Poet Immortal, Poet Sage, Duke of the State!

When Zhao Wan'er first went to the Wannian County government office to sue Chen Chang'an, Gu Qingcheng helped her a lot.

Although she only wiped his sweat and walked with him for a short while.

However, these two small actions were enough to make Zhao Wan'er's false accusation a joke and prevented it from generating public opinion.

Even when Zhao had the maids in the Chen household spread rumors, because of Gu Qingcheng, very few people believed them.

Chen Chang'an came here today to thank her in person.

A few days ago, the matter between Chen Chang'an and the Chen family caused quite a stir, and everyone in the capital knew about it, including Gu Qingcheng.

She didn't believe a word of the story about Chen Chang'an molesting the maids of the Chen family.

He didn't even glance at himself, let alone the maids.

She smiled slightly, picked up a piece of paper from the table, handed it to Chen Chang'an, and said, "Young Master Chen, I wrote a poem a few days ago, inspired by my own feelings. Please give me your feedback..."

Chen Chang'an took the paper, on which was written a seven-character poem.

The handwriting on the paper was very delicate, in the small regular script often used by women in Daning. Chen Chang'an's gaze fell directly on the poem.

"Alone I lean against the high tower, gazing at the bright moon, entrusting my heart's secrets to the zither. The world all praises my captivating beauty, but who understands the longing in my secluded boudoir?"

Gu Qingcheng looked at Chen Chang'an, waiting for him to speak.

Although Chen Chang'an's previous poems were plagiarized, his doctorate in Chinese language and literature is genuine. He may not be able to write timeless masterpieces himself, but he does have a certain ability to appreciate and appreciate literature.

Gu Qingcheng was the most renowned courtesan in the capital, and judging from this poem, she was also a literary and artistic young woman at heart.

Chen Chang'an placed the note on the table and said, "The first three lines are all very good: tall buildings, bright moon, and a zither—the imagery is pure and clean, and it also expresses the young lady's state of mind..."

He changed the subject, speaking honestly: "However, the last line, 'Who understands the feelings in the dreams of a woman in her boudoir,' is a bit too straightforward, lacking a lingering charm. In poetry, especially in the graceful style, the aftertaste is particularly important. What do you think, Miss Qingcheng?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Qingcheng's face showed a look of realization, and she nodded, saying, "What you say is true, young master. I've been reading this poem these past few days and always felt that something was missing. After your guidance today, I realize that it lacks lingering charm. So, in your opinion, how should this poem be revised?"

Chen Chang'an picked up the pen on the table, wrote a line of words on the blank space of the paper, then put down the pen, turned the paper over, and pushed it in front of her.

Gu Qingcheng looked down and saw that the line "Who understands the love in the dreams of a woman in her boudoir" had been crossed out, and a new line of poetry had been added next to it.

Alone I lean against the high tower, gazing at the bright moon, entrusting my heart's secrets to the zither.

Everyone says she's stunningly beautiful, but a single melody evokes tears.

She reread the poem and indeed felt its lingering charm. She couldn't help but admire him. He truly was a great talent; he casually changed one line, and the whole poem was immediately transformed.

She smiled and said to Chen Chang'an, "Thank you for your correction, young master. I have nothing to repay you with, so how about I play a tune for you to express my gratitude..."

Chen Chang'an nodded and said, "Thank you for your trouble, young lady."

Gu Qingcheng stood up, walked to the zither table, sat down, and gently placed her hands on the strings.

A moment later, a clear and melodious zither tune slowly spread throughout the room.

The music initially sounded like pebbles thrown into a lake, then like a rushing stream, cheerful and lively, which made Chen Chang'an feel much happier.

No wonder wealthy people in Beijing love this kind of thing; it's not only an elegant pursuit, but it also provides spiritual enjoyment.

Chen Chang'an listened quietly, then smiled and said, "Miss Qingcheng's musical skills have improved again since last time..."

Gu Qingcheng removed her fingers from the strings, smiled shyly, and said, "You flatter me, young master..."

Having appreciated the poem and listened to the music, Chen Chang'an felt the time was ripe. He took out a palm-sized brocade box from his pocket, placed it on the table, and said, "This is a small gift for Miss Qingcheng. I hope Miss Qingcheng will like it."

Gu Qingcheng's beautiful eyes lit up slightly as she took the brocade box and gently opened the lid.

Inside the brocade box was a layer of plain silk, and in the center of the silk lay a petal-shaped object, pale pink in color, with fine lines on the surface and a warm luster.

She looked down for a moment, then leaned closer to smell it. It had a delicate osmanthus fragrance, much gentler than the scented dew. She looked up and asked curiously, "What is this?"

Chen Chang'an smiled and explained, "This substance is called balm. It has cleansing, moisturizing, and skin-nourishing effects. It can be used when washing hands, face, and bathing. Washing hands with balm daily can also prevent some diseases..."

Gu Qingcheng was taken aback. Judging from its effects, it seemed to be similar to bath beans, but it smelled better and looked better.

She suddenly realized something, turned to look at Chen Chang'an, and asked suspiciously, "Young Master, you didn't come to Qunyu Tower this time just to have Qingcheng help you sell this so-called perfume, did you?"

Chen Chang'an touched his nose, somewhat embarrassed, and said, "No, no, I really came to thank Miss Qingcheng. The business was just a side thing..."

Gu Qingcheng looked at Chen Chang'an, a look of resentment on her beautiful face.

I thought he really came to thank me.

Unexpectedly, his ultimate goal was still to discuss business...

Does he really have absolutely no appeal to her?

Chen Chang'an looked at Gu Qingcheng and said frankly, "Miss Qingcheng is the number one courtesan in the capital, and also the most beautiful woman in the capital. All the women in the capital look up to Miss Qingcheng. If Miss Qingcheng is willing to help, Qing Shuang Fang's perfumes can open up more sales channels. I can pay Miss Qingcheng a certain reward..."

Gu Qingcheng looked at Chen Chang'an, her gaze flickered, and then she gave a light snort and said, "It's not impossible for me to agree to your request, but you must also agree to one condition..."

Chen Chang'an immediately said, "Please speak, Miss Qingcheng."

If the soap sells out quickly, you can easily earn tens of thousands of taels of silver, and the long-term profits will be even higher.

Let alone one condition, even if it were ten or eight, even if it required him to offer his body, Chen Chang'an wouldn't even flinch.

Gu Qingcheng smiled and said, "I want you to write another poem for me, young master."

Chen Chang'an nodded without hesitation and said, "Sure, what kind of poem would you like, young lady?"

Gu Qingcheng blinked and said, "A poem about a beautiful woman, like the one from last time, the kind that will be passed down through the ages..."

That poem, "To a Beauty," had already made her famous throughout Da Ning.

When later generations talk about poems about beautiful women, they cannot avoid mentioning "clouds remind me of her clothes, flowers remind me of her face," and when discussing this poem, they cannot avoid mentioning her name, Gu Qingcheng, because the poem is called "A Gift to Qingcheng."

If she could write another poem that rivals the previous one about a beautiful woman, her fame would undoubtedly be even greater.

What she wanted was not momentary praise, but eternal fame.

"A poem about a beautiful woman?"

Chen Chang'an hadn't expected Gu Qingcheng's conditions to be so simple; he was even prepared to sell his body.

Without even thinking, he immediately picked up a brush and began writing on the back of the piece of paper.