Chapter 294: Impact

Qin Yuan laughed charmingly and whispered in his ear, "I knew I couldn’t hide it from my husband. To tell the truth, I just found out that Mr. Songshan is a famous Confucian scholar in the Wu and Chu regions. I don’t know why he hides himself in the theater telling stories. Although my cousin’s knowledge is already quite good, wouldn’t it be better if he could get guidance from Mr. Songshan?"

Gu Jinghui frowned and said earnestly, "Then tell me, whose scholarship is higher, your father’s or Mr. Songshan’s? Don’t feel I’m being rude; you don’t have to answer if you’re unhappy."

Qin Yuan laughed and said, "There’s nothing wrong with saying this; all scholars know. Although my father is the Sacrificial Officer, he is not as learned as Mr. Songshan. To put it this way, if Mr. Songshan were giving a lecture, my father, no matter how busy, would come to listen. But if my father gave a lecture, inviting Mr. Songshan, he might not necessarily have time to listen. You’re truly blessed to invite Mr. Songshan to tell stories. If he stays, it would be good fortune for the mansion."

"Stay for what?"

Gu Jinghui was puzzled.

"He’s a great scholar. He won’t teach children. Sixth Master... Sixth Master’s knowledge is average, and calling it average is even flattering him. He only barely finished primary school. Wouldn’t it be an insult to keep him?"

Qin Yuan rolled her eyes, patiently saying, "Yet he comes to the house to tell stories to someone with even worse scholarship than his."

Gu Jinghui: "..."

How can it be the same?

Moreover, why is his young wife’s elbow bending outward?

Though he is indeed less learned than Sixth Elder, saying it out loud is hurtful.

Mr. Songshan was already lecturing from the "Spring and Autumn Annals," and the Old Madam Gu listened happily, saying, "This gentleman speaks well; this old lady has learned several tales."

Nanny Rong said, "If the children listen like this from an early age, they’ll certainly be knowledgeable when they grow up."

Old Madam Gu said, "Just like our Marquis, always thinking wildly. To come up with such a method, look at how focused the children are as they listen."

Mr. Songshan’s storytelling, though not as vivid as usual storytellers, excels in its simplicity. A few words, upon careful thought, have deep meaning.

Children listen to stories, while Sixth Master Gu, an adult, gets inspired.

After one segment, Qin Heng asked questions frequently. Mr. Songshan did not brush off his youthful queries but answered earnestly.

Qin Siyuan then interjected and extended the discussion, comparing and arguing events and people from ancient to modern times.

Sixth Master was very supportive of his wise brother Siyuan, often cheering enthusiastically.

Although Mr. Songshan felt something was off, being pestered by the two with questions, he became interested, creating a lively back and forth.

Qin Yuan chuckled, "Luckily, we’re not in the theater. Otherwise, guests like these would be kicked out, and the storyteller might not have food to eat."

Gu Jinghui listened, a bit fascinated, sighing, "I didn’t know learning was done this way. Listening to them argue, my mind seems to have grown a little."

"Right, now do you know what to keep him for?"

Qin Yuan teased, "It’s to keep him in the house to talk to you, give you advice, help you widen your perspective, and incidentally, expand your mind."

Gu Jinghui: "..."

Who can understand this arrow to the heart?!

Scholars indeed are...

As tongues clash, time flies swiftly, and Qin Yuan has already ordered food to be served, inviting everyone to sit together.

Mr. Songshan, unrestrained, sat with Qin Siyuan and the others.

At this time, they began to compare poetry.

All because Qin Heng initiated, "My brother’s poems have spread widely in the Imperial College. I wonder if the gentleman is skilled in poetry?"

Mr. Songshan raised an eyebrow, saying, "I’d like to hear more."

Qin Siyuan promptly waved his hand, "It’s not to that extent. Kids just like to show off. I’m rather unlearned in poetry and shouldn’t let the gentleman read my joke."

Sixth Master couldn’t bear it, "Why is my wise brother Siyuan so humble? Quickly bring my room’s poetry collection."

The servant immediately fetched a poetry collection.

Sixth Master gestured to Mr. Songshan with a nod.

The servant then handed the poetry collection to Mr. Songshan, saying, "Sir, this collection includes our Sixth Master’s poems, along with his paintings, and everyone says they’re good."

Mr. Songshan glanced and smiled, "Acceptable, some lines are quite good."

Qin Siyuan laughed, "It’s fortunate to have the gentleman’s praise."

Sixth Master was unhappy.

His poetry aside, he knew his worth, but his wise brother Siyuan’s poetry couldn’t be judged so lightly.

"How can it be merely acceptable? Even the two masters say it’s done well."

Mr. Songshan said, "Poems are meant to express meanings. This Mr. Qin has solid learning, but lacks flexibility, quite crafted, but still, it’s good."

"Ha?!"

Sixth Master, generally amiable, couldn’t hold back, retorting, "Provide some rationale. Don’t just say someone’s poem has craftedness without backing it."

Originally, he wanted this storyteller to compose a few poems for comparison but thought it inappropriate, so he didn’t ask.

Unexpectedly, Mr. Songshan wasn’t daunted. He immediately and unreservedly pointed out several aspects.

"These characters are not used skillfully enough. This part of object allegory seems quite strained. Moreover, these lines are derived from ’Walking with a bamboo staff and straw sandals is lighter than on horseback’ and ’In a coat of reed-fluff under a cloak of rain, I live free,’ right? But the derivation isn’t well done, still lacking some mindset."

These poems were originally Qin Siyuan’s proud work.

Now critiqued, he suddenly felt mediocre.

Sixth Master: "..."

Qin Yuan, unable to resist her itch, said, "The gentleman’s words are very true. Perhaps one could blend ancient quotes with common modern theater lines to add more agility."

Mr. Songshan said, "Let’s hear it."

Qin Yuan said, "For example, ’In the Western Chamber’ there are lines like ’beautiful days and scenes, alas!’ and ’joyful events in whose courtyard?’. Tao Yuanming has lines such as ’no dust in the courtyard, and surplus leisure in the empty room; long imprisoned in a cage, now return to nature’. In ’Peach Blossom Spring’, there are lines like ’suddenly encountering the peach blossom forest, hundreds of steps along the banks, no mixed trees, fresh grass, and fallen blossoms.’ Since ancient poems borrowed scenery to express feelings, with different explanations and summaries, not to mention the expression of mindset, more freedom is needed. These lines have beautiful days and scenes, joyful events are present, the mindset of freedom and non-worldliness is present, so why can’t they be blended?"

Mr. Songshan gave it careful thought, leaving his food and chopsticks aside, saying, "Madam, your insights are excellent."

Gu Jinghui’s face was full of pride.

The Old Madam Gu also showed pride: "My daughter-in-law is from the Sacrificial Officer’s family. She’s been reading since childhood and has considerable knowledge."

Sixth Master quietly asked Qin Siyuan, "Is my third sister-in-law also good at composing poetry?"

Qin Siyuan looked at him as if he was a fool: "For someone who can speak like this, do you think she’s good at poetry? To be candid, my poetry was originally mediocre, Uncle painstakingly taught me but finally said I lack some curiosity. If not for my cousin’s guidance, I wouldn’t have been enlightened."

Qin Heng, listening from the side, dropped a chopstick full of fish onto the table.

Sixth Master, bewildered, glanced around, his mind filled with disorderly thoughts.

At the table, Mr. Songshan already said, "Madam’s words have given me gains. I’ve traveled for years and accumulated quite a few poems, keeping a booklet. If Madam doesn’t mind, I’d like to invite her to provide guidance."