Xiao Zhixing wasn't particularly enthusiastic about plagiarism, but she couldn't go back on her word since she had promised everyone. However, she instructed them not to spread the word about her upcoming trip.
She only went to watch the excitement and avoided participating if possible.
There was no grand court session that day, and Xiao Zhixing, having finished his training, leisurely rode Xue Ye with Bai Mei and Hong Mei on his way out.
The road ahead was filled with a scholarly atmosphere, as if the common people had absorbed a touch of it.
"My husband, will you be coming home today?"
"No, thank you."
"Do you...do you have any money on you?"
"It's gone."
"Then, then I put three taels of silver in this purse, which I just received from selling sachets. You—"
"Yes, I understand. My wife, you may go back now."
Another voice urged, "Brother Qian, let's hurry, the literary gathering is about to begin."
Xiao Zhixing glanced over and saw Yijuzi grab his purse and hurriedly leave with his friend, while a woman in coarse cloth stood there watching them go, her brow furrowed with worry.
"Miss, let's go back." A maid in coarse cloth followed behind the woman.
The two looked completely out of place; the woman looked like a poor peasant woman, yet she could afford to buy a maid.
Xiao Zhixing glanced at it and sighed, "Another wild vegetable girl. This world is really unfriendly to women."
She rode past on horseback, and the woman hurriedly pulled her maid away, her face filled with panic.
Especially when you look at the tall, magnificent horse with its neck adorned with jewels and the proud, beautiful young woman on its back, as radiant as the rising sun.
The woman lowered her eyes, feeling ashamed of her appearance.
An old lady next to her smiled and comforted her, "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. That is our most majestic Prince Yuansheng of Dasheng. He looks dignified, but he never bullies the people. He only beats up those bad guys."
I appreciate the reply that helped her gain favor. In the eyes of the people of Shengjing, anyone who dares to beat up that bad guy is a great person.
The woman exclaimed in surprise, "Is she Prince Yuansheng?"
The old lady puffed out her chest and held her head high, as if she were talking about her own daughter with pride, "Yes, yes, isn't she impressive? Isn't she beautiful?"
The woman nodded. He was a great hero, the man all women in the world envied.
Xiao Zhixing had leisurely arrived at Wenkui Tower without disturbing anyone, and was personally welcomed in through the back door by the shopkeeper.
The other six people had already arrived in the private room at the Grand Tutor's mansion.
Li Ningxiu was accompanied by another young woman, who was introduced as Li Yunxiu. The two of them greeted her.
"Hurry up, it's about to start." Li Wenxiu pulled her to sit in the main seat. The hall below was bustling with activity, and Huo Baijun's loud voice from next door was very clear, obviously everyone was here today.
The literary gathering today is hosted by Li Xiao's third son, Li Su, who is the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy. He was unsuccessful in his last transfer to Beizhou, but he is still in the same position.
"Distinguished scholars and literati, the rules of today's literary gathering are as follows: the first session will consist of one essay on policy, and the second session will consist of one poem or prose piece. The top ten essays will be selected by the esteemed scholars, including Master Feng, and then the best essays from both sessions will be chosen by all of you."
Li Su announced loudly: "The first place winner in both sessions of this literary gathering will receive a calligraphy scroll personally written by Master Feng and a thousand taels of silver. The second place winner will receive five hundred taels of silver, and the third place winner will receive three hundred taels of silver. All three will have their names inscribed in the Wen Kui Lou Wan Zi Ge Pavilion, which will be remembered for eternity."
Xiao Zhixing listened to the rules casually, and was surprised to find that Zhao Yunqi, who was traveling incognito, had also come to the literary gathering with Li Xiao, Duke Li, and others, and was currently in the Tianzi private room upstairs.
Zhao Lin did not follow the people from the Gentlemen's Courtyard, but followed behind the emperor.
In the scene, Zhao Yunqi asked the cautious shopkeeper with a smile, "Have Yuansheng and the others arrived yet?"
"Your Majesty, all the distinguished guests have arrived."
Even when facing the emperor, he did not directly mention Xiao Zhixing's name. This was a basic rule; in places like this, the manager should not easily reveal the guest's information.
Zhao Yunqi understood and, not wanting to make things difficult for him, waved him away. He then said to Li Xiao and the other two, "It's rare for her to come out and join in the fun. I wonder if we'll be able to see her make a move today?"
Duke Li said, "I asked my son Wenxiu, and they agreed not to participate in the competition today, so as to give this opportunity to the students to shine."
Zhao Yunqi shook his head, "What a pity, Feng Yong was really hoping she would make a move."
Li Xiao laughed and said, "Today's gathering of scholars is just as exciting as ever. Don't expect Prince Yuansheng to be the only one enjoying the show."
Li Su then loudly announced the topics: Write a concise policy essay of 1400 characters using the four characters "为臣人子" (as a subject and son); and write a poem on the theme of winter.
The competition began quickly. The entire first floor of the Wen Kui Building was spacious, with hundreds of people writing furiously at rows of long tables, which was quite a sight.
However, most of the people who came today were just there to watch the spectacle, and those with any self-awareness wouldn't go up and embarrass themselves.
Soon, people began to submit their policy essays, which allowed Feng Yong and the resident judges to quickly review them one by one, pick out the ones they thought were good, and finally select ten essays.
The same applies to poetry and prose. Scholars can continue writing, and judges will continuously evaluate them. The task is to complete the writing within two incense sticks' time.
Soon, the top ten essays were announced. Those who wanted to vote could spend one penny to buy a pen and cast their vote for their favorite essay. The essay with the most votes would be the winner.
Everyone pressed their faces against the windows, listening to the ten policy essays being read aloud below, occasionally whispering their thoughts and debating their viewpoints.
Xiao Zhixing slowly sipped his tea, listening to the announcement while pondering why Zhao Yunqi was here.
Was it just a sudden whim?
She didn't believe it.
The Emperor System remained silent, seemingly showing no curiosity or surprise at Zhao Yun's incognito appearance.
The viewers in the live stream urged Bai Su to switch to the "God's-eye view," as they were very willing to enjoy such a lively scene.
"The results are in! The results are in!" Li Wenxiu exclaimed softly.
Li Su's voice came from below, "First place winner Luo Xiuchuan, second place winner Chen Anji, third place winner Gui Qiufen, please invite the three scholars to the stage—"
Xiao Zhixing snapped out of his daze and looked down through the God's-eye view. The three young scholars ascended the high platform, and the champion, Luo Xiuchuan, accepted the calligraphy personally written by Feng Yong in front of everyone with a smile, his face full of joy.
Xiao Zhixing's heart skipped a beat. This person's smile and features looked so familiar, but she couldn't quite place who he resembled. He must not be someone she often saw, otherwise she wouldn't have been so surprised.
Zhao Yunqi was disappointed, saying, "These three people are far too mediocre in their knowledge."
Li Xiao laughed and said, "It's just for fun. The truly learned scholars are all studying hard right now, so how could they have time to attend a literary gathering?"
Duke Li shook his head and chuckled, "Many outstanding scholars have come; look, they're watching from the sidelines."
Zhao Yunqi smiled, "You do have quite a strong sense of composure."
Li Xiao suggested, "Since His Majesty has come in person, why don't we bestow a reward upon them and let them compete again?"
This will also allow the truly talented to shine.
Zhao Yun smiled faintly, "No need. Whether one is a dragon or a worm will be revealed in the examination. I will see talented scholars sooner or later."
Then he quietly returned to the palace with his men, as if he really was just there to watch the excitement.
Xiao Zhixing frowned, walked to the window and scanned the area below. Was there something down there that she hadn't noticed?
She couldn't help but recall Luo Xiuchuan's features again, wondering who he resembled.
The surname Luo—
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