The famous courtesans are not solely reliant on their beauty; they must be versed in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, with a particularly keen understanding of poetry. Only with quick wit can they enter the gates of nobility and be capable of presiding over the wine games during banquets.
Lin Wanwan felt a bit ashamed; today, if not careful, she might become a mere plagiarist. Hopefully, it won't be too difficult, something simpler, otherwise all the stored ancient poems in her mind would be of no use.
Once everyone was seated, Lin Wanwan saw County Magistrate Lu at the head of the table—a forty-something plump fellow with a belly resembling a pregnancy of several months, sporting a handlebar mustache, looking as amiable as a Maitreya Buddha, he cheerfully said, "Play the drum music, let our guests enjoy a few drinks to start the festivities."
