Chapter 28: A Gathering of Talented Women, A Foreboding Premonition...
Ke Ying Lou is now operating stably. Manager Wang is reliable and trustworthy, and she's one of our own, so Zhang Ting feels comfortable entrusting her with the business and has been going to the restaurant less lately.
She was invited to a literary gathering today and left home early.
The person who organized this gathering was a student of the Imperial Academy named Qiu Yuan, who loved socializing and made many friends.
The location was a village in the western suburbs. Yesterday, on the day of the Awakening of Insects, it rained, and the ground was wet. The air was filled with the earthy smell of soil, and sparrows hopped onto the branches and chirped happily.
As the chill gradually fades, verdant greenery emerges from the forest.
Zhang Ting took off his fur coat and handed it to the coachman, then led Li Ruilian toward the gate.
As they approached the entrance, they happened to see someone coming out. This person was wearing a light blue brocade robe, tall and slender, with a fair and thin face and a dignified demeanor. What impressed Zhang Ting most were her long, narrow, and melancholy eyes.
She turned her head, and her gaze met Zhang Ting's.
Qiu Yuan has always had good taste, and all those she associates with are outstanding individuals.
She knew the talented woman from the Imperial Academy very well. After carefully observing her, she noticed that she was well-dressed and had a beautiful face, but she couldn't recall her. She assumed she was just another uninvited, sycophantic nobody, and a faint sneer flashed in her eyes.
Just as she was about to walk past the person and leave, she saw him nod slightly at her and give her a faint smile.
Then, the attendant handed the invitation to the gatekeeper, and the two went straight inside.
She frowned, staring at the man's back, completely baffled.
When did the Imperial Academy produce such an outstanding person?
As soon as Zhang Ting stepped through the hanging flower gate, the host of the gathering immediately noticed her, hurriedly stepped forward to warmly embrace her, and led her to the front of the group. With a beaming smile, he introduced her to the invited students: "This is a new friend I made a few days ago. She is beautiful and talented, and I am here to introduce her to all of you sisters."
Aunt Qiu Yuan was the Director of Studies at the Imperial Academy. She was very shrewd and talented, so she was well-liked at the academy. The students who were invited to the academy would give her face and say, "Sister Qiu, where did you meet this new friend? She is so beautiful."
"Haha, tell us quickly, so we can try our luck too!"
"This classmate, I've never seen him before. Where did you study before?"
When Qiu Yuan went to Chang Geng Bookstore to audit a class, she met Zhang Ting by chance. She was impressed by his extraordinary appearance and quick wit and took a liking to him, so she took the initiative to befriend him.
However, since the bookstore involved sensitive figures, she couldn't publicize it everywhere. She only said playfully, "Sister Zhang, our spiritual connection is a rare and precious fate. Please don't covet it."
The crowd laughed and joked for a while before finally stopping.
Several handsome young servants dressed in apricot-colored silk robes served exquisite dishes and placed them on the prepared long table, inviting everyone to take their seats.
The wooden tabletops are fragrant and serene, expensive and heavy. Each person has a section hollowed out in front of them, with different shapes and heights, naturally connecting to form a concentric circle. Various fruit platters are placed in the center, interspersed with bonsai, creating a unique charm.
The hollowed-out area was paved with clean white gravel. At this time, the servant poured in spring water, which flowed gently, resembling a flowing jade ribbon in the bright outdoor light.
The servant gently placed the wine cups on a specially made wooden tray, and, following the meandering water flow, delivered them one by one to the visiting queen.
The musicians, hidden behind the curtains of the pavilion opposite, played long and melodious music.
Kyoto is known for its extravagance, but this is just a glimpse into the city's true nature.
Zhang Ting took a cup, sipped it, and found it to be a fine aged wine, with a refreshing, smooth, and clean taste.
She put down her wine cup, and suddenly her right eyelid started twitching uncontrollably. She raised her hand to rub it gently, a sense of unease rising in her heart.
Could there be some kind of disaster at today's gathering?
As the hostess, Qiu Yuan rose to offer a toast, simply to liven up the atmosphere. She then asked a servant to bring pen and ink, and discussed poetry and prose with everyone.
Everyone present was a talented individual, and each of them composed a poem, which was then hung up on a rope for everyone to appreciate.
When the shortcomings were mentioned, the atmosphere on the field became tense. Zhang Ting's poem was also severely criticized. However, she was from an unorthodox background and had limited knowledge. She took the person's hand and asked her to give a more detailed critique, only regretting that the other person had not said enough.
Seeing that Zhang Ting wasn't as furious as the others, and even treated her like a teacher, humbly seeking her advice, the other party was quite pleased with themselves, and with a smirk, they shared their experience.
Considering Zhang Ting's sensible nature, she originally only intended to criticize her a few times and let it go. However, she didn't expect that this person would listen so attentively, asking questions from time to time, each question hitting the nail on the head. She was exhausted from talking, and for the sake of face, she could only explain in more detail.
After speaking, his mouth was dry, so Zhang Ting thoughtfully handed him a glass of wine.
After drinking, the other party calmed down and saw Zhang Ting looking at him with admiration. He was secretly pleased and belittled her. Then, he couldn't help but act like a teacher and show off how to write articles, revealing the preferences of several officials in the court.
Zhang Ting listened intently, even wishing he could empty her mind of everything.
The commotion they made attracted the attention of others.
The woman in purple robes walked over and retorted, "You say that Grand Secretary Xu's talent is the best in the court? I don't think so. Emperor Mingzong..." She suddenly stopped halfway through her sentence and dared not continue.
Her companions came to her rescue: "Dr. Zheng is exceptionally talented and skilled in poetry and calligraphy; she should be the first choice."
Another person disagreed, saying, "Why limit ourselves to the imperial court? Master Zhang is a man of profound learning, knowledgeable in both ancient and modern times, and an exceptional calligrapher and painter. He should be the first choice."
Qiu Yuan heard them arguing from afar, chattering away, and thought they were having a fight, so she rushed over to stop them, only to find out that they were talking about this.
She curled her lip, "Among the great Confucian scholars in the court today, who can compare to Lord Han?"
"Lord Han was the top scholar in the first year of the Chengtai era. He was appointed as a Hanlin Academy Reader and lectured His Majesty on the classics."
The people arguing fell silent instantly, offering no rebuttal.
Zhang Ting raised an eyebrow. This Lord Han seems to be quite capable.
Mentioning this Lord Han, Qiu Yuan couldn't help but sigh, "Today, we also invited the lady of the Lord's residence to the gathering, but unfortunately, she was called back home shortly after she arrived."
The woman in the purple robe also felt regret, as she missed an opportunity to meet the great Confucian scholar.
After everyone had lunch together, they sat idly in the courtyard for a short rest.
Some people found it boring and suggested going horseback hunting in the afternoon, which drew a lot of agreement.
Zhang Ting's pupils dilated in shock. She didn't know how to ride a horse or shoot arrows?!
Fortunately, although those present came from privileged backgrounds, they were still scholars, and some were too weak to ride or shoot. Qiu Yuan rejected them on the grounds that there wasn't enough time today.
Zhang Ting huddled in the middle, secretly thinking: I need to find an opportunity to properly learn riding and archery.
The servant served tea and snacks to everyone, which were varied and exquisitely presented.
The group gathered together; some invited each other to the pavilion to enjoy the scenery and play chess, some were engrossed in studying poetry and prose, and some even decided to write another article.
Pursuing education is not easy, and Zhang Ting is naturally one of the latter.
After receiving guidance that morning, she felt she had made progress again.
Kyoto truly lives up to its name; hidden talents abound everywhere.
Zhang Tingshen felt that his trip was definitely worthwhile.
Qiu Yuan greatly admired her talent and comprehension. She moved closer to her and glanced at the pavilion outside, where the fighting was in full swing.
He looked away and struck up a conversation with her: "Does my sister know who was the person who was just picking on you?"
Zhang Ting followed her gaze and saw the kind person who had guided her that morning.
With her eyelids half-closed, she said softly, "My sister was unaware."
Afterwards, he stared at his new policy essay and admired it repeatedly, feeling quite satisfied.
Qiu Yuan originally intended to use this to tease Zhang Ting, but after waiting for a long time without hearing her ask any questions, she became anxious.
She leaned closer again, "Isn't your little sister curious?"
The more anxious she became, the calmer Zhang Ting remained, but she also knew how to maintain her composure and give her a way out. "With such extensive knowledge and an intimate understanding of the preferences of all the examiners, she must be the lady of some noble family."
Qiu Yuan clasped her hands together and smiled, "My sister is clever. This is Grand Secretary Xu's niece."
He then whispered in Zhang Ting's ear, "However, the reason she has made a name for herself in prison with her arrogant and stubborn temper is not just because of the Grand Secretary's influence."
Zhang Ting looked back at her, smiled, and asked, following her words, "Then how so?"
Qiu Yuan thought her plan had worked and that she had successfully kept Zhang Ting hooked. Overjoyed, she subconsciously replied, "She's still the supervisor, every single time."
My niece has repeatedly achieved the highest rank in the Imperial Academy, where there are many outstanding students. It seems that Master Xu's teaching skills are also quite good.
Zhang Ting feigned sudden realization, "No wonder, no wonder."
Qiu Yuan was somewhat annoyed. She had originally planned to leave several clues, intending to make Zhang Ting beg her in every way before revealing the mystery, but she didn't expect this stubborn guy to be so quick.
Among the students, nothing was more important than the imperial examinations. Even those who lived far away would still exchange a few words with them.
Especially those of you here, almost all of you will be leaving the stage next time.
Xu Jianyuan was playing chess with the woman in purple robes. He was already annoyed by her rebuttal earlier. Not satisfied with utterly defeating her, he spat out venomous words, making her fists hard.
She still didn't back down, and said impatiently, "So stupid, how will you pass the next imperial examination?"
"I shouldn't have played chess with you, it was so boring."
The woman in purple robes, wary of the other party's identity, ultimately restrained herself.
But her friend, who was standing under the eaves, heard this and was indignant on her behalf, saying, "Hey, you surnamed Xu, watch your mouth!"
"With such an arrogant attitude, anyone who didn't know better would think you'd passed the imperial examination with top honors."
"Talented people are as numerous as carp crossing a river, and the Jiangnan region is teeming with talent. Bah! Do you really think you can compare?"
Xu Jianyuan was already eager to win the top prize in the next imperial examination and then become the top scholar, thus achieving the prestigious title of "Triple Crown Scholar." Hearing someone cursing him, he flew into a rage, even pushing over the chessboard and grabbing a handful of chess pieces to smash at the person.
The chess pieces were small, and there were many students standing over there, enjoying the scenery and chatting.
Xu Jianyuan's move inadvertently injured many people, who all turned to glare at her angrily.
The commotion was quite loud, and Qiu Yuan, as the host of the gathering, quickly came out to check, with Zhang Ting following behind.
Upon closer inspection, Xu Jianyuan was seen fighting with another woman, while the woman in the purple robe was trying to break them up.
Qiu Yuan stepped forward and separated the two of them, her irritation rising within her, especially as she stared at Xu Jianyuan. "We are all studying at the Imperial Academy. No matter what, we shouldn't ruin our harmony."
The others around them were also victims, and having long since revealed Xu Jianyuan's ways, they united to speak for the other side.
Xu Jianyuan was isolated and helpless, standing there trembling with anger.
Suddenly, she spotted one of the admirers she had instructed that morning in the crowd and pointed her out, giving her a chance to defend herself.
"Hey! You be the judge of whether this is right or wrong."
Everyone stared at Zhang Ting.
Zhang Tingming had only come to watch the excitement and didn't know how the fire had spread to her. But based on experience, she knew she absolutely couldn't get involved. She used her late arrival and lack of knowledge of the situation as excuses to get away with it.
Everyone could see what Zhang Ting meant, but Xu Jianyuan looked around, gritted his teeth, and recounted what had happened one by one, as if he hadn't heard her words and insisted that she judge the matter.
Zhang Ting thought helplessly, "This must be the calamity I'm facing today."
What else can we do? We'll resort to the art of appeasement.
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