Chapter 326: The Toad Also Wants to Eat Swan Meat

Zu An's eyes narrowed. This fellow was clearly trying to make a fool of him. But Zu An was not one to be easily fazed. He met challenges head-on and wouldn't be intimidated by such petty schemes.

"I particularly enjoy showing off in front of beautiful women," Zu An said, smiling as he nodded to Qiu Honglei, Xie Daoyun, and Zheng Dan. "So naturally, I won't refuse."

Wang Yuanlong's expression was odd. What a fellow! Others usually court one lady, but this man was simultaneously charming three women, and doing it so smoothly that it didn't seem out of place at all. How did he manage that?

Sang Qian was even more dismayed. Watching Zu An repeatedly wink at his fiancée, he couldn't shake the feeling of being cuckolded, even though nothing overtly improper was happening.

Zu An then looked up at him. "Commander Sang, how do you intend for me to demonstrate my literary skill? Are you perhaps planning another couplet challenge?"

Sang Qian quickly waved his hand. "There's no need for couplets. When it comes to literary talent, nothing surpasses poetry. Perhaps Brother Zu would favor us with a poem?" What a joke! Even Xu Qinsong, the renowned scholar from Spark City, had just been defeated by him. How could Sang Qian be so foolish as to challenge him to couplets again? Besides, his goal was to make Zu An look foolish; if he participated, wouldn't he just be inviting trouble upon himself?

"Poetry?" Zu An's expression was peculiar. "Are you sure you want to compete with poetry?" What a joke! I have the entire canon of Tang and Song dynasty poetry at my disposal, not to mention countless other great poets from various eras as backup. Competing in poetry is simply... Other transmigrators became successful by plagiarizing; I didn't expect it to be my turn to have such an advantage today.

At this point, Xie Daoyun, who was nearby, also showed interest. "I wonder what the subject will be?"

Sang Qian then spoke, "Given Brother Zu's literary prowess, ordinary topics certainly won't challenge him. Perhaps I should choose a more obscure one to truly showcase his skill. Hmm, how about 'toad' as the theme?"

As soon as he uttered these words, the entire top floor fell silent. Although his words sounded noble, anyone with sense could see he was deliberately targeting Zu An. This was not only a jab at his relationship with Miss Chu, likening it to a toad and a swan, but also a sarcastic remark about his recent flirtations with the beautiful women present, implying he was merely a toad trying to court swan meat.

Qiu Honglei frowned slightly. "Isn't that a rather unsuitable topic? What good poem could possibly be written about a toad? Perhaps we should choose another."

Zu An thought, *This woman acts indifferent to me on the surface, but she actually cares quite a bit. I'll forgive her for her earlier behavior, then.*

Xie Daoyun, standing nearby, also concurred. "Indeed, I've never heard of such a topic, nor any poetry on it. I agree we should change it."

Only Zheng Dan smiled, remaining silent. Her status made it awkward to publicly contradict her fiancé to help Zu An. Nevertheless, she also had a slight desire to see Zu An make a fool of himself in front of other women, if only to deter him from his philandering ways.

Wang Yuanlong also chimed in, trying to mediate. He secretly regretted bringing them together, thinking he should have known better. Wasn't this just creating an uncomfortable situation for himself?

However, Zu An waved his hand. "It's fine. I actually think 'toad' is quite a good topic. As the saying goes, a toad that doesn't aspire to swan meat isn't a good toad."

Xie Daoyun let out a soft giggle, then quickly covered her mouth, evidently finding her reaction a bit impolite.

Qiu Honglei's eyes also held a hint of amusement. This man was truly different from anyone she had encountered before; he was quite interesting.

Zheng Dan, meanwhile, was preoccupied with images of him pouncing on her, thinking to herself that she, the "white swan," had been "spoiled" by this "toad" on more than one occasion.

Sang Qian, watching him charm the three beauties, making them blush and giggle, instantly looked displeased.

Zu An then continued, "I've already thought of a poem."

"You've thought of one?" The onlookers were surprised. Could a toad truly be a subject for poetry? More importantly, how much time had passed since the topic was proposed? Even for a conventional subject, composing a poem so quickly seemed impossible. Even Xie Daoyun grew curious, eager to hear what kind of poem he would produce.

Sang Qian was also startled, but he reasoned that even if a poem were composed so quickly, its quality would likely be poor. So, he said with a smile, "Brother Zu is indeed remarkable. I am all ears."

Zu An stood and walked to the window, gazing at the distant lotus pond. He began, "Sitting alone by the pond, like a crouching tiger, resting my spirit beneath the green shade."

As they heard these two lines, everyone immediately pictured a toad. Even Sang Qian had to concede that the man possessed a certain quick wit. Only Xie Daoyun's elegant brows furrowed slightly. The first line was barely acceptable, and the second was little more than doggerel. Ordinarily, two hastily composed lines would suffice, but after witnessing his breathtaking musical performance earlier, she had unconsciously developed very high expectations for him.

Zu An then continued, "When spring arrives, if I do not speak first, which insect would dare to make a sound?"

The moment the words ended, the entire room fell silent. While poetry values ornate language and literary elegance, its true essence lies in the spirit and grandeur it conveys. From a literary perspective, this poem could be considered ordinary, but its commanding presence was truly exceptional.

Xie Daoyun, who had initially felt a pang of disappointment, brightened after hearing the final two lines. She silently repeated them to herself, and her gaze toward Zu An changed subtly. This man was not the idler and ne'er-do-well everyone had assumed him to be.

Qiu Honglei's eyes sparkled with newfound interest. She had, in fact, been hesitant about continuing her original plan after suspecting that his relationship with Chu Chuyan was stronger than generally believed. After all, her plan's premise relied on him being unhappy within the Chu family. But now she understood. Given his impressive spirit, the plan should definitely proceed. At worst, it would simply be a competition with Chu Chuyan for the man's affections. She believed her beauty was equal, and her ability to charm men far superior. With this realization, her previously muddled thoughts settled, and a soft, gentle smile appeared in her eyes as she looked at him.

Only Zheng Dan was slightly displeased. *Hmph, he's showing off in front of other women again.* However, she was quickly startled. *There's no future between us anyway, so why am I feeling jealous?* Her expression grew complex and wistful as she thought of her engagement to Sang Qian.

"Brother Zu is truly a genius!" Wang Yuanlong smiled faintly and began to applaud, with Wei Suo, as if waking from a dream, joining in so enthusiastically that his hands turned red.

Sang Qian's face was grim. He became even more agitated, especially when he saw the admiring glances the other beautiful women cast towards Zu An. His original intention was to humiliate Zu An, but instead, he had allowed Zu An to put on a grand display.

Zu An glanced at him and said with a smile, "Brother Sang, would you like to propose another topic?"

"No need," Sang Qian replied with a strained smile. After everything that had transpired, he understood that Zu An genuinely possessed an unusual talent and certainly dared not give him another opportunity to show off. The thought that Zu An was likely saying this just to needle him filled him with irritation.

Next, Qiu Honglei performed a zither piece, elevating the atmosphere to a crescendo. Following this, Wang Yuanlong thanked everyone for their assistance during the recent kidnapping, and soon, lively toasts were being exchanged.

Zu An clinked glasses with Wang Yuanlong, all the while continually encouraging Wei Suo to drink. Wei Suo, feeling emboldened and pleased by the day's events, drank freely. During the banquet, Xie Daoyun abstained from alcohol, instead whispering with Zheng Dan and discussing musical matters with Qiu Honglei, occasionally casting glances towards Zu An.

As dusk began to fall, Xie Daoyun rose to bid farewell, clearly unwilling to stay out too late. Her graceful demeanor as a lady from a prominent family was evident. Zheng Dan also took the opportunity to rise and accompany her. She had noticed Zu An drinking quite a bit and was concerned he might become impulsive after too much alcohol, which could lead to complications. While she didn't object to his private overtures, in public, she remained acutely aware of her status and responsibilities.

Not long after, Qiu Honglei also took her leave. She had many things she wished to discuss with Zu An, but with so many people present, it was not the right moment.

With all the beauties gone, Sang Qian naturally lost interest. Furthermore, drinking alongside Zu An felt increasingly awkward, so he soon departed as well.

Zu An and Wei Suo continued to drink for a while. Wei Suo's alcohol tolerance, however, was no match for Zu An's body, which had been tempered by the Primordial Chaos Sutra. Before long, Wei Suo was thoroughly intoxicated. Wang Yuanlong offered to send escorts for them, but Zu An politely declined, explaining that since Wei Suo had come with him, it was only right for him to personally ensure his safe return home. Wang Yuanlong did not insist, but nevertheless dispatched a few household guards to accompany the two men.

Zu An escorted Wei Suo all the way to the entrance of the Wei family residence, where Wei Hongde emerged upon hearing the news to greet his younger brother. Zu An had a thought. He pressed a specific acupoint on Wei Suo, and as a trace of vital energy flowed in, Wei Suo's stomach churned violently, causing him to vomit profusely. Zu An, who was supporting him, naturally couldn't escape unscathed, and his clothes became stained with vomit.

Seeing this, Wei Hongde profusely apologized to Zu An, who then asked if he could find a change of clothes at the manor, as he certainly didn't want to return home smelling like that. Wei Hongde hesitated for a moment but ultimately agreed. As he successfully stepped into the dimly lit Wei manor, a slight smile played on Zu An's lips.