This son-in-law is wicked in a good way!

Zhang Wu suddenly became hesitant and stammered, "I suddenly remembered that I have important matters to attend to at home. Today's competition is temporarily canceled. We'll hold the competition when I'm free."

After saying that, Zhang Wu walked out in silence.

But someone stopped them.

"Alas, Young Master Zhang, that's not right. You promised a competition; how can you run away at the last minute?"

"Who just asked us, along with Miss Meixiang, to be witnesses?"

Nobody's a fool. Zhang Wu's poem is definitely not as good as Zhang Ping'an's. He's afraid of losing, so he wants to run away.

Among these people were many of Zhang Xuanling's political enemies. Unable to get their hands on Zhang Ping'an's story, they found Zhang Wu's story more interesting.

After all, this is the third son of the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue.

"Get out of my way! What do you want?!"

Zhang Wu was furious and embarrassed. If he didn't leave now, he would have no choice but to admit defeat later.

Unfortunately, the crowd wouldn't give in; instead, they looked gloating, as if they were waiting to see a good show.

Zhang Ping'an smiled knowingly: "What? Does Young Master Zhang think we're all fools? If you can't handle losing, you should have said so earlier!"

"The son of a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Revenue, acting like a scoundrel in the brothel, will not only embarrass you, but also your father Zhang Xuanling."

Provoked by Zhang Ping'an's words, Zhang Wu's fierce temper immediately flared up.

"Who said I deserted my post? I truly have urgent business to attend to. However, for the sake of my reputation, everything else will have to wait."

"Let's have a contest today to see who's better."

Someone immediately shouted, "Stop talking nonsense, quickly bring out the poems by Li Bai and Du Fu!"

"That's right, Mr. Li Du's masterpiece is certainly no worse than that of a son-in-law."

Zhang Wu gritted his teeth and took out the paper from his pocket, though his hand was trembling slightly.

"The bare branches break through the snow, revealing their spirit. Covered in frost, they turn an iron color, their solitary fragrance permeating the wild village."

After Zhang Wu finished reading, everyone was greatly disappointed.

This poem is barely passable, but it's definitely not outstanding.

Especially compared to Zhang Ping'an's song just now, the difference in quality is obvious.

"Is this really a work by Mr. Li Du? It feels below his usual standard!"

"Yes, let alone compared to 'Who in the world does not know you,' it is far inferior to 'The Wind.'"

"It seems that Mr. Li Du's talent is nothing special. No wonder he hasn't published any new works recently. He can't be found in the entire literary world of Dawu. He must have run out of ideas."

Hearing people calling him an alias made Zhang Ping'an uneasy.

They're all relying on the pseudonym Li Du to sell their poems!

"Has anyone considered whether what Mr. Zhang bought was actually a poem by Li Bai or Du Fu?"

A single word awakens one from a dream!

Everyone immediately realized what was happening.

"That's right. My father has been searching for Master Li Bai and Master Du Fu, hoping to obtain their poems, but unfortunately, he has never had the chance to meet them. How could Zhang Wu, a mere warrior, possibly meet Master Li Bai and Master Du Fu?"

A young man in brocade robes asked a question.

"Zhang Wu, did you buy this poem inside the Wenxin Tower?"

Once someone has doubts, others will start digging deeper.

Zhang Wu also wanted to find out whether his poem was actually written by Li Bai and Du Fu, so he answered truthfully, "No, I bought it at the entrance."

The young man who asked the question suddenly realized: "No wonder. The poems purchased inside Wenxinlou have their authors' identities strictly verified, so you can't buy fakes. But the ones at the entrance are definitely fake."

Who the hell would sell genuine products in front of an official flagship store?!

All I can say is that Zhang Wu is a complete idiot.

"Haha, Zhang Wu, that fool, thinks he's struck gold. Doesn't he realize that with the reputation of Li Bai and Du Fu, how could they possibly be selling poems at the gate?"

Everyone shook their heads, their eyes filled with pity as they looked at Zhang Wu.

It's not a big deal if you buy counterfeit goods; nobody will know if you don't tell them.

If you buy counterfeit goods and then try to show off, even using them to make bets, it's hard for others not to know.

"You despicable swindler, how dare you try to cheat me! Don't let me catch you, or I'll tear you to pieces!"

Zhang Wu gritted his teeth, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked.

Zhang Ping'an didn't care about any of that, and this outcome was exactly what he expected.

"Young Master Zhang, it's time to honor your bet!"

Zhang Ping'an crossed his arms and stared at him coldly, not afraid that he would renege on his promise.

Zhang Wu's face turned a deep shade of liver; he was filled with regret.

Even though Zhang Ping'an was about to leave, he still ran up to stop him.

Isn't this just like offering him money and handing him your face to be hit?

Damn it!

Zhang Wu was so frustrated he felt like he was going to vomit blood.

To be honest, Zhang Wu had really considered defaulting on the debt. But seeing so many prominent people watching him, and thinking about the consequences of defaulting, he trembled with fear.

"It's just a thousand taels of silver? It's nothing to me!"

"for you!"

He pulled out a large silver note from his pocket, the one he had snatched from Zhang Ping'an last time.

Zhang Ping'an took it, happily put it in his pocket, and looked at Zhang Wu: "Apologize!"

After saying that, he turned to the side, so that Zhou Weidong behind him could face Zhang Wu directly.

Zhang Wu immediately flew into a rage: "Zhang Ping'an, don't go too far! Who do you think I am? How dare I apologize to him?"

"A bet is a bet, everyone heard that just now. Does Young Master Zhang intend to renege on the bet?" Zhang Ping'an said coldly.

"You..." Zhang Wu pointed at Zhang Ping'an, his lungs about to explode with anger.

"Kneel down and apologize!"

"Or, utter disgrace!"

Zhang Ping'an's face was icy cold, leaving no room for negotiation.

"Fine, I'll kneel!" Zhang Wu conceded.

Compared to being utterly disgraced, kneeling down to apologize has far less negative impact.

"sorry!"

Zhou Weidong felt refreshed, and the stuffiness from before vanished.

"I didn't hear you, speak louder."

Zhang Wu gritted his teeth: "I'm sorry!"

"Hmph!" Zhou Weidong turned around and ignored him.

"Young Master Zhang, let me give you a piece of advice: He who insults others will always be insulted in return!" Zhang Ping'an said with a beaming smile.

Zhang Wu stood up with a grim expression, glaring at Zhang Ping'an with resentment: "Hmph, you piece of trash, you just wait!"

Watching Zhang Wu leave, Zhang Ping'an turned to Zhou Weidong and Wang Qisheng and said, "Let's go back too!"

Zhou Weidong looked at him with reddened eyes: "Ping An, thank you!"

Zhang Ping'an grinned: "Then next time we come to the brothel, it's your treat!"

"..." Zhou Weidong felt that "Old Wang's disease" was contagious.

At this moment, a maidservant suddenly walked quickly to Zhang Ping'an and curtsied.

"Congratulations to this gentleman on becoming my lady's guest of honor tonight!"

Zhou Weidong was taken aback, then grabbed Zhang Ping'an's shoulders in surprise: "Ping'an, you've been chosen by Miss Meixiang!"

Zhou Weidong, filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred, grabbed Zhang Ping'an's shoulders and shook him violently.

The others also looked on with envy and jealousy, but when they thought of Zhang Ping'an's poem about plum blossoms, they could only sigh inwardly.

"Congratulations, Ping An! You're in for a treat tonight. Don't forget to tell us how Mei Xiang was when you get back!" Old Wang grinned lewdly, his mouth practically watering.

To be honest, Zhang Ping'an was a little dazed... He'd been chosen already?

It seems that getting into the courtesan's bed isn't so difficult after all!

"Young master, please follow me!" The plump maidservant lowered her head and smiled shyly, taking the initiative to lead the way.

Although Zhang Ping'an didn't intend to stay overnight, the atmosphere had already been set up, and if he didn't go, Lao Wang and the other man would definitely misunderstand.

Moreover, Zhang Ping'an still wanted to go.

Who wouldn't want to try riding a courtesan?

"Gentlemen, let's see tonight whether Zhang has the strength to even kill a chicken!"

Zhang Ping'an clasped his hands in a fist salute, turned around, and strode away like a warrior ready to die.