From the fake emperor to the concubine

A murmur arose from the crowd, and many people frowned.

“I’ll give it a try.” A young man in a brocade robe stepped out of the crowd and came to the front of the stage.

"Please, young master," Miss Hongyu said with a smile.

The young man cleared his throat and said loudly, "My second line is—The moon shines on the paulownia tree, casting paired shadows; frost dyes the maple leaves red as blood."

After listening, Miss Hongyu gently shook her head: "Young master's second line is passable in terms of parallelism, but lacks in artistic conception. Hongyu's first line contrasts 'uncertainty' with 'traceability,' but young master's second line fails to reflect this."

The young man blushed and awkwardly stepped aside.

“I’ll go!” Another scholar-looking man stepped forward. “My second line is: Clouds obscure the sun, casting no shadow; thunder shakes the mountain peaks, its sound resounding.”

Red Rain Girl shook her head again: "The contrast between 'utter darkness' and 'sound' is well-balanced, but the imagery is too straightforward and lacks depth."

The scholar sighed and stepped aside.

Next, more than a dozen people stepped forward to compose couplets, but all of them were rejected by Miss Hongyu.

Her requirements were extremely demanding; the couplets not only had to be perfectly matched in parallelism, but also possess profound meaning and unique insights. Couplets that could meet these criteria were extremely rare.

"Isn't Miss Hongyu's demand a bit too high?"

"Yes, such a difficult first line of a couplet, who can come up with a matching one?"

Some people in the crowd began to complain.

Miss Hongyu maintained her smile and said, "Gentlemen, there's no need to rush. My first line is indeed a bit tricky. However, I believe that there are many talented people in the world, and surely someone will be able to come up with a brilliant second line."

Her gaze swept across the crowd, as if searching for someone.

Zheng Yi stood in the crowd, listening to the couplets of the people, and pondered silently in his heart.

The first line of the couplet by Miss Hongyu was indeed ingenious, and it wouldn't be easy to come up with a good second line. But for Zheng Yi, it was not a difficult task.

Although he was a cultivator, he had read quite a few books in the Xuan Tian Domain and had some knowledge of poetry and literature. Moreover, after experiencing so many things, he had gained a deeper understanding of life.

"The wind blows the willow catkins, drifting aimlessly; the rain beats the peach blossoms, leaving their marks." Zheng Yi silently recited this first line of the couplet, and a picture gradually emerged in his mind.

Willow catkins drift away with the wind, without direction or destination; peach blossoms fall to the ground, withered and fallen, yet leaving behind traces of their existence.

Isn't this a reflection of life?

Some people wander their whole lives and end up with nothing; others may leave behind an indelible mark on the world, though they are gone.

Thinking of this, Zheng Yi had an idea, and a second line of the couplet gradually took shape.

He didn't want to draw attention to himself, but he thought that Jade Pavilion was a place with good information. If he could take this opportunity to get in touch with Miss Hongyu, he might be able to find out some useful information.

"Fine, I'll just join in the fun," Zheng Yi thought to himself.

He stepped out of the crowd and came to the front of the stage.

Seeing another person step forward, Miss Hongyu's eyes flashed with anticipation: "Does this young master also wish to compose a couplet?"

“Exactly,” Zheng Yi said.

"Please, young master." Miss Hongyu extended her hand.

Zheng Yi took a deep breath and said loudly, "My second line is—"

"Clouds gather and disperse over the green mountains, the moon shines on the vast sea, waxing and waning."

These words silenced the entire room once again.

Red Rain Girl's eyes lit up.

"Clouds gather and scatter over the green mountains, the moon shines on the vast sea, waxing and waning." She softly repeated the second line of the couplet, her eyes filled with growing amazement.

This second line is a perfect match!

The phrase “gathering and scattering” corresponds to “drifting aimlessly”, and “fullness and loss” corresponds to “falling with traces”. The antithesis is perfect and the artistic conception is profound.

What's even more ingenious is that the second line uses two natural elements, "clouds" and "moon," to depict the coming together and parting, the waxing and waning of life, echoing the "wind" and "rain" in the first line, forming a complete picture.

"Excellent! Excellent couplet!" Miss Hongyu couldn't help but exclaim. "Young master's second line perfectly captures my heart. 'Clouds gather and scatter over the green mountains, the moon waxes and wanes over the vast sea,' it perfectly expresses the impermanence and cycle of life, truly wonderful!"

A gasp of surprise erupted from the crowd.

"This second line is indeed better than the previous ones!"

"'Gathering and scattering,' 'fullness and loss'—what a wonderful antithesis!"

"Who is this young master? How could he possess such talent?"

The crowd began to murmur among themselves, casting curious and envious glances at Zheng Yi.

Miss Hongyu walked gracefully to Zheng Yi and gave him a slight curtsy: "Young master, your talent is truly admirable. May I ask your honorable name?"

Zheng Yi smiled slightly: "My name is Zhang Yuan, merely a rogue cultivator, unworthy of such praise from you, young lady."

“Young Master Zhang is too modest,” Miss Hongyu said with a smile. “To be able to compose such a wonderful matching couplet, your talent is far beyond that of ordinary people. As agreed, Hongyu will invite you aboard the boat for a private rendezvous and drinks. And please accept this ten thousand taels of gold.”

As she spoke, she took out an exquisite brocade pouch from her sleeve and handed it to Zheng Yi.

Zheng Yi took the brocade pouch, weighed it in his hand, and found that it indeed contained a fortune.

"Thank you, Miss Hongyu," he said.

"You're too kind, young master," Miss Hongyu said with a smile. "The pleasure boat is ready; please follow me."

She turned and walked towards the back door of the Jade Pavilion, with Zheng Yi following behind her.

A murmur of envy and jealousy rose from the crowd.

"That kid's incredibly lucky!"

"To be able to have a private drink with Miss Hongyu is truly an honor beyond measure!"

"I should have read more books."

Zheng Yi ignored the noise and followed Hongyu through the back door of Cuiyu Tower to a quiet courtyard.

In the courtyard lies a small lake, its waters crystal clear and rippling gently. In the center of the lake sits an exquisite painted boat, adorned with colorful lanterns and silks, swaying softly in the breeze.

"Please." Miss Hongyu gestured for them to enter.

Zheng Yi nodded and followed her onto the painted boat.

The interior of the pleasure boat was exquisitely decorated, with soft carpets and various precious utensils. In the center was a small table, on which were placed fine wines and various pastries.

"Please have a seat, Young Master Zhang," said Miss Hongyu.

Zheng Yi sat down at the small table, while Hongyu sat opposite him.

She personally poured Zheng Yi a glass of wine and handed it to him, saying, "Young Master Zhang, please."

"Thank you." Zheng Yi took the wine glass and took a small sip.

The wine is a fine spirit, smooth on the palate and with a long-lasting aftertaste.

“Young Master Zhang’s talent has left a deep impression on Hongyu.” Hongyu looked at Zheng Yi with a hint of curiosity in her eyes. “May I ask where you come from, young master?”

“I come from an outer realm, traveling through the Tianyuan Domain,” Zheng Yi said. “An outer realm?” Miss Hongyu raised an eyebrow. “So you are a cultivator from an outer realm, young master. No wonder I’ve never seen you before.”

“Young lady, you are very knowledgeable and must know many people,” Zheng Yi said.

"I wouldn't say I know a lot of people," Miss Hongyu said with a smile. "It's just that I've been staying at the Jade Pavilion for a long time and have seen quite a few people."

The two drank and chatted.

Although Hongyu was a woman from a brothel, she was eloquent and knowledgeable. She was well-versed in the various forces and situations in Tianyuan Domain, and she and Zheng Yi got along very well.

Zheng Yi also took the opportunity to inquire about some information about the core area from her.

“The core area,” Miss Red Rain murmured. “It is indeed the most prosperous place in the Tianyuan Domain, but also the most dangerous. To enter the core area, one must pass through several checkpoints, each guarded by powerful figures.”

"Is there any way to bypass those checkpoints?" Zheng Yi asked.

"Bypass them?" Red Rain shook her head. "Those checkpoints are very well-designed; bypassing them is almost impossible. However..."

"But what?"

“However, if someone from a powerful organization can introduce you, you can avoid a lot of trouble,” said Miss Hongyu. “For example, people from the three holy lands and the nine great families can pass through the checkpoints directly by showing their identity tokens.”

"An introduction from a powerful force?" Zheng Yi pondered.

He now has grudges against the Han family, the Town Commandery, and the City Lord's Mansion, so it will probably be difficult for him to get an introduction from a major power.

"Young Master Zhang seems quite interested in the core area?" Miss Hongyu asked curiously.

"I just wanted to go and see for myself," Zheng Yi said.

"I see." Miss Hongyu nodded and did not ask any further questions.

The two chatted for a while longer, and Zheng Yi gleaned a lot of useful information.

He discovered that this girl, Hongyu, was not only beautiful but also extremely intelligent. She had a thorough understanding of the various forces and situations in the Tianyuan Domain, making her an invaluable source of intelligence.

“Miss Hongyu, I am deeply grateful for your hospitality today.” Zheng Yi stood up, preparing to take his leave.

"Is Young Master Zhang leaving?" Miss Hongyu also stood up, seemingly somewhat reluctant to see him go.

“I have some matters to attend to and cannot stay any longer,” Zheng Yi said.

“In that case, I won’t insist you stay,” Miss Hongyu said with a smile. “If Young Master Zhang has time in the future, you are welcome to visit Jade Pavilion again. Hongyu will always be happy to welcome you.”

"Definitely." Zheng Yi nodded.

He stepped off the painted boat and left the Jade Pavilion.

After leaving the Jade Pavilion, Zheng Yi wandered around the city for a while, gathering some other information.

Only when the sun was setting did he leave Qingyun City and fly towards the barren wasteland.

Along the way, he pondered the intelligence he had gathered that day.

Core areas, introductions from powerful forces, and checkpoints—all this information is very important to him.

"It seems we need to find a way to get into the core area," Zheng Yi thought to himself.

He was unwilling to attach himself to any power, but without the introduction of a powerful force, it would be almost impossible to pass those checkpoints.

"Perhaps we can think of a solution from that girl Hongyu." Zheng Yi thought of Hongyu's extensive knowledge and well-informed sources, and a vague idea came to his mind.

Jade Pavilion is the largest intelligence hub in Qingyun City, and as the most beautiful courtesan, Miss Hongyu must possess many secrets. If we could establish a deeper relationship with her, we might be able to uncover even more useful information.

"I'll visit again next time I have the chance," Zheng Yi thought to himself.

As the sun sets, its afterglow spills across the barren wasteland, turning the desolate land a golden hue.

Zheng Yi increased his speed and flew towards the direction where everyone was.

In the distance, a few simple stone houses came into view, with wisps of smoke rising from their chimneys, carrying a touch of warmth.

Zheng Yi smiled slightly, descended from the clouds, and walked towards the stone house.

"The patriarch is back!"

Zheng Bowen's shout rang out, and everyone came out to greet him.

Looking at their warm faces, Zheng Yi felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

No matter how difficult the road ahead may be, he will not be alone as long as these people are by his side.

“Come on, let’s go inside and talk,” Zheng Yi said. “I’ve brought back a lot of information.”

The crowd nodded and ushered Zheng Yi into the stone house.

As night fell, a dim, yellow light illuminated the stone house.

The wind still blows across the barren wasteland, but the stone house is warm as spring.

Zheng Yi sat in the middle of the group and told everyone the information he had gathered that day.

Regarding the core area, the introduction of major powers, and the Jade Pavilion and Miss Red Rain.
After listening, everyone fell into deep thought.

"It seems that getting into the core area won't be easy," Zheng Bowen sighed.

“Yes, without the introduction of a powerful force, it would be almost impossible to pass those checkpoints,” Zheng Hongzhi added.

"No rush," Zheng Yi said. "Our priority now is to recuperate and strengthen our forces. We'll figure out a way to enter the core area when the time is right."

Everyone nodded and said no more.

A few days later, Zheng Yi kept thinking about a question.

They are currently hiding in the barren wasteland, which is safe for the time being, but it is not a long-term solution. The spiritual energy here is thin and resources are scarce, making it almost impossible to improve their cultivation. Moreover, if the Han family or the Town Guardian Bureau were to track them down, they would have no way to escape.

More importantly, the tokens they possessed were all fake.

While fake tokens might fool routine checks, they would be immediately exposed by those specifically tasked with verifying tokens. This would not only result in forced labor but also reveal their identities, leading to even greater trouble.

"I have to find a way to get some real tokens," Zheng Yi thought to himself.

He thought of the Jade Pavilion.

During a casual chat with Miss Hongyu that day, he inadvertently learned that Jade Pavilion, as the largest brothel in Qingyun City, frequently needed to purchase slaves to serve as servants and maids. To facilitate the management of these slaves, Jade Pavilion had the authority to register tokens for unregistered individuals.

This qualification is granted by special government approval and is only available to a few large merchant guilds and powerful organizations. Ordinary people must go through a cumbersome review process to obtain the token, but Jade Pavilion can directly register its slaves and employees.

"If we could buy a few tokens from the Jade Pavilion, Zheng Yi's eyes would light up."

He certainly didn't want to become a slave at the Jade Pavilion; rather, he wanted to bribe them to register tokens for him and others under the guise of employees. This way, they would have legitimate identities and wouldn't have to worry about being discovered.

“This method is feasible,” Zheng Yi made up his mind.

He shared this idea with everyone.

"Buy a token with money?" Zheng Bowen frowned. "Would Jade Pavilion agree to that?"

"Probably," Zheng Yi said. "Merchants are profit-driven; as long as the price is right, there's nothing they can't buy. Besides, Jade Pavilion already has the qualifications; registering a few tokens for us is just a piece of cake for them." (End of Chapter)