Original subtitles

[Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty III: To Chang'an]

[Episode 23]

Su Wuming,

why not let me push it instead?

You're a scholar after all.

So what if I'm a scholar?

Scholars can't just stay in studies

or country offices.

[Jinxiu Textile]

We scholars should be able

to hold brushes and push carts.

Besides,

we're walking together.

If I let you push the cart,

won't that make me a laughingstock?

But you're moving it too slowly.

We're supposed to reach Kaiyuan Gate

at 2:00.

Won't it tarnish

our reputation if we get there late?

Don't forget about the gold coins!

Rest assured. We won't be late.

Don't you see I'm waiting for someone

as I push the cart?

Who are you waiting for?

Isn't our job only to make a few portions of sushan?

Aren't the four of us enough?

You'll know soon.

Alright. Just move faster.

[Liuhe Sushan Shop]

Well, look who's here!

The one who should've been pushing the cart!

Lu Lingfeng.

Official Lu,

aren't you investigating any cases in the districts today?

Even I need a break now and then.

And you went so far as to change into plain clothes?

I am a servant at the Sushan Shop,

how could I wear an official's uniform?

Su Wuming.

Didn't throw your back out, did you?

It is about to break in half.

Take over now.

[Liuhe Sushan Shop]

Up!

Done.

Let's go.

This seems odd.

Did you two devise a plan or what?

Is going to the client's place to make sushan

actually for...

No more wild guesses.

I actually like poetry

and admire contemporary poets,

especially Gao Da and Wang Youbo.

It has been my wish

to witness the brilliance and grace

of poets.

Besides,

I get to spend some time with Xijun.

I appreciate it.

However,

as the Judicial Official of Yongzhou Prefecture,

you shouldn't be absent from duty, right?

I'm not really absent from duty.

Now I get it!

What do you get?

Bound by duties,

I can't tell yet.

[Ruan's Restaurant]

[Ruan's Restaurant]

Mr. Ruan!

Have you bought vegetables yet?

Yes. They're in the kitchen.

Good.

Has the troupe arrived yet?

No.

What's taking them so long?

What about the sushan makers?

Mr. Hou asked them to arrive at 2:00.

They should be here soon.

Remember,

when they get here,

have them all use the rear door.

Today, the front door

is reserved for poets only.

Mr. Ruan,

why...

As I said, the front door is for poets only.

I'll use the rear door instead.

[Ruan's Restaurant]

Mr. Ruan!

Mr. Ruan!

Mr. Ruan,

you're a poet yourself.

[Owner of Ruan's Restaurant, Ruan Daxiong]

Your 'Chang'an Collection'

sells very well in bookstores.

Only 1,000 copies were made.

But they did sell out once they hit the market, right?

Didn't our restaurant

buy 800 copies?

[Ruan's Restaurant]

That means 200 copies were sold.

Two hundred people have read your poems.

That makes you a poet.

You can use the front door.

There are one million people

in Chang'an.

If 200 of them

did read my poems,

I'd be truly proud.

Unfortunately,

out of those 200 copies,

180 were bought

[Zuixian Restaurant]

by the restaurant across the street.

Half of them were tossed to the restrooms,

and the other half

were burned in the stove like logs.

You wasted something precious!

[No walk-ins today]

-Mr. Ruan! -Mr. Ruan, Mr. Ruan!

-Mr. Ruan. -Mr. Ruan.

-Don't be mad. -Calm down.

So you've

known that all along?

Why are you only spilling it out today?

I did keep it to myself in the past.

But aren't we hosting some poets today?

I got so carried away that I...

They did that out of jealousy,

since our business is better than theirs!

[Ruan's Restaurant]

In my opinion, as a restaurant owner,

your establishment may

lose ground to others if you spend every day writing poetry.

[Zuixian Restaurant]

[Ruan's Restaurant]

Dear guests, please stop.

Today, Ruan's Restaurant

is not open to the public.

What do you mean?

You don't want to make money?

Yeah.

Who else would you like to serve,

if not us generous patrons?

You wonder who? Poets. Renowned poets!

Our service is truly unavailable today.

Esteemed guests, if you will be

so kind as to come again tomorrow,

your drinks will be free of charge.

[Zuixian Restaurant]

Let's go.

To Zuixian Restaurant across the street.

[Ruan's Restaurant]

Let's go!

Mr. Ruan...

No, no, no.

I should still use the rear door.

Mr. Ruan, you...

[Kaiyuan Gate]

[Zuixian Restaurant]

What a spectacle.

-That's the place. -How boisterous.

[Ruan's Restaurant]

Is this Xuanhuo Troupe?

Yes, exactly.

Get the carriages to the backyard. Follow me!

-This way! -Go!

Follow me!

-This way! -Keep up!

Come this way!

What a lovely place.

Mr. Ruan.

You're

well versed in writing poems

and skilled in hunting.

You are truly a master

of both literature and martial arts.

Mr. Ruan,

I've heard those two poets

are a bit arrogant.

How do they deserve

such high praise from you?

Why are they arrogant?

Because they can write excellent poems.

You don't write poetry, so you don't understand.

Suppose what I composed could be counted as poems,

they are way inferior to and miles behind

the works of Mr. Gao and Mr. Wang.

Mr. Ruan!

Mr. Ruan, the troupe has arrived.

What took you so long?

I'm terribly sorry.

This way.

Are you... Mr. Ruan?

Exactly, I'm Ruan Daxiong.

[Leader of Xuanhuo Troupe, Sai Mengchang]

I'm Sai Mengchang, the leader of Xuanhuo Troupe.

-We’re almost there. -We performed all night

at Linggao Post Station yesterday.

That's why we came here late.

Our troupe does

magic, puppetry, and fire-breathing performances.

We also sing, dance, and play musical instruments.

Now, with a new addition to our crew,

namely a top Chang'an courtesan specialized in sword dances,

[Xuanhuo]

Xuanhuo Troupe has become very popular.

A top courtesan?

The top courtesans in Chang'an

either work in Xiaoyun House

or Persian establishments.

Anyway,

they can only be seen in Pingkang District and the West Market.

You're right, sir.

The troupe leader should've made it clear.

Nu Jiao used to be a top courtesan.

[A top courtesan, Nu Jiao]

How's that the same as he said?

Who is this person?

This is...

I'm the deputy leader of Xuanhuo Troupe.

[Deputy Leader of Xuanhuo Troupe, Lang Yehu]

My name is Lang Yehu.

Everyone,

make sure you give brilliant performances

at today's banquet,

since the guests I'm hosting

are renowned poets.

Poets?

Poets?

Who are they?

How can we give names now?

Why did you bring

such a huge cabinet?

It's for storing props

and clothes.

Then start moving everything in now.

As we agreed before,

Xuanhuo Troupe will stay a month

in Ruan's Restaurant to give performances.

So, we're responsible for your meals and lodging.

During this month,

let me know if you need anything.

I'm the manager here.

My surname is Hou.

Thank you, Mr. Hou.

Sisters, let's get to work!

Come unload the items!

This thing is so heavy!

Why did you kick me?

Was that a kick?

That was a boot.

Get a move on!

Or I'll give you one more boot!

Alright.

Unload the items quickly!

Mr. Sai,

can we have a word in private?

Look at that up there!

-So beautiful. -You two, hurry!

Let's go. Move the things.

I need to give you

a special reminder about one thing.

What's all this yelling about?

Deputy Leader!

A l-l-leopard!

Everyone, everyone, please!

Stay calm!

It is indeed a leopard,

but it's locked in a sturdy cage.

It's been hit with a tranquilizer dart,

and is sound asleep.

It won't pose any danger at all.

Ruan's Restaurant...

This is the place!

Gentlemen, may I have your names?

His surname is Su. Mine is Fei.

Just call me Boss Fei,

and him Mr. Su.

You're here to make sushan?

Putting on airs like a great poet.

You didn't strike me as that type.

Where's your courtesy?

What about us

-doesn't look like poets? -Boss Fei...

We really are not poets.

That can't justify what he said!

He judges people by their appearances.

Tell me.

What do I look like, if not a poet?

Not a boss, either.

You look like a drunkard.

I...

As for him...

he does exude a poet's vibe.

But at most,

he's a scholar who kept failing imperial exams.

How discerning of you.

I truly was a perennial failure in imperial exams.

Otherwise,

I wouldn't have ended up

running Sushan Shop.

Among all of you,

the one who looks most like a poet

is this cart pusher.

What a shame

that he's just a servant like I am,

despite that handsome face of his.

What's the monthly salary of a servant

in Ruan's Restaurant?

What do you ask?

Are you thinking of switching jobs?

Don't forget that you still owe money

to Sushan Shop!

What kind of shop keeper are you?

Among all the people you could've chosen,

you picked this stupid lad

to push the cart!

Go to the backyard.

Today, only poets can use the front door.

Boss Fei!

When working at the client's place,

we must follow the host's rules.

After all, we get paid 10 times as much

for each portion of sushan we make.

I'll cave for the sake of money!

That's right.

Let's not say no to good money.

This way!

[Ruan's Restaurant]

These aren't washed yet.

Stay out of the way!

Yingtao,

let me help you.

No need.

Wang Youbo rose to fame at a young age.

I've heard he has an extraordinary presence

and a very handsome face.

As for Gao Da,

he's a humble and refined gentleman

with profound knowledge of ancient and current matters.

You've met them both?

No, I haven't.

Then how do you know so much about them?

Given these two poets' overwhelming fame,

of course many people would talk about them.

What can I do to help?

You don't know the process. Just watch.

Xijun is right.

Stop causing trouble here.

Take this chance to go out for a stroll.

That's a good idea.

I'm a mere cart pusher.

I'm really not suitable for making something

as delicate as sushan.

You two are up to something, right?

Tell me about it.

I'm so eager to know.

Focus on making sushan for the client.

Make sure we're worth the gold coins he's paying us.

[Ruan's Restaurant]

May I ask if you are poets?

I'm Wang Youbo.

[Wang Youbo] [Gao Da]

He is Gao Da.

You finally arrived.

Please get in!

Please.

Mr. Gao, Mr. Wang!

I've been looking forward to this— you're finally here!

I hope you've been resting well

at the inn these past few days?

Having you both grace my restaurant today

is a tremendous honor.

Mr. Ruan, thank you for the daily delivery of food and wine.

We enjoyed all those Chang'an delicacies,

and they were never the same twice.

The two of us were amply satisfied.

Stop expressing gratitude.

About the poetry collection you gave us...

I didn't read it at all.

But you've been so thoughtful

as a host

that I've decided

to include you in my own collection.

I've even come up

with a title:

"A Playful Ode

to Ruan Ninety-Eight,

Owner of Ruan's Restaurant."

How does that sound?

Do you mean it?

Terrific.

A playful ode—that's perfect!

I love that title.

Well, allow me to thank you in advance.

You're welcome.

Lang,

why are you still standing here?

Go wait outside to greet

another poet, who is yet to arrive.

This poet is even purer of heart

than the two of us.

And it's harder to please him. You must accord him proper respect.

Yes!

Daxiong, did you really manage

to get him to Chang'an?

You two are best friends with him.

Would I be bold enough

to lie to you, gentlemen?

When will he arrive?

According to our arrangement,

he should be here soon.

He'll arrive today?

Youbo and I thought we had to have

a long stay at Ruan's Restaurant,

waiting for 8 to 10 days.

When he comes today,

we'll make him drink all the wine

he's owed us for 10 years all at once.

Sounds great!

[Ruan's Restaurant]

[Ruan's Restaurant]

Who are you?

A servant of Sushan Shop.

Boss,

why is the restaurant keeping such an animal here?

Are you in any position to ask that?

Since you're a servant of Sushan Shop,

you should stay in the kitchen

instead of wandering around.

Yes, sure.

Hey, beggar!

Get out of here.

"A Chang'an maiden steps into spring sunshine."

"But where in spring will sunshine not pine?"

"Her dancing sleeves and the arch of her back are all forgotten."

"Only her silken robes remain, coated with autumn frost."

Lu!

Am I seeing this right?

It really is you, Leng Ji!

[A poet from Nanzhou Prefecture, Leng Ji]

I knew it was you

at the sight of your back, Lu from Fanyang Prefecture!

When did you come to Chang'an?

You two...

Leng Ji?

Are you

one of the poets invited by Ruan Daxiong,

my employer?

Please announce my arrival.

Just say that Leng Ji from Nanzhou Prefecture has come to beg.

Mr. Leng,

please don't say that.

I was as blind as a bat,

for recognizing you. Why...

Why did you use the rear door?

I...

I'll go inform Mr. Xiong right away.

Lu, upon arriving in Chang'an,

I heard that you're now

the Yongzhou Judicial Official.

Why would you have time to visit this restaurant?

Mr. Leng,

please keep my identity secret for now.

I got it.

Where is Leng Ji from Nanzhou Prefecture?

Mr. Wang!

Mr. Leng!

Mr. Leng!

-Mr. Gao! -Mr. Leng!

Mr. Leng, we finally met today.

Let's drink until we drop!

Sure!

Mr. Ruan?

Come on.

Let me introduce you to a gentleman.

This is...

I'm Lu Wuming.

Yes.

Lu

is an old friend of mine back in Nanzhou Prefecture.

Isn't it a coincidence?

He and I have reunited in Chang'an!

That's perfect. Why not let him join us?

Sure thing!

Hold on.

I'm afraid this is not appropriate.

Why is that, Mr. Ruan?

Have you not prepared

enough wine for today?

Today's banquet

is for poets only.

But this man...

He's just a servant of Sushan Shop.

I've fallen on hard times. How embarrassing, Mr. Leng.

That's only recently.

He used to be a poet too.

A poet?

You must be kidding, Mr. Leng.

If you said

he used to be a house guard,

I would probably believe it.

But a poet?

Mr. Leng did embellish my past.

I really shouldn't attend

this banquet for poets.

No way. Ruan Daxiong!

What does Lu have to do to gain a seat

in this banquet you're hosting?

If he can't write poetry,

at least he should be familiar with others' works, right?

Then I bet you're well versed in the works

of the previous finest poets.

Of course.

I'm not boasting.

I just have to say I'm not only able to write poetry,

but also excel in reciting it.

I know every poet and poem

from the Pre-Qin period,

the Six Dynasties, and the Sui Dynasty,

to the current Tang Dynasty.

Mr. Ruan, I wonder

if you have read Cao Zijian's poems.

Do you even need to ask?

What about Bao Zhao's and Yu Xin's poems?

Isn't the answer obvious?

That being the case,

I assume you, Mr. Ruan, must have read

Yuan Wuyou's

and Cheng Zixu's masterpieces.

Yuan...

Yuan Wuyou?

Cheng Zixu?

You're hesitant to answer, Mr. Ruan.

Oh, well...

These poets you're talking about, Yuan and Cheng...

I bet they lived in the Wei-Jin period...

No.

Most Wei-Jin poets' given names were in single characters.

These names, "Wuyou" and "Zixu..."

They lived in the Southern and Northern Dynasties.

Right. They must live in those dynasties.

This is not much of a test, is it?

However,

the works of these two poets

are somewhat vulgar.

Daxiong,

invite Lu to the banquet already.

Think about the names of "Yuan Wuyou" and "Cheng Zixu..."

Those are fake names!

My apologies, Mr. Ruan.

I just made a joke

to entertain everyone.

Mr. Ruan, if you really don't think

I'm qualified for a seat in this banquet,

then I won't impose any further.

No, no, no!

I was being too rude.

Lu, I must invite you to the banquet with reverence now,

or I would appear to lack

a poet's grace and generosity.

Lu, Mr. Leng,

Mr. Gao, Mr. Wang, please!

Good, Ruan Daxiong.

I see you stand corrected.

Let's go!

Let's get in.

-Please. -Let's go.

[Drink to the Melody of Songs]

-Mr. Leng, take the seat of honor. -Be seated, please.

Mr. Gao, please.

You too.

Daxiong!

Since I'm the oldest here,

don't mind if I take the seat of honor.

Mr. Leng,

why would you suddenly come to Chang'an?

Since the title of the Four Poets of Nanzhou...

The main reason lied in the remote and desolate southern region.

I was tempered through wind and rain alone every day.

Though there were inspirations for poetry,

grandeur was nowhere to be found.

I started

to feel more and more stifled.

After much consideration,

I realized I had to free myself from constraints.

Therefore, I decided to travel far.

Wonderful! Without grand ambitions,

how can one call himself a poet of the Tang Empire?

Venturing beyond the frontier is a must for those traveling far, right?

That is why I, Leng Ji,

plan to pass through Chang'an and head to the Western Region,

where I can admire the lonely moon and the yellow sand

of desserts in the border area,

so as to compose sublime poetic pieces!

Bravo!

Ruan Daxiong, why are you so excited?

You're just a tavern owner.

Do you also want to venture beyond the frontier?

I wouldn't dare to even dream that.

[Drink to the Melody of Songs]

Mr. Leng,

I've been thinking the same.

Gao Da and I also intend to travel beyond the borders.

Exactly.

Great. This is great!

[Drink to the Melody of Songs]

If the three of us truly journey beyond the frontier together,

a magnificent chapter will definitely be added

to the epic of Tang poetry!

[Drink to the Melody of Songs]

Daxiong, what's with you today?

Why are you weeping?

The three greatest poets

of today's world are planning

a heroic journey beyond the frontier.

This scene is actually taking place in Ruan's Restaurant!

How can I not be overjoyed?

Here's a toast to you three poets!

[Drink to the Melody of Songs]

Today at this tavern, old friends have reunited.

With poetic spirit soaring, I'd like to raise a toast to you too.

Let's drink!

Sure!

Bottoms up!

[Drink to the Melody of Songs]

Lu,

I forgot to introduce these gentlemen to you.

This is Gao Da.

And this is Wang Youbo.

I made friends with them

when I adventured in Luoyang.

Now, they both enjoy stellar reputations in the poetry circles.

That said, I still get to

point out the flaws

of their works.

You certainly get to do that.

Mr. Leng, you haven't changed a bit.

Years ago, we were such jaunty-looking

elegant young men with jet-black hair.

And now... we have all become

poets of renown

and pillars of the poetry circles.

We Tang poets are in our prime.

When shall we venture

beyond the frontier, if not now?

During this trip,

I will not only create great works

for future generations,

but also establish a legacy of achievement.

Mr. Gao, are you planning to join the army?

Yes, exactly.

I started practicing martial arts since childhood,

and then began entertaining myself with poetry.

Though that can't be called a waste of time,

I have been truly limited by scholarly unworldliness.

In recent years, the Tang Empire's power

has been steadily rising.

But the imperial court is in so much turmoil

that many foreign tribes have taken this chance

to harass the border area

and the people there.

Given that, I believe

the vast Western Region

must have a place for a man like me to make a mark!

Such uplifting remarks, Mr. Gao.

You've voiced the thought of us literates!

Lu, your manner of speaking

is even rougher than mine.

But I don't dislike you for that.

Wang Youbo,

you haven't changed a bit either.

This humble scholar would like to raise a toast to you three poets.

A toast to you three too.

Da Xiong,

why haven't fine dishes and wine been presented yet?

Just a second.

Take a look at me.

Do I look good?

You look fine.

Maybe add a touch more rouge?

Miss Nu Jiao,

would you take off the veil?

Let me fix your makeup.

No need. Thank you, Sang.

We met by chance.

I'm grateful for your care in the past few days.

Don't even mention it.

It's blessing for me to take care of

[A staffer of Xuanhuo Troupe, Sang]

a former top courtesan.

What top courtesan?

The troupe leader

just made that up to ramp up business.

That can't be true.

You're so gorgeous.

You must have been a top courtesan.

It's all in the past. I've long forgotten it.

Whether you were a top courtesan or not,

[A staffer of Xuanhuo Troupe, Bi]

during the many years you worked in singing halls,

you must have seen

many officials, nobles,

and... romantic scholars,

like poets and such.

Speaking of poets,

there are a few upstairs.

Ruan's Restaurant hired us

specifically to sing for those poets.

I don't care what kind of poets they are,

as long as they're handsome.

Baobao,

[A performer of Xuanhuo Troupe, Baobao]

you're desperately attracted to men.

Not as much as you are, Xiaopa.

[A performer of Xuanhuo Troupe, Xiaopa]

It's only been a few days,

yet you've already hooked up with the troupe leader.

That's not true!

What's all this arguing about?

[A staffer of Xuanhuo Troupe, Liulang]

Quickly get your makeup done!

Baobao, you're attracted to men, huh?

[A staffer of Xuanhuo Troupe, Qilang]

I am exactly a man.

I'm quite strong,

though not handsome.

Get lost!

Sleep with me tonight,

or I will

have you suffer from now on!

What are you looking at? Do your makeup!

What flavors of sushan are there?

We've prepared four flavors.

Peach,

grape,

pomegranate, and...

Serve what you've made to sober the guests.

They're drinking too quickly.

I'm afraid someone upstairs is getting drunk.

You just mentioned three flavors.

What's the other one?

Cherry.

Serve them cherry-flavored sushan then.

See? Everyone likes the cherry flavor.

Xijun,

haven't you always wanted to see

how graceful poets are in person?

An opportunity is now presented to you.

Yingtao, go with me.

I'm not interested

in poets.

Though I haven't been assigned a task,

as a secret agent,

I'll go

wherever Mr. Su goes.

Fei!

Don't you want to see the poets?

How am I in the mood for that?

After working for such a long time,

I must reward myself

with drinks.

Here comes sushan!

Su...

That's Su Lingfeng, the owner of Sushan Shop.

Mr. Leng, long time no see.

It's been years since we parted.

I missed you so much.

I missed you too, Mr. Leng.

Back in Nanzhou Prefecture,

I didn't know how to make sushan.

I just learned the craft not long ago.

Have a try, please.

Pei...

I, Pei, give you my best regards, Mr. Leng.

I luckily met you once in Nanzhou.

I didn't expect a great poet such as yourself

to remember my name.

What an honor for me.

I'll taste it.

Please.

Sushan is indeed refreshing.

Amazing!

This delicacy originated in Shazhou Prefecture.

It was then introduced to Chang'an by us.

In that case,

when we pass by Shazhou in our journey

beyond the frontier,

we must try the sushan there.

We have prepared

four flavors in total.

Now, you're tasting the cherry flavor.

There are three more flavors

for you to savor, distinguished poets.

Wait, everyone.

Today, this is a gathering of poets.

We shouldn't let these iced treats steal the thunder.

Mr. Ruan, you're suggesting...

This is the Tang Empire.

We're in Chang'an now. How can there be no poetry?

Well said!

Daxiong,

are you planning to compose poetry

in front of everyone?

That's not it.

How dare I compose poetry

in your presence?

There's a special feature in Ruan's Restaurant.

That is, I'd often hire troupes,

which make extended stays in various places,

to perform for my guests.

I've had the somewhat famous

Xuanhuo Troupe come here today.

Let's invite their songstresses

to sing and dance for us.

I believe they will sing

some poems composed by you gentlemen.

Good idea! Let's put a mark on the wall,

when a poem of someone's here is sung.

Forget it.

It's not fair to Lu and Mr. Ruan,

as this game will basically exclude them

and involve the three of us only.

Are you having cold feet, Mr. Leng?

The audacious and talented Mr. Leng

that we were with

by the Yishui River and Luoshui River

was nothing

like you are now.

Don't worry about me, Mr. Leng.

I'm honored to just be

a spectator.

But how do we determine the winner

of this poets' contest in a tavern?

The poet who's poems are most set to music

will be the winner, of course.

Well...

Mr. Leng,

are you... afraid of losing?

I won't lose.

What about you, Mr. Gao?

I dare not to decline.

This poets' contest in a tavern

is truly a remarkable event in the poetry circles.

As the owner of this place,

may I also take a part in it?

How about

I keep score for you?

Sounds good.

Everyone, we just arrived today.

In the next 15 days,

we'll be stationed here.

Therefore...

Girls, the troupe leader is asking us

to put in real effort.

Sing the songs you should sing,

and don't say anything you should not say.

Don't worry, Mr. Sai.

Your words are engraved on our minds.

Right, sisters?

Yes.

Compared to those poets,

our employer, Mr. Ruan,

look plumper and curvier.

Sisters, do you understand

what Mr. Hou just said?

Don't just flatter the poets.

Mr. Ruan is the master here.

Make sure you show tremendous respect to him.

Yes.

Yes.

My name is Sang.

Today, it's such an honor for me to play

a stringed instrument and sing for you.

♫ Osmanthus branches sway, casting shadows ♫

♫ Years quickly go by, like clear running torrents ♫

♫ My life is free of mundane affairs ♫

♫ Even idle clouds rest before my eyes ♫

The first poem

was composed by me, Wang Youbo.

Will you two admit defeat?

The game has just started.

Put a mark on!

[One]

One poem composed by Mr. Wang Youbo has been sung!

Mr. Wang took the first point.

Come on, let's drink a toast to him!

-Come on! -Come on!

Drink up.

Mr. Wang.

Mr. Gao.

My name is Bi. Greetings, gentlemen.

♫ Climbing layered cliffs alone ♫

♫ I see a solitary crane seemingly perching on the clouds ♫

♫ Mighty winds roll up my sorrowful thoughts ♫

♫ On a mud flat there stand misty trees ♫

Pardon me, fellows.

This poem is mine.

Oh, Mr. Gao...

[One]

A poem of Mr. Gao Da's has been sung!

♫ The peaks are sealed by snow in twilight's hush ♫

Mr. Wang, another poem of yours?

♫ In the depths of clouds hides a household ♫

♫ The closed door says no to visitors ♫

♫ The fragrance of plum blossoms fills the courtyard ♫

Mr. Leng, this is another poem of mine.

Put a mark on!

[One]

[Two]

Two of Mr. Wang Youbo's poems have been sung!

I'm temporarily ahead of you, gentlemen.

Here is a toast to everyone.

My name is Baobao.

It means I'm like a leopard,

though it sounds like asking for a hug.

Enjoy, gentlemen.

When you have a few rounds of drinks and long for an embrace,

I'll come back to you.

My name is Xiaopa.

Greetings, gentlemen.

♫ Slowly, slowly, Mr. Ruan returns ♫

♫ Time flies like a shooting arrow ♫

♫ Holding wine and crabs ♫

♫ Let us cheer for peace and joy ♫

It's mine!

T-That's my poem.

Someone is actually singing

a poem that I, Ruan Daxiong, wrote!

Miss, have my poems started

circulating among the people?

Yes.

This...

This is making me

feel really awkward

in front of you three great poets.

I'm very flattered.

A poem of Mr. Ruan Daxiong has been sung!

It doesn't count.

It shouldn't be counted.

[One]

Well...

Mr. Wang.

This is the poem

I enjoy singing most.

I didn't expect

to see the author of it in this banquet.

Do I have the honor to propose

a toast to you, this great poet?

Miss, that's not quite right.

It should be me proposing a toast to you.

Pour her a glass of wine!

Mr. Leng,

so far to this point,

none of your poems have been sung.

Here's a toast to you.

Mr. Wang,

I've read Mr. Leng's poetry collection.

Though not many poems are in it,

some are truly classic.

They probably

haven't reached Chang'an yet.

Lu Wuming, I know

you and Leng Ji are old friends.

As I said, I don't hate you.

But you're in no position

to speak up for him.

Mr. Wang actually means

that he and I have known

Leng Ji for a longer time.

Mr. Gao, no need to explain to him.

Today, let's just speak our minds

right here.

Leng Ji,

years ago, in Luoyang, the three of us

had equal standing in the poetry circles.

But you chose to leave us

and go back to Nanzhou.

You claimed that the Four Poets of Nanzhou

were as close as real brothers.

But what happened in the end?

The Four Poets of Nanzhou became a laughingstock!

Do you think you lost nothing

but your fame in the poetic circles?

You actually lost something far more important

than you could imagine!

Mr. Wang,

you...

This is enough.

Did I say anything wrong?

Those songstresses

were just mediocre.

The poems they sang were quite crude

and way inferior to the truly refined ones.

I'm far from an expert.

The vulgar dare not

touch my works.

If no one sings my poems today,

I shall punish myself with three glasses of wine,

stop writing poetry thereafter,

and never compete with you lot again

in the rest of my life.

What does he mean by that?

Mr. Wang, back to your seat.

This way.