Chapter 53: Magistrate Li (Part 2)

  Like fish swimming across the river, the boats all dispersed, and Shen Mo's painting boat seemed a bit deserted.

  The atmosphere inside the boat had already reached a boiling point.

  Magistrate Lü cleared his throat and recited: "Bamboo, bamboo."

  Magistrate Li involuntarily took a deep breath of cool air, and unexpectedly encountered an even more difficult couplet!

  Silently she got up, walked to the window and leaned against it, letting out a long sigh: "Poetry, poetry." The elegance of bamboo can only be matched by the extraordinary beauty of poetry, which is not inferior in its conception.

  But then he looked down and said in a low voice: "Forest cold, green and clean."

  "Beautiful, extraordinary."

  "By the Xiang River bank, where the Wei River winds." The county magistrate of Lü also stood up and walked to Shen Mo's face.

  "A sorrowful heart is like a withered flower, while a joyful face is like a blooming one." Shen Mo replied softly.

  "The canopy is emerald brocade, the spear and halberd are cyan jade." said the county magistrate of Lü.

  "The spring flowers and autumn moon, the Jiangnan smoke and rain." Shen Mo also smiled along with him.

  "The heart is humble and different from the common grass, but its will is stronger than ordinary trees." said Magistrate Lü in a loud voice.

  "Alas, the jade and stone are clear of resentment, the ghosts and spirits lament in sorrow." Shen Mo replied in a calm and clear voice.

  "The dragon stick enters the immortal valley, calling the wind and law enforcement in the divine valley." The county magistrate of Lü stepped forward step by step.

  "The rustling of the bamboo forest is like a complaint, the quiet rock and spring sound like sobbing." Shen Mo stepped back silently.

  "The moon is quietly shining with a gentle breeze, the phoenix girl's zither is playing a clear and melodious tune." Lü County Magistrate stared tightly at Shen Mo's silent eyes.

  "The gentle goddess sings a shallow song, drunk with divine music. The immortal maiden is enchanted by the beautiful words." Shen Mo responded silently, as if inspired by the gods.

  "Good!" This time it wasn't just County Magistrate Li, even County Lieutenant Hou also loudly echoed "good".

  Just as everyone thought it was over, the county magistrate of Lü continued to recite: "Drinking wine in the woods, the shadow of the trees sways the zither, surrounding chess on a rock, clear shade covers the board." He actually came up with an eighth line.

  His face gradually became solemn, and he said word by word: "Under the moon, Taibai holds a wine cup and dances drunk, while Subi stands by the river and sighs towards the sky."

  "Qu Daifu drove away the foolish delight of pepper and orchid, while Tao Gong returned to search for pine and chrysanthemum." Lü County Magistrate said with a tone that brooked no refusal.

  "The Pipa Song expresses a lingering sorrow, pearls and jade are hidden in tears as the Iron Cavalry exits the frontier. Dust and sand swirl around the stones." Shen Mo's forehead is already beaded with sweat.

  "If we talk about the elegance of Tan Lu's dance, no one can surpass you; if we want to depict a handsome and elegant appearance, no one is better than these two servants." As soon as Lü County Magistrate finished speaking, he fell silent and stared at Shen Mo, his expression extremely complex.

  "It is universally acknowledged that the poetry of Tang Dynasty is unparalleled; but if you seek for the utmost elegance, look to Zhou and Chu!" Shen Mo sighed.

  Fortunately, the county magistrate of Lü also ran out of words and bowed deeply to him, saying: "I have learned from you."

  "It's not deserved." Shen Mo hastily returned the courtesy.

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  The painting boat docks at the pier, and the two sides bid farewell.

  Magistrate Li and Shen Mo got into the sedan chair which had been waiting for a long time and went away with a flourish.

  County Magistrate Hou also bowed and said: "Your Honor, I also need to return to the yamen."

  Lü County Magistrate nodded, and Hou County Censor got on the horse-drawn carriage and headed towards the county government office.

  After standing on the deck for a while, Lü County Magistrate returned to the cabin and went up to the second floor.

  As he went upstairs, a white-clothed girl with a smile as bright as snow and eyebrows like a painting came up to greet him, saying in a soft voice: "Daddy, have those people left?"

  County Magistrate Lü nodded and smiled, saying: "They've all left." He had a pair of twins, a boy and a girl, who were 13 or 14 years old. His son was named Lü Ke, who was born a bit later, with a calm and steady temperament, diligently studying for the imperial examination; his daughter's nickname was Yu'er, who was a bit older, but was clever and charming, deeply loved by him. Although she couldn't go out to school, County Magistrate Lü also hired a private tutor at home to teach her, intending to instruct her in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and composition, both to alleviate boredom and cultivate her emotions.

  Who would have thought that this girl was extremely talented, and whatever she learned, she would master it in no time. After a few years, her level surpassed that of her teacher. Mr. Xi had no face to continue teaching and could only resign voluntarily. Afterwards, Yuanyu no longer required a tutor, reading and studying on her own, entertaining herself, and was quite happy.

  There's just one thing, being unable to go out all day will inevitably make you feel stifled. The Magistrate of Lü was very sympathetic towards his daughter and today, taking advantage of the wind, he brought her along to watch the commotion on the river. Although she stayed in the upper level the whole time, she didn't miss a single thing that should be seen or heard, even writing down the Magistrate's final 'one ten orders' and having it sent to her father by a maid.

  Now that father and daughter are working together, they can't help but make Shen Mo speechless. Lü Wanyu couldn't help but ask curiously: "Can this Shen Mo surpass Mr. Qingteng?"

  "It's unlikely." County Magistrate Lü shook his head and said, "Even if the two of them are evenly matched in intelligence and talent, Xu Wei is much older than him and has a lot more experience. These are all differences."

  "Didn't Father say that young people are formidable?" Lü Wanyu covered her mouth and smiled lightly, "At least two of them are the most intelligent people, right?"

  "Not bad." Lü County Magistrate sighed and said, "Heaven is indeed interesting. If I give a Zhu Daxun to Li Qianbei, then I'll give him a Tao Dalin; if I give an Xu Wei, then I'll give him a Shen Mo. Indeed, it's impartial and no one is deceived."

  "I really want to see Shen Mo and Mr. Qingteng compete with each other." Lu Wanyi said wistfully.

  "It won't do," said Lü Xianyuan with a firm shake of his head. "This is the year of the grand comparison, and Xu Wei must take part in the provincial examination; he can't be distracted at this time."

  "Oh..." Lü Wanyu suddenly raised an eyebrow and said, "Father, why don't you advise Mr. Qingteng to tone down his writing style, which is full of humor and satire? Although everyone loves it, I'm afraid he'll be at a disadvantage during the exams."

  County Magistrate Lü sighed and said, "Father has told him countless times to be more restrained in order to pass the exam, not to be too showy, and especially not to criticize the current situation. But he still does as he pleases." Shaking his head, he added, "Perhaps a fall will teach him a lesson."

  "It's better to just let things go smoothly in high school......" Yuanyu clasped her hands together and sincerely prayed for Uncle Xu.

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  Back to the big sedan chair, County Magistrate Li and Shen Mo sat opposite each other with a smile. The more County Magistrate Li looked at Shen Mo, the happier he became, his heart felt like he had eaten honey, so sweet that it was almost nauseating. "You said how thinking of sleeping would have someone send pillows? It seems that I'm going to be extremely happy." After savoring the moment for a while, County Magistrate Li thought it was time to discuss merits and rewards, then smiled at Shen Mo: "This year you can participate in the county exam, the first place is yours if you want it." According to convention, whoever ranked first in the county or prefecture exams would obtain the status of Shengyuan. This was telling Shen Mo that as long as he didn't make any big mistakes, he would be made a Xiucai.

  Shenmo smiled wryly and said, "Thank you, Mr. Xie, for your kind intentions, but... the student is currently in mourning, and for the next two years, he will not be able to take the exam." According to the Great Ming Code, after losing a father or mother, one was not allowed to participate in the imperial examination for three years, nor were they allowed to get married. Even if they were already married, they had to live separately and not share a house. As for all festive celebrations, they were also not allowed to be held, including even visiting relatives and friends during the New Year.

  What can you do? Apart from mourning and commemorating the deceased with great solemnity, one can also read books and give lectures. It is also possible to travel around in the name of studying abroad.

  Division line

  This chapter is written too slowly, and before I knew it, it was already 12:30. The next chapter can only be left until tomorrow, don't hit me...