activa-t Chapter 86 Ode to the Fragrance of the Snowy Region
Chapter 86 Ode to the Fragrance of the Snowy Region
Chapter 86 Ode to the Fragrance of the Snowy Region
The following day, the Imperial Academy was closed for the day.
Li Jiong got up early, tidied his desk, carefully put the box of fragrant herbs wrapped in blue cloth into his pocket, and then left the study and headed to his uncle's residence.
After returning home and paying his respects to his uncle, he went straight to his cousin's residence, "Yi An Xuan," in the backyard.
As soon as I arrived at the moon gate, I heard a clear, melodious voice reciting the Chu Ci (Songs of Chu).
After the maid announced his arrival, Li Jiong entered the courtyard.
Li Qingzhao was sitting under the window, a book rolled up in her hand. She was wearing a plain yellow jacket and a jade-colored vest over it. Her hair was loosely tied up in a bun, with a plain silver hairpin inserted at an angle.
Seeing her cousin come in, she put down her book and smiled.
"Brother, you're back early today. Are there no classes at the Imperial Academy today?"
"It's a day off today." Li Jiong sat down on the embroidered stool by the window, looking at his younger sister with a rosy complexion, much better than a few days ago, and felt happy.
"You said you were bored earlier, perfect timing, I brought something to cheer you up."
"Oh? What is it?"
Li Qingzhao's eyes lit up, revealing a curious expression.
She knew her cousin was honest and straightforward, and rarely had such clever ways to "relieve boredom".
Li Jiong took out a blue cloth bundle from his bosom, placed it on the small table between the two of them, and slowly untied it, revealing the box inside.
"It's a rare item that a classmate brought back from the Hehuang region. He said it's called Snowland Fragrance and asked me to bring it back for you to try."
Li Jiong didn't get straight to the point, skipping the request for an "inscription" and planning to let his sister use the item first.
"Fragrance of the Snow Region?" Li Qingzhao's interest was piqued, and she reached out to open the box.
Thirty milky-white fragrant pills came into view, their unique, cool aroma wafting out in wisps.
She let out a soft "Eh," picked one up, examined it against the light, then brought it to her nose to smell it, her surprise deepening.
"This fragrance—it's so unique. It's not like sandalwood or agarwood, nor does it smell like brain. It has a cool and refreshing scent with a touch of warmth. The aftertaste seems to have floral and medicinal notes, yet they blend together perfectly. What an exquisite formula!" Li Qingzhao was intelligent and had a good understanding of incense, so she immediately recognized its extraordinary quality.
"You think it's good too?" Li Jiong felt more at ease seeing that she liked it, and quickly replied.
"My classmate said that when you need it, just take a fragrant pill and rub it between your palms," Li Jiong demonstrated.
Li Qingzhao followed his example, took a fragrant pill, rubbed it carefully in her palm, then held it in front of her, closed her eyes and took a deep breath. After a moment, she opened her eyes and praised it.
"Indeed! The fragrance is even more layered. At first, it's like searching for plum blossoms in the snow, crisp and refreshing; then it's like sitting in a warm room, with a subtle fragrance lingering; finally, only a touch of peaceful sweetness remains, lingering for a long time. How fragrant! Truly how fragrant!"
Li Qingzhao played with the box, admiring Ningxiang's fragrance, and asked a question.
"Brother, who is your classmate? How could he bring back such a wonderful item from the Hehuang region? Could it be Zhao Mingcheng, the one who has recently made great contributions in the Hehuang region, as rumored in the capital?"
Li Jiong was surprised that his sister guessed it right away, and nodded with a smile.
"It is indeed Brother Defu. He came to the Imperial Academy to find me yesterday and specially asked me to bring it back for you to appreciate."
"Zhao Mingcheng—" Li Qingzhao murmured the name, a knowing glint in her eyes, and then a slight smile appeared on her lips.
"Who is it? It's Chengfeng Lang! I saw his essays on policy and strategy before, and they showed some practical insight into governing the world. His writing was also vigorous. I thought he was just a pragmatic person who only knew about military affairs and finance. I never expected him to be so refined and know how to handle spices?"
Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Li Jiong. "What's most strange is that it's been so long, and I haven't seen him write anything new to share. But now that he's back from the border, he suddenly remembers me, a sheltered young lady, to inscribe his incense? Brother, don't you think this is a classic case of—only coming to the temple when there's something to ask, and only remembering my pen when there is?"
Li Qingzhao spoke quickly and with a smile, clearly teasing, without any annoyance.
Li Jiong took it seriously, fearing his sister's displeasure, and quickly explained on Zhao Mingcheng's behalf.
"Sister, please don't misunderstand. Brother Defu had no such intention. He genuinely thought the incense was wonderful, but he humbly admitted that poetry was not his forte and was afraid of offending such an elegant object. Remembering your outstanding talent, he took the liberty of inviting you."
He specifically said that he absolutely did not require you to sign your name, and that the length of the poem was not important; even a few words of commentary and feeling would be acceptable, entirely according to your wishes. If you were unwilling, or found it uninteresting, this incense would be given to you for your enjoyment, without the slightest coercion. Brother Defu was very sincere.”
Li Jiong actively tried to exonerate Zhao Mingcheng.
Li Qingzhao chuckled. Seeing her cousin's eager appearance, the slight displeasure she felt at being "used" vanished, replaced by amusement.
"Alright, brother, I was just joking."
She put the incense balls back into the box and closed the lid.
"This incense is indeed rare, and I like it very much. It wouldn't hurt to write a few lines for it, but—" Li Qingzhao deliberately dragged out her words.
"Just what?" Li Jiong's heart, which had just settled down, jumped again.
"But you must tell him when you get back," Li Qingzhao said, her eyes gleaming with wit.
"It doesn't matter if he can't write poetry; the right thing to do is to make him write more decent articles. I've read his policy essays at the Imperial Academy over and over again; I've almost memorized them."
He's been in the Hehuang region for so long, he must have gained some experience. We mustn't let him focus only on spices and neglect his writing; urging him to write more new articles is the real priority."
Li Jiong understood, and was both surprised by his sister's interest in Zhao Mingcheng's article and happy for his friend, so he quickly nodded in agreement.
"I will definitely pass on the message! Brother Defu will be delighted to know how much you value his writing."
Li Qingzhao said no more and had Yunzhui grind the ink and lay out the paper.
She walked to the desk, paused for a moment, her gaze falling on an old plum tree with sparse shadows outside the window, and then she remembered the fragrance from earlier.
Inspiration struck.
A moment later, Li Qingzhao picked up a purple-tipped brush, dipped it in ink, and with a suspended wrist, began to write. Lines of elegant and graceful running script, yet strong and vigorous, flowed onto the pristine white Xuan paper.
A Spray of Plum Blossoms: Ode to the Fragrance of the Snowy Plateau
The snow-covered spiritual essence is cool to the bone, secretly producing a wondrous fragrance, and naturally containing the light of heaven.
Who took the cold color and the warm fragrance, kneaded them into an ice ball, and hid it in a cloud bag?
A touch of springtime longing, measured in the palm of my hand, first breaks through the solemnity, then gradually fades into obscurity.
The mist lingers around the window, seemingly there yet not there, lasting forever.
After writing, she gently blew on the still-wet ink, recited it to herself again, and, finding it acceptable, handed it to Li Jiong.
"Brother, please see, is what I've written relevant to the topic?"
Li Jiong took it with both hands and read it carefully.
The first stanza describes the source and form of the fragrance, mentioning "the spiritual essence of the snowy land" and "the natural radiance of heaven," highlighting the wonder of the Hehuang region and the preciousness of its fragrance.
"Who kneaded the cold color and warm fragrance into ice balls and hid them in a cloud pouch?" These three lines, presented as questions, use personification to depict the incense-making process in a way that is both mysterious and elegant.
The metaphors of "ice ball" and "cloud bag" are very apt for the shape of the fragrant ball and the box in which it is held. Moreover, the contrast between "cold color" and "warm fragrance" accurately captures the most unique transformation of the fragrance's essence.
The second stanza describes the experience of appreciating the fragrance. "A touch of spring in the palm of my hand" uses "spring in the palm" to symbolize warmth, and the word "measure" to describe the tiny amount of the fragrance powder and the subtlety of the feeling, which is extremely exquisite. "Initially breaking through the clear and strict, gradually turning into a faint mist" depicts the process of the fragrance changing from clear and cold to mellow and from bright to lingering after being rubbed in the palm of the hand, which is very detailed.
The concluding lines, "The fragrance lingers around the window, seemingly there yet not there, lasting forever," describe the lingering aroma of Ningxiang, which can last for a long time—a stroke of genius.
"Great! That's truly a wonderful phrase!"
After reading it, Li Jiong was deeply impressed. Although he was not good at poetry, he had basic appreciation skills and knew his cousin's talent. At this moment, he was still deeply impressed by this poem.
The eight characters, "Sister, this fragrance, just beginning to break through the solemnity, gradually fades into a faint glow," truly capture the essence of this incense! The concluding lines evoke a profound and distant feeling. Brother Defu, with these words, this fragrance is not merely enhanced, it's transformed from stone into gold!
Li Qingzhao was a little embarrassed by her cousin's praise, so she put down her writing brush and said with a smile.
"Brother, don't just say nice things. Just take the lyrics to him and don't forget my instructions."
Li Qingzhao carefully placed the written poem on another sheet of plain paper, waited for the ink to dry completely, then folded it up and returned it to Li Jiong along with the box of incense.
After his leave ended, Li Jiong returned to the Imperial Academy.
The following afternoon, he waited for Zhao Mingcheng at the dormitory.
Upon seeing Zhao Mingcheng, Li Jiong immediately took out a letter from his bosom, inside which was the folded poem.
"Brother Defu, my sister has finished writing the poem. Take a look."
Zhao Mingcheng took it and immediately felt the fine texture of the paper.
He unfolded it, and Li Qingzhao's elegant yet spirited handwriting came into view.
He quickly scanned the entire text and was immediately struck by a shock.
Then I read it carefully, word by word, especially when I read "Who will knead the cold color and the warm fragrance into ice balls and hide them in a cloud bag?" and "A little bit of spring heart is measured in the palm of the hand, first breaking through the cold and strict, gradually turning into a faint mist".
Even though he was mentally prepared, he couldn't help but applaud in admiration!
This goes far beyond simply being relevant to the topic.
This perfectly captures the form, texture, spirit, and charm of the fragrance, as well as the subtle psychological changes that occur when appreciating it, using the most refined, beautiful, and imaginative language!
The words are clear and ethereal, the artistic conception is profound and lingering, and the description of the object is not limited to the object. In addition to the precise depiction, it also endows the spice with an elegant character and a lingering sentiment.
Such words, let alone being used in GG, would be considered a masterpiece even if included in a word collection!
Zhao Mingcheng was filled with mixed emotions, partly admiring the exquisite beauty of the poem itself.
On the other hand, a strange thought also couldn't be suppressed:
Oh no, at this rate, future middle school Chinese textbooks will probably have another passage that requires "memorizing and reciting the entire text"?
This poem, "A Spray of Plum Blossoms: Ode to the Fragrance of the Snowy Region," is absolutely qualified to be included in Chinese language textbooks, both in terms of its artistic merit and the unique combination of description and object.
When those future middle school students are reciting "The snow-covered land's spiritual essence is refreshing to the bone" with swaying heads, will they ever think that this is actually a "GG" song?
Thinking of this, Zhao Mingcheng couldn't help but smile.
"Brother Defu? What do you think?" Li Jiong asked, seeing him staring at the poem in silence for a long time, his expression a mixture of surprise, sigh, and amusement.
Zhao Mingcheng came to his senses and exclaimed in admiration.
"This poem is exquisite! Wenruo, to be honest, although I am not an expert in poetry, I can still tell good from bad. Your sister's poem is beyond just being relevant to the topic; it has practically infused this incense with its very soul!"
The lines, perfectly blending warmth and coldness, reality and illusion, possess a profound and lingering meaning—truly a masterpiece! What merit has Zhao Mingcheng possessed to receive such a gem! Please, Wenruo, convey my gratitude to your sister; I will forever remember this kindness and favor!
Seeing his high praise, Li Jiong felt proud and smiled humbly.
"My sister said that it's good that Brother Defu is happy. She also told me to remind you that it doesn't matter if you can't write poetry, but it's important to write more decent articles. My sister is looking forward to reading Brother Defu's articles."
Zhao Mingcheng was taken aback upon hearing this, then burst into laughter.
This historically renowned talented woman certainly did not have the discerning eye of an ordinary young lady.
She focuses on the insights and fundamental ideas in the articles; this reminder, though seemingly casual, is actually earnest.
Zhao Mingcheng suppressed his smile and bowed to Li Jiong with a serious expression.
"Please inform your sister, Wenruo, that I will humbly accept your advice. Literature is a great undertaking for governing the country and the foundation of one's character. Once my affairs have settled down, I will certainly organize my thoughts and draft a new piece."
Li Jiong quickly returned the greeting: "Brother Defu, you're too kind."
After chatting for a few more minutes, Zhao Mingcheng carefully put away the poem and took his leave.
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