The poetry recital officially began.

From a distance, the scholars on each ship had already begun to talk frequently, and it wasn't just those on the same ship who were exchanging ideas; those not far apart were doing the same thing.

But most people's attention remained focused on the ship in the very center.

Because the most important group of people at this poetry gathering were there.

Do you think he can write poetry?

In another private room not far from Wang Tianze's, Cui Renshi sat there, staring coldly at the lake.

Faced with this question, Zhao Quan thought about it seriously for a moment, then said, "I don't know."

This answer did not satisfy Cui Renshi.

“I’ve also read the novels sent from Qihuai County. If those stories were really written by Tang Huan, it wouldn’t be that difficult for him to write a poem.”

While poetry gatherings are said to have no rules or requirements, there is actually an unwritten rule.

The poetry gathering began at 10:00 a.m. and continued until evening.

There will be people rowing boats to deliver food to each boat, as well as various teas and snacks. If anyone wants to compose poetry while drunk, they can do so as well.

Indeed, most scholars would choose wine, and in a state of semi-drunkenness, many of them wrote their most celebrated works.

Of course, this has also led to many accidental falls into the lake.

There were skilled swimmers on the shore who were ready and waiting for him to make his move.

"Does the master think he can write poetry?"

Cui Renshi nodded and said, "Writing a poem is not difficult; the difficulty lies in standing out from the crowd."

After saying that, Cui Renshi snorted coldly.

No one knows Redding better than Cui Renshi. This matter may seem to be initiated by Lei Yan, but Redding must have given his approval behind the scenes.

In the past, if Redding wanted to use this opportunity to deal with or tease Tang Huan, that would have been fine, since Tang Huan had already rejected his advances, and Cui Renshi didn't care about Tang Huan's outcome.

But just a few days ago, his own unfilial son became sworn brothers with Tang Huan.

All things considered, Tang Huan is now his godson.

This made it impossible for Cui Renshi to remain uninvolved.

Cui Renshi did not want Tang Huan to steal the spotlight at the poetry gathering, as the appearance of such a person who was beyond his control would bring too many changes.

At the same time, he didn't want Tang Huan to lose face too much. If Tang Huan couldn't produce a single poem by the end of the poetry gathering, or if his poem was too inadequate, he would also feel ashamed.

Time passed slowly, and Cui Renshi patiently drank his tea and waited.

His attention was entirely focused on the ship in the center.

"My lord, several poems have already been written by people."

Zhao Quan presented several pages of poetry to Cui Renshi.

Cui Renshi didn't take it too seriously, only glancing at it briefly.

"They started preparing three days in advance, and this is the result they delivered. Young people these days are increasingly disappointing!"

After just one glance, Cui Renshi gave up on reading those poems.

Only half an hour had passed; it was impossible to write any good poems in such a short time. These people had obviously prepared their works in advance.

However, the quality is not good.

Zhao Quan chuckled and said, "They are naturally no match for your talent, sir. Back in the day, weren't you a famous scholar in the capital?"

Although Cui Renshi didn't say it, Zhao Quan's praise pleased him, and a smile appeared on his face.

As noon approached, more and more people began to write poems.

Among them are some rather excellent works.

"This is just so-so!"

No one on the large ship in the middle has written a poem yet; everyone is just talking and listening to others recite everyone's works.

After listening to a few songs, Tang Huan couldn't help but sigh.

"Brother Tang, is that the same thought?" Cui Yuanzhao asked with a smile.

Tang Huan couldn't help but shake his head and say, "If you ask me, this poem is terrible. If I had written this poem, I would be ashamed to show it to anyone."

Upon hearing this, Lei Yan immediately said, "Lord Tang, you must be quite accomplished in poetry? Why don't you compose a poem so we can learn from you?"

Tang Huan waved her hand and said, "I'd better not embarrass myself, I'm afraid you'll feel awkward and ashamed."

Upon hearing this, Qin Yu immediately lowered his head.

She didn't even want others to know that she was associating with Tang Huan; it would be too embarrassing.

But Li Daikui looked arrogant, thinking that the talents of an adult were beyond the comprehension of these people.

They weren't in Qihuai County, so of course they didn't know that the master's poetic talent was no secret. Little did they know that a single poem from the master could make the two people who were fighting to the death stop and smile with joy.

Unfortunately, adults rarely write poetry nowadays, which is a great regret for Qihuai County.

"Lord Tang, you're being a bit too arrogant. Since you say everyone's poems aren't good enough, you should at least show everyone some of your skills, shouldn't you?"

Xiao Bai spoke up.

Over the past hour, Tang Huan had already roughly learned the identities of everyone on the ship.

And he knew that Xiaobai was one of Wang Jingze's friends, and the person traveling with him was Wang Jingze's friend who had always advocated vernacular Chinese.

Xiao Li said expectantly, "Lord Tang, since everyone wants you to write poetry, why don't you give it a try?"

In an instant, everyone looked over with curiosity.

Many people are waiting to see the joke.

That expression was too obvious to escape Tang Huan's eyes.

He took a deep breath and said, "If that's the case, then let me think about it and let you understand the gap between us."

"If you ask me, the talented men in the capital these days are nothing special!"

After saying that, Tang Huan rested one hand on his chin.

It seems he's preparing to compose a poem.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!