Su Lun said, "Everyone, don't forget that before this gathering ends, we must each compose a poem suited to the occasion."
Zhang Qingfeng smiled and nodded. "Indeed. Let's begin. But without rhyme restrictions, it would be far too easy, while imposing a rhyme could sacrifice the poem for the rhyme's sake. How about this: none of the ten of us may use the same rhyme. What do you think?"
"Good, that's a fine compromise."
Several of them rose. Some strolled slowly through the courtyard, some gazed at the sea to the east, and others looked toward Pearl City.
Soon, as the oldest among them, Zhang Qingfeng composed the first poem. Looking toward Lotus Mountain Pass, he wrote a verse expressing his concern for the kingdom and its people.
After everyone offered their appraisals, a young general took the farmland to the west as his subject and sang the praises of its farmers.
The others then displayed their talents in turn, until only Fang Yun remained.
"Longxiang, it's your turn," Zhang Qingfeng said with a smile.
Fang Yun rose, gazed at the sea to the east, and slowly recited.
"Once I rode my horse afar; now I till the fields. My cottage faces azure waves; spring flowers smile at the warm breeze."
Everyone paused in surprise.
Wang Li asked, "Do you intend to lay down your armor and return to farming?"
Fang Yun said, "I met some farmers on the road and spoke with them. I rather envied their lives. I've decided to stay on Phoenix Mountain for the next few days, sort out my thoughts, and rally my strength to prepare for my breakthrough to Grand Academician."
"Do you truly have a chance of becoming a Grand Academician soon?" Zhang Qingfeng smiled, the wrinkles across his face blooming like a