While waiting in line, Song Chi also listened attentively to the people around him talking about interesting stories.
This fat man with pockmarked face seemed to be a know-it-all. Everyone gathered around him and asked, "Don't you even know about the four great gardens in Jiangzhou?"
He looked surprised, thinking that these people had never seen the world.
"Jiangzhou has numerous brothels and elegant gardens, and countless theaters and brothels. Among them, the eighteen on both sides of the Jinshui River are the most famous. Among these eighteen, there are four that are the most top-notch, known as the Four Floors."
"They are Fanlou, Hualou, Silou, and Jinlou. When put together, they form a flourishing brocade. It is said that these four buildings belong to the same owner, but whether this is true or not is unknown."
Zhang Qing tried hard to educate everyone, but this year's candidates were so ignorant that they didn't even know the basic common sense.
"Let's talk about the poetry gathering and the guest of honor. We are more concerned about this."
"I think you guys want to get something for free."
Zhang Qing's words made everyone laugh. He then said, "If you want to get it for free, you have to be strong enough. This year is the year of the major examinations, and many students have come to Jiangcheng to take the exam. So, the four major brothels petitioned, and the Jiangzhou City Schoolmaster Office organized a poetry competition. In fact, it would be more accurate to call it a literary competition."
Song Chi understood.
The ladies in the brothel wanted fame, and the scholars also wanted fame. The two hit it off and this literary gathering was held.
The courtesan especially loves talented men. When the poems written by talented men are circulated, the courtesan's reputation also spreads. The courtesan's value soars and the talented men become famous.
This is also the reason why there are always good stories about famous prostitutes and talented men.
There are not so many romantic stories in the world. In fact, they are just hype to increase each other's exposure. After all, whether in ancient times or modern times, as long as there is traffic, there is money.
For these brothel girls, a good poem is more important than money.
The most famous freeloader in history is the great poet Liu Yong of the Northern Song Dynasty, also known as Liu Sanbian. He treated brothels as his home. While others spent money there, he made money there. He made money with a clear conscience, and the prostitutes were willing to pay him.
Song Chi also wanted fame, not for showing off, but given his current situation, the greater his fame, the more cautious others would be when they wanted to touch him.
Just like in Ji County, he shined at the female general's homecoming banquet, and later became famous for being the first in the county case. The Han family could not touch him at will, and later they sent out killers only when they were forced into a corner.
In ancient times when imperial examinations were paramount, talent and reputation were very important.
Song Chi was worried about having no place to improve his reputation, but now he has a place to go.
At this time, Zhang Qing continued, "This poetry competition is hosted by the Jiangzhou City Schoolmaster Office, which has official background. If I can take first place, it will also be beneficial for my college entrance examination."
The School Book Office was roughly equivalent to an industry association, which was specifically responsible for managing brothels and was under the jurisdiction of the provincial government's etiquette office.
Someone asked, "How can a poetry club be of any benefit to the examination hall?"
Zhang Qing came over and said, "You don't understand this, do you? Those who participate in the poetry and prose competition are all scholars. Where do these scholars come from? Aren't they from various academies? There are vested interests involved. On the surface, it's the School of Proofreading, but behind it are the various academies. Naturally, they have to offer some prizes."
"Talented men and beautiful women gain fame, and brothels and academies all earn money. Isn't this a win-win situation for everyone?"
Hearing this, everyone shook their heads and sighed, saying that the world was going downhill and when did brothels and academies become involved?
"This literary gathering is the largest in Jiangzhou in recent times. It tests not only poetry but also couplets and riddles. It's extremely difficult to come out on top. It's said that Mr. Hao Yongzhen will be invited to be the judge."
"Hao Yongzhen?"
"Even Mr. Hao Yongzhen has come out of retirement."
Hearing this, everyone was surprised.
Jiangzhou is located in the south. Due to its prosperous economy and flourishing literature, it almost represents the entire south and is also known as Jiangnan. Because there are many talented people, the four great talents are selected every once in a while.
Hao Yongzhen was one of them, and he was also one of the four most famous talents. At that time, he was known as the Four Talents of Jiangnan, directly representing the entire southern part of the Great Zhou, and no one had any objections.
As time goes by, the four great talents of that time have all grown old, and the other three have passed away. Only Hao Yongzhen, who is in his fifties, is still alive. Although he is old, his fame remains, and he is still a senior in the literary world.
"Since even this old veteran has come out, are we going to re-select the Four Great Talents this year?"
"yes."
Zhang Qingying said, "The winner of this poetry competition will be selected as one of the Four Great Talents."
"Then we really caught up."
Someone exclaimed, "It seems that this literary gathering is probably the most grand literary event in recent years. If you can become famous at this literary gathering, you will definitely have a bright future."
"It's not that easy."
Zhang Qing shook his head and said, "There are countless talented people participating in this literary gathering, many of whom are already very famous. I heard that even the son of the Prime Minister will be attending."
"Son of the Prime Minister? Isn't he from the capital?"
"Don't you know that the Prime Minister's hometown is Ning'an Prefecture? If so, the Prime Minister's son is from Jiangzhou, so it is legitimate for him to come to the literary gathering and even participate in the talent selection."
Everyone was silent.
He is already the son of the Prime Minister, but he still competes with scholars for these empty titles.
Song Chi was slightly stunned when he heard this. He could meet his good brother again. It seemed that he had to participate in this literary gathering. It would not only improve his reputation, but also give his good brother a blow.
"You can enter only after paying ten coins."
It was Song Chi's turn to enter. He put the ten coins he had prepared in advance into the basket and entered the city.
Taking bribes so blatantly is a disaster for the Great Zhou Dynasty.
Song Chi sighed as he entered the city. A huge noise hit him in the face. There were crowds of people in front of him, and the noisy sounds caught him off guard.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
