Chapter 64: Remarkable Talent - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 64: Remarkable Talent

Seeing Feng Jinlin remain silent, Yin Canwen glanced at the teachers from the academy, thinking Feng Jinlin was worried about their relationship being criticized. He comforted him kindly, “Second Young Master, don’t worry. With your outstanding talent, you’re sure to stand out.”

Feng Jinlin’s eyes sparkled like stars as he looked at Yin Canwen and laughed heartily.

“Brother Yin, you’re too modest. I might not lose to others, but compared to you, I’d better admit defeat to avoid embarrassment, hahaha.”

His loud laughter drew the attention of the surrounding scholars. Their gazes toward Yin Canwen were mixed with jealousy, admiration, respect, or dislike, but none were as clear as Feng Jinlin’s.

Yin Canwen smiled wryly; Feng Jinlin was good at creating a scene.

Upon arriving, Bai Siruo was caught by Feng Jinlin. She made a funny face when no one was looking, making Feng Jinlin’s handsome face twist slightly in anger.

Feng Jinyao, standing beside them, glanced deeply at Feng Jinlin, reminding him that this was not the time to show off.

The Spring Poetry Society was supposedly a preliminary competition before the spring examination, but secretly, there were hidden dealings. In her previous life, Feng Jinyao had accidentally overheard the Wen family father and son discussing this. Otherwise, she would have been as clueless as everyone else.

Feng Jinlin, understanding the deep bond with his sister, caught her meaning through her eyes. He generally didn’t like to join such lively events and decided to leave the opportunity to the scholars from humble backgrounds who needed it more.

Not far away, Wen Mengsheng stood with his cousin Wen Xinglu among the scholars, standing out like cranes among chickens.

Wen Mengsheng, being the son of the Assistant Minister of Personnel, had an extraordinary aura, nurtured since childhood in the capital.

Wen Xinglu, standing beside him, wasn’t bad either. Although his features weren’t as striking as Wen Mengsheng’s, he had more of a nobleman’s demeanor than the average person.

Feng Jinyao remembered him. This cousin had become a third-rank scholar in her previous life, with genuine knowledge and talent.

Today, though his words were humble as he politely conversed with the surrounding scholars, the determination in his eyes was unmistakable.

Bai Chaohai, seeing most people had arrived, took it upon himself to preside over the event.

“Everyone, everyone, quiet down and listen to me.”

His voice wasn’t as loud as a military officer’s, but it carried an undeniable authority. Everyone present had heard of Bai Chaohai’s reputation, so they respected him and naturally obeyed.

No one made a noise, quietly listening to Bai Chaohai.

“Since the previous emperor’s reign, our dynasty has had this Spring Poetry Society. Today, you gather here to prepare for next year’s spring examination. Since that is the case, you should showcase your talents without reservation.”

As he finished speaking, many scholars’ eyes lit up with excitement, looking at Bai Chaohai as if he were a deity.

Bai Chaohai glanced around, recognizing many familiar faces. It seemed the competition for the top three would be fierce this year.

Everyone turned their attention to the esteemed Lu from Shanju Academy, waiting for him to announce the theme of the competition.

Stroking his graying beard, Lu had already made up his mind.

“Everyone, this year’s snow came late. Seeing the snow-covered mountains, I think ‘First Snow’ would be a fitting theme, don’t you?”

Upon hearing the theme, most people were eager to start.

Writing about snow wasn’t difficult, but the simplicity made it easy to produce mediocre works, making it harder to stand out.

“We’ll use the time it takes for one incense stick to burn. We will await your excellent works here.” said the chubby Xing from Hanhai Academy with a cheerful smile.

Writing a poem on the spot within that time was challenging, so most people adapted their previous works to fit the theme. Though a bit forced, it would suffice.

Feng Jinlin, having been warned, didn’t dare to show off. He quickly wrote down a fitting piece and submitted it.

Bai Chaohai looked at him with high hopes. Although Feng Jinlin was somewhat arrogant, his talent was undeniable, ranking high among the young men in the capital. His work was bound to be unique.

However, after reading the poem, Bai Chaohai frowned, looking displeased.

He glanced at Feng Jinlin with suspicion. What was this boy doing?

The poem was not as good as what he usually wrote after drinking. Was he deliberately hiding his talent?

“I’ve heard of Second Young Master Feng’s reputation. Let’s see the young man’s talent.” said Lu, taking the paper.

His cheerful expression froze instantly after reading it.

Was this it?

The poem was barely passable, sticking to the theme of first snow but lacking poetic grace. The other two scholars glanced at it and shook their heads.

Out of politeness, they only said, “Needs improvement.” and moved on to the other works.

Feng Jinlin shrugged helplessly and exchanged a glance with Bai Chaohai, indicating it wasn’t his fault. He was being closely watched and couldn’t take any risks.

Bai Chaohai, finding it amusing, understood the power of the two little 'gods' behind him.

With his poem submitted, Feng Jinlin felt relieved and turned to watch Yin Canwen. Yin Canwen, with confidence, quickly wrote down his poem.

Feng Jinlin glanced at it and admired it, cupping his hands in praise.

“Brother Yin, your talent is astonishing. It’s my honor to know you.”

He spoke sincerely, without any noble pretense or false modesty. Yin Canwen returned the gesture, “It’s just a minor skill. You flatter me, Brother Feng.”

When the paper was handed to the scholars, Lu read a few lines softly.

“No profit, no fame, no glory, no shame, no worries.

Before the night lamp, singing and drinking alone, laughing in solitude.

Snow covers the mountains, and the moon shines brightly.

Even if one lives a hundred years, let them age.

Who can guarantee wealth and honor? When will achievements end?

How much can be gained from arguing over gold and jade?

A moment of time is not worth mentioning. Enjoy life while you can.

When spring comes, bring wine to enjoy the east wind and sleep on the fragrant grass.”

“Good, good, what a line, ‘Who can guarantee wealth and honor? When will achievements end?’ Such insight and breadth of mind, even I cannot match. Truly remarkable!”

Using the first snow as a metaphor for expressing one’s ambitions, this talent deserved first place.

“I’ve heard Yunqi Academy has a highly talented student this year. It seems they were talking about you.”

Lu, cherishing talent, had never met Yin Canwen before, but this poem was already a timeless masterpiece. Looking at the other works, even though there were other excellent pieces, none could surpass this.

“Your praise is too generous, Master Lu.”

Yin Canwen’s reply was humble yet neither falsely modest nor arrogant. Lu, liking his demeanor even more, exchanged glances with the other three scholars. They all regarded Yin Canwen with newfound respect, agreeing he lived up to his name with writings shining like the sun and moon.

Wen Xinglu’s poem was also good, but it lacked the broad-mindedness of Yin Canwen’s.

The poem in this chapter is quoted from 'Full River Red: No Profit, No Fame' by Zhang Sheng from the Song Dynasty. Please note.

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