"Since Mr. Ye has already made up his mind, we are all ears. Please proceed."
Zhou Taiqing smiled and spoke.
He simply didn't believe that Ye Qiu could come up with another completely new poem in such a short time.
Zhou Taiqing had already decided that if Ye Qiu recited a poem similar to the previous one, he would use that as an opportunity to elaborate.
In short, Zhou Taiqing must target Ye Qiu.
Because Zhou Taiqing wants to become the chief judge of the Wendao competition area.
The position of chief judge allows for many things to be done.
For example, he personally promoted the people he wanted to support.
Zhou Taiqing was unwilling to hand over such a task to someone else.
Ye Qiu already somewhat understood Zhou Taiqing's approach. Seeing Zhou Taiqing urging him on, Ye Qiu calmly glanced around, cupped his hands, and smiled:
"Compared to Master Zhou, I, Ye Qiu, am definitely a junior. After all, I am too young. Logically speaking, the position of chief judge should be most suitable for Master Zhou. As a junior, I have absolutely no intention of competing with Master Zhou."
But His Majesty said that young people should be given a chance. His Majesty believes that young people understand young people best, so he asked me to give it a try.
It's understandable that Master Zhou wants to test me now. After all, without some real skills, I'm not really suitable to be the chief judge. So, I'll make a fool of myself."
"Mr. Ye, let's hurry." Zhou Taiqing gestured for Ye Qiu to recite the poem.
"Ye Qiu, hurry up."
"Yes, hurry up."
"Too slow."
Many people in the crowd were urging them to hurry.
Ye Qiu stopped beating around the bush, took a deep breath, and slowly began to speak:
"Beside the broken bridge outside the post station, a lonely flower blooms, unclaimed."
It's already dusk, and I'm alone in sorrow, further burdened by wind and rain.
I have no intention of vying for spring's favor; let all the flowers be jealous.
Though fallen to the ground and crushed into dust, its fragrance remains.
Upon hearing this poem, many people changed color.
"Unwilling to vie for spring's favor, letting all the flowers be jealous—is this a mockery of Master Zhou?"
"This poem is quite good. To be honest, I was really surprised by his talent."
"It's really good."
"Now I have nothing to say."
Many people who questioned Ye Qiu changed their attitudes after hearing his poems.
"Scattered into mud and crushed into dust, yet its fragrance remains unchanged—these two lines are simply divine. Using plum blossoms as a metaphor, they showcase a noble character that does not follow the crowd, directly revealing extraordinary integrity. Well written, well done." Li Yuanxiu clapped vigorously: "Anyone with even a slight understanding of literature would not dare to say that this poem is bad."
This last sentence effectively shut down Zhou Taiqing's attempt to find an excuse to suppress Ye Qiu.
Zhou Taiqing stared at Ye Qiu in astonishment; this young man's talent was indeed remarkable.
He asked himself honestly, if it were him, he absolutely could not have produced such high-quality poems in that period of time.
Ye Qiu also looked at Zhou Taiqing and asked with a smile, "Old Zhou, what do you think?"
"Fortunately, you do have some real skills," Zhou Taiqing could only say.
"Okay, let's continue." Ye Qiu said, "The third song, please listen."
On a cold winter's day, with a north wind blowing, I tread through the snow to find plum blossoms before going to sleep.
In my dream, Mount Luofu came to offer a toast, filling my heart with joy.
Wow.
Everyone was shocked and stared wide-eyed.
Before everyone could react, Ye Qiu recited the fourth poem: "A rouge tree in front of the hall, several clumps of ice and snow outside the courtyard."
Even more beautiful is the moonlit scenery, and life itself is full of flavor and unique charm.
What followed was Ye Qiu's magnificent performance.
He recited one poem after another, reciting eighteen poems about plum blossoms in succession.
Everyone was so shocked that their mouths dropped open, and the scene was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Eighteen poems in a row—such talent and learning cannot be described simply as astonishing.
This is a prodigy, a prodigy among prodigies, unmatched by anyone present.
Ye Qiu remained calm and composed, staring at Zhou Taiqing: "Elder Zhou, is this enough? If it's still not enough, I can continue. It's not the limit yet."
Zhou Taiqing's face turned slightly pale!
He originally intended to make things difficult for Ye Qiu, but now, he didn't even have the courage to refute him.
Because he simply cannot reach that level.
Even if I tried my hardest, I could probably only compose two or three poems.
At that moment, Zhou Taiqing respectfully cupped his hands and said with complete acceptance, "Mr. Ye is qualified to serve as the chief judge, and I have no further objections."
"Thank you for your kindness, Elder Zhou," Ye Qiu returned the greeting.
"Then I will not disturb Mr. Ye any longer. I will take my leave now."
Zhou Taiqing wanted to retreat.
"Wait." Just then, another person climbed onto the platform.
This person was none other than Ye Qing, the Holy Son of the Supreme Temple!
Ye Qing stood on the high platform, hands behind his back, exuding an extraordinary aura.
"Hmm? And who is this young master?"
Zhou Taiqing was suspicious.
Ye Qing smiled slightly and said, "I am Ye Qing, the Holy Son of the Supreme God Temple."
"So it's Young Master Ye." Zhou Taiqing examined Ye Qing for a moment and then smiled, "Young Master Ye, you and Mr. Ye Qiu do look somewhat alike, and you even share the same surname. People who don't know you might think you're brothers."
"Haha, really? It's quite an honor to be mistaken for a brother to the new King Wendao." Ye Qing laughed.
Then, Ye Qing continued, "Old Zhou, I think the question you just asked was a bit too easy. Please give me another one. Literature is not just about poetry, but also about essays."
“Young Master Ye, I understand what you mean, but I believe that you are absolutely capable of serving as the chief judge, so there is no need to waste any more time on this matter,” Zhou Taiqing said.
"No, no, no." Ye Qing waved his hand: "It's not that I think Brother Ye is unqualified, I also think he is qualified."
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