Ye Tian had already won over all the brilliant scholars of the academy with just a few lines from Du Fu and four lines from Zhang Zai's "Hengqu".
Now, all he said was a haughty, aloof order to bring pen and ink. No one objected; they all eagerly brought them, like primary school students awaiting their teacher's praise. If the students of the academy were to see these usually high-and-mighty Confucian scholars in this state, they would probably shake their heads in fear.
The three immortalities for scholars held a fatal allure for even the greatest Confucian scholars of the academies. Who wouldn't want to leave a few lines of their name in history? Even if we take a step back, who wouldn't want to see a few lines of brilliant poetry emerge?
The great Confucian scholar Li Bai, didn't he make Wang Lun famous for his poetry and prose, ensuring his lasting legacy? Who dares to say that this path is not feasible?
Ye Tian didn't care what the group of Confucian scholars surrounding him wanted, only what they had done. Although their relationship had previously been merely that of unscrupulous capitalists and laborers, the nature of their connection had subtly changed when these people from the academy rescued him.
Ye Tian is a vengeful person, but he is also a grateful one. There's a saying: "Give a peach, receive a plum in return."
This statement suits him well. What truly embarrassed him was that with so many renowned scholars watching him, seemingly eager to see him produce astonishing poetry, Ye Tian found himself in the awkward situation of forgetting how to write a single character.
He was, after all, merely a plagiarist who borrowed the literary talent of his predecessors. It was understandable that he would occasionally compose a couple of lines of poetry, but to actually rack his brains and think deeply in front of the great scholars of the Hanlin Academy was simply too difficult.
Ye Tian scratched his head, forcing himself to hold back for a long time. After all the great scholars of the academy paid him a respectful look for almost the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he finally put all the ink and brush back on the crimson wooden table in the academy, and then closed his eyes slightly.
Having resigned himself to his fate, Ye Tian didn't offer a bunch of flowery excuses. Instead, like a fish leaping from the lake onto the viewing platform, he fell to his death with a "splat," and said decisively, "I can't do it."
These three crisp words were uttered without any hesitation. Ye Tianxin expected to face the disappointed gazes of the academy's Confucian scholars, but instead, she saw their expressions become even more agitated.
Chen Zhang and Chen Dexing, along with a group of Confucian scholars from the academy, were overjoyed and excitedly exclaimed things like, "This boy is indeed a great talent!" and "His childlike heart is excellent." The atmosphere among the Confucian scholars suddenly became lively.
Chen Zhang's brows relaxed slightly, and he smiled gently, "Since Fellow Daoist Ye's inspiration is not good, let's go to the Jiaofangsi for a visit, so that we can create a pleasant scene for Fellow Daoist Ye to compose poems and enjoy music."
The word "Jiaofangsi" made Ye Tian's lips curl up slightly.
If we were to ask what would be considered the best in Fengchao's bookstores, let's set aside the food. In terms of entertainment alone, perhaps only the Jiaofangsi, representing the royal family of the entertainment world, could be considered truly exceptional.
When King Jiang of the Feng Dynasty traveled south to Shucheng, he was entertained by the Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau). Afterwards, King Jiang bestowed upon the Jiaofangsi a plaque with the three characters "Jiaofangsi," which still hangs there today.
Thus, it is evident how intoxicating the alluring women of the brothel were, especially the top courtesans, who were all stunning beauties of unparalleled renown. Moreover, most of them were daughters of officials whose families had fallen on hard times. This kind of transcendent pleasure, both spiritual and physical, could probably only be provided by the brothel.
Ye Tian didn't reject this idea. If indulging in such a place was a form of decadence, then perhaps only by sinking to the depths of darkness could one see the dawn of humanity. Perhaps the academy had already mentioned going to the brothel, and Ye Tian's inspiration had long since flowed like an unstoppable spring into his mind.
Although the Jiaofangsi building was blue, it faced the main road. The courtyard, with its eight openings, was enormous! It seemed that it wouldn't be able to appear open and airy without creating several more openings, which gives you an idea of just how large it was.
The interior has three floors, with phosphorescent powder sachets hanging everywhere. Upon entering, one doesn't even need to exert much effort to smell; a delicate fragrance unique to young women fills the air, complemented by the shimmering phosphorescent powder and avant-garde decorations. It's a blend of mysterious Western Region style and the refined elegance of Jiangnan.
This feeling is like stepping into the mysterious boudoir of a dream lover, and experiencing the most intoxicating and enchanting moment of one's life.
Ye Tian, who was naturally lazy and liked to slack off, thought that as soon as he stepped into the mysterious Jiaofangsi, he was free to do as the fish do and the birds do.
"What wind has blown all the great scholars of the academy here together?" The madam's voice was cheerful and sweet. Her figure, though past her prime, still possessed a charming voice, which was undeniably attractive.
People from Fengchao are dashing and unconventional, especially in places like bookstores.
Even a renowned Confucian scholar wouldn't lose his reputation by entering the Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment institution). On the contrary, he would be hailed as a man of character, especially if he visited frequently and spent a lot of money there. He would even gain some elegant nicknames and become a romantic and talented scholar in the eyes of many.
This has nothing to do with age. Despite being an old man with a white beard, he can only take a sip of strong liquor and spout many pedantic and cynical remarks, bitterly criticizing the politics of the court.
Even so, he would still be called a romantic and talented man. If his few words of criticism happened to be pleasing to people, he would also receive a good and substantial reward.
People from the Feng Dynasty valued talent and romance highly, and their nature was inherently unconventional and romantic.
The more this was the case, the better the business of the brothels thrived. This was largely due to the elegant phrases and literary works produced by scholars. Wasn't Mr. Liu, known as the "Talented Scholar of the Wind and Waves," a leading figure in this brothel? Therefore, regardless of the scholar's attire, the teachers of the Hanlin Academy were all equally sought-after in the eyes of the madam.
Even if they have no money, their wealth of knowledge and talent is enough.
"Our Hanlin Academy's most talented disciple, Fellow Daoist Ye, has arrived. Of the four courtesans, we must be allowed to see one of them," Chen Zhang said directly to the madam.
The madam looked somewhat troubled. It wasn't that she was unwilling, but rather that she had a difficult reason to explain. She smiled awkwardly and said, "Esteemed scholars, it's not that I don't want to. It's just that of our academy's four most beautiful courtesans, Chen Yu is already with someone else, Chu Xiang'er is unwell and not in the brothel today, and Shu Qian is not here either. Only Liu Rushi... but I'm sure everyone in the bookstore knows her rules."
With just one sentence, three of the four courtesans were gone, leaving only one. But given Liu Rushi's strange and extremely bizarre rules, how many people could possibly enter her boudoir to investigate?
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