Chapter 83: Xiang Ling Learns Poetry

Chapter 83: Xiang Ling Learns Poetry

It was already April, and the weather was becoming increasingly warm.

Meng Yuan rode his horse and caught sight of the north gate of Songhe Prefecture.

When he first visited this place last year, it was covered in snow, and he had come solely for a filling meal.

But now, he was riding a horse and carrying a sword, having gained some self-defense skills.

Meng Yuan's journey had been fruitful; he had gained considerable experience in facing enemies and had truly seen the world.

After being away for half a month, although he was busy running around every day, he still managed to open the 19th Energy Point of the Central Thirty-Three Heavens, which was more than half of them.

Moreover, he had also found a method to nurture his Essence Fire.

On this trip, the garrison's forces were divided into several locations. Meng Yuan and Gong Zi Hua traveled together, and every demon that Meng Yuan encountered met the same fate of being burned.

However, they didn't encounter any powerful demons, mostly just minor demons of the eighth and ninth ranks. As a result, his Essence Fire didn't grow much, only increasing by a quarter.

Meng Yuan thought to himself that he needed to reach the seventh rank quickly and find some seventh-rank demons to kill.

Alternatively, he could find some humans to test his skills.

Upon entering the city, Zhang Gui Nian promised Meng Yuan a bottle of Hundred Herbs Pill, but Nie Yanian said it wasn't enough. The two argued for a while before parting ways.

Meng Yuan and Nie Yanian rode their horses together, chatting casually.

After a short while, Nie Yanian said, "I need to go check on the Martial Academy. You should go back and rest for a couple of days first!"

"Sure, I'll head back to the Royal Palace first," replied Meng Yuan, who wasn't particularly interested in the Martial Academy since he had borrowed money and didn't need to earn a living there.

"Listen here, Meng Scholar," Nie Yanian frowned and tapped Meng Yuan's nose, "You just got back from outside. Go see how my daughter is doing first."

"I want to take a bath first," Meng Yuan said with a smile.

"Go directly!" Nie Yanian, slightly annoyed, urged his horse forward.

Meng Yuan, being obedient and honest, headed straight to the Intoxicating Moon Tower.

"Sister," as the weather grew hotter, Meng Yuan noticed that Nie Qingqing's light blue shirt had become even thinner, and sensing something hidden within, he called out to her with extra warmth.

"Have you suffered a lot out there?" Nie Qingqing asked with concern.

"It's not that bad," Meng Yuan took out a feather fan, "I encountered a wild pheasant outside and borrowed some feathers to weave this fan. Sister, don't dislike it."

Nie Qingqing took the fan and examined it happily, "The weather is getting hot, and this is just right."

She called for someone to prepare a meal, not minding others, and pulled Meng Yuan upstairs.

Meng Yuan hadn't had a hot meal in a while, and he didn't mind his eating manners or the presence of a beauty by his side. He began to eat heartily.

Nie Qingqing sat beside him, supporting her chin with one hand and gently fanning herself with the other. She didn't say anything but just watched Meng Yuan.

After finishing his meal, Meng Yuan was ready to leave.

"Your appetite isn't as big as before," Nie Qingqing remarked.

Previously, he had to nurture his Essence Fire, so he ate more. Now, without the Essence Fire competing for food, Meng Yuan's appetite had returned to normal.

"I ate more when I was training hard. It's better now," Meng Yuan explained with a smile.

Nie Qingqing smiled and stood up, seeing him off downstairs, before realizing something was amiss, "Where's my father?"

Do you still remember your father? Meng Yuan smiled and said, "Teacher Nie went to the Martial Academy."

Only then did Nie Qingqing feel relieved. She didn't mention her father's matter further and said, "Another day, I'll bring Jiang Jia Meizi. I like her a lot."

Meng Yuan naturally agreed.

Upon returning to the Royal Palace, he saw a servant talking to a middle-aged man near the back entrance.

The man was in his forties, leading a donkey that carried two burlap sacks on its back, likely filled with books.

He was slightly thin, with an ordinary appearance, and dressed simply, undoubtedly a Confucian scholar.

Meng Yuan overheard their conversation; the man seemed to have a prior connection with the Empress Consort and wanted to send some items. The servant asked for a visiting card, but the man was so poor that he had to write one on the spot, which displeased the servant.

Meng Yuan didn't have the time to get involved. He returned the little red horse to the stable and went to find Xun Mei directly.

Although this trip was an official mission with the Demon Suppressing Bureau's garrison, Meng Yuan was from the Royal Palace, so he needed to report to Xun Mei.

Jiang Tang was also there, and although she noticed Meng Yuan's dirty and disheveled clothes, she cared enough to remain silent.

"You go out first," Xun Mei sent Jiang Tang away before turning to Meng Yuan, "Uncle Nie insisted on letting you see the world. I tried to persuade him, but at least you didn't get hurt."

"Uncle Nie is doing this for my own good. A sword's edge is honed through sharpening, and although I'm not a sword, seeing more of the world and gaining some abilities will make me more capable in the future, making it easier to serve the Empress Consort," Meng Yuan said earnestly.

Xun Mei asked him about his experiences on the trip, and she sighed, "Being separated by over two hundred miles is like being separated by heaven and earth. Everyone is suffering. When can we achieve great peace?"

Before Meng Yuan could respond, Xun Mei continued, "You've read many books. After returning, write down everything that happened on this trip and give it to me. The Empress Consort might want to read it."

"..." Meng Yuan hadn't expected to have to write a report after completing his task. He wanted to decline, but Xun Mei added, "I'll give you five days off to rest."

She smiled and pointed outside, "You've been away for several days, and the little maid hasn't been very energetic. Take her with you."

Meng Yuan had no choice but to agree.

Upon returning home, Jiang Tang finally pinched Meng Yuan's arm to check for injuries, and seeing none, she was relieved.

"I'll boil some water for you to take a hot bath," Jiang Tang said, bustling about.

As the water boiled, Jiang Tang insisted on helping him scrub, "You're not an outsider!"

She argued.

Meng Yuan pushed her out and scrubbed himself for a while before changing into clean clothes. When he came out, a meal was already prepared.

"Remember this," Meng Yuan held Jiang Tang's hand, "These days, there's some unrest outside. Don't go out, just stay by Xun Mei's side and help her."

The matter of Xie Shen killing someone after the incident wasn't the only concern; he also hung the body on the road leading back to the city as a show of force.

Meng Yuan was certain that the other party wouldn't dare cause trouble at the Royal Palace, and since he was the Empress Consort's person, they wouldn't dare retaliate openly.

But regardless, Meng Yuan didn't want to think about it anymore.

Meng Yuan woke up early the next day and headed to the training grounds to instruct the students. Just as he was about to leave, he saw Wang Xiushuai approaching.

Wang Xiushuai grabbed Meng Yuan and began to ramble on.

After listening to him, Meng Yuan paused for a while before asking, "Mr. Wang, are you saying that the Prince wants to establish a poetry society, with him as the president and me as the vice president?"

"Exactly," Wang Xiushuai said.

"..." Meng Yuan rubbed his forehead, knowing that Du Gukang had some ulterior motives. This so-called poetry society was probably just a playful idea.

He guessed that Wang Xiushuai wanted to inquire about his demon-slaying trip.

"Mr. Wang, during my travels, I witnessed the suffering of the people, and I've decided to put down my pen and take up arms. I no longer wish to engage in poetry and literary pursuits." Meng Yuan spoke with great solemnity, "Please convey this message to the Prince."

Wang Xiushuai was left dumbfounded. He observed Meng Yuan and said, "Young Teacher Meng, you truly have great aspirations and a noble heart."

He cupped his hands and said, "Then I shall report this to the Prince. He also asked me to inquire about how much monthly silver you would like as the vice president."

"Hey, wait, don't go!" Meng Yuan hurriedly stopped him, "Is there money involved? How much does the Prince want to give?"

"Twenty taels per month," Wang Xiushuai replied, holding up two fingers.

Meng Yuan, now wealthy, no longer cared about this small amount of silver. He waved his hand and said, "Please convey my message to the Prince, saying that I deeply understand his intentions, but I am unable to participate in poetry due to my current responsibilities."

Wang Xiushuai knew that Meng Yuan found the amount too little, but he didn't reveal it. He politely exchanged a few words and left.

"Sigh, even the Prince is impressed by my literary talent!" Meng Yuan praised himself and then rode off on his Little Red Horse to purchase dried fruits, preserved fruits, and boiled eggs before leaving the city.

Along the way, they arrived at the grazing farm, and Zhao Datou became increasingly worried.

"You didn't bring Tie Niu to play outside, did you? He's still a child," Zhao Datou asked.

"..." Meng Yuan smiled helplessly, "Tie Niu is doing well. Before long, I'll be able to bring you to live in the city."

Only then did Zhao Datou feel at ease. He whispered, "Granny sent word that if you came, you should go directly to the mountains to find her. She's too busy to come down."

"What is she doing?" Meng Yuan asked curiously.

"She said she's teaching and imparting skills, but I don't know what that means!" Zhao Datou shrugged.

Meng Yuan understood that Xiang Ling had always been eager to teach, and now that she had finally become a teacher, she was taking her role seriously.

Without further ado, Meng Yuan carried his things and headed into the mountains.

Upon reaching the Big Head Mountain, he saw a large black pig lying down with a dozen piglets running around and grunting nonstop.

Xiang Ling stood on a green stone, with a small bundle on her back, a headscarf on her head, and a bamboo whip in her hand. "Listen to me! If you don't, I'll whip your little hooves!"

The piglets paid no attention to Xiang Ling, who sighed with her hands on her hips, "I've been teaching for so many years, and you lot are the most mischievous!"

She spoke like a true teacher, having clearly received an education.

"Xiang Ling!" Meng Yuan appeared, and the large black pig immediately ran off, followed by the little piglets.

Seeing her students run off, Xiang Ling wasn't angry. She threw down her bamboo whip and ran towards Meng Yuan, "Little Castrator!"

Climbing onto Meng Yuan's shoulder happily, she asked, "Are you here to listen to my lecture?"

"You're teaching now?" Meng Yuan asked with a smile.

"Don't look down on me!" Xiang Ling glared at him with her round eyes, "I've learned a lot, and I can even write poems!"

"Then write one for me to see," Meng Yuan said with a smile.

"Wait, let me think," Xiang Ling said, jumping off Meng Yuan's shoulder. She ran up the hill, slid down, and went to a small cave in the pile of rocks near the Old Turtle Pit. She jumped out after a while.

Others seek tranquility when writing poems, but she needed to run around first.

Meng Yuan wasn't in a hurry and sat down to wait by the Old Turtle Pit.

"I've got it!" Xiang Ling spun around happily and approached, "Little Castrator, I'm so happy you came to see me, and I've written a poem!"

"Please share it," Meng Yuan said.

Xiang Ling tightened her small bundle and adjusted her headscarf, taking her task very seriously. She began to recite:

"Big Head Mountain, tall and grand, I stand atop and laugh with glee. After laughing, I'll return to my hometown, and there, I'll laugh some more."

Xiang Ling finished reciting with great satisfaction, awaiting Meng Yuan's reaction.

"Wonderful! The rhythm and rhyme are perfect, and the meaning is profound!" Meng Yuan praised without reservation.

"Hehe, Little Castrator, your words are so pleasant to hear!" Xiang Ling was delighted and urged, "Say a few more words."

Wanting to hear more praise, Meng Yuan said, "This poem is easy to recite and has a pure and genuine style, fitting both the scenery and the emotions."

"Say a few more words!" Xiang Ling insisted.

"The words and sentences in poetry are secondary. The most important thing is the theme. If the theme is sincere, even without embellishment, it will naturally be good. This is called 'not letting words hinder the meaning.'" Meng Yuan explained, "Your poem is indeed well-written."

"Little Castrator, you're amazing!" Xiang Ling climbed onto Meng Yuan's shoulder and patted his back.

As she patted his back, she leaned forward and looked at Meng Yuan's face, saying, "Little Castrator, did something happen? If you're feeling down, you should tell me! I know how to cheer people up!"

As she spoke, she patted his back even harder.

"How did you know?" Meng Yuan asked with a smile.

"My wet nurse's friend is like this too. I could tell at a glance," Xiang Ling whispered, leaning on Meng Yuan's shoulder. "Are you going to fight? I don't want to burn paper for you again!"

"That's not the case," Meng Yuan laughed, "I came today to take you to see Granny. She's busy and asked me to find her in the mountains."

"There's no rush." Xiang Ling had a new idea. She patted Meng Yuan's back with her legs and said seriously, "I'll burn the poems for Granny after I publish my collection. When she sees it, she'll praise me for my accomplishments!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end