In the Ming Dynasty 1498, my restaurant connects two worlds.

After several rounds of drinks at the head table, while the students below were still scratching their heads in frustration, Tang Bohu burst into laughter and handed in his first paper, saying, "Your Excellency, I have made a fool of myself!"

Seeing Tang Bohu rise with high spirits to hand in his scroll, Wen Bi and Gu Qian, who had already painted the fourth "Chicken in the Ancient Capital of the Six Dynasties" painting, finally breathed a sigh of relief, put down their brushes, and looked at the main table.

Even while squatting behind, Shifu didn't forget to take the half-finished manuscript paper to the back and organize it.

Ma Qianli, already slightly tipsy, took Tang Bohu's "scroll" and, after reading only the beginning, exclaimed, "Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Tang Bohu's writing is truly magnificent; witnessing it today has indeed broadened this old man's horizons!"

Upon hearing Ma Fantai's words, the scholars below all showed a look of "unconvinced." Gu Qian noticed that a young man opposite him also looked indifferent.

With the wine already in hand, Tang Bohu's appreciation of the "Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties" had reached a state of perfection, where he could see mountains as mountains again.

Ignoring the expressions and whispers of the scholars below, Ma Fantai continued skimming the text, finally gesturing excitedly for everyone to quiet down. "Tang Bohu's essay is titled 'Ode to the Golden Powder of the Six Dynasties.' In my opinion, its ingenious conception and skillful structure make it a truly remarkable piece. I wish to share it with you all!"

Sitting at the lower end of the main table, Zhu Zhishan, understanding the unspoken message, took the "Ode to the Golden Powder of the Six Dynasties," cleared his throat, and began to read aloud in a clear and resonant voice: "The Minshan Right Surname, the Grand Secretary; the Jade Seal was erected to the heavens, the Golden Talisman was passed down through generations. Their positions were established in the High Court, they mended the heavens with five stones; they were granted the Zhenguan era, they supported the Yao era with three clouds. The Four Treasuries and the Tang History, the Imperial Library bestowed upon them the precious gifts; the traces of Yu the Great throughout the nine provinces, the inscriptions on their red scrolls were engraved with inscriptions..."

While Zhu Zhishan was catching his breath, Ma Fantai, slightly tipsy, stroked his beard and exclaimed, "The realm is profound, and the words are powerful and soaring. It can be compared with the 'Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng'."

At this moment, the hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. In fact, those invited here were no ordinary people. As for the quality of Tang Bohu's "Ode to the Golden Powder of the Six Dynasties," everyone was already speechless after Zhu Zhishan recited only a little over half of the first verse.

Tang Bohu smiled proudly, "You flatter me, sir. I am unworthy of such praise."

You're not just unworthy of such praise, you're practically strutting around like a peacock.

The talented men began to whisper among themselves, their expressions turning complex.

Zhu Zhishan gestured for everyone to be quiet, cleared his throat, and continued reading. Tang Bohu was, after all, a close friend and confidant of Zhu Zhishan, whom he greatly admired despite their age difference, so Zhu Zhishan read with great emotion and expression.

Not all Ming Dynasty literati were prone to "mutual disdain." Their strength lay in admiring those with genuine talent. When Zhu Zhishan finished reciting the first half of the poem, applause and cheers swept through the entire audience.

Gu Qian noticed that the young man opposite him, who had initially looked down on him, was now flushed with excitement.

After carefully collecting the two "paintings," Xiao Shifu's small eyes searched the hall for his target—the most crucial task assigned by his uncle.

My uncle had already guessed what would happen at this gathering. In that case, that guy surnamed Xu should also show up, right?

As the applause and cheers subsided, Ma Qianli waved for silence, then clapped his hands again and laughed, "The personification and description are quite original, the writing is exquisite and delicate, and the metaphors are exquisitely subtle. The younger generation is truly formidable, truly formidable!" He then added sarcastically, "Bo Hu's courtesy name is Ziwei; could it be that he wishes to make all scholars in the world fear your talent?"

"!!!"

The second half of that sentence is really provocative!

Wen Bi and Gu Qian exchanged worried glances, but they didn't know what to do. They could only wait and see how Tang Bohu would handle the situation and how fate would decide!

Holding the "Ode to the Golden Powder of the Six Dynasties," Zhu Zhishan felt a pang of regret, regretting that he had advised the provincial governor to drink too much wine—a miscalculation!

Zhu Zhishan intended to continue reciting the second half of the poem to quickly move on from this part, but fortunately Tang Bohu was very clear-headed. After hearing Ma Fantai's words, he immediately smiled and replied in the same joking tone, "How dare this student be arrogant? Your words will inevitably place this student in an isolated position where everyone points fingers, making it impossible for this student to move an inch."

Zhu Zhishan, Wen Bi, and Gu Qian's friend exchanged knowing glances, almost applauding Tang Bohu's quick wit!

Just then, someone urged him on, so Zhu Zhishan continued reciting, "Beauty defies description, like apricots blooming over a wall among ten thousand trees; youth reigns supreme, like a lotus emerging from the water. Four figures sit amidst blooming grass, all seeking pleasure; two rows of dangling jade pendants are hailed as immortals. In the wind, their robes flutter, catching the golden stars in their brilliance..."

His emotions are evident in his words; his witty remarks flow like a string of pearls, and his writing is impeccable.

If one hadn't witnessed it firsthand, it's unlikely anyone would believe that this lengthy "Ode to the Golden Powder of the Six Dynasties," consisting of over a thousand characters, was an impromptu piece written by Tang Bohu in just over an hour.

Reminded by the housekeeper, Ma Qianli realized his slip of the tongue and nearly put Tang Bohu in a difficult position. After Zhu Zhishan finished reading, he immediately tried to smooth things over, saying, "Young friend Bohu, if you rise to great heights in the future, never forget our gathering here today. Listening to Bohu's magnificent writing is like hearing celestial music. I am truly fortunate!"

Tang Bohu, suddenly inspired, seized the opportunity and took over the conversation, saying, "Thank you for your kind invitation, sir. I will remember it well. Fellow students, I suggest we toast Lord Ma with a large glass of wine!"

Unbeknownst to him, Tang Bohu had already found himself surrounded by admirers, and his fervent praise was overwhelming. He accepted every toast offered by everyone and began to feel somewhat intoxicated.

During the meal, a young man suddenly stood up and walked towards Tang Bohu. Gu Qian recognized him as the same person who had looked disdainful at him earlier.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Shifu immediately became alert; this person must be the Xu surnamed person his uncle had mentioned!

Go! Get him!

"Brother Bohu, my surname is Xu..."

"Oops~ Oops~ Oops~, oh dear! Sorry, someone tripped me!"

Xiao Shifu poured a full pot of Moutai Chun onto Xu Jing!

Gu Lan had noticed something was wrong with Xiao Shifu long ago, so she paid extra attention to him. When she saw Shifu rushing towards the young man opposite him with a wine jug that was quite heavy for his small frame, she unconsciously followed him.

At this moment, even though he knew that Shi Fu had a problem, Gu Qian still helped his own family and didn't help outsiders. He quickly helped Shi Fu pull Xu Jing away and took advantage of the chaos to persuade Xu Jing to follow the servants of the Ma family to the backyard to change clothes.

After the noise subsided and everyone returned to their seats, Gu Qian turned to Shi Fu and whispered, "Why did you do that?"

"My uncle instructed that no one with the surname Xu was allowed to approach Uncle Bohu at the party."

Upon hearing Shi Fu's words, Gu Qian and Wen Bi exchanged a shocked glance.

"What else did Brother Xiao Yi say?"

"My uncle asked Shifu to take the works of his two senior brothers back with him."

"That's not what I was asking!"

That's all.

Gu Qian and Wen Bi discussed it and realized that the man surnamed Xu would return after changing his clothes. If he had a purpose, he would definitely try to get close to Tang Bohu again. Xiao Shifu would not repeat his old tricks. What should they do?

"The only one who could pull Brother Bohu away early was Brother Zhishan."

"Shifu, go find your master and tell him to come here!"