Chapter 176: Linked Verses (Part II)

Although Seeing Liu Cheng "turned the tide," the poem had now reached the point where "mother" had already spoken six lines! The rhythm of the poem showed signs of spiraling out of control.

But Madam Le didn't care whether this poem was a success or a failure; she was just treating the linked verses as a social game, so she "heartlessly" let the mother continue: "This morning, I fill the post of a horse-washer."

This line Madam Le connected was actually not difficult, because the previous two lines were "The Donggong selects its staff, with your family background, you can be selected," and the official position of "Crown Prince's horse-washer" was precisely one of the Donggong staff. So, for a mother to plan a career for her son and say he could be a Crown Prince's horse-washer, wasn't that quite reasonable?

And this line didn't need to rhyme, but the next line wouldn't be easy. Le Zhan struggled for a long time before biting the bullet and squeezing out "Next year, I transfer to the Secretariat." Because it repeated the rhyme word from Xie Xinghan's previous "A smooth flow to the Secretariat," he was still penalized with wine. However, since it didn't break the rhyme, he still earned a flower.

It was Xie Xinghan's turn to connect again, and even though she was known as a talented woman, she didn't know how to continue writing.

Actually, forcing a rhyme and muddling through a line could be done. It's just that if it continued to be dragged out like this, this poem would be completely ruined. Now the mother had already spoken eight lines in total! If it continued to be so long-winded, what would be the point of this poem? So Xie Xinghan had to stop the mother's words, either by concluding it directly or by having a sudden turn of events, a breakthrough.

Where to go from here all depended on how Xie Xinghan connected this line.

Originally, after the scholar in white's line, the atmosphere had felt slightly heavy, and now that the pressure was on Xie Xinghan, the little beauty lowered her eyelashes and fell into deep thought, making the atmosphere even more stifling. Madam Le was just about to take control of the situation when she heard a man's voice faintly coming from the bamboo forest: "A-Le, how much further do we have to walk..."

Seeing Liu Cheng was instantly startled.

Xie Xinghan's star-like eyes brightened, and she looked up and smiled: "My reinforcements have arrived!"

Wang Yang exchanged greetings with Le Zhan and the others. When he reached Seeing Liu Cheng, Wang Yang smiled: "Young Master Liu is in high spirits today!"

Seeing Liu Cheng only felt Wang Yang's smile was blinding, and for some reason, it even seemed a bit frightening. His expression stiffened, he bowed perfunctorily, and thought in his heart: "Smile, smile, sooner or later there will be a day when you cry!"

The scholar in white looked indifferent, bowed as a greeting: "Wei Kuang of Shangyu, courtesy name Zhonghan."

When Le Pang went up the mountain, he told Wang Yang that Seeing Liu Cheng had brought a friend, a disciple of the Wei family of Shangyu.

The Wei family of Shangyu was a high-ranking family of Kuaiji, known alongside the Kong family of Shanyin, the Xie family of Shanyin, and the Yu family of Yuyao as the four great clans of Kuaiji. Although their status was not low, there was still a certain gap compared to first-class high-ranking families like the Wang, Xie, and Liu.

Seeing Liu Cheng said: "Zhonghan is a top talent at the Imperial Academy, and both he and his elder brother are highly regarded by Xie Xuanhui, the Secretariat Drafter, who personally approved the eight characters: 'The two sons of the Wei family, their sharp spirit is particularly outstanding.'"

Wang Yang was startled.

Xie Xuanhui???

Isn't that Xie Tiao!!!

Li Bai's idol!

"Setting out from Xinlin Ferry, idly chanting Xie Tiao's poems."

"Xuanhui is hard to find again, spilling wine, my chest is filled with emotion."

"In Sanshan, I miss Xie Tiao, looking at Chang'an over the calm water."

Of course, there was also that more famous "Farewell to the Secretariat Drafter Uncle Yun at Xie Tiao Tower in Xuanzhou," where the "Little Xie" in "Penglai's writing has the bones of Jian'an, and in between, Little Xie is clear and spirited" refers to Xie Tiao. He and Xie Lingyun are collectively known as "Big and Little Xie."

So even though Wang Yang was not familiar with the history of the Southern Qi, he had long heard of Xie Tiao's literary fame.

Wei Kuang saw a hint of admiration flash in Wang Yang's eyes, gestured with his palm, his expression reserved yet carrying a trace of pride:

"Eh! It's just Xie's excessive praise! What is it worth? I heard that Brother Wang's talent is comprehensive, and your name is famous in Jingzhou. I imagine there will be a day sooner or later when you enter the Imperial Academy, so I congratulate you in advance!"

The words were good, as for this person...

However, since he could be praised by Xie Tiao, he must have real talent, so being a bit arrogant was normal.

While Wang Yang and Wei Kuang were exchanging greetings, Xie Xinghan's gaze fell on the brand-new gold-patterned red brocade belt tied around Wang Yang's waist, and her star-like eyes narrowed slightly.

Le Zhan was very happy to see Wang Yang arrive: "Zhiyan, you've come just in time! Quickly see how to connect! Old Cai, give me the poem draft you copied, I'll review it first, and then give it to Zhiyan."

Seeing Liu Cheng did not want Wang Yang to enter the game, so he hurriedly said: "No need! The linked verses have already passed three rounds. If Brother Wang is interested, wait for the next round to enter. Now it's Xie Xie Niangzi Xie's turn, the bowl's sound has stopped, and the poem line is not finished, so she should be penalized with wine."

As for how the next round would go, Seeing Liu Cheng had his own plans.

Before Xie Xinghan could speak, Wei Kuang said: "It doesn't matter, it's just a game anyway. If Brother Wang has a line, just connect it."

Seeing Liu Cheng's heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly gave Wei Kuang a wink, signaling him to follow the original plan. But Wei Kuang just smiled indifferently, looking calm and relaxed.

Seeing Liu Cheng also understood why Wei Kuang was being arrogant. Firstly, he relied on his own outstanding poetic talent, and secondly, he thought that the two songs Wang Yang had made before were just seven-character songs, flowery and superficial words, while now they were linking five-character ancient poems.

Seeing Liu Cheng knew this too!

But Seeing Liu Cheng just had a feeling! He couldn't compete with that guy in poetry! Whether it was five-character, seven-character, or four-character!

He had already made it very clear to Wei Kuang before, and they had set a plan! Just follow the plan! Who would have thought Wei Kuang would take the initiative to invite Wang Yang to enter the game!

Wei Kuang, oh Wei Kuang, despite your reputation for intelligence, you are actually this arrogant! Do you really think Wang Yang is so easy to deal with? When he really enters the game, who knows if we will both be crushed together!

Wei Kuang only felt that Seeing Liu Cheng had been scared out of his wits, and couldn't help but look down on him in his heart.

The original plan was certainly a sure thing, but since they had run into him now, why be so afraid of the battle? Wouldn't it be good to crush him twice?

Seeing Liu Cheng, oh Seeing Liu Cheng, despite your reputation as a talented scholar, you are actually this scared! Do you really think that just because of the two songs he might have written in advance, he can handle impromptu five-character poetry? When he really enters the game, there are plenty of ways to crush him!

Xie Xinghan said: "Young Master Wei is right. The poem isn't finished yet, as long as there is poetic thought, why wait for the next round?"

Seeing Liu Cheng was about to retort, when Xie Xinghan let out a light laugh: "Could it be that once my reinforcements arrive, you are afraid?"

Seeing Liu Cheng was seen through, and feigned composure: "Heh, what do I have to be afraid of?!"

Xie Xinghan's voice was indifferent: "Since you are not afraid, then I am looking for reinforcements, and it doesn't hinder you."

Seeing Liu Cheng reacted extremely quickly: "Since there can be reinforcements, there can be obstruction. Since you can seek reinforcements, I can also obstruct them."

Xie Xinghan's reaction was not slow either, and she responded: "Good, since it is reinforcement by poetry, then it should be obstruction by poetry! Young Master Liu, enter the game alone and compete in poetry with Young Master Wang. If you win against him, then I won't be able to find reinforcements."

Seeing Liu Cheng was so scared his face turned pale.

Competing in poetry is impossible, competing in poetry with him in this lifetime is impossible.

He didn't even want Wang Yang to join the linked verses, how could he compete in poetry alone?

Of course, it's not excluded that his poetic talent will greatly improve in a few years, and then he could find an opportunity to compete. But now...

Seeing Liu Cheng didn't know what to say in response, but Le Zhan was already cheering: "Good! Reinforcements and obstruction! Interesting!!! This linked verse is getting more and more interesting!"

Seeing Liu Cheng felt as if his whole body was soaked in cold water, and in a daze, he seemed to return to the Wang banquet that day, hearing that line "Willing to be mandarin ducks, not envying immortals," and he even began to feel suffocated! And Le Zhan's voice sounded like a death warrant, getting closer and closer: "Then please Young Master Liu, first produce a poem to obstruct, and wait for Zhiyan to write again—"

"No, no!" Madam Le interrupted, "You smart people, consider me, okay! I've almost forgotten the poem, and now you want to add obstruction or something, I won't be able to connect at all!"

Seeing Liu Cheng looked at Madam Le gratefully.

Le Zhan's interest grew stronger: "It's okay! If you can't connect, your husband will come to the rescue—"

"You come to the rescue? How many times?" Madam Le asked with great distrust.

Le Zhan said heroically: "As many times as you want!"

Madam Le said: "Then it's better not to exceed five times."

"Why?" Le Zhan was puzzled.

"I get drunk after five cups. If you rescue me five times, we'll have to drink five cups together, I can't take it!"

Everyone burst into laughter!

Even Le Zhan himself couldn't hold back his laughter.

The atmosphere became joyous again.

Madam Le said: "Let's continue with the linked verses, but Young Master Liu's words also make sense. After all, we've linked three rounds, and Young Master Wang entering as reinforcements directly seems too easy. How about this, either Young Master Wang drinks three cups, or connects three lines, no, it's four lines, one to make up for the three rounds missed, and two to reinforce Xie Xie Niangzi Xie, what do you all think?"

Everyone agreed, even Seeing Liu Cheng was no exception.

Of course, Seeing Liu Cheng still didn't want Wang Yang to enter the game! But firstly, it was the general trend, and it was impossible to stand up and oppose it in this situation. Secondly, he was grateful to Madam Le for stopping the poetry competition and didn't want to reject her words. Thirdly, Madam Le saying this could also be considered as taking care of his face in obstructing Wang Yang. So he followed suit and seconded the motion.

Le Pang said weakly: "Mother... that... I won't enter..."

Madam Le rolled her eyes at her son: "Where are you going to enter? Into a tree! Letting you attend the banquet is to let you be influenced by several talented people and broaden your horizons. Listen well, learn well, and when your father is drunk, help him back."

Le Zhan scolded his wife with a smile: "I'll help you back first!"

Madam Le sighed: "With my husband as reinforcements, I have to keep drinking cups together, so of course I'll have to be helped back?"

Everyone laughed together.

Amidst the laughter, Wang Yang received the linked poem draft reviewed by Le Zhan and began to read it silently. ===== CHAPTER 177 =====