Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 78 How is Dai Zongfu?

The next morning, shortly after the gates of the neighborhood opened, the sound of carriages and horses could be heard outside, and soon a servant announced that a guest had arrived.

Zhang Dai went out to greet him and saw Wang Han, dressed in fashionable clothes, getting out of the carriage drunkenly with the help of a servant. He stepped forward and said with a smile, "I didn't expect Scholar Wang to arrive so early in the morning. The steps are not swept and the banquet is not set. I am truly impolite."

"I have long yearned to hear your beautiful voice and clear voice; now that I have been invited, I will come as soon as possible!"

Wang Han, acting as if he were a familiar and unceremonious man, carefully examined Zhang Dai a few times after getting out of the carriage. Then he said with a smile, "I was enjoying a banquet at home last night after receiving the invitation, and I was still in high spirits this morning. So I brought a few young men who admire your talent here to see you!"

As he spoke, he pointed behind his carriage. Zhang Dai looked in that direction and saw two boys, about his age, dismounting and heading this way.

The two boys, who had probably been feasting all night at Wang Han's house, were now somewhat dazed. As they approached, Wang Han grabbed one of the tall, thin boys and said to Zhang Dai with a smile, "Sixth Brother, do you know who this is? His grandfather was also a renowned scholar and was formerly friends with scholars such as Li, Su, and Cui..."

"Could it be Scholar Du of the Xiuwen Academy during the Jinglong era?"

After hearing this, Zhang Dai pondered for a moment, then looked at the boy being held by Wang Han and exclaimed, "Are you Du Fu?"

"Zhang Liulang actually recognizes me?"

Upon hearing this, the young man's drunken eyes cleared somewhat, and he stared at Zhang Dai with delight, saying, "When I was young, I was not well-known, perhaps because I was learning various arts and performing plays. May I ask if Zhang Yan Gong happened to hear about Du Er and thus mentioned him to Sixth Brother?"

Zhang Dai did not answer the boy's question, but instead carefully looked him up and down. Influenced by textbooks from later generations, he could not reconcile the image of the patriotic poet saint with the drunken boy in front of him.

To be honest, the image of this young poet saint didn't really impress him; in fact, it left him with a sense of disillusionment, like being disillusioned with an idol.

He merely mentioned Du Fu's name casually, yet the Poet Saint had already imagined his work being published, appreciated by the Duke of Yan, or even hailed as a masterpiece. This demonstrates that literary creation truly requires imagination. Perhaps when writing about this period in the future, it will be described as "Zhang Yue seeking recognition."

Zhang Dai did not expose his beautiful misunderstanding, nor did he explain where he had heard Du Fu's name. Instead, he looked at another boy, who Du Fu introduced him as his cousin, Zheng Zunyi, from the Zheng family of Xingyang.

Look at these two lads, arm in arm, they don't look like they're from different generations. They're probably traveling to the literary world and eating and drinking together in Luoyang.

The Zheng family of Xingyang had many branches, some of whom were complete strangers. Zhang Dai would not be hostile to all members of the Zheng family because of his stepmother, Zheng Shi, and quickly invited the three of them into his house.

After entering the house, Du Fu and Zheng Zunyi looked around and learned that this villa was a place given by Zhang Yue to his grandson for leisure and socializing. Their faces showed undisguised envy.

At this age, they already have a certain sense of independence and desperately want a space that is entirely their own, especially in this prestigious neighborhood of Luoyang, where even the imperial relatives live right next door. This is simply their dream! Compared to other grandsons of famous people, they are far inferior.

Wang Han arrived early in the morning, but not to bother his master. He was naturally enthusiastic, bold, and uninhibited. Moreover, he brought not only Du Fu and his nephew, but also two carriages. One carriage was filled with musical instruments and furnishings, while the other was full of wine and food, along with two charming maids.

"I know that your new residence is rather simple, with only a few common furnishings for decoration. I also know that the gift I gave to the actor was taken by the Ministry of Rites, leaving me to send this favor in vain. So I am sending you two servants as well. Please do not be shy and accept them with pleasure!"

After entering the residence and taking their seats in the main hall, Wang Han told Zhang Dai that his visit was not primarily as a guest, but rather to deliver a gift. He admired Zhang Shuo's grandson's talent and admired his character and deeds, so he genuinely wanted to befriend him.

"I haven't yet expressed my gratitude for the gifts I received before, how dare I accept such a generous gift today! Besides, Scholar Wang was recently dismissed from his post by the magistrate because of my affairs, and he hasn't apologized yet..."

Zhang Dai was also overwhelmed by Wang Han's repeated gifts. He was surprised that Wang Han would send maids and entertainers upon their first meeting. He knew Wang Han was wealthy, but he didn't even consider whether he could afford to stay there. Moreover, his grandfather had specifically warned him not to follow Wang Han's bad habit of indulging in sensual pleasures, lest he lose his integrity and moral character.

Wang Han waved his hand and said with a smile, "With the Duke of Yan gone, petty villains are in power. Even Zhang Sheren is not tolerated. Even without this incident, I would hardly be able to remain in the court for long. When I heard of your deeds, I was truly impressed! The Duke of Yan has an heir. Even if the times are not right, this family will surely be restored to glory because of you!"

Zhang Dai was surprised that Wang Han thought so highly of him, and he blushed a little at the praise.

Hearing Wang Han's high praise for the young man, the poet-sage beside him couldn't help but feel a little envious, and said, "Young Master Yu Gu is upright and unyielding, which is truly admirable. I heard that Scholar Wang was going to visit, so I shamelessly asked to come and see him."

Upon meeting him face to face, Liu Lang was indeed a delightful sight. Recalling the past, there was only one regret: since Liu Lang dared to storm the governor's office and denounce the villains, why didn't he take up arms and personally kill the traitors?

After hearing this, Zhang Dai looked at Du Fu again and saw that Du Fu was very excited when he spoke about this matter. It was clear that he was not just saying it casually, but really thought it should be so.

He broke out in a cold sweat, secretly marveling that the Poet Saint was even more ruthless than himself. He had only cursed Li Linfu a few times, and the Poet Saint actually thought he should be stabbed to death! Did he also dream that he would be tricked by Ye Wuyixian's lousy work in the future?
Of course, he wouldn't listen to Du Fu's nonsense. "Second brother, we're going to the imperial palace. You want me to kill someone with a weapon? Do you want me to be buried with your uncle?"

In later generations, Du Fu's name was known to every literate person, but at that time, his grandfather, Du Shenyan, was more famous. This was clearly the main reason why Wang Han appreciated Du Fu. While still slightly intoxicated, Du Fu even sang several of his own compositions at the banquet, all of which Zhang Dai had never heard before, indicating they hadn't been passed down to later generations. After listening, Zhang Dai concluded that there was a reason for their loss.

His grandfather, Du Shenyan, was a prominent figure in the early Tang Dynasty literary world, especially in promoting the development of the fixed rules and forms of regulated verse. This had a profound influence on Du Fu, whose life was filled with the creation of regulated verse, which constituted a large proportion of his poems.

The young Du Fu already showed signs of mastering metrical rules, but his skill was not refined. After reciting a few of his poems, the neatness was jarring, full of stiff technique and lacking in rich talent. They were completely incomparable to the deeply moving classic masterpieces of his later life.

Du Fu also noticed Zhang Dai's somewhat dismissive attitude towards his proud poems, and felt a little annoyed.

He was young and impetuous, lacking in composure, and his emotions easily surfaced. So he said, "I have heard of Liu Lang's 'Golden Robe' and his miscellaneous 'Tea,' which are full of charm, but lack a bit of style. The Yan family has passed down their skills, so surely they are not limited to these. I wonder if Liu Lang has any recent works that I can appreciate?"

Zhang Dai didn't know how other time travelers felt about the invitation to the Poet Saint's contest, but he felt that this spirited young man was a bit arrogant. However, youthful arrogance is a common problem for most young people, especially since this drunkard was still hungover, so he waved his hand to indicate that he hadn't been writing anything lately.

"Sixth Brother's refusal is hardly the proper way to treat a guest. Or perhaps it's because my two disciples are young and insignificant, and not worthy of your slightest perfunctory treatment?"

Zheng Zun, Du Fu's cousin, was also a little annoyed to see his uncle being slighted. He immediately glared at him and asked a question. Du Fu also turned a cold face after hearing this.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Dai sighed inwardly, "It's a pity I haven't met the best version of you yet. Let me help you grow."

So he smiled and said, “I have been busy with family matters lately and have really had no time to pursue my art. However, I recently heard my elders recount their experiences of accompanying me on the Fengshan ceremony, and I am filled with longing for it. So I picked up my pen and tried to write a five-character ancient poem. I would appreciate your corrections.”

"Excellent! To hear Liu Lang's new work today is truly a worthwhile trip!"

Wang Han greatly admired Zhang Dai's talent and, upon hearing this, became very interested and immediately leaned forward to greet him.

Du Fu and his nephew listened attentively. If the other's poem was good, they would naturally praise it. But if it was just a mediocre work, they would not care about the other's status as the grandson of the prime minister and could laugh without hesitation.

Amidst the expectant gazes of these people, Zhang Dai began to recite in the hall: "How majestic is Mount Tai! Its verdant peaks stretch endlessly across Qi and Lu..."

After Wang Han finished reciting "Looking at Mount Tai," the hall fell silent. Wang Han pondered the poem repeatedly, while Du Fu felt a sense of loss after listening to it, as if something that should have belonged to him had suddenly been lost.

"What a wonderful poem! Although Liu Lang was not there in person, he seemed to be there in his heart. His poetic sentiment is so moving and admirable!"

A moment later, Wang Han was the first to applaud, making no attempt to hide his love and admiration for the poem.

Zhang Dai knew what was going on, and upon hearing this, he simply waved his hands repeatedly to express that he was unworthy of the honor. When he looked at Du Fu again, he saw that Du Fu's expression was constantly changing. After a while, he stood up, bowed, and said, "I offended you with my arrogant words before, but you have now reminded me of humility with your talent!"

Zhang Dai quickly rose from his seat, not daring to accept such a bow, and said with a smile, "We gather in the courtyard in leisure, without arguing over who is better. Du Erlang's skills are superb, and his poetry is impeccable, deeply inheriting the traditions of his ancestors, which I cannot match. In the future, when we are both in Luoyang, we can play together for a long time."

"Sixth Brother's humility and propriety make me even more ashamed. No wonder Scholar Wang praised Sixth Brother's elegant and upright style. It would be my honor to learn from him and emulate him."

Zhang Dai was naturally happy to be friends with the Sage of Poetry, but he hoped that the Sage would stop dragging him into poetry duels.

To be honest, he felt a lot of pressure doing something like stealing someone's poem right in front of him. He even secretly decided that no matter how close Du Fu was to him in the future, he would do his best to ensure that Du Fu's son would not starve to death based on the friendship built on this one poem.

The atmosphere in the hall eased a little. Zhang Dai had come into this world drunk and was not enthusiastic about drinking, especially not drinking in the morning. So he chatted with a few drunkards about some anecdotes.

Just then, Zhang Yi hurriedly entered the hall and reported, "Reporting to Sixth Brother, an official from the Ministry of Rites has come to the front courtyard to inform you that you have been selected as the mourner for Prince Qi, and requests that you go to the Imperial Palace to participate in the funeral arrangements."

Prince Qi, please help me out? I had no intention of running for the election!

Zhang Dai was taken aback when he heard this, while Du Fu and his cousin, who were sitting at the table, immediately showed deep envy on their faces.

"That's enough for today. Liu Lang has something to attend to. We'll meet again another day."

Upon seeing this, Wang Han stood up and spoke, while Du Fu and his nephew also rose to take their leave. Zhang Dai saw them off at the house, and before parting, Du Fu held his hand and said, "I am currently staying at my aunt's house in Renfeng Lane. If you wish to visit, you can go to Renfeng Lane to ask!"

(End of this chapter)