429: Chapter 429 Nine-Bend Flowing Wine Cup

Inside the Qushui Banquet, the lights were bright, and the guests were chatting and laughing merrily.

In the spacious banquet hall, the three seats at the very head held the highest status.

In the center was the host, Master Li Jingyi; sitting to his left was Zhu Ming, and to his right was the Great Scholar from the Eastern Border who had come from afar, Master Xu Huaian.

Any one of these three was a titan of the literary world, respected by scholars across the land, with students everywhere.

Thus, with all three in attendance, this Qushui Banquet immediately took on extraordinary significance.

"Gathering the three great scholars of the current age, along with so many doctors from the academies—the last time this happened must have been over a decade ago, right?"

"It is a pity that Great Scholar Meng is at the Imperial Academy and could not come; otherwise, it would have been even livelier."

"Although it is a pity Great Scholar Meng could not come, his beloved disciple, the great talent Lv Sheng, being here is also something to look forward to."

"After all, that poem 'Ascending River Moon Tower', which shook the world, has overshadowed all other poetry in the land."

"Lv Sheng made a name for himself at the Langya Poetry Gathering and has always held himself in high regard, so it is only natural he would come to see for himself."

"That poem was written by the Prince of Zhenbei for Commander-in-Chief Zhao; could he really go and ask the Prince of Zhenbei to verify it?"

"Heh heh... although he has literary talent, in front of the Prince of Zhenbei, he is insignificant..."

"Not to mention, look at all those young ladies outside; more than half of them must have come for him, right?"

"Indeed, just because he is a bit handsome, hmph..."

The scholars traded comments, their words filled with teasing, but also envy and even jealousy.

Meanwhile, the great talent they were discussing, Lv Sheng, sat alone with a calm and indifferent expression, drinking by himself.

The two maidservants behind him looked at his handsome face, their blushes never fading, their hands trembling as they poured his wine.

Of course, not everyone was focused on the great scholars and Lv Sheng; most people were just there to enjoy the gathering.

"I wonder, how many 'turns' will today's banquet reach?"

"With three great scholars, a gathering of famous figures, and the great talent Lv Sheng here, it must reach at least four turns, right?"

"I don't think so. Achieving three turns of the 'Flowing Cup' would already be a great accomplishment..."

As two scholars with official ranks chatted, a pleasant voice came from behind them.

"Gentlemen, may I ask what you mean by 'how many turns'?"

The two turned around and discovered a woman dressed in men's clothing; although she wore no makeup, she was truly beautiful.

Had she not been sitting in the corner, they wouldn't have even noticed her presence.

The woman was naturally Su Wansha. She was only attending as a representative of Zhu Ming's disciples and just wanted to join in the fun, so naturally, she sat quietly in the corner.

The Qushui Banquet did not exclude talented women, and women dressing as men was not uncommon.

The two scholars were surprised at first, but then politely explained.

"At the Qushui Banquet, every time a topic is set, it is considered one 'turn'."

"If the resulting poetry is outstanding enough, with the host's permission, it will be placed outside the banquet for people to admire."

"If three turns can be circulated outside, it is called 'Three-Turn Flowing Cup', and so on. 'Nine-Turn Flowing Cup' is the highest achievement."

"Since ancient times, there have been fewer than five recorded instances of 'Nine-Turn'. Those were thousands, or even hundreds of years ago. The Great Zheng Dynasty only saw it once during the founding period."

"It is said that back then, over a dozen titans of the literary world were present to complete the feat of the 'Nine-Turn'."

"Every 'Nine-Turn' has become a legendary tale in the literary world that will be passed down through the ages."

Su Wansha suddenly understood. She only knew the origins of the Qushui Banquet but did not know about this way of playing.

"Does that mean if Master Li Jingyi agrees, a turn is considered completed? Wouldn't that mean as long as he nods, the goal of several turns could be easily achieved?"

"Haha, miss, you are oversimplifying it. While Master Li Jingyi can certainly release the poetry of every turn, the problem is that the released poetry must withstand scrutiny."

One scholar shook his head and said, "The world is full of hidden talents. Many scholars from humble backgrounds who could not attend the Qushui Banquet are waiting for an opportunity."

"If someone 'breaks the flow' at the scene and succeeds, then Master Li Jingyi would lose all face!"

Su Wansha found this interesting. "'Breaking the flow'? What does that mean?"

"It's essentially challenging the house. If anyone outside does not agree with the released poetry, they can challenge it on the spot. If they write something better before the Qushui Banquet ends, the 'breaking of the flow' is successful."

"And the one who breaks the flow effectively slaps the faces of everyone attending the banquet; they often become famous overnight and known throughout the world!"

"Oh right, do you know Elder Zhu? When Elder Zhu was young, he was on his way to the capital for the imperial examinations when he completed a 'flow-breaking' at a Qushui Banquet and became famous throughout the capital!"

Su Wansha let out an "Ah", her expression awkward—her teacher had never mentioned this!

"In short, for every turn to succeed, the poetry must be good, and the time, place, and people must all be right—nothing can be lacking!"

"Wanting to complete the Nine-Turn Flowing Cup is not so easy."

The two scholars shook their heads with emotion, looking quite fascinated.

Su Wansha also found it very enjoyable to listen to. "Nine topics, nine poems, nine public releases, and no one breaking the flow—the Nine-Turn Flowing Cup... is indeed difficult."

Of course, if her husband were here, it wouldn't be difficult, Su Wansha thought happily, though she also felt a bit of regret.

Meanwhile, at the very head, the three great scholars, including Zhu Ming, were catching up.

"Come, Brother Zhu, Brother Xu, I toast you both. This Qushui Banquet is honored by your presence."

"Master Li is too kind," Master Xu Huaian smiled and said regretfully, "I originally intended to bring Junior Brother Yan to the banquet, but as you know, things didn't go well at the last Tianwu Grand Tournament, and Junior Brother Yan is unwilling to travel far for the time being."

Master Li Jingyi sighed, "My academy's results in the Tianwu Grand Tournament have always been mediocre; Junior Brother Yan really shouldn't take it to heart."

"That may be so, but it is, after all, many years of hard work..."

Master Xu Huaian said, looking at Zhu Ming with an amused glint in his eyes, "Speaking of which, Nephew Dai was defeated by Leng Bingyan from the Sword Forest. I heard that Leng Bingyan is the closing disciple of Brother Zhu's wife, is that right?"

Zhu Ming knew this matter would be brought up; in the end, they just wanted to probe and see if the conflict between the academy and the Zhenbei Princes Mansion could be resolved at its root.

He immediately adopted an annoyed tone, "You Old Xu, you always bring up the wrong topic. Today is the Qushui Banquet; why talk about martial arts competitions?"

"Haha, Brother Zhu is absolutely right. It was my loose tongue, I shall punish myself with a drink!"

Seeing that Zhu Ming did not want to discuss it further, Master Xu Huaian let it go.

Master Li Jingyi glanced at Su Wansha in the distant corner and said, "Brother Zhu, I heard you brought a disciple; why not have her sit by your side?"

"No need. She has shallow knowledge and is just curious about what the Qushui Banquet is like, so she came to join in the fun. After the banquet ends, I will bring her to meet you, Brother Li."

Zhu Ming had actually intended to have Su Wansha sit by his side at first, but she had refused.

Because she was the woman of the Prince of Zhenbei and also the Chief Manager of the Northern Trade Alliance, if she were too high-profile, it would involve many interests and cause the Qushui Banquet to lose its original flavor.

Su Wansha only wanted to listen to the poetry and soak in the atmosphere, so Zhu Ming did not force her and let her be.

"If that's the case, then I will listen to Brother Zhu."

Master Li Jingyi was an old fox and didn't ask any more questions, instead saying, "Brother Zhu, you have the highest literary achievements here; why don't you set the topic for the first turn?"

As Master Li Jingyi spoke, he beckoned to a page boy.

The page boy immediately brought the Four Treasures of the Study to Zhu Ming on an exquisite tray.

Zhu Ming did not decline; he stood up and gracefully wrote two large characters with iron-drawing and silver-hook strokes.

Seeing this, Master Li Jingyi and Master Xu Huaian at his side both revealed expressions of relief and amusement.