The Song Dynasty was the king for thirteen years before he knew that he was Tianlong.

Chapter 385 A Beauty That Could Topple Kingdoms (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Upon hearing this, everyone couldn't help but show a relieved expression. Since there were no restrictions, this poem would be easy to compose.

Regardless of its quality, the point is that it can be made.

"Beautiful lady" is a title for a graceful and virtuous woman. It is easy to compose a poem on this topic. Even without the talent for improvisation, one can easily recite a few lines.

Moreover, this question has been frequently encountered in the past, and many people have answered it before, so they have a draft in mind and can recite it at any time.

At this moment, the boat became lively, with everyone eager to volunteer.

Seeing that there were too many people, Luo Fu said, "Let's take turns, starting from the left."

She then looked at Zhao Ti, who remained expressionless and motionless. Mo Xun, who was standing beside him, said, "I'll compose one first."

As he spoke, he stood up, went to the rug in front of him, and recited a seven-character quatrain. It was neat and tidy, not particularly amazing, but not bad either.

After finishing, he returned and sat down, looking at Zhao Ti and asking, "Brother Zhao, how was it?"

Zhao Ti nodded emphatically: "Brother Mo did an excellent job, I admire you."

Mo Xun's lips twitched: "Brother Zhao, don't you have any points to point out?"

Zhao Ti said, "Do you really want to find fault?"

Mo Xun hurriedly shook his head: "Never mind, never mind..."

He then whispered, "I didn't write this myself, so even if Brother Zhao points out something wrong with it, I won't understand."

Zhao Ti smiled, picked up his cup, and took a sip of tea.

At this moment, someone stepped forward and continued reciting poetry in the middle. It was a five-character quatrain, short but well-structured.

Then the scholars in the boat stepped forward one by one and went out to compose poems on the theme of "The Beauty," in various styles, including short lyrics.

It took nearly two hours to finish the poem. Surprisingly, all the scholars except Zhao Ti had responded, which is why it took so long.

It was already dusk, and the setting sun cast its blood-red rays, turning half the river golden and the other half red, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

Luo Fu glanced outside and smiled, "I didn't realize so much time had passed. Let's have dinner first and then continue composing poetry."

Everyone applauded, and she immediately ordered people to prepare wine and dishes to be served, so that the poetry gathering could continue after they had eaten.

The dishes were extremely plentiful, including wild animals from the mountains, wild geese from the clouds, cattle and sheep from the land, and seafood from the sea—everything imaginable was available.

There were many kinds of wine, including seven or eight kinds of fruit wine, which were prepared for female students and those who did not drink much. There were also several kinds of yellow wine and white wine, which scholars with a high alcohol tolerance enjoyed drinking.

Mo Xun said, "Brother Zhao, would you like some 'Blue Bridge Romance'?"

Zhao Ti looked at the bottle of Lanqiao Fengyue wine on the table and shook his head: "I'd better not, I have no tolerance for alcohol, tea will do. Please make yourself at home, Brother Mo."

Mo Xun laughed and said, "Brother Zhao has produced another masterpiece today. How can we not have a drink to celebrate? Even if we don't drink other wines, a glass of fruit wine would be fine."

As he spoke, he poured Zhao Ti a glass of peach wine. The wine was pinkish-white and had a fragrant aroma. Zhao Ti couldn't help but smile wryly and said, "Brother Mo, just this one glass. I won't drink any more."

Mo Xun nodded and raised his wine cup, which was filled with Shaoxing wine: "Come, come, let me toast Brother Zhao."

The two men took a sip of wine, then ate and chatted. The boat was bustling with activity as many scholars drank, recited poems, and laughed loudly from time to time, displaying a rather unrestrained and dissolute demeanor.

Dinner ended only after the sun had completely set and it was getting dark outside.

After the table was tidied up, Luo Fu smiled slightly: "I was going to give the third question directly, but I thought of something. Almost all of you brothers just recited that poem about a beautiful woman, except for Brother Zhao who didn't say anything."

Upon hearing this, everyone looked at Zhao Ti. Zhao Ti was taken aback and said, "I think everyone has done a very good job, so I won't embarrass myself by offering this one."

Cheng Yu said, "Brother Zhao is certainly capable of writing. We all wish to continue listening to your excellent works, so how could you possibly refuse?"

Others added, "We would like to ask Brother Zhao to compose another poem. The previous 'Luo Fu Ci' was a masterpiece that has been passed down through the ages. Perhaps Brother Zhao can create another masterpiece that will be passed down through the ages."

Mo Xun said from the side, "I think Brother Zhao might as well write one."

Luo Fu said, "Brother Zhao, all of you brothers wish to continue listening to your great works, so please don't refuse."

Zhao Ti glanced at the crowd, whose faces were full of anticipation. He then looked at Luo Fu and saw that her cheeks were flushed and she was indescribably attractive. He couldn't help but take a deep breath.

He paused slightly, not because he had no poems in mind, but because after the other party mentioned the topic, he thought for a moment and several poems related to beautiful women came to mind, which surprised him once again.

Each of these poems is quite remarkable, which is why he was considering whether to recite them. After all, fame is one thing, but one poem, "Luo Fu Ci," is enough for the poetry gathering. More would be of no benefit, and it's best not to be too conspicuous.

But now that everyone has spoken, he really can't refuse or decline, otherwise he would seem aloof and arrogant.

Thinking of this, he stood up, though he felt helpless, he did not show it on his face.

Having already decided to write poetry, one should not appear hesitant, pretentious, or engage in any kind of behavior such as making three requests and declining three times. A gentleman would disdain such actions.

He cupped his hands in greeting to the crowd and stepped forward, saying, "Gentlemen, I shall make a fool of myself once again."

Liu Yu laughed and said, "Brother Zhao is too modest. If Brother Zhao were to make a fool of himself, wouldn't we all be incredibly embarrassed and have nowhere to hide?"

Everyone laughed and agreed. Luo Fu blinked her beautiful eyes and looked at Zhao Ti, her eyes full of anticipation.

Zhao Ti smiled and said, "You all think too highly of me. I am ashamed. Then I will compose a short ancient poem."

The crowd cheered, each showing excitement. It should be noted that although ancient folk songs and ballads do not have many restrictions on meter and rhyme, and seem easy to write, it is extremely difficult to make them outstanding.

Such poems either describe people and things, or express emotions and sighs; they must contain exquisite elements to be considered top-grade.

The theme of "beautiful woman" seems to focus on a person, and if used in ancient Chinese folk songs, it would require a long description to show its brilliance. However, Zhao Ti said that it should be a short ancient poem, so it is time to test his poetic talent and skill.

Zhao Ti pondered for a few moments, then slowly began to recite: "In the north there is a beautiful woman, peerless and independent."

Upon hearing this, everyone was immediately startled, holding their breath and looking on in amazement. Many of them even looked at Luo Fu.

Although Yuzhou is north of Taijiang, it is not strictly speaking in the north, since it is already bordering the river. However, the Qin family, one of the eight great families, is located in the cold north.

It is further north than Luoyang, and even further north than Qianjing, almost reaching the northern border of the Great Qian Dynasty.

The Qin family resides in a place called Qinzhou, which was the capital of the ancient Qin state. The Qin family are descendants of the royal family of the ancient Qin state.

Although the dynasty has long since ended, the Qin family has not been destroyed, but has continued to thrive for thousands of years. When the Great Qian Emperor slew the dragon and started a rebellion, most of the powerful families in the world followed him. The Qin family also rose to prominence, made countless contributions, and after establishing the dynasty, the family members were granted civil and military titles, and their power expanded rapidly, making them one of the eight great families.

Although Qin Xuanzhi was an official in Yuzhou, he came from the Qin family in the north. Although Luofu was in Yuzhou, it would not be wrong to say that she was a girl from the north, or even more appropriate.

After all, people in this world talk about birth, place of origin, and background. The Qin family is a prominent family in the north, and the children of the Qin family can be said to come from the north no matter where they are.

Therefore, the line "There is a beautiful woman in the north" is quite appropriate to describe Luo Fu, making the meaning clear from the beginning and without concealment.

The next sentence immediately establishes the character, elevating the beauty's sentiments and temperament to an unparalleled level, making her exceptional and independent, which is truly astonishing.

Luo Fu's face flushed even more as she looked at Zhao Ti. Her slender fingers held the teacup, revealing her fair wrist, which was as white as snow. A delicate jade bracelet accidentally touched the cup, making a pleasant "clink" sound.

Zhao Ti glanced at her, and she quickly lowered her head, but then felt that she shouldn't do that, so she quickly raised her head to look at Zhao Ti again.

Zhao Ti smiled slightly and continued reciting: "One glance can topple a city, a second glance can topple a nation."

"Ah!" Upon hearing this, everyone exclaimed in surprise. "To be able to topple cities and kingdoms"—these words were used to describe the beauty of a woman, her stunning appearance. How come they had never thought of such a phrase before? Not only them, but also countless scholars, poets, and writers throughout history, even if they were as numerous as carp crossing a river, had never conceived of such a descriptive phrase.

Luo Fu felt her face burning hot. "A beauty that could topple cities and kingdoms," she thought. Was this a phrase he had created for himself? It was so beautiful, so breathtaking.

Upon realizing this, Luo Fu lowered her head again, this time even her ears and neck turned pink.

"A phrase that could topple cities and kingdoms! Brother Zhao, you've actually created such a wonderful idiom!"

Cheng Yu picked up the wine glass on the table and said loudly, "Now that these words have been spoken, the Yujiang Poetry Gathering will surely become a classic story for future generations. When discussing the explanation of the phrase 'beauty that could topple kingdoms,' the Yujiang Poetry Gathering will be mentioned, so that people will know the circumstances under which this phrase was created."

Ma Wenxi said, "Then wouldn't we all be passed down to future generations?"

Cheng Yu smiled and said, "That is indeed the case. Even if none of you gentlemen here achieve great things in the future and cannot leave your names in history, it is alright. But with today's Yujiang Poetry Gathering, you will already be able to be remembered by future generations. It is truly a great fortune for you all to gather here today!"

"Ah?" Upon hearing this, everyone immediately became excited. One of the slightly chubby students said, "After the poetry gathering, I will have someone write down all our names, write them in books, and carve them on stone tablets, so that we will not be forgotten."

The others nodded in agreement, all saying they would write down the names of those who participated in the Yujiang Poetry Gathering so that they would not be forgotten.

Huangfu Duan said, "Brother Zhao created this phrase that could topple cities and kingdoms. In the future, countless scholars and literati will use it, and countless women will be praised by this phrase. Brother Zhao's contribution will truly last for ten thousand generations."

Cheng Yu laughed and said, "What does it matter what happens in the future? You should know that Brother Zhao composed this poem today for Miss Luofu, to describe her beauty that could topple cities and kingdoms. For hundreds and thousands of years to come, when this poem is mentioned, Miss Luofu will be the first person that comes to mind."

“That’s how it is.” Mo Xun also smiled and said, “This word will become a synonym for Miss Luofu. In the future, when using this word to describe other people, we can only refer to Miss Luofu, just like the idiom ‘fish sink and geese fall, moon hides and flowers blush’. When we talk about it, we have to refer to the four beauties of ancient times.”

In ancient times, there were four great beauties, who were respectively given the titles of "fish sinking," "geese falling," "moon hiding," and "flowers blushing." When people in later generations used these four terms, they would inevitably think of those four women, using them as a reference and considering it an honor to be comparable to them.

Luo Fu raised her head at this moment, her face now flushed and radiant, like a spring flower in bloom, and looked at Zhao Ti with extreme shyness.

Zhao Ti was taken aback, thinking, "Why do you have such an expression? You look even more handsome now, but why are you staring at me like that? It's really strange."

"Please be quiet, everyone, and let Young Master Zhao finish his poem," Luo Fu said shyly.

Upon hearing this, everyone quieted down and looked at Zhao Ti, waiting for him to continue composing poetry.

Zhao Ti nodded and recited: "How can one not know the power to topple cities and kingdoms? Such a beauty is hard to find again."

Everyone was stunned again upon hearing this, as it was clearly the last line of the poem. They hadn't expected the poem to have only three lines.

These three lines are so perfect that adding or subtracting even a single word would be superfluous, while removing one would leave the dragon without its eyes. They are just right, flawless, and truly a masterpiece.

There are beautiful people in the north, peerless and independent.

Regardless of the city, consider the country.

How could one not know the power of beauty to topple cities and kingdoms? Such a beauty is hard to find again.

"Brother Zhao, this is truly wonderful! It's a masterpiece for all time!" Mo Xun exclaimed. "From this day forward, no poem describing a beautiful woman will ever surpass this one. There will be no one like it before or after us!"

"A masterpiece for all time, unparalleled before and since!" the crowd exclaimed in unison.

Cheng Yu stood up and raised his wine glass high: "I'll drink this to Brother Zhao and to celebrate the birth of this poem."

Having said that, he downed the wine in his cup in one gulp, then refilled the pot, raised it again to Luo Fu, and said, "I'll toast you again, my dear sister. This poem will surely enhance your reputation..."

"What do you mean 'let go'?!" Suddenly, a sharp shout came from outside the pleasure boat, followed by a loud crash as the boat's window shattered, and a dark, ghostly figure flashed in.

"This poem was written for me by Young Master Zhao. What does it have to do with you, Luo Fu? The phrase 'beauty that could topple cities and kingdoms' doesn't refer to you, Luo Fu, but to me... This poem isn't called 'Beauty,' but rather 'The Song of Green Green!'"

Her voice was like a silver bell, melodious and pleasant, yet also spoiled and domineering, giving people a sense of lawlessness.

Everyone inside the pleasure boat was stunned. In the blink of an eye, the dark figure stood on the ground.

There was a young girl dressed entirely in black gauze, her face also covered by a black veil. She had exquisitely beautiful eyebrows and eyes that were lively and intelligent. She carried a long, narrow wooden box on her back, the contents of which were unknown.

"Young Master Zhao, tell me, was that poem written for me? Let's call it 'Qingqing Song'!" The girl looked at Zhao Ti, blinked, and her eyes were as clear and bright as gemstones.

“This, young lady, you…” Zhao Ti was completely bewildered, having no idea what was going on. How did a woman suddenly barge in and say that his poem was written for her?
"Zhuge Qingqing!" Luo Fu's expression changed behind the desk, her eyebrows furrowed, and her face turned as cold as frost: "What are you doing in Yuzhou? Why did you come to my poetry gathering to cause trouble?"

Upon hearing this, everyone except a few who recognized the woman changed their expressions drastically. They never expected that this girl in black was actually the legitimate daughter of the Zhuge family, one of the eight great families, and also one of the ten most famous beauties in the world, Zhuge Qingqing.

"What do you mean, 'Why did I come to Yuzhou?' Everyone in the world can go anywhere, so why can't I come to Yuzhou?" The girl in black laughed, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Zhao Ti. "Young Master Zhao wrote the Green Song for me, so I am here to thank you."

"Zhuge Qingqing, you are utterly shameless! How could this poem be written for you? It was produced by my poetry gathering, what does it have to do with you!" Luo Fu said, "You have ruined my painted boat and disturbed my poetry gathering, you must give me an explanation."

“I said it was written for me, so it was written for me!” Zhuge Qingqing looked at Zhao Ti and suddenly winked at him.

Zhao Ti was stunned for a moment, and just as he was about to speak, Zhuge Qingqing suddenly grabbed his arm and shot into the sky, crashing straight upwards.

With a loud crash, the crystal deck above was smashed, and the two then stood on the painted boat.

From inside the boat below came Luo Fu's clear shout: "Zhuge Qingqing, what are you doing? Put Young Master Zhao down right now!"

Then a white light, chilling as a cold moon and snow, emerged from below.

Zhuge Qingqing said, "Young Master Zhao, Luo Fu's hidden sword is powerful. You must run with me quickly."

Zhao Ti's face turned pale at this moment, and he said, "Miss Zhuge, why, why did you run away?"

Zhuge Qingqing had exquisitely beautiful features, her eyes crinkling as if she were smiling. Without answering Zhao Ti's question, she pulled him directly off the painted boat and landed in the vast Yujiang River...

(End of this chapter)