On the last day of the lunar calendar in the 31st year of Qianyuan, the extreme northern cold current that had been ravaging Shengjing City for nearly a month finally dissipated.
The warm sun shines on the earth, and the temperature rises since the early morning. At noon, even wearing thin cotton clothes feels sultry. The snow on the roof melts and drips along the eaves.
The streets are bustling with people coming and going, which seems to herald the next year of the Zhou Dynasty, with good years and good years and a full family.
"The Minister of War and the Marquis of Zhenwu, Jiang Shirong, have come to see the princess!"
Fiery red lanterns hung all over the streets, swaying in the wind. Zhenwuhou had a majestic figure, like a demon. He bowed and saluted, and his voice was like a bell, clanking and breaking, splitting stones and flowing clouds.
"The Marquis of Zhenwu is exempt from the courtesy. You are an important official of the imperial court, and you are also the backbone of my martial arts in the Great Zhou Dynasty. Yunle has not contributed a single inch to the Great Zhou Dynasty, and you deserve it!" Princess Yunle's voice in the sedan chair sounded like Chu Gu. Oriole, like water and song.
"I've met Marquis Zhenwu!"
Princess Yunle's sedan chair was followed by many luxurious and graceful sedan chairs, and many people in gorgeous clothes walked out of them.
The men are energetic and majestic, while the women are graceful and well-mannered. They all have extraordinary temperament and the aura of being in a position of power for a long time.
They were all members of the royal family, but their status and status were far inferior to those of Marquis Zhenwu, so they got off the sedan in front of the mansion.
Jiang Shirong and everyone in the Hou Mansion also returned the greetings one by one.
"This must be the nephew Xuan Lin, the youngest legitimate son of the Marquis. He took part in the provincial examination a year ago. I happened to be appointed by the Hanlin Academy to serve as a deputy examiner. I have a deep memory of my nephew's articles. He is really brilliant and beautiful. Made in heaven.”
A royal family member with a white beard and a bright face came to Jiang Shirong and said with regret: "If it weren't for the fact that the emperor and his ministers were not at the same table, and had different views from Mr. Li, how could my nephew be ranked sixth as Yakui? According to me, You see, it’s not a bad idea to pass the Jie Yuan exam!”
"Sima has a good reputation as an editor. He has little talent and little knowledge. He is not worthy of the name of Jie Yuan. It is just a fluke to get the Ya Kui exam!"
Jiang Shirong returned the courtesy gently. The old man of the clan in front of him, who was dressed in splendid clothes, was named Sima Wen. He was a branch of the royal family of the Zhou Dynasty. He was now working in the Hanlin Academy as editor of the Seventh Rank. Although his official rank was not high, he had a high prestige among the royal clan. There is a literary name.
"Students meet their teachers!"
Jiang Xuanlin was polite and bowed in worship. Sima Wen was the deputy examiner of the examination in his hometown, and Jiang Xuanlin could also be regarded as Sima Wen's protégé.
"Xuanlin, on New Year's Eve this year, the Holy Princess Xu Yunle came to the Marquis Mansion to provide New Year blessings. It is a supreme kindness and honor. You are the legitimate son of Zhenwu Marquis. This scene should be regarded as a poem, which not only expresses gratitude to the Holy Majesty, but also can be used as a poem. Show your literary talent!”
Sima Wen stroked his beard and said: "Confucianism and Taoism are prosperous in our country during the Great Zhou Dynasty, and outstanding people emerge in large numbers. A few days ago, a frontier poem was circulated from Yumen Restaurant. It was written by a low-key and humble young man. It has long been popular among the people and was highly praised by all the literati in Shengjing. , such literary talent and heroic spirit are admirable."
"The teacher is talking about the song about Lord Grim lying drunk on the battlefield. How many people have fought in ancient times?"
Jiang Xuanlin couldn't help but praise: "With just a few strokes of this poem, it outlines the momentum and heroic spirit of our surrounding soldiers. Xuanlin was shocked when he first heard it. He didn't know what kind of person he was who could write such a poem." !”
"Speaking of the famous poems that are famous in Beijing these days, there is a poem that is comparable to Liangzhou Ci. It has gradually come to prominence in the past few days and has been spread among everyone!"
Sima Wen suddenly laughed and said: "It even came from the Zhenwu Marquis Mansion and was called Saixiaqu. The sentence "The bow and the sword are covered with snow" is really a stroke of genius. I thought about it, and Xuan Lin is the only one in the Marquis Mansion who has this literary talent. Eighty-eight percent of the time. Nine must be the work of my virtuous nephew!"
"this……"
Jiang Xuanlin was startled, and the smile that originally appeared on his face suddenly stiffened.
Of course he knew who wrote the poem Sima Wen mentioned. What happened to Jiang Li when he asked to see Jiang Shirong in the heavy snow that day was all under the supervision of his mother He Lou.
Jiang Xuanlin even once ridiculed Jiang Li for being stupid and arrogant. He wrote such a poem to annoy his father, causing him to be scolded and disgusted!
"Editor Sima, this poem was written by my son who doesn't know the world and is very ambitious. He talks nonsense and has no idea what the meaning is. I only thought he was complaining about being narrow-minded, but I accidentally spread the poem. It really makes me laugh and is embarrassing!"
Jiang Shirong frowned, with a look of displeasure on his face.
"This poem was actually written by another son of the Marquis!"
Sima Wen was also a little surprised. Although he could see some of Jiang Shirong's displeasure, he was still surprised that Jiang Shirong had another son who was unknown to outsiders but was very talented.
"Xuan Lin, editor Sima asked you to compose poems, show off your literary talent in front of the princess and clan members, and thank the Holy God for the prince's kindness. You should do your best and do your best. Don't be like those children of concubines who are short-sighted and sensational!" He Lou Shi quickly stepped forward to smooth things over.
"Students must obey the teacher's orders!"
Jiang Xuanlin nodded, closed his eyes and began to meditate. The martial arts training slave of the Hou Mansion quietly carried the bookcase, paper, ink, pen and inkstone and placed them in front of Jiang Xuanlin.
Everyone also held their breath and watched and waited.
After a long time of burning incense, Jiang Xuanlin, who had closed his eyes, suddenly opened his eyes, shining brightly.
He grabbed a rabbit-shoulder purple-hair pen, dipped it full of ink, and splashed ink on the white desk, writing down lines of poetry.
Jiang Shirong, He Loushi, and Sima Wen stood close and looked at the rice paper.
The handwriting is vigorous and powerful, penetrating the back of the paper.
The poetry has rigorous rhythm and brilliant literary talent.
Jiang Shirong nodded.
Sima Wen's eyes sparkled.
The smile on Helou's face could not be restrained or restrained. He was filled with pride and wished that this poem could be spread throughout Shengjing.
"Xuan Lin wrote a poem, dedicated to Princess Yun Le!"
Jiang Xuanlin took off the rice paper, walked gracefully, came to Princess Yunle's carriage, bowed and saluted, full of confidence.
This poem was both his inspiration and one of the poems he prepared for a long time in advance.
In order to win the appreciation of Princess Yunle and become Emperor Jing's son-in-law, he worked hard.
"Jiang Xuanlin, you are the legitimate son of the Marquis. You have been taught by famous teachers and Confucianists since you were young. You are a model for the disciples of the Hou family in Shengjing City by being hardworking and diligent. You must have good literary talent!"
In the sedan chair, Princess Yunle's voice was melodious, clear and melodious, "It is said that there is no first in literature and no second in martial arts. But if there is no comparison, how can we show the extraordinaryness of the young Marquis Xuanlin?
"I heard that Marquis Zhenwu has a concubine named Jiang Li. He is also quite talented in literature. Why not call him out together? On New Year's Eve, it would be a beautiful thing for brothers to compete with each other in poetry. I wonder if Marquis Zhenwu will agree?"
"Since it is the princess's order, Jiang Shirong should take the order!"
Jiang Shirong's eyes flashed, but he nodded in agreement calmly, "Jiang Li, since Princess Yunle values you so much, you will come out and write a poem. Remember, put away your arrogant temper that doesn't know the heights of the world. Don't make any mistakes and insult the reputation of Zhenwuhou Mansion!"
