Chapter 42

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

At the banquet, the literary duel between the two parties was clearly tilting in one direction.

However, Xiao Mochi, seated at the head of the table, still looked very calm.

The old master from Qi Kingdom named Jingchun felt like he was being used.

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

But what exactly this trap was, Jingchun couldn’t figure out, let alone understand the purpose behind it.

“Reciting others’ poems is indeed meaningless.”

Just as the atmosphere at the banquet grew livelier, Xiao Mochi said to everyone present.

“How about this? Today is a great time. Can we all compose a few poems? If some timeless masterpieces are created, tonight’s feast will be remembered as a fine tale. However, I do have one requirement.”

As he spoke, Xiao Mochi clapped his hands, and several maidservants came forward, placing wooden plaques and ink brushes on each person’s table.

“My requirement is that the poems must include the names of others,” Xiao Mochi smiled, “You can write your own name on these plaques for convenience when composing poetry.”

“Interesting.” Jingchun chuckled, stroking his beard, “Since that’s the case, let me go first.”

Jingchun took the lead in writing his name on the plaque.

Though unclear about Xiao Mochi’s intentions, how could he possibly harm them?

The relationship between Qi Kingdom and Wu Kingdom wasn’t particularly friendly, but currently, they were allies.

Now, the ones most worried about their safety were from Wu Kingdom, and the ones most eager to protect their security were also from Wu Kingdom.

He wanted to see what kind of scheme this fellow would come up with.

Seeing Master Fang already wrote down his name, naturally, there were no objections from the others, and they all wrote their names accordingly.

“Composing poems using each other’s names.”

This rule was quite clever.

Thus, even if one side performed exceptionally well, since the poem included the other party’s name, it indirectly brought fame to them too, making it a win-win situation.

Neither side would feel awkward or overly embarrassed due to a large gap in performance.

Although this was just a small rule, many people had gained a higher regard for this scholar named “Xiao Mochi.”

Spotting the leopard through its spots, Xiao Mochi truly lived up to his reputation as someone who came from the White Deer Academy—truly extraordinary.

Back then, even the emperor invited Xiao Mochi to Qi Kingdom.

On the other side of the banquet, Little Fat Xu quietly wrote down his name.

Little Fat Xu’s hand was still trembling.

During the flower-order recitation earlier, Little Fat Xu almost forgot the poems multiple times due to extreme nervousness, and only thanks to Xu Ming’s quiet reminders did he avoid drinking.

Truthfully, it was tough for Xu Ming too.

Many of the poems in this world were unfamiliar to him, and the poems from Blue Ocean Star couldn’t be used during the flower order.

So Xu Ming could only search his mind for verses he had learned over the years in the lecture hall.

Fortunately, over the years, Xu Ming had read a lot of books to increase various attribute points.

After everyone wrote their poems on the plaques, they placed them upright in front of themselves.

“Who would like to go first?” Xiao Mochi scanned the crowd, “Back when I studied at the White Deer Academy, I was fortunate enough to receive three calligraphy pieces from my teacher. If you don’t mind, I’ll offer them as prizes.”

Upon hearing Xiao Mochi’s words, the already enthusiastic crowd became even more eager.

Everyone knew who Xiao Mochi’s teacher was at the White Deer Academy; his calligraphy was renowned across the land, worth more than gold.

For other cultivators, these calligraphies might merely hold collection value.

But for Confucian scholars, those calligraphies had significant auxiliary effects, making them treasures for cultivation.

“I shall take the liberty to start, humbly offering an opening piece.” A Qi Kingdom envoy named Wang Huan stood up and bowed to Xiao Mochi.

“Please.” Xiao Mochi gestured with a “please” motion.

Wang Huan stood up, scanned the names on the wooden plaques in front of Wu Kingdom representatives, chose one, and composed a poem:

“Old memories drift away with the wind, new lotuses bloom under the sun at South Lake.


Frost dyes the forest red, leaves fall, moonlight reflects white dew on the clear stream.


Where do the clouds guide the returning geese? The autumn scenery fills my heart.


Whose song will accompany my drunkenness? Endless longing flows into poetic expression.”

“Good!”

When Wang Huan finished speaking, cries of approval echoed throughout the banquet.

Among the Wu Kingdom delegation, many people looked toward a man.

A man named “Chen Nan Shuang” helplessly smiled, stood up, and bowed to Wang Huan, “Brother’s talent, Chen Nan Shuang admires deeply.”

“Brother Chen flatters me,” Wang Huan modestly replied.

“Nan Shuang, since they’ve written a poem for you, shouldn’t you return the favor?” Xiao Mochi laughed.

Chen Nan Shuang closed his eyes, thought for a moment, and slowly began:

“The Wang family’s grace comes naturally, laughter fills the court.


Magnificent rivers and mountains add splendor, the brilliant sun and moon illuminate the sky.


Jade trees and crystal buildings create a fairyland, golden goblets of fine wine intoxicate the heart.


In life’s triumphs, seek joy, don’t waste good times together.”

“Good.”

As Chen Nan Shuang finished speaking, cheers erupted from the Wu Kingdom side.

Sitting at the upper seat, Fang Jingchun nodded, showing appreciation for the young man named “Chen Nan Shuang.”

However, though Chen Nan Shuang’s talent wasn’t low, compared to Wang Huan, the latter still held the advantage.

The first poem emphasized emotional expression and atmosphere creation, giving a deep and serene feeling; while the second focused on clarity of theme and passionate emotion, creating a grand and joyful sensation.

In terms of difficulty, “Chen Nan Shuang” was much harder to incorporate into a poem than “Wang Huan,” and the structure and word choice of the first poem were superior.

Especially the last couplet by Wang Huan, “Whose song will accompany my drunkenness? Endless longing flows into poetic expression,” which ended with music and poetry, asking who would share in his drunken revelry, and expressing endless yearning through verse.

“Thank you, Brother Chen, for your poem,” Wang Huan bowed.

After both Qi Kingdom and Wu Kingdom exchanged poems, the atmosphere improved significantly.

But the Wu Kingdom side seemed somewhat restless.

After all, everyone could tell that the previous two poems favored their side.

As people sat back down and continued chatting, a few more individuals stood up to compose poems.

But the Wu Kingdom side consistently fell slightly short.

“Strange, too strange.”

The atmosphere at the banquet grew livelier, but Fang Jingchun felt increasingly puzzled! Though the literary scene in Wu Kingdom wasn’t thriving, it was still one of the ten major kingdoms of the human race.

And Wu Kingdom had a few scholars with minor reputations in Qi Kingdom.

How could none of them match Qi Kingdom?

“You adults seem to be getting into the spirit of composing poems,” Xiao Mochi smiled, “What about the younger generation here? Are you going to let them keep eating without contributing?”

Fang Jingchun understood Xiao Mochi’s meaning and also smiled, coincidentally having the same idea: “Since Mochi has spoken, Zhong He, why don’t you try to compose a poem? The requirements aren’t high, just don’t embarrass yourself.”

A youth exuding an aura of arrogance and disdain for others stood up: “Then Zhong He shall humbly attempt.”

Zhong He looked at the son of the Minister of Rites, smirked slightly after pondering, and Xu Ming detected a hint of the “crooked-mouth dragon king.”

Zhong He left his seat, hands clasped behind his back, walking around in the middle as if all the candlelight was focused on him:

“Traveling the four seas with lofty aspirations, flowing water and towering mountains soar together.


Under the moon, the gentle breeze brushes past, flowers and fine wine intoxicate the heart.


Clouds swirl around distant green mountains, misty waters stretch endlessly.


Through the years, there’s no parting intention, only leaving poetic charm to fill the universe.”

When Zhong He finished reciting the poem, everyone carefully savored it. Whether Qi Kingdom or Wu Kingdom citizens, they all regarded Zhong He with the belief that “this young man will surely become famous in the literary world.”

Fang Jingchun contentedly continued stroking his beard.

This visit to Wu Kingdom wasn’t solely for visiting Wu Kingdom.

Fang Jingchun had another plan: to travel through other kingdoms. One reason was to let these young scholars and officials “read ten thousand scrolls and travel ten thousand miles,” and the other was to promote the names of these two youngsters.

Of course, the reputation would depend on their own talents.

Today, Zhong He hadn’t disappointed him.

“Zhou Liu, since someone gave you a poem, you should reciprocate with one,” Xiao Mochi smiled at Zhou Liu.

Zhou Liu stood up, bowed politely, with impeccable manners: “It’s only proper.”

Zhou Liu looked at the wooden plaque with Zhong He’s name on it, carefully considered, and then began:

“The sound of bells echoes before ancient temples, rivers flow gently reflecting the blue sky.


Green trees form shade covering narrow paths, red flowers bloom brilliantly decorating mountaintops.


Gentle breezes and light clouds refresh the spirit, bright moon and stars illuminate the fresh night.


This place’s tranquility is suitable for seclusion, why ask when to return?”

After the poem, others looked at Zhou Liu with surprise. After a brief moment, cheers erupted first from the Wu Kingdom crowd, followed by applause from others.

Though Zhou Liu’s poem lacked something in artistic depth compared to Zhong He’s, it was still a commendable work.

Wasn’t Zhou Liu the leading figure among the younger generation in Wu Kingdom, the youngest successful candidate? Wasn’t Zhong He the same?

Judging solely from this poem, the literary prowess of the leading figures among the younger generations of the two countries wasn’t vastly different.

Could Wu Kingdom recently have produced another talent like Xiao Mochi?

“Pengda.” Xiao Mochi softly called Xu Pengda’s name.

Xu Pengda quickly stood up and bowed respectfully to Xiao Mochi, “Master.”

“Since you’re the top scholar of our Wudu, wouldn’t it be fitting to compose a poem dedicated to Miss Cici?” Xiao Mochi smiled gently.

When Xiao Mochi finished speaking, everyone turned their gaze to Xu Pengda, secretly worrying for him.

Composing a poem for Zhu Cici wasn’t the problem.

But she was a natural-born literary genius, her talent likely surpassing even Zhong He.

If Zhu Cici returned a poem, and the two were compared, Xu Pengda might end up like a firefly under the blazing sun.

That faint glow would only serve as a backdrop to the young lady. Once people mentioned today’s event, they would think of Zhu Cici’s fame, while Xu Pengda would merely be a backdrop.

Xu Pengda showed signs of difficulty.

It wasn’t that Xu Pengda feared becoming a mere backdrop, so he didn’t dare to compose a poem.

Rather, Xu Pengda simply couldn’t produce one.

Poetry composition had always been Xu Pengda’s weak point.

His forte was parallel prose, but he couldn’t write a piece of parallel prose using her name, and he couldn’t come up with one on the spot either.

Seeing Xu Pengda’s troubled expression, everyone felt awkward for him.

Xu Ming was equally helpless.

Why did you stand up so quickly when Mr. Xiao called you?

How am I supposed to whisper hints in your ear now?

“Master.”

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

“I visited Old Master Zhang at Clear Water School earlier and heard him mention that the Xu Mansion has two intelligent young friends. One is young Pang Da, skilled in parallel prose, and the other excels in poetry. Could we invite the other young friend to join us?”

“Hmm?” Fang Jingchun was also surprised, “Someone praised by that old Zhang Lu is rare. Why didn’t you invite him to the banquet, Mochi?”

Xiao Mochi bowed politely, “Old Master Fang, due to identity reasons, he cannot take a seat.”

“Identity? What identity?” Fang Jingchun asked.

Xiao Mochi hesitated, “He is the son of the Fifth Lady of Xu Guo Mansion.”

“…”

When Xiao Mochi finished speaking, everyone fell silent.

The son of the Fifth Lady of Xu Guo Mansion.

Meaning, he was a concubine’s son? In Qi Kingdom, being a concubine’s son wasn’t a big deal. Although not as prestigious as a legitimate son, their status was still relatively high, and they even had certain rights to inherit the family business.

But in Wu Kingdom, it was different. Concubine’s sons had very low status.

“No problem.” Fang Jingchun shook his head, “According to your country’s rules, Sifang Pavilion belongs to the guest country’s territory, following the guest country’s customs. Mochi, please invite the young friend. It doesn’t violate Wu Kingdom’s rules. Otherwise, if you say this, old man Fang really feels itchy.”

Fang Jingchun was genuinely curious about such a concubine’s son, but not to the extent that he had to meet him.

However, since Xiao Mochi mentioned it, he had to meet him.

Otherwise, if word got out, it would become “a poetic duel between two countries where Qi Kingdom didn’t fully win because the child praised by Old Master Zhang didn’t attend.”

This banquet would build momentum for that child, and to a certain extent, Qi Kingdom would become the backdrop.

“Wait…”

Suddenly, Fang Jingchun’s mind snapped into focus, seemingly understanding something.

Impossible.

Could it be that this young man…

“Since Old Master Fang insists, if Mochi refuses, it would be unreasonable.”

Just as Fang Jingchun felt like he understood everything, Xiao Mochi smiled and looked toward Xu Pengda’s direction.

“Young Xu Ming, please rise.”