Chapter 26: Chapter 27: The Wind is Faint and the Water is Cold
On the first floor of the Hundred Flowers Painting Boat, the hall was packed with people. Most of the guests had two or three good friends as companions, inviting several times the number of girls to accompany them and occasionally glancing at the small stage inside. This stage is usually used for voice prostitutes to perform, but today it serves as a stage for literary competitions, with a jujube wood coffee table on top and two grand chairs next to it, nothing else.
Not only is the lobby overcrowded, but even the private rooms on the second floor are already fully booked. Everyone inside has an extraordinary family background and is a prominent figure in the city of Linxian. Just like Li Jing, the highest ranking official in the immortal realm, came to the Hundred Flowers Painting Boat at dawn. The side participating in the literary competition tonight is his beloved, how could he not come?
In addition to Li Jing, there is also his wife Li Shi in the private room. Li spoils her son even more than Li Jing, so of course she will come to watch and cheer for this competition, even though Liuhe is a land of fireworks. Under various threats such as suicide by hanging a beam, Li followed her as she wished and, at her son's request, brought along his two maidservants, Xiyun and Wan'er.
Master, is the daughter of the Yang family really that powerful? "Li stood by the window, looking down, but still couldn't see her son's figure. Looking back, she sighed," My baby has no grudges or grievances with her. What kind of scheming did Yang Yu have
Li frowned and took a few worried steps before suddenly being startled: "The baby has never been watched by so many people before. If he gets too nervous to speak later, what should he do
In the middle and hall of the carriage, there was a round drum table with a yellow pear. There was a pot of tea brewing on the table. Li Jing, dressed in casual clothes, poured it leisurely and smiled, saying, "Madam, even though my child is not as good as before, you don't have to worry so much
Xiyun stood below with Wan'er, not curiously observing her surroundings like Wan'er, but paying attention to the demeanor and expression of the master and madam. At this moment, I knew it was a good opportunity to interject. With a gentle smile on my face, I said, "Madam, I forgive my servant for speaking too much. Young Master has only learned before, and he will definitely not lose to Miss Yang
Li's face softened a bit and she whispered, "Everyone says that the baby is not the same as before. As a mother, I don't know why..." She looked at Xiyun and her eyes lit up. She smiled and said, "Xiyun, come over and tell me more about how the baby can learn from others
Xiyun quickly tugged at Wan'er's hand and walked up to Li with a puzzled expression on her face. She said softly, "The young master's talent has been appreciated by me and Wan'er many times." She looked at Wan'er and said, "Just a few days ago, when the young master was admiring lotus flowers, I had a great enthusiasm for painting. I asked me to pick up an ink ingot, cut it into a cone like shape, and then without grinding it, I painted it on rice paper for Wan'er
Is there such a thing? "Li's face was surprised. How can he paint without grinding the ink?
Wan'er was glanced at by Xiyun and understood. She hurriedly replied, "Madam, this matter is absolutely true. There is not a single lie between the two of us." Xiyun added, "Moreover, that painting is truly lifelike! As soon as Wan'er looked at it, she exclaimed that she would save money on buying mirrors in the future
Wan'er lowered her head slightly and gave a shy smile, her delicate and silly posture evoking a sense of care.
Li looked at Wan'er with a smile and had a good impression of this silly girl, saying, "After returning home, I will definitely appreciate the baby's wonderful writing skills
Next, Xiyun and Wan'er continued to talk about Li Tianzong's other elegant matters. Xiyun would occasionally tease Wan'er with a few words, which made Li Shi laugh and feel very happy.
As the hour approached, after Qiqi finished playing her song, Li Tian stood up and clasped Qiqi, saying, "Thank you for your music, Miss. I will do my best not to disappoint you!" After speaking, he turned around and walked away, and the jade pendant hanging around his waist swayed up and down with his steps.
Qiqi gazed at Li Tianzong's back and only withdrew her gaze when he walked out of the outer hall, whispering softly to herself, "Young Master Li, what surprise will you give people this time
After leaving the Yaxin Pavilion and arriving at the third floor of the painted boat, Li Tianzong was surrounded by Sima Hao, Liang Lei, and others. Everyone shouted encouragement and intelligence about Yang Yu. Li Tianzong's heart was moved, but he didn't feel noisy.
Sima Hao, dressed in a blue shirt, had a solemn expression on his face. He still remembered the defeat of the last time vividly, and sometimes in his midnight dreams, General Fei's proud smile would appear in front of him, making him uneasy. He said seriously, "Brother, you must not underestimate the enemy! Yang Qiongying's strength is unfathomable, and I feel ashamed for my brother. I ask myself if she can match half of her talent
Liang Lei let out a sigh and said without hesitation, "Brother Sima's words are very accurate. Brother Li, don't think that General Fei is a daughter's family and therefore have contempt. That's completely wrong! I, Liang Lei, am also talented, but in front of Yang Qiongying, I am really vulnerable
Listening to their clamor, Li Tianzong learned that Yang Yu was proficient in all aspects of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, songs, and even flowers, birds, fish, insects, wine and tea pairs, lantern riddles, and so on. He knew everything from astronomy to geography! There's nothing strange about it. Since the age of fifteen, Yang Yu has traveled all over the world, and her natural talent has grown stronger like a snowball.
Thank you for reminding everyone, but if Tianzong doesn't leave soon, he will miss the time! "Li Tianzong bowed to the talented scholars and raised his foot to leave.
Li, hold on! "But Liang Lei stopped him and chuckled," Look at you, your hands are clear and you have no momentum at all! Generals cannot fight without knives and guns; as talented scholars, we naturally need to hold a folding fan to compete. "He closed the bamboo paper fan in his hand and handed it to Li Tianzong," This fan has been with me for almost three years, and I consider it a treasure. Today, I will give it to Li, hoping that Li can become famous overnight
Looking at Liang Lei's sincere gaze, Li Tianzong's heart warmed up. He solemnly took the paper fan, opened it with a whoosh, shook it completely, didn't say anything, only clasped his fists again, and then went downstairs first.
This literary struggle is not just about Li Tianzong alone, but about Lin Xian and even all the young talents of the New Song Dynasty! It will soon be decided whether to save the man's face or still fall under the pomegranate skirt!
Going down to the next floor, the people in the hall immediately shouted loudly when they saw the main character coming. Li Tianzong calmly walked through the seat and onto the stage of the competition. Across from him was Yang Qiongying, who was already standing tall and straight, seemingly intentionally contrasting with Li Tianzong. This fake young man was wearing a light black outfit.
He looked over and only then could he see the face of General Yang Yu clearly.