Feng Rushi's words were like pouring a bucket of cold water on boiling oil, which immediately caused an uproar.
Those who supported the aristocratic family found an excuse to attack, while those who opposed the aristocratic family secretly applauded, but did not dare to support them openly for fear of getting into trouble.
Cheng Ruxue sat in the corner, her slender fingers tightly grasping the handkerchief, her heart in her throat.
Feng Rushi, this silly boy, is really risking his life!
Did he think this was a debate in the academy?
This happened at the emperor's poetry gathering. Questioning the government in front of so many powerful people, isn't that courting death?
Li Chengfeng has such a fickle personality, who knows what he would think?
If he was emotionally stable and open-minded, and thought Feng Rusi was right, it would be fine.
But these aristocratic families obviously regarded Feng Rusi as a target. If Li Chengfeng had to execute him, wouldn’t he lose a talented person?
She secretly glanced at Li Chengfeng, but saw that his face was expressionless, and it was impossible to tell whether he was happy or angry. This made her even more uneasy, as if a deer was running around in her chest.
"Feng Rusi, you are so brave!"
A sharp voice cut through the noisy poetry gathering.
The person who spoke was Xu Zeyou. Qi Daokun had already instructed him to take advantage of the chaos to muddy the waters of the poetry gathering, and it would be best if Li Chengfeng could be completely disappointed in these clear-minded literati.
Now that Feng Rushi has come across him, it is a godsend!
"How dare you, a mere scholar, discuss state affairs? You are totally disregarding the law!"
Xu Zeyou's spit flew everywhere, pointing at Feng Rusi's nose and cursing, "I think you don't want to live anymore!"
"Sir, this is wrong."
Feng Rusi met his gaze fearlessly, "I'm just telling the truth."
"Do you think, sir, that the people of our dynasty live a prosperous life?"
"You...you are making excuses!" Xu Zeyou was overwhelmed by Feng Rushi's aura and was speechless for a moment.
He originally wanted to use this opportunity to make Feng Rushi get into trouble, but he didn't expect to be outmaneuvered by the other party.
Feng Rusi pressed on, "Does Master Xu think that rampant corruption and the suffering of the people are a good thing?"
"You...you are slandering me!"
Xu Zeyou was furious, but he couldn't find the right words to refute, so he could only stare blankly.
"Am I slandering you?"
Feng Rusi sneered, "Then may I ask, Master Xu, why are there so many victims outside the city, while there is peace and prosperity inside?"
“Why is the treasury empty while officials are thriving?”
Xu Zeyou's face turned pale and blue. Of course he knew these things, but he didn't dare to say it, and he couldn't say it.
He could only shout in a timid voice, "You...you are slandering! Slandering the imperial court! Come, arrest this traitor!"
However, no one obeyed his orders.
There were no soldiers or officers at the poetry reading. If there were any, they were transferred by Song Yuwei to provide security.
What's more, the emperor is on the high platform. Who would dare to move unless he speaks?
Moreover, they all knew what Feng Rushi said, but they just didn't dare to say it out loud.
"Mr. Xu, are you angry out of shame?"
Feng Rusi looked at him jokingly, "It seems you don't dare to answer my question."
"You...you..." Xu Zeyou was so angry that he was shaking all over, but he could do nothing.
Xu Zeyou's face turned purple, and he felt as uncomfortable as if he had swallowed a fly.
He pointed at Feng Rushi, his fingers trembling, but he couldn't say a word.
He was so filled with anger and frustration that he almost exploded.
At this moment, a cool and clear voice, like a stream of clear water, slowly flowed above the noisy poetry gathering: "Everyone, today is a poetry gathering. It is the right way to meet friends through literature and exchange poetic skills."
"If all the gentlemen were like Master Xu, wouldn't it be like cursing in the street?"
The person who spoke was Song Yuwei.
She stood up slowly with an elegant posture, and her eyes swept over everyone with an unquestionable majesty.
Everyone suddenly became quiet, their eyes focused on her.
Song Yuwei smiled slightly and continued, "What Master Feng said may be a little biased, but it is not entirely unreasonable."
"The suffering of the people is indeed worthy of our deep consideration. However, today is not a day for political discussion. I ask you to enjoy poetry and socialize with friends. Don't lose your elegance."
These words neither favored any party nor cleverly brought the topic back to the poetry gathering, which was absolutely flawless.
Li Chengfeng nodded secretly. Song Yuwei has a big vision and can keep the situation stable.
Much better than those kids from aristocratic families who only know how to fan the flames.
Although Xu Zeyou was unwilling, he knew that it was not appropriate to continue to argue at this time. He could only glare at Feng Rushi hatefully and sat back angrily.
The poetry reading continued, however, the atmosphere had subtly changed.
Although the people from several major families no longer dared to attack Feng Rushi openly, they directed their attacks at Song Yuwei.
Chen Qiyuan chanted: "Although the peony is gorgeous, its roots are shallow and it can't withstand the wind and rain."
When everyone heard this, they knew that this was a subtle criticism of Song Yuwei, a woman with an unstable foundation.
Li Chengfeng raised his eyebrows. This old fox was cursing people in a roundabout way.
Then, Su Dezheng also chanted: "The phoenix soars high, unaware that the phoenix tree is rotten, and it will eventually fall."
This line of poetry directly implies that Song Yuwei is dependent on the imperial power, and once the emperor loses power, she will not be able to escape her fate.
Li Chengfeng sneered. These old guys are really persistent.
Seeing someone taking the lead, Xu Zeyou couldn't wait to jump out and recite: "A beautiful woman is like jade, but she harbors evil intentions. She will eventually suffer the consequences."
This poem is a blatant slander against Song Yuwei for having bad intentions.
Song Yuwei's expression changed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure.
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