"He's a talented individual."

Jiang Chen secretly thought, nodding at the same time, "This is a good suggestion. When the poetry collection is printed, the amount of money earned by each poem will also be printed, so that the world can see everyone's love and care."

"Good!"

Everyone responded, their interest piqued.

This added a competitive element.

"Those of you who have already written poems can compose another one later," Jiang Chen said.

After a moment of silence, someone quickly stood up and said, "Autumn clouds wash the morning light, the courtyard trees have shed their verdant hue. The wind occasionally shines, the water and stones seem to be before my eyes."

As soon as he finished reciting, someone went over to offer money.

Before long, the man had more than twenty taels of silver in his hand.

Guided by a maid, after the amount of money was recorded, it was all put into a large red box that had been prepared.

Immediately afterward, another talented scholar stood up and said, "Spring comes, autumn thoughts are boundless, the desolate wutong leaves are half red. My heart longs to return from ten thousand miles away, hanging like the moon over Longshan, my hair has turned gray after a hundred years of wandering under the vast sky."

The same scene happened again.

Then, another talented scholar stood up…

After more than twenty scholars had stood up one after another, someone said, "Your Majesty, this event was initiated by you and Noble Consort Shu. Your Majesty should also compose a poem."

This suggestion was immediately approved by many people.

Everyone looked at Jiang Chen expectantly.

Only Yuan Buyi's expression changed.

He knew better than anyone how much ink Jiang Chen had in his belly.

Writing a few jocular rhymes might be possible, but writing a poem with thought and depth would be difficult.

Thinking of this, Yuan Buyi was about to stand up and make excuses for Jiang Chen.

At this moment, Jiang Chen suddenly sighed.

This sigh confused everyone present.

Everything was going so well, everyone was happy, why did His Majesty suddenly sigh?

Jiang Chen's face was tinged with sorrow as he said, "Looking at everyone, I suddenly thought of those days in Jinling."

Everyone was even more puzzled.

What did the present have to do with Jinling?

The two were not related.

Just as they were wondering, they heard Jiang Chen say, "Just now, I felt something in my heart, thinking of an old man I saw before, who was clearly old enough to retire and enjoy his remaining years, but still had to do heavy work for a living. My heart is uneasy!"

"Since you want to hear me compose a poem, then I will compose one. But it may be a bit out of place."

After this introduction, Jiang Chen began to recite, regardless of whether it was appropriate or not.

"The wind is fierce, the sky is high, and the apes cry sadly; the islet is clear, the sand is white, and the birds fly back."

After these two lines were read, everyone present was stunned.

Although these two lines were just plain descriptions, the words were extremely precise, saying everything that needed to be said.

They could even faintly hear movement in their ears.

Yuan Buyi looked at Jiang Chen with a surprised expression, somewhat unable to believe it.

His Majesty couldn't even distinguish tones back then, how could he write such verses?

Could it really be a heartfelt expression?

Or perhaps, a strong start but a weak finish?

Please don't let it be like that!

Yuan Buyi's heart immediately tightened.

"Boundless falling leaves descend with a rustling sound; endless Yangtze River surges on." Jiang Chen continued.

As soon as these two lines were spoken, someone couldn't help but exclaim, "Good!"

After shouting, the person immediately shuddered.

He had interrupted His Majesty, wouldn't the Imperial Guards come to arrest him?

He looked around and found that the faces of the people around him were also full of admiration, and they didn't think his exclamation was abrupt.

These two lines were indeed well-written.

If the first two lines were just simple descriptions, then these two lines, although also descriptions, had a feeling of melancholy.

These two lines alone were far superior to the poems of those before!

Many people untied their money bags and boldly threw them over.

These two lines of poetry were worth emptying their pockets for!

Yuan Buyi's hanging heart was put down.

Fortunately, it was steady!

Especially the two lines just recited, viewed alone, were undoubtedly timeless classics!

It seems that His Majesty has put in the effort over the years!

Thinking this, Yuan Buyi looked at Jiang Chen with some emotion.

This look startled Yuan Buyi.

His Majesty seemed to have more to say?

Could there be more later?

Wouldn't that be a superfluous addition?

If it weren't for the etiquette between ruler and subject, Yuan Buyi would have rushed over to cover Jiang Chen's mouth.

He heard Jiang Chen continue, "For ten thousand miles, I am always a traveler saddened by autumn; for a hundred years, I have often ascended the platform alone, ill. The hardships and bitterness hate the frost-covered temples; in my helplessness, I have newly stopped drinking turbid wine."

After these four lines were recited, the entire maple forest was silent.

Only the autumn wind swept through the leaves, and the sound of falling leaves could be heard.

After a long while, someone shouted loudly, "Good! Good poem! A good poem that will be passed down through the ages!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Yuan Buyi calling out with tears streaming down his face.

Everyone couldn't help but be extremely surprised.

Although this poem was indeed very good, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a poem that would be passed down through the ages.

But was it necessary to cry like this?

What everyone didn't know was that Yuan Buyi was crying not only because of this poem but also because Jiang Chen was able to write this poem.

Being able to write this poem already showed that Jiang Chen's literary talent had surpassed him.

His years of teaching hadn't been in vain.

Jiang Chen was also startled, reciting a poem had actually made Yuan Buyi cry.

However, seeing that no one had raised any objections to this poem, he was relieved.

He mentioned Jinling and the old man earlier to pave the way for this poem.

Otherwise, even if this poem was very good, it would seem strange if it came from his mouth.

He had finally gotten through it.

Jiang Chen thought to himself.

However, after the money bags piled up, a talented scholar plucked up his courage and said, "Your Majesty, since we've already given all our money to you, why don't you compose two more poems for us to broaden our horizons!"

"Yes! Let us broaden our horizons!"

At this time, in the hearts of the scholars, Jiang Chen's literary level was no less than that of any great master of the time.

At least they had never heard of any great master creating poetry of this level.

The corner of Jiang Chen's mouth twitched.

"This, today is the Autumn Poetry Gathering, everyone should show their talents more. I came here just to see everyone's literary talents." Jiang Chen said with a calm smile.

Everyone thought it seemed right, but they still pleaded, "Then please, Your Majesty, compose a poem that summarizes the Autumn Poetry Gathering."

This suggestion was immediately approved by everyone, including Yuan Buyi.

Since His Majesty had such high literary talent, he must show it more, so that the scholars of the world could take His Majesty as an example.

Jiang Chen originally wanted to refuse, but a poem suddenly appeared in his mind, so he said, "Since that's the case, then I'll compose another one."

"But it's agreed, just this one, and next, we'll see the works of the talented scholars of Great Wei."

Everyone agreed with a bang.

After Jiang Chen brewed his emotions, he said, "This poem has nothing to do with today's theme; it's my expectations for everyone."

Hearing this, everyone couldn't help but look forward to it even more.

What expectations would His Majesty have for them?