Chapter 114: A Couplet
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao hurriedly bowed to Xu Guannan. He was a famous figure in the school and they could not see him even if they wanted to. Now that he took the initiative to greet them, they were simply flattered.
When Chu Qingzhi answered the question at the entrance of the school that day, Xu Guannan happened to see it too, so he remembered Chu Qingzhi and was very impressed by her. Now that he saw Chu Qingzhi, he naturally wouldn’t miss the opportunity to greet her.
There were a few people behind Xu Guannan. It seemed that they were good friends with Xu Guannan.
Chu Qingzhi smiled faintly. “You’re here for those questions too, right?”
“That’s right,” Xu Guannan said politely. “Miss Chu’s poems and answer to the question that day broadened our horizons. Please enlighten us this time as well.”
Chu Qingzhi said humbly, “You are exaggerating it.”
As an influential figure, there were many people in the county who knew Xu Guannan, especially the students who regarded him as their idol. When they saw him coming, they made way for him with admiration in their eyes.
Xu Guannan made an inviting gesutre and said humbly, “Miss Chu, please.”
Chu Qingzhi nodded slightly. “Please.”
Chu Qingzhi and Xu Guannan were escorted to the entrance of Hongyan Restaurant.
There were three oval red lanterns hanging there. Each lantern had a question written on it. The red lanterns were lit, and the bright light clearly reflected the words on the lanterns.
On the first lantern was written the first half of the couplet.
The requirement for the answer was that it had to be centered on the Dragon Boat Festival as the topic. Otherwise, it would not count.
Xu Guannan raised his head slightly and looked at the lantern. “The first half of the couplet is ‘The grass in front of the hall is green.’ Miss Chu, do you have any clues for the latter half?”
In this era, there were very few people who were serious about literature, let alone couplets. Most of them only cared about politics.
Everyone looked at Chu Qingzhi. What a beautiful girl. However, since ancient times, studying had always been a man’s business. Could a girl answer the unfinished couplet?
Chu Qingzhi smiled faintly and said, “The durian on the stone is dazzling red.”
Tang Jinghong stared at Chu Qingzhi. At this moment, the sun was already close to the horizon. The sunlight turned fiery red and reflected on Chu Qingzhi’s face, making her look as warm as a pomegranate flower.
Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao looked at Chu Qingzhi in admiration, thinking to themselves that their Fifth Sister was even more knowledgeable than the teachers in the school. They were sure that even the teachers could not answer the couplet.
Xu Guannan thought for a moment and showed an admiring look.
The crowd burst into applause. They looked at Chu Qingzhi with admiration. A girl actually came up with an answer so quickly.
Chu Qingzhi retracted her gaze and looked at Xu Guannan, who was dressed in white. “It’s your turn, Young Master Xu.”
Xu Guannan smiled and said, “Miss, you’ve already perfected the unfinished couplet. I know the one 1 come up with will not be as good as yours so 1 won’t embarrass myself. Why don’t you give me a new couplet?”
Chu Qingzhi sized up Xu Guannan. This person was very confident in his knowledge. In that case, she wouldn’t stand on ceremony. “Then 1 will give you an unfinished couplet to answer…”
Her gaze fell on the handful of wormwood on the door. A moment later, she said, “Green wormwood hanging on the door is auspicious.”
Xu Guannan remained calm. He glanced at Chu Qingzhi, and his gaze also fell on the handful of wormwood.
When the onlookers saw him thinking, they quietened down. When Shopkeeper Qian heard that it was quiet outside, he almost thought that everyone had left. He was so frightened that he hurriedly came out to take a look.
Further away from the crowd, someone discussed, “Can you answer the couplet?”
“If I had that ability, I wouldn’t be standing here talking to you today.”
“Then do you think Xu Guannan can answer it?”
“Xu Guannan is very famous in Shuiyun County for being knowledgeable. He should be able to come up with the latter half of the couplet.”
Under everyone’s gaze, Xu Guannan spoke. He looked at the calamus beside the wormwood, and a smile appeared in his eyes. “Green calamus smells as fragrant as wine.”
Chu Qingzhi smiled. “Good answer. Young Master Xu is indeed a student of Yunfei School.”
Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao clapped happily. “Senior Brother Xu is amazing.”
Tang Jinghong smiled. Chu Qingzhi was really like a luminous pearl shining in the night. She could always attract all his attention.
Xu Guannan cupped his hands at Chu Qingzhi. “I’m impressed.” He was sincerely impressed. Chu Qingzhi was smarter than he had imagined.
Chu Qingzhi smiled lightly. “Let’s look at the other question..”