Chapter 10 of 10

Chapter 10

17 min read4,345 words

"Miss, Mr. Qin has already gone. Today, many scholars have come to the mansion for a literary gathering. Let's go and take a look too," Xiaolan, sitting idly in the embroidery pavilion, suggested.

Cai Yan, who was wiping the Jiaowei zither with her own hands, though only a few years older than Xiaolan, was much more composed. She replied, "You little girl, how can we women appear at a literary gathering?"

Xiaolan, bored, twirled her long hair with her fingers and said, "Pfft, I think most of the talented scholars who came today are not as good as Miss."

"You little girl, you always say nice things to make me happy," Cai Yan laughed. At that moment, she was thinking about what Qin Feng was doing in the front garden. After all, literary gatherings were rare, and if one gained a good reputation, it would be very helpful for the future.

"Miss, come on, come on. We can just sneak a peek. Mr. Qin is there too, don't you want to see his literary talent?" Xiaolan ran over and shook Miss's arm, begging.

In fact, Cai Yan also wanted to go and observe the literary talents of those scholars, as well as Mr. Qin Feng...

...

"Mr. Cai, I am being presumptuous," the person who suggested it bowed from a distance and said.

Cai Yong, stroking his long beard, laughed and said, "Hehe, no problem. A literary gathering naturally involves reciting poetry and composing verses. I wonder which young and talented person will compose a poem to liven up the atmosphere?"

These seniors, including Cai Yong, also wanted to see which talents would emerge among the younger generation. The literary gathering was held for this purpose, usually organized by seniors to allow the younger generation to showcase their literary talents and gain some fame before entering officialdom.

It's true that there is no first in literature, but most people know their own limits. At this literary gathering hosted by the literary giant Cai Yong, many well-known scholars attended, and those without confidence chose to observe quietly.

"Today, we have Chen Kongzhang, Kong Wenju, Liu Gonggan, and Xun Wenruo, four highly talented individuals. We, who are less learned, will not embarrass ourselves. Can these four gentlemen compose a poem to let us admire their talents?" The scholar who suggested it looked around and then bowed to Cai Yong and the others.

This was a pure literary gathering, a banquet for drinking and discussing literature, with no false pretenses. The four individuals mentioned by the proposer were all widely recognized as great talents, and there was no intention to belittle others. Therefore, the other scholars all agreed.

Lu Zhi then laughed and said, "Today, we are gathered here for a literary gathering, which is quite rare. Gonggan, why don't you go first?"

Liu Zhen, also known as Liu Gonggan, was one of the Seven Sages of Jian'an. If not for this title, Qin Feng would not have known about such a person.

A scholar with a slender face and a spirited demeanor stood up and bowed, saying, "Then I will embarrass myself."

Usually, composing a poem takes a long time to deliberate and create a rhyming and coherent verse. This impromptu poetry composition tests one's literary talent, and the garden fell silent. Everyone's eyes focused on Liu Zhen, waiting for him to compose a good poem.

Liu Zhen paused for a moment and saw a few mountain sparrows flying by in the distance. He then recited, "The wild green sparrows flutter, nesting in the thorny bushes. They feed on the grains in the fields in the morning and drink from the clear springs in the evening. They emerge from the Penglai and reach the Danqiu."

"Indeed, Liu Zhen lives up to his reputation!"

"Liu Gonggan's talent has improved compared to previous years."

"Good, good!" Everyone cheered and raised their cups to celebrate Liu Zhen.

It sounded rhyming and coherent, and from the expressions of the scholars, it seemed to be a good poem. Qin Feng also drank a cup. He was from the drama department in his later life and had a unique talent for acting, but when it came to composing poetry... he could only recite a few!

"Hehe, I have embarrassed myself," Liu Zhen was quite satisfied with this poem and sat back down.

Cai Yong, Lu Zhi, and the other seniors nodded in approval.

There is no first in literature, but when it comes to composing a poem on the spot, there must be a distinction. At this moment, a person stood up and said with a full voice, "Then I will also compose a poem to liven up the atmosphere."

Qin Feng saw that he was full of spirit and had an extraordinary appearance. He thought: When the poem was proposed, Liu Zhen, Xun Yu, Chen Lin, and Kong Rong were mentioned. Xun Yu was right beside him, and Liu Zhen had already finished. This person must be either Kong Rong or Chen Lin!

"Zijin, this is Chen Lin, Chen Kongzhang!" Xun Yu observed and explained to him.

"Oh!" Qin Feng secretly remembered Chen Lin's appearance. This person was extraordinary. Later, his essay "The Memorial to the State of Yu" frightened Cao Cao so much that he broke out in a cold sweat and his headache was instantly cured. What a genius!

"White sunlight shines, and good friends invite me to play. We gather for a grand banquet in the inner chamber. Black cranes float in the clear springs, and the beautiful trees are lush and green." Chen Lin recited in one breath and then drank the wine in his cup in one go, showing great generosity.

"Good poem!"

"Exactly what we are doing today."

"Black cranes float in the clear springs, and the beautiful trees are lush and green! What a fine line, let's drink to it."

Chen Lin was very pleased and looked at Liu Zhen. Liu Zhen bowed, and Chen Lin quickly returned the bow and sat back down.

Cai Yong, Lu Zhi, Ma Rizhan, and others exchanged glances and said in unison, "This person will surely become a great figure in the future."

Of course, the person who could frighten Cao Cao with his words was no ordinary person. Qin Feng wanted to see Xun Yu's literary talent and said, "Wenruo, it's your turn..."

"No rush, no rush, there is still one more person..." Xun Yu smiled.

Just as Xun Yu finished speaking, a middle-aged man stood up, with a square face and a small goatee, and a kind and gentle appearance.

As soon as this person stood up, the scene fell silent.

This person was none other than Kong Rong, Kong Wenju, a famous scholar of the late Eastern Han dynasty, the successor to Cai Yong as the master of literature. The leader of the Seven Sages of Jian'an and the 20th direct descendant of Confucius. The Kong family had been revered by emperors for thousands of years, and each generation produced geniuses. Unfortunately, in the chaotic times, he was eventually killed by Cao Cao.

Kong Rong, with his kind appearance, first bowed and recited, "The towering Zhong Mountain stands, and the blazing hot sky road. The bright light shines through the cloud gates, and the distant view scorches the cold. The noble scholars of generations past, rooted in their steadfastness."

"Good poem, for Brother Wenju, this is a rare masterpiece."

"Yes, yes, if it could be refined a bit more, it would be even better."

"Marvelous, marvelous. The poem is profound and unique, as if deeply felt." Everyone cheered.

Qin Feng studied acting and was not very familiar with ancient literature, so he didn't understand much. Seeing everyone cheer, he followed the crowd and raised his cup to drink.

He still wanted to hear Xun Yu recite a poem. The person who Cao Cao called his "Zifang" must be a genius. He said, "Wenruo, it's your turn."

"Brother Zijin, please be patient." Xun Yu smiled at him with deep meaning.

Qin Feng was very puzzled. What is this guy up to? Why does it feel like a conspiracy?

Xun Yu stood up, bowed, and said, "I am not good at reciting poetry, but today I recommend someone who will not disappoint everyone."

Everyone knew about Xun Yu's literary talent and looked at each other in confusion upon hearing this.

A genius with an intelligence of over 95 not being good at poetry? Qin Feng thought, you're just joking. Who would believe that! Recommend someone? I've seen the guest list, where are there any more geniuses? Could there be some hidden talent I don't know about?

"Oh! Who is Wenruo referring to?" Cai Yong couldn't help but ask.

Xun Yu, a genius known throughout Luoyang, had the reputation of a great statesman from a young age. Being so highly recommended, this person must be extraordinary. Therefore, although Cai Yong and the others were very puzzled, they still waited for Xun Yu to name the person.

"Hehe, Old Cai, the person I am referring to is none other than Qin Feng, Qin Zijin," Xun Yu smiled.

Seeing everyone's eyes turn to him, Qin Feng was greatly surprised. He thought, Xun Yu, you're really not fair. You didn't even consult me. I can't compose poetry, but I can sing a few popular songs. What should I do now!

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