Shu Guifei, although residing in the inner palace for a long time, was not someone lacking in knowledge.

She was well aware that even if the scope was broadened to the entire Da Wei, the people who truly had the ability to contribute money were still those well-off gentry, wealthy merchants, or aristocratic ministers.

Rather than publicizing the matter to the entire world, it would be better to start with those who didn't have to worry about making a living.

Those who could participate in the poetry gathering would naturally not be ordinary people, and in this way, those who had the ability to sponsor the foundation could be selected.

Jiang Chen laughed heartily, put his arm around Shu Guifei, and praised, "My beloved concubine is as clever as ice and snow! This is a wonderful idea!"

Receiving Jiang Chen's approval, Shu Guifei's face lit up with joy.

The thought of being able to share some of Jiang Chen's burdens and benefit the poor people made her unable to sit still.

"Your Majesty, I will go and make arrangements immediately."

Shu Guifei acted quickly, handwriting invitations and sending them to the famous ladies and noblewomen in the capital.

The ladies and noblewomen who received the invitations were initially quite happy, as it was a autumn poetry gathering hosted by Shu Guifei, the current Emperor's most beloved consort.

Receiving an invitation meant they were being given face and had to attend.

But upon seeing the content inside, many dismissed the idea.

"Participating in the autumn poetry gathering actually requires donating money?"

"I've never heard of a poetry gathering where you have to pay!"

"Already the Emperor's Guifei, yet still not satisfied, truly a disgrace to culture!"

As a result, only a few ladies and noblewomen who didn't care about money and wanted to build relationships with wealthy and powerful families agreed to participate.

Shu Guifei originally thought that everyone would be willing to participate in such a good deed.

But the results reported back made her want to cry.

Shu Guifei found Jiang Chen, told him the results, and asked in confusion, "Your Majesty, why are they unwilling to come? This is clearly a good thing!"

Jiang Chen picked up a few rejection letters and looked at them, most of which refused on the grounds that their talent was limited.

"Beloved concubine, you have such a loving heart, but you can't guarantee that everyone is like you."

Jiang Chen smiled and comforted her, "Fundamentally, people value their own interests."

"These people feel that attending the autumn poetry gathering is unprofitable, and even requires spending money, which is why they are unwilling to participate."

"What should we do then?"

Shu Guifei frowned slightly, "Now, only twenty or so people have agreed to participate, which is far too few."

Jiang Chen thought for a moment, then said, "Spread the news that I will also be attending the autumn poetry gathering."

Shu Guifei was taken aback, "Your Majesty, are you also going to participate?"

Jiang Chen laughed, "If my beloved concubine wants to do great things, of course I will fully support her."

After a pause, Jiang Chen continued, "But if I am going to participate, it can't be limited to women, so..."

Jiang Chen called Feng Jin over, "On my behalf, send invitations to all the men of status in the capital, inviting them to participate in the autumn poetry gathering as well."

"Also, tell them that the poems and essays written at this autumn poetry gathering will be printed and distributed throughout the land by the imperial court, so that the people of the world can see the literary talent and knowledge of the Da Wei scholars."

After instructing Feng Jin, Jiang Chen said with a smile, "Beloved concubine, in this way, your autumn poetry gathering will probably have to be held in a larger place."

Shu Guifei couldn't help but smile, "I will go and make arrangements immediately."

As the news that Jiang Chen would also be attending the poetry gathering spread, the men who received the invitations were all radiant with glory.

For them, donating a little money was nothing.

Being able to meet Jiang Chen, the Emperor of Da Wei, was what they valued.

What's more, the imperial court would print a collection of poems, which was an immense honor for them.

For a time, the whole capital was talking about this poetry gathering.

Even in a casual tavern or theater, you could hear such conversations.

"Brother Li, you look radiant, are you also preparing to participate in the poetry gathering?"

"Brother Wang, it seems you are the same. Haha!"

"Brother Li is too kind. I just feel heartbroken when I think that there are people in the world who can't even survive the winter. Participating in the poetry gathering is secondary, donating a bit of love is my real intention."

"Brother Wang's words are very much in line with my thoughts, I think so too, then let's meet at the poetry gathering."

After the news that most of the men had agreed to participate spread, the women who had previously refused to participate in the autumn poetry gathering, especially those who were unmarried, immediately became anxious.

In this era, the best way out for women was to find an excellent husband.

And those unmarried men in the capital were their best choice.

But usually there was neither opportunity nor the ability to actively seek them out, and the autumn poetry gathering was the best opportunity.

The thought of having just rejected the autumn poetry gathering made these people want to slap themselves twice.

But the opportunity was rare, so these people could only nervously write back to Shu Guifei, begging in a pleading tone, apologizing to Shu Guifei and praying to be able to participate in the autumn poetry gathering.

Following Jiang Chen's advice, Shu Guifei left these people hanging for two days before replying, agreeing to their requests.

For a time, women in the capital were seeking connections and using their influence, all for the sake of a spot to participate in the autumn poetry gathering.

In the end, after expanding again and again, the entire autumn poetry gathering, excluding Jiang Chen and Shu Guifei, had a total of two hundred and twenty-one female participants, and an astonishing five hundred and sixty-three male participants.

A poetry gathering with nearly eight hundred participants was unprecedented in all dynasties.

As a result, under the hype that Jiang Chen could arrange, the people on the streets and in the alleys were all talking about this event.

October 15th, the weather was clear and bright.

After careful arrangement, several pavilions were built in a maple forest in the eastern suburbs of the capital.

Inside the pavilions, all kinds of food, fruits, and wine were readily available.

Outside the maple forest, the Imperial Guards stood guard.

To enter, you had to provide an invitation.

Before Chen hour (7-9 AM), the invited men and women entered the venue one after another.

The men, with their elegant demeanor, greeted each other, while the women sat quietly, but their eyes wandered over the men who were arriving one after another, searching for a suitable husband.

At Si hour (9-11 AM), Jiang Chen and Shu Guifei arrived hand in hand, followed by Yuan Buyi and several other ministers with outstanding literary talent.

The crowd, who had been waiting in anticipation, immediately saluted and said in a loud voice, "We pay respects to Your Majesty and Shu Guifei!"

"Rise, everyone, today is the autumn poetry gathering, everyone relax." Jiang Chen said with a smile.

The crowd rose and secretly sized up Jiang Chen and Shu Guifei.

For many people here, this was a rare opportunity to see His Majesty, perhaps only once in their lives.

Jiang Chen led Shu Guifei to sit down in the pavilion in the center, while the others tried to find seats as close to this pavilion as possible.

After everyone was seated, Jiang Chen looked around and asked with a smile, "What was everyone talking about just now?"

A bolder person said, "We were talking about the charitable foundation mentioned in His Majesty's invitation."