I Only Want to Lie Flat But Am Forced to Cultivate Immortality-Chapter 75 - 64 Promoting Learning

Jade Shadow Pavilion, the most famous flower house in Jinmen Prefecture, is also notoriously known as a money pit.

With the wealth of the Wu family brothers, unless they hand in hand go to a courtesan house and play the role of Twin Hibiscus, clinging to a wealthy patron who would lavishly spend on them,

Otherwise, no matter how large their capacities might be, without financial resources, it would be impossible for them to live a free and easy life here.

Xu Qing confirmed multiple times to ensure that the direction indicated by the thrown shoe was indeed this way, then continued to explore further.

At first, he thought these two youngsters had become thoroughly corrupted and were squandering lavishly immediately upon arriving in the prefecture city, plunging into the soft and warm world of pleasure.

However, upon entering the flower house, Xu Qing discovered that this was not the case.

At this moment, Jade Shadow Pavilion was filled with the presence of scholars and talented individuals. Many scholars adept at calligraphy and painting were surrounded by spectators as they demonstrated their skills on the spot.

There were also literati skilled in poetry and couplets, standing in front of lantern riddles, deep in thought, trying to decipher the answers.

Xu Qing called over a servant to understand the situation, then learned that this was an old tradition before the imperial examinations — "Yangxue" (promoting learning).

Yangxue is about creating a reputation for oneself in advance, such as by participating in poetry gatherings and literary societies. Then, during these events, displaying one’s talents to gain recognition and admiration from others is Yangxue.

Additionally, making connections with notable individuals is an important strategy for examinees before the exams.

In simple terms, interacting with reputable individuals allows examinees to gain more recommendations and recognition, thereby increasing their competitiveness in the imperial examinations.

As long as one establishes fame during the Yangxue period, even if one fails the exams later, the reputation accumulated during Yangxue can open new pathways.

The reason why Jade Shadow Pavilion is so lively today is because of the literary gathering held here.

All the scholars present were eager to seize the opportunity to stand out and achieve success, displaying their talents without reservation like peacocks spreading their tails.

Xu Qing noticed that everyone was dressed in scholarly robes and behaving with elegance, but only he appeared out of place.

Thinking that this wouldn’t do, he considered that he was still a cultured zombie after all.

Following the principle of adapting to local customs, he pulled out a folding fan from the Mountain and River Map and found a long robe to change into, blending in successfully.

The literary gathering in the prefecture city lasted for three days, and today was the second day, with talented individuals from various counties and prefectures gathering. Even the Crown Prince, who came to Jinmen Prefecture for an inspection, had prepared three prizes.

The one who excelled in poetry would receive an imperial poem written by Emperor Longping in his youth.

The one who came up with the finest couplet would receive a pair of Tribute Golden Vases.

Additionally, those with outstanding skills in piano, painting, and calligraphy would receive one Snow Plum Painting by the painting sage Nanqiaozi, and a Calligraphy Model written by Wenjue Qizhong.

If someone excelled in two talents, the Crown Prince would gift a Thousand-Mile Steed, promising that the recipient could ride this horse to the Capital City for the next year’s exam.

Xu Qing arrived at the Yangxue leaderboard, where the nameplates recording the names of talents were being continuously updated.

Next to it, the scorekeepers were adjusting the order of the hanging wooden nameplates.

A glance revealed that the names of the Wu family brothers were prominently listed.

"First place: Wu Zhiyuan, second place: Zhuang Zijun, third place: Wu Wencai..."

"Tsk! These two are really capable!"

Xu Qing marveled at his thoughts, thinking that the Wu family next door had produced two phoenixes. Another day, he should ask Wu Yaohua about the location of the Wu family’s ancestral grave to see such a remarkable place.

What kind of feng shui treasure land must it be to nurture such talents!

Arriving amidst the literary gathering, Xu Qing had just shown up when Wu Wencai, sharp-eyed, eagerly beckoned him over.

"Might this be a friend of Brother Wencai?"

A distinguished talent stepped forward to inquire.

A scholar also approached and smiled, "As a friend of the Wu family twins, he must also be well-versed."

Before Wu Wencai could reply, a plump figure squeezed forward.

"You have good eyes. Brother Xu’s talent is on par with mine. Both of us possess extraordinary skills." freeweɓnovel.cøm

As he said this, Zhu Huai’an winked mischievously at Xu Qing, causing the onlookers to burst into laughter. Everyone knew that this chubby fellow had loudly demanded to find ladies to listen to music as soon as he entered Jade Shadow Pavilion, seemingly unaware that a literary gather was taking place.

When a waiter maintaining order tried to drive him away, this chubby fellow openly claimed to be the Crown Prince of Longting Palace. Taking a closer look, the housekeeper indeed recognized him as the notorious, uneducated, and idle Crown Prince.

Since they were running a business and dared not offend the royal household, they allowed Zhu Huai’an to continue his antics.

However, the scholars present were not all the same. Some, with a high opinion of themselves, were disdainful regardless of whether the other was the Crown Prince.

Only the Wu family brothers and Xu Qing were not of that opinion.

After going to a flower house together, Xu Qing realized that the Crown Prince was not as frivolous as he appeared.

This chubby boy’s act was overly exaggerated.

What notorious young master goes out without a group of followers?

A genuine aristocratic playboy only spends silver in the red-light district?

This chubby fellow never dines and dashes, doesn’t harass respectable women in the streets, and even helps vendors up when they fall, though he grumbles afterward about being careful next time and threatens to break their legs.

Such behavior at most counts him as playfully mischievous, but if he claims to be an idle prig, the real scions would be the first to object.

At first, the curious talents who approached Xu Qing were intrigued by his scholarship, but when Zhu Huai’an asserted them as equals, they unconsciously distanced themselves from Xu Qing.

What’s more, the chubby fellow was clueless and followed up with, "Brother Xu, just like me, you’re here for fun. I can see it at a glance."

Xu Qing raised an eyebrow, thinking that the chubby boy’s observational skills were surprisingly accurate. He indeed came to verify the precision of Xuanmen Magic and, in a way, it was for fun.

...

Yesterday, during the couplet competition at the literary gathering, Wu Zhiyuan emerged as the top scorer, with the so-called foremost talent of the prefecture city, Zhuang Zijun, coming in second.

Today, the Crown Prince Zhao You personally set the topics for the poetry competition.

Xu Qing’s only goal in the prefecture city was to obtain the title of scholar, break free from his lowly status, and gain the rights a normal person should have.

As for gaining fame through poetry, he was not interested.

Unlike Xu Qing’s indifference, Zhu Huai’an appeared eager, seemingly wanting to make a name for himself at the gathering.

Soon, the Crown Prince’s attendant walked out of the pavilion where the Crown Prince resided, bringing the topic for the poetry contest.

"Yesterday’s spring rain resembled cotton, drenching the clothes. The His Highness was inspired and set today’s topic based on this."

Upon hearing this, the talents began to ponder deeply, except Xu Qing, who was eating little persimmons from the teahouse, watching the talents like a stage play, showcasing their divine techniques.

Next to him, Wu Zhiyuan hesitated only briefly before regaining his composure.

Seeing this, Xu Qing couldn’t help but ask, "You’re best at poetry. Don’t you want to seize this chance to promote your name?"

Wu Zhiyuan whispered, "Yesterday, Wencai and I went to the palace for drinks and flowers at the Crown Prince’s invitation. I improvised some poetry then... I was just thinking if this was inappropriate."

"But then I remembered what Prince Zhu taught me, that one cannot be too honest, and I understood again."

"..."

Xu Qing was speechless.

Who knew that the chubby boy understood so many twisted truths?

Just then, Zhu Huai’an, having freshly relieved himself, was gleefully pouring himself a drink.

After downing a warm cup of wine, his cheeks turned crimson.

Seeing him fidget, eager to display, Xu Qing couldn’t help but ask with a smile, "Are you so pleased because you’ve thought of good poetry?"

Zhu Huai’an glanced at the Crown Prince’s pavilion and smiled cheekily, "Just now, in the loo, inspiration surged as I untied my belt. Watch out, I’ll surely make it to the poetry top three today."

Hearing this, Xu Qing was surprised, while Wu Zhiyuan and Wu Wencai looked strange, clearly doubting the frivolous Crown Prince’s poetic ability.

A stick of incense passed, and numerous scholars had already composed their poems. The confident ones recited their works personally at the gathering, while the shy handed over their poems to servants to read out loud.

At the feast, Poetry Collection Officers from the Capital City were recording the poems.

However, few caught the officers’ attention, and none were deemed worthy of lasting through the ages.

The foremost talent of the prefecture city, Zhuang Zijun, had completed his poem, remaining the only one praised for excellence at the moment.

Responding modestly to friends’ compliments, Zhuang Zijun’s gaze kept drifting towards the Wu brothers.

Soon, the servant read aloud Wu Wencai’s poem, which, though not timeless, could match Zhuang Zijun.

As Zhuang Zijun sighed in relief, lifting his cup to drink, he heard the servant begin reading Wu Zhiyuan’s poem.

’Spring water fills the spring pool, spring grass grows in spring.

Spring people drink spring wine, spring birds sing in spring.

You were born when I was not, I was born when you were old...’

Wu Zhiyuan highly revered Prince of Longting, who once commanded the nation’s forces, expanded territories, and achieved great deeds, granted numerous honors throughout his life, such as not being addressed by name, bowing without naming, entering the court without haste, ascending with sword and shoes... The list goes on. Such figures are rarely seen in historical records.

Yesterday, invited to the palace, though not meeting the prince himself, Wu Zhiyuan was inspired to compose this poem.

If he could share an era, an age, and strive for a common goal with the Prince of Longting, what happiness that would be...

The old man conveying the Crown Prince’s topic couldn’t hide his admiration, approaching respectfully: "Young Master, may I have this poem copied to show His Highness?"

Witnessing this, Zhuang Zijun felt powerless. The poem admirably pleased both the present emperor and the aged Crown Prince, a timely-written piece by the under-twenty Wu Zhiyuan that struck the heart of the elderly heir.

Amid whispers of envious disdain, some deemed Wu Zhiyuan a sycophant rather than a true gentleman, capable only of flattery and ingratiation.