Day, deceased demon!
"Listening to the brother's recently composed poem, it's evident that the brother harbors great aspirations." The striking youth halted his laughter, gazing at the lake surface, contemplatively stating, "As the brother mentioned, in the Southern regions, there are many talents and beauties, numerous literati and poets whose verses resonate throughout the world. While these are virtues, they are also shortcomings."
"Oh?" In this era, someone still ponders such matters. Lin Wanrong suddenly became interested. "This person—oh, my dear brother, I wonder what your words imply?"
He almost let the term "demon" slip from his tongue. Although he suspected this youth did not understand the meaning of the word, explaining it would be a considerable challenge.
The striking young man nodded and said, "Since the founding of our dynasty by Emperor Taizu, there has been a prevailing emphasis on literature over martial skills, especially in the South. Scholars and ladies take pride in their literary and romantic accomplishments. While these pursuits were fitting during times of peace, the situation is different now, with the looming threat of invasion from the North. Despite the imminent danger, they remain unchanged, disregarding the country's precarious state. If everyone were to indulge in such sentiments as 'The warm breeze wafts, enchanting travelers into intoxication, mistaking Hangzhou for Bianzhou,' what hope does our Great Hua Dynasty have?"
The demon-like youth grew increasingly indignant, flames of anger reflecting in his eyes.
Having spent a month in this world, Lin Wanrong was aware that the current era was called the Hua Dynasty. The emperor's surname was Zhao, and the capital was in Shuntian.
Rumors spoke of invasions by northern tribes, with the Great Hua army losing territory. Fortunately, the enemy was unprepared, lacking provisions, and with the arrival of late autumn, they had temporarily halted their advances, retreating to the grasslands. They were reorganizing and preparing for a renewed assault on the Central Plains in the coming year.
During the previous Song Dynasty, Bianzhou served as the capital. In that era, due to the incompetence of the Song court, when foreign invaders threatened the region, posing a risk to Bianzhou's safety, the capital was reluctantly moved south to Hangzhou. Consequently, Bianzhou became known as the "Secondary Capital." When the ancestors of the Great Hua Dynasty established the nation, driving out the nomads and founding the Great Hua Dynasty, the disgrace of Bianzhou's fall was not forgotten. Hence, the words Lin Wanrong spoke, 'mistaking Hangzhou for Bianzhou,' resonated deeply with the striking young man. (Note: This book is set in a completely unfamiliar world, and this Song Dynasty is not the one we know. There will be further explanations later in the text.)
Although Lin Wanrong felt somewhat out of place in this era, he understood that since he was now in this world, he needed to immerse himself in it. Regardless, these were his compatriots, and he could not allow foreign invaders to oppress them.
"A nation's strength relies on both culture and martial prowess; one cannot be lacking in either. Such embellishments of peace and prosperity in song and dance should be tempered," concluded the striking young man, adopting an expression of concern for the country and its people.
Initially thinking that this demon-like person merely mingled in the world of powder and cosmetics, Lin Wanrong found that he harbored some aspirations. Lin Wanrong's impression of this demon-like youth improved slightly.
However, for Lin Wanrong, the responsibility of enriching the country and strengthening the people was not currently his concern. Therefore, he showed little interest.
The striking young man, discontent with the poets on the lake, expressed his dissatisfaction. He claimed that while his words might seem reasonable, Lin Wanrong, with his professional experience, knew that matters were not as simple as they appeared. Lin Wanrong could not fully agree with the striking young man's words.
Lin Wanrong snorted, neither confirming nor denying, paying no attention to the striking young man, and merely gazing at the lake without uttering a word.
Observing Lin Wanrong's expression, the striking young man assumed that he was also a scholar and inquired, "Brother, have you achieved any merit?"
Lin Wanrong shook his head and replied, "I have never gained any merit." Damn, all you know is to drop verses, huh? I can do that too. But this guy's eyes are really bad. Have you ever seen a scholar with toes peeking out of his hemp shoes?
The striking young man continued, "Have you participated in the provincial examination, Brother?"
Again, Lin Wanrong shook his head. "I don't even know where the examination hall is."
The striking young man was puzzled. "So, Brother, are you not considered a liter—" He realized his slip of the tongue and hurriedly stopped speaking, retracting the remaining words.
However, Lin Wanrong understood his meaning. Feeling furious, he cursed inwardly, "Damn, you demon! What kind of eyesight do you have? If it weren't for my scholarly background, could I have composed such fitting verses? A prestigious graduate from Peking University, a high-achieving talent – in simpler terms nowadays, I was a top student at the National University. In a few more years, I might even become a lecturer at the National University or something. How dare you look down on me like this!"
On the other hand, considering the limited exposure Lin Wanrong had to books in this era, he admitted that the striking young man was not entirely wrong in asserting that he was not a literati.
Feeling extremely displeased, Lin Wanrong hummed lightly and recited slowly, "Beyond the mountains and towers afar, when will the singing and dancing at West Lake cease? The warm breeze intoxicates the wandering visitors, confusing Hangzhou with Bianzhou."
The striking young man's eyes lit up, applauding continuously. "Excellent, excellent! What an outstanding 'Beyond the mountains and towers afar,' what an outstanding 'When will the singing and dancing at West Lake cease.' Brother, your talent is truly extraordinary. With this verse alone, no one under the heavens can stand shoulder to shoulder with you."
Even the servant boy who had been glaring at Lin Wanrong earlier now showed a look of admiration.
Amused, Lin Wanrong, despite disliking this flattery philosophy of the demon-like youth, found himself somewhat satisfied with the excessive praises. Yet, the striking young man, who scorned scholars and literati, couldn't help but commend Lin Wanrong's poem, which was rather ludicrous.
The striking young man was astute, noticing Lin Wanrong's expression. It seemed he understood his thoughts, hastily saying, "Esteemed sir, please forgive me. I absolutely didn't mean to belittle scholars. I was merely unable to bear seeing the scholars of Jiangnan displaying an attitude of 'As the country faces adversity, it has nothing to do with us.' So, I spoke out impulsively and may have offended you. Esteemed sir, with your high talents and integrity, I hope you can forgive my indiscretion." Apologizing, he bowed deeply to Lin Wanrong as a sign of remorse.
Seeing the fellow's exceptional attitude of admitting fault and acknowledging his mistakes, coupled with his exceptional flattery skills, Lin Wanrong decided not to quarrel further. Instead, he
graciously helped him up and clasped his fists, saying, "May I inquire about your distinguished name, Brother?"
"Please, please, my surname is Xiao, and my given name is Qingxuan." The demon-like young man promptly bowed with respect.
"Oh, Brother Xiao, is it? I'm surnamed Lin, and my name is Wanrong, just plain old Wanrong." Lin Wanrong said with a cheerful smile, showing no sign of respect.
"Oh, it turns out to be Brother Lin. Please excuse my lack of manners." Xiao Qingxuan looked at Lin Wanrong, revealing two dimples on his snow-white face, along with a hint of charm in his eyebrows and eyes.