"The most important thing is the feeling. This kind of personal experience and state of mind are the fundamental reasons for the divine gift," said Attorney Pei, stroking his beard and glancing at the others intentionally or unintentionally.
He was taking this opportunity to offer guidance, of course? There was another thing he didn't say, which was that you have to put this kind of insight into poetry, which requires writing skills. Without that talent, it's all just empty talk.
Lu Chengli, Cui Yanxing, and Han Zheng's son, Han Shouyi, were the most deeply moved. What Attorney Pei said wasn't unheard of; they hadn't understood it before. Today's events with Qin Mu were like a direction they were being given. Even if they couldn't invoke Tianci in the future, it would still greatly benefit their poetry and prose.
“Of course! You have personally experienced the artistic conception contained in Young Master Qin’s poem. After you go back, you should ponder it carefully. Let’s take a look at his first poem.” Han Zheng stood up and said.
Han Zheng glanced around and sighed, "We didn't comment earlier because Young Master Qin's poem is also undoubtedly the best. We were worried about discouraging you, so we didn't comment immediately."
“I agree with that. I think we don’t need to look at any other poems today. Let’s all appreciate these two masterpieces! They will be a beautiful story in the future,” Lawyer Pei nodded and said.
"Inspector Pei! Come here!" Han Zheng handed Qin Mu's first poem to Attorney Pei.
Attorney Pei accepted it without ceremony, holding it with both hands and reading it aloud in a melodious and rhythmic voice.
"The barbarian horsemen of Youzhou!"
A barbarian horseman from Youzhou, his lotus-sword gleaming coldly.
Laughing at the calm seas of China, yet in anger shaking the land and mountains.
The golden saddle is tested in the wind and snow, a thousand miles in a single night.
A feathered arrow is plucked from the reeds, and a new moon shines through the bent bow.
Looking up, I see eagles soaring to the sky; turning back, I see whales soaring through the air.
With generosity and unwavering loyalty, he devoted himself to the country, even at the cost of his own life.
The sound of their voices rang out in fierce anger, yet the smoke of war did not disturb the night.
Attorney Pei's voice echoed outside the temple. Not only were there maids, servants, and guards all around, but the monks inside the temple had also arrived at some point and were listening quietly.
"Since ancient times, Youyan has been home to many heroic and tragic figures. Over the years, the best poems written here belong to the exceptionally talented Cao Zhi, whose 'Ode to the White Horse'—'Whose son is this? A chivalrous young man from You and Bing—fully expresses the boldness of the men of the North. Although Young Master Qin's five-character poem only describes Youzhou, it is no less impressive," Lawyer Pei commented after pausing the reading.
"In terms of poetry alone, Young Master Qin has surpassed most people. At least I, Han, am ashamed of my own inferiority. I dare not comment on it. I can only say that Young Master Qin has not experienced war and his experience is slightly lacking. Otherwise, this poem would have been enough to evoke a divine gift." Han Zheng praised sincerely.
"You flatter me, gentlemen. I am unworthy of such praise. There is still much I need to learn from you all," Qin Mu said modestly.
He knows his own situation; asking him to write a limerick is no problem, but if he were to actually follow the format, he could never write one.
"Young Master Qin, there's no need for modesty. Your poetic talent is evident to all. To write this timeless masterpiece in Youzhou is a blessing for the region. Two divinely inspired poems in succession is also a testament to the flourishing of culture and education in the Tang Dynasty. I will ask the Prince of Yan to submit a memorial to His Majesty to celebrate this achievement," Han Zheng said with a smile.
"This is a trivial matter; how could it possibly disturb His Majesty's presence?"
Attorney Pei cursed under his breath, "Old fox!" Then he smiled and said, "How could this matter be left out of my hands?"
"Young Master Qin, you are mistaken! This is a golden age for literature, how can it be considered a trivial matter? In the past, His Majesty would reward great scholars for their poems and essays that inspired divine favor, let alone two of yours," Han Zheng explained.
Qin Mu then realized that this matter was so important.
"It is up to the two gentlemen to decide."
"Good! Good! Since that's the case, I'll make the decision today and give all the prizes to Young Master Qin. What do you all think?" Han Zheng asked happily.
Reporting the matter would naturally be considered a political achievement for Youzhou City, and he would certainly receive a share. Qin Mu was Luo Yi's grand-nephew; if they weren't allowed to submit a petition, although they would still have to report, the significance would be completely different. One would involve full participation, while the other would merely be reporting.
“It is only right! If Young Master Qin did not accept these prizes, we would not have the audacity to accept them,” Lu Chengli said frankly.
“Exactly, exactly.” Cui Yanxing nodded in agreement, but Qin Mu noticed that his smile seemed somewhat forced.
"Thank you all for your kind words." Since things had been said to this extent, Qin Mu naturally wouldn't refuse any further and bowed his hands in thanks.
"Heroes have always emerged from among the young! Young Master Qin has truly broadened my horizons. Fortunately, we came to the North this time, otherwise we would have missed such an important event." Lawyer Pei said to Qin Mu with admiration.
"You flatter me, sir. I am truly unworthy of such a title. My name is Qin Mu, courtesy name Huaidao. Please just call me by my given name." Qin Mu hurriedly bowed and introduced himself.
The situation was different before. There was no self-introduction, and people could address each other however they wanted. But now it was a formal one-on-one conversation. Putting aside Lawyer Pei's identity, just because of his age, Qin Mu couldn't possibly accept the title of "Young Master" so readily.
Seeing Qin Mu's impeccable manners, Attorney Pei felt he was no ordinary man and was happy to befriend him. He smiled and said, "Then I'll call you Huaidao. Tomorrow I'll be leaving Youzhou to return to the capital to report. Welcome to Chang'an, and we can have a good chat then."
“Very well! When we arrive in Chang’an, I will definitely come to visit you, sir.”
As soon as Attorney Pei left, Han Zheng came over again.
"Huai Dao, you are welcome to visit the Han family whenever you have free time." He said the same polite words, then left with his son.
Qin Mu suddenly became very busy, with one person after another coming over to greet him and invite him to their homes.
"It is truly an honor to meet Young Master Qin in Youzhou. If you ever pass through Fanyang, you are welcome to visit the Lu family."
"The Cui family of Boling also welcomes Young Master Qin to visit."
"Are you two leaving?"
“We came to Youzhou City specifically for you. Now that we’ve met, it’s time to leave. Besides, we’ve realized that we were just narrow-minded before. Now that we’re back, we can go back and study in seclusion,” Lu Chengli said with a smile.
"Until we meet again. I will definitely visit you both when I have time."
"Farewell!"
"please!"
After a busy period, those who needed to say goodbye said their goodbyes, and the crowd outside Zhiquan Temple gradually dispersed. Qin Mu finally had some free time.
"Cousin, you're amazing!" Luo Tong said admiringly, looking up at his cousin.
"Hehe! Of course." Qin Mu happily patted Luo Tong's head. There's no need to be too modest in front of your own people.
"Today has truly been an eye-opening experience," Lu Ce exclaimed.
"The harvest is indeed quite good," Qin Mu said with a satisfied smile.
"Eldest brother, be careful and don't trust others too much. Neither the Cui family, the Lu family, nor the Pei family, all of the five noble families and seven prominent clans, are easy to get along with. Disagreements between civil and military officials are unavoidable. If they know your identity, they probably won't be so enthusiastic," Lu Ce warned.
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