#42 - Xu Ming, please stand up (4000 words, two chapters in one)

Chapter 42: Friend Xu Ming, Please Rise (4000 words, two chapters combined)

At the banquet, the literary contest between the two sides was already showing a one-sided trend.

However, Xiao Mo Chi, sitting in the chief seat, still looked very calm.

The old gentleman from Qi, named Fang Jingchun, felt like he was being used.

It seemed like the other party had set up a trap, and he had jumped into it unknowingly.

However, Fang Jingchun never figured out what this trap was, let alone understand the purpose of the other party's scheme.

"The flower-passing game always uses other people's poems, which really isn't that meaningful."

Just as the atmosphere at the banquet was becoming increasingly lively, Xiao Mo Chi said to everyone.

"How about this? Today is a great occasion, would everyone like to compose a few poems? If some timeless masterpiece is produced, tonight's banquet will also be a wonderful story. However, I do have a request."

As he spoke, Xiao Mo Chi clapped his hands, and several maids came up, placing wooden tablets and writing brushes on everyone's table.

"My request is that the poems must include the name of the other person," Xiao Mo Chi said with a smile, "Everyone can write their names on this wooden tablet, so that it's easier for everyone to compose poems."

"Interesting," Fang Jingchun said, stroking his beard with a smile, "In that case, this old man will write his name first."

Fang Jingchun took the lead in writing his name on the wooden tablet.

Although he didn't know what Xiao Mo Chi was trying to do, he couldn't possibly harm them, could he?

The relationship between Qi and Wu was indeed not very good, but now, Qi and Wu were allies.

Now, the one who was most worried about something happening to them was Wu, and the one who wanted to protect their safety the most was also Wu.

He wanted to see what kind of tricks he could come up with.

Seeing that Old Mr. Fang had already written his name, naturally no one else had any objections, and they all wrote their names.

"Compose poems using the other person's name."

This rule was indeed very clever.

In this way, even if one side did very well, it would be considered a disguised way of promoting the other party because it used the other party's name, which was a win-win situation.

At that time, neither side would be embarrassed, nor would they break down because of the large gap.

Although this was just a small rule, most people had already taken a higher view of this scholar named "Xiao Mo Chi."

Judging the leopard by its spots, this Xiao Mo Chi was indeed worthy of being a person from White Deer Academy, truly extraordinary.

Back then, the Holy One had invited this Xiao Mo Chi to join Qi.

On the other side of the banquet, Xu Xiaopang silently wrote down his name.

Xu Xiaopang's hands were still shaking.

During the flower-passing game just now, Xu Xiaopang was so nervous that he couldn't remember the poems many times, and Xu Ming quietly reminded him from the side.

Otherwise, Xiaopang would have had to drink several times.

Actually, this was also difficult for Xu Ming.

Because many of the poems in this world were poems that Xu Ming had never seen before, and the poems from Blue Star could not be used in the flower-passing game.

Therefore, Xu Ming could only constantly search for the poems he had learned in the school in the past few years in his mind.

Fortunately, Xu Ming had read a lot of books in order to add various attribute points these years.

After everyone wrote their poems on the wooden tablets, they placed the tablets in front of them.

"I wonder who will go first?" Xiao Mo Chi scanned the crowd, "When I was studying at White Deer Academy, I was fortunate enough to receive three paintings and calligraphy works from my teacher. If you all don't mind, I will use them as rewards."

Hearing Xiao Mo Chi's words, the already enthusiastic crowd became even more eager to try.

Everyone knew who Xiao Mo Chi's teacher was when he was studying at White Deer Academy. That gentleman's paintings and calligraphy were world-renowned and hard to come by.

For other cultivators, these paintings and calligraphy works were at most just of collection value.

But for Confucian scholars, that gentleman's paintings and calligraphy had a significant auxiliary effect, and could be called a treasure for cultivation.

"Then I will be so bold as to offer a humble piece to start things off," an envoy from Qi named Wang Huan stood up and bowed to Xiao Mo Chi.

"Please," Xiao Mo Chi made a "please" gesture.

Wang Huan stood up, scanned the names on the wooden tablets in front of the Wu delegation, chose a name, and composed a poem in his mind:

"Past events have gone with the wind, New lotus flowers bloom in the sun on the South Bank.

Frost dyes the forest with red leaves, The moon shines on the clear stream with white dew.

Where do the wild geese in the clouds return? The autumn light enters my heart.

Who will get drunk with me with a clear song? Endless lovesickness is written into the poem."

"Good!"

When Wang Huan's words fell, shouts of "Good" rang out in the banquet.

In the Wu delegation, many people looked at a man.

The man named "Chen Nan Shuang" smiled helplessly, stood up and bowed to Wang Huan: "Brother's talent, Nan Shuang admires."

"Brother Chen is too kind," Wang Huan said modestly.

"Nan Shuang, since people have already written a poem for you, then you should also write a poem in return," Xiao Mo Chi said with a smile.

Chen Nan Shuang closed his eyes, thought for a while, and slowly said:

"The Wang family's demeanor is natural, Joyful songs and laughter fill the courtyard.

Magnificent mountains and rivers add to the beauty, The sun and moon shine brightly in the blue sky.

Jade towers and pavilions are as beautiful as a fairyland, Golden goblets of fine wine melt the heart.

Life should be enjoyed when one is happy, Do not waste this good time and beautiful scenery."

"Good."

As Chen Nan Shuang's words fell, cheers also rang out from the Wu side.

Fang Jingchun, sitting in the upper seat, nodded, and already had some appreciation for this young man named "Chen Nan Shuang."

However, although Chen Nan Shuang's talent was not low, Wang Huan was slightly better in comparison.

The first poem focused more on emotional expression and artistic conception, giving people a deep and tranquil feeling; while the second poem focused more on a clear theme and passionate emotions, giving people a grand and joyful feeling.

But in terms of difficulty, the name "Chen Nan Shuang" was much more difficult than the two words "Wang Huan", and the first poem was also better in terms of structure and wording.

Especially the last couplet of Wang Huan's poem, "Who will get drunk with me with a clear song? Endless lovesickness is written into the poem", used song and poetry as the ending, a clear song, who can get drunk with me? Endless lovesickness can only be transformed into poems to express.

"Thank you, Brother Chen, for the poem," Wang Huan bowed in salute.

After the Qi and Wu sides composed poems for each other, the atmosphere became much better.

It was just that the Wu side seemed to be a little uneasy.

After all, everyone could see that the two poems just now were a loss for their side.

The two sides sat down, and several people stood up to compose poems while talking and laughing.

But the Wu side had always been slightly inferior.

"Strange, too strange."

The atmosphere of the banquet was getting better and better, but Fang Jingchun felt more and more strange!

Although Wu's literary world was not very prosperous, it was still one of the ten great dynasties of the human race.

Moreover, several scholars in Wu had a certain small reputation in Qi.

How could it be possible that not a single person could compare to my Qi?

"You adults are really in the mood to compose poems," Xiao Mo Chi smiled, "There are still a few juniors present, aren't you going to let them just eat vegetables all the time?"

Fang Jingchun understood Xiao Mo Chi's meaning, and also smiled. Coincidentally, Fang Jingchun also had this intention: "Since Mo Chi, you have said so, then Zhong He, you can see if you can compose a poem, the requirements are not high, just don't let others laugh at you."

The boy who exuded "arrogance" and "everyone is trash except me" stood up: "Then Zhong He will offer a humble piece."

Zhong He looked at the son of the Minister of Rites, thought for a while, and the corner of his mouth slightly raised, Xu Ming actually tasted the meaning of the crooked-mouthed dragon king.

Zhong He walked out of his seat, with his hands behind his back, walking back and forth in the middle, the feeling was as if all the candlelight was on his body:

"Wandering around the world with soaring ambition, Flowing water and high mountains fly together.

The clear wind under the moon brushes the face, Beautiful wine among the flowers intoxicates the heart.

Clouds and smoke surround distant green mountains, Mist shrouded in long green waters.

From now on, there is no other intention, Only leaving poetic charm to fill the universe."

When Zhong He recited this poem, everyone tasted it carefully, whether it was the people of Qi or the people of Wu, they all showed a kind of "this child will definitely become a great name in the literary world in the future" look.

Fang Jingchun continued to stroke his beard with satisfaction.

This time to visit Wu, it was not just to visit Wu.

Fang Jingchun also had an idea, which was to travel to other dynasties, one was to let these young scholars and officials "read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles", and the other was to make a name for these two little guys.

Of course, this reputation had to be earned by their own talents.

Today, Zhong He did not disappoint him.

"Zhou Liu, people have sent you a poem, you should also write a poem in return," Xiao Mo Chi looked at Zhou Liu with a smile.

Zhou Liu got up, bowed in salute, the etiquette was standard, without the slightest flaw: "It should be so."

Zhou Liu looked at the wooden tablet with the name written in front of Zhong He's empty seat, thought carefully, and then said:

"The sound of the bell spreads far before the ancient temple, The river flows slowly reflecting the blue sky.

Green trees provide shade for the small path, Red flowers decorate the mountain peak.

The light wind and淡云refresh the mind, The bright moon and stars brighten the night.

This place is quiet and suitable for avoiding the world, Why ask when to return."

After a poem was finished, the others also looked at Zhou Liu with surprise, and after a while, they reacted, first cheers rang out from the Wu crowd, and then others followed with applause.

Although Zhou Liu's poem was somewhat lacking in artistic conception compared to Zhong He's, it was already a very good work.

This Zhou Liu is the leading figure among the younger generation of the Wu Kingdom, the youngest Juren. Isn't that Zhong He also a leader? Just looking at this poem, the literary talent of the leading figures of the two countries' younger generations isn't that far apart.

Has the Wu Kingdom's luck recently turned around, producing another Xiao Mo Chi-like figure?

"Pang Da," Xiao Mo Chi softly called Xu Pang Da's name.

Xu Pang Da quickly stood up and bowed to Xiao Mo Chi: "Sir."

"As the top scholar of my Wudu, would you like to compose a poem dedicated to Miss Ci Ci?" Xiao Mo Chi said with a smile, his tone gentle.

As soon as Xiao Mo Chi finished speaking, everyone looked at Xu Pang Da, and couldn't help but feel worried for him.

Writing a poem for Zhu Ci Ci isn't a problem in itself.

But she has a natural literary spirit, and her talent is likely even above that Zhong He.

If Zhu Ci Ci responds with a poem, and the two are compared, Xu Pang Da is likely to be like a firefly under the scorching sun.

That little bit of light can only serve as a foil for the girl.

Once someone mentions today's events, they will only think of Zhu Ci Ci's reputation. As for Xu Pang Da, he's just a backdrop.

Xu Pang Da looked embarrassed.

It's not that Xu Pang Da is worried about becoming a backdrop in the future, so he doesn't dare to write a poem.

It's that Xu Pang Da simply can't do it.

For Xu Pang Da, writing poetry has always been his weakness.

Xu Pang Da is best at parallel prose, but he can't write a piece of parallel prose in her name, and he can't write one in a short time.

Looking at Xu Pang Da's troubled appearance, everyone felt embarrassed for him.

Xu Ming was also very helpless.

Mr. Xiao called you, why did you stand up so quickly?

How am I supposed to secretly help you in your ear?

"Sir."

At this moment, the scholar named Chen Nan Shuang stood up.

"I previously visited Mr. Zhang of Qingshui Academy and heard Mr. Zhang say that there are two intelligent young friends in the Xu residence, one is young friend Pang Da, who is good at parallel prose, and the other is extremely good at poetry. I wonder if you could let that young friend come forward?"

"Oh?" Fang Jing Chun was also a little surprised, "It's rare to hear that old boy Zhang Lu praise someone. Mo Chi, why don't you let him come to the banquet to meet him?"

Xiao Mo Chi cupped his hands in salute: "Old Mr. Fang, due to his status, he cannot be seated."

"Status? What status?" Fang Jing Chun asked.

Xiao Mo Chi looked embarrassed: "He is the son of the Fifth Madam of the Xu Kingdom's Mansion."

"..."

As soon as Xiao Mo Chi finished speaking, everyone fell silent.

The son of the Fifth Madam of the Xu Kingdom's Mansion.

That is to say, he is a son born of a concubine?

In the Qi Kingdom, sons born of concubines are nothing special. Although they can't compare to the嫡子 (dí zǐ, son of the legal wife), their status is also very high, and they even have certain rights to inherit the family business.

But in the Wu Kingdom, it's different. The status of sons born of concubines is too low.

"It doesn't matter." Fang Jing Chun shook his head, "According to your country's rules, the Sifang Pavilion belongs to the territory of the guest country. Act according to the rules of the guest country. Mo Chi, you can call that young friend over. It's not breaking the rules of the Wu Kingdom. Otherwise, if you say so, Mo Chi, I'm really itching to see him."

For such a son born of a concubine, Fang Jing Chun was indeed curious, but not so curious that he had to see him.

It's just that Xiao Mo Chi brought it up, so he had to see him.

Otherwise, if today's events were to spread, it would become "The Qi Kingdom didn't completely win the poetry contest at the banquet between the two countries, because the child praised by even Mr. Zhang didn't come."

This banquet will create momentum for that child, and even to a certain extent, the Qi Kingdom will become his backdrop.

"Wait..."

Suddenly, Fang Jing Chun's mind froze, as if he understood something.

Could it be.

Could it be that this kid...

"Since Old Mr. Fang has said so, then if Mo Chi doesn't understand, then he is unreasonable."

Just when Fang Jing Chun felt that he understood everything, Xiao Mo Chi smiled and looked in the direction of Xu Pang Da.

"Young friend Xu Ming, please rise."