Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
At three in the afternoon, many parents brought their children to wait outside County Academy. As soon as the gate opened, some began to register. They noted the children's ages, addresses, and names, while the parents were kept outside.
Qi Rong's address was given as Lu Ziyou's home, making him a guardian in the county. The three of them waited by the Tea House next to County Academy when a servant approached Lu Ziyou and reported, "Master, the ceremonial gifts are prepared, two sets." The attendant placed two boxes on the table.
Qi Chong was aware of the need for ceremonial gifts but had planned to buy them after his younger brother passed the exam. He didn't expect Lu Ziyou to have already prepared them.
"Brother Lu, whether my younger brother can pass is still uncertain. Moreover, this gift should not be prepared by you," Qi Chong said.
Lu Ziyou interrupted him, "Brother Qi, please don't be so polite. Ling Di is intelligent and will surely pass. Besides, I hope you will take care of my nephew."
After some back-and-forth refusal, Qi Chong, not good at such exchanges, finally relented.
Yu Chunmiao said, "Then we will accept it. We still need to buy some things for Qi Rong later. We should also pick out some gifts for Xun Er; you mustn't decline."
Lu Ziyou immediately agreed, and they settled on it happily.
They waited for a full two hours before the children came out. Qi Rong ran up to Qi Chong with Lu Zhi Xun in tow and exclaimed, "Elder Brother, both my brother and I passed! I recited 'Ode to the Wild Goose,' and my brother recited the poem from the dinner table; the teacher was very pleased."
Yu Chunmiao thought to himself that even their teacher might not be able to compose such a poem.
The children who did not attend were taken away by their parents, some of whom were grumbling angrily. Those who had attended offered their ceremonial gifts to their teacher.
Qi Zhi Ping took his seat and accepted three bows from each child while presenting them with gifts. The gifts typically consisted of snacks, dried fruits, and stationery supplies—nothing valuable like gold or jade.
When it was Qi Rong's turn to perform the ceremony, Qi Zhi Ping asked him, "Your poetry is quite good; who is your teacher?"
Qi Rong stared blankly at Yu Chunmiao. Oh no, he forgot to mention that he was taught by Qi Chong.
The woman, Qi Zhi Ping, scrutinized Yu Chunmiao but showed no other expression.
Yu Chunmiao quickly waved his hands and said, "No, no, no, he’s his brother." As he spoke, he pulled Qi Chong in front of him and hid behind him, falling silent.
Qi Chong acted as a shield and nodded slightly at Qi Zhi Ping, clearly admiring this Brother Qi. Did he have any poetry to share? It was impossible for Qi Chong to say no; he could only nod in response.
"Could you read it for everyone to appreciate?" Qi Zhi Ping asked with a look of appreciation for talent.
Qi Chong felt helpless and pointed to the paper and brush beside him. "Can I write it down instead?" He couldn’t bring himself to recite poetry in front of so many people.
After Qi Zhi Ping agreed, Qi Chong leaned on the nearby table and began to write. Handing it over to Qi Zhi Ping made him feel like he was submitting homework, which he disliked.
Qi Zhi Ping read aloud: "Dense clouds fill the deep sky with countless stars, bird tracks and dog barks mingle with cicada songs; the bright moon and fragrant flowers attract fireflies, while a gentle breeze lightly brushes the window." It was a picturesque scene!
This poem was written by Qi Chong when he was thirteen—just for his own amusement. The writing was immature, and no one knew about it.
"I studied alongside Qi Zhixiu," Qi Chong introduced himself to avoid further awkwardness.
Qi Zhi Ping looked at him with an expression that said it all—no wonder.
Lu Zhi Xun was also asked who his teacher was. He thought about it and realized that the poem he had memorized was taught by Yu Chunmiao. He pointed at her and said, "Auntie taught me."
Yu Chunmiao replied, "What did I teach? It’s just poetry."
Qi Zhi Ping seemed to think that Yu Chunmiao had also been taught by Qi Chong. He cast another appreciative glance at Qi Chong and chose not to say anything further.
Comment 0 Comment Count