eurekapd Chapter 86 Comparing Poetry with Foreigners
Chapter 86 Comparing Poetry with Foreigners
The envoy strode confidently to the center of the hall, bowed respectfully to the King of Nanzhao, and then spoke slowly and deliberately: "Your Majesty, I have come to convey my sovereign's response to the proposal put forward by your esteemed Gu Liuli. Unfortunately, my sovereign does not agree with this proposal." He finished speaking with a slight, disdainful smile.
However, the matter did not end there. The envoy's attitude grew increasingly arrogant and rude with each word. He straightened his back, his eyes sweeping over everyone present with a defiant gaze, as if proclaiming the power and invincibility of the Northern Rong Kingdom. Then, he went even further, continuing his provocative question: "I've heard that the Nanzhao Kingdom does not possess the special musical instruments used by our Northern Rong Kingdom. I wonder if your country dares to compete with us in other ways? Perhaps… a clandestine literary contest?"
Faced with the envoy's aggressive attitude, Gu Liuli, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but feel a burning anger.
She clenched her fists, suppressing the urge to rush forward and argue with him. She knew perfectly well that this was not the time to act impulsively; a misstep could have irreparable consequences for relations between the two countries.
As Gu Liuli racked her brains for a solution, a mechanical and cold voice suddenly rang in her mind: "Ding! Strong emotional fluctuations detected in the host. The system has automatically triggered a mission—Battle Against a Foreign Nation! As a reward, the system will grant the host knowledge of five thousand years of Chinese history and literature in advance!" Before the words had even finished, Gu Liuli felt as if her head had been struck by lightning, followed by a deafening roar. Then, countless pieces of previously unfamiliar knowledge surged into her mind like a raging tide.
Those beautiful and moving poems, popular historical anecdotes, and profound cultural connotations all became incredibly clear at this moment, as if they were imprinted deep within her soul.
The envoy from the Northern Rong Kingdom's difficult words echoed in the hall. For a moment, the air seemed to freeze, and everyone's eyes turned to Xiao Han on the dragon throne.
Xiao Han sat upright on the imposing dragon throne, his expression cold and stern. He exuded an aura of authority that commanded respect without anger, showing no fear in the face of the foreign provocation. He narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze fixed intently on the envoy, as if he could see right through him. His calm demeanor subdued the envoy's initial arrogance.
"I've heard that the Nanzhao Kingdom boasts of its flourishing culture; today I'd like to see for myself." The envoy raised his chin, his face full of disdain. "In that case, let's have a literary contest. If your country loses, you'll have to obediently comply with our demands!"
These words caused an uproar in the hall. The officials whispered among themselves, their faces filled with worry. Just then, a strong and powerful voice rang out: "Your Majesty, I am willing to take the initiative to fight!" Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw the Grand Tutor stepping out from among the officials with steady steps. Although his temples were already gray, his eyes revealed wisdom and determination, and the years had given him a calm and composed demeanor.
The Grand Tutor bowed slightly to Xiao Han and said, "Your Majesty, though I am not talented, the culture of Nanzhao has a long and rich history, and we cannot allow foreign countries to look down on us. In this literary competition, I will certainly do my best to let them know the profound heritage of Nanzhao!"
Xiao Han nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "I am naturally at ease with the Grand Tutor's request to go to war. The cultural dignity of the Nanzhao Kingdom depends on you, Grand Tutor, to defend it!"
The envoy looked at the Grand Tutor who had stepped forward, a mocking smile playing on his lips: "An old man like you wants to compete with my Northern Rong Kingdom in literature? Don't make sure you lose too badly!"
The Grand Tutor remained calm and composed, replying, "The path to learning lies not in age, but in accumulation. Since the envoy is eager to exchange ideas, please pose a question."
The envoy sneered, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Then let's use 'Frontier Scenery' as the theme, and within the time limit of one incense stick, compose a seven-character regulated poem."
Upon hearing this, the Grand Tutor closed his eyes and pondered for a moment. After a while, he opened his eyes, his gaze filled with confidence, and recited: "Looking North: Yellow sand swirls wildly in the north wind, ancient castle ruins reflect the cold light."
Soldiers patrol the border under the cold moonlight, wild geese fly over the mountains, lamenting their parting. The mournful sound of the Huqin breaks one's heart, Han banners flutter, their spirit soaring. Longing for the distant lands, a thousand miles away, the border remains steadfast, guarding our homeland.
As soon as the poem was recited, gasps of amazement echoed through the hall once more. The poem was not only perfectly rhymed and profoundly evocative, but it also vividly depicted the grandeur of the frontier and the heroic spirit of the soldiers guarding it. The envoy's face instantly turned extremely grim. He had thought he could easily stump the people of Nanzhao, but the Grand Tutor had effortlessly defused the situation.
The man's face was grim, but he was still unwilling to give up. His eyes darted around, and an idea came to him. He said loudly, "Hmph, it's just a poem, nothing special. In that case, let's have another contest on the theme of 'snow'! This time, we, the Northern Rong Kingdom, will make a fool of ourselves first."
After saying that, he cleared his throat and began to recite with a swaying head: "Snow in the North: Snow flies wildly in the cold north, covering the hills in a vast expanse of white. The wind carries broken jade and taps on the window, while beasts hide in the deep forest to avoid the cold frost."
After reciting the poem, the envoy looked at everyone with a smug expression, as if to say that no one could match his skill. His entourage echoed his sentiments, praising the poem for its vivid and powerful depiction of the snowy landscape of the north.
Inside the main hall, the officials of the Nanzhao Kingdom frowned, their faces showing worry. Although this poem was not top-notch in terms of imagery and meter, it was still quite good. It would be truly difficult to compose a more outstanding poem in a short period of time.
Faced with the difficult demands of the foreign envoys, the Grand Tutor's forehead broke out in a fine sweat. His brow furrowed as he racked his brains, searching his memory for a suitable poem to address the situation. However, the foreigners wore smug expressions, whispering and laughing amongst themselves, as if victory was already assured.
Just when everyone thought the Chinese were about to lose this contest, a clear and firm voice suddenly rang out: "Father, your daughter-in-law is willing to give it a try!" Everyone looked in the direction of the voice, and the speaker was none other than Gu Liu. She stood there gracefully and elegantly, her beautiful eyes sparkling with confidence.
As soon as Gu Liuli finished speaking, the Empress, Emperor, and Empress Dowager all turned their gazes to her. In an instant, the entire hall fell silent; so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Even the usually arrogant and domineering father of Consort Li could not contain his surprise and disdain. He stood up and said to Gu Liuli righteously, "Crown Princess, this is no child's play. I advise you not to embarrass yourself here."
It turned out that many officials in the court had mistakenly believed that Gu Liuli was Gu Hang's biological daughter. However, it was common knowledge that Gu Hang had failed to properly educate her from a young age, so why would he have bothered to teach her music, calligraphy, painting, or any other arts? Therefore, everyone agreed that Gu Liuli's rash act was nothing short of self-destructive and would only result in public embarrassment.