Chapter 74: Jade Dream Pool

  Seeing the stunning girl again, Chu Hao's eyes lit up, and he chuckled: "Xia brother, I didn't expect to see you so soon."

  Having an independent official boat to watch the flower lantern festival on Kongyou Lake is either rich or noble. Chu Hao had some doubts in his heart, and seeing this scene, he became even more curious about the identity of the beautiful little girl.

  "Brother, what a coincidence." The stunning beauty beside him, the handsome young man who was following her earlier wasn't there. She nodded at Chu Hao and pointed to the flower stand in front of her, saying: "Are you also here to appreciate those poems written by those talented men?"

  "Of course not." Chu Hao couldn't tell where this little girl came from, and it wasn't convenient to let Sun Haoran come into contact with her. After letting her enter the cabin, he smiled at the stunning little girl: "These people are also worthy of being called geniuses? Then every Tom, Dick, and Harry is a great writer."

  The stunning beauty's boat drew closer, and she seemed to have looked at Chu Hao with curiosity for a few moments before saying: "Brother, why did you say that? Are you implying that you are more talented than those gifted scholars, hence your words?"

  Chu Hao pointed shamelessly at the boat canopy in the distance where the young prince was, while Wu Donghan continued to compose poetry, saying: "Brother Xia, this matter is not easy for me to say, and saying too much would make me seem boastful. Let me give you an example, look over there at that pedant, do you know who he is?"

  The beautiful young woman's eyes were very charming, and she blinked: "It was my first time in the capital, that young master seemed to have some talent, could it be that handsome brother knows him? I wonder who he is?"

  Chu Hao was openly admiring the charming face and flat chest of the young girl, his expression serious, saying: "His name is Wu Donghan, this year's Wenju Tanhua." He paused, waved his hand, and said: "Don't be surprised, actually he's not that great, do you know what he's doing now?"

  "What is he doing?"

  "That Wu Donghan is mediocre in his studies, but he thinks he's extremely talented and wants to compete with those so-called 'geniuses'. Unfortunately, I pointed out a few things to him just now, and he's been deep in thought, not daring to come up again. These geniuses, when it comes down to it, are just wolves in scholar's clothing. How can I consider myself one of them and associate with such people? Shameful, shameful."

  Chu Hao let out a long sigh, his words laced with desolation, carrying the implication that it's cold at the top. At this moment, he couldn't help but regret not preparing his fan earlier.

  "Brother is right!" The stunning beauty raised an eyebrow, her expression also showing some interest, and said: "I don't know what Brother pointed out, but it actually made Wu Tanhua unable to muster up the courage to fight?"

  Chu Hao smiled and continued to walk towards the bow of the boat with his hands behind his back. He suddenly jumped onto the side of the beautiful young woman. The beautiful young woman's expression didn't change, still full of smiles. Chu Hao smelled the fragrance on her body, this scent was fresher than the sandalwood incense from the censers, and not like the floral powder or rouge, it should be the natural scent of a person.

  He saw him nod slightly and said slowly: "I only said fourteen words: talented man, jackal."

  "Genius or wolf?" The beautiful young girl recited it once, shook the fan in her hand and said, "Brother, that's not right, this clearly only has four words."

  "Of course, there are still ten words left." Chu Hao said: "The former is a fool, the latter is just a wolf!"

  "Hahaha……" The stunning beauty suddenly knew that Chu Hao was talking nonsense, and a sentence scolded all the talented men. She couldn't help but laugh. Chu Hao looked at her swaying hips and waist as she laughed, and quickly recited the Clear Heart Mantra in his heart.

  For some reason, since knowing that the fake young master was a stunning beauty, Chu Hao's heart had been somewhat unusual. This little beauty seemed to have an extremely strong attraction, with a fiery glow in her eyes that was almost magical, and even unintentionally revealing her charm, which was enough to stir up men's hearts, absolutely no man could resist.

  After the stunning beauty had laughed enough, Chu Hao chuckled and said: "Young Master Xia, do you think what I just said is reasonable?"

  The little girl's eyes flowed with charm, as if she had glared at Chu Hao with a hint of annoyance, and said in a soft voice: "Brother Shuai's words are unbridled, but what he says is also true. However, if those geniuses knew about Brother Shuai's evaluation, they might be so angry that they'd die."

  Chu Hao's eyes glanced at the boat house and said, "Why is it just Xia Gongzi alone? Where was Xia Gongzi's book boy just now? Why didn't he come together?" In fact, he asked this question because there wasn't a single person in charge of steering the boat. Relying on his own cultivation, standing at the bow of the boat could make the boat move, and this little girl's cultivation was quite impressive.

  "He didn't like the flower lantern festival, so I let him go back on his own." The beautiful young woman didn't know if she had heard the deeper meaning in Chu Hao's words and responded with a sentence. Just as they were talking, a painted pleasure boat floated by, playing music. Chu Hao listened carefully and couldn't help but be inspired to poetry, singing in a deep and melancholic tone:

  "Last year during the Lantern Festival, the flower market was as bright as day. The moon reached the willow tips, and people made dates for after sunset. This year during the Lantern Festival, the moon and lanterns are still here. But I don't see last year's friends, tears fill my spring sleeves."

  The beautiful young woman's eyes sparkled with a hint of surprise, and she exclaimed: "I didn't expect Brother Chui to understand music too! This poem sung by Brother Chui is truly wonderful! Brother Chui is indeed talented, no wonder he looks down on those so-called geniuses."

  Chu Hao smiled silently, pretending to be profound, with a look of desolation in his eyes.

  What a sorrowful genius!

  The stunning beauty didn't know what Chu Hao was thinking in his heart, but seeing him like this and thinking of the poem, she secretly wondered if this young master was also a sorrowful person? At this time, the sound of bells and drums, as well as the guqin, reached her ears. The beauty lifted her head to look at the shore and suddenly said: "Brother Chui, look, Yao Mengchi has come out."

  As expected, as soon as the beautiful young woman's words fell, the shore suddenly became noisy and lively. The officials and nobles on the surrounding official ships also came out and went to the bow of the ship, looking towards the shore. Sun Haoran and others also heard the commotion and walked out of the cabin. They looked at Chu Hao who had run to another official ship, and then saw the beautiful young woman.

  Everyone just felt that this kid standing here was mercilessly destroying their confidence, and he looked even more handsome than the girls! In an instant, everyone's expression changed from shock to lustful laughter, with a tacit understanding.

  Chu Hao secretly scolded this group of people, thinking that he was not as despicable as they thought, and he didn't like to be treated that way.

  The young prince and the sixth prince were no exception, slowly walking out of the cabin to the bow. It was the young prince who looked over here when he came out, his face still somewhat gloomy, not giving Chu Hao a good look.

  Chu Hao naturally wouldn't go see his ugly expression either, and also shifted his gaze towards the flower stand.

  It's finally the turn of Huadenghui's final grand finale, where the top courtesans from various brothels in the capital take the stage to showcase their talents. Logically speaking, with Yaomengchi's immense popularity, she should be the last one to perform, but unfortunately, although her reputation is great, so are her demands, and she chose to go on stage first, naturally wanting to finish early and rest.

  As the sound of Yao Mengchi's voice faded away, the lights on the flower stand suddenly dimmed, and then a burst of pipa music poured out like a waterfall. The pipa music was ethereal and beautiful, like pearls falling onto a jade plate. Even in the midst of bustling streets, it felt like a refreshing spring washing over stones, with the gentle morning breeze carrying the scent of dew, evoking a sense of weightlessness and freedom, as if floating on air, almost otherworldly.

  The surroundings gradually quieted down, and everyone's eyes were fixed on the flower stand. Those talented scholars sat upright with a look of intoxication on their faces.

  Chu Hao had never seen the mysterious head of Cuimoon Residence before, and now he only saw Yao Mengchi on the stage wearing a blue shirt, with her head bowed and her eyebrows lowered, her hands as white as snow, sitting quietly on the stool, with half of the pipa lying open in front of her, her two hands flying and dancing. The moonlight was soft and elegant, the lanterns were shining brightly, it was like a dream.

  After a long time, the music came to an end.

  The woman in blue slowly raised her head. Instantly, whether it was the painted barge or the shore, all the men's eyes showed a look of surprise and admiration. The moonlight shone obliquely on her face, making it impossible to tell whether the moonlight illuminated her or she illuminated the bright moon. Her facial features were as distant and quiet as the sound of her pipa, like the smoke trees in the wilderness, the secluded orchids in the empty valley.

  Beautiful! This Yao Mengchi is indeed extremely beautiful!

  It's a serene beauty, so beautiful that it brings peace to one's heart and draws people in!

  Originally, behind her, there were four high-bunned and heavily made-up geishas in gorgeous clothes, but at this moment they seemed to have become the green leaves that set off the flowers, quietly withdrawing.

  "Brother, your eyeballs are about to fall out!" The teasing voice of the stunning beauty rang out at this moment, and her face was filled with a sly smile, as if she had discovered something extremely interesting.

  "Xia brother, aren't you mentally abnormal?" Chu Hao's opening words almost made the little girl furious, and he continued: "Seeing such a beautiful woman, you haven't even had a moment of distraction, do you like men, having a fondness for homosexuality?"

  The stunning beauty suppressed her anger, and then winked at Chu Hao with eyes that curved like the moon, extremely captivating. "If I liked men's words, what should handsome brother do?"

  "Although everyone says that Xia Ge is elegant and refined, but like this, it's still unacceptable to me, I really owe you an apology." Chu Hao said sincerely, then continued: "Xia Ge, I'll leave for a while now, let you watch a good show."

  The stunning beauty initially flashed a cold glint in her eyes, but upon hearing Chu Hao's words, she hesitated and asked: "What good show?"

  Chu Hao didn't answer her, and instead jumped back onto his own boat. He was having a great time on the lake, completely disregarding his identity and royal etiquette. Next, Chu Hao called out to Sun Haoran and others, rowing towards the young prince's direction. Upon seeing this scene, the stunning beauty's face suddenly changed.

  "Imperial brother, it's your turn to go on stage soon. Although it's your first time on stage, don't be nervous at all. I, Xiao Wang, will always be your strongest backing!" Chu Hao burst out laughing and patted his own chest, ignoring the pale faces of the little emperor and his entourage. Then he looked over at Nan Gong Baozi, who was shrinking back in fear next to the sixth imperial prince, and said: "Nan Gong young master, come quickly!"

  The sixth prince was still puzzled, but when he saw Nan Gongjie with a sad face, he explained the situation to him. The sixth prince's eyes lit up and immediately ordered someone to bring the official boat over. As they drew closer, the sixth prince changed his demeanor from earlier at Cuiyue House and was extremely enthusiastic towards Chu Hao, saying: "Imperial brother, I just heard from Young Master Nan Gong that you're leaving the capital, I didn't notice it before, let's have a few drinks to see you off."

  Chu Hao smiled and said: "The emperor is thoughtful."

  Chu Hao naturally knew that the six princes were there to mock the young prince, but seeing him didn't bother to say a few words of courtesy to Nan Gongjie, who had defected over, nor did he care about the royal face, only wanting to strike down the young prince and make him take the stage. He was somewhat disdainful in his heart. This person's demeanor wasn't enough, he wouldn't achieve anything great, compared to the young prince's cunning, he still fell short by a bit.

  Only the Sixth Prince spoke up, saying to the Little Emperor and others: "It turns out that Mr. Wu is also here. Since everyone is present, the Fairy of the Jade Dream Pool has also appeared. Then, younger brother, shouldn't you fulfill your promise?"

  The little prince's face was gloomy, but after seeing the sixth prince, he completely calmed down and said lightly: "My imperial brother will keep his promise..."

  "Really refreshing!" Chu Hao shouted, interrupting his words. The three official boats then headed towards the shore. At this moment, Yao Mengchi had just finished playing a piece and was about to leave the stage.

  Chu Hao, under the escort's promotion, hastily squeezed open the crowd, and then walked onto the stage, bowed to the people below, and said: "Ladies and gentlemen, nice to meet you, everyone has come together from afar."

  Many people in the crowd knew this young master, and when they saw him rush onto the stage and say such a thing, they were all somewhat perplexed and surprised. Chu Hao didn't think much of it, and on the stage he took a big stride to look at Yao Mengchi who was still sitting quietly on the stool, feeling that watching her from this close distance made her seem even more beautiful.

  He didn't know that his actions had fallen into the eyes of the people below the stage, who all felt that he was being too arrogant. And among the crowd, Lin Yue'er even gripped her sword tightly and said angrily: "Xiaodie, I'm going to go kill him, don't stop me!"

  The little butterfly pursed her lips and smiled lightly, saying: "Miss, it's better not to go now. With so many people around, wait until the young master comes down later, and then Miss can settle accounts with him."

  Lin Yue'er hummed and felt extremely annoyed in her heart.