In the past, the couplet "Smoke locks the willows in the pond" had been circulated in the literary world for three or four hundred years.
Not only is the first couplet well-known to everyone, but even the second couplet composed by some literary masters at different times has been passed down.
However, no matter which second line is used, it is actually very different from the first line "Smoke locks the willows in the pond".
In terms of tone, artistic conception, and sense of picture, no second couplet can echo the first couplet.
In fact, in Zhao Hao's opinion, there was not even one person who truly passed.
As for the Cannon Zhenhai Tower, let alone failing, if 100 is the full mark, this second line would be good enough to get 10 points.
Hearing what Zhao Hao said, Qiu Rui was not surprised at all.
"As expected, this couplet is absolutely a match that will last through the ages. No one will be able to match it even in ten days, not to mention ten days."
"If someone can figure it out within the next hundred years, it will be amazing."
After hearing this, Zhao Hao looked up to the old gentleman even more.
Qiu Rui continued, "Whether the purpose of the Marquis's mission to Shu can be achieved or not, this eternal couplet is enough for future generations to talk about with relish."
Zhao Hao smiled and said nothing.
After the meal, Zhao Hao stood up to say goodbye, but Qiu Rui pulled him aside and insisted on giving him several sets of books.
Zhao Hao did not refuse and let Wu Song accept it.
It would be nice to take it home to relieve boredom.
When he reached the door, Zhao Hao turned around and looked at Qiu Qianren and said, "Brother Qiu, yesterday's game talk was just..."
Without waiting for Zhao Hao to finish his words, Qiu Qianren hurriedly said, "Lord Zhao... Marquis, although my grandfather said that the willows in the pond locked in smoke are the best of all time, I really don't believe that there is anything absolutely true in this world."
"We still have ten days to go. I will definitely come up with the second line!"
"By then, I hope Lord Zhao will not forget our agreement!"
When Zhao Hao heard this, his heart immediately beamed with joy.
Originally, he thought that Mr. Qiu Rui was a man worthy of admiration.
He was a little reluctant to cheat the gang leader.
But since the other party has taken the initiative, it would be very rude for him to refuse.
He said, "Okay, since Brother Qiu has this idea, I naturally have no problem with it."
"Goodbye!"
After saying that, the three of them left the Qiu Mansion, boarded the carriage, and headed towards the posthouse.
As soon as I came back, I saw Princess Li Ge was already waiting there.
When he saw Zhao Hao, he immediately stood up and greeted him: "Young Master, have you been to Mr. Qiu's house?"
Zhao Hao smiled and nodded: "The princess is well-informed!"
Princess Li Ge said softly, "Da Shan told me that these scholars are so young, and they have repeatedly come to the post house to cause trouble. I hope you will forgive me."
Zhao Hao waved his hand: "Your Highness is too polite, it's no big deal."
Princess Li Ge asked, "Sir, what is the second line of the couplet 'Smoke locks the pond and willows'?"
"After I learned about it last night, I thought hard for a long time, but I couldn't think of a suitable second line."
Zhao Hao laughed and said, "It's just a game. Why are you interested in asking about this, Your Highness?"
Princess Li Ge said: "This couplet is so good that it makes me feel itchy."
Zhao Hao shook his head and smiled, "Your Highness will be disappointed. I don't have a suitable second line either."
Princess Li Ge didn't believe it. She said with a hint of anger, "Since you don't want to tell me, forget it."
Zhao Hao didn't explain anything and personally poured a cup of tea for the other party.
Princess Li Ge picked up the teacup and took a sip, then asked softly, "Li Ge came here to apologize to you for what happened to these students."
"Second, inform you that His Majesty will host a banquet for the delegation in the palace the day after tomorrow, and welcome you and everyone in the delegation."
Originally, the banquet to welcome the delegation was scheduled for last night.
However, for some unknown reason, Dashan came to inform us that the banquet time has been postponed and will be set at another time.
Zhao Hao said, "There is no need to go through so much trouble. As long as Your Majesty can see that I have a peaceful heart and that our two countries form an alliance and do not let our two families go to war, that is enough."
Princess Li Ge sighed slightly after hearing this and said, "I went to His Majesty this morning. His Majesty actually also wants to make an alliance with Da Gan."
"However, the ministers in the court are arguing fiercely about this matter. I'm afraid it will be difficult to reach a conclusion in a short period of time."
Zhao Hao's eyes flickered, and then he nodded slightly and said, "This is normal. After all, this is a serious matter and it won't be figured out in a day or two."
Princess Lige said, "Thank you for your understanding, sir."
Zhao Hao said, "Your Highness, could you please tell me who are the people who are against reconciliation with me?"
Princess Li Ge said, "Most of the opponents are military generals. They think this is a rare opportunity."
"Once Shu Kingdom sends troops, together with Southern Chu and Wu Kingdom, the combined strength of our three kingdoms will surely cause Da Gan to suffer huge losses."
"By then, the threat from Dagan will be completely eliminated."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Hao sneered and shook his head.
Princess Li Ge asked, "Sir, do you think this is wrong?"
Zhao Hao said calmly: "Of course not. This idea is so short-sighted that it is outrageous. It is really not worth the fight."
Princess Li Ge's beautiful eyes flickered, and she asked, "Please teach me, sir?"
Zhao Hao said: "It's nothing. People who hold this view..."
Halfway through his words, Zhao Hao waved his hands and said, "Forget it, there's no point in saying it."
Seeing this, Princess Li Ge was immediately annoyed and said, "Sir, why are you only saying half of what you are saying again!"
Zhao Hao smiled and said, "The timing is not right yet. It would be better to wait until the timing is right."
Princess Li Ge immediately stood up and said, "Sir, please don't say anything!"
After saying that, he turned and left.
Zhao Hao stood up and sent him out of the courtyard, then came back to take out the list of Shu Kingdom officials and consider it again.
Bluebird at the side could not help but say, "My Lord, the palace will hold a banquet tomorrow night to welcome our delegation. I'm afraid there will be some verbal battles."
"My Lord, you must be prepared."
Zhao Hao smiled faintly, raised his head and looked at Qingniao and said, "Why should I be afraid of it?"
Bluebird was startled, then said, "My Lord, it's good that you are prepared. It was Bluebird who was too talkative!"
Zhao Hao waved his hand gently: "Okay, you guys go out first."
The two men bowed and walked out.
Zhao Hao continued to study the list.
"According to what Li Ge said, most of those who oppose the peace are military commanders, which is not surprising."
Zhao Hao murmured softly, reached out to pick up the brush, and drew circles on the names of several generals.
In order for a soldier to be promoted, he must gain military merit on the battlefield.
Under normal circumstances, they would never dare to talk about military affairs.
But now, with the support of Southern Chu and Wu.
This opportunity is so rare!
If Shu Kingdom participates in it, it will definitely get a piece of the pie!
It can not only bring huge benefits to the Shu Kingdom, but also to these generals themselves.
Therefore, the warriors will definitely want to fight and will definitely oppose making peace with Da Gan!
Zhao Hao didn't believe that these warriors had any foresight.
They can see the huge threat that Da Gan will pose to them after he recovers.
The reason I say this is just to find an excuse to fight!
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