Chapter 100: Prelude to the Tune of the Water Melody (Please Subscribe)

Before noon, a group of young scholars dressed in moon-white robes gathered at the Fengqi Restaurant. They chose a table by the river window and began to chat about everything under the sun.

"Have you gentlemen heard? The Grand Princess intends to select a husband from among the scholars of this year’s cohort," one scholar initiated the topic.

"It is said that the Grand Princess is both cultured and martial, having once served as the Marshal of the Flying Phoenix Army. To become her husband would surely mean a swift rise to success," another scholar said, filled with longing.

"I heard the Grand Princess is already twenty-four or twenty-five, and she is the widow of the former Flying Phoenix Army Marshal. Isn’t that age a bit too advanced?" another countered.

These candidates for the imperial examination ranged from fifteen or sixteen to their early twenties, but most were under twenty, so in comparison, Wu Qingluan’s age was indeed considered on the higher side.

"My mother once said that marrying a woman three years older is like holding a golden brick. Since the Grand Princess is only about six years older than me, that would be like holding two golden bricks," remarked one. Aside from those absolutely confident in their own talent and prospects, most scholars were willing to be this consort; at the very least, it would save them decades of struggle.

"That is only if the Grand Princess takes a fancy to you. Tell me, who among this year’s scholars do you think has the best chance of gaining her favor?" asked a scholar.

"The three most famous scholars this year are Shi Hongchang of Huayang Prefecture, Xia Zhenghong of Guangyuan Commandery, and Lu Kunrong of Jiujiang Commandery. Perhaps the Grand Princess has her eye on one of them," one suggested.

"Indeed. I heard that before Shi Hongchang even arrived in Wudu, a poem of his, 'Moonlight on an Autumn Night,' was already being sung throughout the land. Half a month ago, when he arrived in Wudu, the top courtesans of the Qingyue River vied to invite him as their guest. He is likely still nursing a hangover in some courtesan’s boudoir," someone said enviously.

"Parting then, no reason to meet again. Recently, an unexpected reunion, a joyful banquet. Before the cup, in idle moments, knitted brows and long sighs. Stirring up old, boundless sorrows." A scholar immediately began to chant this poem, "Moonlight on an Autumn Night," swaying his head, and others followed suit.

"I have heard that Xia Zhenghong of Guangyuan is both a literary and martial talent. As the son of the Guangyuan Prefect, he has led troops to suppress bandits multiple times. He seems a better match for the Grand Princess," another added.

"While Lu Kunrong of Jiujiang is from a humble background, he is wise and decisive. After passing the provincial exam, he served as an aide to the Prefect while continuing his studies. He has helped the Prefect resolve the Jiujiang floods, locust plagues, and roaming bandits. He was recommended directly to the Secretariat and has reached the Emperor’s ears. He is truly a man of great talent," a scholar noted.

"The world is vast, and talent emerges in every generation. Besides these three, there are many gifted individuals hidden among the masses. Who knows, perhaps a dark horse will emerge?" another said with anticipation.

"True, such things depend on fate. What if the Grand Princess fancies one of us? Gentlemen, if any of us has that good fortune, do not forget the rest of us," someone said.

This topic overshadowed the news of the assassination attempt on the Grand Princess and the Crown Prince yesterday. People everywhere share a common trait: their appetite for gossip about romance far exceeds their interest in any other news.

"Grand Princess, you actually spoke of this in the imperial court? Aren't you putting pressure on me?" At lunch, Fang Xian heard Wu Qingluan talk about the morning court session and couldn't help but feel a headache.

"Why? Do you have no confidence in yourself?" Wu Qingluan laughed.

"Confidence I have, of course. But since things have reached this point, let it be. I will ensure I take the top spot as the top scholar," Fang Xian shook his head and said.

"By the way, I heard that the examination candidates are all gathered along the Qingyue River, spending their days in literary gatherings or playing on the river with courtesans. Many fine poems have been circulating. Fang-lang, there are still a few days before the exam; why don't you write a poem to make a name for yourself in the scholarly circles? It would be a good way to catch the attention of the great Confucian scholars at the Imperial Academy," Wu Qingluan suggested with a smile.

"Then have someone inquire about which scholar wrote the most popular poem in Wudu recently and what the theme is. I guarantee I will write something to surpass them all and make a name for myself in Wudu in no time," Fang Xian said immediately. Since this world lacked any dynasties after the Tang, he possessed the entire poetic repertoire of the Song Dynasty; why should he fear not making a name for himself?

"I have heard of this. Shi Hongchang of Huayang wrote 'Moonlight on an Autumn Night' on the Mid-Autumn Festival not long ago. It is now sung throughout the land, and the courtesans along the Qingyue River are all performing it. It has made him quite famous and he is one of the favorites to take the top spot," Wu Qingluan said.

"Can you recite it? Let me hear it," Fang Xian asked curiously, thinking that if it could spread throughout Wudu, it must be a classic.

"I cannot recite it by heart, but I will have someone copy it down immediately." Wu Qingluan summoned a guard and ordered her to go out and transcribe the poem.

Upon learning that the poem was about the Mid-Autumn Festival, Fang Xian was not at all panicked. In his view, there was a Mid-Autumn poem that reached a height of perfection unsurpassed by any throughout history. It would be difficult not to become famous if he simply borrowed it.

He continued to toast with Wu Qingluan and then took a nap with her. It was not a pure nap, but since Wu Qingluan had become a Grandmaster, she had set up a barrier of internal energy around the room, so the guards outside could not hear the sounds of their "table tennis" match.

By evening, the two were drinking under the moon in the back courtyard, and the guard delivered the transcribed poem to Fang Xian.

"It is a high-quality piece, certainly. But it dwells too much on personal feelings and fails to escape the age-old tropes of mourning the spring and lamenting the autumn. While it may circulate for a while, it is unlikely to endure for generations," Fang Xian commented after reading it.

"Can Fang-lang write something better?" Wu Qingluan asked, her words filled with absolute confidence in him.

"Let’s drink first; the poem will come naturally in a while," Fang Xian laughed. The two continued to drink and spar under the moonlight.

"When will the bright moon appear? With a cup of wine, I ask the blue sky." When the two landed on the roof, Fang Xian suddenly looked up at the moon and recited the opening line. Wu Qingluan’s beautiful eyes lit up; she was well-educated and naturally recognized the profound vision behind his lines.

She did not disturb him but sat on the roof, tilting her head to watch Fang Xian, who stood with his hands behind his back. She heard him continue: "I wonder what season it is in the celestial palaces tonight?"

Then, Fang Xian recited in one breath: "I wish to ride the wind and return there, yet I fear the jade towers and crystal halls, where the heights are too cold to endure. Dancing with my clear shadow, how can it compare to the world of men? Turning through the red pavilions, sinking past the patterned windows, the moon shines upon the sleepless. Should it hold no grudges, why does it always grow full when we are apart? Men have sorrows and joys, partings and reunions; the moon has brightness and dimness, waxing and waning. This has been a struggle since ancient times. May we live long and share the beauty of the moon together, even though we are a thousand miles apart."

"May we live long and share the beauty of the moon together, even though we are a thousand miles apart." Wu Qingluan repeated the final line, her gaze seemingly melting. At that moment, Fang Xian turned to look at her, and their eyes locked, as if they could never be pulled apart again.