newbobooks Chapter 243: The Conflict Escalates
Chapter 243: The Conflict Escalates
The tit-for-tat between Xiao Guanyin and Han Ming made many people's eyes light up, and they felt that things were becoming more and more interesting.
Originally, they all thought that the emergence of Su Shi in the Song Dynasty would be enough to suppress the entire Liao Dynasty poetry scene. Now, Xiao Guanyin obviously used a tactic of attacking Wei to save Zhao, and did not criticize Su Shi's poems so severely.
Then Han Ming actually stood up for him. This was the kind of plot they had always wanted to see.
If we ask whether the Liao Dynasty had great poets, there were certainly some, but were their caliber comparable to the thousands of years of heritage of the Central Plains dynasties? That's another matter.
Although the Song Dynasty was far inferior to the previous dynasties in politics and military affairs, it could be said to be as powerful as the Tang Dynasty in the cultural field.
Judging from the four words "Tang poetry and Song lyrics" that have been passed down, the entire history of Chinese civilization cannot be separated from the history of the Song Dynasty.
Due to national conditions, geopolitical factors and other factors, the magnificent development of Song Ci is unmatched by any subsequent era.
Therefore, whether the Liao Kingdom could produce someone comparable to Su Shi, who was a top figure in the Song Dynasty, the answer is of course no.
You can say that the Eight Great Masters of Tang and Song each had their own problems and shortcomings due to the limitations of the times, but you definitely cannot say that they were bad at literature and poetry.
Xiao Guanyin's poetry level is very high. She can even be said to be the leader of the contemporary Liao Dynasty poetry world and the most talented woman in the world.
However, this level would be greatly reduced within the Song Dynasty. Not to mention the distant future, nineteen years later, the Song Dynasty would usher in another top figure, who was hailed as the representative of the graceful school - Li Qingzhao, the Yi'an Jushi.
With this person's level, Xiao Guanyin might not even be able to compete with her, let alone think about playing chess with Su Shizhan, a great talent from the Su family.
In Han Ming's opinion, Xiao Guanyin simply saw that Su Shizhan had not yet reached the pinnacle of poetry and prose, so he used the roundabout way of "momentum" to pull him down.
Indeed, how could Su Shi, who was only 28 years old and doing well, compare to the heroic and vigorous words of "I am old but I still feel the passion of youth" at the age of 38?
Naturally, there is no such grandeur as the thirty-nine-year-old's "When will the bright moon appear? I raise my cup to ask the blue sky."
Of course, it is not as heroic as the sentence he said at the age of 45: "With a feather fan and a blue scarf, he destroyed the enemy's masts, oars and sails in the midst of laughter and conversation."
Finally, it cannot compare to the unrestrained and calm expression of the same year: "A bamboo stick and straw sandals are lighter than a horse, who is afraid? A straw raincoat will protect me from the wind and rain throughout my life."
What Su Zizhan lacked was not skills, knowledge, or ability. What he lacked was the indomitable and upward-looking "state of mind" after the ups and downs of officialdom!
"Since the Empress has made such a proposal, there is naturally no reason for me to refuse. Since it is an exchange between the two countries, we should follow her will."
"Please enlighten me, Madam!"
Han Ming bowed and stared at Xiao Guanyin with burning eyes.
At this moment, except for Han, everyone was watching the performance of the most talented woman in the Liao Dynasty and the leader of the poetry world with their eyes fixed on her.
"My Lord..." Su Zizhan's expression changed slightly and he called out in a low voice.
"Don't worry, when it comes to 'madness' and 'heroic momentum', this Marquis has plenty of confidence!"
Han Ming smiled slightly, patted the other person's shoulder, and asked him to step back and rest for a while.
"Wait until I subdue her. The rest of the people will depend on you! Come on."
Su Zizhan was moved by Han Ming's confident performance and nodded silently: "Don't worry, my lord. The rest of the people here are just chickens and dogs with clay ears!"
Hearing his idol's somewhat arrogant words, Han Ming felt happy in his heart. This must be the spirit of the Second Master!
After Su Shizhan left, the Liao Dynasty's rulers and ministers all breathed a sigh of relief. Frankly speaking, this young Mr. Su did put a lot of pressure on them.
They are actually quite good at writing poems, but they are not qualified compared to Su Shi.
Now that he's retired...
Huh?
It seems like there is still a great god left on the scene? !
Seeing the handsome and elegant Han Ming, the Liao monarchs and ministers suddenly had some bad thoughts in their hearts. This gentleman's poetry level... seems to be even more terrifying!
In fact, facing Han Ming, not only Xiao Guanyin, but also a group of poetry masters in the country felt a lot of pressure.
After all, the collection of Tang and Song poetry over thousands of years in one person is a terrifying act (plagiarist), which is equivalent to the level of Emperor Huang Tian who can dictate the world for eternity.
Anyone who wants to fight with Han Ming will have to pay a heavy price.
Fortunately, by the time Han Ming arrived in the Song Dynasty, many of his previous masterpieces had already been published.
Otherwise, if Han had settled during the Sui and Tang Dynasties, or the early Tang Dynasty, who knows how many of the bigwigs in the future would have lived in his shadow.
As of now, the representatives of the bold and unrestrained school and the graceful and elegant school between the two Song dynasties are under unprecedented pressure.
As for the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties that followed, it is a question whether they could still exist!
Seeing Han Ming's expression, Xiao Guanyin couldn't help but take a deep breath, suppressing her excitement and admiration, and casually called over her attendant: "Bring me the pen, ink, paper, and inkstone!"
Seeing their own queen facing such a powerful enemy, the entire Liao Kingdom held its breath, waiting for the birth of a masterpiece of poetry.
When Han Ming saw the other party grinding ink and dipping his brush and starting to think, he did not intentionally disturb him. Instead, he turned around and sat next to Su Zizhan to chat.
"Sir, won't you go and make some preparations?"
In fact, Su Shizhan and Han Ming were candidates in the same class, the one that was known as the "Dragon and Tiger List of All Time".
Therefore, he was the one who knew best how high the level of Han Ming's articles, poems, and policy essays was.
However, taking an on-the-spot test still depends on one's personal condition. He doesn't know whether Han Ming can still perform normally in this situation?
"Small problem, Brother Zizhan, you have to have confidence in me!"
Han Ming really likes the atmosphere when he is with Su Zizhan. It is a leisurely, carefree, unconventional and free-spirited feeling.
Su Zizhan didn't understand why this young man, who was a few years younger than him, admired him so much. Maybe it was just because they were closer in age.
After all, in the entire Song Dynasty, the only people who could talk to the Marquis of Anyang were important officials in their thirties or forties. Those under thirty couldn't even get close to him in terms of position.
Perhaps it was the mutual attraction between people of the same age, Su Zizhan also particularly liked the atmosphere with Han Ming.
Well, it can be said that it is a two-way journey for idols and fans!
Han Ming drank some wine and chatted, glancing sideways at Xiao Guanyin from time to time, only to find that Yelu Jun and the other four little ones were staring at him with murderous expressions.
It was as if he had done something shameful, or bullied their mother.
Han Ming shrugged, forced a smile at the corner of his mouth, and looked at the four little ones deeply.
Perhaps it was because Han Ming's expression was too 'obscene', or perhaps it was a little scary, which made the four little ones think of what happened at the palace banquet. They trembled all over and immediately lowered their heads, not daring to look Han Ming in the eye.
"Boring..." Han Ming rolled his eyes, supported his chin, and carefully observed Xiao Guanyin's appearance and movements.
She has an intelligent and beautiful appearance, is charming and attractive, has an introverted and delicate personality, and is very talented.
This is the evaluation of Xiao Guanyin in history books, which is indeed reasonable. She is not as heroic and majestic as the women in the north, but she has the gracefulness and gentleness of the women in the south of the Yangtze River, just like a river of spring water.
Han Ming silently evaluated the other party in his heart, but it turned out that many people had strange expressions on their faces, perhaps because his gaze was too enthusiastic or something else.
Even Yelu Hongji, who was sitting in the main seat, glanced at Han Ming and Xiao Guanyin with a frown.
Frankly speaking, compared to Yelu Hongji's heroic and domineering appearance, Han Ming is actually like a pretty boy, and seems to be a better match for Xiao Guanyin, who has some Jiangnan style.
Of course, this is the aesthetic taste of the Liao people. After all, nomadic people are used to having a little beard on their heroic faces to make them look majestic!
There was nothing on Han Ming's chin and lips, making him look like a bald chicken, which made these northern men feel a little uncomfortable.
In fact, it’s not that Han Ming doesn’t have a beard, but that he doesn’t have one at all. I don’t know why?
Moreover, Han is a genuine northerner. Although he is located in the Central Plains, he is also a well-known man!
Being stared at by everyone, although Han Ming was thick-skinned, he couldn't really be a subordinate. In the end, he could only pout and turn around to look at our Mr. Su!
Su Zizhan was so upset by Han Ming's action that all his previous depression disappeared. He raised his glass and drank with Han Ming, one glass at a time.