Viewing lanterns is naturally centered around the lanterns themselves.

Shen Changle originally planned to burn incense and light lanterns in front of Ranxiang Inn. Even if the lanterns were a bit mediocre, the incense could enhance their appeal to get by.

But to surpass the Nine-Turn Lotus Lamp with this method, how could it be possible?

Seeing his gloomy expression, Qin Yuan laughed and said, "Now it’s probably difficult to find something that can match the Nine-Turn Lotus Lamp. Why not think of another way? Just say the word if you need people or money."

Shen Changle gave a bitter smile, "Even if I invite someone now, there probably isn’t enough time to come up with new tricks."

Suddenly, Cui Ming’s eyes lit up with an idea.

"Why not try to link poetry with incense? That can count as something novel. The Nine-Turn Lotus Lamp is costly but excels in its exquisite and expensive nature. We have to take another path."

Qin Yuan slowly nodded upon hearing this.

Shen Changle thought, since there’s no other way, better to try this trick, "Although every household is busy making lanterns now, more money can surely attract ordinary lantern craftsmen. As for something new, it’s difficult to come up with ideas at the moment, and I’m too slow-witted to have any clues."

Qin Yuan said, "Go back and think about it. There’s no rush for this. Come find me tomorrow."

Shen Changle had no choice but to agree. Qin Yuan added, "If you can’t think of anything for the moment, wander around and ask. Maybe an idea will come."

"I hope so. I will do my best."

Though at a loss, given the master’s orders, one must find a way to accomplish it. Otherwise, how can one showcase their abilities?

After Shen Changle left, Cui Ming asked Qin Yuan, "Was what I said just now inappropriate? Shen Changle seemed even more displeased than when he came."

Qin Yuan laughed, "He thought he could get a solution from me, but didn’t expect the ball to be tossed back to him. Besides, he’s not well-versed in literature; coming up with something new is indeed tough."

Seeing her expression, Cui Ming felt reassured and smiled, "The young lady surely has a plan in mind, but why didn’t you say it just now?"

Qin Yuan said, "Just a vague idea that might not be the best. Shen Changle has always been clever and capable, maybe a bit of pressure will lead him to a better solution. I need to ponder over it too."

Hong Ye sighed beside them, "One word from the Marquis can cause such trouble for people. Who knows why he suddenly thought of this."

Qin Yuan laughed, "I suppose the Sixth Master said something. Otherwise, why would the Marquis abruptly change his mind overnight? Initially, I didn’t want to compete with the Book Sea Pavilion in this fleeting moment of distinction, but following Mr. Songshan’s method step by step. Nevertheless, striving for this breath isn’t impossible."

An elder brother must stand up for his younger brother. As the sister-in-law, she naturally has to find a way.

Hong Ye said, "I’ll go find the Sixth Master’s servant to inquire."

Qin Yuan nodded.

It wasn’t until lunch that Hong Ye returned, coming in with a smile, "Miss, can you guess what’s going on?"

Cui Ming had sent the little maids to eat first and was setting the table herself. Seeing her come in, she teased, "Coming back so late after wandering around, and now you’re playing guessing games."

Hong Ye didn’t mind and laughed, "I know you can’t guess, but the young lady might."

Qin Yuan smiled, "Alright, I can’t guess either. How can you guess something so out of the blue?"

Only then did Hong Ye say, "I took so long because I had no choice. The Sixth Master and Marquis went to the ancestral hall last night. After coming back, he painted until nearly dawn before taking a short rest. Early in the morning, he took two housekeepers to the Capital Governor Mansion to settle a case. When I went, the Sixth Master was napping after a busy morning, and even the servant was dozing off."

Qin Yuan, surprised, said, "The Marquis went to the ancestral hall with the Sixth Master last night?"

This was truly peculiar.

Hong Ye said, "Exactly. That servant seemed half-asleep, made me anxious, and after a long time of asking, only said that the Sixth Master went to see Mr. Songshan yesterday and came back extremely angry, scolding that Book Sea Pavilion was too much and dared to disrespect both Mr. Songshan and Young Master Nantang."

Cui Ming asked, "That’s all?"

"Who am I?" Hong Ye said, "Have I ever been unreliable in my tasks? Naturally, I went to find Brother Qi and a few nannies serving Mr. Songshan. Actually, just finding Brother Qi would have sufficed. Like mother, like son. Brother Qi seems quiet and unknown, but he knows everything, like cooking dumplings in a teapot, aware of everything inside."

Cui Ming had already set up all the dishes, bowls, plates, and cups, but Hong Ye still hadn’t gotten to the point.

Cui Ming said, "Could you hurry up? Every time you tell a story, it’s like telling a tale. I think you should also attend Mr. Songshan’s lessons. He might even give you the gavel."

"Alright," Hong Ye was also hungry and a bit thirsty, "Book Sea Pavilion sent several messages to Mr. Songshan, asking for a sit-down over tea. Mr. Songshan didn’t oblige them. A couple of days ago, they sent another message, and the courier said Mr. Songshan would surely come around after reading it. Though today they seem indifferent, they might need Book Sea Pavilion in the future."

"Oh my!"

Even Qin Yuan’s curiosity was piqued.

"Gulp," Hong Ye downed a cup of water, continuing, "Mr. Songshan got angry after reading the letter. He said it was all threats and intimidation, but also admitted there was some insight in it. The author of these letters could barely qualify as a refined scoundrel."

That was indeed surprising,

"What on earth did the letter say?" Cui Ming asked, "To be evaluated in such a way by Mr. Songshan?"

Hong Ye continued, "Brother Qi, while serving outside, pieced together the truth from Mr. Songshan and the Sixth Master’s conversation. The Shopkeeper from Book Sea Pavilion stated in the letter that although Mr. Songshan and Young Master Nantang’s secluded lifestyle is characteristic of literati, they’ve chosen the wrong ally by leaning on the Dingbei Marquis Mansion, which would only bring them disaster sooner or later."

Qin Yuan, understanding perfectly, smiled, "So that’s how it is. He does have a point; it’s just a pity..."

A pity for what, she stopped short of saying.

Hong Ye sighed, "The young lady understands, leaving us little shrimp soldiers and crab generals in the dark."

"It’s nothing really," Qin Yuan seriously said, "Book Sea Pavilion’s attempts to poach people have reached our mansion’s doors. It’s only right for the Sixth Master and Marquis to be angry. Even if it’s not about something bigger, it certainly is about pride, isn’t it?"

"Indeed it is," Hong Ye nodded approvingly, "Brother Qi says they’re not only asking Mr. Songshan to defect, but to bring Young Master Nantang with him. Also, they claim that the Dingbei Marquis Mansion is using their reputation to publish poetry collections and pretend sophistication to earn fame among the scholars."

Cui Ming scoffed, "Only Book Sea Pavilion is allowed to publish and compile, yet when others do it, it’s supposedly a pretense of sophistication. What nonsense."

Hong Ye looked worriedly at Qin Yuan and said, "Book Sea Pavilion also claimed that Mr. Songshan and Young Master Nantang believe they’re sheltered by the Dingbei Marquis Mansion. In reality, they’re courting disaster. If they were smarter, they’d see that Book Sea Pavilion is their only lifeline."