Xu Chengzhi hadn't even started the competition yet, but he was already preparing to apologize if he lost, which showed that he really had no confidence in winning.
Wang Linyu looked at his friend, but he had other plans in mind. Since he could go out drinking with Xu Chengzhi, he naturally knew the man's character. Although he shared the same thoughts as Xu Chengzhi, he knew what it meant to be cautious in his words and actions.
It seems that Xu Chengzhi will become a distant friend in the future! Wang Linyu thought to herself while comforting Xu Chengzhi.
It was already past 1:45 PM when the innkeeper appeared. The waiter specially brought out a gong and banged it loudly, instantly silencing the previously noisy hall.
The shopkeeper was a worldly man, but there were more than just these people today. The owner said that His Majesty was watching from above!
"Ahem," the innkeeper coughed twice, then said, "You are all learned and talented scholars. It is an honor for Wangyue Tower to gather here today. Now, I will talk about the topic of today's competition."
"Before presenting the questions, let me clarify that today's competition is open to all, regardless of order or status. Before we begin answering the questions, I would like to invite Lord Zhang to say a few words of encouragement."
The shopkeeper's words really surprised everyone. Although they all came with the intention of becoming Zhang Ying's apprentices, no one really thought they would see Zhang Ying today.
Before Zhang Ying appeared, the hall became noisy again, even more so than before, until Zhang Ying stepped forward and the crowd stopped talking.
Zhang Ying, with a square face and an air of righteousness, appeared in the hall and said, "Today's competition is just for friendly exchange and to make friends through literature. Of course, I also hope that you will all give it your all, as you are the pillars of the court..." Zhang Ying said some polite words, then handed the competition over to the manager and went to Kangxi's private room.
The shopkeeper then spoke up: "Master Zhang is right. I hope everyone can make friends through literature. Next, I will talk about today's first topic: The wise find joy in water, the benevolent find joy in mountains."
The shopkeeper looked at the writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones in the main hall, and then said, "You have half an hour to answer the questions. Time is limited, so gentlemen, you may begin writing now."
As soon as the shopkeeper finished speaking, people in the hall began to write.
The air was filled with the scent of ink.
Inside the private room on the second floor, Tong Cheng'er and Shu Yu were both feeling apprehensive. Although they believed in Tong Xuewen's talent, today's situation was somewhat special, almost like the imperial examination.
Emperor Kangxi personally set the questions and supervised the proceedings from the second floor. Three princes also observed the proceedings, along with Zhang Ying, a renowned scholar. This was quite a high-level event.
The two were nervous for Tong Xuewen, while downstairs Tong Xuewen became so engrossed in writing that he seemed to have a flood of inspiration, his pen moving as if guided by a divine hand.
"Knock knock"
"Come in."
Tong Cheng'er looked up and saw Su Peisheng standing next to Yinzhen.
Su Peisheng looked at Tong Cheng'er with a fawning expression: "Princess Tong, this servant is on the orders of the master to bring some snacks to you and Princess Guarjia. These snacks are newly developed by the kitchen, and the master specially brought them over for you two princesses to try something new."
Shu Yu found the Fourth Prince's way of doing things a bit strange. He brought them snacks, and just now she thought he was a cold and aloof person who didn't like to smile. What was going on? Could it be that he had a warm heart under that cold exterior?
Regardless of how the pastries tasted, Tong Cheng'er didn't really want to accept them. She didn't want to get involved with the Fourth Prince. A prince appearing in her life from time to time was more like a nuisance to Tong Cheng'er. Getting close to him didn't fit her plan for a carefree life.
But she couldn't refuse this dessert. The host was being very hospitable, and he was of noble status. Tong Cheng'er didn't think she had any of the charm of a beloved female lead. If she refused a prince, she would clearly be disrespectful, yet he would remain calm and not cause her any trouble.
Tong Cheng'er accepted the snack because she was afraid of getting into trouble.
Su Peisheng left after completing his mission.
Tong Cheng'er stared blankly at the pastries.
Shu Yu asked, "Why aren't you eating?"
Tong Cheng'er thought for a moment. Why shouldn't she eat this snack? Why was she agonizing over it? She didn't know what the Fourth Prince was thinking. Who cared what he was thinking? He wouldn't really cut off her head for no reason. As long as she was alive, that was enough. She was so lazy, why did she have to think so much? It was too hard on her. She decided not to think about it anymore.
"Eat, of course we have to eat, Sister Shuyu, let's eat together. The chef at Wangyue Tower is quite skilled, so these snacks should be pretty good too. We should eat quickly and not leave any for Second Brother."
Shu Yu could tell that Tong Cheng'er was in a bad mood earlier, but it seemed that she was better now.
Although she didn't know what caused her series of changes, Shu Yu felt that her future sister-in-law had a really good attitude, always happy and cheerful, which was wonderful.
"What a mischievous girl. If your second brother hears this, let's see if he'll still bring you out."
Tong Cheng'er chuckled: "If you really don't bring me along, that would be just what I wanted. When Second Brother comes back later, Sister Shuyu must say something."
Shu Yu laughed and said, "You, if I really told you, wouldn't your second brother be heartbroken?"
Tong Cheng'er pouted: "He wouldn't!"
Everyone in her family knows what kind of person she is; she's incredibly lazy. Tong Xuewen can only sigh involuntarily; he's not really heartbroken.
The two ate and waited, and half an hour passed.
Downstairs in the lobby, the manager instructed the waiter to strike a gong.
With a resounding gong, the shopkeeper announced, "Gentlemen, you may now put down your writing."
Half an hour isn't exactly a lot of time, but for these talented individuals, it's enough to write an article. At most, they might not have enough time to copy it out properly, resulting in a less neat and rigorous piece.
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