The Moon Lake was quiet.

Everyone knew that this literary gathering was extraordinary, after all, the grand event of the Hundred Schools Conference was approaching, and it was inevitable that there would be some excitement in selecting three outstanding students to listen to the teachings of the Master up close.

But unexpectedly, two remarkable works were presented, directly breaking the friendly atmosphere of academic exchange.

Although Han Juan's painting was somewhat shocking, it at least left some breathing room for people, and it would take some time before chaos could ensue.

But the wave caused by Pingling Jun gave them a feeling that a storm was about to come.

There were three storm eyes on the Qi Yun map, located in Yong City, Jiang City, and City Jing. Could it be that the one in Jiang City was Pingling Jun?

It seemed so.

Pingling Jun had three thousand followers, and it was rumored that he respected and rewarded the virtuous and lived a simple and frugal life.

This...

Was a bit unsettling!

Luo Yan noticed that Pingling Jun was looking at him with burning eyes, and the muscles on his old face twitched uncontrollably.

I don't know him!

I'm not familiar with him!

Why is he looking at me like that?

Pingling Jun asked, "Luo Xiang, what do you think of this painting? Can it be considered a remarkable work? Can it catch the attention of the Prime Minister?"

Luo Yan immediately replied, "Since Pingling Jun has condensed the essence of Confucianism, it is naturally a remarkable work. There is no need for this official to judge."

Who doesn't know that this official is Wei's son-in-law and a loyal minister to King Li?

Pingling Jun...

We are bit.ly/3iBfjkV, find us on google.

Stay away from me!

When he said this, he subconsciously glanced at Zhao Ning. Although he didn't know the specific identity of this handsome young man, he had learned from the palace guards that he was from Qingjiang Palace. He couldn't let the Crown Prince misunderstand!

But unexpectedly, as soon as he looked, he saw Ying Wuji walking towards them with big strides.

Luo Yan hurriedly asked, "Young Master Wuji is a talented individual. I wonder what you think of Pingling Jun's painting?"

Ying Wuji curled his lips.

Pingling Jun was just throwing a flirtatious look at you in front of your boss, and look how scared you are!

He didn't answer immediately, but walked straight towards Pingling Jun.

Zhao Qi saw Ying Wuji and nodded with a calm smile, considering it a greeting. Although Ying Wuji had become a prominent figure in Jiang City these days, Zhao Qi didn't pay much attention to him. After all, business was just a trivial matter. Among the major aristocratic families, except for some legitimate descendants who were lazy, it was generally entrusted to those born out of wedlock to handle.

As for Ying Wuji's various crazy behaviors, it was just a means of gaining popularity by taking advantage of his special status. Once Ying Wuque secured his position in Kingdom Qian, this person would be immediately discarded.

So for Zhao Qi, Ying Wuji had no value in making friends.

But Ying Wuji stared at Zhao Qi for a while, wanting to firmly remember this person who was trying to ruin his livelihood.

Damn it!

Although he felt a bit threatened by Han Juan's Qi Yun map just now, the Zhao family lineage was still the strongest on paper in Kingdom Li. Even if the Wei and Han families had hidden strength, they were unlikely to surpass the Zhao royal family. And their royal identity was his best choice.

But...

You, Pingling Jun, are actually causing internal division?

Ying Wuji turned to Luo Yan and said, "Minister Luo! This painting by Pingling Jun is naturally excellent, depicting his imagined image of himself vividly."

Hmm?

Many people sensed that something was off.

Imagined image, this phrase seemed to have some sarcastic meaning!

Ying Wuji smiled and continued, "However, compared to reality, it is still somewhat suspended."

"Suspended?"

Zhao Qi frowned slightly. He didn't expect that he didn't provoke Ying Wuji, but Ying Wuji took the initiative to come to him. Combined with Ying Wuji's previous notorious reputation, it wouldn't be a good thing to get involved with him. He felt somewhat angry, but didn't show it.

"Today, I witnessed Young Master Wuji's extraordinary talent. I believe he must have many insightful opinions. Zhao Qi eagerly awaits your comments!"

【Essence】: +37

【Energy】: +10

【Spirit】: +20

This young man in his thirties seems to have some shortcomings in cultivating his energy!

His words sounded polite, but they carried the meaning of "if you don't say something impressive, I'll criticize you!"

But it's still good to be in the Embryo Transformation Realm. Just one change in mentality can earn so many points.

Upon hearing Pingling Jun's words, many people began to whisper.

"Is Ying Wuji really someone who bites whoever he sees?"

"Luo Xiang had some grievances with him, so it's understandable to tease the Prime Minister, but how can he find fault with Pingling Jun?"

"No matter how Pingling Jun compares to the Crown Prince, he can still be considered respectful and virtuous. He is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding talents among the younger generation. Ying Wuji may have some talent, but who gave him the confidence to comment on this remarkable work?"

"I want to see what kind of flower he can evaluate!"

The voices of the crowd were not deliberately lowered, and Ying Wuji's cultivation was not low. His senses were quite sharp, and he naturally heard everything.

As expected!

Just as he expected.

Although Pingling Jun had been dormant in recent years, his prestige among the people was already quite deep.

Ying Wuji recruited three thousand followers, raised them with his own assets, and spread various words of benefiting the people and being loyal to the country. Regardless of whether these words are practical or not, they are quite impressive in the eyes of the common people. Moreover, this person does not fight for power.

Under normal circumstances, he would definitely be suppressed by the Crown Prince, but he happened to have a trump card. It's strange that he has no reputation after so many years. He just said a few words and was immediately criticized.

Wasn't his words just instigating his fans to curse others?

Ying Wuji smiled faintly, "Of course, it's not a big problem, it doesn't affect the ambitions of Pingling Jun. I have OCD, I always have to speak up when I see something wrong. Pingling Jun has a broad mind and sincerely wants to listen. If I don't evaluate it carefully, then it's my fault! Brother Pingling, let me borrow your work!"

Then he picked up a pen and prepared to write below the painting.

Seeing this scene, Zhao Qi's temples throbbed, and he directly wrote on the painting. "You are really impolite."

But he didn't say anything, because he knew that as long as Ying Wuji couldn't come up with a reason, the more arrogant he acted now, the more he would be unable to lift his head later.

The others also stared at Ying Wuji closely, wanting to see what he wanted to criticize.

Especially Zhao Ning.

Since she became the regent, she had been diligent and never slackened when handling state affairs.

She had read the advice of Zhao Qi's followers. Each one sounded like strategies for the country and the people's well-being, but upon careful consideration, they were either too vague to implement or hidden with other motives.

But unexpectedly, Pingling Jun, who only talked but did nothing, received various praises from the people.

When she saw the painting drawn by Zhao Qi, she was angry, but she couldn't say anything because of her identity. Her mood was quite depressed.

But she didn't expect Ying Wuji to take the initiative.

To be honest, she was looking forward to Ying Wuji's poem, as his poems were always critical.

In this way, under everyone's gaze, Ying Wuji slowly wrote with his pen.

But unexpectedly, this poem turned out to be surprisingly short.

Yesterday I entered the southern market,

Returning with tears filling my handkerchief.

Those covered in luxurious robes,

Are not silk farmers.

"This..."

Everyone was stunned. In just a short moment, strands of energy were already condensing in Ying Wuji's chest.

A masterpiece!

Three consecutive masterpieces!

"The southern market? Is it the market on the south side of your city?"

"It should be. Many people from outside the city live there, mostly carpenters and weavers..."

"I went there a few days ago and saw many cloth shops selling their goods there!"

"Those covered in luxurious robes, not silk farmers. What an amazing line!"

"I didn't expect Ying Wuji to also be someone who cares about the people's feelings."

"I can't really blame him for this. I heard from my Mohist friend that he is very generous with his wages when working at the Shangmo Bookstore."

"The poem is good, but what does it have to do with Pingling Jun's painting?"

"Look... at the clothes of the characters in Pingling Jun's painting."

"This..."

More and more people began to observe the attire of the characters in the painting.

The laborers were all shirtless, with their pants rolled up to their knees.

But the young figure was wearing royal robes, and although the material couldn't be seen clearly from the painting, this kind of robe in the world could only be made of silk. It was a true luxury item that even wealthy families would take good care of when not wearing it. Yet he wore it directly to the river to show his concern for the people.

It seemed... a bit contradictory!

Those covered in luxurious robes, not silk farmers.

This line already carried a lot of bitterness, as it seemed to see the hardships of the common people at a glance.

But now, when it was placed under this painting, it added a strong sense of absurdity.

Silk farmers could never afford a silk robe in their lifetime, yet someone wore it in the dirty river and was regarded as showing concern for the people. When the poem and the painting were put together, it became absurd and confusing.

Amazing!

Zhao Ning's eyes lit up. She didn't expect Ying Wuji to find such a perfect angle to criticize the concern for the people depicted in the painting with the hardships of the common people in the poem.

What she disliked the most was Zhao Qi's empty talk about "benevolence."

Ying Wuji's poem had struck a chord in her heart.

"This..."

Zhao Qi looked at the poem and felt his head swelling. He could even hear the blood vessels on his temples throbbing, and his face was burning with embarrassment.

A surge of anger echoed in his chest. How dare Ying Wuji!

Ying Wuji glanced at him and his Emotional Bar was already at 80, only a step away from 90!

He smiled at Zhao Qi, "Pingling Jun, there's no need to worry. Although this poem does reflect my thoughts, it is not meant to mock you. It was just a slight negligence when painting, and unfortunately, it happened to be noticed by someone like me who nitpicks. If I have offended you, I apologize to Pingling Jun here!"

Huh?

Everyone present was stunned. When did Ying Wuji become so easy to talk to?

Especially Luo Yan, after all, Ying Wuji had never apologized to him so politely after scolding him.

What's happening today? Did he have a change of heart?Zhao Qi was a bit stunned, preparing to accept the apology, to laugh off the grudges under everyone's gaze, but he was interrupted as soon as he opened his mouth.

Ying Wuji said with a smile, "After all, managing the river has been a task since the time of Yu, and the officials along the Yellow River are already well-versed in it. If the painting only shows the scene of managing the river, who would know who is in charge? The Prince of Pingling painted the royal robe to emphasize his identity, and it was inevitable that there would be this slightly floating flaw, which is completely understandable!"

"Wow!"

The literary meeting suddenly became lively.

Although these words seemed to be explaining for Zhao Qi, they were just short of pointing at his nose and scolding him.

The officials along the coast can manage it themselves, but you appear in the painting, fearing that others will not recognize you, and deliberately change your clothes into a robe.

At first glance, Ying Wuji's words seemed nothing wrong, but upon careful taste, the words "show off" were all over the place.

Luo Yan's eyelids jumped straight, indeed, Ying Wuji was still Ying Wuji.

Jiang Taiyuan's facial muscles trembled, he grunted several times, and swallowed the word "color". He thought to himself that his newly recognized little brother was really ruthless in his words, and this kind of scolding was too fierce!

Zhao Ning was stunned for a moment, feeling an unprecedented sense of exhilaration in his heart, and could no longer bear it. He raised his right hand and laughed behind his wide sleeves.

[Hint]: The target's emotional fluctuation value breaks through 90, and randomly obtains the mysterious technique "Earth Travel Technique".

Huh?

Ying Wuji was a bit confused, not knowing why such a strange skill would burst out on him. After all, the Zhao family's education for later generations was all about being fierce. It was said that Zhao Ning, the prince, had a superb gun technique.

How did the Prince of Pingling learn such a dog skill?

It is said that the Earth Travel Technique is very difficult to get started, and after getting started, it only has functionality and no combat power.

But it's okay, it gives me a life-saving skill.

Zhao Qi's facial muscles were a bit stiff, and his breathing became hurried.

Ying Wuji silently retreated three steps. Facing such a high-level master in the fetal realm, he was a little unsure in his heart. If this person broke the defense, wouldn't he be beaten to death!

He looked at Luo Yan: "Minister, how about my poem? Can I get the position of elite student?"

Luo Yan looked at him expressionlessly: "If there is no better work with loaded meaning behind, Master Wuji can naturally get it!"

"That's good!"

Ying Wuji smiled and quickly left the stone wall and returned to his seat.

Zhao Qi snorted and also went back to his seat. This time he was caught off guard by Ying Wuji. He was so annoyed in his heart, but he couldn't find a way to refute it for a while.

Luo Yan glanced at everyone: "Now there are three works with loaded meaning, and 'Peacock Flying Southeast' has fallen out of the top three. Do you have any good works to try?"

The literati present looked at each other, obviously none of them thought they could make a work with loaded meaning.

The venue was silent for a long time, and Luo Yan finally spoke: "In that case, the top three today are set, Master Jiang, what do you think..."

Jiang Taiyuan smiled: "Then let's end the literary meeting!"

After several hours, the literary meeting that determined the final three seats of the Hundred Families Feast finally came to an end.

After the literary meeting, Luo Yan stood up and walked towards the place where Hua Wanqiu was diagnosed.

Zhao Ning laughed: "Brother Ying! You really shone at today's literary meeting, I really am..."

Ying Wuji waved his hand to interrupt: "Don't bother with those useless things, just say that today, as a brother, I stood up for you. As a reward, you can advance the wedding date by a few days, right!"

"This..."

Zhao Ning choked: "Brother Zhao! After all, this is a major event for the royal families of the two countries. There are many details to discuss. How can I give you a specific time! How about this, I will invite Brother Ying to taste tea later, and we will discuss it in detail!"

Ying Wuji looked at the sky, it was almost midnight, and he still invited me to taste tea?

The little girl dressed as a boy, I'm afraid she wants to take advantage of me!

How can I fulfill your wish?

He said righteously: "No! I want to drink!"

Zhao Ning: "......"

Drinking is most likely to lose one's manners. It's already difficult to leave the palace to participate in the literary meeting today. If you drink again, I'm afraid you will be punished by the queen mother.

She pursed her lips, a little embarrassed: "This..."

Ying Wuji interrupted: "Don't be like this, I haven't become your son-in-law yet, but I have offended the Prince of Pingling for you. If you don't drink, can you be worthy of me? By the way, where is Hua Chao?"

Zhao Ning said seriously: "Just now, someone from the Minister's Mansion sent a letter. After she read it, she went to the backyard."

Backyard?

Isn't that where Hua Wanqiu stays?

Bad!

Ying Wuji's face changed, and he quickly stood up.

Thinking carefully, it seemed a bit wrong. What if Zhao Ning ran away?

So he turned back and grabbed Zhao Ning's wrist, and ran towards the backyard.

~~~~~~

Announcement, two days later, the seal of the business will be seized, and Xun Zhiyin will be killed.