Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 308 - 144: Monopolizing the Top Position
Since he had already called out to him, he couldn’t shirk away. Otherwise, others might think he was scared!
"I dare not claim it a masterpiece to be passed down through the ages, so allow me to show my inelegance!" As soon as he finished speaking, a maid who had been waiting on the side presented the writing tools.
The maid placed the writing tools neatly in front of Gu Chengyu, the ink having been prepared in advance, so he didn’t need to grind it himself.
Picking up the brush, Gu Chengyu pondered for a moment, then wrote on the paper: "The autumn shadow floats on the river on a long leisurely day, the banquet is bustling in the grand hall."
As he wrote, others came over to watch. Even Min Feng and Fu Yanshan squeezed in to take a look.
"This line is quite fitting for the occasion! Huh? I’ve never seen this script before! What style is this?" a scholar asked in surprise.
"This seems like running script—vigorous, robust, and grand. I’ve never seen this script before, nor does it belong to any famous calligrapher!"
Gu Chengyu was not affected by them and continued to write: "The fine aura of Jiuhua manifests in the brows, the high name of the thousand Buddhas befits the mounted youth. No need to count the consecutive auspicious signs, one will witness the celestial laurels blooming in the garden. The return in triumph with spring breeze, to return home in splendid attire."
After finishing the last few lines in one breath, Gu Chengyu glanced at the calligraphy and felt satisfied.
He had never slacked off in practicing calligraphy and painting. This running script was found in the space after practicing Yan Style, and he integrated his own features into it.
It’s well known that the running script of Yan Style is difficult to learn; he spent considerable effort developing his own style.
"Marvelous, truly marvelous! That line, ’The return in triumph with spring breeze, to return home in splendid attire,’ resonates deeply with me!" a scholar remarked after reading the poem.
Especially the last two lines—they voiced the aspirations of all the scholars present. No, not just those present, but all scholars. Who wouldn’t want to achieve the laureate? Who hasn’t imagined returning home in glory and triumph?
"It’s not just you who feel deeply moved; how could everyone else not feel the same? Who wouldn’t want to return home gloriously?" As the scholar spoke, tears even welled up in his eyes.
This was his fourth Provincial Examination; he had failed three times before. Facing his elderly parents who raised him with hardship, his devoted wife who regards him as the center of her world, he had once been at a loss, and fell into despair after failing.
Now he had passed, he could finally return home in glory. He no longer had to fear the ridicule of his former classmates, nor see the disappointment in his family’s eyes. At this moment, he just wanted to shout out loud: he’s passed!
Gu Chengyu’s poem had already reached the hands of the officials. Having been scholars themselves, they had experienced this and felt it deeply. The manifestation of returning in glory was even more vivid among them.
However, being seasoned officials, after the excitement, they calmly commented, "The last two lines, though more ordinary in wording, are profound in intent. This poem is indeed a fine piece!"
Fang Huai glanced at Gu Chengyu, who was already calmly seated. This young man possessed remarkable talent and handled matters with composure. Perhaps, in just a few years, he might firmly establish himself in the court.
"Gu Jieyuan is indeed deserving of the first place, I am wholeheartedly convinced. For such a great composition, it calls for a full cup! Allow me to drink this in honor first!" A scholar respectfully cupped his hand to Gu Chengyu, then filled his cup and downed it in one draught.
Seeing his earnest expression, Gu Chengyu immediately stood up. But when he glanced at the table, he was embarrassed because he didn’t drink, and there wasn’t any wine on the table!
"Gu Jieyuan, I also raise a toast to you!" Another scholar also raised his cup and drank it all.
Then, they all began to raise their glasses to Gu Chengyu. In fact, they didn’t care if Gu Chengyu toasted them back; they just wanted to express their emotions through this wine! 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦
Gu Chengyu, influenced by their emotion, felt even more how arduous the imperial examinations were. Those present were the fortunate ones, and those who didn’t make the list might feel it even deeper!
The officials sitting above did not speak, watching these emotional scholars, reminding them of their former selves.
Fang Huai instructed that this poem, along with other well-written ones, be recorded, as was the custom of the Lu Ming Banquet. Any good poem would be archived.
"I see your handwriting is pretty good. What is this script?" Fang Huai was quite curious about this script, as he had never seen it before.
By this time, the scholars below had calmed down and also turned their attention to Gu Chengyu upon hearing this. They prided themselves on their extensive reading of the Holy Books, among them quite competent calligraphers.
Because everyone’s attention had been on the poem earlier, they had overlooked the script. Now, after Fang Huai’s remark, they remembered.
"My Lord! This is a script I previously acquired from a book at the bookstore. I was intrigued by it, so I took it home and studied it. Then I added my own style to it. Alas, the book was so worn that my daily practice ended up destroying it."
The book was a rare treasure, and Gu Chengyu couldn’t bear to bring it out for others to view. Besides, it wasn’t from this world, nor this dynasty, so he couldn’t produce it.
"What a pity!" someone immediately lamented, having an immense passion for calligraphy.
"Oh? So, you created this yourself?" Fang Huai looked at Gu Chengyu in surprise, as this was the inception of a script!
"I wouldn’t say that, I’m merely standing on the shoulders of predecessors!" Gu Chengyu felt he didn’t have the qualifications to establish a school of thought.
"Standing on the shoulders of predecessors? That’s quite interesting! It’s a fitting description!" Fang Huai stroked his beard with great interest, finding the description both fitting and profound.
"Isn’t this like the saying, ’The predecessors plant the trees, the successors enjoy the shade’? Gu Jieyuan indeed has a literary flair." One of the Vice Examiners also complimented with a smile.
At this Lu Ming Banquet, Gu Chengyu truly stood out, even Fu Yanshan and Min Feng couldn’t help but take notice. In the latter half, Gu Chengyu stole the spotlight, completely overshadowing them with his radiance.
Fu Yanshan, a man solely concerned with scholarship, originally thought his only rival was Min Feng. But this time, he had to admit, Gu Chengyu was formidable; he had also composed a poem earlier, but now compared to Gu Chengyu, he was utterly defeated.
Looking at the young but already showing talent Gu Chengyu, Fu Yanshan felt a surge of determination, vowing to surpass him!
Min Feng sipped from his wine cup. After today, Gu Chengyu’s name would be renowned far and wide! He then looked towards Gu Chengyu, with a resolute gaze that promised a contest three years later in the court exam.
The banquet was nearing its end. It was time for networking and the necessary flattery. Gu Chengyu also made acquaintances with two scholars at the banquet, both straightforward individuals, along with Ye Zhiqiu and his group, enjoying pleasant conversations.
