Chapter 371 - Old Wus Birthday Gift (2/2)

The last few lines were only between the two of them. Only Master Zhou and his two disciples who were holding up the calligraphy piece could hear it. Well, there was also Zhang Ye who had a keen ear. As for the rest, they did not hear it. They only heard that Wu Zeqing was lending it to Master Wei for a period of time for his enjoyment. He still had to return it when the time came.

Lending it to him for a hundred years?

Then that was something that did not need to be returned!

Zhang Ye did not mind Wu Zeqing's decision. He supported Old Wu in everything that she did.

The two disciples were stunned and did not utter a word. Since Wu Zeqing had whispered, she naturally had a reason behind it. Saying that she was lending it instead of giving it to Master Wei was most likely to save Master Wei face. So, they did not make it known.

Master Zhou was overjoyed with this outcome. In a good mood, he instructed the staff to begin the banquet.

Master Wei's mood also turned good. ”I think we should eat in the courtyard.”

”Sure.” Master Zhou looked up. ”Today's weather is pretty good. It's nice and warm.”

Another calligraphy master smiled and said, ”Alright, then let's set up tables in the backyard. If there's not enough s.p.a.ce, the rest can go eat inside the building.”

The tables were set up.

The dishes were served.

Wu Zeqing called Zhang Ye over. ”Did you hear it?”

”Ah? Hear what?” Zhang Ye pretended not to know.

Wu Zeqing had only used a voice that only the two of them could hear. ”I have given the auspicious item you won for me to Master Wei. Since it was won by you, I have to let you know.”

Zhang Ye said, ”Oh, it's fine. It's up to you. After all, I won it for you.”

Wu Zeqing smiled faintly and said, ”The reason why I didn't want Master Zhou's calligraphy piece is because I want you to write one for me. I did not want that gift, so you have to prepare a gift for me. I believe once the meal begins, everyone will begin giving their gifts. It wouldn't look good if you are empty-handed, right? Hur Hur, I'm waiting for you to write a nice calligraphy piece for me.”

Zhang Ye felt a proud. What sort of person was Master Zhou? He was a calligraphy master. To think President Wu gave up on Master Zhou's exquisite piece of calligraphy and thought nothing of it, but instead, she wanted one of Zhang Ye's calligraphy pieces. How great of an honor was this? Zhang Ye felt flattered and honored at the same time.

However, what should he write?

There was nothing he could write!

Zhang Ye laughed and said, ”Why don't I give you the ancient poems and couplets I wrote previously to you. You can treat them all as a birthday gift, alright?”

Wu Zeqing said, ”I already wanted those poems. Hur Hur, but I think it's not enough. After all, those aren't true ancient poetry. They lack the support of allusions. Be it poems or melody poems, there is no historical background to them, so it is lacking in the mood.”

Zhang Ye was unconvinced. ”How can there not be any allusions supporting them?”

Wu Zeqing chuckled, ”Then let me ask you, in that melody poem, 'Lady Yu, the Royal Beauty', why was she called a beauty? And which homeland was it? In 'Mourning Day', what place is the Almond Flower Village the cowherd points to? Is there some story behind them? In 'Pa.s.sing by Huaqing Palace', what sort of place is Huaqing Palace? In 'one horse rider kicking up red dust, the concubine laughs', who was the concubine? How do you know there was a concubine who ate lychee? Are there ancient records of such events in history? Is there such information in literature?”

Zhang Ye tried explaining, ”About that...”

Before he finished speaking, Wu Zeqing laughed. ”Anyway, you owe me a gift, and I'll want it in a while.”

”Little Wu, come join us over here in the main seats.” Master Zhou called over.

Wu Zeqing went over leaving Zhang Ye smiling wryly. Old Wu was clearly trying to rob him. And she was planning on robbing him dry!

Not only her, everyone else knew Zhang Ye's poems were good. There was no faults that could be picked in terms of literature, but it lacked the support of history and allusions. If it was written by an ancient, then there was no need to even think about it. The ancients were part of history to begin with. These poems were perfect, but Zhang Ye wasn't an ancient. He was just a modern person who had absorbed modern day culture. This caused his poems to drop in value.

Zhang Ye was still unconvinced!

Who told you my poems do not have any allusions supporting them?

Who told you I can't explain them through historical information?

Why was ”Lady Yu, the Royal Beauty” called a beauty? Because, Lady Yu, she...forget it, let's talk about the next one. Eh, what country was the homeland?  The homeland was of course...Right, let's talk about Almond Flower Village. Where was Almond Flower Village? Almond Flower Village is actually...the...the place beside...Sweet...Sweet Rice Village...F**k! I just wanted to f**king write Almond Flower Village! Why do all of you care!? Why care!?

Zhang Ye became angry. He indeed could not explain the stories behind these ancient phrases. If he had to explain, he would have to extend it to the historical stories from his world.

These poems lacked some meaning?

Then what gift can I give you?

Few ancient poems rarely didn’t have a story behind them!

Do I have to write a folk song poem? Many of these did not have any historical allegories, as they themselves were a form of allegory. They were adapted from folk tales. From Zhang Ye's understanding, it was just an ancient story, telling some fict.i.tious story, then there would be no need to have any historical stories to support it.

Folk song poem.

What should I write for Old Wu?

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