“Xu Cijiiu, my student, is well-versed in military strategy and shows great potential,” introduced Zhang Shen, the master of military tactics. He was not one known for poetry.
This statement weighed heavily on Xu Xinnian’s mind.
Master Zhang found it strange that Xu Xinnian had spoken up, given his lack of poetic skill.
Zhu Tuizhi, who had been confident in obtaining the jade pendant, became briefly alert upon hearing a voice. Realizing it was Xu Xinnian, he dismissed it with a mere glance.
Having been classmates for years, they were familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Xu Xinnian excelled in policy discussions and had achievements in military strategy, but his poetry was far from remarkable.
The jade pendant is still mine, thought Zhu Tuizhi.
The students’ gazes fell upon Xu Xinnian. Enjoying the attention, he looked towards the sun hanging lazily in the sky with an air of arrogance:
“A thousand li of yellow clouds, the white sunsets.”
Grand Master Li Mubai nodded, stroking his beard. This line was a simple description of scenery, but it conveyed a broad-minded spirit.
“North wind blows geese, snow falls in flurries.”
It was now early winter, and while snow hadn’t yet arrived, it wasn’t far off. This line wasn’t an exaggeration. The imagery of dusk, heavy snowfall, and wild geese flying through the howling north wind immediately came to life.
These two lines set the background perfectly, matching the mood of this farewell gathering.
Zhang Shen was extremely surprised. Scrutinizing Xu Xinnian, he thought that given his student’s usual level of poetic skill, these two lines of seven-character verse must have been the result of painstaking effort. If he could maintain this standard, he might even be able to compete with Zhu Tuizhi.
Among the three highly respected great scholars, the Purple Yang Resident, most skilled in poetry, savored the two lines, feeling inexplicably melancholic.
A thousand li, dusk, north wind, lone geese, falling snow… It painted a desolate and forlorn picture.
It was as if he wasn’t leaving for an official post, but being exiled.
Yet, it truly captured the essence of the situation.
This appointment, while seemingly a sign of the court’s favor and trust, was fraught with uncertainty. Would the faction from the Imperial College stand idly by as he rose to power? Would they allow him to establish a foothold in officialdom for the Yunlu Academy?
This journey to Qingzhou was, in fact, one of an uncertain future and a vague path ahead.
Suddenly, Xu Xinnian opened his arms wide. His handsome face, bathed in the warm sunlight, radiated the flawlessness and delicacy of fine jade.
He raised his arms, looking directly at the Purple Yang Resident, and delivered the final two lines with resounding clarity:
“Don’t worry that the road ahead lacks kindred spirits,”
“Who in the world does not know your name?”
Inside and outside the pavilion, silence fell instantly.
A moment later, goosebumps rose on everyone present.
Zhu Tuizhi slowly turned his head, staring blankly at the proudly standing Xu Xinnian.
“Don’t worry that the road ahead lacks kindred spirits, who in the world does not know your name.” Li Mubai clapped excitedly, “Brilliant!”
The first two lines conveyed a melancholic atmosphere, while the last two lines took an unexpected turn, bringing sudden enlightenment and inspiration.
Zhang Shen looked at Xu Xinnian in silence.
The Purple Yang Resident, known for his poetry, was still immersed in the artistic conception of this seven-character quatrain and deeply moved.
“Good poem, what a good poem…” he murmured.
“Why only half?” Zhang Shen, the master of military tactics, couldn’t help but ask when he saw that his student hadn’t continued reciting.
Xu Xinnian’s mouth twitched, “This poem only has half a verse.”
Only half?!
The scholars present immediately widened their eyes, unable to accept such a statement. Who writes only half a poem? Is that even human?
“It’s alright, it’s alright. Half a verse is already earth-shattering,” the Purple Yang Resident composed himself, his smile deepening. “Xu Cijiiu, does this poem have a title?”
“No!”
Xu Xinnian maintained his arrogant demeanor, truly not knowing how to explain. Only by maintaining a lofty attitude could he prevent further questioning.
“Don’t rush, don’t rush,” the Purple Yang Resident’s smile widened even more, “This poem was written to see me off, correct?”
Xu Xinnian nodded.
“Why don’t I think of one for you?”
Grand Master Li Mubai and Master of Military Tactics Zhang Shen suddenly understood his intention, feeling sour inside.
“How about ‘Seeing Off Yang Gongzhi to Qingzhou at Mianyang Pavilion’?” The esteemed scholar’s eyes gleamed with expectation.
“It’s passable!” Xu Xinnian instinctively replied haughtily, then realizing his lack of respect, he added, “It’s entirely up to you, sir.”
“Shameless old thief.”
“Hmph!”
The two great scholars felt even more bitter.
“This is destiny,” the Purple Yang Resident laughed heartily, smugly bowing to the other two.
In this era of poetic decline, this poem would surely cause a sensation in the scholarly world once it spread, being recited by students across the land.
The Purple Yang Resident’s reputation would also rise accordingly. The key was that his maneuvering had essentially tied his name to this poem.