Chapter 73
They had all drank to slight inebriation, Pei Zi Yun clinked his glass with High Scholar Fu and they had another cup of wine . Chen Jin Chun and Yu Mao Guang knew Pei Zi Yun’s talents and thus weren’t silly enough to challenge him to a poem competition they knew they would lose .
At that precise moment, Shen Zhi walked up to Pei Zi Yun’s table, with two people escorting him . He then placed a flask of wine and some writing materials on the table .
Shen Zhi then poured out a cup of wine for Pei Zi Yun and placed it on the table . He then smiled and said, "I’ve long heard of the talents and skills possessed by Top Scorer Pei . And today we chanced upon each other . If I may be so bold to request a poem by Top Scorer Pei, so that I can sample and enjoy the quality that everyone else had been raving about . ”
Pei Zi Yun was with High Scorer Fu, Chen Jin Chun and Yu Mao Guang . They had been eating, drinking and discussing several essays . When he had been invited to recite a poem by Shen Zhi, the rest of them didn’t find it odd whatsoever . Pei Zi Yun was indeed extremely talented, and was the Top Scorer of the past examination as well . Thus, it was not strange that he would attract attention from the literary world . Over the past few days, the essays of the new batch of High Scholars had just been released . The quality of those essays were extraordinary .
When the essays’ compilation was released, there were still some people who cast doubts about the quality of this batch of High Scholars . However, those people were unable to speak out openly about their opinions . This was because they lacked the necessary credentials and were only critical for the sake of being critical .
Pei Zi Yun raised his head and looked up to see Wei Ang standing beside Shen Zhi . When their gazes met, Wei Ang gave him a wink, before prompting him . Only then did Pei Zi Yun react . It was clear that Wei Ang was giving his junior brother the opportunity to make a name for himself .
This was exactly what Pei Zi Yun wanted . When Pei Zi Yun realized this, he stood up and laughed, "Reciting poems is a small matter . What’s unexpected is that Mister Shen would invite me to recite a poem, but come empty handed itself . If Mr Shen were to pour me three cups of wine, I would compose and recite a poem, what do you think?”
Shen Zhi was a renowned literary student himself . Pei Zi Yun was just a small time High Scholar who had just recently rose to fame . For him to make such a demand of Shen Zhi was slightly overboard . It was clear that the mood within the hall was tense . Even Wei Ang who was standing beside Shen Zhi was somewhat astounded .
After Pei Zi Yun had been requested to compose a poem, he formed a plan in his mind . In order to become renowned, the most important thing was to be talented . The next most important thing was to have a platform or venue to express his talents . Since Pei Zi Yun had no intentions to become a Grand Scholar, he wasn’t afraid of being too popular . At this point, he had no need to be modest, ‘Mr Shen too is a renowned literary scholar as well . If he were to pour wine for me, that would indicate that I was superior to him . As long as I am able to compose a poem that would win the hearts of everyone here, my name would be broadcasted, and the first step of my plan would be accomplished . ’
The entire hall had turned silent . The people who knew Pei Zi Yun, High Scholar Fu, Chen Jun Chun and Yu Guang Mao were all extremely anxious . They knew that if he could compose a good poem, his good reputation would spread like wildfire . However, if he could not live up to the hype, his reputation would turn into one of a selfish, ignorant brat . The difference between the outcomes were akin to the difference between heaven and earth . Everyone around him was breaking out in cold sweat .
Although Shen Zhi was just an Elementary Scholar, he had followed Ji Bei Hou for a long time . With a stroke of his pen, generals would flock towards him and obey his orders . Who would dare to look at him as just a mere Elementary Scholar?
Having not seen anything like this in a long time, Shen Zhi eyed Pei Zi Yun for an extended period before breaking out into a smile, "It’s only pouring wine, nothing difficult about that . Men! Bring me the wine and some cups . ”
A servant appeared immediately and brought the flask of wine over . Shen Zhi took over the flask and retrieved three cups before pouring them . He then placed the three cups on a tray, and presented the tray to Pei Zi Yun .
High Scholar Li, Chen Jin Chun and Yu Mao Guang were all worried . This was the make or break point for Pei Zi Yun . If he were able to compose a good poem, his reputation would soar to the heavens . However, if he could not deliver, he would be humiliated .
Pei Zi Yun reached over and took the cups of wine . He drained the three cups immediately, and felt a certain heat radiate through his entire body . He then exclaimed, "This is some good wine . Bring me a quill . ”
A servant behind Shen Zhi presented some pen and paper . Pei Zi Yun chose an empty table and placed the materials on them . Wei Ang then took the ink and said, "Brother Pei, it looks like you’re going to compose a poem that is brilliant through the course of time . Let me do the honor of preparing your ink . ”
Wei Ang then retrieved the ink and started preparing it . When he was done, he placed the readied ink on the table before walking away . He then glanced at Pei Zi Yun, who had started writing . Wei Ang then read the first strokes of the poem, which was titled, <Let’s Drink Up> .
“Do you not see, the currents of the Yellow River flowing endlessly, pouring into the ocean, without ever turning back . ”
“Do you not see, our elders grieving while the reflection on the mirror showed an entire head of white hair . That was once ebony, now white as snow in their twilight years . ”
“One’s life on Earth has to be filled with happiness and enjoyment, instead of bemoaning an empty goblet of wine while facing the moon . ”
There was a Yellow River in this world as well, and it was a big and well known river . Pei Zi Yun copied this poem wholesale from a famous poet, Li Bai, who had yet to be born during this time . This poem rocked the entire world when it was being composed and was titled, <Let’s Drink Up> .
For every sentence that Pei Zi Yun wrote, Wei Ang read it out loud for everyone to hear . Just after three lines, the expressions of everyone was that of shock . There were a hundred people all around, and everyone was listening to Wei Ang read the poem . There was not a sound that could be heard in between the pauses .
“As a host, why should I exempt myself by claiming I’m poor, as I would readily buy however much is required for us to drink till our heart’s’ content . ”
“I have with me five horses, and a coat worth a thousand gold taels . Take this and exchange them for praises of good wine, to relieve ourselves of the burdens we might face tonight . ”
When the last phrase had been read out, the entire hall was deadly silent . Immediately after, everyone exclaimed in shock before cheers erupted . Wei Ang, Shen Zhi, High Scholar Fu, Chen Jin Chun and Yu Guang Mao were all speechless and looked at Pei Zi Yun .
Shen Zhi poured another cups of wine, before sighing, "When Top Scorer Pei asked me to pour him three cups of wine, I had initially thought he was playing a joke . Only today I realized that I have met a literary genius . Your talents are feared by the immortals, and cannot be measured by the water in the oceans . ”
“I shall punish myself, by drinking an additional three cups . ” He then drained the three cups before him and continued, "I’ve read your essays, and you are indeed spectacular . It’s a shame you’ve joined a Dao sect . Why don’t you return to the secular world, you will rise up in ranks rapidly . ”
Pei Zi Yun then replied, "Life is short . The reason I’ve became a High Scholar was to appease my family . Now that my family is doing well, I’ve decided to travel the four seas and see every corner of the earth myself and live a nomadic lifestyle . ”
When Shen Zhi heard this, his eyes glimmered . From afar, he saw Pei Zi Yun returning the toasts of people around him and sighed deeply . He turned around and muttered under his breath, "What a shame . ”
Fu Mansion
Ever since the establishment of the dynasty, curfews were no longer implemented . Although the streets were quiet, and most of the lanterns hanging at each house had been extinguished, there were still some big houses with their lights on . When the banquet was concluded, everyone started making their way home . In their drunken state, many people were still reciting the poem Pei Zi Yun composed .
When High Scholar Fu reached home, the lanterns before his entrance were still lit . Seeing the ox-cart approaching, several servants rushed forward to welcome them, "Old master is back?”
“Quick, help young master Pei in, and get him some alcohol-dispelling soup . ”
Pei Zi Yun had composed a poem that shocked the entire hall . Regardless of whether the toasts to him were out of respect or envy, they came in numbers . Although he had managed to cultivate his inner strength, he was still heavily intoxicated .
High Scholar Fu however was still extremely alert and aware as he dished out orders .
High Scholar Fu then walked to the next block and saw that Yu Yun Jun was in a room, as the candles were lit in there . He sighed and pushed open the doors to the room .
Yu Yun Jun was writing an essay, and the little girl Chu Xia was sprawled on the bed, fast asleep . Hearing the door creak open, Yu Yun Jun looked up and smiled, "Oh, my brother-in-law is back . ”
“Yun Jun, take a look at this poem . ” High Scholar Fu then handed her the paper . Yu Yun Jun was somewhat surprised . All these years of living in Fu Mansion, never once did her brother-in-law drop in on her after a long night out . This time however, he had entered her room and spoken to her . She then accepted the poem . Under the light, she read it .
“This is a good poem!” She turned around, as her eyes gleamed, "Who wrote this poem?”
“It was written by your good disciple today . You weren’t there to see it for yourself, but hundreds of High Scholars and renowned characters were all astounded by the quality of his work . They were awed by him . ”
“Wei Ang even got Ji Bei Hou to grant him a favor, all for your good disciple . ”
“This was extremely unconventional . However, nobody there dared to disapprove . Even Shen Zhi could not disagree, not with a piece like this . ” High Scholar Li then exhaled, "This disciple of yours is a genius, and not like any other man . It’s no wonder you would abruptly accept him as your disciple . ”
Hearing the words spoken by High Scholar Fu, Yu Yun Jun’s hands trembled .
“That person!” His words were true, and she understood it . Out of the blue, a youth appeared before her eyes . The image of him was clear, and then it became blur . He had an innocent playmate before him, who eventually became his childhood sweetheart . They had plans to be married, but alas, were fated to meet but not fated to be together .
Yu Yun Jun could neither laugh or cry . She then examined the poem once more . As she read the poem, tears rolled down her cheeks .
“Ai, such a beautiful piece of work . ” High Scholar Fu gazed at the lights and said softly .
Yu Yun Jun was speechless . Originally, her job was to observe and lookout for any potential candidates to join the sect . Then, she was to report her findings back and the other sect elders would then recruit the person she recommended . In the end, she decided to take Pei Zi Yun under herself . She nodded her head at her brother-in-law, and understood everything .
“Seeing this person, reminded me of that year . Although they look completely different, his demeanor and aura was exactly the same . ”
“So, this is how I truly feel?”
Hou Mansion
It was late in the night and the ember of the lone candle was dancing and flickering . The samurai warrior was kneeling before Shen Zhi . Shen Zi was no longer excited as he was earlier . He was writing a letter and sealed it up with wax when he was done .
He then handed the letter to the samurai warrior, "Follow this address and deliver the letter . Tell them to follow the instructions carefully . ”
The lights in the room weren’t very bright and the lone candle was flickering, causing the shadows cast to dance as well .
“Hai, don’t worry Mr Shen . ” Once the samurai gave his assurance, he kowtowed once, before standing up and leaving, his expression could not be seen at all due to the poor lighting .
The three other samurais behind him followed as they left through the backdoor of Hou Mansion . four horses had already been prepared as the three samurais followed the main warrior, disappearing under the cloak of darkness .
Breakwaters
The wind was blowing strongly at night, bringing with it the musky smell of sea . The currents were unrelenting as they bashed onto the rocks of the breakwater . A small boat had stopped near the coast and several samurais were standing atop the boat . A leader stood in front of them, as several ronins stood beside him . They all carried swords on them, looking alertly for any signs of suspicious activities .
(TN : Ronins were mercenary Samurais)
The sound of horse hooves shattered the silence of the nights and the few ronins drew their swords . Under the fire of a torch, a lead samurai was leading three others on horseback as they raced towards the boats .
Seeing these samurais approaching, the samurais on the boat then sheathed their swords before alighting from the boat .
Seeing them alight, the samurais didn’t utter a single word . He retrieved the letter and handed it over, "This is the task Mr Shen would like you to accomplish . I hope you would complete it as soon as possible . ”
The warriors from the boat took the letter and read it under the fire . When he had finished reading, he burnt the letter by placing it above the torch . He then turned around and said, "Hai . tell Mister Shen that he has my guarantee . I will handle this matter . ”
“Hai, please do . ” The samurais bowed to each other .
The samurais from the boat didn’t speak much as well . They boarded the boat, and with a wave of a hand, the boat started gliding with the wind, the wind was still roaring in the night .
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