Wuchuan was somewhat surprised, as he had always thought that Li Chencan was a very understanding person, but now...
Not to mention, Wuyantian had once spoken up for Li Chencan in "Those Ming Dynasty Things." Li Chencan should return the favor by giving him this poem.
Moreover, if Li Chencan could publish his poem as the preface to Wuyantian's book, it would also be an honor for Li Chencan, allowing more people to recognize him. Because Li Chencan's poem would appear in Wuyantian's book, it would certainly affirm his status. Li Chencan was now rising in fame, but it was still limited, and the people who acknowledged his fame were also very limited.
However, the readers of Wuyantian's book were mostly middle-aged, forming the true backbone of the empire. They had their own perceptions and values and aesthetics that were different from those of the younger generation. Li Chencan would find it difficult to truly win over these people with just one "Those Ming Dynasty Things," but if he wrote the preface for Wuyantian's novel, these people would think differently about Li Chencan when they saw Wuyantian using his poem as the preface.
Many books nowadays, especially those related to history and culture, like to have poems or verses written by others as prefaces. A good preface can make the book seem more sophisticated, high-end, and prestigious!
Wuyantian had chosen Li Chencan's "Lang Tao Sha - Beidaihe" because he thought the poem was truly brilliant and full of passion!
Moreover, Li Chencan's poem matched the atmosphere of Wuyantian's book, which was still unnamed. In this historical novel, there was a scene where the founding emperor met his friends at Beidaihe, feeling very excited.
That was why he wanted to use Li Chencan's "Lang Tao Sha - Beidaihe."
But now, Li Chencan actually refused...
Wuyantian's face showed a hint of embarrassment. Li Chencan's direct refusal was something he had not expected, and his expression darkened slightly. However, he wouldn't say anything, as the poem was Li Chencan's, and whether he gave it or not was his own choice. Although he felt a bit disappointed, Wuyantian wouldn't say much more.
He then smiled again, "It's fine, today we can just get to know each other, Li classmate."
Wuchuan, however, was puzzled. He had always thought that Li Chencan was very polite and understood social norms, so why didn't he see the benefit of giving this poem to Wuyantian? It wasn't like he was asking for a piece of his flesh; it was just borrowing his poem, and there were many benefits. Why wouldn't he agree?
Wuchuan gave Li Chencan a meaningful look, hoping to change his mind...
Li Chencan, hearing Wuyantian's words, realized he had been misunderstood.
No, not that he was misunderstood, but that he hadn't explained himself clearly.
So, Li Chencan quickly added, "Professor Wu, you misunderstood. I didn't say I wouldn't give you the poem; I just looked at your book and felt that this poem isn't quite suitable for it."
Wuchuan felt relieved, but then thought, if Wuyantian thought it was suitable, why was Li Chencan still saying this? What was he thinking?
Wuyantian, who had been embarrassed by Li Chencan's direct refusal, suddenly felt relieved when he heard Li Chencan's explanation—now he understood.
Actually, he knew that "Lang Tao Sha - Beidaihe" was mainly about the grandeur, and in the novel, the founding emperor did visit Beidaihe to meet his friends, but the meeting was not extensively described, only briefly mentioned. Using "Lang Tao Sha - Beidaihe" as the preface, to be honest, wasn't quite fitting.
"Oh? Why do you say that?" Wuyantian asked, interested.
Li Chencan said, "I just skimmed through your historical novel and found that the part about Beidaihe is just a brief mention. Using this poem as the preface doesn't seem quite appropriate. Moreover, the grandeur in 'Lang Tao Sha - Beidaihe' doesn't quite match the mindset of the founding emperor in your novel."
Indeed, in the novel, the founding emperor was in the process of transformation and had not yet developed the grand ambition of changing the world.
"I think, at that time, the founding emperor still had more of a scholar's spirit," Li Chencan said.
Wuyantian nodded vigorously, Li Chencan was absolutely right!
At the beginning, the founding emperor was still being groomed as a scholar, focusing on self-cultivation, state governance, and national affairs, but always sighing. It was only after a serious illness at the age of nineteen that he developed a strong will and began to climb the ranks, training his own troops and inheriting Li Hongzhang's legacy...
Before the age of nineteen, he was more of a scholar.
At the same time, Wuyantian was secretly amazed—how long had Li Chencan read this book? He had actually figured this out!
How sharp were his eyes, and how fast was his reading speed?
Wuyantian, knowing that Li Chencan wasn't directly refusing him, felt better and had more goodwill towards him, saying, "I know, but it's hard to find a poem as suitable as 'Lang Tao Sha - Beidaihe.' I really like this poem, so I want to use it as the preface."
Wuyantian was now being completely honest.
He said all this.
To this eighteen-year-old junior, he was very straightforward.
Li Chencan was also moved, seeing that Wuyantian really liked "Lang Tao Sha."
So, Li Chencan thought for a moment and said, "Professor Wu, I just think this poem isn't quite suitable... but I happen to have another poem that might fit better... based on the historical novel I just read."
"What?"
Wuyantian's eyes lit up, but then he became a bit skeptical.
After a poem like "Lang Tao Sha - Beidaihe," it would take at least a year or two to write another good poem. Li Chencan saying he had another one right away made him skeptical.
"Really?" Wuyantian asked, unintentionally with a hint of doubt.
Li Chencan frowned, this guy actually didn't believe him!
He smiled confidently, and since there were writing materials in the private room of the teahouse, he opened the paper and started writing with a bold stroke!
Wuyantian and Wuchuan exchanged glances, both seeing the disbelief in each other's eyes, but they still waited for Li Chencan to finish writing the poem before quickly taking it to read.
To their surprise, the more they read, the more excited Wuyantian became, even wanting to slam the table and shout, "Great! Great! This is exactly what I want!"
PS: Thank you to yr Yellow River, Situ Siwu, Zhang Haodi, Diao Ling's Ash, and Longhun for your generous donations. Thank you to Shang Ruan for the 588 donation.
Speaking of which, I really feel like I'm getting older... Initially, I liked Zhao Yachi, who is almost forty years older than me. Then I liked Li Ruotong, Cao Ying, and Jia Jingwen, who are about sixteen to seventeen years older than me. Later, I liked Gao Yuanyuan and Zhang Ziyi, who are about twelve to thirteen years older than me. Then I liked Yang Mi, who is about six to seven years older than me. Now, I really, really like Wang Xiaomin, and I was shocked to find out she is only two months older than me... What a tragedy, one day the celebrities I like might be younger than me...