Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 472 - 308: Titled "First Meeting

"I have a question for Mr. Gu. In which book did you come across this lyric?"

Fu Yanshan was obsessed with books. Seeing Gu Chengyu introduce a new poetic form, he couldn’t help but feel excited, eager to study it in detail later.

"Brother Fu, it was in a solitary historical collection where I found it, not an acclaimed work. The book has been damaged, so I fear I cannot provide any clarification for you."

Fu Yanshan, hearing this, could only shake his head in regret, unable to question further.

"I say, Gu Chengyu previously claimed to have found the typeface in a book, and now he’s saying the same for this poetic form. Why have we never seen them?"

Some students couldn’t help but envy Gu Chengyu’s luck. After all, he was creating a new poetic form! They could imagine it would soon become popular throughout the Capital and spread beyond.

Although it needed recognition from the Great Scholars, none of them had the skill to create a new poetic form. This lyric was like any poem, rhythmed and rhymed, just with a different structure!

"You’re quite naïve. You believe him because he claims to have seen it in a book? I think it’s his own creation. Consider this: the first time might’ve been a coincidence, but the second time being another coincidence seems a bit stretched, doesn’t it?"

Someone was quite interested in Gu Chengyu’s Yan Style, even tried to imitate it but couldn’t grasp its essence fully. It’s a pity that the masterpiece of Gu Chengyu’s writings circulated so rarely, and he himself seldom used the Yan Style for writing. Attempts to imitate were limited to a few rare copybooks, even harder to find than those solitary copies.

"Really? If it was self-created, why wouldn’t he simply admit it rather than claim he saw it in a book?" Some doubted, wondering why Gu Chengyu would forgo such a great opportunity for fame? This could elevate him to a Great Scholar status, equal to those contemporary scholars, without anyone questioning it.

"For a new typeface and poetic form to be accepted, it always takes time. It might be rejected initially, as Gu Chengyu isn’t yet an acclaimed figure. He claimed to have seen it in books to ease acceptance, extending his name—though regretting such a fine opportunity."

If recognized by all, he would truly be considered a contemporary Great Scholar.

Oblivious to others’ imaginations, Gu Chengyu was pondering whether he could achieve first place tonight.

Lu Chen pondered for a moment, "Since it’s a work by previous authors, it stands on sound arguments—or let Great Scholars investigate it. Who knows how many hours the result might take; better treat it like any other poem and determine the winner now."

Everyone agreed it made sense; no matter what, they must determine a winner tonight.

Lu Chen lifted Gu Chengyu’s lyric, ordered two copies made, and whispered to his followers. Gu Chengyu watched as the followers took the lyric away. Lu Chen didn’t specify which Great Scholar would review it, and no one else asked. Having results, they would be announced.

Min Feng watched Gu Chengyu and had a foreboding feeling. Perhaps after tonight, Gu Chengyu’s name would become even more renowned in the Capital than before.

"Do you think this lyric could serve as a musical score? Can Brother Gu sing and play it? Maybe let everyone appreciate it."

Lu Chen suddenly recalled Gu Chengyu’s lyric was actually a tune, curious to hear it. He began to appreciate Gu Chengyu, thinking he might present some of Gu Chengyu’s works to the Fourth Prince tonight.

Min Feng glanced at Gu Chengyu; the difference in format made it hard to set a distinct winner. It depended on the poetic interpretation, which everyone seemed to neglect, focusing instead on discussing Gu Chengyu’s lyric. Min Feng believed his poem outmatched Gu Chengyu’s lyric in theme and poetic nuance.

Unsettled, Min Feng felt unjustly treated, having prepared since hearing about the banquet. It served as a chance to dispel previous rumors, eliminating suspicions he was merely a pretender.

"This lyric is indeed good, but tonight’s competition is in poetry. Junior Brother Gu could write a new poem for fair comparison, deciding the winner. Surely, Junior Brother Gu has no objections?"

Gu Chengyu valued the lady’s opinion significantly, regardless of the reason; he undoubtedly wouldn’t forgo first place.

Lu Chen glanced at Min Feng, smiling slightly—impatient, wasn’t he?

"I think this lyric could compete too, but it doesn’t quite fit tonight’s poetic theme. However, if Brother Gu drafts another closer to the theme, we’ll determine the winner."

Upon hearing this, Liang Shaoen and Yu Ting exchanged looks; Lu Chen usually wasn’t this agreeable.

Min Feng’s face darkened; tonight’s rules hadn’t prohibited multiple poem entries from Gu Chengyu, even if he penned several more.

Gu Chengyu knew the current lyric didn’t fit precisely, and though he had another matching lyric, he hesitated to write.

Amidst the urging, Gu Chengyu was compelled to write again. He pondered—too explicit would tarnish his reputation if made public. Deliberating thoroughly, he finally began writing.

This time, Lu Chen and the students crowded around Gu Chengyu; no need for reading aloud as everyone eagerly watched.

Min Feng, witnessing this, felt bitter, returning to his seat alone, drowning in liquor. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

"Embrace the alluring in silken array, hearts aligned, smiles revealing inner connections.

Along the willow and bloom, cling to fragrance and jade, frolic under moonlight, breeze cascading.

Worthy of illustrating joy nurtured by envied phoenixes, stand proud amidst floral moon comptition.

Delicate in green duck shade, tremble amidst rain’s cloud trace.

Unfulfilled destiny of earlier life, serendipitously meeting in this lifetime."

Gu Chengyu reviewed it, evoking some meanings without being excessively explicit, then noted the lyric’s title—’First Meeting’, ending with his own signature.

"Named ’First Meeting’—could there be more?" Lu Chen noticed the unfinished nature and asked, perplexed.

Gu Chengyu nodded, contemplating silently. A gentleman indeed—guided by famous tutors from a young age, profoundly versed in poetry and song. Despite his own poetic talents, his evaluative skills were commendable.

"Remarkably, the lyric reads like a poem, mellifluous in tune, akin to musical composition!"

Zhu Pang, hearing this, glanced at the student and remarked, "Wasn’t it mentioned earlier that the lyric could serve as a musical score."

Gu Chengyu nodded, addressing Lu Chen, "More naturally follows; the first piece is ’First Meeting’."

"What about the next? Brother Gu, wouldn’t it be prudent to write for everyone’s appreciation?" Actually, the novelty of the lyric intrigued everyone, hinting at format variations from Gu Chengyu’s previous work.