The news that Zhang Longxiang had composed a poem swept across the Saint Origin Continent like a furious gale.
Since only scholars of the Provincial Graduate rank or higher could access the Discourse Ranking, everyone else could only wait in busy districts for those Provincial Graduates to announce the news.
Several Provincial Graduates from out of town were in Seeking Friends Lodge. They had been discussing seats at the literary assembly rather than checking the Discourse Ranking. Now, hearing someone shout, they immediately took out their official seals. Everyone nearby fell silent and watched them quietly.
A few breaths later, one Provincial Graduate opened his eyes, nodded, and said, "Zhang Longxiang has indeed composed a poem, titled 'Viewing Dongting Lake, Presented to Qing Lord.'"
The restaurant proprietor immediately shouted, "Quick! Bring brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones!"
An attendant nearby immediately picked up the writing implements and rushed over to the Provincial Graduate.
The Provincial Graduate nodded, raised his brush, and began to write, reciting aloud as he went.
In the eighth month, the lake's waters lay level with the shore; embracing the void, they mingled with the clear heavens.
Mist steamed over Cloud-Dream Marsh; waves shook Yueyang City.
I wished to cross, yet had no boat or oars; to dwell idle shamed me beneath a sage and enlightened ruler.
Sitting, I watched those who cast their lines, with nothing but longing for their fish.
After the Provincial Graduate recited the opening and second couplets, everyone nodded in approval. But after hearing the entire poem, many looked surprised.
"A fine poem, but... this shouldn't be..." Zhang Zongshi and several other scholars murmured under their breaths.
"Is there something special about this poem? Could Teacher Wang explain a little?" a young scholar asked the elderly Academy Student beside him.
The elderly Academy