Chapter 222: Strange Poem

In the morning, the spring sun shone brightly, and the sound of a pipa drifted out.

A spring outing was not considered a formal literary gathering, so there was no expectation of everyone sitting formally for the entire event, nor of an organizer leading from a stage with scholars and great Confucians acting as judges at the front. Still, many seats had been arranged on the grass. At that moment, a young woman danced gracefully to one side of the field, watched by everyone. After her performance, a group of talented individuals applauded and cheered, then people conversed and discussed matters of poetry and prose.

“...Minister Chen has truly found an excellent spot. The sky is clear and bright today, and from here, one can overlook the magnificent scenery of the Yangtze River. I suggest we all compose a few poems or verses on the theme of the Yangtze River, and invite the top scholar to appraise them. What do you say?”

“That would be perfect...”

Maintaining a literary atmosphere under such relaxed conditions was actually quite simple. The scholars present would often compose a few lines for no particular reason, and now gathered, their poetic inclination was undeniable. Of course, the initial theme had to be straightforward, nothing too obscure. With the Yangtze River as the theme, most everyone could write one or two pieces. As soon as this was suggested, everyone agreed it was an excellent idea. A beautiful woman picked up an instrument and smiled, saying, “Little Yu would be honored to sing for Young Master Xue.” Young Master Xue felt very honored and quickly busied himself writing his poem. A good poem, if sung well by someone else, would naturally be enhanced considerably. Amidst the laughter and chatter, it wasn't long before the sound of zithers and singing filled the air.

At this time, not everyone on the grass was gathered in one spot. Besides the larger, more boisterous group, Li Shishi, Zhou Bangyan, and others were also gathered nearby. Chen Luoyuan was also there, greeting people and smilingly watching them, listening to the poems being sung. Others were scattered in small groups, chatting, but most were still paying attention to the main activity.

Qin Shaohe was among the largest group. As the top scholar, he couldn't escape notice, and he was also interested in the scholarship of the talented individuals from Jiangning, so he decided to join the lively scene. While indulging in the refined pleasure of appreciating poetry, he occasionally glanced in one particular direction. Since arriving today, he hadn't greeted Ning Yi and his companions. At that moment, Ning Yi and two girls disguised as boys were squatting on one side of the grass, looking downwards.

“Oh, the grass here is a bit steep,” he remarked. “The slope is long enough; it looks like fun...”

This was the side of the grass field with the most expansive view. In the distance, one could see the Yangtze River and Stone City. Stretching down the hillside was a long grassy slope, which appeared somewhat steep, exceeding forty-five degrees – the kind one could roll down in one go. Below it was a lush, verdant forest. Ning Yi had been listening to someone sing over there, knowing the main show hadn't started yet, so he had come over with an idea for this grassy slope. After all, his primary purpose was to bring Yunzhu out to have fun.

A servant, seeing them near the edge, quickly came to warn them of the danger. Ning Yi, however, waved his hand, instructing the servant to fetch some tools. Soon after, Consort Kang Xian also walked over, saying, “You little rascal, what are you up to now?”

“Minister Chen found a great spot!” Ning Yi asked, looking around with a smile. “What kind of official was he to be able to buy such a good piece of land?”

“Chen Luoyuan only served as a county magistrate, and later held only leisurely posts. However, he was originally known for his excellent scholarship; he wasn't particularly outstanding in his administrative duties, so any official position would have been much the same for him.”

Ning Yi lowered his voice. “Three years as an upright prefect, and ten thousand taels of silver!”

“Haha, you rascal, you’re judging a gentleman’s intentions with your petty mind! The Chen family was originally a major landowner in Jiangning. Although your Su family now has abundant wealth, a merchant family is ultimately like a rootless tree, incomparable to them.”

Ning Yi shrugged. Then he gestured with his chin to one side. “I’m going to slide down from here.”

“Huh?” Kang Xian was momentarily stunned.

“There are a few rocks in the middle, but I’ve already chosen my path, so there won’t be any problems. However, this kind of activity isn’t suitable for older people. Consort Kang, you’ll just have to watch.”

“Haha...” Kang Xian laughed. “Nonsense, you’re still so mischievous! Today, with so many esteemed scholars gathered, instead of focusing on elegant matters, you want to play a child’s game here! You’re at least known as Jiangning’s foremost talent. With revered teachers and students present today, aren’t you afraid of being laughed at?”

“What’s so funny about it? A spring outing is meant for fun. If we were by the river, I’d even bring a kite and some roasted meat.”

“That’s true,” Kang Xian mused. “However, this activity of yours is too dangerous. Since you’re here to have fun, I can tell you, you can walk up the mountain later; there’s a hot spring up there. With your game being so dangerous, how could Miss Yunzhu slide down with you?”

The old man finished, a wide smile on his face. Yunzhu’s face, however, flushed slightly. Ning Yi thought about it and conceded the point. Soon, a servant brought two wooden planks and two iron bars. Ning Yi looked at the iron bars and realized they couldn’t be used. They were too hard; if they slipped and stuck into the ground, a collision would impale someone. However, he had played this kind of game many times before, so he simply tied the wooden planks to his shoes, intending to use them as skis.

As he busied himself, many people from the other groups couldn’t help but glance over. Li Shishi, Qilan, Zhou Bangyan, Cao Guan, Liu Qingdi — all of them were more or less paying attention to Ning Yi’s situation. Most people, however, knew that he had always been somewhat detached from literary affairs. This feeling was quite strange; while the people of Jiangning somewhat hoped to see astonishing poetry, they also somewhat wished Ning Yi wouldn't step forward. This sentiment was particularly strong among top literary figures like Cao Guan and Liu Qingdi. Regardless of who they were, they probably had to admit that they felt a certain apprehension regarding the name Ning Liheng.

Ordinary individuals, like Cao Guan, wrote many poems and verses, some excellent, some mediocre. Sometimes they would produce a stroke of genius, other times their works were uninspired. Their reputations had gradually spread through various literary gatherings and discussions. Of course, in terms of representative works, their very best were only a handful. Ning Yi, on the other hand, usually didn't participate in literary gatherings; he had gained his fame from just a few poems. While this might be considered an unconventional approach, it had to be admitted that the three verses Ning Yi had presented were not meant for discussion—they were simply meant to dominate the scene.

They were masterpieces of divine craftsmanship, clearly destined to be passed down through generations. Whether it was 'When Is the Bright Moon?', 'Green Jade Table', or 'Calm the Waves,' such verses, once written, would stir hearts and minds. In a literary competition, a single verse like that would decide victory. However, if such verses were composed, others would be left with nothing to write; how could they possibly begin?

Earlier, when they heard that Miss Qilan had invited Ning Yi to compose poetry, Cao Guan and the others had actually been wary. They told themselves to perform at their very best, as their own skill might not be far inferior to Ning Liheng's, and besides, he couldn't possibly produce excellent verses every time. However, upon arriving and seeing that he seemed somewhat detached from the proceedings, they couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Then, they became a little annoyed.

Meanwhile, Zhou Bangyan and the others wondered what Ning Yi was doing. They watched as he tied wooden planks to his shoes, then slid down the grassy slope. Sounds of “Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!...” drifted over from that direction. Only then did they realize he was playing such a childish game, which left them feeling both amused and exasperated.

After quite a while, Ning Yi climbed back up. He sat at the top of the slope for a bit. People saw Qilan approach him with her zither, squat down, and say a few words. After their conversation, Ning Yi seemed to be invigorated and slid down the slope again.

Everyone suddenly felt a bit helpless. Then, they suddenly heard a cry of “Ah!” from that direction. Qilan, standing on the slope with her zither, looked pale with fright. Two men dressed as scholars nearby were already preparing to climb down the slope, unsure of what had happened. Then they heard a shout from below: “I’m fine, I’m fine! The wooden board really isn’t sturdy!...” Many people rushed over with concern. Ning Yi was coming up from below, having apparently tumbled a few times on the slope. His long robe was slightly disheveled, but he wasn’t hurt. The long wooden plank on one of his feet, however, had broken.

As he came up, everyone smiled and asked if he was alright. Chen Luoyuan had also come over, and knowing his identity, concernedly offered to have him change his clothes at the manor below. However, his robe was still quite clean, so he politely declined. At this time, the group had originally been asking Qin Shaohe to compose a poem. Qin Shaohe had readily written one. He now laughed and said, “When it comes to poetry, it’s not really my strong suit. Among you all, there are many who write better than me. For instance, Liheng is very capable. While we’re composing poems over there, he’s over here tumbling about—it truly spoils the elegant atmosphere. How about we penalize him with three poems?”

Ning Yi brushed dust from his clothes and laughed. “I just fell, and you want me to write a poem? How about a doggerel?” Yunzhu, with her keen eye, noticed some loose threads on Ning Yi’s clothes and a small tear on the hem. She quickly pointed it out, and Ning Yi frowned as he tidied himself. Seeing that he was genuinely disheveled, Qin Shaohe chuckled and let him off. A moment later, someone suddenly said, “I heard that Liheng and Miss Shishi are childhood acquaintances?”

Just moments before, to see if Ning Yi was hurt, the surrounding crowd had gathered closer. Li Shishi, Zhou Bangyan, and others had also mingled with the rest. As they chatted and laughed, the person spoke those words. Shishi paused slightly, then looked at Ning Yi with a smile. Ning Yi also frowned slightly. Then someone else said, “Is that true?”

This news greatly surprised everyone. A slight murmur went through the crowd; some were displeased, some envious, some jealous. In fact, in just a brief moment, it was likely that more than a few Jiangning scholars had developed a favorable impression of Li Shishi. After all, the aura of a courtesan queen was incredibly alluring. Li Shishi was not only beautiful but also amiable. Earlier, when everyone was writing poems, she had been nearby. Although she hadn't personally played or sung for anyone, she had offered comments and kind words after others had presented their works. Most of these men in Jiangning probably had girls they admired, but today's guest was the capital’s most renowned courtesan. To gain her favor would be an immensely prestigious matter.

No one was interested in hearing how deeply their admired girl was connected to someone else. Zhou Bangyan and the others felt a slight displeasure in their hearts at this moment. This matter had actually been spread by Yu Hezhong. Seeing Zhou Bangyan and the others unhappy, and knowing his own limited poetic skills, and since this concerned Shishi's reputation, he didn't want to mess things up. After hearing that Little Ning was Ning Liheng, he was stunned for a while, but then a plan came to him.

Instead of letting Zhou Bangyan and the others steal the limelight over Shishi, it would be better to let Liheng overshadow all of them. Since they were old acquaintances, he figured Liheng would definitely help.

So, as soon as he arrived, Yu Hezhong began inquiring about Ning Liheng. Then he casually brought up Shishi's old connection with him. After some deliberate orchestration, Ning Yi and Li Shishi became the focus of the crowd.

Li Shishi thought for a moment, then lowered her head and smiled. “It is true that I am an old acquaintance of his. Back then, Shishi was studying zither music here in Jiangning with Mother Li, and we happened to live at the entrance of Sanlian Alley. Liheng’s family also lived in Sanlian Alley, so we became acquainted at that time. I simply never imagined that the little Ning would become Young Master Ning today. It was only upon meeting him today that I could confirm it.”

“Is that true? It must have been many years ago, then?” someone curious asked.

Ning Yi nodded. “Indeed... that’s correct.”

Another murmur swept through the crowd. Liu Qingdi, standing among the people, had initially been quite displeased, but now he narrowed his eyes slightly. He looked at Li Shishi, then at Yuan Jin’er on the other side, and an idea came to him. He then stepped forward with a smile.

“Childhood sweethearts, innocent and pure. Liheng back then probably never imagined that the little girl would become Miss Shishi, famous throughout the capital, did he? And Miss Shishi back then probably never imagined that Brother Ning would be renowned in Jiangning today, becoming the foremost talent praised by all. Brother Ning and Miss Shishi, both talented and beautiful, are indeed the choice of the moment. As the Buddhists say, this is destiny. In my humble opinion, both of you must be filled with emotion at this moment. If this literary gathering is to create a beautiful story, why not have Liheng compose a poem for Miss Shishi, and have Miss Shishi sing it? What do you all think?”

He had argued with Yunzhu and Jin'er that morning, so this encounter with a rival in love clearly made him see red. It was obvious he had no good intentions.

Ning Yi looked at him with a half-smile. Liu Qingdi met his gaze defiantly. Jin’er, behind them, curled her lip in disdain. This Liu Qingdi was too childish. If she truly liked Ning Yi and saw his talent effortlessly impress everyone and captivate the courtesan queen, she would inevitably feel resentment. But at this moment, it was probably only making Sister Yunzhu uncomfortable. Still, it didn’t matter; she could just take advantage of the situation and win Sister Yunzhu’s heart.

At this point, if Ning Yi were to truly produce a timeless masterpiece and instantly impress Li Shishi, he alone would take all the glory. Cao Guan would not be pleased, nor would Zhou Bangyan and the others be happy. However, many in the crowd had no personal stake in the matter, and wished the situation would escalate as much as possible. If they couldn't be the main characters, they could at least bask in the reflected glory as participants. As soon as Liu Qingdi finished speaking, someone immediately echoed his sentiment. Kang Xian also chimed in: “This old man finds this matter quite interesting.” Qin Shaoqian, on his side, eagerly began to egg them on: “Childhood sweethearts! You must write it! Absolutely must write it!” Even the shy Xu Xiaohu kept nodding, “That’s right, that’s right.” He was a martial artist, and he rather looked forward to such literary gatherings, eager to witness a romantic affair of poetic grace.

Li Shishi’s eyes flickered, her face slightly flushed, and she said nothing, perfectly playing her part. Ning Yi’s gaze swept across the crowd several times. Yunzhu was behind him, out of sight. After remaining silent for a long moment, he finally nodded and said, “Alright.”

“...Alright,” Ning Yi thought for a moment. Then he walked directly towards a writing desk set up nearby. He pulled out a sheet of paper, picked up a brush, and dipped it in ink. “Just a doggerel, don’t mind it.”

Judging by his expression at that moment, he clearly wouldn’t be writing a mere doggerel. People gathered around the desk; some were smiling, others began to grow quiet. Around the grass, scattered individuals also drifted over, all quite curious. Cao Guan, Zhou Bangyan, and others frowned, their gazes quiet. This spring outing had only just begun, but if a timeless masterpiece were to appear now, the rest of the event would likely become dull and uninteresting. Everyone else’s brilliance would be overshadowed by this single poem. Li Shishi, meanwhile, stood nearby, smiling faintly. Yet in her eyes, there was a hint of anticipation. Since the poem concerned her, she truly wanted to see what kind of verse this old acquaintance, already hailed as Jiangning’s foremost talent, could produce.

The brush descended, and the characters were still excellent. And... it was certainly no doggerel.

However, the expressions of the crowd gradually shifted from smiles to silence. They seemed puzzled, then confused, and then slowly, their faces grew peculiar...

On the paper, there were eight lines:

“Some are in tall buildings,some in deep ditches.Some shine with brilliant light,some are covered in rust.A myriad of people in this world,do not seek fleeting clouds.That person, like a rainbow,you will know when you encounter them.”

This... what kind of poem is this?

Someone peered closer: “A modern poem...”