The venue for the Literary Summit was packed full. On an elevated podium sat the Emperor and the crown prince, as well as some ministers. Facing them on a lower podium were the Scholars of the Three Empires.
Representing Jin Empire was the top scholar himself, Ling Dao, and four others. Hao Empire sent their erudite, Lu Jinzhi along with some princes. Xi Empire, on the other hand, sent nine first degree scholars.
The sponsor of the Summit, a wealthy businessman of the capital known as Ji Renyu, officially launched the event.
"With respect to the Emperor, Crown Prince, Prime Minister Jiao, Minister Han--"
"Why are you here, father," Wang Fengli asked the Emperor while Ji Renyu continued recognizing the big shots.
"I'll ask you the same," the Emperor replied, "Literary Summits come and go, but your marriage doesn't. Have you found Xiao Tao Qi?"
Wang Fengli did not reply.
"Hmm," the Emperor sighed, "I don't know why the fact that you can't find her yet makes me like her the more,"
Wang Fengli raised an eyebrow.
"Actually, I came here to have a word with this boy Ling Dao. He has Zuo Pie Zi's fan. Do you know how rare that is? The phantom of a man, so stingy with is work. I guess Ling Dao must have impressed him for him to get a fan,"
Wang Fengli thought for a moment.
"But I've seen that fan on other people too,"
"Huh? Who? Where?" The Emperor asked.
"One doctor -- what was his name again--Tang Yu! The one who got rid of my poison,"
"The one that never came back for the reward?"
"Yes,"
"Huu," the Emperor sighed, "how come he gets a fan and I, an emperor don't,"
"I think Long Ao Tian has a Zuo Pie Zi fan too,"
"Don't mention the bastard's name. Oh, and when you arrest him, confiscate his fan and give it to me,"
"Father, are you an emperor or a gangster?"
They both laughed.
Everyone (except the lovestruck girls) were watching them and feeling jealous of Wang Fengli's closeness to the emperor.
"--therefore, I, Ji Renyu, officially declare that the 18th Huren Literary Summit has commenced!"
There was a loud applause and the ceremonial horn was blown. The coordinator of the Summit replaced Ji Renyu as he stepped down the platform.
"Welcome to the 18th Huren Literary Summit! We will begin with a music presentation from the Erudite of the Hao Empire, Lu Jinzhi!"
Lu Jinzhi ascended the platform admist applause. As expected, Ling Dao's fans booed him, and nobody stopped them.
"Your majesty, esteemed crown prince and nobles, let this junior lay open his shortcomings," Lu Jinzhi bowed towards the dais. His emerald green robes fluttered in the light breeze as he set down his zither on the platform.
*Trill*
The soft almost unheard note went deep into the soul. It was accompanied by other bites gradually increasing in sound. At the eighth note, Lu Jinzhi opened his mouth.
*I was wandering along the sandy shore*
*The roaring waters didn't calm my soul*
*I raised my eyes and only saw the skies*
*What day would the sea stop roaring by*
*Trill, Trill*
*What day would my tears stop falling*
*What day would my heart stop throbbing*
*What day would I find the peace I've been searching for*
*What day would the sea stop roaring by*
*End Zither Note*
Lu Jinzhi placed both hands palm down on the zither strings. There was a hush over the audience, and then applause. Ling Dao's fans didn't boo him this time.
"That was spectacular," the Emperor breathed.
"I suppose," Wang Fengli's eyes were locked on Ling Dao's. There seemed to be a starring match between the two.
Lu Jinzhi returned to his seat with a smug look on his face, casting a provocative look at Ling Dao. The latter merely nodded at him as he sat down.
"I will now call on Jin Empire's Top Scholar Ling Dao to recite a poem of his choice!"
There was a soft murmur from the audience, as Ling Dao got up gracefully. His azure robes caught the sunlight and he appeared as if he was an otherworldly fairy.
"Ling Dao!!" His fans started clamoring.
"We love Ling Dao!"
"We love Ling Dao!"
He smiled, his pearly white teeth sparkling, bowed to his fans, and ascended the platform.
"I would like to recite the poem Linger, from the Four Legends of Ling Dao. Please do not mind this junior's ramble,"
*The droplet of water lingers*
*The whisper in the night lingers*
*The crimson red of blood on the soldiers' vests*
*The patch of earth on the doorstep*
*The soft gurgles of the newborn*
*The silent sighs of the oppressed*
*The jingling of the city bell*
*The sharp note of the war horn*
*The restless march of the night guards*
*All linger, all remain throughout time*
He bowed.
Thunderous applause followed. As expected, his fans chanted, "Ling Dao, Ling Dao, Ling Dao!"
"Is this the so-called Top Scholar?" Wang Fengli said, "his poem is only so-so,"
"Only you think so,"