Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 427 - 263: Since Yu Was Born, Why Was Liang Born?

Chapter 427: Chapter 263: Since Yu Was Born, Why Was Liang Born?

Since Xi Yan was observing Gu Chengyu’s calligraphy, there was a pause. Everyone was initially sitting upright, planning to listen to Gu Jieyuan’s poetry.

In recent years, only a few of Gu Chengyu’s poems have circulated. These were released during previous imperial examinations and the Imperial College’s monthly exams. If there hadn’t been some news coming out of the monthly exams, people would have almost forgotten about him.

This time, meeting Gu Chengyu was a coincidence, and they were all somewhat eagerly anticipating it.

"Miss Xi Yan, is Gu Jieyuan’s poetry so remarkable that it stunned you? Could it be a work for the ages? Why not read it for us to appreciate?"

At this point, Huang Junheng became curious, and even Min Feng found it hard to keep his composure.

Gu Chengyu had always overshadowed him, and today he wanted to make a comeback. He had a premonition that in this round of exams, Gu Chengyu might once again gain the upper hand. If he couldn’t make a comeback with poetry, he would be forever overshadowed by Gu Chengyu.

"Ahem! I haven’t looked closely yet; I was just drawn in by Gu Jieyuan’s calligraphy. Gu Jieyuan, could you tell me where your style comes from? I’ve never seen it before."

Xi Yan felt a bit embarrassed, having been so engrossed that she temporarily forgot about the competition.

As Gu Chengyu was about to answer, Huang Junheng stepped in, as all the literary men in the Capital knew that the calligraphy Gu Chengyu wrote was his own creation.

Although it’s said to be learned from other calligraphy models, those models are nowhere to be seen, are they?

Moreover, Gu Chengyu said that after copying, he added his own insights, and finally created a brand new style of calligraphy, which is not something anyone can envy.

"Miss Xi Yan, don’t overthink it. This is Gu Jieyuan’s own creation, the only one in the world. If you wish to learn it, you probably need to take Gu Jieyuan as your teacher!"

Huang Junheng laughed as he said this, and everyone was anxious, but found it inappropriate to urge him.

Xi Yan was utterly amazed, not expecting that this was Gu Chengyu’s own creation, and she felt deep admiration. However, she also knew that this wasn’t the right time to discuss calligraphy.

"Peonies receive spring’s favor, never envying the peony blooms. How long can the wheat’s autumn last, when the grain rains are only slightly cold?

Jealous winds frequently rise, delicate makeup exposed to fade. Hibiscus companions washing gauze, long lamenting over distant waves."

Her curiosity about Gu Chengyu grew stronger, and Xi Yan began to look forward to his poetry. She read each word carefully, feeling a deep emotional connection as soon as she read the first line.

"Never envying the peony blooms" isn’t it speaking about her? She once blamed fate for being unfair, as those young ladies from aristocratic families, raised with strict family codes. Men might flirt with brothel women, but with those aristocratic women? Naturally, they treated them with respect.

Women like her could be abandoned at will, but the ladies from aristocratic families could not, without committing any of the seven grounds for divorce.

Not to mention aristocratic women, she also envied those virtuous females from poor families, living a simple life of marriage and childbearing.

But now, she no longer resented; what good is blaming the heavens and others? She felt as if she was that peony, beautiful like a flower, envied even by the wind and admired by the frost and dew. How was she any less than the national beauty and heavenly fragrance of the peony?

In the future, she would live a life of contentment, enjoying the present, no longer worrying about things that might never happen, nor constantly blaming the heavens and others. She felt a sense of enlightenment, no longer superficial.

Of course, she wouldn’t shy away from what she should strive for, but her perspective had broadened considerably.

Xi Yan associated it with her own situation, hearing a set of emotions. The students’ feelings, though different, were largely similar. How could they not envy those born into nobility, with a natural gift for learning? Yet, who could truly avoid the pursuit of fame and wealth?

So, after reading, everyone was in deep thought, still unable to recover.

Huang Junheng couldn’t help but admire Gu Chengyu; the meaning behind this poem was even more profound. Gu Chengyu’s talents always made others feel inferior.

Min Feng clenched his fists; had he lost again? He felt somewhat defeated. He had thought he’d learned enough, only to be outdone by Gu Chengyu once more.

Gu Chengyu was born to outdo him, and at this moment, he finally understood the essence of "why was Zhuge Liang born alongside Zhou Yu."

He couldn’t help but admit that some people were just heaven’s favorites, favored by fate.

However, his gaze soon became firm again. Having good literary talent, so what? In the future at court, it’s not about literary talent, but strategy.

He believed that his strategy was no less than Gu Chengyu’s. Just wait and see who can have the last laugh. He cheered up, wearing a smile on his face.

"Junior Brother Gu’s poetry is truly admirable. It seems today’s top spot is undoubtedly yours, Junior Brother Gu."

Upon hearing this, Gu Chengyu quickly stood up, "Senior Brother Min, you are too modest. I think Senior Brother Min’s poetry is better. The other senior brothers also have great talent, creating poems with profound meaning; they are indeed rare masterpieces!"

It’s not up to him to decide whether or not he won first place, so he naturally had to be humble. He took the opportunity to praise everyone present, to avoid being eyesores to everyone.

Sure enough, once Gu Chengyu finished speaking, everyone looked much more pleased. Some even smiled at him, showing goodwill.

Then everyone began discussing who should get first place, "I think Brother Yu’s poem is quite good. I choose Brother Yu."

The one speaking was Jiang Cheng. Since he had already decided to follow Yu Ting, he had no choice but to show full support.

Yang Haomiao casually echoed, and the remaining four who came with Yu Ting also chose him. Yu Ting shook his fan, feeling confident about today’s first place, having six people on his side already.

There were eight people left, giving him a significant advantage.

There were supporters for Min Feng, naturally forming the Huang Junheng faction. As for Gu Chengyu’s side, including himself, there were only three people, plus Yan Huan, who wasn’t from any faction and merely thought Gu Chengyu’s poetry was good.

Gu Chengyu sneered coldly, was this how they chose the first place? How much of it was just an act, they knew themselves.

But then again, outsiders didn’t know! If Yu Ting truly managed to win first place, no matter if the poem was really his or not, these scholars would lose face.

"If we keep debating here, we might not get a result even by nightfall. In my opinion, why not have each of you copy your poems twice without signatures, and let the Mountain Master of Boshan Academy or other teachers from the academies critique them? What do you all think?"

Gu Chengyu noticed that Yu Ting appeared to feel confident about securing first place, not to mention he was about to conclude. He straightforwardly suggested letting the esteemed Great Scholars judge. If Yu Ting and his group disagreed, it meant they lacked confidence.

"Very well! I also think it’s difficult to reach a conclusion with just us here, holding different opinions. It would be better to go with Gu Jieyuan’s suggestion."

The first to stand up in agreement was Min Feng, whose aim was to compete with Gu Chengyu, not to support Yu Ting’s tricks.

Moreover, if Yu Ting indeed won first place today, even if he got a good ranking in the exams, it would be disgraceful.