42 Such a tricky question: Women's precepts?
Ouyang Ziren wanted to say something more, but was stopped by a look from the Prince of Xiaoyao. A profound silence fell, broken only by the chirping of birds outside. Just then, the Prince of Xiaoyao's gaze hardened, and he said:
"Senior Ghost Doctor, I'll bet with you!"
“Young man, those old men who uphold outdated etiquette have never taken us seriously. On the summit of Cloud Mist Mountain, the old men are the most powerful. Let’s have a quick and decisive battle. Each of us will ask a question. However, the old men are over sixty years old and have eaten more food than you have walked, so they will ask the questions first. Of course, if it ends in a draw, the old men will be considered to have lost and will immediately begin to detoxify her. What do you think?” The Ghost Doctor spoke leisurely, crossing his legs.
"Senior, please pose a question." The Carefree King bowed and invited.
"Young man, you are a prince, so you should be well-versed in poetry and literature. To be fair, I will test you on a question about poetry and literature." The Ghost Doctor pondered for a moment and then slowly recited, "The eleventh chapter of the 'Women's Admonitions,' in the section on Harmony and Gentleness, states: 'The way to manage a household is for women to value harmony and filial piety. When parents-in-law scold, treat them as if they never happened. Be respectful to both upper and lower house children and nephews. Avoid gossip and disputes. Never let family scandals be heard by outsiders. Be courteous to neighbors. When visiting, be polite and courteous. A cup of tea or water, laughter and cheerful conversation. Speak when you should speak, and do when you should do. Do not engage in idle gossip. Do not be like a foolish woman who doesn't get to the root of the problem. Use foul language to offend the virtuous and respectful. I advise women to consider the future and think before they act.' Young man, then what is the fifty-eighth character in the eleventh chapter, 'Harmony and Gentleness'?"
It has to be said that the Ghost Doctor's question was very tricky. He openly said that Xiaoyao Wang was well-versed in poetry and literature, and in order to be fair, he tested Xiaoyao Wang's knowledge of poetry and literature. But what man in the world would read the "Precepts for Women"? Let alone explain what the fifty-eighth character in the eleventh volume is. Without a doubt, this was the Ghost Doctor deliberately making things difficult.
Upon hearing the question, the Carefree Prince was immediately stunned, seemingly lost in thought. Meanwhile, Ouyang Ziren, his eyes wide, stared at his master and loudly protested:
“Master, this question you set is far too tricky. Che is a man, how could he possibly read the ‘Precepts for Women’ which are only for women? We agreed to test his knowledge of poetry and literature, but you’ve set it to ‘Precepts for Women’ instead. This is deliberately making things difficult for him!”
"When have I ever made things difficult for anyone? I took into account that the young man hadn't read the 'Precepts for Women,' so I carefully read through the eleventh volume of the 'Precepts for Women' before asking him the question. I've already gone easy on him. If he still can't answer, he can only blame himself for being useless. What does it have to do with me?" The Ghost Doctor said casually as he sipped his tea.
"Master, you call that intensive reading? With such a fast speaking speed and a very soft voice, who could possibly hear you? Besides, Che is a grown man who didn't know beforehand, so how could he possibly memorize the 'Women's Precepts' you were reading!"
"The old man has already read it, but he didn't remember it. It's his own fault for being useless, he can't blame anyone else. To prevent you from saying that the old man is bullying the young, the old man will give him another incense stick's time. If he still can't answer, hmph, a bet is a bet. That prince will have his tongue cut out and stay here to do the old man's laundry and cook, and keep the old man company, hahaha!"
Just as Ouyang Ziren was about to speak, the Ghost Doctor struck his acupoint, rendering him unable to move or speak. He could only watch the Carefree King anxiously.
The carefree prince frowned, cold sweat beading on his forehead. Time ticked by, but he couldn't find the answer. He didn't care if he became mute, nor did he care about losing his freedom for life. The only thing he cared about was his Ruo'er. Was this really fate? The thought pained him deeply. No, he couldn't watch Ruo'er die before his eyes. He absolutely couldn't lose this gamble; he had to find a way to save himself.
Even if you are unwilling or resentful, time waits for no one. All you can do is make the most of every second, and the time it takes for an incense stick to burn will pass in the blink of an eye.
"Young man, an incense stick has burned out. Have you thought of what the fifty-eighth character is?"
"Senior Ghost Doctor, I do not know the answer to this question. Please reveal the answer, Senior Ghost Doctor." The Carefree King responded calmly, showing no panic despite not being able to answer.
"Good lad, you can't answer but still speak so confidently. Are you trying to renege on the bet?"
"Senior, if I lose, I will keep my promise, cut out my tongue, and stay with you on the summit of the clouds until the end of my life. However, the bet is not over yet, and I have not even asked the question. How can I have lost?"
"Haha, you little brat, you don't know your place. Do you really think that a mere child like you can stump this old man? That's utterly ridiculous. Give me a challenge, this old man would like to see what you've got." The Ghost Doctor laughed contemptuously.
The carefree king knew that this was his only chance to save Liu Hanruo. It was rumored that the Ghost Doctor was knowledgeable about everything and could predict the future. There was nothing he didn't know. So what should he ask?
The carefree king clenched his fists tightly, repeatedly loosening and tightening them. Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck him: perhaps this was the only way he could possibly win.
"Senior, as everyone knows, your left hand is different from ordinary people, with six fingers, and you have eleven fingers in total on both hands. So I would like to ask, does senior know how many fingers I have in both hands?"
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