Chapter 551 Poetry Gathering? Social Event?
"My name is Zhang Can, and this is my younger sister, Zhang Wenlu. We've long admired Director Shi's reputation..."
All the students, both male and female, were dressed in standard scholar's robes, gently waving folding fans and exuding elegance. In particular, those who dressed as scholars but were actually imitations had a unique charm, which made Shi Jing and the others momentarily lose their senses.
"Today, our teacher instructed us to come and welcome the students from the capital. I really didn't expect this... Hehehe! Please don't be offended, my brother. Just call me Shi Jing. These are all my classmates and colleagues. I've never seen them before... I'm sorry to have made you ladies laugh at this kind of gathering. I'm ashamed."
Although Shi Jing was young, he had already presided over many major projects for high-ranking officials and commanded thousands of people under his command year-round. He possessed a special leadership quality and quickly covered up the lapse in composure of his group of brothers.
"Brother Shi, what are you saying? We've come here to cause you trouble. We're the ones who should be ashamed!"
"Brother Zhang, there's no need for such formalities. It's windy by the river, and the ladies must be tired from their journey. Why don't you go to your lodgings and rest for a while? We've organized a social gathering tonight... oh no... we've organized a poetry recital. We hope you'll all grace us with your presence!"
Zhang Wenlu, who was standing next to Zhang Can, remained silent. Apart from greeting Shi Jing with her brother at the beginning, she did not make any other moves, but simply quietly observed the man in front of her.
"His skin was a bit dark and slightly rough, and his stubble wasn't very neatly groomed, but his eyes were very bright. He was natural and unpretentious in his interactions with people, and he even exuded a kind of... the same aura as his father. How could that be?"
Zhang Wenlu, a talented woman who has risen to fame in the capital in recent years, is certainly not a fool. When she learned that her father intended for her to marry a "craftsman foreman" who was not even a scholar, she was extremely unwilling. However, upon meeting Shi Jing in person today, he seemed to be quite different from what she had imagined.
Zhang Wenlu couldn't help but wonder, are all the men of high-ranking officials this extraordinary? Then Prince Heng is... quite legendary!
When Zhang Wenlu saw the apartment arranged for her, her curiosity about the high-ranking official grew even stronger. The suite, with one living room and one bedroom, was not large, but the walls were covered with dark-patterned paper that she had never seen before, instantly filling the small room with an elegant atmosphere. There was also a terrace facing the sun, and the exquisite potted plants on the terrace added a vibrant touch to the entire apartment.
But what surprised Zhang Wenlu even more was that the small washroom was made entirely of "porcelain," or rather, covered with porcelain-like squares. It was smooth and clean, and the bluish-white color exuded an elegant and noble air.
On the wall of the washroom hung a large silver mirror, several feet square; in the capital, this mirror alone could be exchanged for half a shop.
"Miss, there are two beds in the bedroom. I'll have someone move one to the living room!"
"No need. Since they've arranged it this way, you can just sleep with me to avoid gossip."
"Where do you find a maidservant sleeping in the same room as her mistress? These people have such nice houses, yet they don't understand the etiquette of official families at all. They're obviously from the countryside. Miss, you're unlucky. You're the daughter of a high-ranking official, how could a country bumpkin craftsman like you be worthy of..."
Zhang Wenlu's maid, Xiao Lian'er, was tidying up her mistress's and her own belongings, muttering her dissatisfaction. As Zhang Wenlu's personal maid, she was to be part of the dowry. Today, she secretly glanced at Director Shi and felt that he was no match for the young masters of the capital. He was an unregistered resident and didn't even wear face powder. A dashing and debonair young master like her own young master, Zhang Can, was her dream match.
"Stop talking nonsense! How could the person Father values be a country bumpkin? Remember not to judge people by their appearance in the future!"
"Yes, yes, yes, I'm Miss's belt anyway. Whoever marries Miss will have to touch me first. I accept my fate!"
"You want a beating, huh! I'll teach you a lesson today..."
"Hehehe... Hahaha... This servant will never dare to do it again, Miss..."
"Call me Young Master!"
"Young master... Waaah... I'll give in to you! Waaah..."
A young lady dressed as a man and a delicate and frail maidservant were fighting, displaying their springtime charm in the room.
The young ladies from the official families were indeed exhausted. Although the women's quarters had given them a completely new experience, they didn't get up until it was almost dark. They had their maids help them change and wash up, preparing to go to a designated hall to attend the "poetry gathering" after they had dressed up.
Because of the constant fighting against the orcs, the people of Daxia were relatively fierce and open-minded. However, the casual gathering of men and women still violated the "Women's Instructions." Therefore, the name "Poetry Gathering" was used. Talented men and beautiful women made friends through poetry, exchanging glances and conveying deep feelings. Although lovers may not end up together, it has indeed given rise to countless good poems and articles.
Although Xiao Lian'er was not very satisfied with the master craftsman Shi Jing, she was still very interested in the poetry gathering that night. The flickering candlelight illuminated the beautiful figures of the talented men and women, and the gorgeous poems and the swaying skirts were all the spring dreams hidden in the hearts of these young men and women.
But today they could not see any candlelight. Two new gas lamps produced in Taiwan were hung at both ends of the poetry gathering, illuminating the beautiful shadows and candlelight from every angle.
"Brother Shi, why are these lights so dazzling?"
This was the first time Zhang Wenlu had spoken to Shi Jing on her own initiative. At this moment, her reserved and modest nature, which she had cultivated since childhood, was no longer useful. Her curious nature kicked in, and nothing could stop her desire to learn.
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