Finally, Song Xiang was so drunk that he shook his heavy head and said, "Brother Qi, this wine is particularly...intoxicating today!"
After saying that, Song Xiang dropped his head on the table and lost consciousness.
Qi Che pretended to shake him: "Brother Song? Brother Song?"
Song Xiang remained indifferent.
Finally, Qi Che had no choice but to tell the coachman to send Song Xiang home first. He then went to the bookstore for a walk, selected a few ancient books, and then returned to the inn to rest.
That night, Song Xiang suffered from vomiting and diarrhea at home until dawn.
The next morning, he had just returned from the toilet when he heard that Qi Che was visiting again.
Qi Che was seen carrying some light food, his face full of self-blame: "Brother Song, it's all my fault for being greedy for alcohol yesterday and forcing you to drink so much."
"I heard that you were not feeling well, so I specially packed some food from the list. Please eat some of it..."
Song Xiang waved his hands, deeply moved: "Brother Qi is too polite, I..."
Before he could finish his words, his stomach began to ache again and he frowned in pain.
Seeing this, Qi Che hurriedly handed him a cup of warm water and said, "Brother Song, how are you going to attend the poetry gathering at the academy in this state?"
Song Xiang smiled bitterly and shook his head, then took out the gold-plated invitation from his arms: "How can I see the princess in my current state?" He handed the invitation to Qi Che: "Why don't you go in my place, Brother Qi?"
Qi Che's eyes flickered slightly, and he pretended to refuse: "How can this be possible? This is an opportunity that Brother Song has finally got."
"You and I are brothers, so why should we be so formal? Besides, with Brother Qi's talent, I believe he will shine at the poetry meeting and attract the attention of the princess. In this way, my efforts will not be in vain."
Qi Che then reluctantly accepted the invitation and said with concern: "Then Brother Song, have a good rest. I will go get the doctor right away."
After walking out of the Song residence, where was the trace of worry on Qi Che's face?
He took out the gold-embossed invitation, stroked the patterns on it, and a determined light flashed in his eyes.
"Your Highness, we will meet soon!"
——
Bailu Academy is located in the eastern suburbs of Qingshui County, surrounded by mountains and rivers, with towering ancient trees visible between the green tiles and white walls.
This was one of the four major academies of the dynasty. It had produced three prime ministers and seven chancellors, and was known as the "literary center of the world."
Today, the academy is decorated with lights and the winding corridors are filled with cushions and low tables. Those invited are all talented people and children of famous families from all over the country. They gather in groups of three or five, reciting poems or talking about things. The atmosphere is warm yet elegant.
Qi Che took the invitation and entered smoothly.
He glanced around calmly and found that at the end of the corridor, there were several maids dressed in brocade standing quietly. Although they were dressed like ordinary maids, they behaved in a dignified manner and there was nobility in their eyes and eyebrows.
Qi Che quickly guessed that this might be the princess's trusted maid.
Qi Che raised the corners of his lips slightly, and he quickly came up with an idea in his mind.
At this time, a middle-aged man in a scholar's robe came forward, bowed and said with a smile: "Is this the number one scholar this year, Mr. Qi? I have heard of you for a long time!"
Qi Che immediately returned the greeting with a humble attitude: "Sir, thank you for your compliment. I was just lucky to win. How dare I be called 'long admired'?"
The middle-aged scholar laughed and said, "Master Qi, you are too modest. I have read your policy paper "On the Way to Govern a Country" many times and benefited a lot from it!"
At this time, the people around him looked at him sideways. Soon, several students gathered around and started chatting with Qi Che.
Qi Che handled the situation with ease, neither appearing rebellious nor losing his grace. He occasionally quoted from classics, which drew praise from everyone.
At this moment, the sound of rings and bracelets was heard not far away.
Everyone fell silent and turned to look——
A group of maids were seen escorting a woman in white. The woman was wearing a white veil, revealing only a pair of cold and frosty eyes. She only had a white jade hairpin in her hair. She looked extremely simple and elegant, but it made her look even more noble.
As she walked lightly, the rings on her waist made crisp sounds, like the gurgling of a clear spring in a mountain stream.
"Her Royal Highness the Princess has arrived—"
As the announcement was made, the dean of the academy hurried forward to salute. Everyone then woke up as if from a dream and knelt down to salute in unison.
"Greetings to Her Royal Highness the Princess. May Your Highness live a thousand years and a thousand thousand years—"
When Qi Che saw the woman's attire clearly, his pupils shrank instantly!
If it was true, the woman on the second floor opposite the county government office yesterday was exactly this legitimate princess.
For a moment, Qi Che's heartbeat accelerated, and the blood in his body seemed to be awakened, shouting and flowing.
"Everyone, please stand up." The princess' voice was clear and sweet, like pearls falling on a plate. "Today we are meeting friends for literature, so there is no need to be formal."
The dean said respectfully, "Your Highness is so generous that I dare to take the title 'Spring Water' today, imitating the ancient people's elegant event of drinking wine over a winding stream. What do you think?"
The 'Princess' nodded slightly and took the first seat.
The maids immediately set up seats beside the winding stream and placed cups filled with fine wine into the water.
Whether intentionally or unintentionally, Qi Che was placed near the bend of the stream.
This is a great location, and it is very easy for Yu Shang to stay here.
The corners of his lips rose slightly, it seemed that God was helping him.
"In the first round, please improvise a poem," the dean announced. "Whoever the wine cup stops in front of will recite first."
The stream gurgles, and the wine cup slowly turns with the waves.
Finally, he stopped in front of a student in blue. He took the wine cup, stood up, bowed and said, "My student is so humbled."
The student pondered for a moment, then recited aloud:
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