Frost for a Thousand Years

Chapter 35: What scholar could become a marquis?
The world is focused on Song Shi'an.

It could be said that Sun Situ was after this plate of vinegar-wrapped dumplings.

The main purpose of the banquet was originally to find a husband for the youngest daughter and to promote the son.

But now, it's completely changed.

The purpose is to target Song Shi'an and the author of the policy essay "The Strategy of Military Colonization," to show His Majesty the determination of the Sun family of Yangzhou to resist military colonization.

Although Song Shi'an has achieved the top rank in the imperial examination with this essay, once he enters officialdom, he will only be a seventh-rank official and will absolutely not be able to preside over any important court affairs.

Not to mention becoming a core leader in a major national policy like land reclamation.

However, it is certain that such a person will be chosen to carry it out.

Therefore, the imperial court's current plans are basically out in the open.

Give Song Shi'an a safe county to serve as the local official, so he can boost his reputation and political achievements.

If he possesses the governing ability of a county, and in the short term, while not necessarily achieving great prosperity and harmony, he can at least ensure stability and modest success within his jurisdiction, then after his term as county magistrate ends, he will certainly be promoted several ranks and entrusted with the important task of land reclamation in a prefecture, becoming the youngest high-ranking official in the world today.

It can be said that the times create heroes.

But does he dare to be the hero?

The reason why Minister Sun is targeting him today is to make him back down and not dare to get involved in this mess.

They've all been hyped up and are now in the spotlight; if they don't move forward, they'll fall behind.

He has now quickly knelt before the Sun family of Yangzhou, which means he will definitely be abandoned by the court—how can he become a prominent figure if he dares not offend a powerful family?

Wei Yiyuan picked up his wine cup, stared intently at Song Shi'an, and couldn't help but become serious.

Writing a poem in the name of 'birthday' is actually a huge pitfall.

In fact, everyone knows that for Song Shi'an, who wrote "Exhortation to Learning," reciting poetry was not a challenge, but rather a comfort zone.

But at this moment, the quality of the poem is completely unimportant.

At a distinguished elder's birthday banquet, you are asked to compose a poem for him. If you do, how will the land reclamation work proceed in the future?
This poem can hold your breath for a lifetime.

If you become enraged and truly angered, and start insulting and subtly mocking Sun Situ, it's neither dignified nor respectful of an elder. This will give Sun Situ ample grounds to attack you in the future.

Wei Yiyuan couldn't think of a solution that would satisfy both sides.

"The top scholar's 'throwing out a brick to attract jade' isn't just a way to stall for time and carefully choose his words, is it?"

Han Zhongchen, who had actually cheated, sneered with self-righteousness.

Song Shi'an slowly picked up the wine cup and stood up.

Get out of your seat.

He walked unsteadily.

He was actually composing poetry while holding a cup of wine, quite the dissolute fellow.

Gao Yunyi now thinks that Song Shi'an is really brave.

Song Shi'an, whose seat was in the corner, walked forward step by step.

It's like walking the same path again.

Born in a rural area of ​​Shandong, it took him a long time to gain recognition.

Lacking any manners and even somewhat disheveled, he pointed at a student upon approaching him, his finger sinking downwards involuntarily due to his drunkenness: "The ambition of a great man."

"..."

The Asian scholar was stunned and dumbfounded.

But Song Shi'an continued walking.

"It should flow like a great river eastward to the vast sea."

The person being referred to in those words was Han Zhongchen.

No one understood what these words meant as a prelude to composing a poem.

But everyone felt a strong sense of urgency and determination.

And he kept walking!

Logically speaking, the center of the lobby should be enough.

But he was getting closer and closer to Sun Situ.

"Why bother," he stopped in front of Fan Wuji, "longing for a life of gentle pleasures?"

Fan Wuji was stunned.

He didn't understand how he had offended Song Shi'an, or why Song would say such things about him.

But at the same time, it is indeed a bit embarrassing.

He was truly attracted to Miss Sun Jinhua and lost his composure, eager to show off.

Sun Jinhua is even more innocent.

Huh? They're insulting me too?
"If you don't yearn for the land of gentle pleasures, what's the point of writing poetry!" Han Zhongchen couldn't bear it any longer and scolded, "Could it be that you're jealous because you can't win over Miss Situ?"

Your profound argument is basically saying that we showed no manly backbone in front of Minister Sun and Miss Sun, isn't it?
Sun Heng also got angry and said, "Just write poetry, why say all this? You're the only one who stands out among all the contestants! You're the only one who's truly noble!"

However, his curses seemed to have no effect on him.

Moreover, he even continued to walk forward!

They have already surpassed Sun Heng and Sun Qian's positions at the very front.

They were right in front of Sun Situ and Prince Zhongping.

“You madman, how dare you offend His Highness and the Minister of Works!” Sun Heng stood up.

But the next moment, he did something even more outrageous.

He actually dared to turn around and face those two.

He turned his back to the Minister and the prince.

Instantly, all the Asian Yuan members, including Sun Qian and Sun Heng, simultaneously raised their sleeves and bowed their heads, all avoiding the situation with an apology gesture.

Wei Yiyuan's eyebrows furrowed slightly, revealing a sharp, eagle-like gaze.

Being drunk is not a reason to anger the prince.

Sun Situ was furious and was about to get up.

Suddenly, Song Shi'an raised his voice:

"Why shouldn't a man carry a hunting hook and seize fifty states beyond the passes?"

His voice was loud and clear, and his momentum was overwhelming.

More importantly, this poem embodies a broad vision and a grand spirit.

It refers to the Guanshan territory in the north, which once belonged to Dayu but was occupied by the pseudo-Qi.

At the very moment when the two armies were engaged in battle, it was undoubtedly a grand and imposing event.

This single sentence was enough to temporarily replace everyone's fear with shock.

Next, facing the scholars and noblemen of the Imperial Examination Center, Song Shi'an raised his finger and pointed at each of them, saying each word clearly, "Please, sir, ascend to the Cloud Pavilion for now."

Unconsciously, Fan Wuji, Gao Yunyi, and the others slowly raised their heads, their expressions tense, bewildered, and uneasy.

But Song Shi'an's insults came in the next frame, with a resounding question: "Which scholar has ever been a marquis?"

"..."

The beauty of poetry is easy to discover.

These exceptionally talented individuals are all eloquent and articulate.

However, not everyone possesses the lofty ideals and noble spirit found in this.

This poem undoubtedly launched a sweeping generalization.

Moreover, it is extremely arrogant and absurd.

But indeed, for every person with lofty aspirations, this is the ultimate goal in life.

Even the great sage Sun Situ had never seen a poem like this.

Without a doubt, it is an original work.

"Please ascend the Cloud Pavilion for a moment, for which scholar has ever become a marquis of ten thousand households..."

Gao Yunyi murmured this sentence, already feeling somewhat excited.

Those who were enfeoffed as dukes or marquises after the founding of the country and entered the Cloud Pavilion, which one of them did not expand the territory and make great achievements?

Which one is the greedy and corrupt scholar?

Slowly, under everyone's gaze, Song Shi'an turned around and faced Sun Situ and Prince Zhongping.

He was still holding a wine cup in his hand and bowed to the two of them.

This means that the student's poem has been abandoned.

The offenses against the royal family have certainly not been forgotten.

But King Zhongping granted the pardon.

He looked at Sun Situ.

"Please ascend the Cloud Pavilion for a moment, for which scholar has ever become a high-ranking official?" This is indeed a fine poem, full of lofty aspirations and ambitions.

Sun Situ stared at Song Shi'an, and after saying this, he solemnly asked in an icy tone: "But what does this poem have to do with my birthday?"

Song Shi'an smiled slightly, extended the wine cup, and then released it. The cup clattered loudly, startling everyone who held their breath. Afterward, he laughed and said, "What does your 'birthday' have to do with me?"

Having said that, he turned and walked out of the hall.

(End of this chapter)