Chapter 10: Qujiangchi Shang Shi Yu Yan (4)

  After a while, most of the guests who were invited to take their seats. Zhang Xuan took a glance and his memory told him that he knew quite a few people - because the crowd present could be described in one sentence: they were either former colleagues or old friends of Zhang Jiulian's.

  Zhang Huan also found that among the guests, those who were officials and nobles had no real power, mostly being idle officials, and a few unknown royal relatives, with Yang's family members still being the majority. However, famous scholars of the current dynasty living in Chang'an, such as Wang Wei, almost all attended.

  So-called poetry and wine parties are nothing more than drinking games interspersed with poetic recitals and singing, a high-society social activity unique to the prosperous Tang era. In such gatherings, famous scholars were naturally present.

  Zhang Xuan understood that although the true gentlemen of integrity would not fawn on or curry favor with the powerful, now that Lady Guo and the Yang family were prominent due to Yang Guifei's imperial favor, Lady Guo was even referred to as "Aunt" by the Emperor, her influence was so great that it was impossible to speak of anyone being more noble. Even princesses had to treat her with courtesy. With Lady Guo personally extending an invitation, who would dare not give her face?

  Besides, it's just a gathering of friends who appreciate poetry and wine, no harm done.

  Many young scholars came, among whom were prominent figures such as Cui Huan of the Cui family, grandson of Grand Councilor Xiao Cong and son of Xiao He, Chen He, grandson of Chancellor Chen Xiliang. These were all famous historical figures, for example, Xiao Fu later became a chancellor in the Dezong era and was the fifth member of the Tang dynasty's Xiao family to hold this position.

  Young scholars want to make a name for themselves, and being recognized and recommended by the powerful is a shortcut to success. In Chang'an City, these young and ambitious scholars who think highly of themselves all want to shine in this elegant high-society gathering, or even become famous overnight, so they come in large numbers, with the highest emotions, and everyone's face is filled with expectant and restrained smiles.

  The place where Zhang Xuan stood was quickly "cleared". Whether it was familiar or unfamiliar young masters, they all kept their distance from him, and the glances cast at him were mostly disdainful. The Zhang family's trouble had caused some people to look down on them, while others feared getting into trouble themselves, with different reactions all around.

  Thus, a strange scene was formed on the court: with Zhang Xuan as the dividing line in the middle, the left side was a group of young scholars, while on his right side were thousands of charming ladies, most of whom were daughters and maidservants of official families in Chang'an.

  Zhang Xuan's expression was calm and serene, unmoved by what had happened.

  Not yet twenty years old, wearing a long blue shirt, with a jade belt around his waist, his face as white as jade, standing in the wind, his sleeves fluttering, making him look elegant and free. Some young girls who didn't know Zhang Xuan's background would occasionally cast bold and flirtatious glances at him.

  In the blink of an eye, Zhang Xuan cast a slightly excited glance at Wang Wei and Wang Mo. This great master of the Tang Dynasty literary world, known as the "Poet Buddha" by later generations, was wearing a simple dark-colored robe, with a clear and elegant appearance, two thick eyebrows slanting into his temples, a long beard under his chin, although he had reached middle age, but not showing any signs of aging, his spirit was vigorous and radiant.

  Wang Wei sat there, chatting and laughing with the Crown Prince's younger brother, Qi, when he suddenly felt a gaze from the outer circle of the crowd. He couldn't help but look up to see a slender and handsome young man smiling at him, his eyes shining with warmth, and Wang Wei responded with a gentle smile.

  Zhang Xuan also smiled and immediately withdrew her gaze.

  A murmur ran through the crowd as three young men, just past their weak crown years, walked shoulder to shoulder with their heads held high and chests out. They were all slender in build and had delicate features, standing out among their peers. Although they wore gentle smiles on their faces, the pride and reserve deep within them was impossible to conceal.

  It was Cui Huan, Xiao Fu and Chen He, the representative figures of the famous young scholars in Chang'an, with the reputation of "Three Heroes of Chang'an".

  Of course, among the three, Cui Huan is still the leader, and his poetry, calligraphy, and painting have a small reputation. He is a favorite disciple of Wang Wei, the current leader of the literary world.

  The three of them walked into the crowd, first bowing to familiar elders or seniors, and then sat down in their own seats. The younger generation who had the qualifications to sit were only these three people.

  Innumerable admiring eyes or passionate gazes were cast upon the three of them. Cui Huan was still calm and composed, sitting cross-legged with an unruffled expression; but Xiao Fu and Chen He, after all, were young and vigorous, glancing left and right as they sat there, their faces subtly revealing a hint of complacent pride.

  Erudite and talented, born into a prestigious family, he will inevitably have a bright future. In the silent admiration of many young scholars, the young man's spirit is high, and it is also reasonable to be proud and pleased with oneself.

  Before long, the melodious sound of drums and music floated from the Listening to the Waves Pavilion on the south bank of Qujiang Pool. Two rows of beautiful maidens dressed in rainbow-colored skirts, pearl curtains, and jade hairpins emerged in procession, some holding jade plates, others carrying perfume sachets or scattering flowers as they moved, their golden and silver headpieces clinking out a crisp, tinkling sound.

  Between the two teams of girls, a heavily made-up noblewoman walked slowly. She wore a pale blue silk narrow-sleeved low-cut top with white silk gauze draped over her shoulders, and a red skirt embroidered with gold flowers, with red shoes visible under the hem. As she walked, her long sleeves fluttered and swayed, exuding an air of nobility that was beyond words.

  This is the famous Madame Guo. Zhang Xuan stood there, gazing intently, and shook his head inwardly: What a grand procession, probably not even a princess would have such a big show.

  Madam Guo walked forward and all the guests in the hall bowed to greet her, "Milady!"

  Although she was a woman who rose to prominence due to her family ties, this did not affect the subtle aura of authority that emanated from Madame Guo's charming face. With a gentle smile, she waved her sleeve and said in a clear voice, "Please, no need for formalities, take a seat."

  At this time, the band that followed also sat down on one side and began to play. In the midst of the elegant music, Madame Guo, still sitting in her high seat, looked around at everyone, raised her cup and smiled, saying, "Today, I am the host, inviting all the distinguished guests to gather within the Furong Garden by the Qujiang Pool. Let us indulge in wine and song, and enjoy ourselves to our heart's content! Please drink!"

  Everyone laughed and raised their cups in a toast, "Madam, please drink!"

  The lady of Guo State smiled proudly and elegantly raised her cup to drink freely. The others also followed suit, covering their sleeves and drinking to the bottom.

  The maid standing by the side hastily presented a silk handkerchief on a jade plate, and Madame Guo put down her cup and used two slender white fingers to pick up the handkerchief, carefully wiping the corner of her mouth. Then, looking at everyone, she smiled again, "Such a beautiful day and scenery, competing in wine and poetry is just for fun. I'm not talented, but I'd like to propose a topic, please ask all the talents to recite poems and compose essays, leaving behind a good story for today's grand gathering."

  At this point, Madame Guo fell silent for a moment, turned her head to gaze at the weeping willows along the bank of Qujiang Pool, and smiled with pursed lips, "How about taking the willows by the river as the theme?"

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