250. Mid-Autumn Festival Literary Gathering - Water Melody - When Will the Moon Be Bright (Part 5) (Page 1/2)
On the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet.
Nine out of ten rooms in the Kaifeng Prefectural School are empty.
However, a few "literary fanatics" were engrossed in Cui Xian's essay "From Yao and Shun to Tang," so engrossed that they forgot the time.
When I woke up in a fright.
The horizon was already tinged with a dark blue-green hue.
"Oh no! The banquet is going to be late!"
The group hurriedly packed up, preparing to rush out the door.
Suddenly, a suppressed cry of pain and the sound of tables and chairs colliding came from deep within the school building.
I rushed inside and was so scared I almost jumped out of my skin—
The venerable and respected Zhu Shanzhang, who had been appointed as the chief examiner for this year's provincial examination, was leaning on his desk, his face ashen.
He pressed his other hand firmly against his forehead.
His body swayed like a candle flickering in the wind, and he kept gagging.
"Quick! Get a doctor!"
After a period of chaos and turmoil.
The old doctor, who rushed over, took the pulse and shook his head, saying, "Severe dizziness, caused by excessive thinking damaging the spleen, and disordered qi and blood."
"You must rest quietly and absolutely avoid any further physical exertion or exposure to wind, otherwise you may develop prickly heat."
W-what?
Several students turned pale upon hearing this.
The provincial examination will be held in ten days!
Zhu Shanzhang lay slumped on the couch, barely breathing, his words incoherent, only repeatedly sighing, "Heaven did not grant him long life... his efforts, his success was in vain..."
suddenly.
His withered hand gripped the sleeve of the nearest student, his eyes wide: "The imperial examination is a matter of utmost importance... report to the Provincial Governor immediately for a decision!"
The students looked at each other, their expressions growing even more distressed.
Your Excellency the Provincial Governor?
The old man was drinking at the headmaster's banquet with high-ranking officials and scholars from all over the city.
Well, I guess I'll have to go to this banquet whether I want to or not.
The group steeled themselves and raced toward the brightest lights in the city.
The sky was completely dark.
A full moon leaps above the eaves, its clear light spilling down like silver frost.
The gates of the Zheng residence were wide open.
The lights and the clamor poured out like a torrent—
Inside the gate is the main hall for guests.
Outside the gate, the long street was lined with banquet tables, which stretched like a dragon, illuminating half of Kaifeng.
After passing the screen wall, the courtyard was brightly lit.
Countless lamps were reflected on the water, their light shimmering.
The mats stretched out from the pond into the darkness, seemingly endless, along the veranda.
The fine porcelain utensils reflected the light, and the fruits, tea, and snacks were piled up like small mountains.
Nearly a hundred servants stood silently, with the faint sound of string and wind instruments drifting in.
The spectacle left many speechless with astonishment.
The down-on-their-luck scholars were at a loss for what to do, feeling as if the air itself was thick with the smell of money.
Old Cui was led to a seat at the head of the table. His calves trembled slightly, but his face remained calm, as if to say, "It's nothing special."
Behind him.
Cui Boshan, Cui Zhongyuan, Lin Shi, Chen Shi, and others stared at the delicacies on the table, expressing their astonishment at their unfamiliarity with such things.
Hearing this worthless, dead noise.
Old Cui's sharp gaze swept over them: "Straighten up, all of you! Don't show any weakness!"
She herself also kept her back ramrod straight.
The village head and his third uncle were unsteady and dizzy.
My mind was racing: Good heavens! So many tables, enough to feed the whole village for half a year... This trip has broadened my horizons by following Brother Xian.
There'll be plenty to brag about when we get back to the village!
Old Master Pei, Pei Kaitai, and Wu Qinglan were all shaken to their core.
The Zheng family head, who was usually aloof and superior, was now bowing to Cui Xian and leading the way, his smile almost fawning.
Further on.
The provincial governor, the provincial judge, the education commissioner, and a string of other high-ranking officials wore smiles on their faces, but their steps revealed a cautious and respectful demeanor.
Like stars surrounding the moon, they clustered around that figure in dark blue.
No, is this...is this reasonable?
As these words came to mind, Wu Qinglan and the others couldn't help but feel a strange and familiar sense of disorientation.
I was in Nanyang years ago.
Whenever they discover Cui Xian's astonishing actions, they seem to be filled with questions.
Today, it's still the same familiar recipe.
The familiar taste!
Pei Jian chuckled and squeezed in, his posture nonchalant: "So, old man Wu, isn't my brother awesome?"
Wu Qinglan remained silent for a while, then nodded: "Awesome."
That's all.
The master and apprentice looked at each other and chuckled softly.
I'm done laughing.
Wu Qinglan asked, "Zhuang Jin, where is Gao Qi?"
Pei Jian was equally puzzled: "I didn't see it either."
But at this moment.
All eyes were on Cui Xian.
Zheng Qizhen bowed and stepped forward, gesturing for Cui Xian to take the seat of honor: "Headmaster, please take the seat of honor."
Cui Xian waved his hand with a smile: "Absolutely not, with all these esteemed officials present, it is only right..."
He hadn't finished speaking.
"No, no!"
Provincial Governor Cen Hongchang retreated repeatedly, waving his hand and disappearing in a blur: "Since the headmaster is hosting the banquet, he should naturally take the seat of honor!"
Go ahead and show off to your heart's content!
Don't get involved!
I just want to bury my head in my food, stay as quiet as a chicken, and make a quick exit!
Provincial Surveillance Commissioner Zhou Xiang, Education Commissioner Yu Chu, and other officials all tacitly moved back half a step.
They all said, "Please, Headmaster, please."
His face screamed "None of my business," "Don't look at me," and "Don't touch me."
—This scene, however, takes on a completely different meaning in the eyes of an uninformed bystander.
Madam Pei, the Zhuang family, the Gao family, and the Li family all felt their hearts pounding: These upright officials were actually being so humble towards Brother Xian!
The students watched intently, whispering among themselves: "Did you see that? Even the Provincial Governor has to show deference to the Headmaster!"
"It's more than just three points! It's downright respect!"
Seeing this, Cui Xian showed a hint of "helplessness" and stopped refusing.
He turned around and gently helped Old Cui, whose fingertips were trembling with excitement, and calmly took his seat in the main seat.
The guests then quietly entered the garden and took their seats.
Countless gazes were fixed on the figure in dark blue robes, filled with curiosity, awe, worship, and curiosity—so intense they were almost tangible.
After everyone was seated.
The head of the Zheng family immediately raised his wine cup, suppressing his nausea, and said in a high-spirited tone: "On such a fine day, with such a beautiful scene and such distinguished guests gathered together, how can we not have a good speech to begin the feast?"
"We respectfully request the Headmaster to bestow a toast and inauguration upon this grand event!"
The sound spread, and thousands of scholars on the long street outside the gate held their breath.
All eyes, like rivers flowing into the sea, converge on one person.
Under the bright moonlight.
Cui Xian picked up his cup and rose, and the entire garden fell silent.
He did not rush to offer a toast, but slowly swept his gaze over the bright lights in the courtyard and the countless scholars at the banquet, finally looking up at the jade plate in the sky.
Then he smiled and spoke slowly: "The Mid-Autumn Moon shines brightly across thousands of miles, and it is a wonderful destiny that we can gather here together."
Upon hearing this, Zheng Qizhen's face twitched violently.
The law of cause and effect?
That's something I bought with silver!
"Gentlemen, raise your heads—look at the moon in the sky, its clarity as pure as the original heart throughout the ages."
"Tonight, the moonlight falls into our cups and also permeates the thousands of books on your desks. This is a gift from heaven to light our reading lamps."
"The moon revolves constantly, and the scenery is ever new."
"Just like ten years of hard study, one lamp is passed on to another, and the lamps never go out, eventually forming a sea of stars."
"Just like this night when we met, one table after another, each table warm and inviting, each a scene of literature."
"This cup is offered first to the heavens, wishing for fulfillment in every year on earth; and second to the karmic connection, to thank this opportunity to share the bright moon."
He turned to the assembled young scholars, his eyes gleaming with a clear light, revealing the unbridled talent of youth.
“I pay my respects to your soaring pens—when you unroll a scroll, you can swallow mountains and rivers; when you put ink down, wind and thunder arise spontaneously.”
"When you finally achieve your goal of winning the moon, remember tonight's bright moon, which once illuminated your journey as a young man."
"The moon is bright, the wine is warm, let us drink this cup together—"
May your future be as bright and boundless as the moonlight tonight.
The words fell.
He smiled, tilted his head back, and drank the wine in his glass in one gulp.
The lingering sound seemed to still echo around the silver moon when suddenly the entire garden erupted in cheers that seemed to shake the roof off!
Amidst the cheers, the toast seemed to have sprouted wings and spread far and wide.
"The headmaster said that the moon is a 'heavenly gift for reading'!"
May our future be as bright and boundless as the moonlight!
Although the scholars on the long street outside the gate did not see it in person, they heard only a few words and felt that the words were elegant and the artistic conception was lofty.
He was both full of admiration and felt ashamed of his own inferiority.
Several impatient young scholars squeezed onto the stone benches by the street, standing on tiptoe and craning their necks.
I just want to catch a glimpse of the splendor of the person in the main seat from afar—
Even though I only caught a glimpse of a tall, dark blue figure in the lamplight, I felt content and proud.
The scholars in the academy were completely captivated, and many unconsciously raised their glasses in a polite toast, their eyes burning with admiration.
Only one thought remained in my mind: He truly deserves to be called the renowned Senior Brother Cui!
With just a few words, he combined reason and emotion, displaying unparalleled elegance!
Countless people inside the hospital stood up in excitement.
The echoes from the long street outside were deafening: "Respect to the Headmaster—!"
The sound waves caused the cups and saucers at the table to tremble slightly.
Taking advantage of the commotion, some commoners darted around and scurried away half of the exquisite cakes and pastries at the end of the feast, drawing knowing chuckles from the nearby scholars.
The impoverished students were beaming with pride.
While enjoying the delicious food, my heart was burning with excitement: what the headmaster had bestowed upon me was far more than just the key to success in the imperial examinations.
On the main table.
(This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading) 250. Mid-Autumn Festival Literary Gathering - Water Melody - When Will the Moon Be Bright (Part 5) (Page 2/2)
Several high-ranking officials also raised their glasses and drank together, their smiles so perfect they seemed to be cut from the same mold.
But they occasionally glance at each other.
They both saw the frustration in each other's eyes, a sense of "just bear with it and it will pass."
However, there are also those with ill intentions and those who are curious.
Brother, how many shady and despicable things have you been doing behind the scenes?
Are you so afraid that Cui Xian will investigate the Henan officialdom on behalf of His Majesty?
If they didn't have something to hide, why would these high-ranking officials be so humble and subservient?
certainly.
Everyone here is a cunning old fox, so naturally they won't reveal it easily.
Therefore, Zhou Xiang raised his cup: "Drink, drink!"
The gentlemen responded with smiles.
He swallowed down each glass of alcohol, letting the pent-up frustration fester.
The head of the Zheng family at the next table smiled in accompaniment.
Out of the corner of my eye, I glanced at the dishes that were being removed and added back like flowing water, and I felt as if my heart was being sliced off piece by piece, and the smile on my face became more and more stiff.
It's uglier than crying.
After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere at the table became increasingly lively and cheerful.
One of the students, emboldened by the alcohol, shouted, "On such a fine day, how can the headmaster not compose a poem?"
One stone stirs up a thousand waves.
"Please, Headmaster, compose a poem on the spot!"
"Please, Headmaster, wield your brush!"
The echoes of agreement swept through the entire garden like a tidal wave in an instant.
Cui Xian raised his hand to suppress the sound.
But he turned his gaze leisurely to the main table, his smile deepening: "How dare this academy monopolize the refined interests of you students?"
"Tonight, many wise men have gathered here. I would like to invite you, my esteemed officials, to first wield your brushes and inspire poetic inspiration."
His gaze swept over them, and the group of adults immediately felt as if they were sitting on pins and needles, as if they were sitting on pins and needles, as if they had a fishbone stuck in their throats—
here we go again!
Alarm bells were ringing in the hearts of a group of high-ranking officials in Henan.
Cen Hongchang lowered his head to study the patterns on the rim of the cup.
Zhou Xiang suddenly became very interested in a lamp in the distance.
Yu Chu then focused on tidying up his already neat sleeves.
Only Ye Huaifeng and Liu Chong remained calm and composed, handling the situation with ease.
really.
That gentle yet undeniable voice began to call out names: "Lord Cen has just taken charge of education in Henan, and this is a timely occasion. Please begin writing so that the students may witness your talent. What do you say?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the whole garden fell silent.
Then it exploded with a "boom"!
The students, who had just been staring at Cui Xian, suddenly brightened up and their gazes were fixed on Provincial Governor Cen Hongchang.
To actually witness a provincial governor wielding his brush in public?
This is incredibly exciting!
Cheers, slams, and urging erupted, adding a touch of spectator-like, ill-intentioned excitement to the atmosphere.
The main table.
The other high-ranking officials breathed a sigh of relief, and their movements as they sipped their wine became lighter.
Zhou Xiang even gloated inwardly: Old Cen, you'd better pray for yourself!
The governor, Cen Hongchang, who was being roasted over the fire by this hospitality, even trembled as he held his wine cup.
Why is it me again?
Why is it still me?!
This is outrageous!
However, under the watchful eyes of everyone, he was somewhat doomed!
Cen Hongchang forced a smile, racking his brains for a way to decline.
An official sitting next to him, eager for advancement, leaned closer under the pretense of pouring wine and said in a low, urgent voice, "Sir, you have seen many poems, essays, and policy discussions by Headmaster Cui, but you have never written lyrics!"
Upon hearing this, Cen Hongchang's eyelids twitched.
word?
Poetry is dignified, lyrics are charming; their rules are quite different!
Young people may be unfamiliar with this... The scholarly ambition that had been forcibly suppressed in his heart, mixed with the frustration of the past few days, and the wine of today.
It suddenly burst into flames.
An opportunity!
As a senior scholar of the classical Chinese school of Confucianism, Cen Hongchang prided himself on his literary talent and had some insights into the art of ci poetry.
I've always felt that this is a minor way of expressing one's feelings, not worthy of serious consideration, so I haven't studied it in depth for a long time.
But at that moment—the moon was full in the sky, and the wine in the cup was already flowing freely.
The garden lights reflected on the water, and a long-lost inspiration for poetry was truly stirred within me.
Then look at Cui Xian, whose poetic fame is too great; it would be difficult for him to win if he were to confront him head-on.
Why not use your strengths to exploit his weaknesses?
Let's get him!
Cen Hongchang took a deep breath and put on a perfectly timed smile: "How could I dare to refuse the kindness of the headmaster and the students?"
"However, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time of joyous celebration, with the moon shining softly and people enjoying each other's company."
"If one expresses one's aspirations through poetry, it may be too rigid and formal."
He paused briefly, speaking slowly, revealing a deep sincerity: "The art of lyrics, with its varying lengths, may be better able to depict the scene before us and express the joy between host and guest."
"Although I have long been rusty in this art, I am willing to try composing a poem tonight."
"Regardless of skill or clumsiness, I only wish to commemorate this grand event tonight and also seek guidance from the headmaster."
His words were perfectly watertight.
This not only elevates the function of "words" in being appropriate to the time and occasion, but also attributes his own attempt to the humility of "not being bound by skill or clumsiness".
He even gently placed the "seeking advice" hat back on Cui Xian's head.
The implication is clear: it's not that I don't want to write poetry, but the atmosphere tonight is more suited to "minor" language.
As for whether he was truly "unfamiliar" with this "minor path"?
That's something only he himself knows.
As soon as Cen Hongchang finished speaking, asking for advice on writing lyrics, the entire garden fell into a moment of deathly silence.
Then, with a "boom," the pot exploded!
This is hardly humility.
This is clearly someone rolling up their sleeves, ready to go on stage and fight!
The scholars' eyes widened in surprise; they were so excited they almost slammed their fists through the table.
The headmaster is a man of great literary talent, yet the provincial governor dares to "challenge" him with his own words?
You've got guts!
strong enough!
What was originally a scene of waiting to see the headmaster shine alone has instantly turned into an arena for masters to compete.
The excitement has doubled!
Upon hearing this, Cui Xian's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly, then his smile deepened, and he simply raised his hand in a gesture of "please".
The officials at the table were also caught off guard and were so surprised that they forgot to drink.
This old scoundrel... has he gone mad?
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Cen Hongchang left his seat and walked to a place where the moonlight was slightly brighter. He put his hands behind his back, looked at the moon, and began to ponder deeply.
What I just said was an excuse.
But this atmosphere stirred up the long-dormant poetic inspiration within me, which actually became more active.
After a moment of contemplation.
"Got it!"
Cen Hongchang maintained the airs of a high-ranking official.
But his voice couldn't suppress the arrogance of "it's finally my turn to show off": "On this occasion of Mid-Autumn Festival, when families reunite and scholars gather, I, your humble servant, will try to compose a poem called 'Osmanthus Fragrance'."
"This is a brief record of the grand occasion, and also an encouragement to the scholars of Henan."
Lord Cen's gaze swept meaningfully across Cui Xian's calm face.
Then he strolled to the railing, facing the pool full of brilliant lights and the bright moon in the sky, and pondered for a moment.
He recited it in his usual, official-sounding, melodic way:
"Osmanthus Fragrance - Mid-Autumn Banquet for Students"
A refreshing west wind blows, the frost is clear over the Jia family mansion, and the osmanthus courtyard is filled with fragrance.
A thousand acres of glazed tiles cover the ground, and the moon shines brightly over the magnificent hall.
The carved railings and jade steps sway with golden shadows, reflecting the blue-collar students, who stand in rows.
The inkstone pool is still, the lamp is warm by the window, and the ink flies freely.
Looking back, I recall the past hopes and aspirations of officials and noblemen.
As autumn approaches, the thorny gates of the examination hall seem to grow ever more splendid, yet the brilliance of the pen remains undiminished.
Ten years of lamplight, ten thousand scrolls of silk—all have been worthwhile.
Where he once inscribed his name on the Wild Goose Pagoda, now, his ambitions soar.
Let us share a cup of wine, the Milky Way shining brightly, as we reminisce about the vicissitudes of life.
He finished reciting.
The lingering sound seemed faint amidst the lamplight and moonlight.
The park fell silent for a moment.
Immediately, cheers and applause erupted!
"What a magnificent line, 'The old hopes of officials are now dashed, and the autumn of the imperial examinations is near!' The atmosphere is dignified and composed, truly befitting the demeanor of a frontier official!"
"I never expected Lord Fangbo to possess such profound poetic skill! Every word is fitting, and the full meaning is conveyed!"
"True feelings reveal a benevolent heart, and skillful writing demonstrates mastery—Lord Fang is truly a man of both literary and martial talents!"
"I had only hoped for a poem from the mountain hermit, but the governor's words are even more extraordinary! Tonight I am truly delighted!"
"This poem commemorates a momentous occasion and encourages students; it is dignified and appropriate, and is worthy of being passed down through generations!"
Praises enveloped Cen Hongchang like a warm tide.
Everyone looked on in amazement and respectfully addressed him as 'Lord Fangbo'.
Cen Hongchang stroked his beard and looked around with a smile.
The frustration and pent-up emotions he had felt earlier seemed to dissipate considerably amidst the cheers that were directed at him.
The moonlight is soft, the lights are dazzling, the wine is sweet, and the perfect words are just beginning to flow…
The long-lost glory and recognition belonging to the literary community made him somewhat tipsy.
The sky cleared, and the rain stopped.
He felt he was capable again.
Fueled by a renewed sense of confidence and the effects of alcohol.
Lord Cen turned around, with a hint of subtle yet clear challenge in his eyes, and said to Cui Xian, "I have long heard that you, Headmaster, are exceptionally talented, learned, and your poetry and prose are unparalleled in your time."
"I wonder... if the headmaster would be willing to bestow upon you a wonderful poem, taking advantage of the scenery before us and the gathering of talented individuals."
"To ensure the success of tonight's grand Silver Moon celebration?"
Before anyone else could react.
During the banquet.
Sitting next to Zhou Feiran, He Xu and others, Su Qi, who had once lost so badly that he was "completely unable to move," watched this familiar scene of arrogance.
He silently drank a glass of wine.
brother.
Oh dear, you...you—
Why bother?
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