bayedsolid Chapter 44 Wang Bo's Path to Rebirth
Chapter 44 Wang Bo's Path to Rebirth
The master's younger brother that Xiao Nangjun and the others brought was none other than... As for who he was, Si Zi discovered the clue through his poetry!
The master's younger brother was a rare young man with a touch of artistic flair, which actually added to the master's rigid personality.
However, if this younger brother's poetry is comparable to Wang Bo's, then we might need to re-examine the old saying that "literary men despise each other."
That said, if his poetry is as good as Xiao Nangjun's cooking, then let's not get our hopes up too high, lest even poetry become an "unpalatable" "awkward dish" for dinner!
Returning to Wang Bo, in 675 AD, Yan Boyu of the old county of Nanchang was busy rebuilding the Tengwang Pavilion and decided to invite literati to drink and celebrate on the Double Ninth Festival, and also hold a "literary gathering".
It was still the Tengwang Pavilion, the banquet hall specially arranged by Yan Boyu, filled with guests. On a tranquil autumn day of the Double Ninth Festival, literati gathered to appreciate the autumn waters and the boundless sky.
That day, Wang Bo woke up in the swaying carriage and found himself on his way to visit his father. He happened to be passing through Hongzhou and was invited by a friend in the circle.
Wang Bo felt the scene was so familiar that he thought, "Have I been reborn?!"
Yan Boyu was still thinking, "Today, I'll let everyone see my son-in-law Wu Zizhang's literary talent and give him a chance to make a name for himself!"
As before, he had Wu Zizhang write a preface in advance, which Wu Zizhang then carefully revised several times, preparing to present it at the banquet.
The party was lively and bustling. After several rounds of drinks, Yan Boyu suddenly asked a shocking question!
Yan Boyu (with a broad smile): "Distinguished guests, it is an honor to have you all gathered here today on this auspicious Double Ninth Festival. I would be extremely fortunate. Today, I would like to invite you all to display your literary talents and add a preface to my Tengwang Pavilion. What do you say?"
The guests looked at each other, each trying to come up with an excuse, as if playing hide-and-seek.
Guest Xiao hope (waving her hands repeatedly): "You flatter me, Governor. We are of limited knowledge and skills, how dare we presume to teach you?"
Guest Erqiu (humbly): "Governor, today is the Double Ninth Festival. Drinking wine and appreciating chrysanthemums is the proper way to celebrate. Let's leave the writing of the preface to someone with talent."
The customer, Sanpang, said, "I just finished eating, and my stomach feels uncomfortable!"
The guest, Er Ya, said, "I'm thinking about the meaning of life," almost as if to say, "I made an appointment with Qin Churen today, so I'm leaving now to go have a second round of drinks."
Yan Boyu (secretly pleased, but outwardly composed): "Since that's the case, then I won't force you. However, please don't refuse, and at least do me the honor of seeing my son-in-law's humble work."
Yan Boyu (handing a pen and paper to his son-in-law) spoke with his eyes: "My dear son-in-law, today is a rare opportunity, you must do your best."
The son-in-law (took the paper and pen without ceremony) responded with his eyes: "Father-in-law, rest assured, I will do my utmost!"
Wang Bo, sitting in the corner, muttered to himself, "This kid is still so overconfident!"
Just then, Yan Boyu fixed his gaze on Wang Bo, thinking to himself, "This lad seems quite cultured and young. He could be a good foil. Why not give him a try!"
In the crowd, Wang Bo sat in a corner, dressed in a blue robe. This time, however, he was not as impetuous as he had been when he was young, but he appeared calm and composed on the surface.
Si Zi told him, "Zi An, your talent is like a brilliant star, already fully revealed in the 'Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng,' making you famous far and wide, and destined to be remembered for all time! However, behind this glory lies untold hardship and danger."
Wang Bo always harbored an unsolved mystery: his bizarre drowning death.
Everyone assumed he died while swimming, but the truth is far more complex.
It was a dark and windy night when Wang Bo was being chased by unidentified people on the boat.
They approached silently like ghosts, forcing him to jump into the river in hopes of survival.
Time flies, and Wang Bo's fame has been passed down through the ages with "Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng," but his life was forever frozen on that night.
Now, a wisp of his spirit is able to play the game again, so Wang Bo is determined to uncover the truth of what happened back then and find the murderer who hunted him down.
When the governor called his name, Wang Bo accepted the brush and ink without hesitation, stood up, cupped his hands and said, "I am just passing through Hongzhou on my way to visit my father. I am honored to attend the governor's banquet. I am extremely grateful."
Yan Boyu rolled his eyes inwardly: "Who cares about your visit to your father? Hurry up and be a supporting character, write it quickly!"
(Wang Bo begins to write, and the guests whisper among themselves.)
Yan Boyu (pretending to go to the toilet, not even giving them the face to watch, but secretly instructing his subordinates): "Keep a close eye on him and see what this kid can write."
The subordinate official (reporting for the first time): "Yuzhang, the old prefecture, and Hongdu, the new capital."
Yan Boyu (disdainfully): "It's the same old story, nothing new."
The subordinate official (reporting for the second time): "The stars are divided into Wing and Chariot, and the land connects to Heng and Lu."
Yan Boyu (remains silent, his heart pounding)
The official (reporting for the third time): "The sunset glows and the lone wild goose fly together; the autumn waters blend with the vast sky."
Yan Boyu (suddenly stands up, excitedly): "Truly talented! Truly talented! This article will surely be passed down through the ages!"
When Wu Zizhang saw this, his heart sank: "My preface is simply not fit for the stage!"
So he carefully put away his preface, which the old man had 'carefully revised' many times, thinking to himself:
"This is practically digging a hole for myself!"
(Wang Bo suddenly pretends to fall to the ground, startling everyone.)
Yan Boyu (stepping forward to check): "Young master! What's wrong?"
(Wang Bo suddenly opened his eyes and sat up.)
Wang Bo (looking completely bewildered): "What... happened to me?"
Yan Boyu: "Young master, are you alright? You wrote a beautiful poem. Are you feeling tired or unwell from the journey?"
Wang Bo (touching his head) said casually, "Oh, I've always been in poor health."
Wang Bo thought to himself, "I refuse to believe this nonsense! Why can't someone with such outstanding talent shine brightly? I don't care about the saying 'the tallest tree in the forest is bound to be felled by the wind'!"
He darted his narrow eyes across the crowd, scrutinizing each face with his sharp gaze, trying to find some clue, but he couldn't discern anything.
He knew full well that this was a dangerous game; the nail that sticks out gets hammered down. Since fate had given him a second chance, he had to be extremely careful and not let anyone discover his true thoughts.
But we can't be too hasty, or the big fish won't take the bait!
(Inside the banquet hall, Wang Bo once again wielded his brush, leaving the guests dumbfounded.)
Wang Bo (full of confidence) continued to gloat, seemingly determined to arouse envy: "Father-in-law, this time, I will make Tang Dynasty literature shine because of me!!!"
(Inside the banquet hall, laughter and applause mingled; Wang Bo's journey of rebirth had begun!!)