After these words fell, everyone present fell into deep thought.
You have to know that Zhao Baiyu had gone through a long round of fighting before he stood on the highest platform. This time, not only was he overshadowed by Yun Yan who suddenly showed up, but he also had to be tested and taught by the princess herself.
If Yun Yan could really write a poem, wouldn't he quickly catch the eye of Princess Zhaoyang?
It is only a matter of time before you pass the imperial examination and rise to a high position in the officialdom.
Little did he know that this was exactly the opportunity Qi Che had been waiting for.
He paused for a moment, then recited aloud: "Strong winds reveal strong grass, and turbulent times reveal loyal ministers. A brave man knows righteousness, and a wise man is always kind."
After reciting, he turned to Chu Qingluan and asked, "What do you think, Your Highness?"
He deliberately chose this poem which contained words of loyal advice, which not only demonstrated his own talent but also implicitly satirized the disloyalty and injustice of people like Zhao Baiyu.
Sure enough, a hint of admiration flashed in Chu Qingluan's eyes.
But just as she was about to bestow the jade brush, she was interrupted by Xie Yunqi who suddenly walked out.
"What a man who can recognize loyal ministers in times of turmoil!" Xie Yunqi chuckled and slowly walked out from behind the stands. His dark brocade robe glowed coldly under the candlelight.
"Mr. Yun's poem is very well used."
He turned to face Chu Qingluan, his voice suddenly turned cold: "But Your Highness, have you ever thought about why he, a student who has never entered the officialdom, would write this satirical poem at this time? And why every sentence implies that he is a talented person who is not appreciated?"
Qi Che's face changed slightly, and when he was about to explain, he heard Xie Yunqi say again: "As far as I know, Master Yun has always been timid, his knowledge is just so-so, and he never dares to be greedy for merit and make rash advances. When did his personality change so drastically that he refuted Master Zhao in public and composed a poem in seven steps?"
Faced with Xie Yunqi's relentless pressure, as expected, the eyes of everyone present became ambiguous.
Qi Che's mind was working rapidly.
Just now, he was so anxious to perform in front of Chu Qingluan and leave a good impression that he forgot about Yun Yan's own personality for a moment.
Thinking of something, he suddenly knelt on the ground in front of everyone, his voice trembling: "Your Highness, please understand. I was really bullied too much by Young Master Zhao before. Today, I saw him showing off his talents in front of Your Highness, and I was furious for a while, so..."
"You're talking nonsense!" Zhao Baiyu quickly jumped out to prove his innocence: "When did I ever bully you? Stop slandering me!"
Qi Che was so frightened by his shouting that he trembled and gritted his teeth and said, "Half a year ago, Master Zhao tore up my poems in public at the Imperial College and insulted my father. Don't you remember all that?"
Zhao Baiyu: “…”
Is this true?
Why doesn't he remember it very well?
Zhao Baiyu was a little unsure. It was really because of his personality. He was indeed a bit arrogant and flamboyant. He especially couldn't stand those poor students. He thought that staying in the same place with them was a lowering of one's status. Therefore, he usually looked down on others in the Imperial College.
Tearing up other people's poems was a common occurrence. Not only that, he often took the articles written by poor students as his own and gave them to the teacher to report.
If we really offend someone like Yun Yan here, it is very possible.
"I... stop talking nonsense here. I am well-versed in literature and can speak eloquently. Why should I tear up your manuscript?"
Zhao Baiyu still tried to argue, but his confidence was clearly lacking.
"It doesn't matter if Mr. Zhao doesn't admit it. Anyway, I came here today because I admire your highness's elegance in holding a piano concert. If I have offended you, I hope your highness will forgive me."
His impromptu remarks seemed convincing, but for some reason, Chu Qingluan always felt that this man was a little weird.
There seems to be a vague sense of familiarity.
"Forget it. Talent competition is a refined thing. If it damages the harmony, it will be bad."
She looked around and said with a smile, "The next step is the free dating session. I wish you all good luck in finding your true love."
She pointed to the flower-shaped paper on the table and said, "The scenery by the Moon-Watching Lake is the best to enjoy. You may go and visit the garden. If there is someone you like, you can also write a poem on this flower-shaped paper as a gift."
As soon as he finished speaking, several smart ladies gathered around him impatiently and bowed to Chu Qingluan.
"Your Highness has done us a favor today. I have no way to repay you, so I specially embroidered this calla lily sachet... I hope Your Highness can also achieve his wish."
The leader was the daughter of the Minister of Rites.
As she finished speaking, other noble ladies followed suit, some presenting gold paper, some presenting sachets, etc.
Chu Qingluan took them one by one with a smile. But out of the corner of her eye she saw Xie Yunqi not far away quietly isolating Yun Yan.
Xie Yunqi saw Chu Qingluan looking at him and was about to walk over, but he saw the servant Fu'an running towards him in a hurry.
"grown ups!"
Fuan walked closer to Xie Yunqi, put his hand and whispered something in his ear. Then, Xie Yunqi stopped as he was about to take a step forward, and his brows furrowed slightly.
"She really said that?"
Fuan nodded and said truthfully, "Yes, sir, the old lady has ordered you to return home immediately."
Xie Yunqi looked in the direction of Chu Qingluan again, hesitated for a moment, and finally decided to leave first.
On this side, Qi Che saw that Xie Yunqi finally left, and his heart was soon at ease.
As long as Xie Yunqi is not around, and he can find a way to lure Chu Qingluan to the restaurant on the shore, he will have a way to achieve his goal.
At the same time, Gu Yanran, who was not far away, had been keeping a close eye on Chu Qingluan's every move. Seeing that there were fewer people around her, she lifted her skirt and walked forward to greet Chu Qingluan.
"Your servant greets the princess."
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