"… I am Chen Luoyuan. Welcome, friends, to my humble residence. As you all know, there are several friends who have come from other places. They are … the Zhuangyuan of the past, the famous scholar of the capital, and …"
It was almost time and everyone had arrived. The middle-aged Confucian named Chen Luoyuan greeted some of the people and prepared to invite everyone up the mountain for a tour. According to what he had said in the past, the main reason he had held this youth outing was because he had a good relationship with Zhou Bangyan. Zhou Bangyan was worthy of the title of "renowned scholar of the capital". However, when he mentioned the Zhuangyuan of the past, Ning Yi was somewhat surprised.
"Zhou Bangyan was the Zhuangyuan?"
Generally speaking, those who were famous for their poems were not necessarily very good in the imperial examinations. Although the Immortal of Poetry, Li Bai, was favored by the Emperor, he was like a jester in the officialdom. The Sage of Poetry, Du Fu, had been in the officialdom for decades but had never been a decent official. Lu You had a rough life and was repeatedly pushed aside in the officialdom. From a certain point of view, good artists often could not become good bureaucrats. If it was a thinker, perhaps it was possible. If Zhou Bangyan was really the kind of person who could do both, then it would really make people have a whole new level of respect for him. However, it was said that he was only a seventh-ranked official in the capital. This was somewhat inconsistent with his status as the Attorney General.
However, after Ning Yi finished asking, Qin Shaoqian rolled his eyes. "Yes, big brother was the Zhuangyuan in the fourteenth year of Chengping. At that time, father was the Minister of Appointments. How dare they take it."
The title of the Wu dynasty was Chengping before Jinghan. Qin Shaohe gave people the impression that he was rather low-key. It seemed that he was even more reserved than his father, Qin Siyuan. Compared to a gifted scholar like Zhou Bangyan, Qin Shaohe's reputation didn't seem to have spread far and wide, and it wasn't because he did well in his studies that he was able to obtain his position. Ning Yi didn't pay much attention to him, but he didn't expect that he was once the Zhuangyuan. This was probably because his steadiness in doing things had overshadowed his flamboyance in literary matters. This was the style of doing things in a high profile and bragging in a low profile.
Other than the beautiful women from the brothels, most of the people present today were scholars. Usually, they were passionate about poetry and songs, but ultimately, they were studying and writing for the imperial examinations. Zhou Bangyan had become an official because he had presented the Bianjing Ode, and his literary talent was known throughout the land. But the talent of the Zhuangyuan was said to be a literary talent that descended to the world of mortals. The Wu dynasty was flourishing with literature, and there could be tens of thousands of officials. But there could only be one Zhuangyuan every year. As soon as this name was announced, there was an immediate uproar. If Chen Luoyuan had not immediately revealed his identity as a Zhizhou, perhaps there would have been people who would have immediately tried to curry favor with him.
With the little interlude of Qin Shaohe, the attention of others on Zhou Bangyan and the others was slightly diluted. But on the other hand, the students of the capital and Jiangning grew even more solemn, vaguely placing even more importance on this Youth Outing. With the Zhuangyuan Duke present, they naturally had to put on a good performance when writing poems.
After a series of introductions, the participants had a general idea of who had come from the capital. Zhou Bangyan and the others were still dressed like scholars, but Li Shishi, holding a guqin in her arms and wearing a veil, appeared quiet. This so-called number one courtesan of the capital did not choose to appear first, but the warm and calm smile behind the veil still left a deep impression on people. She did not look delicate and pitiful, but …
"Actually, I think it's not easy for Miss Shishi …"
Jin'er said softly. Yunzhu just smiled. Ning Yi tilted his head and asked, "You think so?"
"Well, she just came to visit her family and friends. She didn't say anything, but we forced her out and said that she looked down on Jiangning. In fact, women in this line of work, who would be stupid enough to do such strenuous, unrewarding, and offensive things? It's all because of Puyang Yi and the others …"
"She did it on purpose."
"Huh?"
"Look at the side, Qi Lan, Luo Miaomiao and the others' instruments are all held by the maids. She came out like this, hugging the guqin with her hands in front of her, to show resistance. Her hands are crossed very deeply, and it seems that she is holding the guqin with force, implying that she is being isolated. She is smiling very naturally, but from the moment she came out, she did not say anything, but her body language has been implying that although I am the capital's courtesan, I was also supported by others. In fact, I am just an ordinary woman, and you all bully me. Look, with the beauty in sight, the students of Jiangning will be divided. Later, everyone will be angry at Zhou Bangyan and the others, but in the end, they will be lenient to her. "
As soon as Ning Yi said this, Yunzhu and Jin'er next to him looked at him. Yunzhu whispered, "There is actually so much mystery in these small movements? Liheng is really … "
Ning Yi also laughed, "It's fake. In fact, it's a theory of cause and effect. She may not have thought about it, but some people can see the situation and immediately know how to deal with it. Although they did not think about it, the effect was achieved. I just added some messy explanations to the effect."
"No, no." Jin'er's eyes were sparkling, as if she was very impressed with Ning Yi's analysis, "I think it makes a lot of sense."
"Look, it scared a person."
After Ning Yi finished speaking, Yunzhu laughed. Jin'er gently snorted, "Look at Sister Yunzhu, her smile is so subtle, and she even looked at you after laughing, but there is no disapproval on her face. This means that Sister Yunzhu believes what you said earlier, and thinks that you have a unique vision. Hmph, do you always know what people are thinking just by looking at them?"
"I'm not that good …"
As they were talking, Puyang Yi also came over. "Brother Ning is here too." He looked at Yunzhu and Jin'er and recognized them as women. Perhaps he also recognized Jin'er's identity and thought that they admired Ning Yi, so he followed them over. Although he was curious, he did not greet them verbally, but just bowed slightly.
"I saw some people over there just now, so I didn't come over to greet them. Please forgive me, Brother Ning." He smiled and looked around, "There are many people here today, and it will definitely become a good story in the future. Brother Ning, are you in the mood to play today?"
Last year, when he dealt with the matter of the Su family, familiar people in the business world gave Ning Yi the nickname of "Ten Steps to Calculate". This nickname only spread in a small circle, mainly because several families who had suffered losses in Ning Yi's hands still had lingering fears. If it fell into the ears of the literati, they would probably think that it was just a small business. Everyone had read the books of the sages, and in the future, they would manage the world. If they did it themselves, it would probably not be bad, and they would feel that this nickname was exaggerated. However, Puyang Yi had watched the whole process of the incident of the imperial merchants, and he understood the weight of this nickname. At this time, he did not hesitate and just asked about the decision made by Ning Yi. However, Ning Yi also shook his head.
"Today is a gathering of talented people. I'm afraid it's enough to just watch everyone's performance, heh …"
"Uh …"
"I know that Miss Li before."
"Hmm?"
"When I was a child, my family lived in Sanlian Lane. At that time, Miss Li was probably learning the zither in a musician's house at the entrance of the lane. A few days ago, I suddenly met her. At that time, I didn't know her current identity, and only found out this morning when I came over."
In front of Pu Yangyi, Ning Yi was actually frank. The other side stared blankly for a moment, but then he laughed wryly and cupped his hands. He was even more open-minded. "Hehe, so that's how it is. I understand, I understand. When old friends meet, since there's a connection, it's not good for Brother Ning to compose lyrics for Qilan. If I had known earlier … Heh, in fact, this matter was unscrupulous.
He cupped his hands in apology, and then sighed with a smile, "Today, Zhou Bangyan is famous all over the world. Without Brother Ning as the finale, it seems that Qi Lan is in danger. I have offended Miss Li, but I have no ill intentions. Later, I will ask Brother Ning to put in a good word for me. But these things can be put aside for now. If Brother Ning is really in the mood, then if you have good words, then write them out. If Brother Ning's words were not present in today's Literary Conference, then it would make everyone feel that it has lost a lot of color. Although Puyang Yi is a bit unscrupulous, he is still the most respectful in literary matters. A few days ago, I only asked Brother Ning to take care of Qi Lan while writing poems. Today, I will pretend that I did not say those words, and I hope that Brother Ning will not hold a grudge. "
The Puyang family was passionate about poetry, and of course, there were many considerations for interests. However, Puyang Yi was influenced by his family's teachings, and his words at this moment, showed that he respected poetry from the bottom of his heart. This was the aura of this era. Poetry had always been the highest form of art. When a good sentence is written, it can make people feel the aura of a sage. People used this color to paint the entire scroll of history. When Puyang Yi knew that things could not be done, he put down the balance of interests in his heart. His respect for words actually came from the bottom of his heart.
Everyone chatted for a while. When Puyang Yi left, Yunzhu asked him about his relationship with Li Shishi. Ning Yi told her about the incident at Sanlian Alley not long ago. Yunzhu said, "Then … Liheng is not going to participate in today's literary conference?"
"I am here to watch the performance. Poetry is something that cultivates one's mind and expresses one's feelings. There is no need to compete over it. Moreover, they are doing it for a good reputation and to be in the limelight. I don't need that, so there is no need for me to stand up for others. I can just be a foil. Moreover … it is really bullying, heh … "
There were many poems in his mind. At this moment, he was immersed in the atmosphere of this era. He understood more about poems and could recall more of them. To say that he was bullying people was the truth. However, after he said that, Jiner naturally glanced at him and said, "You're bragging."
Then she said proudly, "But I can see that Puyang Yi is advancing by retreating. After knowing that you are unable to compose a poem for Miss Qi Lan, he settled for the next best thing. He asked you to divide Li Shishi's side. He said that he wanted you to put in a good word for him, but in fact, he was showing weakness to the enemy. And he said that there is no other way without you as the finale. That must be a lie. "
Ning Yi nodded. "Puyang Yi is a person who is good at helping others. In the beginning, he did not really help me much. He only did some superfluous flattery. He is the kind of person who plans before taking action. Since I do not owe him a favor, of course he will not insist on my help. He asked me to compose a poem, but it is at most a secondary card. Moreover, there are only seventy to eighty people in this outing. As long as nothing goes wrong, no matter what happens in the poetry competition, the Puyang family can always boast about Qi Lan as a top courtesan like Li Shishi. If Cao Guan wins, they also win. If Zhou Bangyan wins, Qi Lan will also perform on the same stage as Li Shishi. In the future, everyone will only talk about this literary conference. And when Li Shishi returns to the capital, they will spread the word about her battle with the people from Jiangning. In short, as long as they are not idiots, it is a win-win situation. "
"You businessmen are really treacherous." Jin'Er curled her lips and then smiled. "But Puyang Yi is a good person. When you said you knew Li Shishi, he immediately understood and apologized so seriously. I heard that he is easy to talk to, but now it seems that he is not bad. I … uh … have met him a few times before … "
The Puyang family had always pursued Qi Lan, but as the top courtesan of Golden Wind Brothel, Yuan Jin'er had naturally met Puyang Yi a few times. It was just that she did not have much contact with him. At this time, she was recalling the scenes of their past meetings. Ning Yi smiled. "Why? Are you infatuated? "
"Not at all. I just think that he is very good and want to learn from him. I think that it is very good that he can understand other people's difficulties. When I was in Golden Wind Brothel, there were always people quarreling. For example, when I promised to go to the Chen family's banquet, the son of the Lu family came and said that he must have Yuan Jin'er. In the end, they quarreled again. After the quarrel, I had to apologize to both sides. But if I took the time to go, the son of the Chen family would be unhappy. If I didn't go, what would I do if the son of the Lu family didn't come? Mom would keep nagging. No wonder they are not as popular as the Puyang family. In the future, Sister Yunzhu and I will make the Takeshi family more powerful than the Puyang family … "
Jin 'er didn't care too much about the past. At this time, her rambling was quite amusing. Ning Yi was tickled into laughter, but soon after, he shook his head. "Don't look down on Pu Yangyi."
"Uh? I didn't … "
"That is not understanding. That is self-cultivation. He knows that I have my difficulties. This matter is not a big deal, so he did me a favor. If today's matter was related to the life and death of the Puyang family, he would have said the same thing. However, after he said those words, you have to know that you are enemies. He will turn around and deal with you. Of course, he may beg you one more time, but the result will be the same. In the business world, there can be true self-cultivation, but there can not be true modesty. Puyang Yi is very clear about this. If you want to learn from him, don't really think of him as a modest gentleman. "
Yunzhu wanted to do business, but Ning Yi did not say too much about the details. Jin'er wanted to learn from him, so he preached casually. But then he felt that he had said too much. Jin'er had her own way of dealing with interpersonal relationships. In fact, she did not have too much treachery in her heart, but she could also avoid many treacherous methods. This was her interesting point, so there was no need for him to let her realize many of the real dark things.
Then he simply blackened Puyang Yi and created the image of a crazy demon king in the cartoon. When Jin'er felt that Puyang Yi was covered in black water, the feeling of a needle in a cotton floss just now was diluted. The group of people chatted and laughed as they left the courtyard. They walked along the forest behind the courtyard and walked towards the hillside not far away.
At this time, it was about half past ten in the morning. The sun broke through the morning clouds. The forest was dense, but not large. Two streams flowed down from the mountain, and the ripples reflected the sunlight, blurring and dazzling the eyes. The group of people walked in the fresh forest. Occasionally, a woman would play the pipa in her hand, and the pleasant sound of music and laughter could be heard. At the end of their vision, the forest at the top of the hill showed a piece of green grass. The grass was as green as oil, and the grass was dotted with wild flowers. The mountain and trees on one side blocked the strong southeast wind. On the other side, the view was open, and they could see the Yangtze River and the distant stone city. It was the perfect place for a spring outing …
*****
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