The golden rainbow dissipated, transforming into countless fragments of light. The characters on the paper continued to emit a gentle, glowing aura, though no longer as intense as before. The text, filled with a rich fragrance of ink, seemed to radiate an otherworldly glow.
Each character was a gem, a treasure beyond compare.
This was no ordinary verse. Being labeled a "nation-stabilizing" work, Nathan Ye's Butterfly Lovers would forever hold a prestigious place in history. In most cases, a mere "prefecture level" verse would be enough to establish a poet's fame. Yet nation-stabilizing works were rare, something unseen in the past few decades of Emperor Zhou's reign.
With the decline of the literati, the standards of poets had also diminished. Viewed in this light, Nathan's verse was beyond precious.
"To witness the birth of a nation-stabilizing work—what fortune!"
"After reading this, how can I seek other amusements? I feel compelled to drink, to sing, and celebrate this grand event of the literary world!"
"With this verse, Master Ye will undoubtedly become the favorite guest of every courtesan."
The scholars expressed admiration as their faces lit with excitement. Many looked upon Nathan with awe, as though beholding a saint. How could one person possess such talent? It was enviable beyond words.
The women in the Spring Breeze Tower gazed at Nathan with glistening eyes, their bodies softening in his presence.
"Master Ye..." many of the women murmured, enchanted. Their heated gazes could melt the strongest iron. Nathan's reputation was already impressive, and his handsome looks made it impossible for them to avert their gaze. Some courtesans even daydreamed about a night of passion with him, considering it a life fulfilled.
Seeing their bold, unrestrained looks, Nathan suddenly felt a chill down his spine. It was as if he were naked, completely exposed to these women's gazes.
"Trouble! They're after my body!" he thought, alarmed.
There was an old saying: when a man goes out into the world, he must guard his purity; far too many women are after one's virtues. Nathan had clearly underestimated the power of poetry in this world. As he finished, he looked up to find people crying and laughing, a sight he found entirely absurd.
"Master Ye, I admire your talent," Gavin Tsai said, bowing deeply. This bow held no resentment, only sincerity. What was there to resist? Gavin had known he'd lost the moment Nathan completed half of his verse. By the time Nathan finished, Gavin had forgotten they were in a competition.
How foolish had he been to think he could compete in poetry with someone like Nathan Ye?
"The gap between us is like a firefly against the moon, a mule compared to a qilin," Gavin thought with a bitter smile.
But in reality, he felt little bitterness. Witnessing a nation-stabilizing verse was an honor. He conceded the loss openly, feeling no shame. Any stubbornness now would only paint him as narrow-minded.
Nathan returned the bow politely.
"In truth, you did quite well."
Nathan held a favorable impression of Gavin. Men who could accept defeat gracefully commanded respect. Winning or losing mattered little; what counted was character. Gavin's willingness to admit defeat showed admirable quality.
"No one likes losing, but losing with honor is what builds character."
"Brother Ye, might I have this poem?" asked Sang Liu, eyes wide with hope, like a child pleading for candy.
Nathan shivered at the look. "Go ahead and take it."
To Nathan, it was just a poem, not something to cling to. He could compose a hundred more without a second thought.
But Sang Liu's joy was uncontainable. Laughing wildly, he cried, "What luck! This poem will be a family heirloom!"
"Had I known Master Ye was so generous, I would have thickened my skin and asked for it too."
"Shameless!" muttered others, their voices tinged with jealousy. This son of a minister, just like his cunning father, was nothing short of a schemer.
"Sang Liu, taking advantage again, huh?" Clara Xiao scoffed from the balcony above. "Go and bring that poem to me."
Sang Liu's cheek—who was he to claim this work for himself? This Butterfly Lovers was not only a nation-stabilizing piece but was also written in Nathan's newly invented calligraphy style. Its worth was immeasurable. Clara Xiao had an inkling of its future value.
"Well, no wonder the Emperor treasures him so deeply," Clara whispered, her gaze lingering on Nathan, her heart moved by the words: My belt loosens though I regret it not, all for the sake of my love's longing.
Being a woman and having lived within these walls, witnessing separations, the sorrow embedded in Nathan's lines resonated deeply. Her gaze softened.
"Go, invite Nathan to come up."
With a creak, Lila opened the door, her voice clear as she addressed the scholars below.
"My lady invites Master Ye for a chat."
Lila's face bore a charming smile, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Nathan.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。