Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 426 - 262 Competing in Poetry

"Indeed! Brother Huang is just too modest. This poem is worthy of being included in the poetry book," someone else followed up with praise. Although there was some exaggeration, it was a form of affirmation.

Later, a few more poems were recited, and everyone unanimously agreed that none were as outstanding as Huang Junheng’s. In fact, the others knew that today they were merely making up the numbers; hadn’t they seen that the top scorer was still sitting at the table? 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

"This one is Mr. Yu’s poem,

An extravagant fragrance never met before, Red lanterns flicker around the green tray.

Awake, alone, startled by feelings, In which heaven is this immortal palace?"

Everyone was somewhat dazed. Initially, they thought, with Yu Ting’s literary talent, could his poem be any good? To their surprise, he could produce such a masterpiece.

Those who were close to Yu Ting had already guessed that he had sought help from someone else and had prepared it in advance. With the limited knowledge in Yu Ting’s stomach, how could he have come up with such a poem?

"So Brother Yu was hiding his talents! Such literary skill shown today has opened our eyes. Brother Yu must punish yourself with three cups," said Huang Junheng, surprised that Yu Ting had prepared such an excellent poem, which nearly overshadowed his own. As for who would be deemed the best, it certainly depended on everyone’s comments.

"Brother Huang is absolutely right! Brother Yu is indeed too humble. Although this poem does not directly mention peony, the imagery of red lanterns and green tray highlights the form of the peony flower, earning our admiration."

Yan Huan, not expecting Yu Ting to possess such literary talent, sincerely praised.

Yu Ting hurriedly put away his fan and clasped his hands towards everyone, saying, "You all are indeed overpraising me. How does my literary skill dare to compare with the talented individuals present here? Your praises indeed make me blush with shame, unworthy of them!"

Though Yu Ting said so, the slight upward curl of his lips suggested otherwise. Gu Chengyu inwardly rolled his eyes; must one be so brazen? However, Zhu Pang had previously mentioned this grandson of the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, saying he was even more reckless than he was. Looking at it now, the rumors couldn’t be entirely trusted!

Gu Chengyu was not entirely aware of today’s event, thinking these people frequently gathered for literary meetings, thus doubting Zhu Pang’s words.

"Yu Ting, this poem..." Just as Zhu Pang began to speak, he stopped.

By this time, the alcohol had completely worn off, and he regretted involving Gu Chengyu in this muddy water. He knew Gu Chengyu liked these things the least, not that he was afraid of competition, but because he found conversations with these people utterly uninspiring.

Meanwhile, he was well-acquainted with Yu Ting, knowing the latter couldn’t have created such a poem. However, as he spoke halfway, he realized that embarrassing Yu Ting in front of so many people would make Yu Ting hate him. Although he wasn’t afraid, he didn’t want to cause trouble for his father.

Recently, his father had been particularly displeased with him, threatening to invoke family law at any moment. If it weren’t for his mother’s intervention, his backside would’ve been thoroughly thrashed. Moreover, he wasn’t foolish; his father was a Standard Third Rank Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War, while Yu Ting’s grandfather was a Standard Second Rank Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

The saying goes that an official rank above oppresses others. Although his father did not serve in the same department as Yu Zheng, he still had to show respect to Yu Zheng when they met. Zhu Pang was usually prone to mischief, but he knew what shouldn’t be done; life was already tough enough for his father at court, so he should try not to stir up trouble!

Of course, the most important thing was, he still needed to ask his father about his fiancée!

Yu Ting initially thought Zhu Pang wanted to expose him but saw that Zhu Pang eventually said no more. Yu Ting snorted coldly, thinking wisely done. Even if Zhu Pang raised doubts, he could still find excuses; after all, it wasn’t the fame he cared about.

Then, Xi Yan read a few more poems, among which Zheng Lun’s was relatively outstanding.

Since Gu Chengyu and the others were seated towards the middle near the end, when the poems were collected, it started from the back, placing them further down. When Huang Junheng collected them, he deliberately performed a small maneuver to place his own poem last. Gu Chengyu did not understand his intention.

Xi Yan took a sip of tea to moisten her throat, "This one is Mr. Min’s,

The peony blooms beyond the old fence, Spring coat hides tears as I return.

The host is no more, the flowers always remain, Even more steadfast than the pine enduring winter chill."

"Mr. Min’s poetry is renowned throughout the Capital, greatly affirmed by many scholars for his literary talents, and it seems truly well-deserved."

A scholar exclaimed, having never encountered Min Feng before in previous poetry gatherings. Yet Min Feng’s reputation had spread throughout the Capital precisely because of his brilliant literary prowess, making others feel deeply inferior.

"Indeed! Though this poem outwardly describes peonies, it reflects the longing for friends. Mr. Min perhaps also touched by nostalgia!" a scholar sighed, his hometown lies outside the Capital, and he’d already been in the Capital for three whole years for study.

He’d only returned three times during this period, not just missing friends, but also yearning for his parents back home intensely.

"Frankly, the renown is undeserved. Writing this poem was indeed due to longing for former classmates; his house had peonies planted in the courtyard," Min Feng said with a face full of nostalgia, revealing much genuine sentiment.

Gu Chengyu smiled; this certainly added more weight to the poem. Who didn’t have a few friends? At this moment, everyone seemed nostalgic, changing the previously somber atmosphere.

By this point in the competition, everyone actually had some judgment; earlier Yu Ting’s poem evoked many feelings, and Min Feng’s certainly resonated with them, making it difficult. As for Huang Junheng’s poem, it was naturally good, but their emotional response to it wasn’t as strong.

In their viewpoint, Huang Junheng’s poem focused primarily on romantic love, a theme they considered narrower compared to the profound friendship among friends.

Finally, it was Gu Chengyu’s turn. Gu Chengyu finally understood Huang Junheng’s plan—was this an attempt to pave the way for Min Feng, using him as a stepping stone?

In the last two years, Min Feng had undoubtedly put in considerable effort in poetry and prose to compete with him. Yet with the recent imperial examination over, they still needed to prepare for the upcoming Imperial Examination, and Min Feng still focused on poetry.

It seemed Min Feng had made significant progress in the past three years, possibly forecasting a change in the examination results.

Gu Chengyu pondered, puzzled over Huang Junheng’s keen interest in Min Feng’s affairs. Suddenly, he thought of Huang Junheng’s background; his maternal uncle was the current Grand Secretary Xia Qing. Had Min Feng already decided to seek mentorship under Xia Qing?

It appeared Xia Qing thought highly of Min Feng, as suggested by Huang Junheng’s attitude.

As Gu Chengyu lowered his head in contemplation, Xi Yan had already received his poem.

She glanced at Gu Chengyu’s handwriting, discovering it was an unfamiliar script. Compared to these erudite talents, she was no match, but she had some expertise in calligraphy and had practiced various styles, yet this was entirely novel to her.

Xi Yan carefully observed the strokes, noting their strength and breadth, their subtle execution, the structure rigorous and dignified, the momentum expansive. As the saying goes, ’writing reflects character’, suggesting that Gu Chengyu must be a man of integrity and stability.