Minister Zhang fell into a trap, while at the same time, the children of the Shi family were safely sent away. Shi Buyu finally relaxed. By the 24th day, she still hadn’t left with Yan Shi’an, instead going together with He Yisheng, both dressed as men.

To avoid trouble, He Yisheng even put on a beard to cover her delicate features.

Shi Buyu was different. Her appearance was dignified and radiant. When disguised as a man, she looked elegant and handsome—clearly the son of a noble family. She would attract attention but wouldn’t inspire any disrespectful thoughts.

The Collection of Fleeting Life had no private rooms. It was a large three-story building with an open center.

On the first floor in the middle was a large high platform. To the left stood a drum, and on all four sides, four smaller platforms formed a pattern like stars surrounding the moon.

The second and third floors were very spacious but only had corridors with railings for protection. Along the walls were small tables that could be used for drinking, writing poetry, composing lyrics and essays, or painting.

Other areas were cleverly designed: places for resting, areas for drinking and entertainment, and poetry boards everywhere. If someone wanted to compete with another, just one word would summon the necessary materials immediately, and anything desired could be provided.

Originally, about twenty people on the main platform were exchanging poems and verses rapidly, but now only four remained, and the atmosphere was at its most intense. A young woman playing the zither nearby was stunningly beautiful, but her music was not gentle — it hinted at the clash of armor and horses amid the excitement.

When one person again composed a superb seven-character quatrain, applause surged from all directions toward the platform.

Cheng Junyu stepped to the large drum, picked up the drumsticks, and struck a rapid series of beats, laughing loudly, “Let me add some excitement for everyone.”

With the rhythm of the drum, the zither’s pace quickened, the dancer’s movements sped up, and the applause grew even more fervent.

Friends shouted out their names to cheer them on. Under such an atmosphere, the four, who were the center of attention, all felt their blood rushing with excitement.

At such an elegant gathering, who wouldn’t want to be the last one standing?

“More wine!”

Shi Buyu stood by a pillar on the third floor corridor, enjoying an excellent view. She watched the servants skillfully bring up fine wine. After one cup, a person’s momentum surged, and words flowed out immediately.

The cheers, laughter, drumbeats, and music almost seemed like they could tear the roof off.

The Collection of Fleeting Life had just opened but was already seeing only people coming in and none leaving. Yet despite this, no disorder arose inside.

There was Cheng Junyu’s network, Miss Qi Qi’s skills, and the atmosphere that gave everyone a powerful impression.

Everyone’s mind was focused on one goal: to stand on the biggest stage and outperform all others!

After witnessing this lively scene, Shi Buyu quietly slipped out the back door, the endless clamor still ringing in her ears.

She didn’t think this was particularly good or bad. Compared to farmers, these people were utterly vain. Yet in the Dayou dynasty, they were clearly showing their knowledge, hoping to be esteemed and thus gain an opportunity to display their talents.

It’s right to smile in front of happy people, and wrong to smile before those in sorrow. But the act of smiling itself is not wrong. Similarly, if this were still a prosperous age, these people would be a true scene of flourishing times, a painting passed down for a thousand years. One shouldn’t think music, poetry, and arts are wrong just because the times are no longer prosperous.

Right or wrong applies only to people.

“Cousin.”

Shi Buyu turned and looked at the person running toward her, then slipped into a shaded spot out of the sun to wait.

“Why are you out here?”

Yan Shi’an didn’t mention seeing her leave, knowing she didn’t like drinking, and stopped at a distance to avoid bringing the smell of alcohol to her. “Heading home so soon?”

“Mm, I’ve seen what reckless scholars are like,” Shi Buyu smiled. “It’s quite interesting. Leaving this to my Seventh Brother Qi Qi was the right choice—better than expected.”

Yan Shi’an looked at her. “If they are like that, won’t they look down on you?”

“Why would they? If serious study could guarantee a bright future, why would they behave this way? The trend is what it is; they must adapt and find their place. If there was a better path, who would want to endure hardship and suffering? They simply have no better options.”

Shi Buyu glanced at him sideways. “If you have the ability, go change this trend.”

“If that day ever comes.” Outside was too dangerous to say more. Yan Shi’an stepped closer, standing sideways, and asked what was on his mind, “What were you thinking at the Collection of Fleeting Life?”

Shi Buyu was silent for a moment, then kicked a small stone away. “I was thinking, if the capital were attacked right now, what would they do? Panic and lose control? Or immediately abandon their pens and join the army to defend the country? Later, I thought, at that time I’d probably be carried away by Auntie to find a way out, so how could I expect others to act differently?”

Shi Buyu looked up and smiled, “I wanted to be the sober one among all drunk people, but I found out I was just another drunk one.”

No, you weren’t drunk. That’s why you thought that way.

Yan Shi’an stayed on the third floor, just opposite her, clearly seeing she hadn’t drunk a drop, hadn’t written a poem, hadn’t said a word. He Yisheng stood outside her, not letting anyone approach her.

She quietly leaned against the railing watching the platform on the first floor. Whether it was a good poem or a good lyric, no matter how others cheered and laughed, she just quietly watched, a faint smile on her face, neither approval nor disapproval visible. Only when Cheng Junyu stepped on stage did her smile truly become genuine.

Yet, in truth, these were the thoughts in her heart at that time.

In fact, she wasn’t as indifferent to the death of the loyal and brave marquis as she seemed.

Yan Shi’an stepped closer, whispering, “If that day really comes, I will do everything I can to change this trend.”

“You know if you can’t keep your promise, you’re doomed, right?”

Yan Shi’an just smiled, seriousness shining in his eyes.

Shi Buyu smiled too, nodding. “I know.”

Yan Shi’an had come out on an excuse; he still had to return.

Shi Buyu went straight home, leaning against Auntie, unmoving for a long while.

The white-haired man had told her many stories—some sentimental, some regretful, some teasing. If one day she became a story told by others, she didn’t want it to be about regrets or pity, but admiration that she had accomplished something.

Wanxia took the opportunity to undo the girl’s hair, then loosely tied it back to prevent scalp pain later.

Her lady rarely felt down and usually could comfort herself, so she let her stay a while.

“Auntie.”

“What do you want to eat?”

“…Fish paste.”

Wanxia was not surprised at all. Since coming to the capital, her lady had become obsessed with this dish, craving it whenever possible. If she didn’t know better, she’d suspect the disguise was just a ruse to get food.

“More lamb soup?”

Lamb soup was also a favorite. Shi Buyu felt like she got two things for the price of one and instantly cheered up.