Idle courtiers

Chapter 11
When the person asked the question just now, all the scholars were full of slander.The so-called literati gatherings will draw up a topic in advance, and reveal it in advance so that everyone can prepare early.The reason is very simple. Poems can be obtained by chance, but most of the time, what is important is the flash of inspiration.If it becomes an on-the-spot composition, if there is no literary thinking, even Li Taibai and Li Yi'an are helpless for a while.

If the proposed scope is not realized, and everyone gets together and happens to have no ideas, wouldn't it be embarrassing to stare at each other and just eat wine?

The host of Piansheng's banquet today didn't have a topic, but just posted a post to invite everyone, saying that it is a test to compare the talents of scholars in our county, what kind of poems to write and what words to fill in, let's discuss it later.

Now hearing that this person proposes to use the moon as the title of the lyrics, all living beings are dissatisfied.

One of them shouted: "Brother Weng Chun, this question is unfair, Brother Yu doesn't think so."

It turned out that the person who asked the question was Weng Mingchun and Yingyuan. He was a student from Andong County. He is 24 years old today and a well-known prodigal talent in the county.Hearing some objections, he raised his eyebrows: "Brother Yu, why don't you take this life seriously?"

"Brother Weng's family is quite rich, and he has a suave temperament. He hangs around in Huajie and Liuxiang on weekdays. He often sings poems and poems with courtesans. He is proficient in rhythm, but I am not as good as you are. You came up with the title and wrote the lyrics. Presumably Brother Weng I have been prepared for a long time, how can I wait for your opponent. According to Brother Yu, if you want to compare, you have to compare the poems, and the title has to be another one."

As soon as these words were spoken, all living beings applauded: "Brother Yu is very right, if you want to compare, you have to change the title."

That's right, Weng He's family is rich, and it's his specialty to seduce girls with poetry in brothels. It's really difficult to win if you really compete with him.In fact, Brother Weng is a good person, and he is also generous on weekdays. Everyone can play together, so it doesn't matter if he wins a game.However, the current situation is special, so it is natural to fight for it.

Everyone is clear in their hearts, the scholars invited for today's literati gathering are all unmarried young talents who have achieved academic success in this county.When it was time to board the boat, Lin Yuanwai, Gao Zhi's master, did not show up, and was replaced by Lin Fu's young master, Mei Pu.The most incredible thing was that the second miss of the Mei family had also arrived, saying that she was sitting in the inner cabin and wanted to see the elegant demeanor of the talented scholars with her own eyes.

Miss Mei Er was born beautiful and beautiful, but this year, she has not allowed anyone yet.She has been studying since she was a child, and judging from the poems and proses handed down in the mansion, she is actually an intelligent and talented woman.In the past years, it is not that the aristocratic families in the prefecture and county did not invite matchmakers to come to propose marriage, but they were all rejected by the Mei family one by one. They also said that if the second lady wants to marry in the future, she will only marry a well-educated person, a romantic and talented person, It doesn't matter if the family is poor or older, as long as the articles and poems are well done.The Mei family still needs to accompany them with a large dowry, but the most important thing is to get into the eyes of the second lady first.

It is absurd for a girl to choose her own husband and son-in-law, but considering that Mei Yuanwai was from a boat household and was aggressive and aggressive when she was young, it is understandable if she is not from a serious background.

The eighteen beauties, who are not yet married, have a rich family fortune, and today they are here to attend the literati gathering, which is worth pondering—could it be that the second young lady is trying to recruit relatives, why doesn't it make people daydream?

Hearing Yu Sheng expose this point, all sentient beings made a clamor at the same time: "Brother Weng, we absolutely refuse to comply with this matter, so draw up another topic."

Seeing that everyone was making a big fuss, Mei Pu, the third young master of the Mei family who was hosting today's banquet, was after all a 12-year-old child, and he couldn't control the situation.He hurriedly said: "Brothers, please be quiet, please be quiet, I will ask sister about this matter before making a decision."

Everyone nodded again and again: "Exactly, this topic should have been drafted by the second lady, Brother Mei Shi, hurry up and go."

Mei Pu hastily wiped the sweat from her forehead, and hurried into the inner cabin: "Sister, you have seen the situation outside, you have to come up with a charter. If everyone makes a fuss, Dad will blame you later."

The inner cabin and the outer cabin are only separated by a lattice, which is covered by a light gauze. A woman with outstanding appearance is holding a scroll of manuscripts and looking at the students outside with a pair of wonderful eyes.

Seeing his younger brother coming in distress, he sighed softly and reprimanded in a low voice: "Brother, the reason why Daddy didn't come to attend today is to let you get acquainted with scholars. You are a person who can study, and you may not be able to get a good reputation in a few years." , Glory to the lintel of my Mei family. Outside are all young and talented young scholars from our county, who will definitely be your help in the imperial examination field. It is really disappointing that you will not be able to sustain the next scene. gone."

With a face full of shame, Mei Pu murmured: "Sister, I, I, I..."

"Don't worry about me, what's the matter? At your age, Daddy has gathered a dozen fellow villagers to make a living in the wind and waves on the water... Hey, look at you, how will you support our Mei family in the future? ...Hey, that's all, I don't blame you..."I'll force myself to come up with a topic..."

Mei Pu was in the second year of middle school, and at this moment, when she was scolded by her elder sister, an inexplicable rebellion suddenly arose in her heart: "Elder sister, don't bother to blame me. Dad said you like to read books, and today I am not going to be a teacher in the county. The young talents who are the most able to read have been invited here, you can see which one hits your fancy, pick one at random, so that I can go back to my father's words."

"You..." The woman suddenly blushed with embarrassment, and was speechless.

……

It was still Yunniang who was careful, the robe Zhou Nan wore when he entered the city today was old clothes from ten years ago.It is said that after so many years, it has long since rotted.However, I heard from her that every month, when the weather was fine, she would take out Zhou Nan's clothes to dry in the sun.

Now, although the Confucian robe on his body has turned white, it is still straight.

Zhou Nan was much healthier and taller than Zhou Xiucai, a ten-year-old teenager. The robes on his body outlined a handsome line. He really looked like a pine tree on a hill, and he looked like a refined student. It was natural to go on a boat There is no incongruity in blending into the team of scholars in Andong County.

I saw that there were more than 20 scholars in the cabin, all of them were dressed in green clothes and high crowns, and were well-mannered, and some of them even wore blue shirts.Most of these people are seventeen or eighteen years old, and the oldest is no more than 25 years old.Apparently, all the top talents of the younger generation in Andong County have been swept away by this painting boat, and the cultural context of the county will be gathered here in the next few decades.

There are three large round tables in the cabin, with a dazzling array of delicious food and wine, and the scholars are standing or sitting, trying their best to show the handsome and handsome demeanor.

Although Zhou Nan blended into the ranks of scholars naturally, he still stood out.Most of the ancient scholars did not work hard, could not distinguish five grains, and had no awareness of fitness.He stayed at his desk all day, either as thin as bean sprouts or with a big belly.He walked down Wanli Road from Liaodong to Huai'an, with a healthy glow on his face and a well-proportioned figure, it was hard not to be noticed.

Weng Chun is a student from the county, and he is the oldest. He can be regarded as the leader of a group of young scholars.His first wife passed away in dystocia the year before last, and there has been no reunion. He came to the banquet today, so he naturally had some ideas, so he danced the highest and shouted the loudest just now, in order to attract Miss Mei's attention.As a result, the topic I asked caused public outrage, and I was very angry.Seeing a strange scholar come on the boat and find a vacant seat to sit down, without saying a word, he just eats and drinks with his chopsticks, not even wanting to look decent.Curious in my heart: I know all the students in the county, but who is this person?

Weng Chun frowned, and walked up to Zhou Nan: "Excuse me, I've never seen Xiongtai before, how dare you ask who is his name, and where does he live?"

Hearing his question, everyone was silent, and their eyes fell on Zhou Nan.

Zhou Nan stopped his chopsticks, raised his eyebrows and smiled, and said: "Passing by here, I saw the master set up a high-level meeting with wine, talked about poetry and Taoism, and promised a lot of money, and come here to try your luck. As for the name, don't worry about it." He arrived I haven't eaten dinner yet, except for a chicken that I just arrived at Zhoujiazhuang, I eat barnyard rice on weekdays.Don't talk about fading out the birds, I'm afraid there are even scourges and beasts, and they are suffering from severe tuberculosis.The chef of Huafang's owner's house is good, and the crystal elbow is cooked very well, which can be regarded as suppressing the slander in his stomach, and he is in a very good mood at the moment.

In the past, Zhou Xiucai was involved in a serious murder case, which was considered a huge scandal in Shilin, Andong County.Scholars are most concerned about fame, so Zhou Nan directly reported his name, and if he didn't do it, he would be kicked off the ship immediately.Don't talk about competing for treasures, maybe you will be beaten by the master's evil slave.Zhou Nan refused to take this risk.

Weng Chun frowned even tighter. Hearing the answer from the scholar in front of him, he seemed to be a stranger, otherwise his accent would not be so weird.At the banquet tonight, everyone raised their spirits and wanted to perform well in front of the second Miss Mei, impress Anxin with their literary talents, and be the son-in-law of the Mei family.

There are more than 20 unmarried young scholars, everyone has known each other since childhood, many of them were taught by a professional teacher, and they know exactly what each other is like.As far as poetry is concerned, if the total score is calculated based on 75 points, everyone averages [-] points, and his Weng Chun is about [-] to [-] points, with a three-point confidence.I think it shouldn't be too difficult to win the first place today.

It's a pity that there is a stranger now, who knows how he will learn.If it came from a culturally and educationally developed area like southern Jiangsu and won the first place, wouldn't that be a spoiler?
Weng Chun is very safe in life and doing things. He likes the feeling that the situation is under control, so he said: "Brother, today is my Andong County Scholars Association. I don't know if you can receive the invitation from Meifu. Although It is a great pleasure to have friends come from afar, but today is not a coincidence. Please leave your name and address, brother, and I will invite you in another post, how about it?"

All the scholars also nodded and said: "Brother Ying Yuan is right, this brother, today is unlucky."

"Let's post a party sometime later."

"This is the matter of my Anton Shilin, so I don't want to talk to outsiders. In this way, I will host a banquet in Donghai Tower and invite all my colleagues to gather together. This brother, I feel like old friends at the first sight of you, and I will come here to talk about poetry. On the Road."

"Not good, let me do the job."

Everyone saw Zhou Nan's handsome appearance, sitting there like a jade tree on a jade platform, quite graceful, and felt that he was quite talented.It's okay to make friends, anyway, just don't do poetry and participate in our competition, who knows if there will be accidents?

Thinking of this, everyone was extremely enthusiastic.

……

Another day, I haven't got the hotel and meal money today, but I can't wait.Zhou Nan laughed in his heart, and suddenly he laughed, pointing at the crowd and said: "At the beginning of the river, I worship officials and officials for decorations. Yangman worships Danyang Yin, and those who come early will get a good plan. The sun is getting exhausted, and there will be no more. And fine, follow the guests morning and evening, regardless of high or low. Yanggu worships Linhai, and it is delicious every day. Even if it is late, it is also full of food. When it comes to the richness of Gu, it is not as good as the sincerity of Man. This is Anton Shi Lin's way of hospitality, as soon as Wansheng is seated, everyone has to thank guests behind closed doors, it's even worse than that of Yanggu in Jin Dynasty, it's really disappointing!"

This passage by Zhou Nan comes from "Shi Shuo Xin Yu", translated into modern vernacular, it is: During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, when the gentry officials who fled from the north to the south of the Yangtze River had just crossed the river, all those who were awarded official positions had to hold a banquet to entertain guests.Yangman was named Danyang Yin by the imperial court, and those who came early could eat delicious food, but when it was dark and the food ran out, there would be no such abundance.Therefore, regardless of whether the guests are high or low, the specifications are the same.But when Yang Gu was the prefect of Linhai, no matter whether the guests came sooner or later, they were extremely exquisite.The world commented that although Yang Gu's banquet was exquisite, it was still not as honest and natural as Yang Man's.

When entertaining guests, pay attention to the sincerity and sincerity. The most fearful thing is that the host is hypocritical. The dishes are extremely exquisite, the attitude is extremely attentive, and the hospitality is extremely thoughtful, but the guests themselves feel extremely uncomfortable, neither standing nor sitting. No, I felt reluctant to stay, and I was afraid of offending my master when I left.

Danyang County in the Jin Dynasty was very large, including most of Jiangsu, part of Zhejiang and Anhui, and Andong County also belonged to its jurisdiction.

Zhou Nan's remarks are to satirize everyone's hypocrisy and inappropriateness.It is a hypocrite to say that in ancient times your local chief executive was able to treat guests with sincerity, but you have read books for so many years in vain.

Hearing his words, everyone was ashamed and bowed their heads speechless.Everyone is a scholar, and after studying sage books all his life, he still has a basic sense of shame.

……

In the inner cabin, Miss Mei Er was talking to her younger brother, she smiled when she heard the words, this young scholar is very eloquent, he can memorize such uncommon allusions, and can recite long passages of the original text.Then he whispered to Mei Pu: "Please also ask this scholar to stay, so as not to let outsiders laugh at me, Anton Shilin, for being immodest."

"Yes, sister."

Immediately, Mei Pu went out, smiled and saluted Zhou Nan: "Brother, everyone who comes here is a guest, and they are all from the Confucian lineage. It is fate to meet each other. Since we are here, let's sit down and have a drink and talk about poetry. road."

He bowed to everyone again: "Just now Xiaosheng asked my sister, the question has been given."

Since the host is staying with guests, everyone has nothing to say.I also heard that Miss Mei Er had a problem, so I didn't care about other things, I just pricked up my ears and listened carefully.

I am afraid that I will miss a word, and I will make a poem and fill in the lyrics later, and the essay will be wrong, and I will miss my happy life for the rest of my life.

Mei Pu pointed to the exquisite set of Four Treasures of the Study, and said: "Brother Ying Yuan just said it is true. It is just when the Golden Wu is sinking to the west, the moon is white and the wind is clear, and boating on the water is very interesting for Su Zi and his guests to swim on the Red Cliff. Tonight All of you present here are all outstanding figures in our county for a while, and they may not be able to utter the famous sayings of "the moon is white and the wind is light, so the river is so beautiful" and "the wind is floating like relying on the wind, but you don't know where it stops". Moreover, today my family invited us again Musician, wait a minute, but there are good lines, and immediately compose the music and sing the field, isn’t it too pleasant? Just write a song with the theme of the moon, no matter what lyrics and music cards, as long as there is a moon. However, it’s late spring now, and catkins on the shore One after another, the scenery is very beautiful, and it has to be added to the branches and willow cotton, which is less interesting. When it is time for a stick of incense, the winner will get this lottery."

Hearing his words, everyone was dissatisfied, but Weng Chun was elated, and his heart cried out.

(End of this chapter)