Even the emperor behind him had a smile in his eyes, waving his folding fan and talking happily.
"Haha, I didn't expect there to be a ship owner like this. Interesting. Erkang, it's up to you now."
Upon hearing the Emperor speak, the people who were struggling with the two men in front of him all turned to look at the Emperor.
After the Emperor finished speaking and received his instructions, the group turned back around.
"Gentlemen, there's no rush. We're in a hurry. Since you'd like to compose poems, you must be scholars. May we compose poems on the boat and indulge in some refined pursuits?"
Er Kang continued to negotiate with the people.
When traveling, it's best to avoid making enemies. Although they are not afraid, they believe in traveling discreetly, so it's best to avoid revealing your identity unless absolutely necessary.
None of them were sure if there were any enemies or villains lurking in the shadows. Their entourage consisted of the most distinguished people in the world, so they had to be extra careful and could not afford to make the slightest mistake.
...
"You can also compose poems?"
Hearing Er Kang's words, the two looked suspiciously at the group of people in front of and behind them.
"Yes, not only do we know how, but our maid, our master, our master, and even that Western purchasing agent knows a little bit."
Seeing the two's suspicion, Erkang smiled and explained, even gesturing to the group of people behind him.
"Alright, let's have a contest of literary talent then."
Since Erkang had said so, the two men, being scholars, exchanged a glance and chose to back down.
They wanted to see if the other party could really compose poetry, and they also wanted to dampen the other party's arrogance.
"It's just two four-character phrases. If you can recite them, the two of us will personally row and steer you across the river."
"Okay, please give me a rhyme scheme."
Er Kang clasped his hands in a respectful gesture.
"Okay, then let's use 'pointed, round, drums and gongs, joy and happiness' as the rhyme."
The shorter man began to speak.
"Hey, are they going to use the same method that Master Ji used to test me at home?"
Seeing the group of people about to start composing couplets ahead, Xiao Yanzi slipped back. She was unsure of herself and decided not to stay there. Besides, she was also worried about Chen Nian.
She still remembered her previous state of mind.
Little Swallow moved closer to Chen Nian and looked at him with concern.
However, this time, with the good start last time, and since I was still a bit drowsy and not fully awake, I was in a good mood and there was nothing wrong with my emotions.
Noticing nothing amiss with Chen Nian, Xiao Yanzi felt much relieved. She jokingly asked the Emperor and his entourage, who were standing a little in front of her, but still stayed close to Chen Nian.
"Judging from their demeanor, they might actually be quite talented, perhaps even geniuses. If that's the case, then Master has gained something unexpected."
Upon hearing Xiao Yanzi mention him, Master Ji took the initiative to speak, and his words were extremely eloquent.
This made the emperor extremely happy.
As the group spoke from behind, the group in front, who were composing couplets, also began their "confrontational" exercise.
The people behind also instinctively fell silent, and at the same time switched to "watching the show."
"I'll go first, then my friend will answer, and we'll see if you can answer them."
The short man waved his folding fan, his eyes darting around, and then he spoke.
"With a sharp pen and a round inkstone, they entered the examination hall amidst the deafening sound of gongs and drums. The first three essays delighted the examiner, and the last three delighted the emperor."
...
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