Chapter 78: Of All the Talent Under Heaven, Yulang Holds Eight-Tenths (Part 3)
As soon as Zhang Yu finished speaking, the hall erupted in applause and praise. With the added aura of the "Rising Star of the Literary World" badge, those present—masters of words and ink—were generous in their admiration.
Speaking of badges, the author feels compelled to bring them out again for the audience, lest they be forgotten by even Zhang Yu himself after so long. Certainly not just to pad the word count.
Zhang Yu’s current badges are as follows:
"Jade-like Gentleman" (Trait: The host possesses a charm that captivates others at first sight, easily winning their favor.)
"Chronic Illness" (Trait: The host’s prolonged sickness has left him frail and vulnerable; in poor environments, there is risk of relapse.)
"Man of Benevolence and Righteousness" (Trait: Warriors with similar values become close to the host more quickly.)
"Rising Star of the Literary World" (Trait: Despite the age-old rivalry among scholars, the host has an allure that draws their attention.)
"Du Kang Reborn" (Trait: The host easily wins the favor of warriors fond of fine wine.)
With all five badges gathered, Zhang Yu felt a surge of confidence, though it seemed one peculiar trait had slipped in among them...
Fortunately, though the "Chronic Illness" badge lingered, it had caused Zhang Yu little trouble over the past year, likely due to his affluent background, which spared him from harsh environments. Over time, he simply grew accustomed to ignoring it.
The special greeting ritual at Cai’s residence finally concluded after Zhang Yu played a celestial tune on his bamboo flute. Next came the formal banquet: maidservants laid out exquisite dishes, poured small cups of wine, and arranged fresh fruits.
The food, for Zhang Yu, was nothing remarkable. As someone from the modern age, he had seen every manner of cuisine. Its greatest appeal lay in the antique serving ware and skillful presentation; as for taste, it was simply filling.
The fruits, however, were refreshingly novel—especially the amethyst-like grapes, gleaming on the table beneath the lanterns. It was also Zhang Yu’s first encounter with apples, which people still called "Pingpo Fruit."
As for wine, Zhang Yu’s own brews—Celestial Nectar, Divine Intoxication, and Jade Emperor’s Drunkenness—had yet to gain widespread fame. Even with Cai Yong’s status, only ordinary wines were available.
Frowning slightly as he prepared to drink, Zhang Yu was struck by inspiration. He raised his cup in salute and said, “What relieves sorrow? Only Du Kang’s wine!”
With that, he drained his cup, savoring the satisfaction.
“What relieves sorrow? Only Du Kang’s wine. What a splendid phrase! Truly worthy of Zhang Yu, famed brother of His Majesty and renowned throughout Hebei—he even makes a toast so poetic,” someone praised.
Once more, Zhang Yu raised his cup to Cai Yong, the host: “Master Cai, what relieves sorrow? Only Du Kang’s wine!”
“Haha, please, Zhang Yu!” Cai Yong’s affection was now unmistakable.
Cai Yong had always cherished talented juniors. History records that, upon meeting Wang Can, he was so impressed he gifted him thousands of volumes—a legacy that could found a scholarly household.
Wang Can did not disappoint, becoming one of the legendary “Seven Scholars of Jian’an,” and was hailed by Liu Xie, author of “The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons,” as “the crown of the Seven.”
Yet Zhang Yu toasted the assembly once more: “What relieves sorrow? Only Du Kang’s wine!”
“Yes, Du Kang’s wine is indeed excellent,” came the echo, though some felt a hint of awkwardness.
“It’s just a drink—hardly a legendary brew. Is it necessary to repeat that line so often?”
But Zhang Yu, undeterred, raised his cup high and strode to the doorway, flinging the doors wide.
The clear, white moon hung high in the sky.
Before the assembled guests, their eyes filled with admiration and wonder, Zhang Yu intoned:
“To sing with wine—how brief is life!”
Cai Yong instinctively straightened in his seat.
“Like morning dew, our days swiftly vanish.”
Xu Gan gazed at the moonlight, lost in thought.
“With passion and vigor, yet worries linger.”
Wang Can looked at Zhang Yu, his eyes not only filled with appreciation but also with a spark of rivalry.
“What relieves sorrow? Only Du Kang’s wine!”
“So that’s it!” Cai Yong rose, laughing. “I wondered why Zhang Yu kept repeating that line, but it’s clear now—his inspiration surged forth, and in but a moment he produced such a masterpiece. Your talent far surpasses mine, and we all should drink deeply in your honor!”
“In your presence, I am ever a child taking his first steps—how dare I claim such talent?” Zhang Yu replied humbly, his manner ever more respectful. As the others raised their cups, Zhang Yu suddenly poured his wine toward the moon!
“Tonight, honored guests fill this hall, unmatched in learning and wit. I offer the wine in my cup to win the favor of the bright moon, gifting you all a peerless brew!”
With those words, the guests drank.
A hiss of astonishment.
“What—what is this?”
“This…this is immortal wine!”
They could hardly believe it, yet the rich fragrance and fiery warmth on their lips assured them this was no dream.
“Could he truly commune with the moon?”
“Zhang Yu, what a remarkable man!”
Everyone’s gaze burned with wonder and awe.
“This wine…” Cai Yong squinted, as if savoring and recalling. Suddenly, his eyes widened and he turned to Zhang Yu. “This is the very wine I drank at the Prime Minister’s estate—it’s your Jade Emperor’s Drunkenness!”
At that, the hall was thrown into shock.
“Jade Emperor’s Drunkenness!”
“My father spoke of this wine—crafted from rarest materials, only ten jars exist in all the world!”
“I’ve heard that even with a fortune, one cannot buy it; people settle for ‘Divine Intoxication,’ the second greatest wine. But these are all Zhang Yu’s creations?”
Zhang Yu still stood beneath the moon, black hair and white robe, his noble bearing enough to enchant a nation.
“No wonder,” Wang Can murmured, eyes closed in ecstasy. “Such wine can only be found in moments of extraordinary fate, never produced by ordinary means. To witness this miracle tonight is worth reading a thousand volumes.”
Hey, your values are a bit skewed—and are you even old enough to drink?
Cai Yong poured himself another cup from the wine jar but found it harsh and tasteless. His prized collection, now undrinkable.
Seeing Cai Yong’s reaction and that of many scholars, Zhang Yu smiled, “It seems today’s fault is mine—I inadvertently profaned your treasured collection, Master Cai. My apologies.”
“If you wish to apologize, then finish your poem.”
“Ah?” Zhang Yu was taken aback.
“If my guess is right, you used an old Han Music Bureau title, ‘Short Song Ballad,’ from the ‘Song Lyrics of Harmonious Tunes—Plain Mode,’ with six stanzas and four themes. ‘What relieves sorrow? Only Du Kang’s wine’ is but one stanza, one theme. There’s no need for false modesty, Zhang Yu!”
“This is troublesome. I’d like to recite it, but the whole poem is about Lord Cao’s urgent search for talent. If I recite it here, these refined literati will surely see through me.” Zhang Yu was torn.
“To avoid clashing head-on with them, I’ve been playing my role since the toast—isn’t that enough? Why must you push me further?”
A hundred thoughts swirled in his mind, yet Zhang Yu’s smile remained confident as he turned slightly and said, “Your insight cannot be deceived, Master Cai. The poem is indeed called ‘Short Song Ballad,’ but I have not yet fully refined the subsequent verses, so I shall not embarrass myself by sharing them now.”
“Good—if the opening eight lines are so fine, the rest will not disappoint. When you finish it, do not forget to send me a copy.”
“Of course.”
“I have heard that the Jade Gentleman of Zhongshan is most adept at composing poetry,” came a deep, magnetic voice.
All eyes turned; it was Cai Yong’s disciple, Ruan Yu—Ruan Yuan Yu.
“Yu has no differing opinion, but would like to ask Jade Gentleman a question.”
“Go ahead, Brother Yuan Yu.”
“The world knows the seven-syllable verse is crude. With your talent, why persist in it?”