As the Imperial Concubine's fame grew, Daiyu's talent also gradually became widely known.
The students of Mingde Girls' Academy often took Daiyu as their role model, and many literati in the capital had also heard of this talented young girl.
However, some students studying at the Imperial Academy scoffed at this, believing that what talents could a woman possibly have, and that she was merely riding on the coattails of the imperial concubine's fame.
On this day, Daiyu was browsing through ancient books in the library of Mingde Girls' Academy when she suddenly received a challenge letter.
When she unfolded it, she found that it was a joint letter from several students of the Imperial Academy, inviting her to a competition at the "Qingfeng Teahouse" in the east of the city. The topics covered poetry, mathematics, and classical texts.
Daiyu smiled slightly, put away the challenge letter, and remained unmoved.
Back at Yanxi Palace, Daiyu told Lin Yun about the incident. Upon hearing this, a smile flashed in Lin Yun's eyes: "These students are quite amusing, daring to challenge my Daiyu."
Daiyu said softly, "Your Majesty, I didn't want to pay attention to them, but their words showed a disdain for women, which is really unpleasant."
Lin Yun patted her head and said softly, "Since that's the case, then agree. Let them see what a true talented woman is."
Daiyu nodded, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes: "Yes, Your Majesty."
---
The news spread quickly; the news that Lin Daiyu, a female student of Mingde Academy, had challenged the students of the Imperial Academy spread like wildfire throughout the capital.
Lin Ruhai had already packed his bags and was preparing to return to Jinling, but upon hearing this news, he immediately changed his plans.
He sneered, "I'd like to see who dares to bully my daughter!"
At the same time, many high-ranking officials and nobles also became interested, and Ninth Prince Yun Tang and Tenth Prince Yun Qi also heard about the competition.
Yun Tang waved his folding fan and laughed, "Interesting, interesting! This Daiyu is so young, yet she dares to challenge the students of the Imperial Academy. I'd like to go and see what's going on."
Yun also chimed in, "Ninth Brother is right, we can't miss this opportunity."
As the local official in the capital, Li Wei was naturally quite interested in this competition.
He stroked his beard, thinking to himself, "If Daiyu wins, it will be a victory for women."
---
On the day of the competition, Qingfeng Teahouse was already bustling with activity.
The manager was so busy that he didn't have time to rest. The teahouse was cleaned inside and out until it was spotless, and even the tables and chairs were replaced with new ones.
The students from the Imperial College arrived at the teahouse early, secured good seats, and chatted animatedly.
"I heard that Daiyu is only eleven or twelve years old. What skills could she possibly have?" a student said disdainfully.
“That’s right, they’re just relying on the power of the Imperial Concubine.” Another person chimed in.
At this moment, a student dressed in a blue robe slowly walked into the teahouse.
With his clear features and composed demeanor, he was none other than Yan Tingzhi, the most talented scholar in the Imperial Academy who had always been ranked first.
When the crowd saw him arrive, they all made way for him.
Although Yan Tingzhi did not participate in the duel, he was quite curious about Daiyu's talent and came to watch the battle.
---
Meanwhile, a large crowd of onlookers had already gathered outside Qingfeng Teahouse.
Lin Ruhai, dressed in casual clothes, stood in the crowd with piercing eyes.
Ninth Master and Tenth Master sat in a private room on the second floor of the teahouse, observing everything from their elevated position.
Li Wei also quietly arrived and sat in a corner, waiting for the competition to begin.
Suddenly, a commotion arose in the crowd as a simple horse-drawn carriage slowly approached.
The curtain was lifted, and Lin Yun led Daiyu down from the carriage.
Today, Daiyu wore a light purple dress, her features were exquisite, and her demeanor was elegant. Her expression was calm, showing no sign of timidity.
Upon seeing the Imperial Concubine's arrival, everyone bowed in respect.
Lin Yun smiled slightly, raised her hand to indicate that everyone did not need to be so polite, and then led Daiyu into the teahouse.
Inside the teahouse, the students from the Imperial Academy looked at Daiyu with a mixture of disdain and curiosity.
Yan Tingzhi quietly gazed at Daiyu, a hint of amazement flashing in his eyes. Such demeanor at such a young age was already extraordinary.
Lin Yun led Daiyu to sit down and said softly, "Don't be nervous, just treat it as a normal exchange of skills."
Daiyu nodded: "Your Majesty, rest assured, Daiyu understands."
---
The competition had not yet officially begun, but the atmosphere in the teahouse was already tense.
The students at the Imperial Academy were eager to try, while Daiyu remained calm and composed, as if everything was under control.
Lin Ruhai stood in the crowd, his gaze never leaving his daughter.
He felt both proud and worried, but mostly he trusted his daughter.
Ninth Prince Yunqi waved his fan and laughed, "Tenth Brother, look at Daiyu. She is so young, yet she has such a bearing. She is quite remarkable."
Yin nodded: "Indeed, there's going to be a good show today."
Li Wei thought to himself, "If Daiyu wins, I'm afraid the Imperial Academy will lose face."
---
Just as everyone was lost in their own thoughts, a commotion suddenly broke out outside the teahouse.
It turned out that many people who heard the news rushed over and surrounded the teahouse.
The shopkeeper was sweating profusely, greeting customers while instructing his staff to maintain order.
Daiyu looked around and saw the expectant or questioning looks on everyone's faces, but she felt even calmer.
She took a small sip of tea, waiting for the competition to begin.
Yan Tingzhi gazed at Daiyu from afar and suddenly felt that this competition might exceed everyone's expectations.
He smiled slightly and muttered to himself, "Interesting."
With a clear, ringing copper bell, the competition officially began.
An elderly scholar with white hair and beard slowly walked to the front of the stage. He was Xu Wenyuan, a retired scholar from the Hanlin Academy, who had been invited by the Imperial Academy to set the questions.
The esteemed scholar Xu was highly respected and erudite, and no one objected to him presiding over the competition.
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