I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 203 Stigma
Hearing Xue Xiang spout nonsense again, Princess Yong glared at him fiercely, her face flushed with embarrassment.

Xue Shizhao, however, grew even more aggressive, coldly snorted, took two steps forward, and pointed at Xue Xiang, saying:
"Xue Xiang! Do you think that just because you've gained a few empty titles, you can disregard clan rules and act recklessly?"
To commit such a heinous crime in full view of everyone is utterly lawless!

His voice was booming, and his spiritual energy resonated, causing the cups and saucers in the building to tremble slightly.

The angry shouts were like a whirlwind, causing guests upstairs and downstairs to rise and look at each other.
For a time, people peeked out from the corridors of the Red Mansion and along the waterside railings.

"what happened?"

"It seems to be the young master of the Xue family in Jiangzuo who is angry."

Discussions began to rise, surging like a tide.

Seeing that Xue Shizhao's words were becoming increasingly outrageous, Xue Xiang realized something was wrong.

What kind of family is the Xue family?
A prestigious family among prestigious families.

Who was Xue Shizhao?
A typical scion of a prominent family must have been cultivated from a young age with his shrewdness, political acumen, and etiquette in dealing with people.

Such a person, even if they hate others to the core, would never shout like a shrew in public, causing themselves and everyone else to lose face.

At this moment, his aggressive manner clearly indicates that he intends to escalate the situation.

Xue Xiang was deep in thought when he caught a glimpse of a look from the Princess Consort of Yong. Her eyes flickered, clearly indicating: Go quickly.

Xue Xiang felt a chill run down his spine.

In a flash, he understood.

Xue Shizhao wasn't trying to argue right and wrong with himself; he was trying to smear himself.

Outsiders were unaware that he had no further connection with the Xue family of Jiangzuo.

Now that Xue Shizhao has publicly accused him, others will only think that this is just an internal family scandal.

Once Xue Shizhao secretly spread rumors that he had an unclean background and that his mother had committed wrongdoings,
That means using the knife of "bloodline" and "family background" to sever the foundation for his rise.

After all, a literary reputation can be rebuilt, but one's lineage cannot be tarnished.

He gradually felt a chill in his heart.

If Xue Shizhao had only come to humiliate him, he could have fought back on the spot;
But this person actually tried to ruin his career by using "family scandal," which can be described as vicious.

A deeper layer of thought swirled in his mind:

Xue Shizhao was so eager to break ties with himself.
In reality, this was to force the Xue family to make a statement—

He wanted to distance himself from the entire Xue clan of Jiangzuo.

In this way, no matter how hard Xue Xiang tries,
Even if you sign a document with your ancestral home, don't expect the Xue family to stamp it again.

Without ancestral registration, one cannot participate in the imperial examinations.
If one cannot participate in the imperial examinations, the door to an official career is immediately closed.

"That bastard is utterly vicious."

Xue Xiang's gaze darkened.

But... why is Xue Shizhao like this?
I have no grudge against him and I live far away from the Xue family, so what is he worried about?
Could it be that his literary fame was so great that the elders of the Xue family had the idea of ​​welcoming him back, making this guy sense a sense of crisis?
A breeze swept through the corridor, the lamplight flickering, and Xue Xiang felt a chill creep into his heart. If this was all there was to it, and this guy was already going to strike first, then these so-called young masters of noble families were far too ruthless in their killing.

"Since that's the case, let's have a competition and see who's more ruthless."

Having made up his mind, Xue Xiang sent a telepathic message to Princess Yong, asking Xue Shizhao's birth order in the clan. Princess Yong quietly made a "seven" gesture.

Xue Xiang's expression darkened, and he slowly stepped forward. Xue Shizhao thought that Xue Xiang had finally been provoked and was secretly pleased. He immediately changed the subject to Xue Xiang's mother.

He had barely begun to speak when Xue Xiang shouted, "Seventh Brother, why do you have to make a scene about family matters outside?"

"Seventh Brother"? "At home"?
For a moment, Xue Shizhao was completely bewildered; he himself didn't even know when he had become so familiar with Xue Xiang.

Xue Xiang continued to step forward and said loudly, "Isn't it just that you borrowed three thousand spirit stones from me when you gambled last time? How many times have I asked you for them?"
If it's inconvenient for you right now, I can simply refuse. There's no need to damage our brotherly relationship.

Xue Shizhao's face grew increasingly bewildered.

The onlookers reacted as if they had discovered a new continent, and their discussions were lively.

"It's him! He's the famous Xue Xiang, the 'Lament of Autumn'! Rumor has it that he disappeared after causing a great disturbance in Canaan County. I never expected him to come here."

"Every poem by the poet lamenting autumn is a masterpiece; he is truly an unparalleled and talented scholar."

“I used to think that there are true scholars even in poor families, and Beiqiu Ke is a prime example. But now it seems that it’s not so easy for a poor family to produce a great scholar. It turns out that he also comes from a prominent family in Jiangzuo.”

"Coming from a prestigious family, yet so ruthless towards other prestigious families, it's truly strange."

"I roughly know what the young master of the Xue family and Beiqiu Ke are arguing about. The Xue family of Jiangzuo is famous throughout the world and is at the height of its power. Now, a branch of the family has produced a Beiqiu Ke whose literary fame is unparalleled. How can the young master be at ease?"

The murmurs grew louder, the candlelight flickered in the corridors, and shadows mingled.

Xue Shizhao heard everyone's discussion clearly. His face turned pale and then flushed, and his chest heaved violently. He was about to point at Xue Xiang and curse when Xue Xiang shouted, "Seventh Brother, you've had too much wine. You should go to sleep. This whole thing is making you a laughingstock."

Before Xue Xiang finished speaking, he took a step and stood in front of Xue Shizhao.

Xue Shizhao never dreamed that Xue Xiang would dare to take action in front of everyone.

To his surprise, Xue Xiang's movements were as fast as lightning.

His thoughts were still in a daze when Xue Xiang's blow arrived.

Before he could even react, Xue Xiang raised his hand with lightning speed, his elbow sinking slightly and his fingers turning slightly, striking him squarely in the chest, followed by a crisp cracking sound from his sternum.

Xue Shizhao was in unbearable pain when, in the next instant, a large hand gripped his neck.

Xue Shizhao fainted without uttering a sound.

Xue Xiangchong smiled and clasped his hands in apology, saying, "I apologize to everyone. My brother had a few too many drinks and was talking nonsense. Please forgive me."

Before he finished speaking, Xue Jian had already led someone forward and taken Xue Shizhao away.

"Thank you, Auntie."

Xue Xiangchong transmitted his voice to Princess Yong.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Princess Yong dared not give Xue Xiang a meaningful look, lowering her eyes and letting her cheeks flush red.

As soon as Xue Jian led Xue Shizhao down, the noise in the Red Chamber fell silent.

A moment later, the sound of a flute drifted from outside the building, melodious and gentle, and Shen Sanshan entered.

He changed into a moon-white robe with gold trim on the cuffs and a jade ring at his waist, exuding an air of calm and dignified authority.

"How did things get like this? This is outrageous."

Shen Sanshan stared directly at Xue Xiang and shouted.

Behind him were noble young men from various prestigious families and talented young men from various academic schools;
There were also high-ranking officials, elderly scholars, and people from friendly nations.

In short, the key personnel involved in this grand event of viewing the monument were all drawn to the commotion here.

The lights of the Red Mansion illuminated the crowd, and the slanting candlelight cast many shadows.

The voices were not noisy, but layered, like the first ebb of the tide.

Seeing Xue Xiang's expressionless face, Shen Sanshan grew even more displeased and said coldly, "You made a move in the outer arena, and now you're committing violence here. As a Confucian scholar, you should cultivate your character and win people over with virtue. Why do you resort to violence at the drop of a hat?"
Is it untamed wildness, or a lack of respect for rules and decorum?

Shen Sanshan snapped his folding fan shut, his tone growing even more somber: "Scholars diligently cultivate literature and morality, not for the sake of displaying bravery and violence, but for the purpose of protecting the country and their families, and for upholding justice in the world. If they arbitrarily abuse their power and bully the weak, how are they any different from brutes?"

His voice wasn't loud, but every word he spoke struck a chord deep within people's hearts, weighing heavily on Xue Xiang's head.

The candlelight flickered in the corridor, and the wind blew through the window, carrying the aroma of tea from the table.

Princess Yong lowered her eyes and remained silent, her fingertips gently stirring the teacup. She was extremely angry. She summoned Xue Jian, whispered a few words to her, and Xue Jian nodded and quickly retreated.

"What, you have nothing to say?"

Shen Sanshan continued to exert pressure.

Xue Xiang bowed to Tuan Tuan and said loudly, "Since Lord Shen has asked, I will make an explanation here to prevent anyone from spreading rumors and stirring up trouble in the future."

Back then, my father and mother were betrothed at the behest of their parents, which was a proper match.

Unfortunately, the family feud affected innocent people, and the two were forced to live in exile.

Few people know about this matter, and I am speaking out today to set the record straight.

Xue Xiang's marriage to his parents was certainly not arranged by them, but the past was a mess that no one could figure out.

In Xue Xiang's view, rather than letting people like Xue Shizhao use him to smear himself, he should first put on a respectable hat himself.

He took a deep breath and continued to speak loudly, “In the past, when my Xue family was not well-known, no one in Jiangzuo cared about us.”

I've only written a few poems and gained a little fame, yet the Xue family of Jiangzuo has suddenly become involved with me.

This has implicated Xue Shizhao, who thought I was trying to seize the family heir and came here to smear my mother.

Heaven have mercy! I, Xue Xiangke, hereby swear that I will never covet the ancestral property of the Xue family in Jiangzuo.

All of you are witnesses.”

His performance was so moving that everyone nodded in approval.

In fact, Xue Xiang's words were meant for the young people of the Xue family in Jiangzuo.

He had no real interest in the ancestral property of the Xue family in Jiangzuo, but there were always fools like Xue Shizhao who would deliberately make enemies.

To avoid endless trouble, he simply gave a general explanation.

Shen Sanshan sneered, "This is just your opinion and not reliable. The fact remains that you have taken action several times."

Xue Xiang frowned, unable to understand how he had offended Shen Sanshan, the old man was pressing him relentlessly.

He stared coldly at Shen Sanshan and said in a cold voice, "Lord Shen said that I resort to violence at the drop of a hat. I wonder what Lord Shen would do if he encountered such a situation?"

As he spoke, he removed a button from his chest, the very same one that had been used to create a sound effect.

Immediately afterwards, he activated the barrier, and the Shadow and Sound Lock appeared with light and shadow, converging into an image.

Then Xue Shiyi, with a ferocious expression, accused Xue Xiang and insulted Xue's mother.

Xue Xiang used his mind to activate the Shadow Sound Lock, accelerating the projection of the image.

After a dozen or so breaths, the image disappeared. The guests in the building all had gloomy expressions.

Shen Sanshan raised his eyebrows, admitting for the first time from the bottom of his heart that Xue Xiangguo was indeed exceptionally capable.

Xue bowed respectfully to Tuantuan, "Lord Shen, what can you teach me?"

Xue Xiang understood that these words, on the surface, were a questioning of Shen Sanshan, but in reality, they were a preemptive move.

Now that the Xue family has come knocking, it's impossible to keep quiet about his parents' elopement forever.

The more he tries to remain silent, the more people like Xue Shizhao will exploit this matter.

As the story spreads, Xue's mother's reputation will surely be tarnished, and she will be seen as a woman who has eloped and acted improperly.

The most difficult thing to quell in the world is rumors. Once rumors spread, no matter how great one's literary reputation is, it cannot prevent one from being stigmatized.

Therefore, he decided to take the initiative and create rumors himself.

He opened up his wounds, spoke frankly about family matters, and went straight to the root of the problem.

Once he sets the narrative first, it becomes extremely difficult for others to reverse public opinion if they add embellishments.

A breeze swept in from outside the corridor, causing the candlelight to flicker slightly.

Princess Yong stared intently at Xue Xiang, her heart filled with sorrow.

She knew about Xue Xiang's family background, and she knew how difficult it was for him to get to this point with such a family background.

Shen Sanshan snorted coldly, "What I heard is not this version. Regarding your parents' matter..."

Before he could finish speaking, Xue Xiang shouted, "Does Lord Shen have any evidence?"

Shen Sanshan was taken aback.

Xue stepped forward, his imposing aura pressing down like a mountain. "If you have no evidence, how can you presume to judge other people's parents based solely on what you've 'heard'?"

Then I'll pass on a message another day, saying that Lord Shen's parents behaved improperly back then, is that alright?

The entire room fell into a deathly silence.

The wind swept through the corridor, past the candle flames, and even the smoke from the burning incense lingered in mid-air.

Everyone held their breath, their expressions varied—some were surprised, some were afraid, and some secretly rejoiced.

Shen Sanshan's face was ashen, his chest heaving, and he snapped his folding fan shut.

His lips twitched, but he couldn't utter a word.

"No rudeness."

Princess Yong gracefully stepped out from the crowd, her palace attire slightly adjusted, and glared at Xue Xiang, saying, "Lord Shen is a great Confucian scholar of our time. How can you, a mere county student, be so disrespectful?"

After saying that, she bowed and said, "As for the matter of Xue Xiang's parents, I know it very well. I am also from Jiangzuo, and my family has long been related to the Xue family by marriage."

I should call Xue Xiang's father, Xue Yuanshan, my cousin.

Xue Xiang's maternal family, though not of high status, was still a good family.

Mr. and Mrs. Xue came from a respectable family. When they married, I, the Princess Consort, sent someone to offer my congratulations.

Rumors circulating outside are not to be trusted.

She knew that if this matter could not be explained, it would become a huge hidden danger to Xue Xiang's career.

She risked being exposed and having her reputation damaged, but she was determined to stand up for Xue Xiang this time.

Shen Sanshan was trembling with anger. He knew the inside story, but since the Princess Consort had said so, he couldn't openly break ties with her.

After all, the dignity of the royal family is something that the central government strives to uphold.

"Your Highness is absolutely right."

Suddenly someone stepped out from the crowd.

The newcomer was dressed in a blue robe with a purple jade pendant hanging from his waist. His temples were slightly frosted, but he was full of energy. Who else could it be but Wei Fan?

Wei Fan said loudly, "Xue Xiang comes from an upright family and is of noble character, which I can attest to."

Only a person of great benevolence and righteousness could compose such a couplet to appease the golden body of Dao Yun.

Moreover, the venerable Master of Mingde Cave also held Xue Xiang in high regard for his character and talent.

Instantly, the entire audience erupted in an uproar.

Although the matter of Dao Yun's golden body caused quite a stir, and Xue Xiang's couplet "What harm is there in not bowing to me?" spread far and wide, it was far less shocking than when Wei Fan brought up the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan.

After all, the turmoil that occurred on the day Wen Yuan caused chaos at sea had already spread far and wide.

"The Lord of Mingde Dongxuan?"

"It could be that great Confucian scholar—the one who suppressed all the demons with a single poem on the chaotic seas of Wenyuan?"

"On the day of the great war between humans and demons, the Song of Righteousness was sung, the light of the sky became still, and the sword intent of the Benevolent Sword turned into a gentle breeze!"

"The Lord of Mingde Dongxuan can be called a newly emerging Confucian sage of our human race."

In an instant, a chorus of voices rose, and the scholars at the banquet stood up, their expressions filled with excitement.

Someone struck the table with their hand and exclaimed, "With the praise of the Lord of Mingde Dongxuan, Xue Xiang's name will surely shake the world!"

Some people exclaimed, "With the endorsement of the venerable Mingde Dongxuan, who would dare to doubt Xue Xiang's background and character?"

Shen Sanshan's face turned ashen, but he dared not face the challenge head-on.

He suspected that Wei Fan was just using a big name to intimidate others, but then he thought that Wei Fan wouldn't dare to do that in front of everyone.

Rumor has it that the Lord of Mingde Cave is incredibly powerful and not someone to be trifled with.

"How can I let this scoundrel go so easily? I'm not satisfied with this."

Shen Sanshan's mind raced as he scanned the room, noticing the disapproving faces. A plan formed in his mind.

He took a deep breath and forced a smile, "Friend Xue, my words were offensive just now. It was my oversight. I suppose I was misled by a villain and believed only one side of the story, which led to the misunderstanding."

I hope my friend Xue will understand.

After he pulled this stunt, Xue Xiang was at a loss and could only feign magnanimity and say some polite words.

Shen Sanshan suddenly cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, “Gentlemen, Xue Xiang is not only a talented scholar of Canglan Prefecture, but his talent is also renowned throughout the world.”

Now, the grand event of viewing the monument is about to begin.

With Xue Xiang's talent and cultivation, he is undoubtedly going to win the championship!

I dare say that, in this day and age, although there are many talented young people, only Xue Xiang can truly be called "a man of literary integrity and Confucian spirit"...

Xue Xiang gasped in shock; he hadn't expected that the man surnamed Shen would resort to such a blatant act of flattery.

Since ancient times, scholars have looked down on each other.

Moreover, there is a group of young people who are ready to become famous.

Shen Sanshan's flattery was like a torch thrown into a pile of dry wood, instantly turning it into a raging fire.

The room erupted in a flurry of discussion and shouts.

Some people take a neutral stance, listing Xue Xiang's past achievements.

More often than not, people believe that the past is the past, and no one can write a masterpiece or be brilliant forever.

Amidst the noise, Xue Jian silently slipped to Xue Xiang's side and quietly slipped him a note.

Xue Xiang quickly unfolded, closed, and put away the note, having already read the words on it: "Shen Sanshan's beloved concubine, Ning, comes from the main branch of the Ning family in Canaan County. Since you destroyed the Ning family, Ning will surely instigate Shen Sanshan to be your enemy."

Furthermore, Shen Sanshan and Xue Shizhao have been in frequent contact these past two days.

It turned out that after realizing Shen Sanshan's hostility towards Xue Xiang, Princess Yong sent Xue Jian to investigate quickly, as Princess Yong's information channels were always readily available.

Before long, they obtained the crucial information.

Having unraveled the mystery in his heart, Xue Xiang nodded slightly to Princess Yong and expressed his gratitude telepathically.

For this reason, Xue Xiang did not regret having a grudge against Shen Sanshan.

When Xue Xiang quelled the four great families, he was mentally prepared.

After all, what makes a family a powerful family is not only its strength, but also its long and intertwined family history, with deep and far-reaching connections.

Since Shen Sanshan dared to come to our door representing the remnants of the four families, let's have a showdown.

As he was plotting how to turn Shen Sanshan around, he saw a man striding towards him.

The man was in his early twenties, with handsome features. He wore a dark blue robe with gold bamboo leaf patterns embroidered on the collar and an ivory scroll hanging from his waist. He had a dashing demeanor.

He bowed to the crowd and said, "I am Song Huaizhang from Jiannan."

The crowd immediately stirred.

"Song Huaizhang? Is he the one who overwhelmed all the other scholars from the Nine Academies with his 'Ode to Rivers and Mountains' at the 'Three Academies Literary Gathering'?"

"Exactly! This person comes from a collateral branch of the Song family, yet he erected a monument at the county school and earned the reputation of 'Little Top Scholar'."

"He's one of the most popular figures at this year's monument viewing event. He's incredibly talented and is said to have already grasped the essence of classical Chinese poetry!"

Song Huaizhang was very pleased with the commotion his appearance had caused. Looking around, he said, "Back in Jiannan, I had long heard of the name 'The Lamenter of Autumn'."

Seeing you today, I can confirm your extraordinary demeanor.

However, when it comes to poetry, the past is the past.

Many famous poets and writers, after their last masterpiece, produce only mediocre works for the rest of their lives.

Who knows if those who lament autumn are not among them?

(End of this chapter)