novelhk Chapter 530: The Poem Written by a Simp
Chapter 530: The Poem Written by a Simp
After announcing the next competition events, the sycophantic scholar glanced at Fang Xiaoxiao smugly, as if to say, "Let's see how you win this time!"
Immediately afterward, a pale-faced scholar stepped out from the ranks of scholars. He wore a long white robe, an exquisite Confucian cap, and carried a folding fan. A confident smile graced his face as he slowly walked to the center of the arena. He first bowed slightly to the wealthy Liu Ruyan, then cleared his throat, a cunning glint in his eyes, and loudly recited:
"The Liu family has a daughter whose beauty is like that of a fairy, and whose talent surpasses that of Li Qingzhao."
Her figure was graceful and her steps were light; her smile was as beautiful as a flower, surpassing even the beauty of spring.
She possesses a kind and virtuous heart, and her demeanor is elegant and extraordinary.
Her beauty was so captivating that it could topple kingdoms, and her name, like smoke, was known throughout the land.
As soon as the poem was recited, the entire audience erupted in enthusiastic cheers and applause. People whispered amongst themselves, full of praise.
"Wow, this poem is so well written! It perfectly captures Miss Liu's beauty and talent!"
"Yes, yes, as expected of a refined scholar, his literary talent is truly exceptional, an unparalleled masterpiece!"
"That poor girl Fang Xiaoxiao is only good at couplets; she's definitely no match for poetry. I think she's going to lose badly this time!"
The crowd's voices were filled with admiration for the pale-faced scholar and mockery of Fang Xiaoxiao. The richest woman, Liu Ruyan, wore a smug expression. She tilted her head slightly, a smirk playing on her lips, her eyes revealing a hint of disdain as she looked at Fang Xiaoxiao, as if to say, "What can you do to me?"
Princess Li Wan'er frowned, glanced at Fang Xiaoxiao with concern, and said softly, "Xiaoxiao, this poem is indeed very well written. You must be careful in your response."
The pale-faced scholar became even more smug. He waved his folding fan and looked at Fang Xiaoxiao provocatively, saying, "Miss Fang, what do you think of my poem? If you can write a better one, I will be convinced. Otherwise, please admit defeat and stop making a fool of yourself here."
Fang Xiaoxiao's expression remained unchanged. She stood there quietly, her eyes revealing a hint of calm and confidence. Looking at the pale-faced scholar, she thought to herself, "To write such sycophantic poems in order to curry favor with the powerful, does he even deserve to be called a masterpiece? Today I will show you what true poetry is."
The surrounding crowd waited for Fang Xiaoxiao's reaction. Some whispered among themselves, while others made sarcastic remarks. The entire place was filled with a tense and hostile atmosphere.
Sunlight shone on Fang Xiaoxiao, outlining her resolute features. At that moment, she seemed to become the focus of the entire room, with everyone's eyes fixed on her, awaiting her answer.
Fang Xiaoxiao listened quietly to the jeers of the crowd, her eyes calm and without the slightest panic.
She bent down slightly, squatted down, and her gaze fell on the ants that were busily crawling at her feet. Those ants were small but resilient, struggling to survive.
Staring at the ants, her brows furrowed slightly as she fell into deep thought, seemingly oblivious to the surrounding noise.
After a while, the corners of her lips slightly turned up, and a sharp glint flashed in her eyes, as if she had made up her mind. She slowly stood up, her posture upright, and her gaze swept firmly over the surrounding crowd of people who were filled with mockery and disdain.
She slightly raised her chin, cleared her throat, and her voice rang out clearly and powerfully:
"People all admire the powerful and noble, and they bow and scrape with utmost devotion."
Lacking talent and virtue, and spineless, he clings to powerful figures and acts as an honored guest.
Like ants drawn to carrion, they forget their original intentions and lose their true nature.
Those who flatter and fawn seek glory and wealth, but know nothing of shame or self-respect.
Even if one enjoys temporary glory, one will turn into dust after a hundred years.
Only with the gentle breeze and bright moon as companions, can virtue and talent leave a lasting fragrance.
Fang Xiaoxiao's voice, like pearls falling on a jade plate, echoed throughout the venue. At first, the crowd wore disdainful smiles, but as she recited her poem line by line, those smiles gradually froze on their faces, replaced by surprise and astonishment.
The pale-faced scholar's face instantly turned bright red. His hand holding the folding fan trembled slightly, and his eyes were filled with anger and resentment.
He never expected that Fang Xiaoxiao could produce such sharp poetry, directly satirizing his sycophantic poems written to curry favor with the powerful.
Liu Ruyan's smile vanished without a trace, her face turning extremely ugly, her eyes revealing a hint of anger and embarrassment. She bit her lip, glaring hatefully at Fang Xiaoxiao, wishing she could devour her alive.
The surrounding people were also stunned. They looked at each other, their faces full of astonishment.
All those sarcastic words were swallowed back down.
Princess Li Wan'er's eyes sparkled with delight, and she couldn't help but clap her hands and exclaim, "Wonderful, Xiao Xiao, this poem is truly wonderful!"
Fang Xiaoxiao stood there quietly, her eyes calm and confident. She observed the reactions of the crowd without a trace of pride. She was simply using her talent to express her disdain and criticism of those who curried favor with the powerful.
The sunlight shone on her, giving her a golden glow and making her look even more radiant.
The sycophantic scholar's face turned ashen as he looked at the triumphant Fang Xiaoxiao, his jealousy burning fiercely and his hatred growing wildly like weeds.
He simply couldn't accept that a woman of humble origins in his eyes could surpass him in poetry.
His lips twitched a few times, and he forced a smile that looked more like a grimace as he fawned over Liu Ruyan, saying, "Miss Liu, composing poetry is nothing but a trivial skill; anyone can spout off a few words. Someone like Miss Fang, who just happened to come up with a few pretentious verses, has no real talent whatsoever; it's just showing off her limited skills before an expert. The upcoming painting competition will be the real test!"
As he spoke, a sinister glint flashed in his eyes. He then turned to Fang Xiaoxiao, raising his chin provocatively. "Miss Fang, you gained an advantage in poetry just now, but don't think you're really that capable. As for painting, I'm afraid you're no good, are you?"
Upon hearing the sycophantic scholar's words, Liu Ruyan's originally gloomy expression softened slightly. She nodded slightly, a hint of anticipation flashing in her eyes, as if she was waiting to see Fang Xiaoxiao make a fool of herself.
Seeing that Liu Ruyan's attitude had changed, the sycophantic scholar was secretly pleased, feeling that his words had worked.
In an attempt to turn the tide, his eyes darted around, and he suddenly came up with what he considered a brilliant idea.
He casually flicked his sleeves and pulled out a warm, green jade pendant from his pocket. The jade was translucent and exquisitely carved, clearly worth a fortune.
He held the jade pendant high, displaying it triumphantly to everyone, and loudly proclaimed, "This jade pendant is a family heirloom, priceless. Today, I'll use it to increase the stakes. If Miss Fang loses the painting contest, hmph, then her Lingxi Pavilion will belong to me! Miss Fang, do you dare accept this challenge?" His voice was full of provocation and threat, as if victory was already assured.