As they were talking, the other scholars that Lin Ziqi had invited also arrived.
Upon meeting them, Qin Siyuan became even more certain that Lin Ziqi's formation of the society was all to highlight his poetic talent.
I just don't know if that distinguished guest will actually come to visit.
The group strolled along the embankment, chatting and laughing as they swam in Yuyuantan.
The emperor of the previous dynasty once built a fishing platform here, so there are scenic spots such as Yangzun Forest and Spring and Fishing River Bend. Later, a famous prime minister built Wanliu Hall, and Yuyuantan became a place for literary gatherings.
Every year, people come here to enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, swim in summer, admire the autumn leaves, and play in the snow in winter.
It is summer now, and Yuyuantan is a pool formed by gushing springs. The water is sparkling, with willows and lotus flowers in the shade. In the distance, there are endless reed beds and rice fields, surrounded by a ring of earthen hills.
The mountain is covered with trees, and nobles would also go up the mountain to hunt, hunting wild rabbits, pheasants and the like for a bit of wild fun.
Master Gu often came here to go boating on the water with a group of witty literati. It was here that he met Aunt Zheng. However, this time it was Lin Ziqi's society that was spending money, so they could only watch the scene from the water.
Because of the Qin family's family precepts, Qin Siyuan disliked extravagance. His father had passed away early, and he and his widowed mother supported each other through the year, so he didn't feel anything was wrong.
The other scholars, who were only trying to befriend the future Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) and the sixth master of the Dingbei Marquis's family, were naturally willing to compromise.
Master Gu was having a good time chatting with Qin Siyuan, and he didn't care whether they could take a boat or whether there were any singers and dancers to entertain them.
After walking for quite a while, the group finally arrived at the bend of the fishing river. They were inevitably a little tired, so they stopped when they saw some tea stalls and restaurants along the roadside.
Lin Ziqi said, "Why don't we rest here and compose poems?"
Qin Siyuan nodded.
Master Gu nodded in agreement.
Others say yes.
Lin Ziqi continued, "Since I initiated this poetry gathering, let me first explain the rules for composing poetry. Today, we are gathered here not because of those who are simply having fun, but because we are here to make friends through poetry."
Yes, yes.
Several scholars, who were not particularly good at writing poetry but were invited to make up the numbers, nodded in agreement.
Master Gu felt that this time was different from the usual amusement activities; it was more serious and prestigious, so he naturally had no objections.
Qin Siyuan nodded and said, "That's exactly right."
Otherwise, what's the point of coming here? In this sweltering heat, it's better to stay home and study.
Seeing that everyone agreed with him, Lin Ziqi said smugly, "Then I'll give you a few topics and put them here. Each of us can choose one or more. Those who can write more can do more, and those who are slow at writing poems can do less. After we finish writing, we'll evaluate them slowly."
"Yes, yes."
Everyone thought it was appropriate.
Lin Ziqi continued, "Whether it's five-character lines, seven-character lines, or even lyrics, it's all fine. Some of us are not familiar with each other, and this is our first time participating in a gathering. We don't know what we are good at, so let's just write what we are used to, okay?"
"OK."
Lin Ziqi and his group occupied two adjacent tables at the innermost part of the tea stall, and ordered several pots of tea and some melon seeds and snacks.
Sixth Master Gu had never done this before, and he didn't mind that the tea was old and the pastries were hard. He sat down next to Qin Siyuan and asked with great interest, "Brother, how's your poetry?"
Qin Siyuan laughed and said, "It's just that it's neat and upright, but it's far inferior to Brother Ziqi's."
Master Gu looked at Lin Ziqi with admiration and said, "Brother Ziqi is indeed a man of great talent. My brother does not like to speak recklessly. It seems that you will be the champion of this poetry club."
Lin Ziqi quickly waved his hand and laughed, "You absolutely can't say that. The essence of poetry lies in its artistic conception. Even if someone is illiterate, they can still utter good lines if they capture the essence. Without artistic conception, even a great poet is just spouting clichés."
“That’s true,” said one of the two people who had somehow taken up a seat at the outermost table of the tea stall.
One was older, with a fair complexion, red lips, and white teeth, exuding an air of authority. The other was in his prime, short and thin, with a long face covered by a mustache.
Both men were dressed in dark silk robes, making it impossible to discern their social status, but it was clear they were people who had lived a life of luxury.
Lin Ziqi quickly stood up and respectfully asked, "What insightful opinions do you two have?"
The older man said, "I have no great insight. I used to enjoy writing poetry when I was young, but I no longer have that mindset, so I've gradually stopped. I feel the same way after hearing what you said, and I couldn't help but agree. Please don't blame me for disturbing your enjoyment."
Lin Ziqi smiled and said, "You're too kind, sir. It's fate that we met. How about we compose a poem together?"
The one in his prime waved his hand and said, "Forget it, we'll just listen from the sidelines. We're busy with other things, we'll leave after a while."
Lin Ziqi cupped his hands in greeting and sat down.
Qin Siyuan already understood that these two were the benefactors Qin Yuan had mentioned.
Both he and Lin Ziqi were Juren (successful candidates in the imperial examinations), and these two saw their identities but didn't care at all, which shows that Juren were just ordinary people in their eyes.
Qin Siyuan glanced at Lin Ziqi again and saw that Lin Ziqi's eyes were shining and his expression showed a more determined look than before. He was even more certain that Lin Ziqi was waiting for them.
Gu Jingjun poured tea for the two of them and said with a smile, "I'm just here to make up the numbers. My son, Brother Qi, will have to go easy on me later."
Qin Siyuan lowered his head and smiled quietly.
They're all here today to make up the numbers for Lin Ziqi.
However, Qin Yuan reminded him that this opportunity might not be available to Lin Ziqi alone.
Lin Ziqi laughed and said, "Sixth Master often composes poems and forms poetry clubs, how could he be stumped by the poem topic I set? You sit close to Siyuan, so if you're stuck for a moment, just ask him to help you think of a few lines."
Gu Jingjun asked, "Is it possible to do that?"
Lin Ziqi, beaming, said, "Of course! Today we're here to make friends through poetry, not to compete for any rankings. It's just our first time forming a society so we can all get to know each other. If we share similar interests, we can increase the difficulty a bit more in the future."
Gu Jingjun said, "Then it will be my turn to start the society next time."
Qin Siyuan remained silent, waiting for Lin Ziqi to pose the question.
After leisurely drinking a cup of tea, Lin Ziqi spent a few coins to ask the shopkeeper for writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.
Many literati and scholars come here to visit, and everything is prepared, but the quality is not very good. The inkstone is half a piece, the ink is coarse, the brush tip is worn out, and the paper is even rougher.
But Gu Jingjun was delighted and didn't find anything objectionable; on the contrary, he found everything novel.
Lin Ziqi wrote down eight poem titles in one go, listed them on paper, and passed them around for everyone to see.
There were still eight people present. Qin Siyuan wondered to himself if Lin Ziqi planned to write all the poems. His younger sister had already marked all the topics, so he was prepared and not worried.
After catching their breath, the group dispersed. Some sat on chairs to rest, while others wandered around, admiring the scenery and searching for inspiration. Qin Siyuan pulled the lazy Gu Jingjun to his feet and said, "Let's walk around and look around; maybe we'll find something."
Gu Jingjun said indifferently, "It's not like a woman is pregnant. I don't have anything in my belly, so I just keep writing the same things over and over again."
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