The pedantic scholar's question, "I wonder if there's an invitation?" was like a stone thrown into the originally lively atmosphere, instantly stirring up ripples filled with mockery and anticipation.
All eyes were on Xiao Che and Lin Wanwan, these two "outsiders," waiting to see how they would deal with this public humiliation.
Lin Wanwan's brows furrowed.
It wasn't that she was afraid of trouble; she just felt that this kind of pointless intellectual banter was a complete waste of time. Her first instinct was to pull out a silver note from her sleeve and use the simplest and most direct method to shut this clown up.
However, as soon as she made a move, a warm, large hand gently covered the back of her hand, stopping her.
It's Xiao Che.
He shook his head slightly at Lin Wanwan, signaling her to calm down.
Then, he turned around and met the pedantic scholar's provocative gaze. Instead of feeling embarrassed, he revealed a calm, almost playful smile.
“Brother, you jest,” Xiao Che’s voice was clear and steady, not loud, but clearly heard by everyone present. “Since this is a ‘literary gathering,’ we should make friends through literature. If we shut out fellow enthusiasts from all over the world with just an ‘invitation,’ wouldn’t that go against the elegant spirit of the ‘literary gathering’?”
His words were reasonable and well-founded, neither humble nor arrogant, instantly making the scholar's difficult words seem petty.
The scholar clearly hadn't expected this seemingly wealthy merchant from out of town to be so eloquent. His face froze for a moment, then he snorted coldly and retorted forcefully, "Hmph! Your words are more eloquent than your actions! Who knows if you're just a penniless, pretentious money-grubbing businessman? Young Master Gao's literary gathering isn't for just anyone to show up and pretend to be knowledgeable!"
These words were even more harsh and rude.
The snickers around them grew louder.
The "Jade-Faced Young Master" Gao Changgong, who had been sitting silently in the main seat, also looked up at this moment. There was a faint smile on his lips, obviously watching the show and showing no intention of stepping in to help.
Faced with this increasingly aggressive humiliation, Xiao Che's smile only deepened.
He knew that if he didn't show some real skill today, things might not end well.
That's fine.
He was itching to show his skills.
“Since that’s the case,” Xiao Che glanced around at the amused faces around him, finally fixing his gaze on the pedantic scholar, and said loudly, “How about this? I’m not very talented, but I’d like to compose a poem on the spot. If this poem meets the standards of everyone present, then my wife and I will shamelessly ask for a cup of wine here. If it doesn’t meet your standards, we’ll leave immediately without saying a word, and we certainly won’t spoil your refined enjoyment. What do you say?”
These words caused an uproar in the audience!
Composing a poem on the spot?
And this is used as the basis for deciding whether to stay or leave?
That's a bit too much!
It should be noted that everyone present was a self-proclaimed scholar with some learning. Poetry, seemingly simple, is in fact the ultimate test of skill. Ordinary people need to ponder and refine their lines repeatedly to arrive at a good one. And this man dared to make such a boast in front of so many talented scholars from Jiangnan!
"Arrogant!"
The pedantic scholar, as if he'd heard the funniest joke, was the first to burst into laughter. He looked Xiao Che up and down with disdain and sneered, "What arrogance! Do you think composing poetry is like street performance? You can just throw it around like that? Since you insist on humiliating yourself, then we'll grant your wish! Today's literary gathering is on the theme of 'Jiangnan Water.' If you can compose a decent poem, I, Scholar Zhang, will apologize to you in front of everyone!"
He specifically mentioned his name, clearly demonstrating his great confidence in his talent and learning.
"Okay." Xiao Che nodded casually, as if what the other party was talking about was just a trivial matter.
Unlike other poets, he did not need to pace back and forth in contemplation or gaze at the moon in sighs.
He simply walked slowly to the window of the painted boat, his gaze fixed on the lake outside, its surface shimmering in the moonlight and lamplight.
The entire pleasure boat fell silent.
Everyone held their breath, waiting to see what kind of poem this "arrogant" "outsider" could produce, or perhaps, to see how he would make a fool of himself.
Lin Wanwan stood aside, but felt no worry whatsoever.
Others might not know, but how could she not? The man before her was a "literary giant" who could turn the imperial edicts he reviewed into exquisite doggerel!
A poetry contest with the emperor?
What's the difference between this and trying to break a rock with an egg?
Xiao Che stood by the window, the night wind ruffling his robes. His disguised, somewhat ordinary face now exuded an indescribable composure and demeanor.
He remained silent for a moment, as if admiring the night view, or perhaps gathering his emotions.
Then, he slowly opened his mouth, his clear voice flowing out slowly, accompanied by the murmuring of the water outside the boat:
When you arrive in Suzhou, you will see that every house is situated by the river.
The first line is unremarkable, merely a simple depiction of the ordinary scenery of the Jiangnan water towns.
A contemptuous smile had already appeared on Zhang Xiucai's face.
However, Xiao Che's voice didn't stop, and the second sentence followed immediately:
"The ancient palace has little open space, but many waterways and small bridges."
It is still a description of scenery, but the six words "scarce open space" and "numerous small bridges" succinctly outline the characteristics of Suzhou city, which is characterized by its dense network of waterways and bustling crowds.
Some knowledgeable scholars had already shown subtle changes in their expressions.
Xiao Che's tone remained calm, as if he were merely reciting something casually:
"At the night market, water chestnuts and lotus roots are sold; in spring, boats carry fine silks and brocades."
This line is incredibly vivid! The bustling night market and the graceful silhouettes of spring boats instantly transform the entire poem from a static ink painting into a vibrant and charming depiction of the Jiangnan region.
A low gasp rippled through the air aboard the pleasure boat.
The smile on Zhang Xiucai's face had completely frozen.
However, this is not the end.
Xiao Che's gaze slowly shifted from the lake before him to the more distant canal that ran north to south. His tone also changed abruptly at that moment!
The previous gentleness and leisure have disappeared, replaced by a broad-minded and magnificent spirit of national pride!
"I know that the road to the capital is long, and a river flows eastward toward the northern lands!"
The last sentence, like a thunderclap from a clear sky, exploded in everyone's ears!
The poem, starting with the waters of Jiangnan before the eyes, suddenly rises to describe the Grand Canal connecting the north and south! It elevates the delicate charm of Suzhou to a grand vision encompassing the entire nation!
With one "East" and one "North," the grandeur and breadth of vision are far beyond a mere landscape poem. This is clearly a powerful voice that embraces the world and cares deeply for the nation!
"boom--!"
The entire venue fell completely silent.
A deathly silence.
Everyone was completely stunned by that last sentence!
They stared dumbfounded at the ordinary-looking "outsider" by the window, their hearts already filled with turmoil!
What talent! And what magnanimity!
A talented person can write such graceful and delicate lines.
Only someone with a heart that embraces the world could write such a magnificent and powerful final line!
Just moments ago, Zhang Xiucai was arrogant and overbearing, but now his face had turned a deep purplish-red. He stared blankly at Xiao Che, mouth agape, unable to utter a single word.
His supposedly brilliant talent pales in comparison to this poem, like a firefly trying to outshine the sun and moon—utterly laughable!
"Slap! Slap! Slap!"
Someone was the first to react and excitedly clapped.
Immediately afterwards, thunderous applause and cheers erupted throughout the entire pleasure boat!
"What a wonderful poem! It truly is a wonderful poem!"
"The phrase 'A river flows eastward to the north' reveals a grand vision that we can only dream of!"
"With this poem out, I'm afraid no one in Jiangnan will dare to use 'water' as a theme for the next three years!"
Gao Chang Gong, the "Jade-Faced Young Master" who had been sitting in the main seat watching the show, suddenly stood up! The arrogance on his face had been replaced by shock and excitement!
He strode up to Xiao Che, bowed deeply to the ground with great emotion, his voice trembling slightly:
"What a fine poem! Such a masterpiece is worthy of being remembered for eternity! May I ask your name, sir?!"
Despite the overwhelming praise and adulation, Xiao Che, at the center of the storm, remained calm and composed.
He slowly turned around, waved his hand enigmatically at the excited young master, and said in a nonchalant tone, as if to say, "Having accomplished his task, he left without a trace, concealing his merit and fame":
"We meet by chance, why bother leaving our names?"
After saying that, he pulled Lin Wanwan back to his seat, as if he were not the one who had just uttered the famous line and dominated the entire room.
This extremely "Versailles" demeanor inspired all the talented men present to feel an overwhelming sense of admiration for him.
However, only Lin Wanwan, who was standing next to him, clearly saw the extremely "flashy" emoji above his head—
A cartoon version of him, wearing sunglasses, leans coolly against the wall, with a line of glittering text next to him:
[Small scene, don't mention it.gif]
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