Chapter 101
Teacher Lu scrutinized the newly revised poem, comparing it with the previous version. The revised lines resonated with a stronger fervor of patriotic loyalty and devotion to the monarch….the use of ‘laments in sorrow’ accurately set the level and oblique tones, aptly conveying the emotional turmoil of a son longing for his father. The couplet, changed from ‘dreams drift to the south of Yunnan’ to ‘ride their wings to distant shores’, which was not more tightly linked to the preceding line about the young swallow’s yearning than it should be, while the word ‘longing’ in ‘in dreams, I send my longing aboard the Official’s ship’ subtly suggested the deep connection in the dreams and souls of the father and son.
With such modifications, the poem’s artistic mood became more coherent and comprehensive, skillfully integrating poetic flair and allegory. It transitioned from familial affection to the greater duty of loyalty to one’s sovereign, thereby highlighting the theme that Imperial grace outweighs personal feelings. In terms of this, the poem could be considered to be a well-balanced and commendable composition.
However, despite the improvements, the poem was still lacking in tonal rhythm and still felt somewhat rigid. Teacher Lu re-read it and elaborated in detail, “Your poem uses too many rising tones and not enough entering tones, resulting in a monotonous rhythm that lacks dynamic variation. Among the four tones: level, rising, departing and entering, the level tone is elongated while the oblique tones of rising, departing and entering each possess their respective characteristics. The departing tone, much like the level tone, belongs to the category of yang tones, characterized by longer and more distant exhalations. In contrast, the rising and entering tones are yin tones, marked by shorter breaths. Excessively using level tones can lead to an overly slow and protracted reading experience, while an abundance of oblique tones will create a sense of abruptness and steepness.”
Teacher Lu then pointed to the line ‘in dreams, I send my longing aboard the Official’s ship’ and remarked, ‘This line begins with three consecutive departing tones, followed by two level tones. This excessive use of the departing tone makes this line a little too forceful and loses the natural cadence of what a couplet should be. The following line ‘ I speak of old times to the willows by the blue river’ alternates between both rising and departing tones. It should be noted that while the rising tone is brief, it is different from the entering tone: the rising tone ascends while the entering tone descends sharply, creating a more pronounced effect of restraining and then releasing of sound. Reading through the entire poem, only the word ‘wings’ is in the entering tone. With such an overabundance of level and departing tones, the poem becomes expressively rigid and has too many yang tones. If the places where there are consecutive departing tones are changed to rotate between rising, departing and entering tones, the tone of the poem’s intonation would be more enriched, making it more lively and varied to read.”
Cui Xie had thought that he had mastered the art of the tonal patterns, rhymes and antithetical couplets quite well in recent days, but Teacher Lu’s guidance made him realize just how much farther he still had to go.
Composing poetry wasn’t merely about talent, it also required a thorough memorization of the rhyme schemes. He now understood that emulating Qianlong’s poetic prowess was not as easy as it seemed.1
Teacher Lu, observing Cui Xie’s expression which was full of mixture of reverence and realization, his face showed a smile of approval, “It is good that you recognize your shortcomings. The reason I am being strict with you is because we speak the language of the Central Plains and cannot naturally discern tonal patterns like Southerners are able to. They can effortlessly remedy awkward or abrupt sounds in their poetry. For us, becoming proficient in poetry requires a deep familiarity with the rhyme schemes and categories, understanding profoundly which tone and rhyme each word belongs to. Only with this knowledge can you craft a verse that everyone can universally appreciate.”
Cui Xie solemnly cupped his hands respectfully, bowing, “This disciple understands.”
Teacher Lu added, “While one should strictly adhere to tonal and rhyme patterns, one must not let rhyme dictate the content to the extent of damaging the essence of the verses. Therefore, later poets developed various techniques that bent such rules —there are certain instances where bending the rules is optional; other cases require that it must be done within the same line; yet others where a solitary flat or sharp tone in one line must be compensated in the corresponding line. This has led to the saying, ‘Odd lines are flexible, while even lines are clear-cut’. However, you have yet to fully master the four tones and eight defects. If I teach you the techniques used to bend the rules now, your use of rhymes will become too arbitrary. It is essential to first learn the most rigorous standards and then gradually loosen them. This approach will ensure that even as you advance and explore, you will not stray from the fundamental principles.”
Understanding dawned on Cui Xie. Much like when he first learned to draw, by starting with basic sketching and pencil techniques, this later allowed him to create intricate portraits of beautiful and dashing people.
Seeing his disciple’s genuine comprehension and lack of desire for shortcuts, Teacher Lu internally nodded in approval, though his expression remained stern. He firmly stated, “Writing poetry also requires practice. If you merely grasp the rules and structure of poetry without engaging with it in a regular fashion, merely waiting until inspiration strikes, you will never make significant progress. I understand that your studies are demanding and I will not insist on multiple compositions a day. But, whenever you encounter something unusual or witness something new, you should compose a poem about it. At the end of the month, bring them to me for review.”
The idea of capturing the extraordinary in Cui Xie’s daily routine puzzled the youth. His days were largely spent in the confines of the Imperial College, switching between lectures and reviewing, and his journeys to and from home were shrouded in darkness. Where would he find such inspiration in such monotony?
That is to say, on the first and fifteenth days of the month, he was allowed to venture out on those days. Yet, the thought of documenting these precious moments in a diary to be scrutinized to his teacher did not greatly appeal to him.
Cui Xie thought deeply, wrestling with the concept.
Teacher Lu, clutching a scroll of paper, tapped it on the table for emphasis and advised, “As someone aspiring for the Imperial examinations and officialdom, you will be required to compose poetry swiftly, whether in academic discourse with classmates, at banquets, or when mandated at court. Often, you will have no more than the time it takes an incense stick to burn for contemplation. When practicing poetry, try to push yourself to do so quickly. Generally, those who can write poems swiftly may produce more ordinary poems given the time, but they are often courteously praised for their quick wit and thinking. And if one can produce even a line or two of true creative thought, this surely signifies poetic talent.”
Such a strategy could even be thought of!
To think that Teacher Lu, who appeared so scholarly and aloof, was so adept at understanding the art of crafting one’s image. Had Teacher Lu not been a tutor in the Cui Residence, maintaining a dignified teacher in front of his students, he might have already been leading scholarly society, giving lectures and gaining fame as a charming intellectual.
Looking up to Teacher Lu with newfound respect, Cui Xie bowed and responded earnestly, “This student understands. This student will definitely reflect and write more, eagerly awaiting the day when I gain deeper insight.”
“Not only must you think and write more, but you also need to read more.” Teacher Lu emphasized this, handing Cui Xie several books of Tang and Song poetry selections, which he had prepared earlier and hidden beneath the 《Thousand Character Classic》and a pile of scattered papers. He instructed Cui Xie to familiarize himself with these works, to savor and contemplate their usage of language, allusions and the nuances of tonalities and rhythms.
Teacher Lu himself was preparing for the huishi, the metropolitan examinations that was to be held in three years’ time, and needed to study in the evenings. Feeling that a day’s instruction had been sufficient, he advised Cui Xie to continue to self-study and left with his books and papers for the guest courtyard.
Cui Xie went to bid farewell to his elders and then escorted Teacher Lu to his residence before returning to his own small courtyard.
Cui Qi was currently in his courtyard, working on outlining the newly colored illustrations for the new edition, progressing to the end of the twelfth volume depicting ‘Ma Chao’s Fierce Battle at Jiameng Pass’, and “Liu Bei Becomes the Governor of Yuzhou’. This volume featured two full-page illustrations, one depicting the battle between Zhang Fei and Ma Chao while the other showed Zhao Yun persuading Liu Bei. Since Ma Chao played a significant role in this part of the story, and surrendered, he was prominently featured in single-person color illustrations, along with one of Liu Bei donned in his governor attire. However, Cui Xie, driven by personal preference, decided to replace Ma Chao’s illustration with one of Guan Yu—
Anyway, there had been enough illustrations of Ma Chao in the previous editions, and this time, there was a scene where Guan Yu desired to enter Sichuan and compete with Ma Chao. What harm would it do to add another depiction of Guan Yu dressed as a governor? It perfectly complemented Liu Bei and even served as a promotion for the upcoming volume featuring the ‘Conference of the Single Dao’.
As Cui Xie casually flipped through the poetry collection, internalizing it like a pdf in his mind, he simultaneously inquired Cui Qi, “How have sales been the past few days? Has there been any trouble? If there is anyone deliberately causing issues, let me know. I will take da-ren’s token and file a complaint to the Shuntian Prefecture.”
Cui Qi set down his brush and looked at him, “Our shop has many patrons who are servants of noble families and no one dares to cause trouble there. However, da-ge’s portraits are too well drawn and have garnered significant attention. People keep asking the clerks and Shopkeepers if it is for sale, including some officials and nobility. My father has managed to decline a few offers, but I fear there may come a time when a request can no longer be easily refused…”
The portrait of the Four Beauties had been previously acquired by Young Master Wang, and with the popularity of the Three Kingdoms, it was quite normal that there was a demand for the large prints. If they should be sold, then be it.
However, the study was currently relying on them for publicity purposes and selling them too readily would not reflect their true value. It was time to plan another round of promotion….Cui Xie folded a piece of paper into a bookmark, inserted it into the page of the poetry collection he had stopped on and pondered for a moment. He then asked, “What about those clerks of the old Southern goods shop that can travel to other regions? Are they ready to head south yet?”
Cui Qi’s eyes lit up, “Is da-ge finally planning to distribute our products to the south? I have heard that they have been duplicating our editions down there and even stamping them with the Zhirong Bookstore’s engraved seal, tarnishing our reputation! Soon, we should send some properly engraved books down there so they can see who the true pioneer of color printing is!”
Ah, this wasn’t tarnishing one’s reputation, it was actually clearing it! With someone else taking on the moniker of ‘Cui Beauty’, he could finally be the unblemished, Cui Scholar!
Cui Xie waved his hand and said, “Let’s determine how much stock we have first. We are short on hands and our prints are already selling well in North Zhili. Let’s establish our reputation in the capital first. I am thinking, since we now have a substantial amount of funds, you could take a trip out of the capital to the south. Look for woodblock and printing artisans and apprentices who have no family ties or burdens, and bring them back to train slowly. We have a lot more things to print in the future.”
Cui Qi replied, “That is feasible. Clerk Fang is well acquainted with Jianyang and yonder. They have plenty of woodblocks, pear wood and artisans there. People from Fujian are hardworking and are likely to agree. The only issue is that their dialect is a bit difficult to understand.”
That was not an issue . Once they arrive, they could gradually teach them and if they marry and have children, they would settle down here eventually
Later, Cui Xie would have them sign long-term contracts spanning several decades. Right now, the market is just beginning to develop. The Peace of Mind Study was currently in its growth phase and could not leak any secrets during the study’s rise. The printing industry would develop sooner or later, with so many color printing techniques out there, Cui Xie did not expect woodblock printing technology, especially color print, to forever remain a secret in the Ming Dynasty.
Cui Xie chuckled, “Then you all should arrange for someone to make a trip there as soon as possible. When you are there, you are not only recruiting people, but also purchasing popular and high-quality books, storybooks and drama scripts. We will bring them back to illustrate and print ourselves. Also, while you are there, help me buy some items…”
Now that he was residing in the Cui Residence, Cui Xie felt a sense of responsibility towards the elderly and younger members of the household. It was not just about his own business ventures, he also needed to think about how to successfully run the two stores owned by the Cui family.
The fabric shop, revitalized recently by the popularity of the yesa robes could potentially see continued success with modernized and improved versions of traditional garments. Who knew, one of these new designs might set off a buying frenzy again; However, the cosmetic shop lacked a standout product and struggled to command high prices. It was time to delve into his cheat of a chemistry book for some inspiration.
With the recent development of his distillation apparatus, he could consider importing exotic flowers from the South for cultivating and aim to produce exorbitantly priced floral waters, and perhaps venture into soap-making.
Lost in thought, he suddenly noticed Cui Qi staring at him, mouth slightly agape. He chuckled and gently turned Cui Qi’s chubby cheek away, saying, “I have yet to decide what exactly to ask for yet. I will let you know once I have made up my mind.”
Cui Qi obediently nodded in agreement.
Cui Xie then picked up the poetry collection again, caressing its cover and said, “Next time, if someone wants to buy one of our beauties’ illustrations, tell them this: Just like real beauties, these illustrations are sought after only when they represent renowned women of exceptional charm. Keeping them hidden away at home before they gain fame seems somewhat petty and lowly. Also, let them know that the shop plans to commission famous artists to create illustrations of Da Qiao, Zhen Shi and Diao Chan, completing a collection of ‘The Three Kingdom’s Five Beauties’. We will postpone the release until the seventh day of the seventh lunar month and organize a voting event similar to the one held in Qian’an county before. If they are truly interested, they can participate in such a grand event.”
Having not frequented the shop during his time in Qian’an, Cui Xie was not fully aware of the fervor surrounding the previous ‘Who is the Number One Beauty?’ competition. Cui Qi, having experienced that spectacle firsthand, felt his back tingle with excitement and nervousness, the hairs on his back standing up. Both excited and nervous, Cui Qi asked, “Are we going to include voting slips in the books again and have people cast their votes with these slips?”
No…that wouldn’t be lucrative enough.
The Four Beauties, in the past, lacked a broad base of popular support which meant managing a small-scale event for them had been adequate. However, Xiao Chan, the Two Qiao sisters and Zhen Mi were legendary beauties whose names endured the test of time even 500 years later. How could mere slips of paper in a voting process adequately reflect their worth?
Cui Xie’s eyes sparkled with a bright silver luster, resembling snowflakes in their brilliance. He smiled and explained, “The covers of our deluxe editions already feature illustrations of the five beauties, with only Sun Shangxiang missing on the cover of the twelfth volume. We can use these cover illustrations and ballots, and for those without illustrated editions, poems eulogizing the beauties can be used as an alternative. During the voting process, I plan to invite some of my classmates to serve as judges and assess the poems submitted with the votes. The beauty who receives the moves votes and highest-ranked poem will be crowned as the ‘Number One Beauty of the Three Kingdoms’.
Additionally, this event could serve to identify the foremost poet in regards to the Three Kingdoms.
…But just whom should the paintings be sold to? If numerous affluent families competed for them, favoring one over others could offend potential buyers in the future. Not to mention, the Peace of Mind Study was not registered under Cui Xie and even if it had, his father, a mere fourth-rank official, could hardly shield against such disputes.
Cui Qi, with the simple concerns as an ordinary citizen, worried about offending those in higher positions.
Cui Xie shook his head and proposed with a slight curve to his lips, “We do not possess the skill to curry favor evenly among our customers, selling to some while refusing others, yet still making them hopelessly devoted and unresentful. Have we not already prolonged the timeline? In the meantime, we can commission artists to create several more copies of the large illustrations, ensuring they are identical. Or, we could carve wood plates for the faces and hands to simplify the process through printing. Just outline and fill in the colors, which is much easier to do. Prepare several dozen sets of drafts in advance and sell each copy for ten taels of silver to those interested. If there is more demand, we can gradually produce and supply additional copies.”
- The Qianlong Emperor, was the fifth emperor of the Qing dynasty is one of the longest lived Monarchs in all of history and he ushered in the High Qing era, which was the height of Qing dynasty power, influence and prosperity. He was known to be an extremely prolific poet, having written 43,000 poems to his name by the time he died at the age of 88. ↩︎
TN: Hope you are all doing well and happy valentine’s day <3, extra chapter for you all! hope you all can celebrate with your partners, loved ones, or if you are single, that’s awesome too! I will be taking the night off and treating myself to a nice dinner with my boyfriend 🙂
Huge Announcement: We have set up a kofi and patreon account! If you would like to support us or get early access to advance chapters for Blood-Sucking Empress OR TMD, those options are available for you (in support us page)! I have just added a patreon tier for Transmigrating to the Ming Dynasty’s Imperial Examinations in which patreons can have access to a google document with ALL of my advanced translated chapters for the novel. Since I am a college student, there should usually be at least 10 advance chapters in the document at a time, but depending on my schedules, there may be fewer or more. I’m currently extremely busy, but I have translated out some new chapters for you all! But, I will still post each week with the same schedule. Thanks!
Twin Dragons Translations 
Thank You for the new chapter (｢･ω･)｢♥
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