When Song Xiang said this, his face was full of emotion.
Qi Che frowned slightly. He had some impression of Liu Chengzhi. He was a man of mediocre talent and learning, and was very aloof and arrogant. He always felt that his ideas and insights were unique. Whenever he came across lectures and debates, he would go to join in the fun.
How could such a person be recommended to enter Bailu Academy as an exception?
Qi Che looked puzzled.
Song Xiang added: "You also find it incredible, right?"
"But it is indeed so. To be honest, Brother Qi, I have heard some inside information while working in the academy. Although Liu Chengzhi is of mediocre talent and learning, he happened to talk about the strategy for flood control in the south of the Yangtze River during the debate. The princess had previously investigated the matter incognito, and when she heard him propose the method of 'work-for-relief', she found that it coincided with her idea, so she gave him a higher opinion."
After hearing this, Qi Che understood what was going on and his impression of this legitimate princess deepened even more.
He raised his wine glass and asked Song Xiang in a low voice, "In your opinion, is there any rule for the princess to recommend talents?"
Song Xiang shook his head and said, "Brother Qi, you don't know. Her Royal Highness prefers 'unconventional actions' and hates those sour scholars who only know how to study. If you can put forward unique insights on state governance, people's livelihood and economy, or show rare skills in music, chess, calligraphy and painting..."
He suddenly leaned closer and lowered his voice, "I heard that the princess also likes to collect rare ancient books from all over the world. If anyone can present her with a rare book that she has never seen before, it may be more useful than a body of knowledge."
Qi Che's pupils shrank slightly, and he was calculating rapidly in his mind.
Liu Chengzhi just got lucky, and he had the title of top scholar and was well-read in classics, history, and literature. If he could please his taste...
Thinking of this, he filled Song Xiang's glass again: "Brother Song just said that there will be a great opportunity to broaden your horizons tomorrow, but is it related to this legitimate princess?"
"That's right!" Song Xiang replied, "I heard that Her Royal Highness will hold a banquet at the White Deer Academy tomorrow to meet friends through poetry. She will also hold a 'Liushang Poetry Meeting' and personally test the students' knowledge."
Song Xiang sighed and said with a hint of regret: "But I asked my cousin who works in the academy to get me only one invitation. Otherwise, I could have brought you, Brother Qi, with me tomorrow..."
Qi Che lowered his eyes, hiding the gleam of light in his eyes. Then he smiled and said, "Brother Song, please don't mind. I came here to visit an old friend. I have official business to attend, so it is inconvenient for me to attend the banquet."
Then he filled Song Xiang's glass again, "Come on, it's a rare occasion for us to get together today, let's not go home until we are drunk!"
After three rounds of drinks, Song Xiang's face was already red.
However, when Song Xiang wasn't paying attention, Qi Che flicked his fingertips and a pinch of white powder quietly fell into Song Xiang's wine glass.
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