Chapter 009: The Talented Scholar of Jiangnan
I have long heard of your esteemed name, Tang. Today, I have the honor of meeting you, fulfilling a long-held wish in this lifetime
In a previous life, having been so familiar with the great name of Tang Yin, Qin Kan naturally knew a little about Tang Yin's current situation.
For example, she is truly a blind person with no aesthetic sense, and... The compatibility is too rigid, clearly conflicting with him
"Is 'Half-Crazy with a Smile' your invention"
In the twelfth year of the Hongzhi era, Tang Yin went to the provincial examination in Yingtian Prefecture and achieved first place, marking the most brilliant experience of his life. Consequently, he was referred to as "Tang Jieyuan" by later generations. Unfortunately, after reaching this peak, Tang Yin's life began to decline. The following year, when he went to the capital for the national examination, he, filled with ambition, inexplicably became embroiled in a case of examination fraud. This incident alarmed the court, and in order to quell public opinion, the court employed the Jinyiwei to investigate, ultimately stripping him of his official status and barring him from future appointments. Tang Yin's life began to decline, and the following year, when he went to the capital for the national examination, he, filled with ambition, inexplicably became embroiled in a case of examination fraud. This incident alarmed the court, and in order to quell public opinion, the court employed the Jinyiwei to investigate, ultimately stripping him of his official status and barring him from future appointments
Throughout history, only two individuals have reached this level of attainment: one is Liu Yong, and the other is Tang Bohu
"Brother Tang, please take care, I have one last question..." Qin Kan suddenly called out to him
Tang Yin苦笑摇头
This text appears to be a placeholder or a non-specific symbol. Please provide a specific text for translation.
Although he is a celebrated talent from Jiangnan, in this era, scholars are particularly concerned about their reputation. Even if they respect him greatly, they still need to maintain the aloofness and composure expected of a scholar. The person before him is an exception; he displays his admiration quite openly. In front of Qin Kan, Tang Yin feels a sense of superiority and satisfaction akin to that of an ancestral tablet, as Qin Kan's attitude is almost one of venerating him like an ancestral tablet.
Qin Kan explained earnestly: "Brother Tang harbors great ambitions, and finding solace in nature is also a matter of necessity. Whether one is in the court or the rivers and lakes, wealth is indispensable. Does Brother Tang not lack money?"
To speak frankly, the so-called foremost talent of Jiangnan, as seen at https://www.hetushu.com, truly lacks any semblance of a talented individual. Not to mention the graceful demeanor of flowing robes and a carefree presence in the wind, at the very least, one would expect him to be properly attired and to exhibit a dignified demeanor. However, he presents a disheveled appearance, with unkempt hair resembling dry grass, dark circles under his eyes as if he hasn't slept for several days, and his gaze is so vacant and hollow, he resembles a hollowed-out old patron.
The smile at the corner of Qin Kan's mouth deepened further
Du Yan sneered: "Am I blind that I need your concern? I just want to tell you that although Tang Bohu has no hope in his official career, he holds a high status in the hearts of the scholars of Jiangnan. If you wish to harm him, be prepared to offend all the literati of Jiangnan."
***
"Put away that disgusting expression of yours!" Du Yan's delicate face was filled with disdain
... ... ''
It was as if a bar of silver was walking upright. Qin Kan's eyes were filled with admiration and awe: "Look how striking and outstanding it is! Ah! Just look, this bar of silver even falls so brilliantly and exuberantly..."
To meet living historical figures is such an honor, yet why is it that upon first meeting, one only thinks of making money
What is the taste?
As the sky darkened, Tang Yin had no choice but to bid farewell to the strange friend he had just met.
This woman, in addition to being fierce, having a low moral baseline, and being very thick-skinned, has many other shortcomings
The two of you have been exchanging empty pleasantries for quite some time, while Du Yan beside you has already grown impatient, kicking the small stones on the road.
Pointing at the distant figure of Tang Yin, who was about to disappear, Qin Kan said: "Don't you think that the silhouette of the great talent Tang has a very special flavor reminiscent of literature?"
Thus, Qin Kan warmly struck up a close rapport with the talented scholar Tang.
I cannot help but ask, last autumn my father executed a murderer, and at that moment, he smiled in a way that was as chilling as yours, and his eyes were filled with a fierce light just like yours... Look, look, you are showing that fierce light again! Du Yan's expression was filled with righteousness
"Tang Bohu"... is that your nickname
The reason Qin Kan was so beside himself upon meeting Tang Yin is actually unrelated to Tang Yin's talent; rather, he envied Tang Yin's romantic fortune. It is truly remarkable that a person who is so down-and-out could be sought after by renowned courtesans, and he should regard him as a lifelong idol.
Du Yan could no longer bear to listen, so she tugged at Qin Kan's sleeve. Only then did Qin Kan realize that he was somewhat agitated. He suppressed his excitement, cleared his throat twice, and gave a sheepish smile to Tang Bohu.
Staring at the receding figure of Tang Yin, Qin Kan's lips curled into a broad smile, his eyes filled with mirth
To be honest, Qin Kan is quite envious of such individuals, who not only do not spend money on women but can actually earn money from them; this is the highest realm of a client.
Tang Yin was stunned for a moment, then numbly nodded: "Of course I lack money... I have my eye on a manor in the north of Suzhou, intending to purchase it to spend the rest of my life there. I have even named the manor 'Peach Blossom Dock', but unfortunately..."
I am Qin Kan from Shanyin, and I can barely be considered half a scholar
At this moment, Qin Kan officially began to scrutinize Tang Yin
According to custom, Qin Kan should also introduce his courtesy name, but ever since he traversed to the present, he truly cannot recall whether he has a courtesy name or not, so he can only choose to omit it.
"If you don't intend to deceive him, why do you have such a disgusting smile on your face?" Du Yan's definition of his smile is very negative
Ah? Tang Yin was taken aback; he realized that he seemed unable to keep up with Qin Kan's leaps in thought. Could it be... that he was getting old?
Qin Kan had no choice but to cast his gaze towards the distance
One must be a bit more courteous and enthusiastic when interacting with idols
Tang Yin also clasped his hands and said: "I have not yet had the pleasure of consulting you on..."
In her eyes, the current Qin Kan has become an unequivocal villain; no matter how handsome he is or how graceful his demeanor, he is merely a handsome villain. A villain is a villain, and no matter how good-looking the exterior may be, it cannot change the essence of being a villain
You ask
Qin sighed, "What kind of talk is this? I am at least half a scholar, alright? How could a scholar betray his peers?"
... ... ''
This is not good; it is narrow-minded and vulgar
He is too bad
Ah, thank you
Du Yan, standing nearby, was thoroughly disgusted by his strange smile; this guy must be up to some bad intentions again
Now, Tang Yin is in his thirties, with no hope for an official career. He can only indulge in the pleasures of life, living in poverty and relying on selling paintings for a living. The income from selling his paintings is not even enough to establish a home, but instead, he spends it on visiting courtesans for enjoyment, leading a very decadent life
Well, it's fine to be short on money; what I fear is that you are not short on money
Qin Kan naturally knew what he regretted; he had no money at hand. Not to mention buying a manor, he couldn't even afford a thatched hut.
Brother Tang! Idol! I have so many questions I want to ask you...
As the foremost of the Four Talents of Jiangnan, do you feel a great deal of pressure
Qin Kan was completely unaware of the thoughts of this official's daughter, and he did not care about her opinions at all. Theoretically speaking, from this moment on, he and she had become strangers, like passersby, and would never have any further interactions in this lifetime
If it is inconvenient, then so be it
Tang Yin, a talented scholar who has lost hope for his future life
A subtle sense of resentment, the general idea is: I have ended up in such a miserable state now, I can love wherever I want, what business is it of yours
Thus, she effortlessly resolved the difficult problem she posed, easily extricating herself from the predicament. Although Du Yan had no intention to harm, she still felt uncomfortable in her heart. Moreover, the way this guy solved the problem was so underhanded that it made Du Yan even more displeased.
Qin Kan looked at this down-and-out scholar, and suddenly a spark of inspiration flashed in his mind. When he looked at Tang Yin again, there was already a hint of profound meaning in his eyes
His poetry and his paintings remain insurmountable peaks in the eyes of the scholars of Jiangnan. His wildness and his unruliness still enchant the famous courtesans, who willingly spend their money to share a spring night with him
You ask
Qin Kan felt a deep sense of disappointment; the foremost talent of Jiangnan should not appear in such a manner
Tang Yin clasped his hands and repeatedly expressed his reluctance, yet a look of astonishment appeared on his face
In order to quickly rid himself of this woman's entanglement, and also to prove that he is a kind-hearted scholar who is environmentally friendly and harmless, Qin Kan had no choice but to patiently explain.
However, a talented person is always a talented person; even a talented individual who has lost hope is still fervently pursued by the scholars of Jiangnan and the renowned courtesans.
Qin Kan's level of enthusiasm exceeded the expectations of Tang Bohu and Du Yan, and the questions raised left Brother Bohu at a loss for words
"Brother Tang, are you short on money?" Qin Kan abruptly got straight to the point.
Upon learning that Tang Yin is currently residing in an inn on Mashijiang Street in Shaoxing, Qin Kan shifted the topic, and Tian Nan Hai along with Tu Shu Bei began to converse with Tang Yin
"I will repeat once more, this is a smile as bright as sunshine; it is charming, captivating, and certainly not disgusting." Qin Kan earnestly corrected her extreme views
Du Yan ignored his self-aggrandizement and stared at him with a face full of suspicion: "What exactly do you want to do to Tang Bohu?"
It is a lamentable matter that a woman possesses so many shortcomings; her father, County Magistrate Du, should truly reflect on his educational methods
From Du Yan, he proved two more things
Qin Kan blinked and smiled, saying: "I wonder if Brother Tang is here in Shaoxing for a long stay or just a short visit"
They naturally had no idea how renowned the name Tang Bohu would become five hundred years later. Qin Kan was even unaware of the current emperor's name, but upon hearing the three characters "Tang Bohu," an image automatically surfaced in their minds: Zhou Xingchi, with a flamboyant expression, strutting down the overpass in a fashion show alongside the other three great talents of Jiangnan, captivating countless foolish young girls.
Qin sighed and said, "Why do you always think I would do something bad to him?"
Why are you asking this?
It is merely a temporary residence
"Brother Tang, it is a pleasure to meet you in person." Qin Kan said politely, clasping his hands together.
"Bohu, Baihu... How did your mother come up with such a strange name for you?"
Isn't Brother Tang residing in Suzhou for a long time? Why has he come to Shaoxing?
With a long sigh, Qin Kan said: "I am clearly so handsome, smiling so brightly, why is it that someone would say my expression is disgusting? Is this person perhaps blind?"
Tang Yin sighed with a sense of melancholy, his expression somewhat forlorn: "Without fame or fortune, possessing nothing of substance, I can only wander about, broadening my horizons. What I can do now is probably limited to this..."