The old clan leader and the village head tentatively decided to visit the Zeng family at the Baofeng cloth shop five days later. Regardless of the atmosphere in the Zhan family, Zhan Feiyu still went to the private school before dawn. After school, she would study diligently by candlelight until midnight.
"Mother, you should go to sleep first." To avoid straining her eyes, Zhan Feiyu lit three candles at night, and Li shi also took advantage of the light to make shoes.
Embroidered handkerchiefs could also be sold at the cloth shop, but Li shi's embroidery skills were average. It was better to sew shoe soles to make layered shoes, which could sell for sixty to seventy wen a pair, but it was too labor-intensive.
Li shi's brass thimble pressed against the end of the needle. After the needle passed through the thick shoe sole, she pulled it hard, completing a stitch. She then said, "There's not much work in the fields. While the weather is still warm, let's sew a few more pairs of shoe soles."
Zhan Feiyu looked up at Li shi, recalling what she had overheard last night. If her father were to be expelled from the clan and she were to be adopted out, what would happen to her mother?
It wouldn't be bad to leave the village with her father. Without her mother-in-law pressuring her, Mother would surely be able to live well. But thinking of Zhan Laoda's filial piety, after three to five years, her parents would surely return. Would they have to repeat the same stifling days?
What if they divorced? Zhan Feiyu lowered her head. Mother would definitely not remarry, and she had feelings for her father. It was just that she resented her father for being too filial. Well, by then she would be older and wouldn't be afraid of the Zhan family causing trouble!
Having made up her mind, Zhan Feiyu began to recite the chapters of the Great Learning and the Doctrine of the Mean. Compared to the Analects and Mencius's commentaries, which had ten and fourteen volumes respectively, these two books each had only one volume. The smaller word count made Zhan Feiyu feel as if she had won the lottery.
A night passed, and as dawn broke, the sound of washing clothes by the river could be heard from afar.
Zhan Laoda, carrying a fishing rod in one hand and a carp in the other, entered the courtyard and said joyfully, "Xiao Yu, you're up. Father caught a fish. We'll have fish soup when you get back tonight."
Farming families were poor, and wild game in the mountains was hard to find. Only fish from the river could be caught every few days.
After Zhan Lao Er was injured, Zhan Laotai boiled all the eggs she had saved for half a month to nourish him, and also killed an old hen. Zhan Laoda even got up early every day to fish.
Looking at Zhan Laoda, whose trouser legs were slightly damp, Zhan Feiyu tilted her head up. Her chubby face, bathed in the morning light, was so bright and dazzling that it was endearing. "I won't eat it. Father, keep it for Uncle to nourish himself."
Her voice was crisp but cold. Zhan Laoda's expectant eyes instantly dimmed.
The eldest branch of the family seemed to have been cut off. Li shi and Zhan Feiyu were still intimate, but Zhan Laoda was ignored. The mother and daughter did not argue, acting as if Zhan Laoda did not exist, which made him anxious, uncomfortable, and helpless.
Seeing Zhan Feiyu about to leave, nibbling on a coarse grain biscuit, Zhan Laoda said anxiously, "Xiao Yu, Father wronged you before. Your second aunt is just like that. Father can't do anything about it."
With her back to Zhan Laoda, Zhan Feiyu widened her eyes to face the sun. The light was dazzling, and her eyes felt sore. "Father, you don't want Second Aunt to quarrel, so you make me and Mother endure grievances. Then, if the same thing happens again, will Mother and I still have to endure grievances? But why?"
"It won't happen again, Xiao Yu. Father promises you that he won't let you suffer grievances anymore!" Zhan Laoda immediately pledged. Xiao Yu was his beloved daughter, who was good at studying and sensible. Even without a son, Zhan Laoda was content.
Taking a deep breath, Zhan Feiyu nodded, but still did not turn around. "Father, you must remember what you just said. I'm going to the private school. I'll be back for fish soup tonight."
Zhan Laoda was overjoyed and wished he could escort Zhan Feiyu to the private school. But seeing the unchopped firewood piled in the courtyard, he could only say, "Father will wait for you to come back for fish soup tonight. Walk slowly on the road."
Reciting "Thousand Family Poems" all the way, she arrived at the private school. As soon as she entered, she saw Tutor Lin standing in the courtyard with a solemn expression. Zhan Feiyu's heart skipped a beat. "Tutor, what happened?"
Tutor Lin looked at his young disciple. Although dressed in coarse cloth, she couldn't hide her brilliance. Her bright eyes were captivating, and her intelligence was lively, making her completely unlike someone from the countryside.
"Tutor, did my doggerel poem yesterday anger you?" Zhan Feiyu counted her chubby fingers and grinned guiltily.
She couldn't be blamed for this. Writing poetry was one thing, but it also required rhyme. After painstakingly writing a poem, it was criticized by the tutor as completely worthless, lacking literary merit, intent, and charm – a product of nothingness, only smoothness.
Zhan Feiyu wished she could present ancient famous lines from later generations. In her anger, she wrote a doggerel poem and handed it in: You write poetry, I write poetry; racking my brains, I can't rhyme. If there's true talent for composing verses, even a fart can be passed down through the ages.
Those with poetic talent can turn a fart into a timeless masterpiece.
It was better not to mention it. As soon as it was mentioned, Tutor Lin became angry. He flicked his finger and tapped her on the head. "You dare to say that? How many people throughout history have had the talent to compose verses like Cao Zhi? You have read widely in poetry and songs, and even if you can't compose poetry, you should be able to recite!"
"Tutor, I haven't opened the door to poetry and songs yet!" Zhan Feiyu shamelessly stretched her head forward and said playfully, "Tutor, tap me a few more times, maybe it will open the door for me."
Tutor Lin, amused by her antics, looked at the playful Zhan Feiyu. "Whether it's oral interpretation or written interpretation, you are better than many people. Why are you stuck on poetry and prose?"
Oral interpretation meant answering questions verbally, while written interpretation meant answering questions in writing.
Zhan Feiyu planned to participate in the county examination the year after next. Tutor Lin explained the Four Books to her individually every day. Her insights were unique, not to say unconventional, but also remarkably clear. Coupled with the famous quotes and aphorisms she could recall at will, her policy essays would surely be outstanding in the future.
"A smile can make one ten years younger. If Tutor grows old, how will I explain myself to Madam Tutor?" Zhan Feiyu joked with a smile, hopping into the house. Only then did she show a bit of childish naughtiness and liveliness.
After putting down her schoolbag, Zhan Feiyu took out the "Thousand Family Poems" for morning reading. She poked her head out the door and asked, "Tutor, we're not studying poetry today, right?"
"You read on. I'll take you to Leshan Residence during the lunch break," Tutor Lin said. Thinking of the rumors, his previously relaxed expression became solemn again.
Leshan Residence? Zhan Feiyu was stunned. "Tutor, did you find money? Bi Luo Chun there costs one tael of silver per pot!"
This time it was Tutor Lin's turn to be surprised. He narrowed his eyes and looked at Zhan Feiyu, who covered her mouth as if she had said something wrong. "You know quite a lot. Who did you go to Leshan Residence with? And you went to a private room!"
"If I say I heard it from others, will you believe me, Tutor?" Zhan Feiyu smiled innocently with wide eyes. The tea at Leshan Residence was good, and the pastries served with it were also delicious.
Since she couldn't hide it anymore, Zhan Feiyu tiptoed to Tutor Lin's side. She glanced at the empty courtyard and whispered, "I had the good fortune to help an official before. He was from the Imperial Dragon Guard."
Imperial Dragon Guard? Tutor Lin was truly shocked. Who in the Great Qing Dynasty didn't know about the Imperial Dragon Guard, directly under the Emperor's command? The visible guards protected the Emperor's safety, while the secret guards investigated serious cases that the three judicial departments couldn't handle. The Imperial Dragon Guard had the right to execute officials below the third rank without prior approval.
...
Although the ten taels of tuition per year for the private school was not cheap, it included lunch and provided writing brushes, ink, paper, and books.
"Your father actually took Zhan Feiyu to Leshan Residence!" Madam Wang frowned, displeased.
Leshan Residence was the largest teahouse in Shangsi County and a favorite gathering place for scholars and students. However, the tea was not cheap, and Tutor Lin himself was reluctant to go. This time, he took five taels of silver and brought Zhan Feiyu there.
"The 'Nine-Nine Cold-Dispelling Literary Gathering' is approaching. Xiao Yu can't write poetry, so Father is taking Xiao Yu to broaden her horizons," Lin Xiuyuan explained with a smile, as he himself had attended with his father.
Madam Wang looked at her son, who showed no resentment, and felt both comforted and pained. Yuan'er's broad-mindedness was excellent, but Zhan Feiyu had taken advantage of him time and again, which made Madam Wang somewhat unwilling.
After entering the teahouse, they were greeted by a waiter and seated in a location near the back of the main hall. Tutor Lin asked, "Do you know the meaning of Leshan Residence?"
"It's taken from the Yong Ye chapter of the Analects: 'The wise find joy in water, the benevolent find joy in mountains.'" Zhan Feiyu withdrew her gaze and continued, reciting, "Finding joy in mountains and water brings quiet pleasure; a hill and a ravine are naturally elegant."
Looking at Zhan Feiyu, who was deliberately showing off, Tutor Lin said leisurely, "Since that's the case, why not compose a poem?"
Uh... Zhan Feiyu's face fell. She looked at Tutor Lin pitifully. Was she going to escape poetry today?
Seeing the waiter bring the tea, Zhan Feiyu stood up to pour tea and smiled eagerly, "Discussing poetry and lyrics in this setting is too sentimental. Tutor, why don't we have some tea?"
As the literary gathering was approaching, the scholars and literati who came to the teahouse would inevitably discuss whose poetic talent was astounding and who had produced a masterpiece.
When the discussion reached its peak, some would even compose poems on the spot, drawing rounds of praise. If the poem was indeed good, the owner of Leshan Residence would not only waive the tea charges but also transcribe the poem and post it on the east wall of the teahouse for the literati who frequented the establishment to read and appreciate.
"Brother Liu, have you heard the rumors?" a man in a green robe at the next table asked with a smile.
The man surnamed Liu, sitting beside him, sneered and put down his teacup heavily. "He's just a child, who has only studied for a few days and dares to boast of being a child prodigy. It's simply preposterous!"
"If it were just a fleeting moment like Shang Zhongyong, it would be a mere anecdote. But if he has some talent and achieves success in the future, he will only harm the region!"
"Success?" The man surnamed Liu burst into laughter, his face full of sarcasm and disdain. "Brother Fan, you think too highly of him. It's just a hen crowing at dawn. He recognizes a few characters and can recite a love poem like 'The mountain has wood, and the wood has branches; my heart desires you, but you don't know.'"
"Perhaps it's a young man from the lane, full of elegance? 'I wish to marry myself to you for life, and then rest.' Even if I am abandoned by your heartlessness, I will not be ashamed." He recited the poem with extreme mockery.
Another stout man at another table lewdly added, "I wish to be the southwest wind, and enter your embrace forever. If your embrace is not open, where shall I, your humble servant, rely?"
For a moment, laughter erupted throughout the teahouse.
Zhan Feiyu blinked her eyes and looked at Tutor Lin, whose expression was grim. She lowered her voice, "Is this about me?"
Tutor Lin nodded. Zhan Feiyu rolled her eyes speechlessly. What had she done to incur such divine wrath? Had she dug up someone's ancestral grave to attract such disdain and slander!
"Although the Zeng family are merchants, they also pay commercial taxes. A little girl almost caused the death of Madam Zeng and her child, and yet she dared to speak so presumptuously, demanding a thousand taels of silver from the Zeng family. She has disgraced us scholars!" The man surnamed Liu, as if reaching the peak of his anger, banged his table.
"Loss leads to poverty and weakness; gain leads to prosperity and strength. Not only did she extort from a merchant family, but she even lost face for the sake of money. She has simply defiled the character and reputation of us scholars."
For a moment, the entire hall was filled with accusations against Zhan Feiyu. Her crimes were simply too numerous to list!
Seeing that these people were going too far, Tutor Lin was about to retort, but a voice beside him stopped him. "Tutor Lin, there's no need to be angry. It's just rumors spread by someone to deliberately tarnish Xiao Yu's reputation."
"Constable Ma." Zhan Feiyu stood up and looked at Constable Ma, who was dressed in plain clothes. She hadn't expected to meet him here.
Tutor Lin picked up his teacup and poured a cup of tea for Constable Ma, thanking him sincerely. "Thank you for informing me about yesterday's matter, Constable Ma."
Yesterday, Tutor Lin had received a letter from the plump owner of Wenxing Bookstore, and only then did he learn that someone in Shangsi County was slandering Xiao Yu with extremely malicious words, saying that she had forced a blind old woman to commit suicide, that the startled horse on South Street was also her doing, and that she had even extorted the Zeng family.
Constable Ma, who patrolled the streets, was the first to notice these rumors. He informed the plump owner, and Tutor Lin at the private school learned of it.
Constable Ma sat down, looked around, and said in a low voice, "I've been investigating for three days, but I still haven't found the source. These rumors first spread from beggars and street ruffians. Overnight, they spread throughout the streets and alleys, and then reached the county school, causing resentment and condemnation from the scholars."
Scholars were noble, and Zhan Feiyu in the rumors was like a rotten rat that spoiled a pot of soup.
Furthermore, she was a young girl who was called a child prodigy and was highly regarded by Lord Chen. All these things made Zhan Feiyu's reputation infamous, and all sorts of dirty water were splashed onto her.
Zhan Feiyu was not a pedantic scholar who only read books. After hearing Constable Ma's explanation, she immediately said, "The Zeng family bribed these beggars and hoodlums with money."
Shangsi County was neither large nor small, but it was not easy to spread rumors throughout the county in three days. This must have cost a lot of money. It looked like the Zeng family's doing.
Tutor Lin also thought it was the Zeng family. Zhan Lao Er had harmed Madam Zeng, so the Zeng family was bound to seek revenge. However, since the Zhan family had Zhan Feiyu, a scholar, the Zeng family, to eliminate future trouble, had to ruin Zhan Feiyu's reputation first and cut off her path to the imperial examinations.
Taking a sip of tea to moisten his throat, Constable Ma looked troubled. "The problem is that I caught a few beggars, but no matter how I threatened or enticed them, they wouldn't talk."
As the saying goes, money makes the mare go. These beggars spread rumors for money.
Constable Ma privately asked them, but even if they spoke, the Zeng family wouldn't know. But they stubbornly refused to speak, which was truly strange.
Zhan Feiyu frowned in thought. Constable Ma was showing her favor. When her second uncle demanded five hundred taels in compensation, Constable Ma was clearly on her side.
This time, he also informed the tutor about the rumors and investigated them privately.
It wasn't that Zhan Feiyu was being petty. People who associated with her second uncle were likely not good people. Constable Ma's goodwill was merely a pretense for mutual benefit; no one acts without a reason!
As for the Zeng family spreading rumors, it was normal. Zhan Feiyu was puzzled by these beggars. Even if they confessed and offended the Zeng family, they would only be begging in another county, suffering no loss. But offending Constable Ma was much more serious. At best, they would get a beating, and at worst, they could be arrested on some pretext and thrown into prison.
"Perhaps the Zeng family offered more money," Tutor Lin said slowly. It seemed that he must accompany Xiao Yu on the visit to the Zeng family five days later. The title of scholar was not very important, but it could at least make the Zeng family restrain themselves a little.
Constable Ma had the same opinion. He didn't expect a few beggars to have such tough bones.
No, there must be something else going on... The more Zhan Feiyu thought about it, the more something felt wrong, but she couldn't pinpoint the key point no matter how hard she tried. Her chubby face was all scrunched up.
"Xiao Yu, don't worry. I've already given instructions that we will warn those beggars during patrols these few days," Constable Ma guaranteed loudly, hiding the smugness in his eyes. No matter how intelligent she was, she was still a child. It was good this way, as she would be easier to control.
"Oh, isn't this Tutor Lin? It's been a while. Brother Lin, are you well?" Suddenly, a cold and sarcastic voice rang out. It seemed like a greeting, but the yin-yang tone clearly indicated ill intentions.
Zhan Feiyu, who was still thinking hard, looked up. Wow, how ugly!
The middle-aged man who walked in from the teahouse entrance was not only short but also fat. He wore a dark blue long-sleeved robe. The wide sleeves of his robe showed no scholarly elegance or grace. Instead, his harsh features made him appear cold and gloomy.
Tutor Lin's expression darkened as he stood up. He returned the greeting calmly and said coldly, "Scholar Zhang."
There were many scholars in the main hall, but few had obtained the title of scholar. Moreover, Scholar Zhang ran a private school in Shangsi County, so many people recognized him. At this moment, everyone stood up to greet him.
Taking advantage of the time for greetings, Zhan Feiyu whispered, "Tutor, this is Scholar Zhang from Hongyuan Private School."
"If these rumors could reach the county school, it's likely he had a hand in it." Tutor Lin's eyes showed a few more cold glares. The Zeng family were merchants with a reputation for being rich but unkind. The scholars at the county school would not spread rumors for the Zeng family for a few taels of silver.
But Scholar Zhang was different. He was a scholar, and he had close contact with the instructors and tutors at the county school. More importantly, he and Scholar Zhang had a past grievance.
"Xiao Yu, this time I have implicated you." Tutor Lin felt extremely guilty. If not for this, Scholar Zhang would not have kicked him while he was down.
Zhan Feiyu looked at Scholar Zhang, who was chatting and laughing with everyone, and then turned to look at Zhang Tianhao and four or five students beside him. "Tutor, I had a conflict with Zhang Tianhao at Wenxing Bookstore before. Looking at this, you and I are truly master and disciple, having such tacit understanding!"
Tutor Lin was amused and rubbed Zhan Feiyu's head helplessly. "You take it so lightly."
"It's just a matter of dealing with whatever comes our way. Since I am a child prodigy praised by the County Magistrate, Tutor, just watch me dominate!" Zhan Feiyu arrogantly raised her chin, her fighting spirit soaring, and her killing intent overflowing!
"What? Is this the young girl who is ruining the reputation of us scholars!" a sharp voice rang out. The man surnamed Liu glared at Zhan Feiyu.
Everyone else also turned their gazes towards her, as if Zhan Feiyu had grown three heads and six arms.
Facing the malicious or disdainful gazes of everyone, Zhan Feiyu boldly took two steps forward and bowed to everyone. " 'Rolling balls stop at the basin, and rumors stop at the wise.' What I have heard and seen today has truly opened my eyes."
Zhan Feiyu laughed heartily, "You gentlemen study the words of the sages only to gossip behind people's backs. You speak of 'zhi, hu, zhe, ye' but inside you are full of thievery and debauchery. Xiao Yu has learned a lot!"
"You!" The literati who were mocked as thieves and debauchees blushed with anger. Their previous poems and lyrics had all been mocking Zhan Feiyu for studying for romance. Even though they were burning with rage, they were in the wrong.
"What a sharp-tongued little girl!" Scholar Zhang looked at Zhan Feiyu with a serious expression. He had previously thought the rumors were exaggerated, but he didn't expect a country girl to have such composure.
Zhan Feiyu narrowed her eyes and smiled, appearing natural and graceful. "As the saying goes, seeing is believing, and hearing is false. You all think I'm seeking fame and fortune. Why don't we have a competition? Poetry, lyrics, prose, policy essays – bring it on. If I flinch today, I will surely hide my face and run when I see you all in the future."
Hmph! I've seen arrogant scholars, but never one this arrogant!
If this were a young master from a noble family or a talented young man, it would be understandable. Looking at Zhan Feiyu, who was only up to the table in height, chubby and fair-skinned, the provoked crowd was grinding their teeth in anger.
"You don't know the immensity of heaven and earth!" The man surnamed Liu cursed angrily, pointing at Zhan Feiyu. "You've only been in school for a few months. Have you read the Four Books? Do you know the Five Classics? And you dare to speak so boastfully. It's simply preposterous!"
Scholar Zhang had thought Zhan Feiyu was a composed person who wouldn't be fazed by any pressure. He didn't expect her to make such a bold claim and provoke everyone. Such a self-inflicted disgrace, and debating victory or defeat with her would only lower his own status.
"Then let's compete!" Zhang Tianhao strode forward. At the age of fourteen or fifteen, he was the most impulsive, especially with the previous enmity.
Zhan Feiyu smiled upon hearing this. It was done!
The man surnamed Liu and the others would be angry, but they wouldn't compete with her. After all, she was the youngest. Winning would be an unfair victory, but losing would mean complete ruin of her reputation. Only Zhang Tianhao, with his youthful spirit, would naturally not miss the opportunity to add insult to injury.
"Then let's compete in writing poetry?" Zhan Feiyu asked crisply, her dark eyes darting around, revealing cunning and intelligence. She was clearly prepared.
The arrogant Zhang Tianhao was about to agree, but Scholar Zhang stopped him with a smile, saying meaningfully, "Little Child Prodigy Zhan, you haven't been in school for long, so you probably haven't learned to compose poetry yet. How about we compete in matching couplets?"
Seeing Zhan Feiyu's confident demeanor, Scholar Zhang knew she must have prepared several poems.
In fact, all the scholars present were the same. None of them had the talent to compose a poem in seven steps. Therefore, they would privately ponder a few poems to be prepared for any eventuality.
Scholar Zhang had also helped Zhang Tianhao refine and revise them, and he had memorized more than twenty of them. Whether it was plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, chrysanthemums, or spring flowers and autumn moon, Scholar Zhang had prepared for any topic that might appear at poetry or literary gatherings. This way, Zhang Tianhao also had the reputation of a young poet in literary circles.
Tutor Lin looked speechlessly at the smug Scholar Zhang. He had always known the man was cunning, but seeing Scholar Zhang easily fall into the trap and change composing poetry to matching couplets, Tutor Lin's emotions were complex and unreadable. The truly "cunning" one was his little disciple.
"The best strategy is to attack the enemy's plans; attacking the heart is supreme. Winning without fighting is the highest strategy. I want to win, so we must compete. Tutor, I still need to continue studying!" Zhan Feiyu sighed, reflecting seriously.
"Stop being cheeky. Be careful not to capsize in a ditch," Tutor Lin said with a helpless shake of his head. He had initially thought she was a steady and studious young girl, but unexpectedly, she was cunning and mischievous inside.
Zhang Tianhao was already impatient. He glanced at Zhan Feiyu with extreme arrogance. "I'll give the upper couplet, eight characters: One, two, three, four, five, six, seven."
Constable Ma retreated to a corner after the conflict between the two parties. He stood with the owner and waiter of Leshan Residence. He, a military man, couldn't get involved in scholars' affairs and didn't want to offend anyone.
However, upon hearing this upper couplet, Constable Ma was stunned and blurted out, "Didn't you say eight characters?"
Some people present who understood the trick of the upper couplet smiled silently, waiting to see Zhan Feiyu make a fool of herself.
"I'll give the lower couplet, eight characters: Filial piety, fraternity, loyalty, trustworthiness, propriety, righteousness, integrity, shame." Zhan Feiyu said loudly. As soon as the lower couplet was uttered, the smiles on everyone's faces disappeared.
The upper couplet had eight characters but only mentioned seven, "wang ba" (eight forgotten), which sounded like "wang ba" (turtle).
Zhan Feiyu retaliated just as sharply. After "shame" comes "disgrace," meaning shameless!
The old owner of Leshan Residence smiled and explained. Constable Ma listened blankly. It was said that scholars curse without using profanity, and today he had witnessed it!
"It's your turn to give the upper couplet!" Zhang Tianhao said proudly. He had started his education at the age of four and had been studying for ten years. She enrolled in September, and in less than three months, she dared to compete with him. She was courting death!
Zhan Feiyu glanced at the wall of Leshan Residence, where an autumn fishing painting was hanging.
She smiled faintly and pondered for a moment before saying, "I'll give the upper couplet: One sail, one oar, one fishing boat; one fisherman, one fishing rod."
Everyone present was a regular at Leshan Residence. After hearing the upper couplet, they all turned their heads to look at the painting on the wall. This upper couplet was extraordinary, but how to match it with a lower couplet?
Not to mention Zhang Tianhao, even Scholar Zhang and Tutor Lin began to ponder. It wasn't difficult, but the upper couplet only used the character "one" five times. The key was the artistic conception of the lower couplet. Although couplets were not as important as poetry and lyrics, good couplets also emphasized meaning.
After waiting for a moment, looking at Zhan Feiyu, who was smiling knowingly, Zhang Tianhao, whose head was aching from thinking, glared at her and said fiercely, "I'll give the lower couplet: One table, one chair, one study; one scholar, one pen."
Lost! Everyone present shook their heads. This lower couplet was too poor; it was only grammatically correct, completely lacking in artistic conception.
Zhang Tianhao, who had lost face, was furious and kicked over the stool. He angrily cursed, "What are you laughing at? If you can match the lower couplet, then I lose!"
This upper couplet was clearly inspired by the autumn fishing painting, so there was no pretense of preparation. Zhang Tianhao glared at Zhan Feiyu, wanting to see what lower couplet she could come up with!
"Does Little Scholar Zhan have a lower couplet?" someone asked impatiently.
Before, they had dismissed Zhan Feiyu as undeserving of her reputation. But seeing her matching couplet and giving the upper couplet, they knew Zhan Feiyu was knowledgeable. At the age of seven, having studied for only a few months, to be able to come up with such an upper couplet was indeed a sign of talent.
Zhan Feiyu looked at the painting and slowly said, "One clap, one call, one laugh..."
Although this lower couplet was only half-finished, it perfectly matched the painting. The clap and call were conjectures, but one could imagine the fisherman's joy when he caught a fish.
"One person alone occupies the autumn of a river." Zhan Feiyu finished speaking, and the scene fell silent.
Someone repeated, "One clap, one call, one laugh; one person alone occupies the autumn of a river."
"A good couplet!"
"Brilliant!"
"The younger generation is to be feared!"
Everyone applauded and praised. In this short time, Zhan Feiyu had actually composed such an excellent couplet. A toast was in order!
Scholar Zhang, Zhang Tianhao, and the students from Hongyuan Private School looked extremely displeased. Zhan Feiyu had just stepped on Zhang Tianhao to gain fame.
Meanwhile, in a private room upstairs.
"Seventh Master, the chubby girl is quite clever. After this couplet is spread, those previous rumors will disappear on their own," Chong Guang stroked his chin and looked downstairs with a smile. Such a cunning chubby girl, tsk tsk, she was truly adorable.
"A tall tree in the forest will be destroyed by the wind; being too self-confident!" Yin Wuyan's voice was cold and ruthless. No matter how intelligent she was, she was still a defenseless little girl. Whether it was the Zeng family or Scholar Zhang, how difficult would it be to kill a little girl?
Looking at the ferocious and vicious Scholar Zhang, Chong Guang nodded in agreement. "If looks could kill, the chubby girl would probably be riddled with holes by now."
Thinking of this, Chong Guang looked expectantly at his Seventh Master, smiling obsequiously. "Why not lend a hand? We can't just stand by and watch the chubby girl die."
The corpse of the blind old woman was handled by Chong Guang. Even if someone were to exhume the body for examination in the future, they would absolutely not find any trace. Helping someone to the end, sending Buddha to the West. As long as Seventh Master spoke, the chubby girl would naturally be safe and sound.
Yin Wuyan glanced at the meddlesome Chong Guang, and his sharp, icy gaze successfully made him stop smiling.
Fine, his Seventh Master had never been a kind person. Moreover, they were about to leave Shangsi County. Even if they helped this time, they wouldn't be able to help next time. He could only hope that Lord Chen, who valued talent, wouldn't let these villains ruin the chubby girl.
"I underestimated Little Prodigy Zhan. Being able to compose such couplets, I presume her poetry is also not bad!" Scholar Zhang narrowed his eyes and stared at Zhan Feiyu, his smile not reaching his eyes. "Since that's the case, how about we choose the four seasons as the theme and compose a poem?"
"Father?" Zhang Tianhao looked at Scholar Zhang with dissatisfaction. Why choose such a simple topic? He should have chosen a tricky one. He had already prepared, and it was a good opportunity to kill this lowly girl's prestige!
"Hurry up and consider it!" Scholar Zhang shot his beloved son a cold glance, realizing for the first time that his son was a bit foolish. Someone who couldn't even match a lower couplet, what good poetry could he write? Even if he wrote something, it would be difficult to convince others.
The topic was simple, but it was to re-establish Zhang Tianhao's reputation. He had lost the couplet competition, but he still had poetic talent.
Zhang Tianhao was unwilling, but he did not dare to disobey Scholar Zhang. With a stiff face, he walked to the table and picked up the brush, writing the prepared poem without thinking.
Ode to Winter
In the winter month, the night is cold with flying snow,
The pure fragrance of plum blossoms winds around the branches.
Last year in Jiangnan, no snow was seen,
Under the moon, alone, the zither's melody was distant.
What a fool! Scholar Zhang's face contorted with anger. He should have thought before picking up the brush! In the blink of an eye, he had composed a poem. Did he think everyone present was a fool?
Zhan Feiyu looked at Zhang Tianhao, who had finished writing in one go, and smiled like a cat that had stolen fish.
Zhang Tianhao was inexplicably provoked. He pointed at Zhan Feiyu and taunted, "What are you laughing at? Can you write poetry?"
Are you as foolish as me? Everyone present looked speechlessly at the still provocative Zhang Tianhao. Not to mention the couplet incident, but even now, if Zhan Feiyu only needed to think for the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, and then compose any poem, she would win.
After all, one was cheating, and the other was genuine talent.
"Who can't write poetry!" Zhan Feiyu giggled and walked to the table in the same manner, picking up the brush without any thought and starting to write.
Uh... there are fools every year, and this year there are especially many!
Everyone was confused by Zhan Feiyu's divine operation. Didn't they just praise her for being intelligent? Why was she acting foolishly now!
Ancient people even needed seven steps to compose a poem. Zhang Tianhao and Zhan Feiyu, on the other hand, walked to the table, took three steps, and then a poem was finished. Did they really consider themselves child prodigies who had never been seen before and would never be seen again?
In the blink of an eye, as soon as Zhan Feiyu put down her brush, Zhang Tianhao eagerly leaned over to look. He wanted to see what kind of doggerel a seven-year-old foolish girl could write.
Hidden Spring
Dark plum blossoms, hidden scent, branches lie, sorrowful and deep.
From afar, I hear it lies like water, easily piercing the spring green.
The bank seems green, the bank seems to pierce green, the bank seems to pierce dark green.
"Zhan Feiyu, do you think I'm stupid? This 'Hidden Spring' was definitely not written by you!" Zhang Tianhao laughed heartily, shaking the paper in his hand. "Could it be that your tutor ghostwrote it for you?"
Everyone present looked speechlessly at Zhang Tianhao, who had exposed Zhan Feiyu. This was the pot calling the kettle black! Both of them were cheating, so what right did he have to mock the other?
Zhan Feiyu pouted and disdainfully looked at the smug Zhang Tianhao. She opened her mouth and said, "Are you a sore loser?"
"Bah, I'm a sore loser? Zhan Feiyu, I'll read the poem right now. Let everyone present judge who is the sore loser!" Zhang Tianhao threw his head back, his voice loud and high.
"Dark plum blossoms, hidden scent... If you ask who I am, a big stupid donkey... I am a donkey, I am a donkey, I am a stupid donkey."
The main hall was silent. Everyone, dumbfounded, stared. This poem?
"Listen, everyone, listen. A seven-year-old girl, who has only studied for a few months, can write a poem like 'Hidden Spring.' Do you think we are all stupid?" Zhang Tianhao shook his head in disdain.
Even if she was going to cheat, she should have chosen a simpler poem that matched her age. Zhan Feiyu was simply too foolish.
"Shut up, give me the poem!" Scholar Zhang, sensing something was wrong, roared and snatched the paper from Zhang Tianhao's hand. The others, too curious, also leaned over to take a look.
-- Author's Notes--
The doggerel poem was written by myself. The rest is from Baidu. Mwah...