Chapter 65: The Imperial Genius Convention (Part 2)

  Xu Shao, courtesy name Zizhang. A native of Pingyu, Runan, he was a famous critic in the late Eastern Han dynasty, roughly similar to a film critic in later generations. In ancient words, this person is "young and majestic, good at human relationships, and has many talents." Therefore, he also had a certain influence among the scholar-officials in the late Eastern Han dynasty.

  At this moment, Xu Shao sat down under Cai Yong's seat at the Jingcai Conference, drinking and chatting with the sons of other aristocratic families, while appreciating the sound of Cai Yan's guqin playing, occasionally shaking his head in a daze, as if intoxicated by the lingering sound.

  "I've long heard that Miss Cai is well-versed in music and literature, but now that I've seen it for myself, I'm truly impressed!" With a smile all over his face, Xu Shao sat in the first seat of the guest row, and after listening to the previous performance, he was the first to offer praise.

  "Haha, you're overpraising me, my humble skills are still shallow and not worth mentioning to others, I'm truly presenting my ugliness to everyone!!" Cai Yong's old face was full of smiles, saying so but his facial expression was very happy.

  The latter simultaneously curtsied and smiled lightly with a silvery tinkle.

  Cao Xin was hiding at the far end of his seat, observing the main seat. At this time, he suddenly saw Xu Shao in the first place, but found that the person was a middle-aged man in his 45s or 50s. Because the banquet was a bit noisy and the distance was too far, Cao Xin couldn't hear what the other party was talking about, only vaguely wondering about the other's identity.

  However, Cai Yong continued to ask: "Zi Jiang, where do you want to go from now on?"

  At this time, the middle-aged man replied: "Shao Su and Governor Liu Yu are on good terms. This time, I heard that he was appointed as the governor of Yangzhou. In the past few days... because General Yuan Shu occupied the state capital of Shouchun, Governor Liu Yu crossed the river to govern Qu'a, and Shao decided to join Governor Liu Yu's side and make some thin efforts for him..."

  Liu Yao? Yangzhou Governor, Shao?

  Is this Xu Shao?

  Although Cao Xin couldn't hear the other party's conversation very clearly, he vaguely heard a few scattered words and also understood who the other party was.

  No wonder Cai Yong called him "Zi Jiang", that was exactly Xu Shao's courtesy name.

  "A capable minister in times of peace, a treacherous hero in times of chaos." These words were spoken by Xu Shao, who along with Han's Guo Tai became known as Xu and Guo. They were representatives of the Renlun School during the reign of Emperor Ling of Han, and are most famous for their "Yuedan Ping" (Moon Platform Critique).

  Cao Xin naturally knew something about this person. In his previous life as a museum administrator, he had also seen relevant records, so he also had a somewhat vague impression of this person.

  "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm honored to attend this grand gathering in Beijing today, haha..."

  Just as Cao Xin was thinking this, Cai Yong suddenly stood up from his seat and walked to the center of the hall with Cai Yan by his side, facing everyone.

  "Although in previous years, the Jingcai Conference was held in Luoyang, the capital city, but this time it has been moved to Puyang... These various sorrows are probably self-evident to you all..."

  Everyone nodded in agreement, but with a look of helplessness and whispers to each other. They all knew that since Li and Guo's rebellion had caused chaos in the capital, Luoyang had become a place where bandits roamed freely.

  Everyone couldn't help but reveal a hint of sadness, except for Cao Xin who sat silently in the deepest corner, expressionless and picking his nose, while Dian Wei on the other side was devouring the meat dishes on the table in front of him.

  At this time, Cai Yong said again.

  "Haha... Gentlemen, there's no need to worry. When I first arrived in Puyang, I lectured on Confucian classics a few days ago, and you should have all heard it. Today is the Jingcai Poetry Conference, where we discuss poetry, lyrics, and elegant prose, sharing the most beautiful phrases under heaven, and appreciating the grand elegance together. You must be fully satisfied with today's gathering! Haha... "

  "Damn it, I've been fighting and killing outside for days, struggling to survive... You bunch of useless scholars... are actually here enjoying the breeze, playing with words, and flirting with each other! How can Cao Zhi's feelings be tolerated..."

  Cao Xin glanced coldly at Cai Yong in the middle, but said, "You tell me! Am I right or not?!" and couldn't help but look at Dian Wei on one side.

  "Wo! Wo~ Wooo~ Wooooooh!" His mouth was stuffed with a bunch of vegetarian chicken legs, and Dian Wei nodded instantly, his serious expression tinged with a hint of melancholy. Cao Xing's eyes widened in alarm and shock at the sight.

  ...Finally, Dian Wei actually picked up four large bone sticks from the plate and frantically stuffed them into his mouth...

  "Ah, Cao Wei... such a short life, why torture yourself so... know when to stop...". Suddenly, a faint sweat broke out on his forehead, and Cao Xin couldn't help but let out a bitter smile.

  Compared to the strange phenomenon in the corner, Cai Yong was completely unaware of it and continued to laugh at the banquet crowd: "Today is the same as last year. Before the banquet begins, I will first come up with a small question! Please ask each of you to follow the usual practice of previous years and compose a poem for the Beijing Talents Conference to add the first touch of elegance, haha...". After stroking his beard, Cai Yong finished speaking and suddenly exchanged glances with Cai Yan, then revealed a playful smile.

  At the same time, as soon as the former's voice fell, the banquet was filled with discussions, each face showing a joyful expression, but seeing Cai Yan's beautiful figure, everyone present wanted to show off their literary talent in front of him.

  Suddenly seeing this scene, Cao Xin's face revealed a hint of disdain, coldly saying: "Dian Wei! Look at these people... in order to win the favor of beautiful women, good scholars have become like this... they are simply a group of beasts! Beasts!!"

  "Master... what are you doing there?" Just after swallowing the meat in his mouth, Dian Wei immediately wiped his mouth and saw Cao Xin, asking strangely.

  At this moment, Cao Xin quickly fetched a pen and was writing something at lightning speed in his hand, with an ecstatic expression.

  "I'm writing notes! Preparing to compose a poem!!"

  Dian Wei: "………"

  In recent years, Luoyang has had a "Beautiful Women Spectrum", which records the stunning women who have appeared over the past decade. Among them, Cai Yan is indeed the number one beauty of Kyoto, with a reputation for being accomplished in music, chess, and literature, and her appearance is unparalleled in the world, along with Diao Chan becoming the most outstanding woman of the time. Of course, compared to Diao Chan, Cai Yan has an even more goddess-like status among the sons of aristocratic families.

  But Cao Xin is not one of those pedantic scholars, and just now he was naturally joking with Dian Wei. He didn't intend to write poetry like these people, but he was amazed by Cai Yan's beauty. What future superstar, goddess of the mansion, etc., compared to Cai Yan at this moment, can't even compare to her feet. That kind of beauty, like a fairy, is not something that ordinary people can imagine.

  Having thought about it, Cao Xin smiled wryly to himself and saw that Dian Wei had almost finished eating, so he was ready to leave. After all, staying any longer would only be boring...

  "Master! Don't go just yet..."

  Suddenly, Cao Xin was about to get up and leave, but a soft call came from behind him, and he stiffened his body, involuntarily turning his head back.

  "Where's the kid?" He immediately reacted and Cao Xin couldn't help but laugh and scold, "I said you were hiding somewhere! I've been looking for you everywhere, let's... go drink together!"

  As he spoke, he immediately prepared to pull Liu Yue out.

  But at this moment, the latter shook off Cao Xin's hands and said with a begging face: "Master! I heard you understand some poetry... Please save me..."

  At that moment, Cao Xin suddenly turned around and stared blankly at the latter, this middle-aged scholar who was usually calm and composed, with no temper... What's going on?

  "Zi Xiang...... Liu, Liu Yue!?! You...... you, you won't, will you??!"

  Just got back from visiting relatives and rushing to code, sorry for the late update