Chapter 34: Wine & Poetry
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Since ancient times, drinking wine and composing poetry have been the common afflictions of scholars. Wang Shijie and his companions, being mediocre scholars of the third tier, naturally fell into this category.
Moreover, Wang Shijie and his friends styled themselves as the “Four Great Talents.” In the past, Wang Shijie had even wanted to include Xiao Ming in this group, elevating it to the “Five Great Talents” with Xiao Ming as their leader. Truly, his face was thick enough to make such a suggestion.
However, the previous Xiao Ming had no interest in poetry or books, preferring instead archery and hunting. He scoffed at the idea of being labeled a “talent” and thus never accepted the empty title.
But since they were self-proclaimed talents, drinking wine and composing poetry were part of the routine. Even in Xiao Ming’s absence, the four of them often engaged in poetic competitions during their family banquets, partly to show off their literary skills and partly to attract attention, much like modern young men learning the guitar to impress others during the spring season.
“Your Highness, I humbly offer my clumsy attempt. Today, I shall compose a poem inspired by the snow: ‘The wind god carries the snow, the cloud mother spits cold, the earth is damp with frost, and the door god gazes at the sparrow’s perch,'” Wang Shijie recited slowly, hands clasped behind his back like a literary giant.
At this moment, Lü Luo also came upstairs. The distilled liquor from the side hall had been moved to the storeroom, and the distiller had been put away. Bored, she had come upstairs to relieve Li San.
Hearing Wang Shijie’s doggerel, she couldn’t help but cover her mouth and chuckle. “With door gods and earth spirits, is this a prayer for a sacrificial ceremony, Young Master Wang?”
Wang Shijie turned and saw Lü Luo. The alcohol had gone to his head, and seeing Lü Luo as fresh and beautiful as a lotus on clear water, he was momentarily entranced, staring at her intently.
“Ahem!” Xiao Ming coughed at just the right moment, startling Wang Shijie back to reality. He said, “Miss Lü Luo, you flatter me. It’s just a clumsy poem.”
However, in front of a beauty, any man has the desire to show off. Confident that he was far more talented than Xiao Ming, Wang Shijie couldn’t resist dragging Xiao Ming down to make himself look better. He said, “Your Highness, my poem has made Miss Lü Luo laugh. Why don’t you compose a poem for us to admire?”
Xiao Ming took a small sip of wine. He knew exactly what Wang Shijie was up to. Having spent five or six years in a modern office, he was well-versed in office politics.