"Watching the Tide: A Gift for Ruyan."
"The southeast flourishes in splendor; the Southern Frontier's great metropolis, Hundred Flowers City has prospered since ancient times."
"Misty willows and painted bridges, wind-blown curtains and emerald screens, tier upon tier of homes for a hundred thousand families."
"Cloudlike trees ring the sandy embankments; raging waves sweep up frost and snow, the natural chasm boundless."
"Markets display pearls and gems, households brim with silks and brocades, each vying in lavish luxury."
Her voice was clear and melodious. Every word that left her lips seemed to carry a peculiar resonance, as though the words themselves were speaking, were singing.
At first, the people below the stage were still whispering among themselves. But by the time she recited the second line, the murmurs had gradually faded; by the third, some had unconsciously straightened in their seats. When she finished the first stanza, the entire Tianxiang Tower had fallen utterly silent.
Yan Ruyu paused, then continued, "Layered lakes and rolling hills, pristine and fair; three autumn months of osmanthus blooms, ten miles of lotus flowers."
"Qiang flutes play in the sunshine, water-chestnut songs drift through the night, while merry old fishermen and lotus-picking maidens laugh.
"A thousand riders surround lofty banners, drunk on flute and drum music, chanting praises for the misty hills."
"One day, paint these splendid scenes, and return to boast of them to the pines and cranes."
When the final word fell, Tianxiang Tower remained silent for a full three breaths.
Then someone suddenly slapped the table and shot to his feet, his voice cracking with excitement. "A magnificent lyric! A magnificent lyric!"
Immediately afterward, thunderous cheers erupted from every direction. Some clapped and shouted their approval, some shook their heads in admiration, and some were so stirred that they began reciting on