nashuaworldcup Chapter 280: Joining the Army
Chapter 280: Joining the Army
Chapter 280 Joining the Army
Throughout the banquet, toasts were exchanged and laughter filled the air. Many soldiers were extremely happy after the war, as the lost territory of a hundred miles had been recovered once again.
This is their home. Wherever the Yanhuang Kingdom goes, it is their home. They have a deep affection for this land beneath their feet, and no one can take it away from them.
"Chief Ye, this cup of wine is to you. Thank you for leading us to reclaim this hundred-mile territory. I also apologize for my previous recklessness."
Guan Mou stood up and apologized to Ye Ru.
He never expected that a mere insignificant scholar could actually turn the tide of the war and win so decisively.
"General Guan is too kind. One should fulfill one's duties in a position of authority, and not simply hold a position without doing any work."
Ye Ru quickly picked up his wine glass, clinked it with Guan Mou's, and then drank it all in one go.
"readily!"
Guan Mou laughed heartily, but his eyes darted around as if searching for something.
"Commander Ye, I'd like to toast you with this cup as well."
Guo Ku also raised his glass.
"Okay, thank you, Mr. Guo Ku."
"Commander Ye, I have long admired your exceptional talent. I also consider myself a poet. How about we exchange ideas and discuss the scenery of this frontier?"
At this moment, the military staff officer who had been so eager to invite and host the banquet suddenly stood up and laughed.
"I don't know your name?"
Ye Ru was taken aback, and his face became somewhat unnatural, as if he had understood the intention of the military staff officer.
The other party had gone to great lengths to invite me to this banquet, probably because they wanted to outdo me at the event.
After all, his own reputation as a poet and writer is extremely high. If the other party could defeat him, he could rise to the top in one step, which would be the most powerful way.
"My surname is Wang, and my given name is Wang Xiu. I am a descendant of Wang Can."
The military staff officer named Wang Xiu said with a smile.
These words made Ye Ru raise an eyebrow. Back then, Wang Can was one of the Seven Scholars of Jian'an, and was even called the crown of the Seven Scholars by Zhong Rong. He also became the King of Cao alongside Cao Zhi, achieving great success.
"Yes, Chief Ye, you are learned and your ability to lead troops in battle is unparalleled. Writing poetry is no challenge for you, is it?"
At this moment, another clerk stood up, holding a folding fan, and said.
"Could it be that Chief Scholar Ye is afraid?"
Many people echoed this sentiment.
"Please be patient, everyone. Writing poetry is different from leading an army into battle. Besides, Chief Ye has spent a lot of energy these past few days trying to reclaim lost territory. Even if he were to write poetry, he wouldn't do it well. Why don't we hold a special literary gathering for the border region tomorrow and invite scholars from the border regions who are dedicated to writing poetry to come?"
As everyone cheered, Chen Tianjian smiled slightly, stood in front of Ye Ru, and said finally.
"We have wine, meat, and refined tastes today. If it were tomorrow, it would be less than satisfactory. Chief Ye, since it is a joyous occasion today, why not have a contest with us and let us be convinced?"
Wang Xiu picked up his wine cup and smiled.
At this moment, some soldiers or scholars were glancing around furtively, seemingly preparing to do something.
"In that case, I will grant your wish, Brother Wang. A contest of frontier poems is certainly possible. Please go ahead."
Ye Ru pondered for a moment, knowing that it was impossible not to compete today, and then bowed.
"Okay, then I'm welcome."
Wang Xiu looked around, then gazed at the distant mountains, and recited:
"Since ancient times, the northern frontier has been desolate, where countless battles have shattered metal and stone..."
Wang Xiu picked up his brush and wrote down stroke by stroke. A surge of talent gradually spread out, finally leaping off the paper and forming a four-foot-high display of talent.
"Mr. Guo, what do you think? Wang Xiu's poem perfectly captures the characteristics of our northern border. Since ancient times, of the four borders of the east, west, south, and north, only our northern border has fought the most battles, and the soldiers' homesickness is also the strongest."
As a great Confucian scholar, Chen Tianjian was naturally quite accomplished in poetry. Upon seeing this poem, he nodded, a look of admiration appearing on his face.
"This poem is very good, and it can be considered almost a simple description, but it lacks a sense of heroism. The most prominent feature of the frontier is its magnificent and heroic spirit, but the sense of heroism in this poem is barely noticeable."
Guo Ku frowned, then said softly.
"If that's the case, then so be it. A poem that is four feet long and astonishing is quite good. Record it and give it to the National Academy for review."
Chen Tianjian waved his hand, and someone came over and quickly wrote down the poem.
"Wow, I never expected Brother Wang Xiu to have such talent. He truly amazes us all."
Some scholars praised it.
"This is Ye Anshou's first time visiting the frontier, and he is not very familiar with the natural scenery there. I wonder if he can surpass Wang Xiu's poems."
Others also had some concerns about Ye Ru.
"This poem is quite wonderful."
Ye Ru nodded and praised.
"Next, it's Brother Ye Ru's turn."
Wang Xiu gestured with his hand, indicating that he should invite the other party.
"Well, then I'll make a fool of myself."
Ye Ru nodded, took out paper and pen, and began to write:
"Long clouds over Qinghai darken the green mountains, and from the lonely city, one can gaze afar at the Purple Cloud Pass."
As he slowly wrote down the two lines of poetry, his talent surged rapidly, showing the potential for a powerful burst of inspiration. A sound like a war drum began to resound here, then transformed into countless drumbeats, as if echoing right next to his ears.
"The clouds and mist rising from Qinghai Lake darken the Cangshan Mountains, creating an oppressive atmosphere reminiscent of the impending storm during wartime. Yet, the Zicheng and Yunguan Passes on the frontier, though thousands of miles apart, are still within sight of each other. The majestic Yumen Pass, Qinghai Lake, Cangshan Mountains, and Ziyun Pass are all unique sights in my northern border region. These two poems are truly wonderful, beyond words."
As he read the poem aloud, Guo Ku clicked his tongue in admiration.
"I finally understand what heroic spirit is. Listen, the sound of these war drums has reached a real level."
Chen Tianjian laughed heartily, and the people around him also praised him.
"Having fought a hundred battles in golden armor, we will not return until the demon race is defeated!"
As Ye Ru wrote the last two strokes, the poem "Sage's Poem" instantly leaped to the level of a world-renowned poem. A powerful poetic spirit suddenly burst forth from Ye Ru in all directions.
"A poem that will be praised by all, my God... This poem alone could probably defeat ten thousand demon soldiers."
Guo Ku's hand suddenly froze, and both he and Chen Tianjian were shocked.
"Is this really written by Ye Anshou? The artistic conception and thought are both top-notch. This poem could probably guard Ziyun Pass if it were placed here."
After a moment, Chen Tianjian swallowed and said again:
"If the first two lines are a description of the environment that blends emotion and scenery, then these two lines turn to direct expression of emotion. The line 'Having fought a hundred battles in the yellow sands, I can read the length of time spent guarding the frontier, the frequency of battles, the hardship of the fighting, the strength of the enemy, and the desolation of the frontier.' These five extraordinary phenomena truly make it the crown of the frontier!"