Chapter 678: Misjudged
"With Dingbei Marquis’s words, this Princess can rest assured."
Princess Fuyun clasped her hands before her chest, unable to conceal her excitement.
Marquis Gu said, "I am somewhat puzzled. May the Princess kindly enlighten me."
Princess Fuyun replied, "Please go ahead."
Marquis Gu asked, "I wonder why the Princess and noble ladies admire Young Master Nantang so much? Clearly, Mr. Songshan’s poetry is also excellent, even my wife’s cousin has received the Emperor’s praise."
Standing nearby, Lin Ziqi felt a deep sorrow upon hearing this.
Why am I not mentioned?
Others he had no control over, but indeed Qin Siyuan was a significant stumbling block on his path to ascendancy.
Princess Fuyun laughed, "It’s not that others’ poetry isn’t good, rather Young Master Nantang’s poetry is lively and moving, with a deep and distant meaning, making it feel like there’s fragrance in the mouth as you recite it.
This kind of poetry is more favored by us ladies of the boudoir.
Of course, some of Young Master Nantang’s poems are quite profound, but within their profundity, one can feel a soft and lingering charm, which makes us even more enthralled."
Marquis Gu understood.
A hint of pride appeared on his face involuntarily.
Prince Qi was taken aback by this, and couldn’t help but ponder where this pride came from.
Even when Marquis Gu returned to the Capital City after the campaign, he didn’t show any sign of arrogance...
Could it be... that this Young Master Nantang is actually closely acquainted with Marquis Gu?
Marquis Gu continued, "I see, thank you Princess Fuyun for clarifying. Although I’ve read little, I’ve heard that poetry reflects the person. Since everyone likes his poetry, they naturally like him as a person as well."
"Indeed, indeed," Princess Fuyun felt understood, "When I read others’ poems, though I find them good, I’ve never had the urge to meet them, to know what kind of person they are.
Since reading his poetry, I’ve often thought, what kind of person is he, to be able to write such poetry.
What a wise and gifted, elegant and charming individual he must be. I wonder from what kind of literary family he hails."
Hearing her ardent appreciation and admiration for Qin Yuan, Marquis Gu’s impression of Princess Fuyun improved greatly.
With Lin Ziqi seizing the moment from the side, he suggested, "Mr. Songshan has been speaking for a long time, he should take a break soon, especially since there’s a grand review, and Prince Qi and the two Princesses need to make their way to the South Garden Eagle-calling Platform to attend. Why not have Young Master Nantang appear earlier to meet everyone?"
Princess Fuyun said nothing further, only looking earnestly at Marquis Gu.
Her clear apricot eyes full of hope peeped out from behind her veil.
Moreover, Prince Qi sighed softly, "I have only this one sister from the same mother, who injured her face a few days ago, feeling sad and shutting herself in all day. Upon knowing Young Master Nantang would come, she had been speaking of it early on."
Marquis Gu had no choice: "I will go have a look, but ultimately it’s up to Young Master Nantang."
He naturally wouldn’t return directly to Ranxiang Inn, he immediately leaped, with a mere tap of his toes, he flew onto the pavilion before Ranxiang Inn, his stature like jade under the lamplight drew a collective praise of "Wonderful!" from the crowd.
Even Mr. Songshan was startled for a moment, as everyone raised their heads to look, they saw a nimble figure on the pavilion roof spreading like a soaring falcon, disappearing in an instant.
Mr. Songshan sighed, "Like lightning and illusion, the trace of a hero’s shadow is no more than this."
This also changed the gaze of the leader from Black Wind Village several times.
The fame of Dingbei Marquis is indeed well-earned.
With just this Qinggong skill, no one in Black Wind Village could match him.
Those around praised sincerely: "Truly Daxing’s War God, no wonder he could drive the Yelv people from the Northern Border, with this mastery, defeating enemies is like turning one’s hand over."
The leader of Black Wind Village tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"Merely a brave man after all! Others know to maintain and leverage their power, but he prefers to uproot his own foundation of success.
When Grand Commandant Zhou Bo of the Great Han supported Emperor Wen in the past, what meritorious deeds he achieved, yet not knowing how to protect himself, he incurred the Emperor’s suspicion and was cast into the Imperial Prison. If not for the warden’s guidance and the Princess Daughter-in-law’s plea, he might have died in prison.
Clearly, having military prowess and accolades alone makes it hard to protect one’s life and property."
Those around him fell silent.
The leader of Black Wind Village continued, "Only with strategic wisdom can one establish oneself in the court, I fear Dingbei Marquis’s days may not be easy ahead."
Someone nearby asked, "Why?"
The leader of Black Wind Village replied, "He has secret ties with the Former Crown Prince and Prince Qi, how can the Emperor trust him easily, with the Northern Border troubles solved, he’s no longer needed."
The person nearby commented, "When the cunning hare dies, the hound is cooked."
This suffocating court, if not this way, why would we need to...
Thinking of this, the person nearby sighed, "When the hare dies, the fox mourns."
If even individuals like Dingbei Marquis cannot be accommodated in court, is the court still a good place to settle?
The leader of Black Wind Village said, "Enough, a heroic man need not display such sentiment, we are not those reckless men, upon entering the Capital this time, we must accomplish something grand, to show our capabilities so as not to be underestimated."
No matter what we do, power comes first.
Even if it’s bestowment of peace, it must make the Emperor in the Jinluan Hall anxious enough to prevent sitting or lying comfortably.
Otherwise, being dismissed with a minor position would be futile.
Faced with the bustling and vibrant songs and laughter that will eventually turn to ash and smoke, those beside had some reluctance.
The leader of Black Wind Village said, "Those who achieve great things don’t concern themselves with trivial matters. For a general to become famous, countless bones lie beneath. We lick blood from the blade’s edge, how can we show tenderness like bourgeoisie? But we must be cautious of the powerful martial skills of Dingbei Marquis. If caught in prison, it would be hard to escape."
Those around nodded repeatedly, "You’re right, Big Brother, we came in separately in so many groups into the city, without staying in one place, dispersed all over the city, all remembering Big Brother’s cautious advice before departing, very careful."
The leader of Black Wind Village was about to speak further, but saw the daughter-in-law of the Sacrificial Officer approaching him with a courteous tone, though subtly disrespectful demeanor: "How should I address this brother?"
"I am surnamed Wang and given the courtesy name Zichuan."
"I am Lin Ziqi, currently studying at the Imperial College, and will take the spring examination next year," Lin Ziqi spoke with spring-like glee, briefly stating his situation, then said, "As Prince Qi mentioned, I am initiating a collection of opinions to draft a memorial, I wonder if Brother Wang has any guidance."
Wang Zichuan furrowed his brows slightly, and the man beside him was about to scold Lin Ziqi to leave.
But Wang Zichuan exclaimed, stopping the man, and frankly told Lin Ziqi, "I only wish to seek knowledge from Mr. Songshan, I will leave the Capital after the Lantern Festival."
Lin Ziqi glanced at Wang Zichuan and the men beside him, responding placidly, "I see, I won’t disturb Brother Wang from hearing the strategies anymore."
That glance was more dismissive than before.
Wang Zichuan couldn’t be bothered with him, responding vaguely with a sound from his nostrils.
A silent exchange of literary disdain went back and forth.
As Lin Ziqi moved towards the distantly standing Qin Siyuan, Wang Zichuan remarked to others, "This Lin scholar probably comes from a southern commoner family, as the saying goes, those dwelling in the market are often boastful, while those in the fields are often rough. The National Academy Sacrificial Officer seems to have misjudged."