My subjects are too rebellious!

The setting sun poured down like molten gold, dyeing the sky a brilliant orange and red.

It was the end of the hour of Wei, Qin Chuan quietly changed into an inconspicuous set of casual clothes, and left the magnificent imperial palace alone, in a small carriage.

He wanted to feel the atmosphere of the world and soothe his mortal heart.

He dismissed the guards and eunuchs who followed him and went alone.

Strolling through the bustling streets of the capital, away from the intrigues of the court and the constraints of the dragon robe.

In the streets, the cries of vendors can be heard one after another, the aroma of various snacks fills the air, and the sounds of children playing and women chatting and laughing interweave into a vivid picture of the market.

He strolled along, occasionally stopping in front of stalls, curiously looking at the folk handicrafts that were rarely seen in daily life, and occasionally chatting with the stall owners.

As he walked deeper, Qin Chuan unknowingly reached the bank of Qinhuai River.

At this moment, the afterglow of the setting sun and the twinkling lights on the river complement each other, making the Qinhuai River look particularly charming.

On the river, countless flower boats shuttled slowly, the sound of stringed instruments on the boats was melodious, and the singing of the singing girls was crisp and pleasant, sometimes lingering and sad, sometimes passionate and high-pitched, attracting tourists on the shore to stop and watch, and admire it.

Qin Chuan stood on the shore, looking at the prosperous scenes, and couldn't help but feel an indescribable emotion in his heart.

As Qin Chuan gradually approached the river, he discovered that those boats slowly cruising on the river were actually flower boats with gorgeous decorations and bright lights.

Each flower boat seems to be a moving palace, with exquisite patterns carved on the hull. The sounds of stringed instruments and the singing of singing girls can be heard from the cabin, making people involuntarily intoxicated by it.

Qin Chuan stood on the shore, looking at these flower boats, and an unprecedented curiosity surged in his heart.

He had never experienced such entertainment before, maybe it would be different?

He walked slowly along the river bank, and from time to time a boatman waved to him and invited him to take a trip on the boat.

Qin Chuan smiled and declined their kindness.

Just then, he discovered that a flower boat in the distance was surrounded by scholars and students.

After he walked in, he realized that it was the courtesan's boat.

The name of the courtesan had long been a legend in the capital. Not only was she extremely beautiful, but she was also extremely talented, attracting countless scholars and students to admire her.

At this moment, the shore was indeed surrounded by young talents. Some of them held folding fans, while others held poetry and books. They all hoped to impress the legendary beauty with their literary talent and get a glimpse of her true appearance.

However, the old man at the helm became an insurmountable obstacle before them.

This old man looks quite dignified and seems to be a master.

Qin Chuan observed all this from the side, feeling both curious and amused.

He didn't expect that in this place of fireworks, there were so many rules.

At this time, a woman walked out lightly from the attic on the second floor of the boat. Her voice was like a spring breeze, instantly attracting the attention of everyone on the shore.

She claimed to be the maid of the courtesan Qin Ya, and her words revealed a sense of elegance.

It makes people yearn for the courtesan they have never met.

The maid bowed slightly, glanced at the scholars and students on the shore, and then softly announced the rules of the test.

"My dear talented men, my lady has always admired talented and virtuous people. Today, I have specially set this topic, with the theme of 'Women, Spring, Unrequited Love', and I invite you to improvise a poem. The poem must be sincere and profound, and can touch people's hearts. Only those who are qualified to board the ship and enjoy the night view of Qinhuai with my lady."

As soon as these words were spoken, there was a burst of discussion on the shore. The scholars and students either lowered their heads in thought or discussed with each other, all hoping to show their talents at this critical moment.

Qin Chuan also stood in the crowd, thinking secretly in his heart.

After a while, the first scholar plucked up the courage, stepped forward and recited his poem.

"The spring flowers are in full bloom, and the woman walks lightly beside the bridge."

"Love goes with the wind, but longing is nowhere to hide."

After hearing this, the maid shook her head slightly and commented softly: "Although this poem has artistic conception, the expression of love is too straightforward and lacks some subtlety and depth."

Then the second talented man stepped forward, confidently put away his folding fan, and said.

"The spring breeze blows the willow branches green, and the girl leans against the window and looks into the distance."

"Love and hate are intertwined and hard to describe. I can only wander alone under the moon."

The maid still maintained her gentle smile, but a trace of regret flashed in her eyes: "This poem is rich in emotion, but the phrase 'love and hate intertwined' is a bit heavy and fails to fully fit the delicate emotion of 'love but not being able to obtain'."

Seeing these two talented people with great reputations acting like this, everyone was afraid to step forward for a moment.

But at this time, another person walked out of the crowd from the back, looked at the maid, bowed, smiled gently, and said, "Excuse me for showing off my ugliness."

"The beautiful spring scenery is reflected by the water, and the beautiful figure of the girl enters my heart."

"Love is so strong that I can't help myself. I just hope to share the beauty of the moon with you."

After finishing the poem, the scholar looked at the maid confidently.

But the maid sighed softly and said, "This poem has a beautiful artistic conception, but the line 'I only hope that I can share the beauty of the moon with you' seems too optimistic and fails to deeply reflect the bitterness and helplessness of 'love that cannot be obtained'."

Just when everyone thought that no one could solve the problem, Qin Chuan slowly stepped forward, took a deep breath, and began to recite "his own" poem.

"A duck knows when the river water warms in spring, and a woman's worries are locked between her brows."

"Love is like peach blossoms that bloom and fall, we cannot be together but linger in vain."

"Drinking alone under the moon, our shadows become a pair; meeting in a dream, tears soak our clothes."

"This feeling can be recalled later, but it was already at a loss at the time."

As soon as his poems came out, they immediately aroused the admiration of people around him.

The poem not only depicts the beauty of spring and the grace of women, but also deeply expresses the helplessness and sorrow of unrequited love, as well as the yearning and pursuit for beautiful love.

After hearing this, the maid's eyes flashed with surprise and approval.

She clapped her hands gently, and said with appreciation: "Sir, this poem is full of sincere emotions and profound artistic conception. It is really a masterpiece of writing and breathtaking. My lady, the courtesan Qin Ya, will definitely have a great conversation with you."

After saying this, the maid turned to face everyone, her face returning to her usual gentleness and politeness.

But there was a hint of unquestionable in his tone: "Gentlemen, thank you for your participation, but the rules are set, only those with the best poems can board the ship. The winner today must be Mr. Qin, please understand."

As soon as he finished speaking, those talented people who had originally held out hope all showed expressions of disappointment.

But most people can understand and accept this result. After all, Qin Chuan's poems are indeed outstanding and unattainable.

At this moment, the old man on the helm stood up at the right time. He glanced at everyone, as if reminding them not to have any improper thoughts.

Those scholars and students who tried to take the opportunity to sneak into the boat stopped involuntarily and retreated to the shore obediently under the old man's stern gaze.

The old man nodded slightly to Qin Chuan, indicating that he could board the boat.

Qin Chuan glanced at the old man, and then, led by the maid, stepped onto the flower boat.

On the shore, there was a lot of discussion and envy.