Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
In the academy's hall, the head of the Outer Court, Wang Shu, placed the poem he had copied from last night until dawn on each student's desk, pondering their thoughts and eager to see what opinions his students would have.
For a long time, no one spoke. They all understood that a poem composed just yesterday might not easily catch their head's discerning eye, and it was likely something that could be understood without much effort. Thus, they were all cautious and hesitant, leaving no one willing to respond.
However, there are always exceptions to every rule. In the academy, there were certainly some individuals who stood out from the crowd, like the young man who stood up now, disheveled in appearance.
Seeing the student rise, Wang Shu stroked his beard, waiting for his student to provide an answer.
The first and second lines clearly conveyed the setting and events. From the very beginning, with "looking out over the river and sky," it seemed that the meaning of the poem had already emerged.
What did it mean?
The poet seemed to suggest that standing atop Wangyue Tower allowed one to overlook all of Ying City. Ying City referred to Qiu Shui City; with the autumn wind flowing smoothly, who could say where the wind came from or where the water flowed? It depicted the Maple Forest; who painted this scene? Who crafted such beautiful landscapes?
The royal family of Lu State represented the wind, while the academy symbolized water. Another student interjected, pointing towards the palace as he spoke.
Neither seemed to truly empathize with the suffering of humanity.
Upon hearing this remark, everyone was taken aback. They had not expected a nameless student to be so bold as to openly compose poetry that insulted both the academy and the Lu Kingdom Emperor.
Jie Donglai wrote about arriving at this place, standing high above while gazing at Lou Dong's ships. The sun hung low in the sky, and Yongxuan was sparse; perhaps it hinted at hidden dangers lurking within Lu State.
What hidden dangers could the Lu State have? As soon as those words were spoken, everyone felt that the lyricist probably had never set foot in the Lu State, and they couldn't help but laugh heartily.
On the surface of the blue bricks, every word was engraved, leaving behind a name for posterity, perhaps mocking those who came to participate in the Final Exam, more concerned about their own legacy than the common people.
They didn’t think about the common people; why bother studying at all? Did they really think about them? Such words were better left unread.
Soon, someone who couldn’t bear the sarcasm stood up, wanting to confront Gu Ping about it.
The eastern part of that poem first mentioned how complicated the etiquette of the Lu State was, even down to drinking from small cups. The drink was tasteless, not even getting one drunk. Then it went on to say that those dressed in fine clothes spent their days in drunken stupor, only to wake up and seek sleep again.
Mo Qiu could not continue discussing such insults; how could such derogatory verses be debated in the academy? "I don't deny it," he said after class, discussing it privately.
The student who interpreted the poem hesitated and looked at Dean Wang Shu.
Then he spoke. It seemed Wang Shu hadn’t noticed how agitated his students were, prompting that student to continue.
He should have mentioned what the lyricist saw by Crescent Lake. Initially, he should have said that although the academy was powerful and Lu State was a nation of great etiquette, its people suffered greatly and shed many tears.
Wrong.
As soon as the student finished speaking, they heard Wang Shu shout at them. He crumpled up the poem in his hand and threw it directly at the face of that interpreting student.
After ten years of studying sacred texts, it was time for us to go out and experience life; otherwise, those Disciples of the Academy would truly lose all sense of virtue. Quickly show him that poem; if he can't understand Minghong, he won't be allowed to have dinner. With that, Wang Shu waved his sleeve and left.
The people present exchanged glances, unsure of what to do. Then someone, truly obedient, took out the words from their pocket and began to ponder how many lines could be copied, yet still felt that there was nothing particularly different about that poem.
As the moon set in the west, Zhang Chenyu and Gu Ping arrived at Jingzhao Mansion, only to run into the Grand Minister of Justice, Zhang Shoujing, who had just come from Yamen in Ying City. The two exchanged formalities but did not wish to say much. Unexpectedly, Zhang Shoujing called out to them.
"Noble Nephew, last month's poem seems to have spread throughout Ying City overnight. Ru Ming was even carved onto the bluestone slab at the top of Wangyue Tower at noon. Its popularity is truly unmatched."
"Thank you for your praise, but may I ask what you mean?"
Upon hearing Gu Ping's question, Zhang Shoujing intended to express something but hesitated. He looked at Gu Ping, momentarily stunned, and only reacted when he heard Zhang Chenyu cough beside him.
Cough, cough.
Comment 0 Comment Count