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墨書 Inktalez
The Lu State was deeply influenced by the academy, where everyone, regardless of their status, adhered to the principles of propriety. Even the eaves of their homes were meticulously crafted, reflecting the different identities of the inhabitants. The colors of the eaves, including the tiles on the roofs, were chosen with great care.
In the brewery where Gu Ping and Zhang Chenyu were, there were strict regulations regarding the eaves. They could only use Red Cloud tiles; using anything else could easily attract government scrutiny. The consequences could range from having their tavern demolished to imprisonment.
Gu Ping was naturally aware of these customs, but Zhang Chenyu was well-versed in them. During their casual conversations, whenever Gu Ping brought it up, Zhang Chenyu would elaborate on the rituals of the Lu State, and they often found themselves engrossed for hours without finishing.
"Alright, enough about that. Let's see what they're discussing over there," Gu Ping said, interrupting Zhang Chenyu's endless chatter. He glanced at a nearby table where a group of scholars was gathered, drinking from small Lu State cups and engaged in a heated debate about something unknown.
The atmosphere was lively, with Wen Li present and emotions running high. Zhang Chenyu listened intently to Yi Dong and then quietly repeated a few phrases to herself before realizing she had spoken aloud. "I don't deny it. Did I write those lyrics last month?"
When Zhang Chenyu fell silent, she didn't lower her voice. As soon as her words left her lips, those who had been discussing Gu Ping turned to look at him with curiosity, as if he were some esteemed figure.
"Shh, keep it down," Gu Ping muttered to Zhang Chenyu, trying to maintain a low profile while pretending to sip his drink, completely ignoring the surprised glances directed at him.
In truth, Gu Ping had intentionally let Zhang Chenyu hear him. He anticipated her reaction and wanted others to know he was present because he felt that his desire to convey meaning in that particular piece might not have been clear enough.
Last month, when he returned to Jingzhao Mansion, Gu Ping had pondered whether he had hidden his intentions too deeply in his lyrics. He wondered if some people might not grasp what he meant. Hearing someone nearby discussing last month's work prompted him to seize the opportunity to highlight its deeper significance.
"Was that lyric written by you?" someone asked.
Just then, as Zhang Chenyu opened her mouth to respond, someone approached the door.
"What's wrong? Is there something amiss?" Gu Ping didn't lift his head, picking up a nut and putting it in his mouth. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a scholar walking over to him, bowing slightly.
"No, no, no," the scholar said. "Brother, do you know that your poem has become immensely popular throughout Ying City? Those scholars truly admire your work. I never expected to see the real person here. It's quite surprising; one shouldn't judge a book by its cover."
"Is there something you need?" Gu Ping asked the typical Lu State scholar before him.
Why did he say 'typical'? Because Lu State was known for its literary prowess, and the Sage of Books was revered. The saying goes, 'To hear the Way in the morning is worth dying for in the evening.' Scholars had always idolized him and sought to emulate him. If there was something that wasn't popular, it would be more painful than death to inquire about it.
"Oh," the scholar said, recalling Gu Ping's words. He had intended to ask something earlier but now pointed to another scholar nearby. He and that Brother had differing interpretations of the poem, so he had come specifically to consult Yi Dong.
"Hmm?" Gu Ping let out a strange sound. "Go ahead and speak."
"It's not like that," the scholar continued. "In the beginning, how many tears were shed? That line... I feel Brother wants to express something. Although Lu State is rich in culture and etiquette, there are many cumbersome customs that hinder it as a whole. That Brother believes you are empathizing with the people's suffering, even amidst prosperity, hiding the hardships of life while being complacent. I wonder who is mistaken here?"
After speaking, the scholar stepped aside. Everyone looked at Gu Ping, eager for a correct answer, especially the one who had just approached him; his face was flushed with urgency, clearly anxious to validate his own understanding and fearful of being ridiculed.
Gu Ping stood up, raised his small wine cup, took a sip, and said, "You're all wrong, yet you're all right."
The scholar almost sighed in relief but then felt confused again upon hearing Gu Ping's next words. What did he mean by "not wrong yet still wrong"? He asked Gu Ping for clarification.
"The poem," Gu Ping explained, "is most about 'I don't deny'—that first line. As for the second line... only when you grasp that second line can you truly understand what makes this poem profound."
Upon hearing this, the scholars grew even more puzzled. The second line contained just three words: 'Watchtower.' What hidden meaning could possibly lie within those three words? A group of them pondered deeply while Gu Ping offered no further hints and walked away to enjoy his nuts and sip on sandalwood wine.
The Watchtower stood nearby, and suddenly it rose, opening its mouth to speak. It knew that Brother wanted to use those three words to express his desire for success and ambition.
Gu Ping nearly spat out the wine in his mouth upon hearing those words. He set down his cup, took a breath, and then shook his head. Did he really misinterpret that line? Flying high and achieving great things—did he think I was desperate to become an official?
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