xiaoan cleverly stepped forward, "Wait, wait, wait. It is rare for Young Master Zhou and Miss Bai to have such a refined interest today, allowing the three of us to listen to this high-level performance. But isn't there a prize for this competition"

If one is to have a servant, it should be a servant like this, so "understanding and reasonable". Zhou Yuanjie raised his thumb towards Zhou Xiaoan, and the latter smiled "brilliantly".

"Hmph, I can't be bothered to compete with you; winning isn't something to be proud of anyway" Bai Miaodan immediately dismissed.

Zhou Yuanjie has an unusually thick skin; he ignores Bai Miaodan's sarcasm. Today, he has come prepared with a killer move and cannot lose his composure. "Miaodan, you haven't been to the academy for several days. Your classmates are all very concerned about you. When will you return to the academy?"

Alright, then let me compose a poem first. Zhou Yuanjie would not miss this opportunity, hurriedly hammering and nailing.

This plant stands three feet tall, with opposite leaves and oval-shaped flowers, is it a bluebell? A seemingly fifteen or sixteen-year-old, dressed in a long silk white robe, with a high-quality jade pendant hanging at his waist, presents himself in the manner of a young gentleman. He deliberately stands very straight, his expression one of rapture, with his hands clasped behind his back as he critiques the flowers. A series of actions intended to showcase his cultured side, yet his eyes, which turn into slits when he speaks, and the absence of a front tooth, are truly unrelated to any sense of refinement. His expression of rapture, hands clasped behind his back as he critiques the flowers, a series of actions intended to showcase his cultured side, yet his eyes, which turn into slits when he speaks, and the absence of a front tooth, are truly unrelated to any sense of refinement.

Zhou Yuanjie would not give up easily, "Miaodan, was it my display of talent just now that frightened you into not daring to compete?"

The other two individuals brought by Zhou Yuanjie also expressed their agreement and support

"Call me 'sister' again, and do you believe I will tear your mouth apart?" Bai Miaodan was very reluctant to respond to Zhou Yuanjie; if it were not for her grandmother's instructions, she would not be here accompanying them