I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

For a long time, Chinese culture, represented by Confucianism, has held a very high place in the hearts of Japan's ruling class and intellectuals.

Throughout the Edo period... or rather, throughout the entire history of ancient Japan, "being proficient in Chinese studies and able to write Chinese poetry" has always been a symbol of high status.

Being able to write Chinese poetry is already quite remarkable, but you can write it this well?!

If we were to say that the haiku that Seito just recited was like throwing a huge rock into a calm, mirror-like lake, creating countless splashes.

So the Chinese poem he is reciting now is like throwing a bomb into a lake that has not yet returned to calm and is still rippling.

Many people were completely stunned by the explosion—at least Tokugawa Iemochi was stunned.

Tokugawa Iemochi sat there stiffly, like a clay or wooden sculpture.

The woman sitting to his right, Kazuya, looked much the same.

Kazumiya, with her lofty aspirations and deep-seated prejudice against people from Kanto, would probably find it hard to believe.

An Eastern barbarian... and a crude Eastern barbarian who was previously only known for his "skill in wielding swords," was able to write such beautiful verses.

Compared to Tokugawa Iemochi and Kazuya, whose expressions were dominated by intense shock, Tenshōin's expression was undoubtedly much more complex and intriguing.

She looked dazed, her lips slightly parted, and her handsome brows were filled with indescribable emotions, making her expression difficult to decipher.

Katsu Rintaro patted Aoto on the shoulder, expressing both surprise and delight:

"Qingdeng, I never knew you had such abilities."

Qingdeng put on a humble, shallow smile.

"It was just because the scenery in the courtyard was so beautiful that it inspired me. I couldn't write such good poems on a normal day."

If we were to say who among everyone at the table reacted most violently at this moment, it would undoubtedly be Yoshinobu Hitotsubashi and Haruaki Matsudaira.

Their expressions were both extremely ugly, their faces so gloomy that it seemed as if thick black ink might drip from them at any moment.

Although they were very unwilling and did not want to admit this fact, Qing Deng's haiku and Chinese poem are indeed undoubtedly masterpieces!

As for how to evaluate this poem, "Who lives deep in the plum blossoms, where a half-star lamp shines faintly in the dim light"—in short: it has both vivid imagery and profound meaning.

At night, deep in the plum grove, one or two lights peek out... What a powerful image this is!

It is very similar to Xin Qiji's famous line: "Seven or eight stars beyond the sky, two or three raindrops before the mountain. An old thatched inn by the village shrine, suddenly seen when the road turns by the stream."

In addition, it has a perfectly fitting artistic conception.

The words convey a subtle melancholy and a sense of loneliness.

Who dwells deep within Merlin? I have no idea; I only see faint lights that reveal loneliness.

A sense of solitude washes over you.

Following haiku, Chinese poetry also excelled.

The flowers wither, and even the thin blue sky cannot retain the fragrance of the fallen petals... The sorrowful atmosphere almost leaps off the page, which is just right for the Japanese taste!

The Japanese love this kind of sad, tragic, and dramatic tone, where they make a big deal out of even the smallest things.

Anyone with even a basic understanding of Chinese classical studies can clearly appreciate the extraordinary nature of this poem.

It is only natural that everyone would be captivated by this poem.

After all, the author of this poem was Chen Zengshou (1878-1949), a famous poet of the late Qing Dynasty.

The characteristic of Qing poetry is that it is "heavy at both ends and light in the middle".

Poetry from the early and late Qing Dynasty was generally of very high quality, with many excellent works.

As for Qing Zhong's poetry, it is somewhat lacking due to various reasons that are not suitable to discuss in detail.

In the current timeline that Qingdeng is in, Chen Zengshou has not yet been born.

So Qing Deng copied his work without any hesitation.

In his previous life, Qing Deng had diligently memorized and studied poems from various dynasties in order to conquer the "poetry appreciation" section of the Chinese language exam.

Although he wasn't very knowledgeable about poetry from the late Qing Dynasty, he at least remembered the outstanding works of famous poets such as Liang Qichao, Chen Zengshou, Chen Sanli, and Chen Yan.

And so, Qing Deng turned the tide with a haiku and a Chinese poem.

The "Nanki faction" and the "Hitotsubashi faction" remain one of great power and prestige, while the other is sullen and unhappy.

However, their roles have been reversed.

The former stood tall and proud, his eyebrows dancing with delight.

The latter wrote in the air with a sense of dejection and unease.

This is probably what is known as the "law of conservation of smiles"—the smiles did not disappear, but simply transferred from the faces of the "Hitotsubashi school" to the faces of the "Nanki school".

As is customary, after the poetry writing game, everyone will discuss and judge whose work is the best.

Given the current situation, there is no longer any need to hold this event.

It's already clear who will win the crown.

Suddenly, Qingdeng spoke up:

"Lord Matsudaira!"

Upon sensing Aoto's gaze, Matsudaira Haruaki immediately turned his head to look.

"I wonder if my work meets your approval?"

Matsudaira Haruaki's lips twitched violently a few times.

Its complexion was changing towards the color of pig liver at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Originally intending to use this "plum blossom viewing banquet" to enhance Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu's reputation and take a jab at Tokugawa Iemochi and Tenshōin, he unexpectedly backfired and ended up benefiting Tachibana Aoto!

Although he was filled with grief and indignation, and wanted to jump up in anger, he displayed the high level of professionalism expected of a politician.

With his exceptional emotional and facial expression control, he managed to suppress his surging emotions and force out a slightly stiff smile.

"Haha... Lord Ju, I never expected you to have such poetic talent. I am deeply impressed."

"That's good. I am truly honored to receive Lord Matsudaira's praise."

Having said that, Qing Deng activated "Emperor's Art" and "Trickster +1," putting on a sincere expression while adopting the tone Matsudaira Haruaki had used when he "requested" Tenshōin to display his poems:

"I have long heard that you are diligent in your studies and eager to learn. If you wish to learn the methods of haiku and Chinese poetry in the future, you are welcome to come and ask me for guidance. I am happy to teach those who are not yet proficient in their studies. In this way, you will no longer be unable to obtain a poem."

Matsudaira Harugaku: "..."

Yoshiki Ichibashi: "..."

Tokugawa Iemochi: "..."

Tensho-in: "..."

other people:"……"

The entire room fell silent.

A moment later—with a soft chuckle—someone couldn't hold back and let out a laugh.

Then, as if a chain reaction had started, the sounds of people desperately trying to suppress their laughter filled the air.

Those who belonged to the same "Hitotsubashi faction" as Matsudaira Shungaku, or those of lower status than him, dared not laugh out loud in public.

Those of higher status than Matsudaira Haruaki were also trying hard to suppress their laughter in order to maintain their image.

Tokugawa Iemochi pursed his lips.

Kazumi picked up the fan she always carried and used it to cover her face.

Tenchōin gritted his teeth.

The air was filled with a cheerful atmosphere.

Matsudaira Haruaki's face turned completely the color of pig liver... no, even deeper than the color of pig liver.

He used the last of his sanity to squeeze out words from between his teeth, replying in a deep voice:

"Lord Tachibana, thank you for your generosity... If I have the opportunity, I will certainly ask for your guidance..."

Just then, Yoshiki Ichihashi turned his face and stared straight at Aoto—a sharp, hawk-like glint appeared in his eyes, which were deeply hidden by his eyelashes.

……

……

Several hours later—

Edo, Tsukimiya Shrine, a certain room—

"Hahahahahaha!"

Tenshōin clutched his stomach and burst into laughter, disregarding his personal image.

"Sheng Qing, did you see the look on Matsudaira Haruaki's face, like he'd just eaten shit? Hahahaha!"

Sitting upright before Tianzhangyuan, Qingdeng said with a helpless expression:

"Your Highness, aren't you laughing a little too much?"

Apart from Qingdeng and Tianzhangyuan, there was no one else in the room.

"Hahahaha! No, there's no way around it! Hahahaha! It's just too funny! Hahahaha!"

Excluding the minor incident of "Hitotsubashi Yoshiki and Matsudaira Haruaki picking a fight, only to be outmaneuvered by Aoto," today's "plum blossom viewing banquet" can be considered a satisfactory conclusion overall.

Qingdeng didn't know what the others thought, but he certainly had a great time.

He was very satisfied with the beautiful view of the courtyard.

It would be even more perfect if Sanako, Kinoshita Mai, and Souji could come along to see and enjoy the sights.

After the banquet ended, Qing Deng originally intended to go back to Shiwei Hall to rest.

But to his surprise, no sooner had he left Edo Castle than he encountered Sage and Yae, who came to stop him.

These two sisters seem to have frozen in time—a trait they share with Souji and Kinoshita Mai—their appearance and height haven't changed at all, and they remain perfect "legal lolis."

Without further ado, they told Qing Deng directly that Tenshōin was looking for him and demanded that he go to the Moon Shrine immediately.

To be honest, the moment he heard the order, Qingdeng's first reaction was not to gladly accept it, but to pretend he hadn't heard it, turn the bull around, and ride away.

Having been thoroughly exhausted by the elaborate etiquette at the "Plum Blossom Appreciation Banquet," he really didn't want to go anywhere else.