Faced with Liu Haoran's invitation, Shen Zhui was slightly surprised. This big boss came after Wenzong, and Liu Haoran was different from Li Qingzheng's incorruptibility and Lin Zhizhong's sternness. Liu Haoran had been active in the literary world for nearly a hundred years. No matter what Both the government and the public have huge popularity.
This gentleman also likes to support the underachievers. Others may be in awe of the first two great scholars, but he has a close respect for Liu Haoran.
"Junior must come and visit." Shen Zhui said, cupping his hands.
Liu Haoran smiled and nodded.
After announcing the rankings of the three Halls of Merit, the three great scholars left the venue early.
Being highly virtuous and highly respected also means that you can't let go, and it will also put pressure on others, so the rest of the affairs will all be handled by the fourth prince Ji Dan and the seventh prince Ji Chen.
On the surface, the three great scholars have the highest literary reputation, but they sit in the Hall of Talents and only act as judges. In fact, the two princes are the hosts of this banquet.
Naturally, the first-class talents are selected first by the royal family. For example, Shen Zhui, Xu Qingzhi, Wang Shixin and others, there are many congratulators on the surface, but all the officials understand that in fact it is impossible to agree to the invitation of themselves and others, they just make up for it. lively.
The second-class talents are the candidates for the husbands of those civil and military ministers.
Therefore, after the great scholar left, Ji Dan and Ji Chen ordered their servants to quietly contact the top ones and go to a more private place in the back hall to entertain the guests. As for the rest, they were still having a feast in the palace.
The top ten in the three Halls of Talents in terms of poetry, classics, and policy were invited by the fourth prince Ji Dan and the seventh prince Ji Chen respectively, and private banquets were held.
If the minister wants to see the princess, he must be accompanied by the prince. The other invitees all stood up excitedly. Some of those who came out of the Hall of Talents were only in the supernatural power realm, or even the spirit bridge realm. For them, they had to be invited by the prince. , I'm afraid I'm even more excited than meeting the princess. Because it would be out of reach to marry the princess during a banquet, but to be appreciated by the prince is a real success.
Shen Zhui received an invitation from the Seventh Prince Ji Chen and came to a pavilion behind Guanwen Hall. At this time, the Seventh Prince Ji Chen happened to have a toast at the banquet hall in each hall and returned to the exquisite small living room.
Two pretty maids pulled the curtain, and the thick embroidered curtain slowly closed towards the middle, shutting out all the noise outside and the sound of singing, dancing, silk and bamboo music.
Shen Zhui and the other thirteen people unconsciously cast their eyes outside the curtain, as if it was a pity that they could not see the wonderful program outside the hall.
"Dear gentlemen," Ji Chen said with a smile: "The vulgar music and vulgar music outside are not worthy of your appreciation. In order to show respect to all the gentlemen, Xiao Wang will present the best."
Sure enough, there were fourteen seats, divided by twenty-eight stunning beauties. They served wine, served dishes, and picked and deboned the dishes. They were all attentive and considerate. What’s even more rare is that the twenty-eight beauties were almost perfectly tall, short, and slender. They are similar, and they are all of the first level of the Venerable. It can be seen that they were carefully selected and deliberately selected. Although the faces are different, they each have their own characteristics and personality beauty. No matter how strong the aesthetic sense is, it is difficult for people to tell them apart. High and low.
The rest of the people looked around from time to time, and their eyes were always attracted by the ingenious design and rare treasures in the hall, because even the glazed lamps for lighting exuded the aura of a sixth-level magic weapon!
Under the brilliant brilliance of these noble-level beauties, they added a bit of royal wealth. All of this clearly shows the generosity and rich heritage of the seventh prince Ji Chen.
In the dark room behind the screen, soft music came from the room. The sound was not loud, but Shen Zhui could tell that there were many instruments and that it was a large orchestra, and the music played was the meal music of the palace.
Accompanied by a noble-level maid, luxurious and rare ingredients were listed in front, and expensive and ingenious treasures were decorated. Shen Zhui couldn't help but burst out laughing.
The royal family is indeed very generous in recruiting people. I am afraid that even those scholars with good backgrounds will be shocked by Ji Chen's move.
However, Shen Zhui has no such interest. He just heard that Ji Chennai is closer to Princess Anle, and the chance of meeting Zixuan at his invitation is greater than that of the fourth prince Ji Dan.
As for the rest, he didn't pay much attention to it.
While everyone was admiring those rare treasures, Ji Chen stood up with a smile and said: "My dear gentlemen, now I want to present the most precious piece of all my treasures!"
Shen Zhui came back to his senses and met Ji Chen's eyes. For some reason, Shen Zhui always felt that Ji Chen looked at him differently from the way he looked at others. There seemed to be a trace of hope, a little surprise, and a faint It has a hint of narrow-mindedness.
But Shen Zhui didn't quite understand this look. He had just met Ji Chen once, and it would be too false to say that he had any friendship.
Ji Chen's eyes were full of energy. Princess Anping was the sister of his compatriot. She told her that in Wenya Pavilion, Zixuan and Princess Qinghui had a dispute because of Shen Zhui. Especially Zixuan, Gu Panzhi The posture he showed was completely like a child falling in love.
Although this sister, known as the "Princess of the South China Sea", was betrothed to the Fan family by her father's will.
But... who can say for sure what didn't happen?
"Perhaps, this is an opportunity..." Ji Chen thought in his heart.
…………
The music stopped and the room fell silent. Everyone's eyes turned to the screen. After a while, two handsome concubines came out carrying a table with exquisite carvings and a jasper table.
Just when everyone was wondering what kind of medicine Ji Chen was selling in the gourd.
Then, two more concubines carefully carried out a guqin. One of them wiped the surface of the guqin, which was already as smooth as a mirror, with his sleeve, and then put it away lightly.
Among the people, Wang Shixin was proficient in music and the most knowledgeable. He was sitting at the top of the right column and could see it most clearly. He couldn't help but exclaim loudly: "Jiaowei Qin!"
There were all scholars and celebrities present. Although their cultivation levels were different, they were quite knowledgeable in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. Of course I had heard of this name.
Even Shen Zhui had heard about it and was surprised by Ji Chen's wealth and financial resources.
"According to legend, the Jiaowei Qin was made by Emperor Xia. One day, he was playing the Qin under an ancient sycamore tree with towering leaves. He summoned the mythical beast Phoenix to park on the sycamore tree. Hundreds of birds paid homage to the phoenix and sang around the phoenix tree. .Although this scene lasted less than half an hour, the lingering sound lingered in Emperor Xia's ears for three days.
Unfortunately, the sycamore tree was struck by lightning the next day. Emperor Xia ordered its stumps to be made into a qin, and the tail still had scorch marks from the lightning strike, so it was named Jiaowei qin."
"This is not only a famous piano with great reputation, but also a top-notch seventh-level magic weapon. It has the power of almost a semi-divine weapon.
The sound of the piano has the magical effect of cleansing the soul and improving the state of mind. Listening to this piano music even once can make people more sensitive to the understanding of the origin of heaven and earth. And it is said that with the harmony of this piano, no one will be distracted. If a demon invades, it is impossible to go crazy."
"This Qin disappeared after the fall of the Xia Dynasty. I didn't expect it to appear here." Wang Shixin murmured to himself.
The rest of the people were also staring at the Jiaowei Qin with excitement. The origin of this Qin is really great, and there are many legends about it.
For literati who are elegant and love to play the piano, this is a magical tool!
"Indeed, this peerless treasure is the most treasured treasure of His Highness!" Wang Shixin praised highly, and with Ji Chen's permission, he stepped forward to touch and examine the famous piano.
Others also came up. They were lucky enough to see such a famous piano, and of course they had to take a look at it, and they all praised it.
Only Shen Zhui and Xu Qingzhi sat motionless on their seats.
Ji Chen glanced at Shen Zhui in slight surprise. Shen Zhui pretended not to notice and looked unmoved.
After all the scholars returned to their seats, Ji Chen took a sip of tea and looked at Shen Zhui and Xu Qingzhi indifferently:
"Isn't this piano worth seeing for both of you?"
"Famous utensils should only be viewed from a distance and should not be played with." Xu Qingzhi said with a smile.
"Where is the Champion?" Ji Chen followed Shen Zhui closely and continued to ask.
"Although the harp is precious, it is not precious if there is no owner who can maximize its effectiveness. I guess His Highness is the one who is good at this harp. With His Highness, this Jiaowei harp can be considered a treasure. Shen Zhui said calmly.
Xu Qingzhi was slightly stunned, but the champion's answer was brilliant, why didn't he think of it?
The rest of the people were also dumbfounded. In comparison, their previous impatience was inferior.
Ji Chen was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said: "Haha, you are worthy of being a champion, you are indeed very distinguished."
"But there is one thing that the champion guessed wrong."
"oh?"
"I am indeed good at music, but the one who can exert the effect of this Jiaowei Qin is not me, but someone else."
"There is actually someone who is better at playing the piano than His Highness?" someone said flatteringly.
Ji Chen stood up proudly and said: "Everyone, I happened to invite someone who can play this piano here. Please take a look."
The screen shook, and the glass lamps suddenly became brighter, as if they were gathered at the passage between the Jiaowei Qin and the screen.
A graceful figure walked out from behind the screen. She had a beautiful face and a noble temperament. She walked lightly, but every step seemed to step on everyone's heart, making people involuntarily follow her footsteps.
When she came out, Shen Zhui's heartbeat suddenly skipped half a beat and his breathing was suffocated.
It's her! The one who makes me dream about her!
"Everyone, this is my sister Princess Anle, but here, regardless of her status, she is only entrusted by me to offer her piano skills to you." Ji Chen said with a smile.
Even though he said this, everyone still said they didn't dare and saluted Ji Zixuan and called her princess.
Zixuan returned the favor in a very decent manner. When her eyes glanced at Shen Zhui, she suddenly blinked in a playful and nonchalant manner.
Ji Chen had been paying attention to Ji Zixuan's expression. When he saw this scene, his heart suddenly moved, but he remained silent.
Zixuan sat down in front of the table, first played a few twists and adjusted the strings. With just these few sounds, Wang Shixin, who was proficient in music, unconsciously exclaimed: "Okay!"
Then she began to play unhurriedly. The ups and downs and sonorous sound of the piano enveloped the entire living room in the wonderful sound of the piano.
Although Shen Zhui didn't understand the music, he could feel the effect of the sound of the piano.
He felt that his soul was extremely comfortable, and his cultivation level, which had been stabilized at the fifth level of the Venerable, seemed to be improving accordingly.
The star ring is slowly lengthening, and the entire state of mind is slowly becoming complete in the sound of the piano.
At this moment, Shen Zhui actually touched the third level of perfect state of mind!
"It's amazing!" Shen Zhui couldn't help but his eyes gleamed. Although it was only for a moment, the improvement in his state of mind allowed Shen Zhui to take that step. At least he knew how to go next. In the future, he would reach the third level of state of mind. Layering is a matter of time.
"Zixuan is actually good at playing the piano." Shen Zhui gradually became immersed in the wonderful sound of the piano.
Although her flexible eyes seemed to illuminate everyone in the room, he noticed that most of the time, her gaze stayed on him. There was charm in her eyes, and a hint of smile.
This is another side of Zixuan that Shen Zhui has never seen before. It was only now, in front of everyone, that she revealed her background and temperament as a royal princess.
Although Shen Zhui didn't understand the music, he seemed to be drunk on the music. To be precise, he was drunk on the figure.
Although it is extremely difficult to become a Wuhou by yourself, you can make a choice at any moment. Although Zixuan is a royal princess and seems to enjoy all the glory, facing the majesty of the royal family, she does not have many choices. She can't even make her own decisions about marriage matters. To a certain extent, the difficulties she faces seem to be bigger than herself.
Thinking of this, Shen Zhui looked at Zixuan with ardent eyes, as if conveying a firm belief.
It seems to be saying, wait for me, wait for me to propose marriage to the Human Emperor! No one can stop me!
Just when Shen Zhui was thinking wildly, the sound of the piano suddenly stopped. Everyone cheered for the crime, but Shen Zhui was stunned and did not move.
It wasn't until Ji Chen looked at him with a smile that Shen Zhui woke up and applauded belatedly. After all, this was in public, so he was already a bit out of character.
Zixuan looked at Shen Zhui at this time and said deliberately: "The champion may not be able to listen to the melodious music played by me. Now I will play a piece of "National Sorrow" to harmonize with it. This was composed by the champion in the world of true literature. I wonder if the champion would mind?"
Shen Zhui's heart was filled with excitement. She had been paying attention to herself! Not long after the release of the National War, she actually composed a matching song. It was really hard for her!
"Princess, it's my honor to compose the music, please!" Shen Zhui looked at Zixuan dotingly.
Zixuan's face was slightly red, and she did not dare to look directly into Shen Zhui's blazing eyes. She immediately lowered her head and tightened the strings of the piano. The sound of fighting began at the beginning. The sound of the piano was high-pitched, complex, and intricate, showing the conflict of thousands of troops fighting on the battlefield. scene.
~~Fuck Wu Gexi and be rhino-armored,
~~The car was on the wrong side of the road and the enemy was in close combat.
~~The sun is blocked and enemies are like clouds,
~~The fallen warriors from Yagata race to be the first.
Then the voice turned deeper——
~~The remaining formations are in ruins,
~~The left side is wounded by the right blade.
~~Haze loses two and loses four horses,
~~He aids the jade and beats the drum.
The sound of the piano is slow and the singing becomes sentimental——
~~The sky is full of anger,
~~ Kill them all in the plains.
~~If you can’t go in or out, you can’t go back.
~~The plains are suddenly covered with long roads.
The sound of the piano is rapid again, but the singing voice becomes high and long——
~~With a long sword and a strong bow,
~~The head and body are separated and the heart is not punished.
~~Sincerity is both brave and martial,
~~Finally, you are strong and cannot be overpowered,
~~Since the body is dead, God has given spirit,
~~The soul of the child is a ghost.
At the end of the song, Zixuan thought of her sweetheart fighting for her among thousands of troops, and finally emerged from the sea of blood and corpses as a Wuhou, and appeared in front of her... She couldn't help but feel a little moist at the corners of her eyes.
Everyone was moved by this adapted poem, and the atmosphere became a little gloomy for a while.
Wang Shixin joked on the side with an air of relief: "According to the customs in the literary world, the singer specifies that he is singing for someone, and the recipient of the song should return the favor."
"Yes, once this song comes out, Princess, I'm afraid it will be famous throughout the capital soon." Someone said enviously.
Shen Zhui nodded. This is the custom of meeting the princess at the Moon Flower Banquet. Which talent the princess likes will make him famous and sing poems that are popular in the real world. In return, the talent should also give his precious Items, dedicated to the princess.
However, Shen Zhui really didn't have any valuable gifts worth giving. The most valuable things he had were the tributes, but these were all given to him by Zixuan.
It would be too tacky to give ordinary jade jewelry. Besides, what does the princess not have?
"I wonder if your highness has pen, ink, paper and inkstone here?" Shen Zhui asked with a smile.
"Haha, of course there is. It has been prepared a long time ago!" Ji Chen laughed and waved his hands generously, and two maids knelt down and spread out the Four Treasures of the Study in front of the desk.
Everyone looked at Shen Zhui with excitement. This champion had composed four excellent poems in a row in the world of true literature. Others had already prepared to meet the princess, but he actually wanted to write it now, and they couldn't help but stretch. Head, wants to watch.
Zixuan also focused her attention on Shen Zhui. Not only her, but also the princesses who were listening behind the bead curtain. When they heard that the champion was about to compose a poem, they all wished that she would be the first one to appear so that they could take a quick look at it. .
After Shen Zhui pondered for a moment, the pen tip landed on the white paper.
Two big characters appeared first - Guan Ju
Guan Guan Jujiu, on the river island.
A graceful lady, a gentleman is a good man.
After writing this, Shen Zhui stopped writing and put it down, and motioned to the maid to present it.
He only chose the first four sentences of this song "Guan Ju", which are the most suitable, because although there is nothing wrong with the subsequent writing, which just expresses his feelings, it is too enthusiastic. It is not suitable to be dedicated to the princess at the first meeting. .
But just these four sentences were enough to shock everyone.
"Guan Guan Jiu Jiu, in Hezhizhou.
My fair lady, a gentleman likes to be courteous."
When Ji Chen recited it, Xu Qingzhi's eyes suddenly lit up and he blurted out: "Okay!"
"Waterbirds and doves are destined to have mates, and they often swim together. The poetry is simple and unpretentious, and there is no deliberate flattery. Only 'gentleman' and 'lady' are used to represent men and women. The tone is soothing and fair, and the words are spoken... The champion is indeed worthy of his reputation. It's the top one in the poetry hall!" Wang Shixin also sighed with emotion. He now regretted coming to the Seventh Prince with Shen Zhui.
Once Guan Ju comes out, I'm afraid the poems they prepared later will be overshadowed.
There was a flood of praise, and everyone was generous with their kind words.
The poem was passed into Zixuan's hands. Looking at the love poem sent to her by her sweetheart, she couldn't help but subconsciously raise her head, just in time to meet Shen Zhui's eyes.
Their eyes met, and nothing was said.
Ji Chen looked at this scene thoughtfully and immediately transmitted the message secretly.