Chapter 103:
In the Princesss Mansion, the poetry gathering proceeded as scheduled. The scene was still bustling with lively sights of warblers and swallows, and fragrant breezes filled the air.
Most of the women attending the gathering were familiar faces. They paid no heed to the recent rumors circulating in Changan.
After all, even the most vivid rumors were just rumors. How could they compare to what they witnessed firsthand?
The exceptional works attributed to Su Li were all created under their watchful eyes. No matter who it was, nobody would doubt Su Lis poetic talent. Many of Changans noblewomen deeply resent those who doubted Su Li.
For Zhangsun Chong, who was the driving force behind all this, they harbored even stronger aversion. The Princesss Mansion had not held a poetry gathering for a while.
This led to a period where no new works from Su Li emerged, leaving these women quite disappointed.
During this time, they repeatedly recited Su Lis previous poems to the point where they could recite them backward fluently.
One could say that the Changan noblewomen present in the Princesss Mansion, without exception, were all die-hard fans of Su Li!
The poetry gathering had yet to officially commence, and the familiar women were gathering in small groups. Everyone was excited, as they eagerly anticipated what breathtaking masterpiece Su Li would present later.
Just then, Su Li and Princess Changle walked over from a distance. They still appeared familiar with holding hands and leaning against each other.
The women present revealed a mixture of envy and anticipation. As Su Li and Changle took their seats, Changle cleared her throat, preparing to speak.
However, what followed was the sight of a young gentleman dressed in white, accompanied by a female attendant, walking towards them. Changle appeared puzzled and turned to the female officer for an explanation.
The female officer approached and whispered, This person is from the uncles mansion. He claims to be inviting the son-in-law to attend their poetry gathering.
Upon hearing this, Su Li couldnt help but smile.
Soon after, the man saluted and began speaking.
I have had the honor to meet the princess and the son-in-law. My name is Yang, with the nickname Qingbai. I have come here on the request of Young Minister Zhangsun to deliver an invitation for the poetry gathering.
Whispers spread around as he spoke.
Li Xueyan asked, Is this the same Yang Qingbai who composed A clear breeze steams the evening haze, four ounces of wine intoxicate the mortal realm?
A mere literary name is not worth mentioning. Yang Qingbai stood tall, a smug expression on his face.
From a young age, Yang Qingbai was intelligent and had a decent education. Particularly in the realm of poetry, he had achieved some recognition. However, due to his humble background, he hadnt achieved much after spending several years in Changan.
Fortunately, he had a talent for poetry. Relying on his poetry, he gradually gained some reputation and even connected with Zhangsun Chong at a poetry gathering. Subsequently, he became single-mindedly focused on attaching himself to the Zhangsun family and acquiring an official position.
To be fair, Yang Qingbais aspirations were not unreasonable. Given the circumstances, it was one of the few viable paths for impoverished scholars.
However, too many people were seeking to attach themselves to the Zhangsun family, and Yang Qingbai hadnt found an opportunity yet.
But this time, Zhangsun Chongs poetry gathering seemed to present an opportunity. While he might be unable to assist in other matters, he excelled at exposing fraud. Therefore, he had eagerly volunteered a moment ago.
Looking at Su Li, Yang Qingbai spoke once more.
In the realm of poetry, I have some modest insights. Based on the experiences of the son-in-law, he has created numerous poems that can be considered timeless works. Even more remarkable is that these poems exhibit distinct styles, covering such a wide range that its difficult to enumerate.
Whenever I read them, I cant help but marvel. To think there exists someone like the son-in-law, a genius who excels in both learning and humanity! Today, with the poetry gathering organized by Young Minister Zhangsun, all of us attendees share the same sentiments. We have long admired the son-in-laws poetic talent. Each of us is eager, hoping he will offer his guidance.
Upon closer examination, Yang Qingbais seemingly polite words were quite insidious.
He was subtly insinuating that considering Su Lis past as a peasant, he was unlikely to produce such a wide variety of poems in different styles and themes. The people around couldnt help but frown upon hearing this.
Yang Qingbais eyes gleamed, fixed on Su Li.
Su Li, in response, smiled lightly and then glanced at him casually.
Locking eyes, Yang Qingbai saw a mixture of disdain and mockery in Su Lis gaze.
Since youre suspicious, why not clarify your point?
Su Li spoke softly, Are you suggesting that you doubt my poems and believe they are all copied?
Regardless of his status as a consort, the current Su Lis attributes exceeded 200 in strength and physique, and his intelligence and agility were almost at the upper limit of normal humans.
He was no longer human by any measure.
Sitting there, the aura he exuded made Yang Qingbai, closest to him, extremely uncomfortable.
At this moment, Yang Qingbai had an inexplicable feeling. It was as if he had turned into an ant beneath a giant elephants foot, unable to stop trembling.
I wouldnt dare
Seeing the once tender and gentle consort serious, Changle couldnt help squeezing Su Lis hand.
Su Li lightly patted Changles arm, reassuring her.
Then, Su Li stood up and approached Yang Qingbai.
You claim to have insights into poetry, but I believe you dont understand poetry at all.
You all think that poetry must be consistent with experience and consistent style. Thats because your abilities are insufficient to create poems deviating from your experiences and thoughts. Since you cant do it, you naturally assume others cant either.
Long ago, there was an old saying, Summer insects cannot speak of ice, well frogs cannot speak of the sea. Morning mushrooms do not know the solstices and chirping cicadas do not know the seasons. I wonder, which one are you?
Su Lis expression remained indifferent as he looked at Yang Qingbai, his eyes filled with disdain.
Everyone praised Su Lis poetic talent and hailed him as a genius in this field!
But who could have imagined that Su Li didnt consider himself a prodigy?
Instead, in his perspective, anyone questioning him was insignificant.
Quite arrogant, wasnt it?
Many people were shocked, staring in disbelief at Su Li.
Even Yang Qingbai couldnt hide his astonishment. Su Li directly addressed the suspicion that his poems might be plagiarized, leaving Yang Qingbai somewhat self-satisfied.
With just those words, Zhangsun Chong had a perfect excuse to twist the truth. Eventually, everyone would remember Su Li admitting to copying his poems after many discussed them.
The original meaning behind Su Lis words became irrelevant. Yang Qingbai had already considered Su Li to be a flashy but ineffectual figure in his mind.
However, what came next from Su Lis mouth was even more astonishing.
So daring!
Now, there was no need to twist the truth deliberately!
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