Chapter 130: Imperial College [Dogwood Literary Meeting] Begins
The Imperial College was very large, and Xun Kuang was introducing Su Changan to things happening inside the College along the way.
When they met students along the way, they all bowed and saluted to Xun Kuang, Su Changan and others.
However, it is worth mentioning that Xun Kuang today is not dressed as unruly as in the past. Instead, he has dressed up seriously, wearing a long green gown. Although his hair is still a little messy, it is indeed much neater than in the past.
On the way, he happened to meet an acquaintance of Xun Kuang, who asked with a smile why he was dressed so handsomely and whether he had taken a fancy to some talented woman at the literary gathering today, so he dressed so seductively to tease her.
But after seeing Xun Kuang's eyes, looking at Su Changan, and then looking at Su Zimu, he immediately understood, and after hurriedly saluting, he quickly disappeared.
Xun Kuang could only explain to Su Changan awkwardly.
Su Changan naturally didn't care about these.
From a distance, Su Changan saw today's literary gathering.
According to Xun Kuang, that was the largest lecture hall in the Imperial College. In previous years, if they wanted to hold a literary gathering, they would mostly use other places.
But this year Mu Xu invited many people, and there were too many people, so he used this place.
but
Xun Kuang looked at so many people and told Su Changan that many of these people, regardless of their status, had not bought "A Dream of Red Mansions", but they wanted to buy a copy today because of their relationship with Su Changan.
In response, Su Changan smiled helplessly.
Su Linhan said, "Not only that, it's not a big deal that books are hard to find in Luoan City now. More and more people have finished reading Red Mansions. For example, the one who just yelled at you, Big Sister, is not a big deal. When Mr. Shuiyun came to the mansion, she told me that some old masters were very upset after reading the book and wanted to talk to you at the literary gathering."
Su Changan was ashamed.
Xun Kuang shook his head and said, "They are just talking behind my back. They are just bragging. Believe it or not, when you, Miss Chang'an, go over there, those people won't dare to say anything. Instead, they will all praise you, Miss Chang'an."
Su Changan smiled helplessly again.
Su Zimu looked at Xun Kuang and joked, "I heard before that after you read it, Xun Siye burst into tears in the brothel, shouting how could Yingchun, one of the twelve ladies, have such an ending? He then told those prostitutes that my eldest girl was too cruel to arrange such an ending."
Hearing this.
Su Linhan immediately looked at Xun Kuang with a smile. She had also heard about this.
Su Changan looked at Xun Kuang.
Xun Kuang immediately looked at Su Zimu and said, "Sir Su, you are such an honest and loyal person, you must not speak carelessly. I clearly said, 'You are truly worthy of Miss Chang'an, to be able to write such a wonderful book.' And you must not speak carelessly about Miss Chang'an, or I will drag you to His Majesty to reason with you."
Su Zimu smiled and said nothing more.
Instead, Su Linhan smiled and said, "If His Majesty knew that you said my elder sister was cruel, what would His Majesty do?"
Xun Kuang was stunned for a moment after hearing this, then he smiled bitterly and looked at Su Changan: "Please forgive me, Miss Changan. You must not tell His Majesty about this."
Then he bowed to Su Zimu and Su Linhan and said, "Please let Xun go."
Su Zimu and Su Linhan both laughed.
Su Wan'er also laughed along, but when she thought about the fact that Wen Huiyin didn't call her brother Su Zhaoxin this time and therefore couldn't bring him over, she saw Su Zhaoxin's sad expression as he watched them leave.
Su Wan'er sighed.
He looked at Xun Kuang again, thinking that if his brother were here, he would definitely make fun of Xun Siye.
Too bad it's not here.
But on second thought, he felt that he deserved not to come, because it was his fault for not studying hard.
I studied hard and copied books, so I was invited by the chief priest!
It is close to the large lecture hall where this literary gathering is held.
Su Changan saw that the low tables and cushions inside were no different from those at ordinary banquets, all placed on both sides.
However, there is no main seat. The reason is that literary gatherings are for making friends through literature, while in other places there may be a concept of main and secondary seats.
However, there were never such rules at the literary gatherings hosted by Mu Xu. Even at a literary gathering once, when the late emperor came to join in the fun, he also sat down.
In the words of Mu Xu, "There are high and low statuses, but the knowledge in the book does not exist. We make friends through literature and communicate with each other. If you put on airs and talk about status, please don't come to my literary gathering."
There is wine and fruit on the table.
But no snacks.
According to what Xia Fengxiang told Su Changan, no dishes were prepared for tonight's literary gathering.
The reason was that at a literary meeting one year, the teachers of two schools had a conflict over the interpretation of the words of the sage. In the end, they fought each other and not only knocked over all the dishes such as chicken, duck, fish and meat prepared by Mu Xu, but even took the food to fight.
Mu Xu, who was born in a poor family, used to be very fond of food. Such a scene made Mu Xu extremely furious, and he declared that in the future, no food or drinks would be prepared for any literary gatherings held in the Imperial College.
Mu Xu even expelled those who had resorted to violence from the Imperial College. Those who were originally students of the Imperial College but had resorted to violence were directly sent by Mu Xu to work in the fields.
From that day on, no food was prepared for the literary gatherings held in the Imperial College. Even the wine and fruit on the table right now were prepared after other people in the Imperial College persuaded Mu Xu.
But Su Changan didn't care.
Because Lin was late, Xia Fengxiang prepared a lot of food for him so that he could eat when he was hungry, and it was put in Maomao's small bag.
Therefore, Su Changan was not worried about going hungry today.
And we’ll start eating soon.
At this time, many people in the venue were already sitting in their seats waiting for the literary gathering to begin.
Among them were Mr. Yao, Mr. Zhao Shi, Mr. Wen Zhegu and Mr. Shuiyun, people who taught and lectured in the Imperial College, whom Su Changan knew.
There was also Cui Yu, Mr. Gao who had wanted to marry him in the past, and others. Su Changan knew some of the officials in the court.
Among the students, Su Changan saw people he had met before, such as Yan Shu, Wei Zijian, Li Wei, Zuo Shaoweng and others.
Before Xun Kuang led Su Changan into the venue, these people noticed Su Changan.
When Su Changan walked in, no matter what their status was, whether they were literary masters or high-ranking officials, they all stood up and saluted Su Changan.
Even those teachers from other places bowed to her when they heard that this extremely beautiful woman was Su Changan.
There is no other reason.
Just because Su Changan is the future queen.
Of course, this has not yet been announced to the world.
What happened at the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet alone is enough to prove this matter. Is there any need to announce it?
Su Changan still did not dare to be arrogant. He always followed the word humility, so after these people saluted him, he also returned the salute.
And seeing that Master Zhao Shi was almost falling down because of being squeezed by the people around him, Su Changan hurried over to support him.
It was a small matter, but in the eyes of the old masters and gentlemen, they were certainly stunned, but most of them looked at Su Changan with approval.
Rumor has it that Su Chang'an is extremely kind and his moral conduct is impeccable, possessing all five virtues: gentleness, kindness, respect, frugality and humility.
No one believed it.
It’s not that I don’t think Su Changan has these qualities.
But a gentleman believes what he sees.
When they saw this, especially some of the teachers and gentlemen who were worried about Su Chang'an's reputation, which was only spread deliberately by many people in the capital to curry favor with the Su family and His Majesty, they were all relieved.
The Queen is the mother of Daxia, so she should be such a person.
After the ceremony, everyone made way.
Xun Kuang brought Su Changan to his position.
He is in the first row on the left, with Su Zimu and Mu Xu next to him, and Su Linhan behind him.
Su Changan didn't care where the seat was, but Xun Kuang still explained to Su Changan why he was not allowed to sit in the main seat.
Su Changan understood the reason, and he didn't care about it.
Afterwards, Xun Kuang naturally went to the door to welcome the distinguished guests of today's literary gathering.
Su Zimu went to say hello to Cui Yu and others.
Speaking of Cui Yu, from the moment he entered the literary gathering, Su Changan noticed that Cui Yu's eyes were always on Maomao, with a very happy face.
I don’t know if it was because he saw the dogwood hairpin on the cat’s head or because he saw his daughter.
But the cat is here.
Hiding behind Yan Ruyu, he not only looked disgusted but also stared at Cui Yu and the others vigilantly, like a little black cat. As soon as he noticed Cui Yu was about to come over, he would leave immediately.
Cui Yu felt helpless about this scene, but perhaps he was used to it, so he looked indifferent.
On the contrary, after hearing the words of the woman next to him, Cui Yu immediately showed a heartbroken expression, and he didn't know what the woman said.
Su Changan knew that woman.
She is Cui Yuer, one of the few talented women in Luoan City who can be compared with Su Linhan.
During the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet, Su Linhan introduced Cui Yuer to Su Changan, saying that she was a very nice person, but no one dared to play with Cui Yuer.
Su Changan didn’t quite understand what this meant, but he didn’t think too much about it.
Just when Su Changan was thinking about going to pay a visit to Master Yao, Mr. Shuiyun and others.
These gentlemen have already come over.
After Master Yao exchanged greetings with Su Changan, he got straight to the point: "Do you have a spare copy of the book Dream of the Red Chamber? I didn't buy it, but I lent it to someone else before and finished reading it. It's really amazing."
Su Changan was stunned. Although he had just heard what Xun Kuang said, he did not expect that the first person to come and ask for it would be Master Yao. So after greeting these people and several old gentlemen he had never met before, he looked at Master Yao and said, "I will go back and ask my third uncle. If he doesn't have it, I will prepare a copy for you after the bound volume is published."
Old Master Yao shook his head: "No matter how much it costs, I will buy it. You gave it to me, and these people also want it. Are you going to give it to them all? If you give it to them, what about the others? This kind of thing should not set a precedent."
A mother-in-law laughed and scolded: "You abide by your rules, but you still have to buy from Miss Chang'an. Aren't you setting a precedent?"
Master Yao stared at the old woman who was speaking: "Can this be considered a gift?"
The mother-in-law immediately raised her eyebrows: "How is it different? Since you bought it from Miss Chang'an, we will naturally start buying it here. This is still causing trouble for Miss Chang'an."
Mr. Yao seemed to want to say something but stopped himself. Finally, he turned his head away, too lazy to argue about this paradox.
Su Changan was helpless, but he could also tell that this old woman must be an old acquaintance of Master Yao, so she was deliberately finding fault to anger Master Yao.
Mr. Shuiyun looked at Su Changan and introduced him, "This is Mr. Kong Wan from Bianzhou."
The Kong family of Bianzhou has a thousand-year-old tradition.
When Xia Fengxiang gave Su Changan the list, he specifically mentioned that this family, like the Qinghe Cui family, was a noble family among the aristocratic families.
Su Changan looked at the lady named Kong Wan and bowed to her.
Kong Wan immediately responded: "My words are a bit harsh, please don't laugh at me, Miss Chang'an."
After that, she looked at Su Changan and said, "I just came to the capital a few days ago. As soon as I arrived in the capital, I heard the poems written by the young lady. I also heard about the clouds resembling clothes, flowers resembling faces, and when the bright moon appears. I was full of praise. Today I get to see the young lady, and I really live up to her reputation."
Su Changan hasn't spoken yet.
Wen Zhegu said, "No way. Kong Wan, you said before that a few plum blossoms in the corner are very important. Why don't you mention it today? And you didn't buy the Red Mansion, so you wanted to ask Miss Chang'an for help?"
Kong Wan frowned and said, "All the poems are extraordinary. Do you want me to tell you everything? Besides, I want to find a way, but I haven't had time to speak yet. Wen Zhegu, even if you want to help Yao Yuanzai, it's not like this."
Wen Zhegu was indeed planning to help Master Yao get back his face, but he was interrupted by Kong Wan and immediately shook his head and smiled bitterly.
Su Changan smiled and said, "I'm afraid the upper and lower volumes are out of stock now. When the combined volume comes out, I will tell Uncle San and leave some for you gentlemen."
When everyone heard this, they naturally stopped being pretentious and thanked him one after another.
One of the old teachers looked at Su Changan, bowed, and then said, "Miss, can you allow me to hang the phrase 'The spring breeze is blowing and the horse's hooves are galloping, and I can see all the flowers in Luoan in one day' above the school after I return to encourage the children."
Wen Zhegu immediately introduced that this person was Mr. Zhu, the dean of the Heli Academy in Jiangnan. This time he not only accompanied the candidates from the academy to the capital, but also brought some children to study abroad.
Upon hearing this, Su Changan immediately thought of the old master that Su Wan'er had mentioned to him before, so he immediately said, "Once it is recited, it can be used by everyone in the world. The master wants to use it in the school to motivate students. It will be a blessing for Changan."
Mr. Zhu bowed with a smile.
Su Changan thought for a moment and said, "My past filthiness is not worth boasting about, but my present unrestrained thoughts are limitless. The spring breeze is blowing and the horse's hooves are galloping, and I can see all the flowers in Luoan in one day. This is the whole poem. If you want to write it, you should write it in full, so that they can understand the true meaning of this sentence, so that some people will not misunderstand or do not understand the good intentions of the master."
After hearing this, everyone thought about it carefully and looked at Su Changan with even stronger approval in their eyes.
I studied hard for decades and knew the pain, but when I passed the imperial examination, I was so happy that I rode my horse through Luoan City and looked at the flowers all over the city.
The last two sentences describe a moment of joy and can be used to express the students’ happy emotions.
But if you add the first two sentences, mentioning the difficult past, it is immediately contrasted with the pride and joy that follows, letting out the depression that has been pent up in the heart for years and making one feel proud!
Poetry and lyrics are not as good as the bright moon, the clouds are like clothes and the flowers are like faces.
But this poem would be just right if used before the imperial examination!
Great good!
Especially this old Master Zhu, after tasting it carefully, immediately bowed and said: "I have witnessed the talent of Miss Chang'an with my own eyes."
…
Here Su Changan was chatting with the teachers and gentlemen.
But it can be said that everyone's eyes were completely on Su Changan.
How many women looked at Su Changan and felt he was extremely stunning. His every move was just as described in the rumors. He was worthy of the description of being extremely handsome and charming. How envious they were.
But besides envy, I also admire him more.
I feel that only such a person could write so many famous poems and "Dream of Red Mansions".
But when I think of "Dream of Red Mansions" and look at Su Changan, I feel that this future queen is really cruel. I shed countless tears while reading "Dream of Red Mansions". When I think about it now, I still feel very sad.
Many men looked at Su Chang'an, praising him highly, and they all felt that the rumors in the capital were not exaggerated, but based on facts.
How many students from other places, after coming to the capital, were so eager to see the "Snow Chapter" that they really wanted to know the complete text of some of the poems and wanted to go forward to ask for advice, but were hesitant and did not dare to go over.
I could only take a few sneak peeks and then whisper to my companions.
But now
Seeing the teachers' approving faces, he became even more curious about what Miss Chang'an had said to make the teachers look so.
Especially, Mr. Zhu, who used to be very serious, bowed and looked full of admiration.
Everyone was immediately curious.
but
Although I was curious, I had to hold it back.
Because even if Su Changan was the only one there at that moment, they would never dare to go up to him and talk to him or greet him.
After all, Su Changan's identity is there.
But they can't just talk casually.
No matter how much he boasted before, saying what he would do when he met Miss Chang'an.
At that moment, I silently endured the ridicule of my companions.
I really didn't dare to go up and talk to him.
Li Wei, the talented scholar who attended the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet in the past, was one of them.
Zuo Shaoweng looked at Li Wei and said with a smile: "Didn't someone say that when he saw Miss Chang'an, he would definitely ask her why Daiyu and Baoyu were separated, and why Xue Baochai was left alone in her empty room and died in depression? Why is she hiding in the distance now and not daring to move? Even when she bowed just now, she stood at the back."
Li Wei glared at Zuo Shaoweng, then said stubbornly: "Didn't you see that there were so many people around Miss Chang'an? How can I go up and ask! Stop talking nonsense here!"
Zuo Shaoweng smiled and shook his head, but looked at Li Hun who was sitting alone at the table over there and sighed.
The Grand Tutor intended to recruit Li Hun and the other two with gifts. Li Hun had already intended to become an official, so he immediately agreed.
However, he shook his head to refuse the gift and left the capital to study a few days ago.
Zuo Shao Weng heard that Li Hun and He Li had a big fight.
Looking at Li Hun drinking alone, Zuo Shaoweng sighed.
Li Wei looked at Zuo Shaoweng and said immediately, "Don't go looking for Li Hun. He has taken refuge with the Grand Tutor. Your family has informed you of the current situation in the capital. Don't do unnecessary things."
Zuo Shao Weng frowned slightly, thinking of that day after the Mid-Autumn Festival when everyone was drinking and chatting happily, and how close they got along. However, they still could not escape the abyss of the temple, and parted ways due to different opinions.
And looking at the people at this literary meeting, I'm afraid many of them have already secretly defected.
Now everyone is so happy, I wonder what is going on behind the scenes.
Hey~~
Thinking of this, Zuo Shao Weng sighed again. He felt that it would be great if there were no party struggles in Daxia, scholars only studied for the country, warriors practiced martial arts to protect the country, officials served the people wholeheartedly, and the people lived and worked in peace and contentment.
At this time.
Mu Xu entered the venue.
Still smiling, he knew everyone and could talk to everyone.
When everyone saw the chief priest arrive, they naturally knew that the literary gathering was about to begin.
After paying their respects to the Lord Chief Priest, they returned to their seats.
This is naturally the case for Su Changan and his group.
Mu Xu looked at Su Changan and smiled, then turned around and looked inside the lecture hall.
At this moment, not only was the lecture hall already full of people, but there were also many uninvited students from the Imperial College outside the lecture hall.
Mu Xu also made deliberate arrangements for these Tai students. After all, they were people who did not plan to take the imperial examinations this year, so it would be beneficial for them to come here and listen more today.
Mu Xu looked at everyone and smiled and said, "Master Yao said those polite words are okay, but I said they are not okay. Why? Because if I say something wrong, I will definitely be lectured by Master Yao and Mr. Kong. So, I won't say any more flowery words at today's literary gathering. I just want to tell you that today's literary gathering is about making friends through literature. If you start arguing, don't fight. The Imperial College doesn't have much money, especially those flowers. They were all taken from the palace. I can't afford to pay for them if they are damaged."
When everyone heard this, many people laughed.
Mr. Yao and others shook their heads.
However, Mu Xu continued with a smile: "Okay, that's it, everyone can speak freely, or ask for doubts, and everyone here can help you answer them, or you can communicate with others, but only talk about the paper, not other things. If you involve other things, I will kick you out."
When saying this, Mu Xu deliberately glanced at the officials serving in the court.
Among those people were the Empress Dowager’s people and the Grand Tutor’s people. The following sentences were meant specifically for them.
After saying that, Mu Xu ignored all this and walked over to the table next to Xun Kuang and sat down.
Xun Kuang helplessly looked at the teacher who was sitting on the table and ignored all these things. He stood up helplessly, bowed to everyone in the lecture hall and said, "I heard that Mr. He and Mr. Zhou were arguing about 'Why does a gentleman not worry or fear'? How about you two start first?"
As soon as these words came out.
Mr. He Yang, who had come over to pay his respects to Su Changan before, stood up, bowed to Xun Kuang, and then made a gesture of invitation to Mr. Zhou Zhennan who was sitting opposite him.
Su Changan looked at the two of them with interest.
Knowledge comes from discussion.
The final meaning of many words of sages, apart from those clearly expressed by the sages and thus passed down, many of them are interpreted by later generations and the meaning is determined after debate and discussion.
The teachers debated, and the students listened and learned, or put forward their own views and discussed further, so that everyone present could understand the deeper meaning.
The significance of the literary meeting lies in
Su Changan listened to the two of them starting to argue.
Look at Mu Xu, Xun Kuang and others, who were listening and eating fruit.
Thinking I could eat something.
So after taking a bite of the orange, he looked at the small shoulder bag that Maomao had just placed next to him.
Then he looked at the others and hesitated.
But I immediately thought there was nothing to be embarrassed about. Just eat when you are hungry.
Besides, the fruits on the table are for you to eat. It’s no big deal if you eat something else yourself, since you brought them yourself anyway.
The most important thing is, it was prepared by my wife!
He took out the food wrapped in oil paper directly from his bag.
Place them one by one on the table.
Xun Kuang sat next to Su Changan, watching curiously what Su Changan was doing.
Even Mu Xu, Su Zimu, Su Linhan and others all looked curious.
Those who had been paying attention to Su Changan looked at Su Changan even more.
Su Wan'er was different. She was sitting next to Su Changan's desk. She already knew what was being pretended and looked at Su Changan with some surprise.
And everyone's curious eyes
It immediately turned into surprise, astonishment, and helplessness.
because
Su Changan opened an oil-paper package, revealing two large chicken legs inside.
(End of this chapter)
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