Chapter 104 Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet (Part 2)

In addition to Mr. Shuiyun and Yuan Ruxi, Mr. Yao and his companions also included several other teachers from the Imperial Academy.

Su Changan, Su Linhan and Li Xingyue stepped forward and saluted.

Everyone returned the gift one by one.

Yuan Ruxi also introduced several other teachers to Su Changan.

For example, the one with a long beard is Master Zhao Shi, there is also the female master Ji Shuying, and another person in the Imperial College who is not a lecturer but is a famous figure, Wen Zhegu.

After returning the gift, Wen Zhegu, a famous scholar known for his thoughts and literary works, could not wait to ask, "Miss Chang'an, why do we study?"

Su Changan was stunned. He didn't expect that he would be asked questions right away.

Master Yao and others on the side shook their heads helplessly.

But looking at Su Changan, he seemed to be waiting for an answer.

Su Changan thought for a moment, bowed, and said, "You can cultivate yourself, manage your family, govern the country, and bring peace to the world; you can be well-read and elegant; you can be full of joy and see all the flowers in Luoan in one day;"

Then, Su Changan continued, "Mr., since you asked me this question, I can only give you a general answer like this. Because of different personal situations, the purpose of studying is also different. The above is for one's own ambition after studying hard and being full of classics, or after passing the imperial examination. But reading can also be like reading poems and books on the pillow in leisure time, and the scenery in front of the door is better when it rains; or it can be that the son is grown up reading poems and the daughter is silk and linen, and the husband is just reading and making spring tea. In short, there is no complete answer to why to read, it all depends on the individual. It may be to break free from the troubles of mediocrity, or for self-leisure, or for pleasure, or for understanding things, etc. Therefore, Changan believes that the purpose of reading can only be discussed for one person. If it is discussed for everyone in the world, there is no real answer."

Hearing this.

Master Yao, Mr. Shuiyun and Yuan Ruxi all looked approving.

The other teachers were even more surprised.

And just when Su Changan answered.

Li Hun, Zuo Shaoweng, Li Wei and others were also a little surprised when they saw Master Yao and others coming and offering congratulations.

Naturally, it also includes Xun Kuang and the three poor students Yan Shu, Wei Zijian and others.

Everyone present was a scholar. If they carefully savored the words in Su Changan's speech, they would find that they were not only easy to recite, but also had a profound artistic conception.

Coupled with what Su Changan said, everyone looked at Su Changan again, full of admiration, and felt that Su Changan's literary talent was indeed as the rumors said.

Even people like Li Wei, who will be "competing on the same stage" with Su Changan later, have a look of admiration on their faces.

Su Linhan stood back with a proud look on her face, thinking that when she got back she would tell Wan'er, who would definitely jump for joy.

Although Li Xingyue didn't fully understand what was said, but when she saw the people around her looking at Su Changan like that, she knew that Sister Changan was indeed Sister Changan, so amazing!

Wen Zhegu looked at Su Changan with surprise in his eyes and praised him, "What a good way to judge the whole world by judging one person. It's really as Brother Yuan Zai and Shui Yun said. Wen has seen it."

Su Changan bowed.

Yuan Ruxi explained, "Mr. Wen has been moved by your Q&A with Master Yao at the early winter poetry conference. Seeing you today, he couldn't wait to ask questions."

Wen Zhegu looked at Su Changan with approval, "A man of knowledge is naturally elegant; a man of high spirits rides a horse at full speed, and can see all the flowers in Luoan in one day. Miss Changan speaks eloquently, which makes an old man like me admire her very much. However, I know that you are best at poetry and songs, so I look forward to your work tonight."

In front of other students, Wen Zhegu openly praised him and said directly that he was looking forward to Su Changan's work tonight.

You can say that.

It was true that just from this question and answer, I started to like Su Changan very much.

Su Changan smiled helplessly.

Instead, Mr. Shuiyun stepped forward and looked at Su Changan: "It's good to read books and poems on the pillow, and the scenery in front of the door is even better when it rains. You are so leisurely every day, but it's a pity that Wan'er is thinking about your health every day."

After saying that, he looked at Su Changan with eyes full of concern.

Su Changan immediately said, "Thank you for your concern, sir. I feel much better now."

Mr. Shuiyun smiled and nodded, somewhat relieved, and then asked, "How is the Red Mansion?"

Su Changan was stunned.

Mr. Shuiyun smiled and said, "I heard Wan'er mention it before, and I was a little curious. I asked Linhan for some manuscripts to read. I was a little surprised that you could write such a good storybook. Now I am getting more and more interested in it. Now I can't wait to go to Linhan every day to read what you write."

Hearing this

Mr. Yao and others around were a little surprised.

Su Changan naturally hurried to explain, but he did not hide anything and directly said that he wrote the storybook in order to practice calligraphy.

Although Master Yao didn't understand why Su Chang'an was not diligent in copying calligraphy, he believed that everyone had his own methods. Master Yao was not a pedantic person. When he heard that Su Chang'an wrote tens of thousands of words every day, he immediately praised him.

Even when everyone heard it, they were still shocked.

Everyone knew that Su Changan was in poor health. It was incredible that he practiced writing tens of thousands of characters every day despite his serious illness.

One by one, they praised it again.

In particular, Master Yao had always admired Su Chang'an, especially the poems Su Chang'an wrote later, which he liked even more. Although "Dian Jiang Lip" contained some romantic stories, Master Yao still admired it very much.

Especially after Su Chang'an became famous, he remained neither humble nor arrogant, and was modest and virtuous, which made Master Yao like him very much.

As for the fact that he continued to be filial despite his illness, Mr. Yao felt deeply moved every time he thought about it.

Hearing this, Master Yao frowned and said, "Practicing calligraphy is not something that can be done in a day or two, but it takes years and months. You are in such a poor condition, so you should pay attention to your health and not let yourself be ruined by practicing calligraphy. You value filial piety, so how can you not know that the greatest filial piety in the world is to protect yourself."

Although Su Changan was helpless, he had already accepted that he was a sick person, and he could see that Master Yao was also concerned about him, so he immediately bowed and said, "Student will remember this."

Master Yao nodded.

As for the other people, they also gave Su Changan the same instructions.

Although they had only met each other, these people knew everything about Su Changan. Especially Su Changan's answer at that moment, which made them satisfied, so their favorable impression of him increased greatly.

But they were all a little surprised. After all, since Mr. Shuiyun, who was very picky about literary works, could praise the storybook, they were a little curious.

After all, Master Yao and the others still needed to talk to other people and couldn't stay with Su Changan all the time, so they just chatted casually with the other students who came up and left.

However, Yuan Ruxi and Ji Shuying did not leave.

The former is because he doesn't like dealing with people in the temple.

The latter is because Xun Kuang is here.

After all, everyone in the city knew about the matter between Xun Kuang and Ji Shuying, so Su Changan had heard Yan Ruyu mention it a few times before.

The bottom line is that she likes him, but he doesn't like her.

But no one in the city scolded him for being unfaithful because he lingered in the red-light district.

After all, Yan Ruyu didn't know much about these things, so she just talked about them briefly.

Although Su Changan was curious and sometimes wanted to ask Xun Kuang, he didn't have the courage to ask.

Wait until Master Yao and others have all gone far away.

After Xun Kuang watched Su Changan salute, he immediately said, "Miss Changan, you are still as cheerful as ever."

Su Changan looked at Xun Kuang helplessly, thought for a moment and then got straight to the point: "If I write a poem today, do you want to publish it in a journal?"

Xun Kuang was a little surprised when he heard this, but he nodded immediately: "I need your poetry to save my life."

As he said this, Xun Kuang winked at Su Changan and pointed in the direction behind him.

Su Changan looked over and saw Mu Xu was looking at them.

However, when he noticed Su Changan's gaze, Mu Xu immediately turned his head away.

Su Changan was helpless, but he remembered what Su Wenqing said, so he said, "Xun Siye also heard what I just said about practicing calligraphy diligently recently, so he wanted a better pen."

Xun Kuang was stunned for a moment, but after thinking carefully, he suddenly realized: "My teacher just happened to have a particularly good pen."

After that, Xun Kuang thought for a moment and asked, "Miss Chang'an, I just heard about your storybook. How about publishing it in the journal? We can set up another section specifically for you to publish your storybook. As for the reward, my teacher should have other good things. I will help you search for them."

Yuan Ruxi listened to Xun Kuang's shameless words and shook his head helplessly.

Even Yan Shu and others lowered their heads in embarrassment.

On the other hand, Li Hun and others already knew what kind of person Xun Kuang was, and they felt helpless.

However, Ji Shuying looked at Xun Kuang with a smile. She didn't think anything was wrong at all. Instead, she felt that it was supposed to be this way.

Su Changan smiled and said, "I have already given it to my third uncle to publish the book. The first volume should be published in the next few days."

Xun Kuang heard this and looked regretful, cursing in his heart, "You're so good, Su Zifeng, you didn't even say a word about such a great thing!"

Xun Kuang glanced at Li Hun, Zuo Shaoweng and others who had been waiting, and motioned for you to come, then stood aside without saying anything, continuing to curse Su Zifeng for being dishonest in his heart.

After Li Hun and others on the side saluted Xun Kuang, they stepped forward and saluted Su Changan.

"Xingzhou Li Hun."

"A gift from Xingzhou."

"Hey, my name is Li Wei. I really like your phrase, Miss Chang'an. I like the clothes and the face. It sounds nice just thinking about it."

"Mr. Zuo Shao, what Miss Chang'an said just now really enlightened me. I admire you."

"My last name is Cui, you can call me Yu'er."

…

More than ten people introduced themselves to Su Changan.

Some of them were met for the first time, while others I had met at a poetry reading in early winter.

Su Changan naturally returned the gifts one by one.

But after all, everyone came forward only to say hello, and they also knew that this occasion did not allow them to exchange pleasantries. The fact that they could come up and greet Su Changan meant that they had asked for permission from the elders or dignitaries around them, so they came here.

After a brief acquaintance, these people left.

Cui Yuer, on the other hand, looked at Su Changan and wanted to say something.

But before she could speak, Su Changan said, "Miss Yu'er, it's not that I don't want to talk to you more, but the female doctor beside me will be angry."

Cui Yuer was stunned for a moment, then turned her head to look at the cat that was holding onto Yan Ruyu tightly.

At that moment, Maomao was glaring at them with an angry look on his face.

Cui Yuer understood, bowed to Su Changan, turned around and walked towards Cui Yu. As soon as she got there, she said directly, "Uncle, Qingnu hates you. She doesn't like it when Miss Changan talks to someone with the surname Cui."

When Cui Yu heard this, he felt like there was another knife in his heart.

After everyone left, Xun Kuang spoke up, "I believe that Miss Chang'an can win the championship today, but these people should not be underestimated. Moreover, Li Hun and He Li, as well as Meng Shaoan over there, are the ones who were invited to stop Miss Chang'an from winning the championship today. Although they are not from the capital, they all have the literary talent to win the championship at the Early Winter Poetry Festival."

"In addition, people like Li Wei, Zuo Shaoweng, and some others who just didn't come, without exception, all wanted to perform well in front of His Majesty and pave the way for their official careers, so they had already made preparations. Especially tonight's topic must be Mid-Autumn Festival, so some despicable people had discussed with others earlier and memorized poems."

"There are also many people who have received orders from their elders, and they want to perform well in front of Miss Chang'an, so as to win her favor and facilitate marriage. In terms of means, I am afraid that some people are similar to the person with the same purpose as before. So it will be difficult for Miss Chang'an to win tonight."

"However, no matter what her methods are, Miss Chang'an is now in the capital. Your poems and your marriage plan have haunted many young men and women."

After saying that, Xun Kuang thought for a moment and added, "Moreover, I think that after seeing Miss Chang'an's true appearance today, those who want to perform well in front of His Majesty should also want to perform well in front of Miss Chang'an. After all, who makes Miss Chang'an so charming, and so beautiful."

Su Changan felt helpless when hearing Xun Kuang teasing him.

But you have to speak up.

"The Queen Mother has arrived."

Hearing this, a eunuch's voice came from outside the hall.

All the people who were originally sitting in groups of three or four in the hall and chatting noisily immediately fell silent.

They all stood up respectfully.

then

Then I saw the Queen Mother walking into the hall with a smile.

Everyone bowed and said, "Greetings, Her Majesty the Queen Mother."

The Queen Mother smiled and looked at everyone in the hall: "No need to be polite, everyone. Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival Palace Banquet, we should celebrate, no need to pay attention to me."

Upon hearing this, everyone bowed again.

The Queen Mother glanced around the hall and finally her eyes fell on Su Changan. She smiled and walked straight towards him.

Xun Kuang, Yuan Ruxi, Ji Shuying and others were stunned and saluted again.

Yan Shu, Wei Zijian and Liu Sanbai, three young men from poor families, lowered their heads and dared not even breathe when they saw the Empress Dowager approaching.

Su Linhan is relatively better.

However, Li Xingyue looked at the Queen Mother and remembered what her father said before coming here today. She bowed deeply without being humble or arrogant, and did not even look at her former aunt.

The Queen Mother glanced at Li Xingyue, still smiling.

He came to Su Changan and said with a smile: "Now that you are feeling better, you are out making trouble again."

Su Changan naturally knew what this "nonsense" meant.

So he said, "Thank you for your concern, Queen Mother. I have to do something tonight, so I came here."

The Queen Mother smiled and said, "I hope you are not making trouble again. But since you are here, I know your talent and I look forward to your poetry tonight. However, you are sick and it doesn't matter whether you can win the first prize. Besides, there are so many talented people here today. After all, you are still young, so you should learn more from them."

Su Changan immediately said, "Yes."

The Queen Mother smiled and then glanced at Ji Shuying.

But he just glanced past it, and then walked straight to the front.

Is this the famous lovesick man?

So disgusting~~

It's disgusting that people praise me for being infatuated. After reading so many books, don't you know that the word "love" is the most ridiculous?

Walking and walking

The Queen Mother walked up to Li Jiulang and asked, "Brother, how are you these days?"

Li Jiulang looked at the Queen Mother with a blank expression: "Okay."

The Queen Mother smiled: "That's good."

Then, continue walking towards the stage.

However, Li Jiulang sat down again immediately after the empress dowager left, not caring at all about what the empress dowager said.

When the Queen Mother passed by Su Wenqing, she smiled but said nothing.

Su Wenqing didn't even greet him, he just smiled.

After the Queen Mother arrived at the front seat and sat down.

Mu Xu's gaze finally shifted away from the Queen Mother.

How to say it

The chief priest did not chat with anyone and just sat in his seat.

Look at that person, look at this person.

Expect this, expect that.

Seeing the Queen Mother, I have more things to look forward to.

Because he thought that the Queen Mother was always smiling.

While drinking with Su Wenqing that day, he guessed something, if he was not wrong.

He was looking forward to seeing whether the Queen Mother would laugh even more happily later, but then he changed his mind.

Old Man Mu Xu took a sip of wine, thinking that maybe the Queen Mother wouldn't laugh anymore.

In short, look forward to it!

The Queen Mother just said that to Su Changan.

No one thought much of it.

Just a little envious.

Although it is known that Su Chang'an was able to enter the palace to recuperate because of the empress dowager's decree.

However, Su Changan had such literary talent and a good family background, and he was also questioned by the Queen Mother in private.

Everyone is envious~~

I am so envious.

After all, this is about entering officialdom.

A bright future!

But it was too late after all.

So it's impossible for everyone in the hall to be so free like just now.

Xun Kuang, Su Changan and the others naturally bowed and returned to their respective seats.

However, when Su Changan returned, he saw Mao Mao staring at him.

Su Changan pouted: "What I told her was that my daughter, a doctor, hates people with the last name Cui, so I hate them too, so don't talk to me."

When Maomao heard this, the anger on her face disappeared and she let go of Yan Ruyu.

Yan Ruyu stretched out her hand and rubbed her waist, obviously hurt by the cat's claws.

Su Changan looked at Yan Ruyu with heartache.

But at this time.

"Your Majesty has arrived~~~"

after

Everyone saw the empress, wearing a gold and white robe, walk into the hall.

Everyone present stood up and saluted respectfully: "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Xia Fengxiang was not like he used to be in front of Su Changan. He said "hmm" softly, "The palace banquet has begun. Please feel free to celebrate the festival tonight. There is no need to be restrained."

After saying that, Xia Fengxiang looked at Master Yao and the others and nodded slightly, which was a greeting.

Master Yao and others were frightened and immediately bowed in return.

Xia Fengxiang then looked at some other respected old ministers and exchanged a few words with them.

Walk straight forward.

He didn't even look at Su Changan.

After the empress sat down, she said: "Now that the palace banquet has begun, everyone can just drink and chat happily. There is no need for etiquette, and there is no need to worry about anything else. Tonight we are just celebrating the festival."

Upon hearing this, everyone present bowed respectfully again.

then

Everyone sat down again.

Su Linhan frowned and whispered to Su Changan, "Eldest sister, I looked around. Although I don't know all of the people present, there is no one who is worthy of you."

Hearing this, Su Changan picked up the mooncake, took a bite and said, "It was at the palace banquet."

(End of this chapter)