Volume One: The Young Monk Returns to the Secular World Chapter 82: Mid-Autumn Festival (Part Four)

So, Qin Xuanxuan slipped her hand into her robes, intending to take out a certain piece of paper. In the end, although Xiao Yan had not yet renounced the monastic life, nor had the validity of their engagement been confirmed, this did not mean Qin Xuanxuan could not help Xiao Yan establish his name. Of course, even Qin Xuanxuan herself was unaware that this little monk had gradually begun to occupy a significant place in her heart.

She was just about to place the slip of paper, inscribed with the verses of "Invitation to Wine," before Zhu Wenting and say, "This is a poem written by my betrothed, whose talent far surpasses that of Young Master Sun. Why should I become Sun's concubine?" But before Qin Xuanxuan could produce the paper, a commotion arose from another pleasure boat.

"Xuanxuan, look! Look, isn’t that Young Master Sun?" Zhu Wenting exclaimed excitedly, pointing to a graceful gentleman aboard the boat, tugging at Qin Xuanxuan’s sleeve.

"It does seem so..." Qin Xuanxuan had no choice but to withdraw her half-extended hand.

"Judging by their excitement, perhaps a fine poem has just been composed. Could it be the work of Young Master Sun? Shall we go and see?" Thrilled, Zhu Wenting pulled Qin Xuanxuan toward the pleasure boat.

Soon, the two arrived on board. The Four Great Talents of Jinshan were gathered, along with several esteemed elder scholars. Naturally, where such talents and beauties gathered, there were also elegantly dressed ladies from distinguished families and renowned courtesans present.

Yet, just as they set foot on the boat, they saw one of the scholars deeply engrossed in writing a poem.

The other scholars looked on expectantly, awaiting the birth of a new composition.

As the brush danced silently over the white rice paper, a poem emerged:

Mid-Autumn Moon

Night’s radiance floods the rippling waves,
The silent brush reveals the heart’s deep spring.
This life, this night, I yearn to chase the moon,
When shall we meet again, beneath what moon, in what year?

Composed by Zhao Qianming.

The gentleman regarded his handwriting with satisfaction and nodded, saying, "Forgive my humble attempt, everyone. I welcome your guidance."

"Brother Zhao, you are far too modest… This poem truly befits one of the Four Great Talents—exquisite!" someone quickly praised.

"Indeed, recalling beauties by the moon… Tonight’s gathering has at last produced a worthy poem. Ha ha… Such beautiful sentiment, I am truly impressed! I pale in comparison, truly pale in comparison," Sun Liming, the foremost among the Four Great Talents, could not help but nod in approval.

"Yes, not bad at all," remarked an elderly man with white hair. It was said that he had once been a Grand Academician, now retired and returned to his hometown.

Rare were those tonight who could earn his praise.

Just then, Zhu Wenting stepped forward and curtsied. "Young Master Sun, gentlemen, honored elder… I am Zhu Wenting, and I pay my respects."

Qin Xuanxuan followed, likewise offering greetings to the assembly.

Upon seeing Qin Xuanxuan, Sun Liming immediately overlooked Zhu Wenting at the front and hurried forward to greet her. "Miss Qin, I am honored," he said.

Zhu Wenting frowned, a flash of jealousy passing through her eyes, but she controlled herself and asked, "Young Master Zhao has such literary talent. Just now, even from afar, Qin and I could hear the excitement here…"

"Haha, I hardly deserve such praise," Zhao Qianming replied, though his face betrayed his pride. After all, to win the admiration and praise of ladies was the true aim of such scholars.

"Well then, since there is such refined inspiration tonight..."

Chapter Eighty-Two: Mid-Autumn Festival (Part Four) — to continue reading, please click the next page.