Chapter 43

Chapter 43: What If… (4000 words, two chapters combined)

Three days before the banquet.

Young scholars sat in the courtyard.

Before them sat the current leader of the “Reform Faction” and the Emperor of Wu’s most favored minister—Mochi.

“I’ve explained everything. Do any of you have questions?” Mochi smiled at the young officials seated before him. “If there are no questions, I hope everyone will cooperate.”

The young scholars glanced at each other nervously.

They were the officials tasked with receiving the Qi Kingdom’s envoy delegation in three days.

Mochi nodded approvingly.

I’m betting on Ming to make a stunning debut, betting on my own judgment, betting on Mr. Fang’s insight…

“Ming wins, and I don’t even want that Zhuque inkstone anymore.”

“How dare you!” After a long pause, Jingchun turned around, hands behind his back, looking at Mochi.

“Who says Ming will definitely lose? What if he wins?” Chen Nan suggested optimistically.

“Hahaha, if Ming wins, the jade lions from my house can also be gifted to Ming,” said the Vice Minister of Rites.

With those final words, Jingchun felt a sudden pang of premonition come true.

Mochi remained silent.

Chen Nan stood up and bowed respectfully to Mochi. “Mr. Xiao, is this truly necessary?”

At this point, Ming realized there was no way out for him.

But still, they all thought this child, despite his poetic talent, couldn’t possibly surpass Cici, let alone match Zhong He’s verses.

“If he performs normally…”

“Under lamplight, I’ll pour out my yearning; a thread of new joy, countless old sorrows.”

As Ming continued reciting, Jingchun was stunned, sensing something profound within.

Currently, the rigid class system in Wu binds everyone together, intertwined with mutual interests.

“I only hope that young Ming doesn’t lose too badly against the naturally gifted literary genius, and Old Zhang doesn’t misjudge things too much.” Another scholar chuckled.

“This matter is a gamble.”

No one composed poetry during the second half of the banquet.

Only by tearing down the defenses of these old conservatives bit by bit can we achieve change.

Ming was quite surprised himself. He had expected to play a supporting role but hadn’t anticipated being directly involved by Mochi.

Indeed, Old Zhang has good judgment.

Zhou Liu stood up.

We must make the courtiers realize that the world isn’t as they imagine it. Rules are meant to be broken.

Could this possibly become a timeless masterpiece?

Impossible! He’s only eight!

“The most fleeting thing in this world is beauty; youth fades like flowers falling from trees.”

There might be activities like flower-ordering games, couplet challenges, or poem-writing during the banquet.

To break this balance, we need to find a breaking point.

As a scholar muttered softly, he suddenly looked up.

“If we fail, we’ll all likely face the emperor’s reproach.” A scholar laughed lightly, accepting the proposal.

Ming felt refreshed and invigorated.

Mochi and Jingchun walked silently along the lakeside.

And this public opinion will become a sharp thorn for the “Reform Faction”!

If a commoner’s son can achieve so much, how many more talented commoners remain undiscovered in Wu?

Even merchants’ sons in Wu aren’t allowed to take the imperial exams. Are there no geniuses among them who are buried away?

Someone as talented as Ming shouldn’t be barred from participating. What about others?

Just as everyone was deep in thought, Mochi spoke slowly.

That refined demeanor of a scholar, like jade, made everyone momentarily dazzled.

Resonance in literature never lies—it can only be triggered by the author.

On the Wu side, every scholar held their breath.

Everyone lowered their heads, filled with worry.

After the banquet ended, almost everyone except a few children like Ming left drunk.

Tonight, everyone would serve as the backdrop for this young man.

Old Zhang’s reputation is renowned even in Qi.

And once the examination rules change, the “ancestral regulations” won’t remain ironclad laws forever.

“Having endured the pain of parting across vast distances, I return to find the flowers fallen far more than expected. Gazing at each other beneath the blossoms, without a word, the green window and spring both fade with the setting sky.”

All eyes couldn’t help but turn toward Ming sitting beside Pengda.

Unexpectedly, not only did he not lose miserably, but this young friend created timeless verses.

Qi was curious too—what kind of child could gain Old Zhang’s admiration?

Jingchun paused, then burst into laughter. “Hahaha, indeed, Ming doesn’t need to create such excellent poetry; just losing gracefully would suffice.”

When “The most fleeting thing in this world is beauty; youth fades like flowers falling from trees” emerged, no one dared to embarrass themselves further.

“But…”

If we win this bet, Ming truly hasn’t disappointed Mr. Xiao or Old Zhang, creating a fine poem!

Even if he can’t surpass the naturally gifted literary prodigy, as long as he triggers literary resonance, this will spark public discourse.

If we lose, it’s no big deal; people will just mock us a little.

Another scholar stood up. “Yes, Mr. Xiao, if his poems are merely decent, that’s far from enough. At least, Ming’s verses need to resonate with the literary spirit—even slightly.”

“Then allow me to humbly present my attempt.”

Looking at the attributes appearing in his mind.

“Miss Zhu will surely like it.” Ming bowed formally like a little adult.

Jingchun shook his head. “Mochi, you’re too hasty.”

The examination system must change.

As if pondering deeply.

Suddenly, a gust of wind carried Mochi flying away from the courtyard.

Jingchun stroked his beard and chuckled. “Let your Wu scholars lose to us in the flower-ordering game, and let them lose again in composing poetry, all to set the stage for young Ming.

“…”

“But now I can’t create equally good poetry for you. Can I owe it to you and give it later?”

[You compose the poem “Butterfly Lovers Flower – Having Endured the Pain of Parting,” triggering literary fortune. Righteous Aura +1000, Attraction to Opposite Sex +10, Charisma +50.]

“Under lamplight, I’ll pour out my yearning; a thread of new joy, countless old sorrows. The most fleeting thing in this world is beauty; youth fades like flowers falling from trees.”

Mochi smiled gently. “At six years old, you composed ‘Ode to Geese,’ which impressed Master Fang greatly. Could you compose a poem for Miss Zhu?”

“Um…” Zhu Cici nodded obediently.

Many people straightened their backs instantly.

They didn’t mind deliberately losing to Qi’s envoys during the banquet.

As Mochi bid farewell to Jingchun, Jingchun suddenly spoke.

“Mr. Xiao, do you really have such confidence in this Ming? Indeed, his ‘Ode to Geese’ was impressive, and Old Zhang praised him highly. But sir, Ming is facing the naturally gifted literary prodigy…”

What a magnificent poem!”

Zhou Liu voiced everyone’s greatest concern.

The literary breeze enveloped Ming.

“Wind of the literary path…” Jingchun sat upright again.

You can use him to write articles, to strike against the conservative nobles in the court, using this as a breakthrough to carry out your reforms.

But in others’ eyes, this is an admission of defeat.

As the wind blew through the room, the doors to the banquet hall swung open, and wave after wave of literary breezes entered, blowing their official robes loudly.

Each scholar announced their bets, hoping Ming could create a decent poem. Even if he doesn’t win, it’s fine as long as he gains literary recognition, which would count as passing.

But…

What if…

What if Ming actually wins?

“Please rise, young Ming.”

As long as it makes Wu better, stronger, they wouldn’t fear death. Why care about mere fame?

But they feared…

Fearing Ming couldn’t bear this weight, fearing Wu would be disrespected, leading to failure.

Some even considered concocting a poem themselves and having Ming recite it.

“Teacher.” Ming stood up.

Ming felt the ancient spiritual root in his dantian grow two centimeters taller, its leaves greener, with a gentle wind circling it endlessly.

“I understand.” Mochi nodded.

The banquet doors were blown open, and gusts of literary wind swept inside, making everyone’s official robes flutter.

Every scholar placed their bets, hoping Ming could produce a commendable poem. Winning wasn’t necessary, as long as he gained literary acknowledgment.

But…

What if…

What if Ming actually wins?

“Young Ming, please stand.”

For the sake of Wu’s prosperity, they wouldn’t hesitate, even if it cost them their reputations.

But they worried…

Worried Ming couldn’t shoulder this responsibility, worried Wu would be mocked, and all efforts wasted.

Some even thought of crafting a poem themselves and letting Ming recite it aloud.

“Master.” Ming rose.

Ming noticed the ancient spiritual root in his dantian grew taller by two centimeters, its leaves greener, with a steady wind swirling around it, rustling the leaves ceaselessly.

“Having endured the pain of parting across vast distances, I return to find the flowers fallen far more than expected. Gazing at each other beneath the blossoms, without a word, the green window and spring both fade with the setting sky.”

Mochi stopped speaking, but everyone understood his meaning.

And that impossible method of cheating was dismissed immediately.

Mochi’s gaze met Jingchun’s steadily. “I will ensure young Ming’s safety. Moreover, barring unforeseen circumstances, Ming will become the leader of Wu’s literary circle when he grows up.”

He sat upright, expression calm.

Anything can be a breaking point.

“Of course.”

Jingchun stared directly into Mochi’s eyes. “Involving a child in this scheme? How can you bear it? Why are commoners treated so lowly in Wu? What happened in Wu 150 years ago? Don’t you know?”

A commoner from Xu Guo Mansion surpassed Qi’s naturally gifted literary prodigy.

This poem will certainly spread.

Mochi smiled faintly. “In my view, it is necessary.”

Finally, I will create an opportunity for him to shine at the banquet, facing Qi’s naturally gifted literary prodigy.

After fifteen minutes, the literary winds in the room gradually subsided, and Ming exhaled deeply.

The moonlight shimmered on the water, and the two strolled leisurely by Wudu’s Water Moon Lake.

“I also have a Snow-Melting Brush.”

But if we win the bet…”

Ming slowly recited the first half.

“But, young Ming, have you considered pushing this eight-year-old child to the forefront?”

This poem’s impact hadn’t yet faded.

Mochi continued smiling, shaking his head. “Ming’s performance has exceeded my expectations.”

I want all of you to lose to the other side.

“The most fleeting thing in this world is beauty; youth fades like flowers falling from trees.”

Mochi sighed helplessly. “I regret not moving faster.”

Ming smiled faintly, walking over to Cici, picking up the wooden plaque with her name on it, gazing at the delicately carved girl.

Is this really an eight-year-old child?

Qi’s scholars were completely overshadowed, while Wu’s scholars celebrated heartily.

Every word echoed throughout the banquet hall.

“But how can you guarantee he will create such an excellent poem tonight?”

But this fleeting thought was quickly dismissed.

However, what is this “attraction to the opposite sex”? !?!

Everyone simultaneously looked toward Ming.

They didn’t mind creating momentum for a young child during the banquet, becoming stepping stones for him.

Mochi smiled, extending his hand toward Ming.

“I cannot guarantee…”

Jingchun: “You…”

Mochi halted, bowing deeply to Jingchun. “Mr. Fang, I boldly request your assistance with something.”