After entering, he saw that this place was actually next to the Qinhuai River. There was a pavilion that was a few miles long, and it was divided into several sections.
As soon as Lin Wanrong entered, a manservant led him to the pavilion, served him tea and pastries, then bowed and excused himself. The hospitality was not bad, Lin Wanrong snorted to himself, and picked up a piece of pastry to chew.
This pavilion was built along the river, and it was all made of bamboo. The Qinhuai River was sparkling, and the boats shuttled back and forth. The scenery was very enchanting. Sitting in the pavilion, the water rippled, and the breeze was gentle. It was very peaceful.
There were already forty to fifty scholars gathered in this pavilion, and all of them were in high spirits, had an extraordinary aura, and felt very good about themselves.
Lin Wanrong grabbed an honest scholar beside him and said, "Brother, how does the poetry competition work?"
"Brother, you actually don't know the rules of the poetry competition?" The scholar looked at him strangely, and said, "This is interesting."
"About this, I'm not good at literature, so I just came in to broaden my horizons. I don't really care about the rules, so I hope brother can correct me. Oh, I'm Sanlin, may I know brother's name? "Lin Wanrong hurriedly said.
"I'm Yan Shenghui. So it's brother Sanlin. "Yan Shenghui nodded and said," The rules are very simple. In the pavilion, there are ten people in a group, and they will randomly pick a topic. Within ten minutes, ten people will do the same topic, and the top two in each group will automatically advance. After the poem is done, those who feel they are not good can leave. If there are any disputes, there will be three famous judges to decide. To be fair, the three judges will raise their paddles individually. Those who have disputes can only advance if all three agree. Those who advance can ride the flower boat into the Qinhuai River. That is where the real scholars and celebrities gather. "
Audition and judges? Lin Wanrong somewhat understood. This was equivalent to selecting the top few from each division, and then entering the finals. Damn, this is the typical style of a talent show, simple and practical. Ten people doing the same topic, the competition was fair, and there was no room for cheating.
"The rest of the losers still have a chance to re-enter the group of ten. However, if they are eliminated again, they can only choose to leave," Yan Shenghui said.
This was the revival match. Luo Ning was too talented. She could even think of such a trick. Lin Wanrong nodded. "That's fair. Oh, Brother Yan, did you win? "
Yan Shenghui smiled bitterly and said, "I won't hide it from Third Brother, I didn't perform well in the previous round. He's ranked third among the ten and has lost the right to advance once. Right now, he's waiting for the last chance. "
Third place out of ten? This ranking was indeed too sad. Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly and said, "Brother Yan, don't worry so much. I believe you'll definitely advance in the next round."
Lin Wanrong and Yan Shenghui chatted for a while. He wasn't very clear about the competition system after advancing to the next round, but the round in front of him was the most important.
Lin Wanrong laughed a few times in her heart. This poetry competition was pretty decent. This lass, Luo Ning, did have some talent for sensationalizing things.
Just as Lin Wanrong had imagined, all the items in the pavilion, including the tables and chairs, were all printed with the logo of the Food for Immortals. The eliminated scholars even received a souvenir specially made by the conference, an oil-paper umbrella sponsored by the Food for Immortals.
With his own ability, he was probably someone who would be eliminated in the first round. Lin Wanrong didn't really care. Luo Ning only said to let him participate, but didn't say that he would advance. He just had to do his best. He sat there leisurely drinking a few cups of tea and dozing off for a while. Seeing that the scholars in front of him were almost done with their advancement and elimination, he finally found some time to join Yan Shenghui in forming a total of 10 people to queue up.
Out of the ten people, one person was sent to draw a question for this group. The person who drew the question was so nervous that he was sweating profusely. He almost couldn't walk steadily. Lin Wanrong shook his head secretly. With this kind of mentality, how could he participate in the talent show?
He thought of something and patted Yan Shenghui in front of him. "Brother Yan, I heard that the number one scholar in Jinling, Hou Yuebai, is also participating in the competition. Is that true?"
Yan Shenghui nodded. "Of course it's true. Young Master Hou is infatuated with Miss Luo. How could he miss such an opportunity? He's also one of the hot favorites to win this poetry competition. However, Young Master Hou isn't in the same division as us. With his ability, it shouldn't be a problem for him to advance. "
He had long heard that Hou Yuebai was studying hard behind closed doors. He didn't know what he had learned, but he still dared to compete for first place. Yan Shenghui shook his head. "However, I don't think that Young Master Hou will make it."
"Oh, why is that?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously.
"This poetry competition is because Miss Luo is looking for a husband. It can be said that all the scholars in the world are gathered here. Although Hou Yuebai is the number one scholar in Jinling, the world is big and there are many talents. Not to mention Anhui and Zhe provinces, there are also countless scholars from the capital. He may not have a chance of winning. I heard that Prince Cheng's heir, Young Prince Zhao Kangning, has a special liking for Miss Luo. He is also participating in this poetry competition. With him participating, Young Master Hou has no hope of winning, "Yan Shenghui replied.
Zhao Kangning is also here. Oh my, this is going to be lively. When he sees me, he has to bow to me. Hehe. However, this Luo made such a big scene and gathered everyone's attention here. What is he trying to do? He looked around and a thought flashed through his mind. His expression changed. Aiyo, this Luo is going to make a move.
With this thought in mind, he was both excited and worried. Luo is joking with the world. Using your daughter to attract everyone's attention. Secretly sharpening his knife. Motherf * cker, he really dares to do anything.
Yan Shenghui looked back at the person who drew the lots and said nervously, "Third brother, I only have this one chance. I don't know if I can get it."
Lin Wanrong patted his shoulder and said, "Relax, Brother Yan. If it is yours, it will be yours. No one can take it away from you. If it isn't yours, you won't be able to take it away. "
As he spoke, the old man who had drawn lots had already picked up the question. Trembling, he tore open the paper ball and read aloud in a trembling voice, "Using spring and summer as the, as the, as the question, do, do, do the seven extremes!"
Damn, can't you read it more smoothly? Lin Wanrong shook his head. Using spring and summer as the question to do seven wonders was difficult for him. However, it wasn't as unattainable as he imagined.
Once the question was out, the ten scholars had already started to work. There was a saying in ancient times that one could compose a poem in seven steps. Although it was a little exaggerated, to compose a poem in the time it took to brew a cup of tea wasn't easy.
"I got it, I got it, I got it — —" Yan Shenghui was the first to shout. The other scholars were shocked. Those who weren't mentally prepared were sweating profusely.
"What are you making a racket about?" A woman's voice was heard. It sounded a little familiar. Lin Wanrong raised his head and saw an old woman sitting on the judging panel. She was looking over with a face full of anger. Damn, why is it her? Lin Wanrong almost jumped up.
"Oh, isn't this Mei Guoxue? Why, you haven't returned to the capital? How have you been? Have you been plowing the fields? "The thoughts in Lin Wanrong's mind spun rapidly. However, his mouth was already smiling insincerely. Damn, today really wasn't smooth. Not only did I get cheated, I even met a judge. Moreover, it was this perverted woman. Damn, Miss Luo, you can't blame me for this.
Mei Yanqiu was already unbearably tired from being the judge for this round. He didn't even notice Lin San. Seeing this person suddenly jump out in front of him, he was so shocked that he immediately stood up from his chair and said in shock, "You, you, what do you want to do?"
"What do I want to do?" Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "Don't you know? I'm here to participate in the poetry competition. You're the judge, you have to take care of me later. "
Hearing that he was here to participate in the poetry competition, Mei Yanqiu's confidence grew. He said proudly, "That depends on whether you have the ability or not."
"Don't you know my ability, Mei Guoxue?" Lin Wanrong squinted his eyes and slowly extended a finger. He smiled and said, "This is called the Solitary Yang Finger. It's a secret technique passed down in my family. Mr. Mei saw it with his own eyes that day, hehe — —"
Mei Yanqiu's face turned pale. He sat down on his chair and didn't dare to say anything. Yan Sheng pulled Lin Wanrong and said with admiration, "Third Brother, you know Mr. Mei?"
"I know a little. He has a deep impression of me." Lin Wanrong laughed and looked at Mei Yanqiu playfully.
"Time's up — —" Another judge shouted. The rest of the scholars immediately had sweat all over their faces. This group consisted of those who were eliminated in the first round and were waiting to be revived. They already had mental pressure. Hearing that time was up, some of them already turned pale and couldn't stand steadily. Lin Wanrong picked this group to take advantage of them.
"Since you have finished your poem, then recite it for me," the judge said to Yan Sheng.
"Yes. With spring and summer as the theme, the student's poem is: Melons float in a jar to cool off the summer heat. Lotus flowers stack on a plate to chew the cold. The slanting stone steps pierce through the bamboo shoots. The small pond cools the leaves into a lotus ball. "Yan Sheng's forehead was dripping with sweat as he hurriedly recited.
"Good poem, good poem!" Yan Sheng had just finished reciting. Before the judge could say anything, Lin Wanrong was already clapping and laughing.
Yan Sheng looked gratefully at his Third Brother whom he had just met not too long ago. He knew his own limitations. This Seven Temperaments was only smooth and the antithesis was neat. It could barely be considered an average piece of work. It was still far from being a good poem.
The few judges nodded and discussed for a while. Then, they raised their placards and said, "Not bad. Advance! "
Yan Shenghui shouted excitedly. He hugged Lin Wanrong and said, "Third Brother, I broke through, I broke through!"
Lin Wanrong laughed. "Congratulations, Brother Yan."
The few judges looked around and shouted again, "Who else can do it? Quickly report it. "
The rest of the people looked troubled. No one dared to speak. The judges shook their heads. "If there's no one else, we will — —"
Damn, these guys must have spent all their time studying on picking up girls. They can't even compare to me. Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Wait, wait. Since no one can do it, I'm not talented. I'm untalented, so I'll take a poem from my mouth. Teachers, please correct me. Cold back to the Jade Pond, ice entering the teeth. Teeth seeping into the dew of the clear spring. The wind is clear like a thread. Cicadas chirping under the bright moon. "
"Good poem, good poem!" Yan Sheng returned the compliment and shouted loudly.
Lin Wanrong smiled and gestured to Mei Yan Qiu. "Mei Yan Qiu, this is called the Solitary Yang Finger. It's passed down in my family. It's very powerful — —"
Mei Yan Qiu's expression changed. He raised the placard in his hand with trembling hands.
On a huge flower boat in the Qinhuai River, Luo Ning held onto the railing. She looked at the scholars coming and going. She sighed. "Don't lean on the railing alone. The autumn river is cold in the rain and dew. The wind blows, but the person is not back yet! "
She coughed and covered her mouth with her hand. Her face was flushed. Dong Qiaoqiao came out of the cabin. She patted the back of her neck and said, "Sister Ning, why did you come out again? You've been overworked these days. The doctor told you to rest well."
I'm not overworked. Luo Ning smiled bitterly. She pulled her hand and said, "Qiaoqiao, Brother Lin promised me that he would rush back today. Do you think he's lying to me?"
Qiaoqiao patted her hand and said, "Sister Ning, don't worry. Since Brother promised you that he would rush back, he will definitely rush back. Brother never breaks his promise. " Big Brother never breaks his promise. "
Luo Ning coughed and looked at Qiaoqiao. Her face was full of envy. "Brother Lin is your husband. Of course you love him."
Qiaoqiao giggled. "Sister Ning, why do you want Brother to rush back? He likes to wander around. Now that he's back, I'm guessing he's sitting in a pavilion drinking tea with someone. He's enjoying the poetry competition. Sister Ning, why don't you tell me. Nowadays, there are many talented and handsome scholars. Which one do you like? Master Luo can be the matchmaker for you. "
Luo Ning's face was beautiful. She blushed and said, "Good sister, let's be sisters for life. What do you say?"
"Okay, of course." Qiao Qiao smiled sweetly and said, "But, you have to drink the medicine first and have a good rest. Otherwise, wouldn't the scholars see a pitiful sickly beauty when it's your turn? "
Luo Ning looked at the quiet river and sighed. "If he doesn't come back today, I won't have any interest in living." Qiaoqiao was startled. She called out, "Sister." Luo Ning's eyes were filled with tears. She stared blankly into the distance. Her frail body was lonely in the wind.
"No need …" Lin Wanrong suddenly waved his hand.
"Why?" One of the judges shouted.
"Isn't it simple?" Lin Wanrong smiled. "According to the rules, the top two in each group will automatically advance. Among the ten of us, only Brother Yan and I wrote a poem. Won't we automatically advance? Teachers, please don't raise this sign. I'm afraid it will hurt my self-confidence. "
The two judges nodded and smiled. "You're really humble. Even if you advance, we still have to raise our sign. "
The two flipped their signs at the same time. "Advance." "Advance."
Mei Yanqiu had no choice but to clench his teeth and raise his sign. "Advance."
Seeing the three judges raise their signs, Yan Shenghui shouted excitedly, "Advance. Third Brother, you advanced too."
Lin Wanrong laughed and said, "Brother Yan, don't get too worked up. This is all within expectations." Yan Shenghui thought about it. That was the case. The judges were useless. He cupped his fists and said, "Third Brother, you are calm and intelligent. I admire you."
The others were annoyed to see the two pass so easily. If they knew this, they wouldn't have cared about the poem. They wouldn't have been afraid of losing face. They would have read it first. They hesitated and let others take advantage of them.
The first round was considered over. Lin Wanrong and Yan Shenghui boarded the boat and headed for Qinhuai River. The scholars who passed the first round were divided into two boats. There were about fifty to sixty people on each boat. These were the elites selected from the audition.
This boat couldn't be compared to the one that Xian 'er stayed on last night. However, it was still very luxurious. There were brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. A few famous scholars sat in the middle of the stage. They plucked the strings of their zither and sang mournfully. The scholars below the stage clapped and sang. It was indeed a gathering of scholars.
"Gentlemen." A person who looked like a deacon stood up and said, "Today's poetry meet is a joyous occasion to drink wine and write poems. It is fate that we can gather here. I invite all of you to drink a cup to thank us for our meeting. Cheers."
"Cheers." The scholars drained their cups in one gulp. It was quite an atmosphere.
The deacon continued, "Since all of you passed the first round, you are all knowledgeable scholars. The second round is also very simple. There are about fifty of us. We will be divided into five groups. Each group will have a drinking order. The drinking order must match one word to the top. Those who can't match will have to move to the side and drink. The rest of you can continue. Those who can last until the end will win. "
Lin Wanrong understood the gist of it. He thought it was interesting. Ten people playing the drinking order. Match one word to a maximum of ten. Rather than comparing talent, it was more like comparing wits and drinking capacity.
He picked up his teacup and found a place near the cabin to sit down. He looked towards the river. He saw that there were two more boats by the side. He didn't know which boat Luo Ning was on. Just as he was idling, he saw a small boat coming towards him. On the boat stood a dark-skinned man and a middle-aged man with a white face and no beard. The two of them were huddled together, whispering something.
My god. I didn't see a ghost, did I? He carefully rubbed his eyes and suddenly let out a cry. He threw the teacup in his hand and shouted, "Brother Du, Brother Hu."
The boat was very far away. At first they couldn't hear his shouts. But when they got closer and heard the shouts, the two people on the boat looked over. When they saw Lin Wanrong's figure, they were stunned for a moment before they were overjoyed. Hu Bugui, who was five feet tall, shouted with tears streaming down his face, "General Lin, I'm sorry. General Lin, you're still alive. Damn, you're still alive. Wa wa wa wa — "
Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, rubbed his nose, and leaped into the river. Yan Sheng hurriedly pulled him back. "Third brother, what are you going to do?"
Lin Wanrong said, "I have a few brothers over there. I want to go and see them. Damn, I miss them so much."
Yan Sheng replied, "Since you've met them, why are you worried? It's winter now. Even if you swim over, you'll catch a cold. It's not worth it. When the poetry competition is over, you can drink with them to your heart's content. Isn't that beautiful? "
That's right, why am I in such a hurry. Lin Wanrong smiled embarrassedly and waved at the two. Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan also understood what he meant, and hurriedly stopped the small boat that was heading towards them. They waved at him and jumped up and down on the boat. Their excitement could not be expressed on their faces.
Lin Wanrong was overjoyed. When it was time for the drinking competition, he couldn't wait to find a group of ten people. They were all unfamiliar faces, but he wasn't afraid. He raised his cup and drank two cups in a row. He couldn't help but feel delighted in his heart.
The crowd saw a madman who came out of nowhere and drank two cups in a row without saying a word. They all secretly stuck out their tongues.
Since they don't know each other, I've never been afraid of anyone when it comes to drinking and wits. Lin Wanrong's eyes were slightly red. He couldn't suppress the excitement on his face.
"Cheers!" The first person drank his cup and said.
"Cheers!" The second person followed up and drank his cup.
"Elegance!" The third person said.
"Drink to your heart's content!" The fourth person said.
When it was Lin Wanrong's turn, he had already drank another two cups. The person in front asked "Deep love in the moon". He laughed and said loudly, "Deep love in dreams. You drink, I also drink — — "
In the first round, ten people drank their cups but no one was eliminated. Lin Wanrong repeatedly raised his cup. He didn't care who it was, he drank his wine.
The second round was about to start from the beginning of the sixth round.
"Drunkenness easily reveals one's beauty — —"
"Don't say the fragrance of wine is sorrowful — —"
The longer the sentence, the more difficult it was. Before the second round was over, four people were eliminated. When it was Lin Wanrong's turn, a scholar in front recited, "Peerless elegance, mellow wine at the lips of a beauty."
Lin Wanrong laughed loudly, "Copper skin and iron bones, fierce horse general at the front." He raised his head and the strong wine poured down his throat like water. His expression didn't even change. The scholars saw that he was so heroic and didn't look like a weak scholar. They were all in awe.
After the third round, there was no one left to compete with him. Lin Wanrong's eyes were slightly red. His body swayed but he didn't fall. He sang, "Brothers are brothers and feet, heroic spirit surrounds the jade universe. Who would laugh at me for getting drunk on the battlefield! Soldiers and armor have lofty aspirations. A cup of wine in honor of heroes. Please drink another three hundred cups! "
Who would be able to continue this sentence? Everyone had already been defeated, and their faces were filled with admiration and respect as they looked at him. Lin Wanrong saw that no one was going to continue and was unhappy. He picked up the two cups on the table and drank them in one gulp. However, he didn't seem to be satisfied. He smashed the cup on the floor and raised the pot to drink. After a few gulps, the transparent wine flowed down the corner of his mouth.
Everyone was stunned. These were all well-read scholars, but they had never seen such a wild and unrestrained person. However, when they saw him drink wine and compose poems in an unrestrained and unrestrained manner, and there was a faint murderous aura surging from him, they were all fearful.
Yan Shenghui had already retreated in defeat. He was already seventy to eighty percent drunk. When he saw Lin Wanrong like this, he instantly called out, "Third brother, good job. Life should be like you, half sober and half drunk, free and unfettered. Wine …"
Holding the pot in one hand, he imitated Lin Wanrong's actions. He gurgled a few times, but before he could drink a few mouthfuls, he fell to the ground drunk.
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