Confucianism under Heaven

Chapter 30 "Longing"

Chapter Thirty: Longing

Fang Zifeng wanted to present Ye Ru's three poems about the Holy War and this extremely difficult scripture to the Academy of Literature, but unintentionally caused a huge uproar here.

"It actually got published in the Holy Journal?"

"Really? It seems like apart from that brilliant Han Dingsheng, no one from Qingyun County has ever been featured in the 'Holy Journal' even once?"

"Even though Han Dingsheng was featured in the 'Holy Journal' once, it was placed at the end and didn't generate much of a response."

"I wonder where Ye Ru Neng is in the Holy Journal."

"Cough cough."

The registrar coughed twice, and everyone seemed to realize that they had made a mistake. They all shut their mouths, but their eyes were still looking towards Ye Ru.

Everyone had some doubts about Ye Ru's abilities. This "Sacred Journal" was the literary publication that best represented the talents of scholars, especially those from the Hanlin Academy or Grand Secretaries who had seen many poems and had a keen eye for talent.

Therefore, in Qingyun County at that time, there was only one student who could be published in the "Sacred Journal".

Secondly, there is the "Congyun Sacred Journal," which is the official publication of the Yanhuang Kingdom. Compared to the publications of the Zhongsheng Academy, its influence is slightly smaller.

Because papermaking and printing techniques were quite advanced here, literary and military newspapers could be published, which brought more attention to scholars.

Among the ten kingdoms, each had a literary report and a military report. The literary report recorded the poems, songs, and essays of scholars, while the military report specifically recorded border wars and military reviews.

"What Ye Ru wrote casually is actually worth more than my life's achievements."

One student sighed, and everyone's expressions varied. Many scholars spend their entire lives trying to create a poem that can astound even the most brilliant minds; otherwise, the human race would not be in such a weak position.

Ye Ru, though only a student, was able to produce three astonishing poems and one sutra interpretation that had the potential to be published in the "Sacred Journal".

Liu Zhi and Wang Xiaoyang looked grim and fell silent; they had truly bitten off more than they could chew this time.

First, they made things difficult for Ye Ru, forcing him to give up his family heirloom, the "Huang Ting Jing". Then, they tried to salvage the situation by relying on the interpretation of the classic, only to find that the interpretation was also written by Ye Ru. So, they gave up another first-class literary treasure, the Zhuge Yi.

"The prize for this competition is now in my hands. Since you came in first place in this literary contest, this Zhuge robe should be given to you. Try it on first."

Suddenly, Magistrate Song thought of something, took out a neatly folded, all-black robe, and handed it to Ye Ru.

"Yes, Brother Ye Ru is very talented and deserves to receive the prize at this literary gathering."

"Hurry up and accept it, hurry up and accept it."

Upon seeing the crane cloak, Ye Ru paused for a moment, then, surrounded by the crowd, accepted it and put it on.

"Indeed, he is handsome and elegant, a true gentleman."

"Yes, yes, I'm afraid even Song Yu and Song Ru are inferior."

Many students looked enviously at Ye Ru, who was dressed in a black robe and exuded a righteous aura between his brows, and said one after another, ignoring Liu Zhi, Wang Xiaoyang and others who had livid faces.

"Ye Ru, I wonder if you are married?"

Suddenly, Magistrate Zhang spoke.

Everyone looked at Ye Ru with envy. They all knew that Magistrate Zhang's daughter was exceptionally well-educated and reasonable, but she had high standards and once declared that she would not marry anyone but a scholar who had passed the imperial examinations.

"No, but I have someone I like in my heart."

Ye Ru smiled helplessly, which made Wang Xiaoyang's eyes flicker slightly.

"Oh? Who is so fortunate as to have captivated you so deeply?"

Magistrate Zhang was suddenly somewhat disappointed.

"I must not say, but I will not reveal it until I pass the imperial examination and return home in glory."

Ye Ru smiled apologetically, the image of a girl appearing in his mind.

"Pity."

Magistrate Zhang's face first darkened, then returned to normal, and he said.

'Since that's the case, why not invite Ye Tongsheng to compose a poem at today's literary gathering, and then use that poem as a betrothal gift in the future? Wouldn't that be a wonderful story?'

Suddenly someone in the crowd spoke up, prompting others to echo their opinions. Liu Zhi and Wang Xiaoyang also looked at Ye Ru.

"Indeed, I'd like to see for myself how you compose a poem."

"Write one."

Wen, the registrar, and others also offered their advice.

"I cannot refuse your kind invitation, so I will humbly offer my humble contribution."

After speaking, Ye Ru walked to the table, dipped his brush in ink, and wrote on the Xuan paper:

Love and Longing

"Having seen the ocean, one finds it hard to be satisfied with mere streams."

"Apart from Wushan, there are no clouds."

"I'm too lazy to look back at the flowers I've been passing by."

"Half for cultivating Taoism, half for you."

After Ye Ru finished writing, Fang Zifeng exclaimed in surprise:

"This Ye Ru is simply a genius. He can not only excel at war poems and literary poems, but he can also write love poems with ease."

"The first line cleverly borrows from Mencius's 'Jin Xin' chapter, 'Those who have seen the sea find it hard to be impressed by other waters; those who have studied under a sage find it hard to be impressed by other words.' The second line uses the allusion of clouds and rain over Wushan Mountain to metaphorically describe the depth of their love. The entire poem does not explicitly mention love, yet it is full of affection. It is truly excellent. If it could be evaluated, it would surely be considered a poem of moral cultivation."

The entire audience was full of praise and admiration for Ye Ru.

Magistrate Zhang was also surprised, and then exclaimed in admiration:

"The words 'vast sea' and 'Wushan Mountain' are grand and majestic, with the momentum of rushing rivers. The following phrases 'too lazy to look back' and 'half for you' suddenly soften the tone and turn into a gentle and profound expression of emotion. The whole poem expresses feelings without being vulgar, and is beautiful without being frivolous. It is truly a masterpiece for all time!"

"I thought that marrying my daughter to Ye Ru would create a beautiful story, but now it seems that when Ye Ru passes the imperial examination with flying colors and returns home in glory, he will be able to live happily ever after with his beloved. That will be the real beautiful story."

Many people admired Ye Ru.

"Ye Ru, I have a favor to ask."

“No, I have a beautiful daughter who is sixteen years old. She once said that she would not marry anyone but Ye Tongsheng. Today, you give me this poem and I will reject her idea.”

Before Magistrate Zhang could finish speaking, Assistant Magistrate Song hurriedly said to Ye Ru, "It seems she's determined to have this poem."

This left many people speechless and nearly stumbled.

'Completely lacking in literary integrity, utterly lacking in literary integrity!'

Wen, the registrar, almost stumbled. He knew that Song, the county magistrate, didn't have a daughter at all; he just wanted the poem to use as a betrothal gift for his son.

"You! Old Song, I clearly asked for it first! Believe me or not, I'll show you my talent!"

Magistrate Zhang retorted, unconvinced.

“You’ve already taken a couplet. A gentleman helps others achieve their goals, so what’s wrong with letting me have this poem?”

"I feel wronged," said Magistrate Song, sounding like a wronged little wife.

Countless students stared wide-eyed as the two county magistrates got into a fight over a poem.

The registrar covered his face with his sleeve and smiled bitterly. If this got back to other counties, it would be a huge embarrassment.

"enough!"

Suddenly, Fang Zifeng shouted, and everyone around fell silent. Everyone looked at Fang Zifeng, knowing that the scholar was about to unleash his power.

However, his next words caused everyone to stumble and almost fall, and Ye Ru was speechless.

"I also have a beautiful daughter. I wonder if you two would be so kind as to part with this article for me?"

"Since this cannot inspire talent, then let's not distinguish between the first and second versions. I will write three more poems and give them to your daughter as part of her dowry."

After a moment, Ye Ru smiled wryly.

"it is good!"

The four nodded, and then Ye Ru wrote three more poems and presented them to each of them.

Many students looked at Ye Ru with envy. To be asked for poems by the county magistrate and others was an immense blessing.

The literary gathering and poetry discussion lasted until sunset, when everyone was slightly tipsy before finally dispersing.

"Ye Ru, the results will be announced the day after tomorrow. You said those words today. Be careful that someone with ulterior motives might slander you."

"Moreover, this time, Wang Xiaoyang came with his father, Wang Bieqiu. Since you stole their 'Huang Ting Jing', they definitely won't let you off the hook."

As Fang Zifeng was leaving, he gave Ye Ru some instructions, and the latter nodded, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. His words caused Fang Zifeng to suddenly stop in his tracks:

"I will not offend others unless they offend me. Since you insist on framing me, then let the entire Wang family be wiped out..."