Painting Doctor Jinhua

Chapter 171: 7 Steps to Write a Poem, Wanting to Be Your Majesty's Favorite

As soon as he said this, it immediately caused an uproar and anger among the crowd.

"Who is that? Why does he want to assassinate Mr. Xie? What's his intention?" someone asked angrily.

"Could it be that yesterday's chess competition made some people jealous?"

"Or maybe Mr. Xie's talent is well-known and someone wants to hinder his path?"

"I'm afraid someone really wants to block his career path!"

"..."

Amidst the discussions, Lu Lingxuan's expression gradually turned from pale to ashen, and Mu Ti Po beside her was even more horrified and incredulous!

Clearly, his men had seen Gao Anagong and Erzhuying leading seven or eight assassins to chase after Xie Zhen! Even if a son of an aristocratic family had some martial arts skills to defend himself, there was no way he could defeat nearly ten assassins, not to mention that Erzhuying was a veteran of the battlefield!

What exactly is going on?

Everyone noticed that there were indeed some bloodstains on Xie Zhen's black robe, but fortunately he was not seriously injured, so he could still stand calmly in front of the hall.

"You said, someone wants to kill you?" Gao Zhan asked in surprise.

"Yes!"

"who?"

When Gao Zhan asked this, Xiao Jinyu remained silent, and Lanling King behind her did not speak either.

At this time, the people in the hall were puzzled, and some even urged: "Yes! Who is it? Mr. Xie, please tell me, who wants to kill you?"

Amidst the noisy indignant questions, Xiao Jinyu sighed slightly and replied, "Let's not talk about it! Zhen is now a lowly person with little influence, and he dare not point fingers at people in the court! And he dare not delay His Majesty's important event!"

The words "people in the temple" were enough to arouse people's imagination. People in the hall began to whisper to each other. Some even cast suspicious eyes at Zu Ting, which made Zu Ting's face turn red and white, and he felt greatly insulted.

"Why are you looking at me? I, Zu Ting, am willing to accept defeat. Since I have already admitted defeat yesterday, I only have respect for Mr. Xie's talent, and I have absolutely no jealousy or envy of his talent!"

He spoke passionately, and Xiao Jinyu also smiled and said:

"It's not Secretary Zu! Please don't make random guesses! Thank you for your concern for Xie Zhen!"

Then he raised his wide sleeves and said to Gao Zhan, "Your Majesty, since Zhen is here, please ask the questions!"

Gao Zhan's lips curled up with interest, his eyes fixed on "Xie Zhen" and said, "Okay! Yesterday you and Zu Zhongshu had a chess competition, so how about you compete in poetry and calligraphy today?

I heard that you once wrote a fragment of a poem at the Southern Dynasty Fahua Mountain Qingtan Yaji. Today, I don't want to read the fragment of the poem. I want to see how you can write a beautiful sentence that will be passed down through the ages in the shortest time possible. "

When Gao Zhan said this, He Shikai added sarcastically: "What kind of incomplete poem is this? I'm afraid he can't write any more. He just pretends to be mysterious to show off his talent. Some writers who seek fame like to cultivate their reputation in this way!"

As soon as he said this, more literati looked at him angrily!

Xie Zhen still smiled and ignored him!

At this time, Gao Zhan looked at Zu Ting again and said, "In the past, Zu Zhongshu wrote the Dingguo Temple Stele in two days, and wrote a poem about going out to the frontier for the princess of Eastern Wei in one day, which was far better than the original. Since then, he has become famous all over the world.

I know that your Chenjun Xie family is good at poetry, but our Qi State is also full of talents, and there are also people who are good at poetry and calligraphy. In the past, the Secretary of the Central Secretariat Pei Rangzhi and the Yellow Gate Secretary Lu Sidao each wrote a "From the Northern Expedition" and "From the Military Service".

How about Xie Langjun and Zu Zhongshu writing a poem on the topics of joining the army and the northern expedition? "

Xiao Jinyu replied: "That is exactly what I wish for. Your Majesty, please grant me a pen!"

Zu Ting also said: "That's what I wish for!"

Seeing her confident look, Gao Zhan couldn't help but asked with a sneer:

"Will you also finish this poem today before a leaf falls?"

"Your Majesty, you are joking. Zhen cannot finish writing a whole poem before a leaf falls. Why not learn from Cao Zijian and finish a poem within seven steps?"

Being able to compose a poem within seven steps is pretty crazy, okay?

Zu Ting wrote a poem about going to the frontier in one day, and it was recited by thousands of people. How many people are there who are as talented and gifted as Cao Zijian?

"Mr. Xie is really arrogant. What if you can't write a complete poem within seven steps?" He Shikai suddenly asked.

"What do you mean by saying this to the Minister? If you can't do it, then you can't do it. It's just that you lost a competition. What else can you do?" Li Mi continued.

He Shikai turned to look at Gao Zhan and said, "I think that if he can't do it, it only means that Xie Zhen is a man who has gained fame for nothing and is seeking reputation for nothing. Your Majesty should expel him from our Qi State!"

These words again made all the scholars in the Taiji Palace glare at him angrily!

Anger was also revealed on Lanling Wang's usually calm face!

It was only when he saw Xiao Jinyu's hands behind her back giving him a hint that he was able to suppress the anger in his heart.

"Yantong, you are exaggerating. This is a scholar examination to select talents for the country. If they are talented, I will promote them. If not... at most I will not allow them to serve in Qi. There is no need to drive them out of Qi!"

"Yes!"

Although Gao Zhan spoke in a calm tone, the mere fact of not allowing him to serve in the State of Qi had already ruined a person's future. This indirect punishment was certainly severe. He Shikai smiled and nodded repeatedly after hearing this.

"Then let's begin!"

When Gao Zhan ordered people to get pens, ink, paper and inkstone, Xiao Jinyu looked at Lu Lingxuan with deep eyes. She did not expect that this woman would want to kill "Xie Zhen" so soon. Fortunately, from the first step out of Lanling Palace, Gao Changgong and Fenghuang noticed that a group of killers were following them, so she had to change the plan temporarily and let Ling Ye help Fenghuang kill those who followed them!

She needs to buy more time for Phoenix before implementing the second step of the plan!

……

When the poetry in the Taiji Hall reached its most peaceful climax, a bloody fight in the North Palace was about to end.

Erzhu Ying did not expect that the young man, who was clearly already restrained by him and whose neck could be broken if he increased his strength, would suddenly exert his strength and stab the broken dagger into his chest.

The boy stabbed him in the vitals from under the armpit in a suicidal manner!

The fatal blow caused Deer Weiying's throat to gush out a sweet and fishy taste, and he suddenly vomited a large amount of blood. He looked in disbelief at the young man in front of him, whose body was covered with knife wounds and stained with blood.

The young man took a few breaths, supported the wound on his arm, slowly stood up, and looked down at him.

He saw disdain, pity, and a hint of resentment in the boy's eyes!

No, impossible! He was clearly in the upper hand the whole time. He could kill the kid at any time if he wanted to. The reason he didn't do it so quickly was just because he wanted to see him struggle and suffer, and get some pleasure from it!

How could he lose?

He was the one who taught the kid most of the time how to do martial arts, so how could he lose?

"Yes, you taught me a lot of my martial arts, so you are sure that I will never be your opponent, right?"

Fenghuang also sneered, walked forward, looked at Erzhu Ying whose face was gradually becoming pale, and grasped the hilt of the sword that was inserted into him!

"Originally I didn't want to kill you, but you already know my brother Qing's identity, and you want to kill her, how can I let you live in this world!"

“As for what you said, my grandfather once betrayed your father, so you have to betray my father… Oh, the winners are kings and the losers are bandits, how can we explain the grudges in this world?

When will the cycle of revenge end? If that is the case, let’s end it here!”

After saying this, his eyes suddenly became cold and fierce, and he was about to draw his sword, but Er Zhuying actually grabbed the broken sword with both hands, looked at him and smiled: "Wait, listen to my last sentence!"

"Murong Jue, you like that Princess Lanling very much, don't you?"

Phoenix's hand paused, and her expression was slightly stunned.

Erzhu Ying seemed to feel the sudden surge of attachment and turmoil in his eyes!

"You have protected her for so long, but now you see her marrying someone else. It must be hard for you!"

"Instead of making yourself feel bad, why not take everything you want? If one day you can become the king of this world, you will definitely get whatever you want, including her!"

"Anyway, the king of the Gao family is licentious and immoral, so why not destroy the Gao royal family and replace the Gao family?"

Seeing the surprised and incomprehensible look in Fenghuang's eyes, Er Zhuying laughed twice and finally said,

"Murong Jue, in fact, you are not the only one left in the Murong clan. The Xianbei military and political power have their own masters. There are also former members of the Murong clan who are willing to follow you and remain in the army in Jinyang..."

Having said this, he had already used up the last bit of his strength, but when he saw a gleam of surprise in Phoenix's eyes, a hint of joy appeared in his gray eyes as he took his last breath!

Fenghuang was still in a daze when Ling Ye rushed in. Seeing him standing there motionless, he hurriedly called out, "Boy, why are you still standing there? The delegation is about to leave. You have to hurry to the back garden of the palace and act according to the plan the girl told you!"

Gao Changgong had already told him the whereabouts of Yuwen Hu's family. Next, he needed to sneak into the palace alone and find Yuwen Hu's mother, Yan, who was about to be sent back to Zhou!

Seeing the blood all over his body, Ling Ye's expression changed slightly, and he asked worriedly, "How did you get so many injuries? If someone finds out..."

"No one will find out!" Fenghuang suddenly interrupted, "Brother Qing gave me medicine, I can heal myself and stop the bleeding!"

After saying that, he actually took off his torn black robe, quickly cleaned the knife wounds on his body, applied medicine, and then changed into another set of women's clothes and sneaked into the back garden of the palace.

This last thing needed to be done by him alone, so Ling Ye did not follow him.

But after running a few steps, Phoenix couldn't help but look back at Ling Ye.

This look back seemed as if he had made up his mind, yet he was reluctant as if his heart was being cut by a knife.

"You must protect Brother Qing, protect her, and don't let her get hurt again..."

He said this in a hoarse voice and choked for a long time. The tears that the young man had been holding back for a long time finally burst out. After Ling Ye nodded to him solemnly, he resolutely ran towards the back garden of the palace.

Seeing him sneaking into the Li Palace, Ling Ye jumped onto the highest point of the North Palace and watched two officials in red robes and three-beam official robes enter from the main gate of the Li Palace and invite out an old woman who was supported by a young woman.

When they saw the maid, Bi Yiyun and Wei Shou both showed hesitation on their faces.

The old woman explained, "This is my maid, Aying. She has been with me for a long time. Without her care, I would have been inconvenienced along the way. Please allow me to bring this maid with me!"

Bi Yiyun carefully looked at the maid for a long time, and only withdrew his gaze in disappointment when he could no longer see any flaws.

Wei Shou was an old official who had experienced both the Wei and Qi dynasties. He knew all about the old woman's past. She had been alone in a foreign country, separated from her children for 35 years. He could not help but feel pity for her and said to Bi Yiyun, "She is just a maid. Let her take her with her. My Qi State has indeed detained the old lady for many years. Please return to Zhou State and take a letter to your Zhou State's Grand Chancellor. I have already written the content of the letter. Madam, you can just make some minor changes in your own handwriting!"

"it is good!"

The old woman's eyesight was very poor, so the maid took the letter for her and put it into her hands.

"There's no time to lose, let's go!"

This time, sending Yang to the Zhou Kingdom is a secret diplomatic mission. His Majesty has already made it clear that it should not be publicized, so as to prevent Zhou Kingdom's spies from taking action along the way.

The old woman said hello and got into the carriage with the help of her maid.

Bi Yiyun and Wei Shou also got on the horses, and the carriage began to drive towards the official road and gradually drove towards the outside of the city gate!

Ling Ye stood at the highest point, watching the carriage drive out of the city gate and gradually go away, becoming a black dot that gradually shrinks in the smoke and dust.

Until the news of a bunch of fireworks came from the direction of Yecheng Post Station, Ling Ye also took out a bamboo tube and shot a bunch of brilliant flames into the air!

At the same time, outside the Tai Chi Hall in South City, a bunch of fireworks exploded in the blue sky!

The fireworks were like silk and rain, yet as gorgeous as thousands of flowers blooming, and looked extremely beautiful!

After seeing the fireworks, Xiao Jinyu couldn't help but smile with tears in her eyes. She opened her lips slightly and couldn't help chanting a line of poetry:

"People have joys and sorrows, separations and reunions, the moon waxes and wanes, it is difficult to have everything in life, I wish you a long life, and we can enjoy the beauty of the moon together even though we are thousands of miles apart!"

Phoenix, safe journey!

No matter whether we will meet again in the future, I will always remember you!

I will remember your kindness in protecting me with your life!

Remember the past when we depended on each other!

At this moment, Xiao Jinyu did not notice at all that the poem she had just recited inadvertently had stunned the students in the hall, and the entire place was silent!

Someone even took out a pen and wrote this sentence down!

"May we live long and share the beauty of the moon, even though we are thousands of miles apart! I am so happy to hear such a beautiful sentence today!"

"Yes, once this sentence is spoken, it will surely be remembered for eternity!"

Gao Changgong couldn't help but feel a pain in his heart. Others didn't know the meaning of her chanting this sentence, but he understood it. Seeing tears in Xiao Jinyu's eyes, he raised his hand slightly as if he wanted to comfort her, but was afraid of being seen and looked at, so he put his hand down.

But Lu Lingxuan's face became extremely ugly!

She looked towards the sky where fireworks were exploding, as if she had thought of something, and once again looked at "Xie Zhen" in disbelief!

He Shikai was still mocking at the side: "What's so good about it? Your Majesty asked him to write a poem on the theme of joining the army and marching north. Does this poem he wrote have anything to do with it?"

But before he could finish his words, he saw Xie Zhen holding a pen in both hands and writing on one erected screen after another!

Her writing style is extremely fast, flowing like clouds and running water, so smooth and unrestrained that it is a feast for the eyes!

As she calmly wrote, line after line of poetry came out from the mouths of the scholars watching:

"After the snow on Tianshan Mountain, the sea breeze is cold. The flute is playing and the road is difficult. There are three hundred thousand soldiers in the desert. They turn back to look at the bright moon!"

Is this the end? Aren’t the seven steps not yet completed?

Looking at the words and poems on the screen, the scholars watching fell into silence again.

I thought this was a perfect poem! It was enough to make his talent famous again, but I didn't expect that someone saw that he had no intention of stopping writing!

"Look, he's still writing!"

Surprisingly... there is a second song!

"The wine is in the luminous cup, the horse is urging me to drink, don't laugh at me sleeping drunk on the battlefield, how many people have ever returned from the battles in history?"

"..."

No, the second one doesn’t count, because there’s still the third one, the fourth one…

"The long clouds from Qinghai darken the snow-capped mountains, the lonely city looks out at Yumen Pass, the yellow sand wears out the golden armor after a hundred battles, I will never return until I defeat the Huns!"

It was not until the fifth poem was finished that everyone saw Xie Zhen stop writing and face the emperor!

"I wonder if composing five poems in seven steps counts as passing your majesty's assessment?" she asked.

Gao Zhan was stunned, looking at this cheerful and upright young man in black clothes standing in front of him like a mountain. Behind him were five screens covered with poems!

Seven steps! Five poems!

It's simply... you can't even be called a human being!

What was even more shocking was not only his poems, but also his calligraphy. All the scholars had already rushed to the five screens, copying and studying the poems and calligraphy on them!

"Five poems, five different fonts, not only inherit the legacy of the two Wangs, but also have the style of Wei Shi and Suo Jing!"

"This is truly a rare genius in the world!"

"Yes, it's incredible. How can a young man do this? Is this a gifted talent?"

The sounds of exclamations could be heard throughout the hall, but Xie Zhen was still waiting for the answer from the Emperor of Qi!

It was Li Mi who reminded Gao Zhan, and Gao Zhan finally came to his senses. He coughed and said, "Such talent is unrivaled in ancient and modern times. In this test, you have been recognized by all the scholars as the first champion that no one can match!"

"I wonder what Xie Qing's ambitions are?"

"Xie Zhen" smiled, half-knelt down and said seriously: "I have no great ambitions, I just want to be your Majesty's favorite minister!"