Peach Blossoms in Chang'an

Chapter 128 Poetry and Dictionary

The shadows of the trees are dancing, and the moonlight is hazy. The figures of Wu Tao and Hu Bugui are intertwined, like a quiet and beautiful painting. However, beautiful things always easily arouse jealousy. The person hiding in the dark is Hu Bugui's half-sister, Hu Yun.

She looked at the dazzling sweetness in front of her, and a raging anger burned in her heart. Why, why could Wu Tao be happy while she had to endure the pain of losing her mother? Hu Yun clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging deep into her flesh, but she was unaware. She swore that one day, she would return everything she had suffered to Wu Tao double!

The next morning, the sun shone all over Chang'an, adding a touch of vitality to this ancient city. Wu Tao's mood was as bright as the sun, so she got up early and took a walk in the garden.

"Taoer, what are you looking at?" Hu Bugui's voice came from behind with a hint of smile.

Wu Tao turned around and saw him in a moon-white robe, which made him look even more gentle and soft like jade. She smiled and said, "I am admiring the spring scenery in the garden. It is true that 'the spring scenery in the garden cannot be contained, and a red apricot tree has grown out of the wall'."

Hu Bugui was slightly stunned, then smiled and said, "Tao'er also studies poetry?"

Wu Tao shook his head: "I just heard people mention it occasionally, and I just thought it was interesting."

"I have a lot of poetry and literature in my study. If Tao'er is interested, you can go and have a look."

In this way, Wu Tao came into contact with the poetry culture of the Tang Dynasty by chance. She was deeply attracted by the beautiful words and profound artistic conception, as if she had opened a door to a new world.

She began to try to create her own works, from imitating others at first to gradually forming her own style. Hu Bugui silently supported her, grinding for her, adding fragrance for her, and commenting on every poem for her.

"Tao'er, you are very talented." Looking at the poem written by Wu Tao, Hu Bugui's eyes were full of admiration, "Given time, you will definitely become a talented woman of your generation."

Wu Tao blushed slightly, a little embarrassed: "It's not as exaggerated as you say, I just wrote it casually."

"This is not just random writing," Hu Bugui pointed to one of the lines and said seriously, "Look at this line, 'The fallen flowers intend to follow the flowing water, but the flowing water has no intention of lingering on the fallen flowers.' It is so well written, with both a description of the scenery and profound philosophical implications."

Wu Tao felt a little embarrassed by what he said, and quickly changed the subject: "By the way, didn't you say you were going to the palace today? Why haven't you gone yet?"

Hu Bugui smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'll go later. Tao'er, I'll write poetry with you."

In this way, with Hu Bugui's company and encouragement, Wu Tao's poetry level improved by leaps and bounds, and her works gradually spread in the mansion. However, no one expected that these works would cause such a sensation in the entire Chang'an City in the near future...

As time passed, Wu Tao immersed herself in the ocean of poetry and her creative passion grew. Her works were no longer limited to the pleasures of the boudoir, but incorporated thoughts on society and life, and her style became increasingly mature.

The servants of the Hu Mansion would always talk about the mistress's poems in their spare time. Those beautiful words gradually spread outside the mansion as they passed on from mouth to mouth, and set off a "peach blossom whirlwind" in the city of Chang'an.

In teahouses and taverns, scholars and writers no longer discussed national affairs, but instead competed to pass around Wu Tao's poems, and the sound of admiration was endless.

"I heard that Miss Wu Tao is the wife of Prince Hu. She is truly a woman of both talent and beauty!"

"Yes, her poems are fresh and refined, yet profound in meaning. They are completely different from those pretentious boudoir poems, and are refreshing."

"I think her poems contain a courage to break through the mundane world. Perhaps this is the most precious thing about them."

……

When the emperor heard these discussions, he immediately became interested. The Tang Dynasty had been established for a long time, but the cultural atmosphere was somewhat stagnant. He had always hoped to inject fresh blood into the palace culture, and the appearance of Wu Tao seemed to bring him hope.

In the morning court that day, the emperor was in a good mood. He talked with his ministers about the poems circulating among the people, and his words were full of praise: "I heard that there is a talented woman in the city named Wu Tao. Her poems are fresh and unconventional, and have a bit of the style of Wei and Jin Dynasties!"

The ministers looked at each other in bewilderment; no one had expected that the emperor would talk about poetry and songs today.

"Your Majesty is absolutely right. I have also read the poems of Miss Wu Tao, and they are indeed eye-opening." An old minister who loves literature stepped forward to echo.

"Oh? My dear minister, you think so too?" The emperor became interested. "Then tell me, what is so special about her poems?"

The old minister stroked his beard and spoke eloquently: "Your Majesty, Miss Wu Tao's poems are true and natural, not bound by form, but full of emotion, which makes people feel the same when reading them. I think her poems have added a different color to the poetry world of the Tang Dynasty."

The emperor was delighted after hearing this and immediately decided: "In this case, summon Miss Wu Tao to the palace. I want to personally see the elegance of this talented woman."

When the news reached the Hu residence, Wu Tao was very nervous. Entering the palace to meet the emperor was something she had never experienced before.

"Tao'er, don't worry. The emperor just wants to see your talent and has no ill intentions." Hu Bugui held her hand and comforted her softly.

"But..." Wu Tao's heart was still filled with anxiety. She didn't know what was waiting for her.

However, no matter what, she could not disobey the emperor's order. With trepidation and a hint of expectation, Wu Tao embarked on the journey to the palace, which also opened a new chapter in her life.

The magnificent palace, splendid and magnificent, made Wu Tao feel depressed. She was dressed in a simple and elegant dress, and under the guidance of the palace maids, she walked lightly through the palace gates and came to the imperial garden.

The emperor sat in the pavilion, with the dignified and elegant queen beside him, and several gorgeously dressed women sitting around him, chatting and laughing. When he saw Wu Tao, the emperor smiled kindly and waved for her to come closer.

Wu Tao suppressed her nervousness and stepped forward to salute: "I am Wu Tao, a commoner, paying my respects to His Majesty the Emperor and His Majesty the Empress."

"No need to formality, please take a seat." The emperor's voice was gentle and magnetic.

Wu Tao thanked him and sat down, secretly looking around. Most of the women were royal relatives, and some were daughters of important officials of the court. They were all outstanding in appearance and elegant in conversation. Wu Tao couldn't help feeling a little ashamed of himself.

"I have heard that Miss Wu Tao is extremely talented. After seeing her today, I find that her reputation is well-deserved." The emperor said with a smile.

"Your Majesty, thank you for your compliment. I just have nothing to do and like to write some poems to entertain myself." Wu Tao answered modestly.

"Miss Wu Tao, there is no need to be so modest," the Queen also said with a smile, "Your poems are fresh and refined, and the meaning is profound. I also like them very much."

"Thank you for the compliment, Her Majesty." Wu Tao relaxed a little.

In the following time, Wu Tao talked about poetry with the emperor, the empress and several other women. To her surprise, these women were not as high and mighty as she had imagined, but were approachable and had unique insights into poetry.

Wu Tao had a great time talking to them, especially a woman named Hu Yun, who was Hu Bugui's cousin. She was lively and cheerful and admired Wu Tao's talent very much. The two soon became good friends who could talk about anything.

"Sister Tao'er, your poems are so great! I especially like your poem 'Spring Dawn', 'I slept through the spring and did not wake up until dawn, and heard birds singing everywhere. There were sounds of wind and rain at night, and I wonder how many flowers have fallen.' It really describes the beauty and brevity of spring." Hu Yun said excitedly, holding Wu Tao's hand.

"Princess, you are too kind. I just wrote down what I thought in my mind." Wu Tao said with a smile.

"You are too modest!" Hu Yun took Wu Tao's hand and said, "Would you come to the palace often to play with me in the future? Wouldn't it be fun for us to recite poems and discuss poetry and songs together?"

Wu Tao was a little hesitant. After all, the palace was strictly guarded. How could a commoner like her enter and leave freely?

"Tao'er, just agree to Yun'er's request." The Queen also said with a smile, "I also like your poems very much. If you have time, please come to the palace often to walk around and accompany me to relieve my boredom."

"Yes, I obey your command." Wu Tao had no choice but to agree.

After staying in the palace for half a day, Wu Tao said goodbye and left. When she returned to Hu's house, she told Hu Bugui what happened today.

After hearing this, Hu Bugui smiled and said, "It seems that you are very popular in the palace."

"I'm just a little surprised. They are not as difficult to approach as I imagined." Wu Tao said.

"That's natural. They are also human beings with their own joys and sorrows." Hu Bugui said, "You just need to be yourself and don't have to cater to anyone deliberately."

Wu Tao nodded, but a ripple appeared in her heart. She found that she seemed to have gradually adapted to the life of this era, and began to have new dreams...

After returning from the palace, an idea gradually became clear in Wu Tao's mind, like a seed breaking through the soil, longing for sunlight and rain. She wanted to establish an academy, recruiting students regardless of their background, only focusing on their desire for knowledge. She wanted to bring modern poems and stories here to make the culture of the Tang Dynasty more prosperous and colorful.

During dinner, Wu Tao could not contain his excitement and expressed his thoughts to Hu Bugui and Hu Yun who also came to eat.

"I want to run a college, a unique college." Wu Tao's eyes sparkled.

Hu Bugui put down his chopsticks and looked at her gently: "Tao'er, do whatever you want to do, I will support you."

"Really?" Wu Tao looked at him in surprise. Getting the support of her lover made her more determined.

"Of course it's true," Hu Yun put down his bowl and chopsticks and excitedly grabbed Wu Tao's hand, "Sister Taoer, your idea is great! I want to help too!"

With the support of her family, Wu Tao was more motivated and began to prepare, from choosing the location of the academy to compiling teaching materials, she personally took care of everything.

Hu Bugui also tried his best to help her. He used his influence to secure a beautiful garden for Wu Tao as the location of the academy. He also invited several respected scholars to help Wu Tao write textbooks.

Everything was going on in an orderly manner, and Wu Tao seemed to see the seeds of his dreams sprouting and growing vigorously.

However, just as Wu Tao was happily preparing to welcome the first batch of students, a sudden change cast a shadow on her dream.

"What? The imperial court wants to requisition the academy as a royal villa?" When Wu Tao heard the news, it was like a bolt from the blue.

The official who came to deliver the news was embarrassed and whispered: "Madam Wu, this is the emperor's order, no one dares to disobey..."

Wu Tao's heart sank. She understood what this meant. Could it be that the academy she had worked so hard to prepare was going to fail before it even started?