Chapter Seventy-Seven: Of All the Genius in the World, Jade Lad Claims Eight-Tenths (Part Two)

"What does this mean?"
"This poem is evidently composed by Wei Zhang; what skill is there in simply reciting it word for word?"
"I've never seen someone so young brazenly plagiarize!"
"If you wish to borrow from it, that's one thing, but you haven't changed a single word. Do you take us for fools?"
Seeing Wang Can use Xu Gan's freshly written poem as his own greeting, the crowd erupted in agitation. Even Xu Gan himself was bewildered. Yet when they turned their eyes toward Cai Yong, seated at the head, they found he was still smiling appreciatively, showing no sign of anger.
"Everyone, please quiet down." Cai Yong raised his hand, and the room fell silent.
"Virtuous nephew Wang," Cai Yong pointed to the one who had protested most loudly—Wang Tang, who had failed to answer earlier, "what did you just say about Zhongxuan?"
"Ah?" Wang Tang was startled, his heart tightening. Could it be that Wang Can is especially close to Cai Yong, and is being shielded from criticism?
"Repeat what you said about Zhongxuan just now; it's all right."
"Tang said... if he wanted to borrow, he could have, but reciting it word for word—"
"Good." Cai Yong stopped him, stroking his beard as he continued, "Then I ask you, virtuous nephew Wang, to recite it word for word as well."
At this, everyone was enlightened.
"Brother Zheng, how much can you recall? I can only remember three lines..."
"The entire poem, heard only once, yet he recited it without missing a word—remarkable!"
"So Wang Zhongxuan was demonstrating his ability to memorize at a glance; truly a genius of this age."
"In ancient times, Su Jizi read inscriptions while galloping; now we have Wang Zhongxuan reciting poems after a single hearing. This is truly eye-opening."
The opinion in the room shifted again, leaving the named Wang Tang awkwardly mumbling, "Lofty halls... lush and verdant... broad mansions..."
"It seems memorization is not your forte, nephew Wang; don't be disheartened, you will have other opportunities to shine." Cai Yong, as host, smoothed things over.
Thus, the opening "greetings" from the two were both unique and of the highest caliber, successfully setting the tone for the gathering. Even those seated next to strangers quickly became acquainted.
Xu Gan's superb composition and Wang Can's extraordinary talent made Cai Yong nod inwardly. It seemed his carefully chosen guests would indeed bring him pleasant surprises. For now, setting aside their family backgrounds, the two possessed ample talent, though their looks fell somewhat short—not even barely passable, to his regret.
Next came a succession of "greetings," each one splendid in its own way.
Yet the poems recited still centered around Xu Gan, and no one could outshine Wang Can's abilities.
As the round neared its end, Cai Yong finally noticed—
"Mm? Is there no one here?"
Everyone looked, and only then realized the seat by the door was empty.
"Perhaps something delayed him? If he cannot even be punctual, how can such a person attend a banquet at Master Cai's house?" someone commented.
"No, the attendants I sent to invite everyone have reported back—all invited guests are present in the residence; none are absent."

"Then perhaps he's in the restroom?" Someone thought this but would not dare say it aloud.
Just as Cai Yong was about to send someone to search the residence, a clear flute sounded from outside the door, drifting from afar!
"How clear!"
The flute was pure, the melody even purer, filling one’s mind and soul with comfort.
The sound was so enchanting that no one noticed when the music within the curtains ceased.
Cai Yong, a master of the flute himself—his Keting flute was crafted by his own hand—was especially delighted by this unfamiliar tune.
"This piece... I have never heard it before; it must be an original composition."
The more he listened, the more he wanted to see the flautist, though rising to do so would be unseemly, so he endured in silence.
Only the music reached them, not the performer. Yet all present were learned and refined, and could discern the quality—this flute piece was truly a masterwork. Not only Cai Yong, but almost everyone was eager to rush outside for a glimpse of the player.
No one noticed that the curtain had parted, leaving a gap.
Long awaited, he did not appear!
"This piece is solemn and profound, like the depths of winter, with all trees withered," Xu Gan remarked.
"But there is still latent vitality, as if... plum blossoms in a snowy landscape!" Another scholar listened with eyes closed.
"The layers are distinct and vigorous; those clear overtones are like winter plums, noble and serene," Wang Can added.
Play, listen, and admire.
"The wind stirs the plum blossoms, gently tossing jade and silver, bursting forth on the branches—excellent," Wang Tang, too, was no fool.
"There is a frosty resonance in this tune," Cai Yong finally spoke. "Listening, one feels transported to the east pavilion of the Water Ministry, or the solitary mountain of a recluse!"
"Calm and harmonious, it is the true sound of heaven and earth; immortal winds flow, all flowers bloom, subtly revealed by his fingers. Though its novel changes are somewhat modern, its tranquil spirit and ancient charm are profound."
Cai Yong's commentary elevated the piece to new heights. The guests listened intently, praising and analyzing, not realizing the flute's sound was drawing closer.
"Especially the second movement—soaring and dynamic, rising and falling, as if plum blossoms were bursting forth—"
The scholar fell silent, as did the whole room.
Following the gaze of the crowd, he looked outside.
The moonlight gleamed like jade, cold and pure.
In the courtyard stood a figure in the moonlit night, clad in jade robes, holding a jade flute, bathed in moonlight, playing a jade melody—his brows and eyes as if painted, a gentleman as flawless as jade.
"An immortal!?"
"This tune belongs only in celestial palaces, not of this world!"
"Not the music, but the man."

The hall was like a boiling cauldron.
The Jade Gentleman approached from afar, drawing closer to the room, causing all present to rise instinctively to welcome him.
He was not walking, he was gliding.
Each step resonated with a mysterious rhythm, as if he floated above the ground, rendering his arrival surreal.
His steps moved forward, yet his figure seemed to drift backward, alternating between near and far, until finally the flute ceased.
Placing the jade flute at his waist, he entered at last.
Under the gaze of all, he smiled slightly and said, "Zhang Yu of Zhongshan, invited by Master Cai to gather here with you all; it is an honor."
Cai Yong did not immediately comment on this extraordinary entrance, but looked at this youth who astonished even him.
"Now I, Cai Yong, truly understand what it means to be dazzlingly gifted."
Master Cai Yong, to offer such high praise!
"Ding! Congratulations, host. You have received the admiration of the great scholar Cai Yong, and have inspired temporary fondness or reverence from more than half the scholars present. You gain 500 reputation points and 100 experience points. Current reputation: 4300 (12600), current experience: 2700."
"It seems my specially designed 'Carefree Glide' with moonwalk was indeed quite spectacular," Zhang Yu thought to himself with satisfaction. "Thanks to the lightfoot technique bestowed by Master Zhuang, and to the legacy of King MJ."
"Master Cai overpraises me; I am unworthy."
"Mm." Cai Yong nodded. "Neither arrogant nor humble, courteous and respectful."
The more he looked at Zhang Yu, the more pleased he became. "Please, Zhang, take your seat."
"Thank you, Master Cai."
Once seated, the scholars around Zhang Yu cast glances his way, while those a bit farther away began to discuss.
"That is Zhang Yu!"
"The emperor's cousin—such a distinguished identity."
"What's the point? Everyone here is from a noble family. I admire his talent; that poem 'Song of the Wilds' is praised even by my father."
"And that line, 'Have no fear the road ahead lacks friends, for who in the world does not know you?'—since when has a seven-character verse become so exquisite?"
His brilliant entrance was perfect, causing a small sensation, and even Xu Gan smiled and nodded at Zhang Yu.
When the excitement subsided, Cai Yong spoke: "May I ask, was that flute composition your own creation, Jade Gentleman?"
"Indeed. The piece is called 'The Falling of Plum Blossoms,' or 'Three Variations on Plum Blossoms,' inspired by the resilience of winter plums, their iron bones and cold fragrance. I dedicate its nobility and purity to Master Cai and all esteemed guests present!"