The atmosphere grew more and more heated, and the two of them stopped speaking, their eyes fixed on the high platform.

The man, full of youthful pride and scholarly arrogance, was engaged in a fierce poetic duel.

By the end, most had withdrawn, leaving only four contestants still holding on.

One would recite a verse, and the next would instantly pick it up. As the number of participants dwindled, the time allowed for thought grew shorter—this was a true test of one’s literary foundation.

When it came to private study and dedication, Yan Shi’an dared to compare himself to anyone. After all, his life had no room for leisure or play.

Naturally, he was the last one standing.

With the rhythmic beat of drums, the clear clash of zithers, the jingle of bells from the dancer’s wrists and ankles, and the roar of the crowd, Yan Shi’an stood alone on the high platform. He looked up at someone watching from the railing and, under countless watchful eyes, extended his hand toward her.

The teasing and cheers from the crowd were so loud they nearly blew the roof off. Even Qinghuan turned and smiled at the person next to her—well, let’s see how you plan to act now?

Shi Buyu blinked. That stage—she had never been on it before!

With a shy smile and a hand covering her mouth, Shi Buyu took Yan Ze’s arm and descended the stairs, walking step by step toward the man waiting at the foot of the platform.

The two exchanged a smile, and Shi Buyu switched to holding Yan Shi’an’s arm. Together, they ascended the platform.

Across from the high stage, Cheng Junyu watched this scene unfold. For some reason, he suddenly imagined what it would be like when he stood at the peak of the world—would Xiao Twelve still stand by his side like this? Would she give up the vast world outside, cut off her wings, and stay with him?

“Brother Shi’an, when you get married, remember to invite everyone here! If I don’t get a taste of that wedding wine, I’ll regret it for life!”

“That’s right! We must have a drink at your wedding!”

Voices of agreement rang out from all three floors. Yan Shi’an clasped his hands and bowed in all directions. “I’ll ask the owner of the Floating Life Collection for today’s guest list. Everyone here at the gathering today will be invited to my wedding!”

“Where’s Brother Junyu? Where are you hiding?”

“Here! Over here!”

Cheng Junyu was shoved forward by the people behind him. Laughing, he chimed in, “Of course Master Shi’an should get the guest list! But for those who came uninvited, you better bribe me or I won’t write your name down—you won’t get that drink!”

Laughter erupted again.

Cheng Junyu took the chance to glance at Xiao Twelve. She was still putting on that shy and bashful act—pretty convincing too. She was probably thrilled inside.

This elegant gathering had cost them nothing and, with Qinghuan’s help, they’d managed to put Zhang Susu in her place. The tension had shifted to the Zhang family and Qinghuan. Meanwhile, the two of them walked away clean, and Qinghuan herself had even publicly stated she wouldn’t force Yan Shi’an into being a heartless man.

Now that Yan Shi’an had taken the top spot, and thanks to the drama between Qinghuan and the Zhang girl, his reputation would only grow. As the man they both vied for, his name would spread far and wide.

Xiao Twelve must have planned all of this from the beginning—that’s why she urged him to host this gathering.

Cheng Junyu laughed along with the crowd. No wonder—she’d been slacking off before because she was busy plotting all this.

Xiao Twelve felt like a performer now. The play she was acting in was “When Feelings Run Deep”—the kind of scene that made estranged couples laugh and cry as they remembered the sweetness of the beginning. They laughed at how wonderful it had been, and cried because it had been so short-lived.

Heartless lovers are common, but those who stay true for life are rare. Shi Buyu sighed deeply in her heart, then turned and smiled again with shy grace.

“Don’t know if this old man might have the honor of writing the preface for today’s gathering?”

An elder stepped out from the crowd, hands behind his back, strolling up to the stage with a kindly smile.

Someone gasped upon recognizing him: “It’s Lord Ji Hui, the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Ancestry?!”

The Ministry of Ancestry managed imperial family affairs, and all officials under it were of royal blood.

The Dayou Dynasty was open-minded, and royals weren’t always aloof. It wasn’t unusual to see them at banquets. Assistant Minister Ji Hui had been a regular at literary gatherings in his youth, though his appearances became fewer as his rank rose. He was known for both talent and reputation.

Shi Buyu, along with the others, bowed in greeting.

Ji Hui, a relative of Ji An, was technically Shi Buyu’s elder uncle. His stepping forward to write a preface clearly signaled support for publishing a collection and showed his appreciation of Yan Shi’an’s talent.

A golden opportunity!

Shi Buyu gently tapped Yan Shi’an’s shoulder.

He kept all his emotions buried and stepped forward. “It would be our great honor to have your preface.”

The other participants were overjoyed and quickly voiced their agreement. Elegant gatherings were common, but very few made it into print. With Ji Hui volunteering to write a preface, this collection was as good as published. With his endorsement, their talents would gain even greater recognition!

What an unexpectedly rewarding day at the Floating Life Gathering!

Ji Hui walked up the platform, looked at the two, and said, “A perfect match—talented man and beautiful woman. I too would like a taste of that wedding wine. Cheng Junyu, remember to put my name on that guest list!”

Cheng Junyu responded loudly, “Got it!”

“I hope to receive your blessings at that time,” Yan Shi’an said respectfully. This was his first formal contact with royalty—Qinghuan didn’t count.

Ji Hui patted his shoulder, clearly fond of him. “Even after passing the exams, you’ve remained humble. Good! No wonder that Qinghuan girl likes you.”

“What good is my liking him when he doesn’t like me back? Uncle, are you teasing me?” Qinghuan happened to be descending the stairs just then. As usual, she was casual and unrestrained, her greeting sloppy but her tone clearly affectionate.

Ji Hui laughed heartily. “You saw through me!”

Qinghuan stepped onto the platform from the other side. “At least I don’t act like that Zhang girl—forcing things. I mean, really, if you have to force someone into betrayal, is that still the honorable Master Shi’an we all admire?”

Ji Hui stroked his beard, nodding. “Right, you don’t force things—you just mess around with brains.”

“Uncle, you really understand me.” Qinghuan laughed freely, then changed the subject. “Uncle, you’re only writing the preface? Why not help publish the book too? I just so happen to want to add a poem myself. That way I can be immortalized alongside these scholars.”

“You wish,” Ji Hui scolded playfully, but his wide smile stole all his sternness. “This gathering has been top-notch—just don’t go ruining it.”

“Sounds like you’re agreeing to publish the book.” Qinghuan turned to the crowd. “Everyone, aren’t you going to thank the Assistant Minister?”

The crowd erupted with joy, showering him with gratitude.

Shi Buyu also bowed, her fondness for Qinghuan growing.

This princess might be self-centered, but she didn’t trouble others. She acted openly and generously. She wouldn’t gain anything whether the book was published or not, but she still spoke up. Ji Hui might have had the intention, but someone needed to open the way. Given his status, anyone else asking would sound like a plea—but Qinghuan’s words were just family conversation.

Her unnecessary gesture had helped so many. Deep down, she clearly didn’t want to shame these talented scholars.

And yet she was just an awkwardly positioned daughter of the late emperor. No matter how favored she was, her status was still fragile. Otherwise, how would Zhang Susu dare oppose a princess? Who knew what she had gone through to become who she was today?

Noticing her gaze, Qinghuan looked over.

Shi Buyu smiled and gave her a respectful solo bow.

Qinghuan had also preserved Yan Shi’an’s dignity. As the top scholar, the task of asking for support would have fallen to him in the end.

Qinghuan raised her eyebrows slightly but said nothing more. She helped her uncle down from the stage and left.