After being reborn, her aloof ex-husband and her crazy deceased husband got into a fight.

This lotus-viewing banquet was a grand literary event, with all the renowned literary figures and talents from Danzhou in attendance.

For this grand event, the Du family specially built a small canal by the lotus pond, drawing clear water from the pond to irrigate it, thus setting up a "winding stream party" setting.

The stone canal meanders and twists, with clear, babbling water flowing through it. Every three feet there is a stone table, on which are placed fine wine and melons and fruits, and the talented scholars sit in rows.

In the bamboo grove not far away, a woman played the zither with her delicate hands. The sound of the strings and pipes was clear and pleasant. A gentle breeze blew across the lake, accompanied by the fragrance of lotus flowers. Everyone drank wine and recited poetry, feeling extremely relaxed and elegant.

A thousand cups of wine are less than a confidant.

The grand gathering lasted from afternoon until evening, with talented individuals engaging in poetry and painting competitions under the influence of alcohol. A constant stream of excellent works emerged, dazzling the audience.

Among them, the most eye-catching is Lan Tingzhou's "Evening View of Lotus Flowers".

After two rounds of the winding stream party, the crowd voted to select the three best poems and three best paintings of the day, which were then presented to Du Zhong and Lu Yu, who were seated at the head of the table. The two of them then circled the best of the entire event.

For this gathering, Du Zhong also brought out two Chengni inkstones that he had treasured for many years as a prize to award to the best poem or painting of the entire event.

Wang Xishi, a young prodigy from Luming Academy, won first place, and his poem "Ode to Lotus by the Lake" was unanimously selected by the two adults as the best poem.

But when it came to calligraphy and painting... Du Zhong circled "Evening Lotus in the Sun" without hesitation, but Lu Yu frowned deeply as he looked at the painting.

Du Zhong asked, "Does Lord Lu find this painting inappropriate?"

Lu Yu shook his head: "This painting has concise brushwork, a fresh and clear composition, and a lot of interesting charm. It is indeed a good painting."

"However, it would be even better if it were painted with freehand ink splashes, as its majestic and grand style would better highlight the lotus's noble and simple meaning."

When he saw the signature on the painting clearly, his brows furrowed even more, and he snorted defiantly.

"First place is fine. It's a pity Zizhuo isn't here this time, otherwise I would have asked him to paint one too, it would definitely be no worse than this one."

Lü Zizhuo was Lu Yu's prized student and a rising star of the Northern School of calligraphy and painting in Beijing, enjoying considerable fame.

Du Zhong laughed and said, "When Lord Lu's beloved disciple comes next time, I will organize another floating wine cup competition and we will have a rematch."

Everyone knows that Lu Yu is obsessed with calligraphy and painting, and is a strong supporter of the Northern School of painting techniques.

This painting, "Lotus in the Evening Sun," features delicate and gentle brushstrokes and a peaceful and serene style, clearly demonstrating the techniques of the Southern School. No wonder it drew so much criticism from Lu Yu.

Finally, Lu Yu, stroking his beard, reluctantly circled "Little Lotus in the Evening" as the best.

Lan Tingzhou and Wang Xishi stepped forward at the same time, bowed respectfully to Du Zhong and Lu Yu, and accepted the Chengni inkstone amidst the envious gazes of the crowd.

After the poetry and painting competition concluded, everyone relaxed and started chatting with acquaintances in small groups, creating a lively atmosphere.

Lan Tingzhou had hardly ever entered the academy, let alone left Qingshui Town, so none of the people present today knew him well.

No one invited him, so he sat alone at the end of the stone canal, admiring the lotus flowers in the pond, sipping his drink, and enjoying a leisurely and carefree time.

Lu Yu stepped down from the head seat, walked up to him, glanced at him twice, and then said in a stern voice with a straight face, "You, accompany this old man for a walk."

Seeing Lu Yu's awkward expression, Lan Tingzhou couldn't help but smile.

He rose gracefully, bowed respectfully, and said, "This student obeys."

The two strolled casually along the lotus pond, with Lu Yu leading the way with his head down, remaining silent for a long while.

Lan Tingzhou lagged half a step behind, following him unhurriedly without saying a word.

After walking for a while, Lu Yu stopped and turned back, somewhat annoyed, saying, "Didn't you say you preferred the Northern School when you were little and even wanted to become my disciple? How come you've switched to the Southern School now that you're older?"

Lan Tingzhou smiled and said, "My father does not allow it, so I have no choice but to change course."

Lu Yu snorted in dissatisfaction.

Lan Tingzhou said gently, "In my opinion, calligraphy and painting are both ways to express one's thoughts directly. One should not be bound by techniques. As long as one can express oneself freely and unrestrainedly, that is good enough."

Lu Yu turned his head and glanced at him, then snorted twice, but his dissatisfaction had lessened considerably.

"You've been daring to hit people with a broom since you were a child, how could that suit the gentle and mild style of the Southern school! I'll find you two good teachers someday, and they'll show you the vigorous, powerful, and magnificent style of brushwork! They'll show you what it means to express your true feelings directly!"

Lan Tingzhou smiled and said, "Then this student thanks Elder Lu in advance."

Lu Yu paused, turned around and glared at Lan Tingzhou: "What did you call me?"

Lan Tingzhou touched his nose, lowered his head, and said softly, "Uncle Lu."

Lu Yu nodded in satisfaction and continued walking forward.

"Your father's crimes have been pardoned. Do you still have the opportunity to participate in the imperial examination?" Lu Yu asked.

"I just passed the county examination this spring," Lantingzhou replied.

Lu Yu remained silent for a long time.

"Eleven years have passed. If I had been more diligent back then, I wouldn't be so helpless and unable to help Brother Yaoshi in the slightest." Facing the wind, Lu Yu couldn't help but shed tears.

"Uncle Lu, there's no need to blame yourself. The political situation in the court is unpredictable and cannot be controlled by just one or two people."

"I didn't expect you to be so insightful at such a young age. If you could stay away from the capital in the future and become a leisurely local official, bringing benefits to the people, that would be very good," Lu Yu sighed.

Which academy are you studying at now?

"The academy in town."

"A school in town?" Lu Yu frowned, his eyes showing disapproval. "It's not easy for someone from a school in town to pass the imperial examination."

Lan Tingzhou remained silent, offering no reply. How could he not know this?

However, getting into a prestigious academy is no easy feat. Besides money, one also needs a recommender.

Lu Yu seemed to have thought of this as well, so he said, "How about I write you a letter, which you can use as a letter of recommendation? Although I am not very talented, I have gained some reputation over the decades."

Lu Yu was a second-class Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) back then, and he was also the current emperor's calligraphy and painting teacher. This is more than just a little bit of fame! With his endorsement, Lan Tingzhou's path to the imperial examination will definitely be much smoother.

However, Lan Tingzhou did not want to get too involved with him, fearing that if things went wrong in the future, it would implicate him.

“I appreciate Uncle Lu’s kindness. However, you are now the Imperial Tutor and have the title of Grand Tutor. If I were to take your letter of recommendation, I’m afraid no academy in Danzhou Prefecture would dare to accept me.”

"What tutor? His Majesty only taught him a few lessons when he was young," Lu Yu said irritably.

"Very well, everyone fears empty fame. I still have a few old friends in Danzhou, so please visit them for me another day."

Lan Tingzhou was overjoyed, never expecting such a rewarding trip.

When Lantingzhou unexpectedly gained a recommender, Gan Cai'er was mingling among a group of noble ladies.

A dozen or so women gathered in the pavilion by the arched bridge over the lotus pond, chatting amongst themselves. Where there are women, there is always plenty of gossip.

"I heard that Wang Xishi once again outshone everyone else and won the best award today."

"With him there, if he can't get first place, who can?"

"That's right, Young Master Wang is a genius that comes along only once in a century. He passed the imperial examination at the age of thirteen and is known as a master of both poetry and painting!"

"Oh, you don't know, the winner of this year's calligraphy and painting competition is not Young Master Wang, but someone else."

"Ah? The top scholar in calligraphy and painting isn't Young Master Wang?!"

Everyone was surprised.

Gan Cai'er also secretly pricked up her ears.

"He is said to be an unknown young master, but his painting skills are indeed remarkable. Even Lord Lu had a long talk with him."

"Oh? What's the background of this young master?"

"I don't know that. I only know that this young master's surname is Lan, and he is very young, a few years younger than Young Master Wang, not even twenty yet."

"Tsk, tsk, could it be yet another genius?"

"Oh dear, it's rumored that he's not only a great painter, but also a better person. As the saying goes, 'Like a lone pine tree standing tall and firm, like a jade mountain about to collapse, a gentleman of refined elegance in this turbid world,' that's exactly right!"

"Sister Du, is this person really that outstanding?"

The one who was shaking her head and pedantic earlier was none other than the third young lady of the Du family. Just now, she made an excuse to go up the arched bridge and watch the excitement for a while before returning.

Seeing all the women staring at her expectantly, she couldn't help but curl the corners of her mouth, feeling quite smug.

"Of course! I saw it with my own eyes. If you don't believe me, go and see for yourselves!"

The pavilion suddenly fell silent. Several unmarried young ladies exchanged glances and then made excuses to leave in a hurry.

Gan Cai'er watched as the group walked onto the arched bridge together, heading towards the male guests.

Although the Dayong Dynasty emphasized strict separation between men and women, and daughters of noble families were required to memorize "Women's Virtues" and "Women's Script" from a young age, such strict etiquette was only observed in the capital.

The further away from the capital, the looser the control over women became; in remote prefectures like Danzhou, such control was sometimes practically nonexistent.

For example, at this lotus-viewing banquet, although a wooden arch bridge separated the male and female guests, the distinction was not clear. Especially at the beginning of the winding stream party, many women secretly went to watch the fun, and the elders turned a blind eye and pretended not to see.

“Miss…” Xiao Hong nudged Gan Cai’er and asked hesitantly, “Are they talking about the young master?”

Gan Cai'er clutched her handkerchief expressionlessly.

How could she forget that Lan Tingzhou is the type of person who attracts the most unwanted romantic attention? Even a passing female cat would pounce on him and meow twice!

In her past life, she had spent a lot of effort cleaning up the peach blossoms on Lanting Boat, and she had fought so many fights that she couldn't count them on one hand.

She had originally planned to propose a divorce to Lan Tingzhou once he entered Luming Academy.

Now it seems that won't work!

Lan Tingzhou's beloved is Shen Yunxi. Before he meets Shen Yunxi, she must guard the inner quarters for him and cut off all these unwanted romantic advances.