The prince is more stable

Chapter 75 The Emperor’s Visit
Strictly speaking, Zhao Hao could barely be considered a scholar.

He can read, write, compose poetry and lyrics. He may not be able to use a smartphone, but he will definitely run indoors when it rains.

Scholars have always looked down on each other, but if it was his own son, Zhao Hao was very happy.

Although Zhao Hao never personally taught his son poetry and prose, his son now has the nickname "Banque". When others ask about it, they will naturally give credit to his father.

Zhao Hao got a reputation of being a "good parent" for free, which was a win-win situation for both father and son. How could he not be happy?

But then, like all the literati who came to visit, Zhao Hao curiously asked about the other half of several poems that Zhao Xiaoqian had not yet spoken.

Zhao Xiaoqian was very resistant. He really didn't like being labeled as a "genius".

He is a very realistic person. The label of "genius" may not necessarily bring him any benefits, but it will definitely cause him a lot of trouble and will unreasonably restrict his future words and deeds.

Apart from anything else, from now on, when he quarrels with others, he will be too embarrassed to even swear, and he will be too embarrassed to express good wishes such as having a relationship beyond friendship with the other party's female ancestors.

It's a big loss.

Zhao Hao tried to inquire about the unpublished half-que but failed, and Zhao Xiaoqian refused to tell him anything.

However, Zhao Xiaoqian still underestimated the influence he would have after being in the spotlight last night.

In the afternoon, a servant came hurriedly to report that the emperor had arrived in disguise, and the emperor hurried out to welcome him.

Zhao Xiaoqian was stunned. He quickly straightened his clothes, lifted the hem of his robe and ran towards the door.

At this moment, the main gate of the palace was wide open, and outside the gate was crowded with people. Zhao Hao was standing alone in the open space outside the gate, and there was an empty seat next to him, which was obviously prepared for Zhao Xiaoqian.

As soon as the father and son stood still, they saw two teams of imperial guards riding towards them, followed by a royal carriage, with palace maids and eunuchs following on both sides of the carriage.

The ceremony was not extravagant, but still a bit scary.

When the imperial carriage arrived outside the Prince of Chu's palace, Zhao Xu was helped down from the carriage by the eunuchs. Zhao Hao and his son bowed in greeting, and the others all bowed.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you." The father and son said in unison.

Zhao Xu nodded with a smile. The emperor was dressed very simply today, only a purple round-necked long gown. If he didn't have so many followers, he would have had a bit of the air of a romantic young man.

Zhao Xu stepped forward and held Zhao Hao's arm with one hand. He smiled and said, "Uncle King of Chu, there is no need to be so polite. I have come here in plain clothes, so I should treat it as a relative visiting."

Then Zhao Xu looked at Zhao Xiaoqian, the smile in his eyes deepening. He said in an exaggerated tone, "Oh, isn't this Zhao Banque in person? I've heard a lot about you."

Zhao Xiaoqian's eyelids twitched, and he said hurriedly, "Don't scare me, my lord! I'm terrified!"

Zhao Xu laughed heartily twice, patted his shoulder vigorously, and said, "I heard this morning that a great talent has emerged in Bianjing, nicknamed 'Banque'. I have listened to his Banque poems and they are truly wonderful. It is no exaggeration to say that they will be passed down through the ages."

"I inquired further and found out it was actually from the eldest of my brothers. Zi'an, you hid it so well!"

Zhao Xiaoqian said innocently, "I have never hidden it. I just don't like this way, so I have never shown it."

Zhao Xu and Zhao Hao's expressions froze for a moment, and the scene suddenly fell silent.

Suddenly the conversation died down. Does this kind of person really have friends?
He did not like poetry, but his works were well-known in Bian Jing. Even half of each poem he wrote could amaze the world.

Those of us who love poetry can hardly think of a masterpiece that will become famous all over the world.

So, our mediocre existence is just to highlight your genius?

Zhao Xu suddenly felt a little regretful about leaving the palace today.

I had been excited to go out incognito, specifically to praise the outstanding children of our Zhao family, but now I feel like... I'm the one who's putting my face forward for him to slap.

Zhao Xiaoqian also noticed that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, and he couldn't help but ask cautiously, "Why are you all silent? Are you more introverted by nature?"

Zhao Hao's cheek twitched, and he immediately said loudly: "Your Majesty has come to my humble abode, which is a great honor. Your Majesty, please come in and sit down. I will entertain you."

At the same time, Zhao Hao raised his short fat legs and kicked Zhao Xiaoqian on the butt, then gritted his teeth and whispered in his ear: "...Don't talk!" Zhao Xu glanced at the father and son, laughed, and walked into the mansion.

The middle door of the palace would not be opened easily unless there was a major event, such as receiving an imperial edict, marrying a wife, or welcoming the emperor.

Today, the main door of the palace was rarely opened, and the father and son accompanied Zhao Xu into the Yin'an Palace, one on each side.

The guests and hosts sat down and the servants served tea.

Zhao Xu had a smile on his face the whole time, and he was indeed in a good mood today.

Because the Zhao family produced a talented man, it can be said that the lack of literary talent among the descendants of the Zhao royal family in previous generations was made up.

As we all know, Taizu Zhao Kuangyin was a military general. Starting from Zhao Kuangyin's generation, the Zhao family was neither good at literature nor at military affairs. Looking at the emperors of all dynasties, the Zhao family was really too mediocre.

The national policy of valuing scholars and despising military men was set by Zhao Kuangyin. Successive officials tried their best to elevate the status of scholars, but in reality, from officials to Zhao clan members, no one was outstanding in either literature or military affairs.

He was not good at academic subjects or physical education, and he could neither pass the imperial examination nor become a bandit, which made the successive officials feel ashamed.

Especially since the Song Dynasty was an era when many great writers and poets emerged, the officials felt even more ashamed against this backdrop.

Until today, when Zhao Xu woke up, he was shocked to hear that a talented person had suddenly appeared in our Zhao family and amazed the world.

Zhao Xu immediately became furious.

It doesn’t matter if you only write half a verse, as long as it is a classic.

Was the poem written in a brothel? It doesn’t matter. Most of the classic poems in the Song Dynasty were written in brothels.

Since ancient times, talent has been recognized by people with lust. If scholars are not romantic, how can they produce excellent works? Fantasy is useless, practice is necessary.

The important thing is, this is a talented man from my Zhao family!

More importantly, it filled the gap in my Zhao family!
From now on, who dares to say that the literary talent of my royal family members is mediocre? My talented man only needs to write half a poem, and it can be worth thousands of mediocre poems.

My Zhao family actually has the genes of literary masters and poets.

From Zhao Xu's point of view, the several half-verse poems written by Zhao Xiaoqian already had a certain political color.

The emperor is the emperor, he likes to link everything to politics.

In the Yin'an Palace, Zhao Xu looked at Zhao Xiaoqian with a smile, and the more he looked, the happier he became.

I was right about him. This cousin is really amazing.

"Zi'an, you've made me proud today..." Zhao Xu said with a smile, "'Drunk by lamplight, I look at my sword, I dream of blowing the horn in the camp.' 'A heart full of sorrow, years of separation, wrong, wrong, wrong.'"

"He can be both bold and graceful. Even Scholar Su would be ashamed to hear of him. Haha!"

Zhao Xiaoqian's eyelids twitched.

Are you crazy? Comparing me with your idol?
I can understand your eagerness to bring honor to the Zhao family, but big brother...can you at least have some shame and stop challenging me, an amateur player, to a one-on-one match with the best in the industry?

"Your Majesty, you are too kind..." Zhao Xiaoqian's old face flushed, and he said sincerely, "Your Majesty, this time you are really too kind."

Zhao Xu was extremely pleased. He pointed at him and laughed, "I like Zi'an's talent and humility. Very good, that's how you should be in front of outsiders. The sons of our royal family are talented but don't show off. They are just like that!"

Zhao Xiaoqian: “…………”

Zhao Xu turned to look at Zhao Hao and said seriously, "Uncle Chu has taught his son well. Thank you for your hard work over the years!"

Zhao Hao burst into tears of gratitude, his eyes red as he choked back tears, "I have endured hardships and have diligently remembered the teachings of my ancestors day and night. I will never bring shame to my family, nor will I bring disgrace to the government. All the hard work is well deserved."

Zhao Xiaoqian: “…………”

Why don't you two go on stage and perform?
(End of this chapter)