People are truly different once they become famous. Everywhere, there are temptations and distractions. In Lin Wanrong's mind, as he approached, he thought with a touch of confusion, "Are you calling me, ladies? Greetings to all. I am Lin San. I've met you, ladies."
For those unfamiliar with Lin San, seeing his unique and distinctive attire made it clear that he was the recently popular Lin San, a small household servant. Apart from his decent appearance, there seems to be no apparent talent.
Several young ladies who had seen Lin San at the academy before eagerly approached him, chattering excitedly, "Brother Lin San, we heard that you single-handedly defeated the king of the North Seven Provinces in couplet writing. You are truly amazing!"
"Brother San, Brother San, not old yet thinks of old age, without talent but an actor, how did you come up with it? How did you feel at that time? Did you feel insulted? Were you standing up for our talented gentlemen in Jiangnan?"
"Brother San, where did you learn your magic tricks? Can you demonstrate them on the spot?"
Lin Wanrong sighed and shook his head. These young girls gathered around, quite open-minded, but a bit plain-looking.
As for the other scholars who didn't attend the banquet, having only heard the rumors about how Lin San defeated Shen Banshan, they now looked at this small household servant with curiosity and, to a greater extent, disdain and jealousy.
Human nature is diverse, indeed. Lin Wanrong observed everyone's expressions one by one, feeling a sense of emotion. Luo Ning smiled and said, "Brother Lin, how do you feel having so many followers?"
"Well, it seems I should publish a collection of poems and couplets next time, called 'Lin San and Couplet Masterpieces.' It might sell for a good amount of silver," Lin Wanrong joked.
Luo Ning chuckled and said, "You don't even need to think about it. Someone has already thought of it. The storytellers in teahouses and taverns have compiled your stories from the Rain and Cloud Tower in Hangzhou and the gracefulness at your grandmother's birthday banquet into a skit, and they are currently performing it in teahouses."
Lin Wanrong laughed heartily. Free publicity sounds good, but I really want to keep a low profile.
Pointing to a few scholars in the distance who were eyeing him, Lin Wanrong asked, "Miss Luo, where are those gentlemen from? They don't seem to be scholars from Jinling."
Luo Ning nodded and said, "Brother Lin has keen eyes. The Jinling poetry competition is about to begin, and those are scholars who have come from the north. They joined us today for a cultural exchange."
Lin Wanrong nodded, "Could they be members of the North Seven Provinces Literary Alliance? Are they here to make trouble for Shen Banshan?"
Luo Ning nodded, "The North Seven Provinces Literary Alliance allows aspiring scholars who haven't passed the examination to participate. I believe they are. Big brother, I won't hide it from you. Since you defeated Shen Banshan, more scholars have come to participate in the Jinling poetry competition. There are also many elites from the north. This North-South competition seems inevitable."
"Competition breeds development; that's good," Lin Wanrong smiled. Scholars should not be divided by North and South, but organizations like the North Seven Provinces Literary Alliance have drawn regional boundaries, leading to the so-called North-South competition.
"But our Jinling Poetry Society, as the host of this poetry competition, cannot lose face too much," Luo Ning smiled and said, "That's why I wanted to bring big brother in as the treasure of our poetry society."
Treasure of the society? Well, can I still earn such a title? Lin Wanrong laughed and said, "Alright, I'll shamelessly become your treasure, hoping not to disappoint you."
As he uttered these nonsense words, Luo Ning lightly scolded him, her cheeks blushing. She became too shy to speak to him again.
The scholars from Jinling Academy and the northern scholars, numbering several dozen, set out together toward the outskirts of the city. Lin Wanrong, whether in attire or complexion, was the most eye-catching among them, naturally drawing many glances. Several young ladies accompanied him along the way, constantly handing him their newly written poems, asking for his corrections, and occasionally revealing a hint of romantic interest in their eyes.
Lin Wanrong had no such intentions. He casually threw the ladies' notes into the hands of the young master and said, "My modest knowledge was taught by my young master at home. You should seek his guidance."
The young master picked up the notes and, pretending to be serious, said, "This young lady, the phrase 'Spring breeze teases my heart' is inappropriate. It would be better to change it to 'Spring breeze caresses my chest.'"
Luo Ning had already descended from the sedan chair and walked beside Lin Wanrong, smiling, "Brother Lin, in a few days, the ladies in Jinling City will probably be fascinated by your literary talents."
Fascinate my foot. I'd rather they be fascinated by my strong chest muscles. Lin Wanrong shook his head and said, "Miss Luo, you mentioned that a significant figure is coming today. I wonder how significant this person is." He pondered for a moment. Could it be Xu Wei? It's impossible. This old man is busy suppressing the White Lotus and cleaning up the Jiangsu officialdom. His whereabouts are highly confidential. How could he make a public appearance? Could it be someone similarly "low-key" like me?
Luo Ning smiled, "It's my mentor from the time I was in the Imperial College in the capital. She's also a renowned female Confucian scholar in the north, well-known among scholars in both the North and the South. She is considered a significant figure for those of us who have studied poetry and literature."
"A female Confucian scholar?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback. "How old is she? Is she the female sacrificial wine who sent the couplets last time?"
Luo Ning shook her head, "No, it's not her. The one who came is my mentor. She's already in her fifties or sixties, and she came specifically for the Jinling poetry competition this year. She arrived yesterday, so we invited her for today's outing."
Lin Wanrong nodded. Another one from the Imperial College. This Imperial College is probably equivalent to Peking University in this era. Even an old woman who casually comes out of there dares to claim to be a Confucian scholar, at least in the eyes of Luo Ning and her group. Truly unfathomable. If there's a chance, I might send the Second Miss to study there.
As the group chatted, they had already arrived outside the city. Although it was early winter, the scenery was still picturesque, with green hills and clear waters stretching endlessly. In the mist, several early-rising farmers were diligently plowing the fields, presenting a leisurely scene.
Lin Wanrong deeply breathed in the fresh air. Going on an outing in the early morning with such refreshing air felt wonderful.
The group stopped in front of a pavilion. In the distance, two figures slowly approached. In the front was a woman wearing a white
floral robe, in her fifties or sixties, with white hair at the temples. Her expression was serious, and her gaze seemed indifferent, as if she found fault with everyone.
Luo Ning hurriedly lifted her long skirt and ran over, respectfully greeting, "Ning'er pays respects to the mentor."
Is this the mentor of Luo Ning? She looks quite like the Extinct Teacher. I guess she's not a good-natured person. The other scholars also hurried forward to pay their respects, saying, "Students pay respects to Miss Mei, the great Confucian scholar."
Seeing the respectful appearance of these scholars, this Mei, the great Confucian scholar, seems to be quite a significant figure. Lin Wanrong pulled Guo Wuchang, who was beside him, and asked, "Young master, do you know this Miss Mei, the great Confucian scholar?"
"This, I seldom venture into the capital, so I am not very familiar," said the young master confidently.
On the side, a young lady following closely behind Lin San added, "Brother San, this teacher, Ms. Mei Yanqiu, is renowned for classical studies in the capital. It is said that many famous talents have emerged from her guidance. Even many high-ranking officials in the capital eagerly seek to become her disciples."
Lin Wanrong nodded. Ms. Mei Yanqiu actually accepted some high-ranking officials as disciples. Why is she still wearing such a stern expression, as if I owe her a considerable sum of money?
Ms. Mei Yanqiu helped Luo Ning up and said, "Good, good, Ning'er, it's been a few years, and you've become even more beautiful." Luo Ning shyly responded, her face blushing.
Ms. Mei Yanqiu nodded and said to Luo Ning, "Ning'er, after you left the capital, I accepted a new disciple. You should come and meet him." She nodded towards the person behind her, her face already showing a smile. "Come out and meet Ning'er."
A person walked out from behind Mei Yanqiu and greeted Luo Ning, "I am Zhao Kangning, greetings to Miss Luo."
Luo Ning was surprised. She had never expected this young prince to appear here, let alone inexplicably become a disciple of her mentor.
Mei Yanqiu said, "The young prince is kind-hearted, knowledgeable, and extraordinarily talented. I accepted him as a disciple in the capital. You should get to know each other more in the future."
The scholars and ladies of Jinling Poetry Society, upon hearing that the handsome and elegant young prince, renowned as Prince Ning, was present, became excited. The ladies who were previously around Lin San quickly gathered around the young prince, and compared to the household servant Lin San, the young prince seemed more like a golden son-in-law.
Just a moment ago, it was lively around Lin San, but in the blink of an eye, it became completely quiet. Lin Wanrong sighed, thinking, ***. The Prince's party indeed has charm. Even if it's a piece of dog excrement, once it's associated with the royal family, it becomes fragrant.
The young master complained, "What's so great about the young prince? In terms of appearance, he's inferior to me, and in terms of talent, he's not even comparable to Lin San. Isn't it just because he has a good father?"
Luo Ning stood in front of her teacher, neither standing nor walking. Meanwhile, Zhao Kangning, refined and polite, engaged in gentle conversation, causing cheers from the surrounding scholars and ladies.
You blind flatterer, I need a break. Lin Wanrong found a spot, sat down with the young master, and both of them rested in frustration.
After an unknown period, a burst of enthusiastic applause was heard. Lin Wanrong opened his eyes and saw many scholars and ladies surrounding Zhao Kangning and Mei Yanqiu.
Zhao Kangning smiled, "Since colleagues appreciate it, allow Kangning to display his modest talent." After a moment of contemplation, he saw several figures approaching from a distance. He smiled slightly and said, "I propose this couplet: 'A sheep leading two lambs.'"
Lin Wanrong followed his gaze and suddenly felt furious.