The first time in history

Feng Yixuan cupped his hands and said, "My family is all in the silk and satin business. I wonder where you made your fortune?"

Qian Ming thought about it and said, "I am a poor man. I can only take exams and sell calligraphy for a living. I can't compare to you, brother! You look like you come from a rich family."

"Brother Lu, what you are wearing is made of the finest silk." Feng Yixuan smiled and said, "Brother Lu, you are joking. This kind of clothes is not something that someone who makes a living by selling calligraphy can wear!"

Qian Mingduo picked up the wine glass and said, "To be honest, I do make a living by selling calligraphy, but my calligraphy is more expensive."

"Then I have to ask you for a painting, brother?" Feng Yixuan clinked his glasses with Qian Mingduo and drank them all. "I hope you will give me some calligraphy!"

Qian Mingduo put down the cup and said, "That's easy. I make a living by selling calligraphy anyway. As long as Brother Feng is willing to pay for it, it won't be a big deal, right?"

"Young lady, please go get the brush, ink, paper and inkstone," Feng Yixuan patted the girl beside him, "I will invite Lu Jieyuan to write now."

Feng Yixuan's family was a well-known wealthy family in Lin'an Prefecture. His great-grandfather had been engaged in the silk business. There were more than 30 branches across the country, and three branches in Kyoto alone.

He was quite confident about this provincial examination, thinking that he could win the first place with the quality of his essay. But after the results were announced, he found out that he was only ranked second.

So he was very curious about the person who passed the imperial examination, and after much inquiry, he found out where Qian Mingduo lived. He also bribed the examiner to copy a copy of Qian Mingduo's answer sheet for him.

When he saw Qian Mingduo's test paper, he realized that his level was much higher than his own, so he wanted to make friends with him.

"I can write for you, old man," Qian Ming took another bite of food, "and I'll give you two hundred taels of silver as a reward. I hope you won't be stingy with it!"

Feng Yixuan's head buzzed. The fee for writing a few words was actually two hundred taels. Although he could afford it, it was a bit too expensive. Now that he had said it, if he didn't let Qian Ming write more, he would definitely be laughed at.

"Of course, of course." Feng Yixuan said somewhat embarrassedly: "No wonder you wear all ramie silk, it turns out the reward is so high. Ha, ha, ha..."

At this time, the girl who had just gone out came in with the four treasures of the study. There was a table next to the dining table.

After the girl had arranged the things, Qian Mingduo drank another glass of wine and wrote a poem "Jianzi Qingpingle".

The light snow is leisurely,

I'm crazy.

Dear lotus root,

scent body,

Looking at her sleeping alone in the fragrant tent.

The moon is full,

Frosty evenings are deceiving.

Fiber Cloud Quilt,

Wrap up the beauty,

I sleep sadly on the empty bed listening to the rain.

"I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Brother Feng. This is just a poem I made up." Qian Mingduo walked back to the table and poured a glass of wine for the girl who accompanied him. "Come on, girl, let's have a drink."

Feng Yixuan read the poem carefully and said, "Yes, Brother Lu is indeed talented. I admire him."

Qian Mingduo originally wanted to write a famous poem after the Southern Song Dynasty, but he also liked to write some ancient poems in his daily life, so he simply used his own ancient poems to make up the number.

"I know very well how well I write." Qian Mingduo smiled, "It's just some frivolous words."

"It rhymes well and has profound meaning." Feng Yixuan nodded repeatedly, "It's worth it. Brother Lu's poem is worth not only two hundred taels, but... even three hundred taels!"

Qian Mingduo filled Feng Yixuan's glass with wine and said, "I'm sorry to have embarrassed you, Brother Feng. What I just said about the reward was just a joke. Don't mind it, brother."

"Ha, ha, ha..." Feng Yixuan laughed, "What are you talking about, Jieyuan? I am so honored to have received this calligraphy today! Since you make a living by selling calligraphy, there is no reason for me not to reward you for your writing."

Feng Yixuan wanted to deliberately belittle Qian Mingduo in front of the two girls. You know, in ancient times, only poor scholars who were penniless would make a living by selling calligraphy.

Qian Mingduo certainly knew what Feng Yixuan was thinking, but he didn't care at all. "Since you're willing to pay for the writing, then take it!" He held out his hand.

"Okay, I'll give you two hundred taels." Feng Yixuan took out two ingots of silver and placed them heavily on the table.

Qian Mingduo looked at Feng Yixuan and gave each of the two girls a silver ingot. "Please accept it, young ladies. This is a reward from Master Feng."

Feng Yixuan didn't expect Qian Mingduo to give the silver to the two girls who accompanied him. He was stunned for a moment, then laughed and said, "Lu Jieyuan is really a famous scholar. I want to make friends with you. I wonder if you can become sworn brothers with me?"

Qian Mingduo had traveled to ancient times several times, and this was the first time he wanted to become sworn brothers with him. He thought for a moment, "I shouldn't have rejected your kindness, but... when I was young, an immortal once told me a fortune."

"Oh!" Feng Yixuan asked, "What is this hexagram?"

"That immortal said that I am a sworn brother. If I have no brothers, that's fine. But if I have brothers... I will be sworn brothers. So..." Qian Mingduo smiled, "I think for my brother, it's better not to become sworn brothers."

"Is there such a thing?" Feng Yixuan said, "Do you have any brothers at home?"

"No, I only have a sister." Qian Ming drank more wine, "If I had a brother, I would have to beat him up too. Hahaha!"

"That's good!" Feng Yixuan said, "Since you are thinking about me, then..."

Qian Mingduo raised his glass and said, "Let's drink and not talk about this matter."

Qian Mingduo's real meaning was that he didn't want to offend too many people. If he became sworn brothers with Feng Yixuan, the two of them would inevitably have to interact more often in the future. He knew that Li Shishi liked quietness and didn't like others to disturb their lives. That's why he made up a story to shirk responsibility.

"I will go to Beijing for the imperial examination next month. I wonder what plans the champion should make?" Feng Yixuan asked, "Although the capital is not far from Lin'an Prefecture, I should make plans early."

Qian Mingduo nodded, "It's time to make plans. It will probably take some time to reach the capital by horseback. But...it's also time to prepare."

"I will be going to Beijing in the next few days. When will the Scholar leave?"

"I guess it will only be a few days!" Qian Ming thought for a while, "I have to discuss with my wife to see when to leave."

"Does Jie Yuan want to go to Beijing with his sister-in-law?"

"Yes, my wife and I are going to Beijing together."

Feng Yixuan shook his head. "I originally wanted to go to Beijing with you, but you have to bring your family with you. It seems that I will go to Beijing alone!"

"These two girls are pretty good today," Qian Mingduo said jokingly, "Brother, you can ask them to go to Beijing with you. That way, you won't be lonely on the road."

"Brother, this is a very good idea. Ha, ha, ha..." Feng Yixuan laughed and said, "It's a pity that if my wife finds out, then... forget it. I'd better go alone."