The Romance of the West Chamber: The Bells are Ringing

A few years ago, the 21-year-old Liu Zongyuan became a Jinshi and became famous. He had already become the idol of young students like Zhang Sheng. Zhang Sheng felt flattered when he saw him today. He grabbed Liu Zongyuan and was reluctant to let him go.

Liu Zongyuan laughed and said: "Sir, if you are not afraid of the hard journey, you might as well wait a moment and I will come to visit you after I finish handling my official business. You can come with me, sir. There will be a grand banquet later, which can be a good time for you." Dust off.”

Zhang Sheng was naturally happy, so he sent Liu Zongyuan away, waiting to attend the banquet.

The piano boy took down the luggage one by one and put them away, and led the white horse to the stable. He saw that the house was quiet and quiet, and there were many servants waiting on him. After questioning, I learned that it was all arranged by Liu Zongyuan.

As night falls, the streets of Chang'an City become lively and brightly lit, opening the door to joy for the guests. The banquet is a social ceremony here. It is not only an opportunity for politicians, officials and wealthy people to show themselves, but also an occasion for literati, celebrities and dignitaries, artists and elites from all walks of life to gather together.

Zhang Sheng couldn't wait to be deeply involved in this social whirlpool under the leadership of Liu Zongyuan. He walked through the crowds, shuttled between sumptuous food and wine, and had wonderful conversations with various characters. At these glorious banquets he was not only a much-discussed literary figure but also a charming socialite.

The piano boy helped Zhang Sheng off the white horse, watched him and Liu Zongyuan enter the banquet hall, and then led the horse to wait outside.

One after another, many dignitaries came to the banquet hall.

"Mr. Zhang, your latest work is really breathtaking!" When an official saw Zhang Sheng, he hurriedly came forward to compliment him, with a smile of appreciation on his face.

Zhang Sheng knew in his heart that he had not yet become famous, so no one would care about his new works. Naturally, it was because of the face of his sworn brother Du Que. Thinking that he would have a wide network of contacts in Chang'an, he also thanked him, knowing that the official was called Wang Shuwen was Prince Li Song's East Palace Attendant.

Zhang Sheng responded with a smile: "Thank you very much, but on this beautiful night, let us not talk about poetry, but enjoy the moment." He raised his wine glass, clinked the glasses gently, and tasted the fragrance of the wine together with Wang Shuwen.

The atmosphere of the banquet was warm and cheerful, the sound of music was floating in the air, the delicate ceramic tableware made a crisp sound on the table, and the candlelight flickered, illuminating the smiles of every guest. People exchanged the latest political developments, literature and art, and social gossip.

Zhang Sheng's eyes wandered throughout the banquet, looking for new inspiration and creative inspiration. He saw a young couple, they were whispering, their faces full of love. Their interaction triggered his profound thoughts on love and human nature.

"Love is the most beautiful poem in life." Zhang Sheng thought silently in his heart. He couldn't help but start to conceive of a new story, a story about love, desire and sacrifice.

A lady approached Zhang Sheng, her fine clothes and jewelry sparkling with dazzling light. She smiled and said to Zhang Sheng: "Mr. Zhang, I heard that you are imagining a new work. Could I be lucky enough to be one of your inspirations?"

Zhang Sheng frowned slightly, and a new idea came to his mind. The presence of this woman adds a new element to his story, a character full of temptation and danger. He nodded and responded with a smile: "Of course, let's explore new stories together."

The piano boy waited patiently outside the banquet hall. When he was hungry, he took out a piece of dry biscuit from his arms and took two bites. From time to time, he stretched out his hand, spread the bitten piece of biscuit on the palm of his hand, and fed it to the white horse.

Baima lowered his head carefully, rolled his tongue, took the cake into his mouth and chewed it. After eating, he stretched out his tongue and licked Qin Tong's palms and cheeks, making Qin Tong laugh.

After waiting for a long time, one person and one horse finally saw Zhang Sheng walking out surrounded by a group of officials. Qin Tong recognized that the person beside Zhang Sheng was Liu Zongyuan.

The banquet was over, the lights were on, and the banquet hall was filled with faint fragrance and the aftertaste of laughter. Liu Zongyuan, Wang Shuwen and Zhang Sheng walked through the door of the banquet hall together and came to the outdoor open-air corridor. The night breeze blows gently, with a slightly cool breath, making people feel fresh and pleasant.

Liu Zongyuan smiled and said to Zhang Sheng: "Junrui, it's getting late today. You have come all the way from Puzhou to Chang'an. You must have had a hard journey, so you should go back home early and have a rest. We have a long time to come, and we will get together another day. Tonight's banquet It was really exciting and everyone had a great time.”

Zhang Sheng nodded lightly and said gratefully: "Thank you Zongyuan and Shuwen for your hospitality. I really had a great time. Thank you also for taking the time to accompany me. I feel very honored."

Wang Shuwen smiled and added: "Junrui, you are our friend, we will be by your side whenever needed. Now you go to bed early, after all, you still have to prepare for the imperial examination."

Zhang Sheng's eyes flashed with emotion, and he thought in his heart: "I am so lucky to have my sworn brother to help me and to make such friends in Chang'an City."

The three of them walked to the door of the banquet hall together and stood there in silence for a moment. Liu Zongyuan suddenly turned around and said with a smile: "Junrui, did you know? At tonight's banquet, there is a beautiful lady who has been paying attention to you."

Zhang Sheng was stunned and couldn't help but asked curiously: "Really? Why didn't I notice?"

Liu Zongyuan explained with a smile: "She has been hiding in the crowd and has not appeared, but I am sure that she has a strong interest in you."

Wang Shuwen interjected: "Yes, she glances at you from time to time and seems a little shy. You should pay attention to it next time you come back."

Zhang Sheng felt a sense of mystery and curiosity, and thought to himself: "Who could it be? I must find her next time."

Liu Zongyuan and Wang Shuwen said goodbye to Zhang Sheng, turned and left the banquet hall. Zhang Sheng looked at their backs with emotion in his heart.

Qin Tong quickly led the horse over and said, "Mr. Lang, seeing that you are in high spirits, let's go back home quickly. It's time for you to have a good rest."

"You bitch slave, what do you know!" Zhang Sheng waved his folding fan, hit the piano boy on the head, and said, "Chang'an is a city that never sleeps, and it's still early! How can I go back like this?"

Qin Tong gently caressed the head that hurt from Zhang Sheng's folding fan, and asked, "Where are you going, sir?"

"Hahaha, I can't live up to this wonderful night. You can follow me around Chang'an City."

Qintong repeatedly advised: "Mr. Lang, the imperial examination is coming soon. Why don't you concentrate on preparing for the examination? Don't delay important events because of temporary speed."

However, Zhang Sheng was so playful that he turned a deaf ear to Qin Tong's advice and just smiled and said nothing. The piano boy was very anxious, but there was nothing he could do.

When Qintong warned him again, Zhang Sheng suddenly became irritable. He held a folding fan in his hand and struck the piano boy mindlessly with all his strength. He shouted sternly: "Why do I need you to nag? I didn't come to Chang'an City to indulge in rigid books. I want to feel the vitality of this city." , taste the fragrance, and be with the prosperity of this world."

Qintong was frightened by this unexpected blow and took a few steps back, speechless for a moment. He didn't understand why Zhang Sheng was so excited, so he just lowered his head silently.

Zhang Sheng opened the folding fan, sneered, and continued walking in the streets of Chang'an City, admiring the constant flow of people while immersed in his own world.

The hustle and bustle of Chang'an City was in sharp contrast to Zhang Sheng's inner peace. He seemed to be in a peaceful place that belonged to him, and no matter how much the piano boy muttered behind him, he could not break his contemplation.

Qintong led the horse and followed Zhang Sheng. Looking at Zhang Sheng's back, a trace of helplessness flashed on his face.

Suddenly, Zhang Sheng stopped and smiled at a shop on the street.

Qintong followed his gaze and thought to himself: "Well, this Gongse has not changed his mind and is already married to Cui Yingying, but when he gets to Chang'an, it looks like he will still go to a brothel to hang out!"