Chapter 11: The Gathering of Heroes by the Riverside of Jiang River

  Half a month's time flew by in the blink of an eye. Zhang Cheng and Liu Yan, along with three others, spent their days at the Li residence reciting poetry and composing essays, laughing and chatting, thoroughly enjoying themselves. Meanwhile, Ning An and Xiao Xi also freely came and went from the Li residence as if it were their own home, often mingling with the other three. Unbeknownst to them, everyone gradually grew accustomed to these two somewhat unconventional yet occasionally endearing women.

  Although he has recovered now, he hasn't warmed up to reading and writing for many years. The years when he should have been studying were spent in a daze, and as a modern person, he had grown lazy and indolent. Even with great talent, it would be difficult for him to finish all the Four Books and Five Classics in a short period of time, let alone understand and fully grasp them.

  After all, the imperial examination tested nothing but the eight-legged essay, and it tested one's understanding of the Four Books and Five Classics.

  Compared to Zhang Cheng and Liu Yan, Zheng Yao was indeed slightly inferior. As a result, he was often ridiculed by Ning An, who said that if someone like him could pass the imperial examination and gain honor, it would be the greatest wonder in the world.

  During this time, Zheng Yao and Ning An inevitably had verbal sparring matches, and the two of them seemed to be used to it, guaranteeing a quarrel would erupt within three sentences. To Liu Yan and Zhang Cheng, Zheng Yao and Ning An were indeed a good match made in heaven, but little did they know that Princess Ning An's heart was actually set on Liu Yan, she just hadn't expressed it yet.

  Zheng Yao also wanted to persuade Ning An, telling her not to be too infatuated with Liu Yan. Just looking at Liu Yan, he was a romantic, and probably except for his fiancée, he would never take a fancy to another woman in this lifetime.

  But thinking carefully, this shrew is always at odds with herself, why bother being a villain? It's likely that she'll be scolded by Ning An, and if she speaks out of turn, she'll be criticized for meddling in other people's business, which would be a waste of effort, and she'd end up getting into trouble.

  In short, whether there was a disturbance or not, half a month passed by just like that.

  However, there is one thing worth noting, although Zhang Yang's writing skills are not as good as Zhang Cheng's, and his martial arts skills are not as good as Liu Yan's, he has a quick mind and many clever ideas. Many of those strange and unusual thoughts were unprecedented before. Later, according to Yuan Haiyun's speculation, this should be a symptom left after being struck by lightning, but it seems like a good thing.

  The grand gathering of poets will soon be held on the banks of Min River, and at that time, not only will the talented scholars from Shu come, but also the talented men and women from the entire southwestern region will flock to attend. Perhaps, even the talented scholars from Jiangnan will come in admiration of their reputation. In this way, it will certainly be a grand and unprecedented occasion.

  Just thinking about it is exciting, and Ning An and Xiao Xi can't help but look forward to the grand occasion of the conference.

  "You two women don't need to be so excited, it's not like it has anything to do with you!" Zheng Yao said disdainfully, looking at Ning An who was full of excitement. In Zheng Yao's opinion, apart from her beautiful appearance, Ning An didn't have any other good qualities, and if he were to get married in the future, he would definitely not marry someone like her.

  "What do you know, stupid! Get out of here!" Ning An was very displeased with Zheng Yao's attitude. Before they could even exchange two sentences, they had already started arguing.

  "It's been said since ancient times: 'A woman without talent is virtuous.' You're just excited, that's all! Hehe, brothers, let's set off!"

  "Alright, let's go!" Liu Yan seemed to have been preparing for a long time as well, his face unable to conceal the moist excitement.

  "Hmph! Xiaoxi, let's go! I want to see what that fool will do today!" With that, the young lady flared up in temper and stormed off ahead.

  Li Chengfeng and Yuan Haiyun walked at the end, with a helpless expression on their faces. They sighed and followed suit.

  About a quarter of an hour later, the group arrived at the square on the banks of the Mengjiang River where the poetry talent conference was being held. The place was already packed with people, bustling with excitement. On the platform set up in the square, red and green decorations were everywhere, looking festive and filled with holiday atmosphere.

  "Haha, I didn't expect such a lively day in a place like this, it's no less than the bustling capital city." Ning An could be considered someone who has seen many grand scenes, and what he said was indeed true.

  "You're looking down on people with a dog's eyes. Don't think that just because you're from the capital, you're superior. Let me tell you, what you've seen today is only the tip of the iceberg of Shu's culture! If you want to truly understand the humanistic charm of Shu, it's best to marry into a family here. By the way, there are many single men waiting here!" Zheng Yao took the opportunity to tease Ning An again, making her face red with anger. However, she couldn't lash out in public and didn't dare to make a scene, especially since King Jing might appear at any moment. So, Ning An could only endure it silently, but in her heart, she had already scolded Zheng Yao countless times and was waiting for an opportunity to take revenge.

  Liu Yan and Zhang Cheng, upon hearing the two were about to quarrel again over some trivial matter, also quickened their pace, too lazy to bother with them. As a result, Zheng Yao couldn't help but smile wryly: I'm afraid these people have already had enough of this.

  Ning An hummed a sound, turned her head and didn't look at Zheng Yao, adjusted her expression, and continued to follow him forward.

  The venue is very large, estimated to be around ten mu, and there are many people coming and going. The roads on both sides are also in order, with vendors selling folding fans and calligraphy, as well as the Four Treasures of the Study; there are those who engage in lofty discussions and recite poetry, as well as those who gather together to study chess strategies; some write and paint on the street, and there is even a lantern riddle guessing activity where one can win prizes. It's truly diverse and endless.

  As a result, the whole conference was brought to another level. As time went by, more and more people came. Just as someone was looking around, having finished watching chess and guessing riddles, they strolled leisurely to the front of the balcony.

  "Today's conference is hosted by King Jing, and soon he will set up a poetry contest on the platform, where 100 people have the opportunity to go up and answer the questions posed by King Jing. Those who answer incorrectly will automatically be eliminated until the final five contestants are determined, and the conference will end. The five contestants will receive a letter of recommendation from King Jing to participate in this year's autumn examination in August."

  Liu Yan explained to everyone that when it comes to the Poetic Talents Conference, he is naturally the most familiar with it. After all, Liu Yan was very famous before, and this conference, which was established only for talented scholars who were not qualified to participate in the imperial examination, was not of much interest to him. As for Zheng Yao, he had been foolish for a few years and slept for a few years, so naturally, he knew very little about specific matters. Knowing the purpose of this conference was already quite good. As for Ning An... it's completely negligible.

  "There's such a thing? Sounds like fun." Ning An said with an adorable face, not at all as overbearing and domineering as usual. For this, Zheng Yao even rubbed his eyes specially, wondering if he had seen it wrong.

  "What's with this poetry conference? A young lady is just a young lady!" Zheng Yaoke didn't think that Ning An would remain so adorable forever, so he continued to speak as usual.

  "As soon as he heard Zheng Yao speaking, Ning An felt uneasy all over, and was so angry that he gritted his teeth, wishing he could take a bite out of Zheng Yao's body."

  Just as Zheng Yao and Ning An were still arguing, a group of people walked in from the right side. The official with a half-bent body walking at the front on the right was none other than Guan Dao, the county magistrate of Guanxian and Guan Zhen's father. On the left was a man dressed in luxurious clothes, exuding an aura of majesty, walking steadily and powerfully, with a calm expression, around thirty years old. From this man's demeanor and bearing, he must be someone of great importance, no doubt, this person was none other than the so-called King Jing.

  King Jing's face was modest and humble, without a hint of severity.

  "What a magnificent and righteous aura! Truly, the demeanor of a king! The royal family is indeed extraordinary, unlike anyone else. Look, the one with the most spirit and momentum is King Jing, I had the fortune to meet him here three years ago." Zhang Cheng said excitedly.

  "So that's the king, doesn't have three heads and six arms after all." Zheng Yao said whatever came to mind, sizing up King Jing in an instant.

  "Hush! Third brother, this is something that can't be spoken of carelessly, or you'll lose your head!" Liu Yan covered Zheng Yao's mouth with one hand, not letting him speak recklessly.

  Zheng Yao was actually telling the truth, but these words were indeed ones that needed to be avoided. However, Zheng Yao didn't know this, after all no one had ever told him such things and he hadn't met anyone like Wang Ye before, so he couldn't understand the feeling of "accompanying a lord is like accompanying a tiger".

  "You're just a fool! You really are inexperienced!" Now it's Ning An's turn to mock Zheng Yao, and Zheng Yao can only remain silent.

  At this time, King Jing was already on the platform under the escort of Guan Dao, his spirit greatly lifted. At first glance, King Jing seemed to be born for battle.

  "Good!"

  Jing Wang's first words upon taking the stage were a single "good" character, instantly causing the entire audience to erupt in cheers and applause that came crashing down like Mount Tai.