Zhu Houzhao felt the deep malice of ordinary scholars towards him, and at the same time he also knew that if he did not become famous, there would be nothing good to gain when he returned to the palace.
Whether it was forced or voluntary, he had to accept Zhang Zhou's "goodwill".
"How do you want to become famous?" Zhang Zhou did not go to make arrangements for Zhu Houzhao, but gave the choice to this bastard.
Zhu Houzhao said: "You can give me some of the articles, poems and songs they mentioned. I will convince them."
"Forget it about articles. I'll let you write eight-legged essays. It'll be good if you can write a few articles in the appropriate format now. Do you still want to compete with those who have been immersed in articles for more than ten years or even decades?" Zhang Zhou said.
"Aren't you the number one scholar? Your talent must be better than theirs." Zhu Houzhao admired Zhang Zhou's talents very much.
Zhang Zhou shook his head: "When writing an article, the key is the title. If I give you a passage from a saint, you can use it to write an article. If I can write an article for you with each passage of a saint's words, then in my life There’s no need to do anything else.”
"Is there no other way?" Zhu Houzhao also seemed to feel pressure.
Zhang Zhou said: "Then let's do poetry."
"Yes, yes, poetry is also good." Zhu Houzhao smiled brightly, but as if he thought of something troubling, he turned to a sad expression and said, "But poetry... you say it is good, there will always be people who say it is not. Some people think the words are gorgeous, but most people think it’s lack of depth and just average.”
Zhang Zhou laughed and said, "If it were a poem written by Li, Du, Su, Lu, etc., would others think it was ordinary without depth?"
Zhu Houzhao shook his head and said: "That is definitely different, but the problem is..."
"The problem is that I can't write poetry with that kind of depth. Is that what you want to say?" Zhang Zhou asked.
"Uh... Hehe, Mr. Zhang, I don't mean to look down on you, but... you know that famous sentences are not common, and... even if I can write them, they will still think that I am young, Without that experience, you would think that this poem is not from me." Zhu Houzhao said this awkwardly and politely, but also very abrupt.
After hearing this, Zhang Zhou felt that this guy seemed to be fooling around, but he still had some basic self-awareness.
Zhang Zhou said: "Then I will use your talent and knowledge, as well as your personal situation, to tailor poems for you... No need to say any more words, I will let you write poems. What do you think of the seven-character quatrains?"
"Yeah. Very good." Zhu Houzhao said, "How can I say that Mr. Zhang is good to me? Hey, what kind of seven-character quatrain is that?"
"Bring me a pen."
Zhang Zhou shouted.
Zhu Houzhao looked around and said with a wry smile: "There is no pen, ink, paper and inkstone."
Zhang Zhou said: "You went south claiming to be a student, but you didn't even prepare pen, ink, paper and inkstone? Ask them to borrow it for you!"
"Okay!" Zhu Houzhao ran to the door and shouted outside, "Who is that? Find the four treasures of the study."
…
…
The Four Treasures of the Study were placed in front of Zhang Zhou. Zhu Houzhao was afraid that the news of Zhang Zhou writing poems for him would spread, so he even kicked out Liu Jin who was planning to study ink.
"Sir, come here." Zhu Houzhao gave Zhang Zhouyan ink.
Zhang Zhou said: "What I wrote, is it something from my head, or is it yours?"
"Then... let me write?" Zhu Houzhao was shocked, "Mr. Zhang, are you kidding me? I can write it, but can I use you?"
Zhang Zhou said angrily: "Let me tell you, you write it. Your handwriting is always pretty good. After you write it, don't rush to publicize it. Give me another copy and I will give it to others for you."
"Gift?" Zhu Houzhao looked puzzled.
Zhang Zhoudao: "Everyone is innocent of the crime of harboring a jade. It is useless to tell you in detail. If you want to make your name famous, it is best to find a few famous scholars to help you appreciate it, such as Cheng Minzheng, Cheng Xueshi, Yin Wuxiong of Yingtian Prefecture, Nanjing Ministry of War Minister..."
"Who?" Zhu Houzhao asked.
"Me!" Zhang Zhou said.
Zhu Houzhao opened his mouth and said: "You said I would write it and give you a taste after I finish it? This..."
Zhang Zhou said: "Are you not satisfied that I, Zhang, can give you a tasting?"
"No, sir, don't get me wrong. I'm just expressing my feelings. You said, I'll write it." Zhang Zhou said, "Listen carefully, Li Du's poems have been passed down by thousands of mouths, and it's no longer new to me."
"Slow down... I write slowly."
After Zhu Houzhao finished writing two sentences, he scratched his head and said: "This... this is not very good."
Zhang Zhoudao: "What is important is to explain the poem in a simple and profound way. If you come up and talk loudly, others will doubt whether the poem is written by you."
"That's it? I already look down on Li Du's poems. Isn't it called eloquent talk?"
"Stop talking nonsense! Continue writing... Talented people have emerged from generation to generation, and each has led the way for hundreds of years."
Zhu Houzhao picked up the pen, but before he could finish it, he looked at Zhang Zhou in stunned silence and said, "The last two sentences are good, they sound very high-end, Jiangshan...what's that?"
"There are talented people in every generation... write quickly, I have something else to do, and I don't care about it at all. If you look like this, who would believe that you have a reputation for talent?"
"Mr. Zhang, can you just believe it? Hehe."
…
…
After writing the first poem, Zhu Houzhao took the poem and read it silently many times. The more he read, the more he felt a sense of accomplishment.
"Sir, you are still awesome. Such a poem feels like ordinary words. It does not have such gorgeous words, but it seems to be very profound. I think if you take it out, it will definitely make those people dare not underestimate me. ." Zhu Houzhao looked proud.
Zhang Zhou said: "This song is your expectation for the world's scholars, or it is your use of the past to discuss the present, which reflects your admiration for the wise men."
"Yes, yes." Zhu Houzhao squinted and smiled. Now that Zhang Zhou said that farts smell good, he would nod.
Zhang Zhou coughed and said, "Write another song. This one reflects your expectations for reading and firm will and character, as well as your confidence."
"There's more? Hurry..."
"Stand firmly on the green mountains and never let go. The roots are still in the broken rocks. It has been strong despite being struck by the winds of east, west, north and south."
Zhang Zhou deliberately spoke slowly this time, but found that Zhu Houzhao could completely understand the words he said without having to look up and ask himself.
This also shows that the words and intentions of these Qijue poems are very simple, but they can be sublimated from the conception.
By the time Zhu Houzhao finished writing, he was in a very bad state and shouted: "Sir, you are so amazing. This poem... just a few simple sentences, why do I feel that my character has been improved?" The wind blows from east to west, from north to south, to say it is really refreshing, that is called joyful."
"Stop talking nonsense and give you another song."
"Uh-huh."
"The anger of Kyushu relies on wind and thunder, and it is pitiful that thousands of horses are silent. I urge God to cheer up and send talents of any kind."
"I'll go, I'm so awesome!"
Zhu Houzhao became more and more excited as he wrote.
But this time, unlike the previous two songs, it was completely straightforward, with a little ambiguity. Some of them needed Zhang Zhou's guidance before he knew which words they were.
"Sir, are there any more?" After Zhu Houzhao finished writing, he was no longer in a hurry to brag, but looked at Zhang Zhou eagerly.
Zhang Zhou said: "Why, aren't three songs enough?"
"Enough, enough!" Zhu Houzhao stuck out his tongue, "Don't say three songs, even one song is enough. I think the third song is the best, the second song is also good... the first song... quite Very good."
Zhang Zhou stood up and said, "Copy each song for me a few times, and then recite it clearly. Don't wait for others to ask, you will forget what you wrote."
"Will not."
Zhu Houzhao was like an obedient student this time, writing as he was told.
After copying several copies of the three poems, most of them were taken away by Zhang Zhou.
Zhu Houzhao said: "Sir, do you want to make a name for me?"
"Yes, I went back and framed it and hung it on the wall. When people came to visit, I told them that someone gave it to me as a gift, and then asked them to evaluate the poem. The ones I have come into contact with recently are all from Nanjing. Famous Confucian." Zhang Zhou said.
Zhu Houzhao said with a grateful face: "Sir, why are you so kind to me? Even if I don't understand poetry, I can see that these poems can make you famous if you take them out casually. You don't make yourself famous, but you give me... …I…I don’t even know what to say.”
Zhang Zhou said coldly: "If you can save your butt from being spanked when you return to the capital, I, as a gentleman, can be regarded as doing my best to be benevolent and righteous."
"Yes, yes, sir, you are all thinking about me. Don't worry, sir. When I return to the capital, I will study hard and live up to your expectations of me." Zhu Houzhao vowed there.
Zhang Zhou lightly snorted: "Just you? It's not that I look down on you, you really don't have the ability to concentrate on studying. But for you, studying is just to understand the world. What you want to learn is not necessarily classics and articles, but It’s the way to govern a country.”
Zhu Houzhao asked: "Are these poems also the way to govern the country?"
"Emphasis on talent, emphasis on character cultivation. It is said to be governing people, but for you, it is governing the country." Zhang Zhou said, "Similarly, I gave you poems to highlight your reputation and make the world's scholars admire you. Now His Majesty is treating Yan Sheng The Gong lineage's intervention has also aroused dissatisfaction among scholars all over the world. If you can become famous in the literary world, it will also let scholars all over the world know that the prince of the Ming Dynasty can also be talented."
"It's so profound." Zhu Houzhao's face was full of question marks.
Probably saying.
What scripture are you talking about? Why can't I understand?
Zhang Zhou said: "Okay, recite it a few times and show it to others. After you become famous, you can show your face at literary gatherings. I will think of some poems later and write them to you."
"Okay, okay. Please excuse me, Mr. Zhang, for worrying about the students. The students will take you out."
…
…
Zhu Houzhao was like an obedient primary school student. He was secretly happy while following Zhang Zhou out of the house.
Before they could go downstairs, they saw Sun Che and Gong Yeping coming back from outside.
The two of them were surprised to see Zhu Houzhao and Zhang Zhou coming down together. Sun Che said, "Master Zhu, who is this?"
Zhu Houzhao smiled and said, "My husband."
"Mr. Zhu Gongzi? Then..."
Sun Che and Gong Yeping were both traveling philistines. When they saw that Zhang Zhou was dressed in an extraordinary way and did not look like a teacher in the market at all, and he had a sense of pride in his body, they felt that Zhang Zhou was not an ordinary person.
Zhang Zhou said: "I, a student, came all the way to Nanjing, but refused to visit him. I had no choice but to come and see him in person."
Sun Che and Gong Yeping both felt embarrassed when they heard this.
Instead of the student quickly going to pay homage to the teacher, he actually asked the teacher to come meet the student? Then I felt that this guy was not blaming us for leading his students into bad ways, right?
"Sir, you are joking. The students will definitely visit you when they have time. I am afraid that your door lintel is too high and you can't get in." Zhu Houzhao smiled slyly.
Sun Che asked: "I wonder where this brother is employed?"
Zhang Zhou said: "There is no need to go into details. We will talk about it later. Zhu Shou, study hard and don't let down the expectations of your teacher."
"Yes, student, please remember." Zhu Houzhao saluted respectfully like a good baby.
This also made Sun Che and the two feel that something was not right.
Zhu Houzhao usually makes noises, but it seems that only in front of this "sir" can Zhu Houzhao act like a serious child.
…
…
Zhang Zhou left the inn.
Sun Che also followed Zhu Houzhao to see him out of the door, turned around and asked, "Master Zhu, who is the master? It seems that he has a good background."
Zhu Houzhao said: "Oh, don't say it. He has a good background, but he never lets me tell outsiders."
Gong Yeping remembered what had happened and said, "By the way, young master, we went to the county government office to see him. He said that Brother Hu had come out of the government gate. Did he come to visit him?"
"I haven't seen anyone else." Zhu Houzhao said with excitement on his face, "By the way, you two, I have written a few poems here. Can you help me take a look, but can they be put on the stage?"
"Poetry? Young master wants to show off his literary name? Then he must taste it carefully."
Gong Yeping said this, but naturally he didn't think Zhu Houzhao's literary talent was very good.
When the three of them went upstairs and entered Zhu Houzhao's room, Liu Jin and the other two followed them in.
When Zhu Houzhao presented a collection of three poems that he had transcribed before in front of several people, Gong Yeping's wide eyes showed that... he was shocked.
"this……"
Gong Yeping glanced at Sun Che who was standing aside.
Sun Che also looked incredulous and said: "This is... written by Mr. Zhu?"
Zhu Houzhao said with a proud look on his face: "Who else could it be if it wasn't me? Of course, my husband came over and gave me some advice, but that's not important. Do you think if these three poems were published, would it be possible? What about letting others think I have some talent?”
"Which one of you is so talented? It's okay to say that you... have the crown and glory of the capital. Young Master, you are really..."
Gong Yeping didn't know what to say.
Liu Jin and others on the side were also literate, and they looked at each other.
Based on their experience in life, they naturally know that none of these three poems must have been composed by Zhu Houzhao himself. Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence that such an awesome poem came out when Zhang Zhouyi came?
They knew very well who Zhang Zhou was. He was the number one scholar in the Ming Dynasty, and he was deeply trusted by the emperor and the prince. The prince even went all the way to chase him.
"Master Zhu, such a good poem should be spread to the streets and alleys immediately, why not take it out today." Sun Che was also very excited.
It seems that this poem was also written by him.
Zhu Houzhao said: "Let me arrange it. I will arrange a small literary gathering today. At the literary gathering, I will take out the poems. If anyone dares to say that I have no talent, I will use these three poems to gag their mouths." superior!"
…
…
Zhang Zhou saw Zhu Houzhao, and the carriage headed for Cheng Minzheng's residence.
When Cheng Minzheng learned that Zhang Zhou had come, he thought it was something important. When he saw Zhang Zhou took out a piece of paper and wrote three poems on it, he was surprised and asked: "This is it?"
Zhang Zhou said: "Cheng Shilang, please judge these three poems to see how they are written."
Cheng Minzheng knows his stuff.
After he read it, his reaction was not much better than that of Sun Che and Gong Yeping. He was greatly surprised and said: "Dong Lai Guo, you are really talented."
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Don't say that, this is written by the prince."
"Cough cough cough cough..." Cheng Minzheng coughed violently when he heard this. After he calmed down, he asked, "Is it... written by the prince?"
Zhang Zhou said: "You won't forget what I said to Minister Cheng in the theater, right?"
Cheng Minzheng was stunned for a moment as if he had been hit on the head by a hammer.
When he thought clearly that Zhang Zhou told him that the prince was coming to Nanjing in front of Tang Yin and Xu Jing in the theater, and was preparing to help the prince become famous... Only then did Cheng Minzheng realize that the so-called "making famous" meant this way.
Zhang Zhoudao: "Academically, whether it's psychology or Neo-Confucianism, there are biases. The world either praises or resists it, and it is difficult to reach a consensus. As for articles, it is even more important that literature is not the first, and martial arts is not the second. The prince wants to take advantage of this It’s quite difficult to make a name for yourself.”
Cheng Minzheng said: "So Lai Guogong thought of helping him with poetry..."
"Sir Cheng, don't talk nonsense. This is written by the prince himself. You haven't seen his handwriting in the past two years, but at least you think it wasn't written by me, right?" Zhang Zhou said with a smile.
Cheng Minzheng immediately realized that Zhang Zhou might have sacrificed his own fame and gifted poems to Zhu Houzhao.
But he didn't dare to draw a conclusion.
I took out three poems at once, and they all seemed simple and unpretentious in terms of rhetoric. No one would object if they were written by a childish child, but their intentions were very lofty...
Cheng Minzheng was also thinking.
If this is all written by Zhang Bingkuan, how incredible can his talent be? It was so easy to create such a poem for the prince... Then why was the Peach Blossom Anthem song he wrote two years ago not as good as any of these three?
That was an opportunity to make a name for himself, didn't he seize it?
Or... he wrote these three capitals recently and gave them directly to the prince as gifts before he had time to become famous?
Such a reputation can be given away to others...
Or...
Could it be that His Majesty had someone write it for the Prince? But who has the spirit of self-sacrifice?
Cheng Minzheng asked himself, if he were the author of these three poems, he would not be able to give up his reputation.
Zhang Zhou said: "But the prince doesn't quite understand the crime of holding a bi."
Cheng Minzheng figured it out in an instant, and said, "Are you afraid that someone will steal the title of poetry as his own after learning about these three poems?"
"Yeah." Zhang Zhou nodded.
Cheng Minzheng said: "But that is the prince..."
It means that others dare to plagiarize the prince's poems?
Zhang Zhou said: "But now except for a few people who know his identity, who outsiders know? Even if he suppresses Xiaoxiao with the power of the prince, the world will think that the prince is using his power to bully others and take other people's poems as his own."
Cheng Minzheng frowned and said, "The old man will make this poem public now and tell him that it was written by the prince."
"No need." Zhang Zhou said, "As long as Cheng Shilang names these three poems in Nanjing's literary circles and displays the poems written by the prince to everyone, so that the world knows that these poems came from you, it will be fine. !”
(End of chapter)
