"Indeed! Brother Huang is just too modest. This poem is worthy of being included in the poetry book," soone else followed up with praise. Although there was so exaggeration, it was a form of affirmation.
Later, a few more poems were recited, and everyone unanimously agreed that none were as outstanding as Huang Junheng’s. In fact, the others knew that today they were rely making up the numbers; hadn’t they seen that the top scorer was still sitting at the table?
"This one is Mr. Yu’s poem,
An extravagant fragrance never t before, Red lanterns flicker around the green tray.
Awake, alone, startled by feelings, In which heaven is this immortal palace?"
Everyone was sowhat dazed. Initially, they thought, with Yu Ting’s literary talent, could his poem be any good? To their surprise, he could produce such a masterpiece.
Those who were close to Yu Ting had already guessed that he had sought help from soone else and had prepared it in advance. With the limited knowledge in Yu Ting’s stomach, how could he have co up with such a poem?
"So Brother Yu was hiding his talents! Such literary skill shown today has opened our eyes. Brother Yu must punish yourself with three cups," said Huang Junheng, surprised that Yu Ting had prepared such an excellent poem, which nearly overshadowed his own. As for who would be deed the best, it certainly depended on everyone’s comnts.
"Brother Huang is absolutely right! Brother Yu is indeed too humble. Although this poem does not directly ntion peony, the imagery of red lanterns and green tray highlights the form of the peony flower, earning our admiration."
Yan Huan, not expecting Yu Ting to possess such literary talent, sincerely praised.
Yu Ting hurriedly put away his fan and clasped his hands towards everyone, saying, "You all are indeed overpraising . How does my literary skill dare to compare with the talented individuals present here? Your praises indeed make blush with sha, unworthy of them!"
Though Yu Ting said so, the slight upward curl of his lips suggested otherwise. Gu Chengyu inwardly rolled his eyes; must one be so brazen? However, Zhu Pang had previously ntioned this grandson of the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, saying he was even more reckless than he was. Looking at it now, the rumors couldn’t be entirely trusted!
Gu Chengyu was not entirely aware of today’s event, thinking these people frequently gathered for literary etings, thus doubting Zhu Pang’s words.
"Yu Ting, this poem..." Just as Zhu Pang began to speak, he stopped.
By this ti, the alcohol had completely worn off, and he regretted involving Gu Chengyu in this muddy water. He knew Gu Chengyu liked these things the least, not that he was afraid of competition, but because he found conversations with these people utterly uninspiring.
anwhile, he was well-acquainted with Yu Ting, knowing the latter couldn’t have created such a poem. However, as he spoke halfway, he realized that embarrassing Yu Ting in front of so many people would make Yu Ting hate him. Although he wasn’t afraid, he didn’t want to cause trouble for his father.
Recently, his father had been particularly displeased with him, threatening to invoke family law at any mont. If it weren’t for his mother’s intervention, his backside would’ve been thoroughly thrashed. Moreover, he wasn’t foolish; his father was a Standard Third Rank Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War, while Yu Ting’s grandfather was a Standard Second Rank Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.
The saying goes that an official rank above oppresses others. Although his father did not serve in the sa departnt as Yu Zheng, he still had to show respect to Yu Zheng when they t. Zhu Pang was usually prone to mischief, but he knew what shouldn’t be done; life was already tough enough for his father at court, so he should try not to stir up trouble!
Of course, the most important thing was, he still needed to ask his father about his fiancée!
Yu Ting initially thought Zhu Pang wanted to expose him but saw that Zhu Pang eventually said no more. Yu Ting snorted coldly, thinking wisely done. Even if Zhu Pang raised doubts, he could still find excuses; after all, it wasn’t the fa he cared about.
Then, Xi Yan read a few more poems, among which Zheng Lun’s was relatively outstanding.
Since Gu Chengyu and the others were seated towards the middle near the end, when the poems were collected, it started from the back, placing them further down. When Huang Junheng collected them, he deliberately perford a small maneuver to place his own poem last. Gu Chengyu did not understand his intention.
Xi Yan took a sip of tea to moisten her throat, "This one is Mr. Min’s,
The peony blooms beyond the old fence, Spring coat hides tears as I return.
The host is no more, the flowers always remain, Even more steadfast than the pine enduring winter chill."
"Mr. Min’s poetry is renowned throughout the Capital, greatly affird by many scholars for his literary talents, and it seems truly well-deserved."
A scholar exclaid, having never encountered Min Feng before in previous poetry gatherings. Yet Min Feng’s reputation had spread throughout the Capital precisely because of his brilliant literary prowess, making others feel deeply inferior.
"Indeed! Though this poem outwardly describes peonies, it reflects the longing for friends. Mr. Min perhaps also touched by nostalgia!" a scholar sighed, his hotown lies outside the Capital, and he’d already been in the Capital for three whole years for study.
He’d only returned three tis during this period, not just missing friends, but also yearning for his parents back ho intensely.
"Frankly, the renown is undeserved. Writing this poem was indeed due to longing for forr classmates; his house had peonies planted in the courtyard," Min Feng said with a face full of nostalgia, revealing much genuine sentint.
Gu Chengyu smiled; this certainly added more weight to the poem. Who didn’t have a few friends? At this mont, everyone seed nostalgic, changing the previously somber atmosphere.
By this point in the competition, everyone actually had so judgnt; earlier Yu Ting’s poem evoked many feelings, and Min Feng’s certainly resonated with them, making it difficult. As for Huang Junheng’s poem, it was naturally good, but their emotional response to it wasn’t as strong.
In their viewpoint, Huang Junheng’s poem focused primarily on romantic love, a the they considered narrower compared to the profound friendship among friends.
Finally, it was Gu Chengyu’s turn. Gu Chengyu finally understood Huang Junheng’s plan—was this an attempt to pave the way for Min Feng, using him as a stepping stone?
In the last two years, Min Feng had undoubtedly put in considerable effort in poetry and prose to compete with him. Yet with the recent imperial examination over, they still needed to prepare for the upcoming Imperial Examination, and Min Feng still focused on poetry.
It seed Min Feng had made significant progress in the past three years, possibly forecasting a change in the examination results.
Gu Chengyu pondered, puzzled over Huang Junheng’s keen interest in Min Feng’s affairs. Suddenly, he thought of Huang Junheng’s background; his maternal uncle was the current Grand Secretary Xia Qing. Had Min Feng already decided to seek ntorship under Xia Qing?
It appeared Xia Qing thought highly of Min Feng, as suggested by Huang Junheng’s attitude.
As Gu Chengyu lowered his head in contemplation, Xi Yan had already received his poem.
She glanced at Gu Chengyu’s handwriting, discovering it was an unfamiliar script. Compared to these erudite talents, she was no match, but she had so expertise in calligraphy and had practiced various styles, yet this was entirely novel to her.
Xi Yan carefully observed the strokes, noting their strength and breadth, their subtle execution, the structure rigorous and dignified, the montum expansive. As the saying goes, ’writing reflects character’, suggesting that Gu Chengyu must be a man of integrity and stability.
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