The competition format may seem simple, but it is actually quite difficult.
All those who came to the capital to participate in the imperial examinations were renowned as geniuses in their respective regions.
Studying for the imperial examinations was like a thousand troops crossing a single-plank bridge; ninety-nine percent of them would fall into the water.
In the end, those who remained were all exceptionally talented and dominant figures in their respective regions.
The capital of Dali is home to the top students from all thirteen states of Dali, each of whom can be considered a prodigy.
Those invited to this poetry gathering are the best of the best, so you can imagine how fierce the competition is.
That is why Xiao Xiuning went to the trouble of inviting Mr. Dongshan out.
After all, besides this number one literary figure in the Great Li Dynasty, who else could keep these prodigies in check?
The nine painted boats were divided into countless rooms, each of which was luxuriously decorated.
Mu Zian was in an excellent position. Sitting in the room, he could see the high platform built on the central painted boat through the window.
Below the high platform, a group of renowned scholars lined up in order.
With Mr. Dongshan firmly in the central position, even the Ninth Princess could only occupy the second seat in this situation.
This is the treatment given to the top literary figure in Dali.
Xiao Xiuning's gaze swept back and forth across the nine pleasure boats, but she couldn't find Mu Zian anywhere.
Did I get stood up?
Just as Xiao Xiuning was lost in thought, Mr. Dongshan clasped his hands and said.
"The first round begins. Please, Your Highness, name your topic."
Mr. Dongshan's words brought Xiao Xiuning back to her senses, and after a moment of contemplation, she spoke.
"Not long ago, the Duke of Zhenguo led his troops to quell the rebellion in Luzhou. With 30,000 troops, he defeated 100,000 rebels. He also killed Gongsun Yi, a former general of the Chu state, and wiped out 3,000 elite Qiang cavalry. This battle enhanced our national prestige and can be called a masterpiece."
"In that case, the topic for the first round of poetry will be..."
"battlefield!"
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