Most of the vassal kings in the Ming Dynasty indulged in sensuality and pleasure, but Xing Wang Zhu Youyuan was an exception. He was keen on art and literature, especially poetry and calligraphy. He even taught his son Zhu Houcong's elementary school himself.

Zhu Youyuan gave birth to two sons in total. The eldest son Zhu Houxi died six days after he was born, so he devoted all his fatherly love to his second son Zhu Houcong, and his son's intelligence and studiousness was what Zhu Youyuan was proud of.

So at this time, Sun Sui suggested that Xu Kui should pay attention to Zhu Houcong. King Xing was immediately scratched, and his kind eyes fell on his son.

Zhu Houcong had no choice but to stand up and salute: "Please give me some advice, Grand Master."

Xu Kui nodded slightly and said: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is very brave. Well, let's write a poem with the title of Ode to the Frog."

Xu Kui obviously considered that Zhu Houcong was young and the poem title he proposed was relatively easy. Writing a short poem with the title "Ode to the Frog" was acceptable for a ten-year-old child.

Zhu Houcong thought for a moment and then chanted: "The coir raincoat is full of green, and I sit on the duckweed with angry eyes. Who knows when the good harvest comes, and I listen quietly to the sound of frogs at night."

As soon as Zhu Houcong finished speaking, everyone in the audience applauded. Although this poem is not very outstanding, it is already very rare for a ten-year-old child.

Xu Kui nodded approvingly and said: "His Royal Highness is extremely intelligent, and the prince teaches you well."

"Haha, Master Xu is so complimentary." Prince Xing Zhu Youyuan looked at his son with a smile, his pride was beyond words.

Xu Kui turned his eyes to Xu Jin and said: "I heard that Xu Ziqian is quick in thinking and not only good at pairing, but also an excellent poet. "Bamboo and Stone", "Bu Shuzi Yong Mei" and "You Yuanxiao" are all handed down from generation to generation, so why not? Compose a poem with the title "Ode to the Frog"?"

As soon as these words came out, everyone's eyes fell on Xu Jin. Originally, the ten-year-old boy Zhu Houcong was asked to take care of his young age by using the title "Frog Ode", but it became difficult for Xu Jin.

First of all, Xu Jin is not a ten-year-old boy, and he has already passed the government examination. In addition, the name of the poem is foreign, so naturally he cannot write an ordinary frog poem like Zhu Houcong, but he wants to write a brilliant frog poem. , it is very difficult. If the level of writing is similar to that of Zhu Houcong, wouldn't it be embarrassing?

Xu Jin frowned imperceptibly, not knowing where he offended Xu Kui, but he still maintained a smile on the surface and said: "How dare you disobey me, student!"

Fei Maoxian and Fei Maozhong couldn't help but worry about Xu Jin. The great master of Tixue seemed to have a prejudice against Xu Jin. If Xu Jin could not compose a high-level frog poem, his points would probably be reduced even more.

Xu Jin thought about it for a while and chanted: "Sitting alone in the pond is like a tiger roosting, nourishing the spirit under the green shade tree."

As soon as these two sentences came out, Fei Hong couldn't help but frown, and Liu Qingyuan also lowered his eyes. These first two sentences were really not very good. The level was indeed higher than that of the prince, but not much higher.

Xu Jin continued to talk and chanted: "If I don't speak first when spring comes, which insect dares to make a sound?"

As soon as the last two sentences came out, Fei Hong's eyebrows suddenly stretched out and he smiled. Xing Wang Zhu Youyuan even blinked and praised: "Good sentences, full of momentum. Xu Ziqian really lives up to his reputation. This song chants about frogs." It’s another masterpiece handed down from generation to generation.”

Xu Kui glanced at Xu Jin with a strange expression. He was indeed very talented. Moreover, both the poem "Bamboo and Stone" and "Bu Shuzi Ode to Plum Blossoms" were full of atmosphere. Even a short poem about a frog was written like a poem. His domineering attitude is exposed, and his ambitions are probably not small. However, his views on politics are too radical and seem to be a bit sensational. If he is named on the gold list and enters the center in the future, it may not be a blessing to the country!

If Xu Jin knew what Xu Kui was thinking at this moment, he would probably be ashamed. It is said that his current ambition is to win the title of scholar, so that he can travel to all parts of the Ming Dynasty unimpeded. If you look at it in the longer term, it is just Pass the Jinshi exam, and then go out to work as a carefree county magistrate.

Zhu Houcong said a little proudly: "Father, I didn't lie to you, sister... Xu Jin's poetry talent is not unfounded, and it is even more powerful when it comes to poetry. On the Lantern Festival, he almost defeated it with his own talent. All the talented people in Yushan Academy."

Xing Wang Zhu Youyuan chuckled and said: "Those who are close to Zhu are red, and those who are close to sages are virtuous. Conner has definitely made great progress after spending more than half a year with Xu Ziqian."

"Your Majesty, you are ridiculous!" Xu Jin couldn't help but sweat. If Zhu Youyuan heard his son swearing and swearing with his own ears, he didn't know what he would think!

A luncheon lasted for nearly an hour before it ended. The topic during the dinner was inseparable from poetry and songs. After all, there were all scholars present, and Xingwang Zhu Youyuan especially liked this one.

After the banquet, Zhu Youyuan even asked for the Four Treasures of the Study with great interest. He made an ink painting "Crying Frog in the Rain Lotus" on the spot, and inscribed his son Zhu Houcong's "Ode to the Frog" on it. Perhaps he felt that it was too prominent for his son. I was so embarrassed, so I also included Xu Jin's "Ode to the Frog".

Zhu Youyuan's calligraphy and painting skills are indeed not low. It can be seen that he has put in a lot of hard work. The bulging-eyed frog squatting on the lotus leaf is vivid and full of energy in the gentle breeze and drizzle.

Everyone present sincerely admired King Xing's painting "Crying Frog in Lotus Rain".

Zhu Youyuan proudly raised his hand and said with a smile, "I'll give this painting to Zi Qian as a gift for my first meeting."

Xu Jin couldn't help but secretly rejoiced, and said quickly: "Thank you, Lord, for earning the painting!" After saying that, he carefully rolled up the "Crying Frog in the Rain Lotus" and put it away.

Zhu Houcong was naturally very happy to see that Xu Jin valued his father's painting so much. Little did he know that Xu Jin was thinking about framing the painting after returning home and keeping it as a family heirloom.

You must know that Zhu Houcong, the eldest son of the vassal prince, will have bad luck to become emperor in the future. Then Xingwang Zhu Youyuan will be the Supreme Emperor. According to historical records, Jiajing Emperor Zhu Houcong will indeed posthumously title his father Zhu Youyuan as Xingxian Emperor in the future.

Therefore, this "Crying Frog in the Rain Lotus" will be an imperial calligraphy treasure from now on, and its value will definitely increase.

Everyone idled for a while. Xingwang Zhu Youyuan's health was indeed very poor. In addition, he was yawning constantly because of the trouble he was putting in painting. So they got up and left after a while, taking Zhu Houcong away from the Fei Mansion and went back to his residence to rest. Next, Sun Then, Xu Kui and Liu Qingyuan also said goodbye and left one after another.

Fei Hong called Xu Jin to the study room, first checked Xu Jin's recent academic homework, and then gave two questions on the Four Books and two questions on the Five Classics, asking Xu Jin to write an essay after he went back.

Since he won two questions in the last county examination, Xu Jin paid great attention to Fei Hong's questions. If he won the questions again in the college examination, he would make a lot of money.

"Zi Qian, Mr. Xu Kui is an upright person, and he can't get rid of the grain in his eyes. He is just a bit conservative in his political philosophy. You should pay more attention during the college examination and avoid being too unconventional." Fei Hong has now trained Xu Jin as his direct disciple. , and naturally gave him direct advice.

Xu Jin couldn't help but suddenly realized that it was no wonder that Xu Kui's attitude towards him was not very friendly. He must have read his policy essays for the government examination. In ancient officialdom, due to different political opinions, even friends could turn against each other and fight to the death. As the saying goes, the ways are different. If they don't work together, it's no wonder that Xu Kui is unhappy with him. He nodded and said, "Thank you, Master Fei, for your advice. The students will pay attention."

Fei Hong nodded with a smile and said: "Although the college examination will be held in Nanchang, Sun Decheng (Sui) will also be in Nanchang at that time. As long as you pay attention and don't conflict with people from Ning Prince's Mansion, it is expected to be no big deal. You will feel at ease when you go back."

Prepare for the exam, strive to pass the college exam in one try, and gain the title of scholar."

"Students, please remember this!" Xu Jin nodded, but secretly smiled bitterly in his heart. He was afraid that if he didn't cause trouble, Prince Ning's eldest son, Brother Zhu, would also look for trouble. However, he had to participate in this college examination. The worst he could do was hide.

He pretended to be a grandson when he got up, and immediately left after the exam.

Fei Hong was obviously very relieved about his calm and experienced disciple, and he let Xu Jin leave the study after a few more words.

Xu Jin returned to the living room in the front yard. Xiaowan and brother-in-law Xie Sanqiang were already waiting here. Erniu was also carrying a lot of gifts, which were all small items given by the girls and ladies in the house.

When Xu Jin walked into the living room, two pairs of beautiful eyes suddenly looked over, and Xie Xiaowan shouted happily: "Ms. sir!"

Fei Ruyi was holding Xie Xiaowan's hand and chatting intimately. When she saw Xu Jinxing coming out, she let go and said warmly: "Sister Xiaowan, please come over to play when you have time next time." After saying this, she turned to Xu Jinfu Yifu.
Chapter completed!