Qingyun's Love: Tiger Boy Falls in Love with a Pretty Lawyer

Qingsheng said with a sideways face, "They're both doing something sneaky and I'd like to ask you for advice."

Ran Mo couldn't hold back his laughter and started talking nonsense again.

Young Master Wu patted Qingsheng lightly and said to Ranmo, "Don't listen to his nonsense. We are here to invite you to go to Changting Garden tomorrow to drink, sing and write poetry."

Ran Mo couldn't help but look at Qing Sheng. He suddenly felt a little strange. Why did it seem like he had to obey his orders now?

Qingsheng nodded slightly. Ranmo also wanted to go to the garden to relax and was about to agree to it with Wu Shao when Qingsheng said, "If you guys just recite poems and write couplets, then I can only watch the fun from the sidelines."

Hua Shao, who had been silent the whole time, patted Qing Sheng's arm affectionately and said, "That's fine. We two brothers can keep each other company. Let them go and recite poetry." Turning to Ran Mo, he asked, "Does Brother Yun have any better game ideas?"

Ran Mo smiled. If I mentioned mahjong, a party, or energetic singing and dancing, you would probably have never heard of it. Then he asked, "Is there a gentle stream in the garden where we can sit on both sides?"

Hua Shao replied, "Then you're right. Besides the pavilions and waterside terraces, the vast majority of the area are winding streams and ponds. Each one has its own unique charm, whether wide or narrow, slow or fast. Do you want to play in the stream?"

Ran Mo nodded slightly and asked, "Have you heard of the story of the Qushui Liushang?"

Everyone shook their heads. Wu Shao wanted her to interpret it. Ran Mo smiled and said, "You'll know when we go out for fun tomorrow. Just keep it in mind for now."

Qingsheng interrupted, "But are we still reciting poems and composing couplets around the stream?"

Ran Mo thought to himself, it seems that this poetry and couplet composition has become a source of worry for him. So he comforted him, "Don't worry, I will make sure I won't ignore you tomorrow."

Only then did Qingsheng reveal a smile.

Ranmo also told them that they needed to bring some paper, pens, cups, trays, and other utensils. Young Master Wu often participated in recreational activities, so his family was not short of such things.

The group was in high spirits. After chatting for a while, they agreed on a time and place to meet the next day, and then went back to prepare.

The next day, at noon, the weather was beautiful and the breeze was gentle. A group of handsome young men gathered and strolled through the Changting Gardens. They first lingered by the lake and the winding pavilion, enjoying the scenery and chatting. Then, they moved to a stream.

The stream is about one meter wide, crystal clear, flowing slowly and meandering through the garden, perfectly matching the requirements of ink painting.

Under Ranmo's instructions, everyone took out their wine vessels, brushes, and other items and placed them upstream of the stream. Then they sat on the grass on both sides of the stream, with nine people in total.

Ran Mo then announced the rules of the game: "Gentlemen, may you all be well! It is a great pleasure to have the elegance to drink and sing together today! Why not use the flying flower game and enjoy poetry and wine by the stream?"

The method is to place cups on a wooden tray and let them drift. One person then turns their back and claps a bamboo clapper in their hand. When the clapper stops, the person in front of or closest to the cup must take the tray and choose one of the words written on the slip under the cup: wine, flowers, moon, night, etc. They can choose to drink, practice boxing, or compose a poem using the word. Everyone plays to their strengths.

Everyone understood and applauded the creative and elegant idea. Ranmo glanced at Qingsheng and thought, "I'm so good to you. I even changed the rules of the game for you."

Qingsheng seemed determined to win, and he was no problem in terms of martial arts or drinking. If the mood struck him, he would even compose a few doggerel for fun. Anyway, he had been absorbing a lot of elegance from someone lately.

The game began, and the cups and plates flowed slowly downstream on the tray, accompanied by the sound of bamboo tapping. After a moment, the bamboo tapping stopped abruptly. Everyone looked over, and the cups and plates had just arrived in front of Hua Shao.

Hua Shao was stunned for a moment. Amid the crowd's cheers, he lifted the plate and cup from the water and took them over. He then took out the slip of paper underneath the cup and cup and unfolded it. On it was written the word "wine." Everyone then clamored for him to drink.

Hua Shao didn't refuse, picking up the wine cup and drinking it all in one gulp. He then turned the empty cup upside down for everyone to see. Everyone praised him for his good alcohol tolerance. Despite his youth and frail stature, he could drink quite well. At this moment, his face flushed slightly, just like the pink and white peach blossoms, which was very beautiful.

The game continued. Soon, they reached Young Master Wu. He unfolded the slip of paper and smiled faintly, "Let me show you a new set of boxing techniques I've learned." With that, he leaped lightly onto an open space and unleashed a brilliant set of boxing moves. His movements were truly agile and his technique rigorous. Everyone applauded.

After the demonstration, Young Master Wu bowed and humbly gave way. Ran Mo glanced at Qing Sheng and saw that he looked calm but eager to try.

Soon, it was Qingsheng's turn. He rubbed his fists, ready to fight, and was no less impressive. He unleashed a powerful and vigorous set of punches and kicks. Beyond his strength, he also possessed a touch of flowing grace and ease.

Everyone was stunned. Someone suggested that Wu Shao and Qing Sheng compete in martial arts.

Ran Mo thought this was beyond the rules of the game. He didn't want to spoil the fun. The two, martial artists, were eager for this opportunity to compete in public. So, they each clasped their fists and began to compete.

I saw the two of them, one slightly taller, the other more powerful. You stood firm in defense like the twisted roots of an old tree, while I cut in with the nimbleness of a silken blade. From above, a mountain pressed down, while from below, a giant python coiled and controlled me. The two exchanged blows, and after many rounds, the outcome remained uncertain.

Finally, the two of them jumped apart, clasped their fists together, and said, "Thank you for giving in!" Wu Shao said modestly, "Brother Chu is two years younger than me, but he has such skills. His future is promising."

Qingsheng said hurriedly, "Brother Wu, you're too modest. I'll need your advice in the future."

The crowd erupted in activity again. Some wealthy young man, ingenious as he was, had his servant fetch charcoal from his stove and set up a barbecue in a nearby open space. This was a common outdoor picnic in the cattle- and sheep-rich Great Moon Kingdom.

As the aroma of barbecue filled the air, everyone paused their games to share the delicious barbecue, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the surrounding lakes and mountains. Ranmo suddenly felt like he was at a beachside BBQ.

The game continued. After a few rounds, it was Wu Shao's turn again. Ranmo reminded them that according to the rules, they couldn't repeat their previous rounds. If they chose poetry, they could recite someone else's entire poem or create a few lines of their own.

Wu Shao readily agreed and said he would compose a poem. Everyone gave him a thumbs-up, praising his talent for both literature and martial arts. Wu Shao's face showed a hint of pride.

He drew the character "花" (flower). This is a high-frequency word in poetry and songs. After a moment's thought, Wu Shao chanted a five-character quatrain:

"A fair and handsome young man, looking around and playing with the flowers. A swallow carrying mud from the old nest, now turns into a phoenix on the branch."

This poem was well-matched and beautifully written, with both the characters it referred to and the changes in its connotation, which made people's imagination run wild. Everyone couldn't help but applaud.

Ran Mo was stunned upon hearing this. He couldn't help but look at the man a few more times. His solemn figure matched the poetic sentiment.

Wu Shao nodded to everyone and glanced at Qing Sheng beside him.

Soon, the game came to Qingsheng. He pulled out the slip of paper, glanced at it, and said, "Today I'm also choosing to write a poem."

The people around him were speechless. They knew he was a martial arts expert, but writing and poetry weren't his strong suit. Why would he choose this over drinking?

Ran Mo was also worried for him. Could this kid just want to compete with Master Wu?

Seeing everyone's confusion, Qingsheng explained loudly, "It's not that I don't know the depth of things, but I feel that poetry and prose shouldn't be the exclusive domain of literati. As long as there is something on their mind, everyone can express it freely."

Many of the group weren't particularly skilled in poetry, but their enthusiasm grew even stronger after hearing Qingsheng's words, feeling he had spoken for them. Hua Shao even clapped his hands happily, eager to see how Qingsheng performed and perhaps learn something from him.

Qingsheng paused and said, "The word I drew is 'moon'. Coincidentally, I've also had some insights into the scenery of a moonlit night. I'll compose a humble poem to entertain you all!" Then he stood up, facing the distance and chanting:

"There is a beauty in the moon, isolated from the world and living alone. My heart is turned to the bright moon, when will the beauty look back?"

At this moment, Yue'e has not yet been on duty in the sky, but the situation of this poem brings people into the reverie of the beautiful women in the Moon Palace.

Everyone was silent at first, and then burst into applause, praising Qingsheng's poem for its ingenious conception, simplicity and true meaning.

Qingsheng also clasped his fists in thanks to both sides, then glanced deeply at Ranmo, as if waiting for her to give him some praise.

Ranmo nodded in silence. Qingsheng's ability to compose such a poem truly exceeded her expectations. Ancient Chinese poets had written countless poems about the beauty of the moon, so it was natural to feel a sense of déjà vu. And the emotion he expressed was quite genuine. This kid was quite insightful.

She subconsciously made an "OK" gesture towards Qingsheng. Qingsheng, confused, blinked at her. Ranmo couldn't explain it to him in front of everyone. It wouldn't be too late to tell him later.

Everyone continued to feast and revel. Before they knew it, a bright moon hung high in the sky, filling the garden with its silver light.

Young Master Wu stood up and suggested that since everyone had performed well today, how could we leave out the main performer, Master Yun Mo Ran? He had to give everyone a great performance.

Everyone seemed to wake up and asked Ranmo to perform. Qingsheng also looked at her happily, thinking that this time I won't block for you.

Ran Mo was naturally graceful and raised his hand to hold up his cup, pretending to toast to the bright moon. He said, "Tonight, the wind and moon are boundless. I will sing a song for everyone about the moon and longing. With this, I pray that the flowers will always bloom and people will live long."

Then, in a graceful yet heroic voice, he sang: "When will the bright moon appear? I raise my cup to ask the blue sky. I don't know what year it is in the palace in heaven. I want to ride the wind and return home..."

Everyone was mesmerized by the performance, as if immersed in a deep sense of nostalgia. As they listened to the finale, they even gently clapped their hands to the rhythm.

The garden was filled with the faint fragrance of flowers, entwined with the moonlight and tree shadows, and flowing with a trace of melancholy of separation and longing...