Chapter 2: Bringing Father to Make a Scene
Liangzhou has no water, so the romantic scenes of swaying flower boats and boating on the lake that often appear in later novels will naturally not appear. However, the literary style of the Longyan Dynasty was very prosperous, and there were many literati and poets from all over the country. In order to hold various gatherings of literati every year, Liangzhou Prefecture built a poetry club, which was actually equivalent to a restaurant. After all, the ancients had poetry but no wine, which meant they lacked a lot of happiness.
Every year, countless literati flock to the poetry meeting.
The scholars in this world only seek fame.
In times of chaos, fame is equivalent to future.
In the past, many talented scholars became famous at poetry gatherings, entered the imperial court, and directly became officials. There were thirty cities under the Liangzhou system, with a population of more than five million. Almost everyone who could read came.
I heard that the inn next to the poetry society was already full, so if you arrive late, you can only stay in the stable.
We got up early today and the poetry reading hadn't started yet.
At this time, several young men in gorgeous clothes came together.
"Master Qin, why do you look so haggard today? It really hurts me!"
"Ah! Talented Mr. Zhang, I dare not, I dare not. I came up with a wonderful sentence last night, as if it was a gift from heaven. I was terrified and read it all night. It was already dawn when I finished the poem. I am so ashamed..."
"Oh? Can you read it for us to appreciate?"
"The general stands in the east of the city, and the warriors will draw their bows. The flags will be unfurled in the wind, and the cannons will boom!"
Everyone was amazed and applauded loudly.
"What a good poem! What a good poem!"
"It is indeed a natural talent. Young Master Qin is a great talent!"
Everyone laughed and walked in hand in hand.
Liu Zheng was stunned after listening to this, and somewhat admired how shameless these people were. It was true that in that era, all the writers relied on flattering each other for commercial purposes?
"Did you hear me? Leave now and don't try to get in!"
The servant looked at the two men viciously.
In order to satisfy his son's wish, Liu Dahao smiled and said, "Brother, why do you have to be so rigid? We are just going in to take a look. Don't worry, it's just a small matter..."
As he spoke, he took out a purse and secretly put it into the servant's hand.
The servant touched the silver and it quickly went into his pocket. He coughed and said, "I understand. Liu Xianghou must want to come and apologize to the governor. I can see his intention. But remember not to cause trouble. Go in."
The two of them quickly agreed and finally got in.
The scale of this poetry club is quite large. The hall can accommodate thousands of people. Tables, snacks and rice wine have been prepared long ago. The literati are required to sit on the ground. There are already hundreds of literati and scholars, all of them are in high spirits and full of confidence. Many of them are intoxicated, reciting poems to each other. At a glance, there are those who are brilliant in literature, those who are trying to take advantage of the situation, those who are handsome and unrestrained, and those who are unrestrained and bohemian. The scene is very lively.
Just find a corner and sit down.
Liu Zheng was amazed at what he saw.
How could this "Liu Zheng" last night "pee" in front of so many people? His mental quality and thick skin are really amazing.
Soon, thousands of people arrived.
"The governor has arrived!"
At this time, the governor Chen Ping and his party arrived late, and everyone stood up with enthusiastic eyes. There were three counselors in Chen Ping's house, and among them was a woman in an apricot-yellow dress.
This is the daughter of the governor, the talented Chen Ruoshi. She is only sixteen years old, but she has grown into a graceful and elegant lady, with a beautiful face and an air of elegance. In a place like Liangzhou, her skin is still as white as cream, her face is as white as jade, her eyebrows are like distant mountains, her eyes are like autumn water, and her smile and glance are full of charm.
Even Liu Zheng, who was used to seeing modern beauties, was stunned at this moment.
Is this the talented woman whose butt he touched?
value!
One million taels of silver, worth it!
Moreover, all those talented scholars and writers, like chicken blood, bowed and said in unison: "I (the common people) XXX greet the governor and the governor's daughter!"
Each family called out their own name, fearing that others might not hear their name. It was very lively.
Chen Ping laughed and said, "You don't have to be polite. Since we are in the poetry club, we are all poetry lovers and colleagues. Just have fun!"
"Enjoying poetry and wine together is a blessing for the world!"
Everyone responded loudly and took their seats.
At this time, a counselor beside stood up and said, "My lords, today's poetry gathering is different from the previous ones. As everyone knows, the governor's daughter is in her twenties, loves poetry and songs, and admires the talented scholars in the world. I hope to find a good match for her through this poetry gathering today, so you lords, please work hard!"
The whole audience was in an uproar.
Choosing a son-in-law at a poetry gathering?
This gimmick was a bit too much. Any talented young man who had a little confidence in himself would blush with excitement .
Wouldn't it be a meteoric rise to fame if he could marry Chen Ruoshi?
What's more, Chen Ruoshi herself has various titles of the most beautiful and talented woman in Liangzhou.
Liu Zheng had not expected this to happen. He had only wanted to "make a splash" at the poetry meeting, win Chen Ping's favor, and keep his cheap father's title. But now it seemed that he had come to ruin the event. He could not help but secretly look at Chen Ruoshi over there. This woman was indeed extraordinary. Facing so many people's fanatical eyes, she did not show any shyness on her face. She still smiled sweetly, showing the demeanor of a great person.
Liu Zheng couldn't help feeling ashamed that he had desecrated such a beauty. He deserved to be beaten and punished!
A talented man in white stood up and said with a graceful smile: "Excuse me, sir, how do you evaluate it?"
"Wow! Mr. Bai!"
"Could it be the most talented person in Liangzhou, Bai Chufeng?"
"Oh my god, he's already an official, and he's here too?"
Everyone exclaimed in amazement when they saw this child.
Bai Chufeng opened his folding fan and smiled proudly, not caring about the fiery eyes: "As the saying goes, a gentleman loves a beautiful lady. Miss Chen is waiting to be married, so I naturally have a chance."
"I wonder if I have a chance since I'm not from Liangzhou?"
At this time, another handsome and elegant young man stood up.
"This is……"
"Your Highness!"
This man is of no ordinary background. He is Xie Kangcheng, the son of Prince Yong, the vassal king of Hanzhong!
Chen Ruoshi, who was sitting over there, had her eyes slightly lit up. Chen Ping nodded and smiled frequently, and it seemed that he was very satisfied with both of them.
The whole place was buzzing.
When such a great god comes, what chance do they have?
The counselor said, "The evaluation is divided into three rounds. In the first round, the prefect will set the questions and the candidates will write poems on the spot. The first one to arrive will win, and the top 100 will be selected! In the second round, the question will be set by the Grand Secretary Wang, and the top 10 will be selected. In the third round, Miss Chen will set the question herself, and the first place will be selected!"
"What if Miss Chen doesn't like the first place?"
One person asked.
Everyone nodded, this is also possible.
After all, there were quite a few people in their sixties at the scene.
As for whether the number one would look down on Chen Ruoshi?
This is almost nothing to consider.
The counselor continued, "If the first place winner is not the young lady's favorite, then the governor will reward the first place winner with a request that can be met!"
Upon hearing this, the talented scholars present were extremely excited and were eager to get started.
Liu Zheng secretly asked Liu Dahao: "Dad, if we win, should we marry her or take back the title?"
Liu Dahao looked at his son in astonishment, not paying attention to his address. He took a breath and said, "Zheng'er, your brain disease is not completely healed yet?"
Doesn’t he know what kind of person his son is?
It would be fine for him to spend money to buy a few poems in a private school or a brothel to make things look grand, but asking him to participate in such a competition, isn't that just wishful thinking?
"Zheng'er, didn't we agree to just watch the fun? At worst, eat your fill while no one is paying attention and then leave. I don't have a penny left in my pocket. Before your mother comes back, we won't be able to afford food at home! Don't cause trouble, don't cause trouble!"
Liu Dahao held a snack in one hand and a naan in the other, and ate with relish.
He looks just like a starving ghost reborn. How can he have the demeanor of the richest man?
They were just rats crossing the street. It would be fine if they were not seen by Chen Ping, but if he was seen, wouldn't they be humiliated again?
Liu Zheng curled his lips and said, look at what you have accomplished!
"First round, start!"
The counselor said.
Governor Chen Ping said with a smile: "There is a lot of snow in Liangzhou, so let's use 'snow' as the theme. Let's get started!"
Some people at the scene were delighted. For these poetry lovers, topics like love, flowers, snow and moon are as simple as Han Meimei and Li Lei who are learning English. Who doesn't treasure a few of their own masterpieces?
A white-haired old man stood up and shook his head:
"I was surprised to find my quilt and pillow cold, then I saw the window was bright.
"Late at night I know the snow is heavy, and sometimes I hear the sound of bamboos breaking."
"good!"
The whole audience shouted.
Liu Zheng also nodded, it was indeed a good poem.
This old man must be here to seek a future.
Bai Chufeng smiled faintly and walked out slowly:
"I am far away from home in the army, with no place to stay.
"Three feet of snow at Sanguan Pass, I dream of our old love."
Everyone was stunned for a moment, and then they cheered loudly. This poem was even better than the previous one. Liangzhou had fought many battles with barbarians, and it expressed the feelings of the frontier soldiers in defending their country.
The prefect Chen Ping, in particular, nodded frequently, apparently thinking highly of the poem.
This most talented man in Liangzhou is indeed extraordinary.
Seeing Bai Chufeng showing off his power, Xie Kangcheng snorted slightly, with a look of brewing intention, and then shook his head:
"When I opened the door in the morning, the mountains were covered with snow, the sky was clear and the sun was cold.
The eaves are still dripping with plum blossom frost, a kind of loneliness that is not ordinary. "
Many people also applauded this poem. A kind of lonely and cold temperament came towards him. It even made Chen Ruoshi look at Xie Kangcheng more.
"My son, do you want to try? Please wait a moment . I know some old scholars from the private schools here. I will go over and buy a few poems for you to choose from. You can take the first 100. It's still in time, it's still in time..." Liu Dahao saw that his son was eager to try, and thought to himself, what can he do? He should try his best to stop the loss, and was about to stand up.
Liu Zheng was so amused that he grabbed his cheap father.
At this time, those talented scholars all rushed to read out their own works, and the three consultants above, as well as Chen Ping and Chen Ruoshi, all made their own comments.
Some people got what they wanted, while others unfortunately lost.
Seeing that the hundred poems were almost complete, Liu Zheng stood up and coughed loudly.
However, no one noticed him...
Seeing that the group of people were still fighting for it, he angrily threw the wine glass in his hand, showing the Liu family's dandy style. Now everyone looked at him. Some people saw that it was Liu Zheng and their faces were full of anger.
Especially the usually calm Chen Ruoshi, who was so angry that she stood up and pointed her slender jade finger at Liu Zheng angrily: "You lecher..."
"Evil thief, you still dare to come?"
"Someone, catch him for me!"
Liu Zheng took a deep breath and started to recite.
"The river is a general one."
Everyone was stunned, and then burst into laughter.
This dude wants to write poetry?
"But what is this?"
"Deng Tuzi can also write poetry?"
There were few people present who didn't know Liu Zheng, the prodigal son, so they all spoke rudely and shook their heads in ridicule. Even a few old men from the private school jumped up and down and cursed Liu Zheng for being disrespectful. It seemed that what happened yesterday still left an indelible impression on these scholars...
When Chen Ping saw Liu Zheng, his face was also gloomy.
"The black hole on the well."
Liu Zheng continued reading.
This almost vernacular poem made many people laugh. Is such a doggerel poem also considered elegant?
"White on a yellow dog."
"The white dog is swollen."
The whole audience.
Suddenly there was silence.
A pair of shocked and incredulous eyes looked at Liu Zheng in silence.
