Lian Erye in the Red Mansion

The dancers and musicians retreated, and only from the distant buildings could one hear the faint sound of a zither.

After the Third Prince, acting on behalf of the Crown Prince, announced the general rules, the literary gathering officially began.

Since it is a literary gathering, the activities are for scholars.

Poetry, songs, couplets, riddles, and so on can all be themes.

Jia Lian had no interest in figuring out the specific rules and procedures; he simply accompanied the Fourth Prince, drinking tea and watching the excitement.

The fourth prince was a restless person, and before long he couldn't resist running off to compose couplets and solve riddles.

Zhang Su, who was accompanying him, naturally followed suit.

He needed to give the fourth prince a hint at the right time, so that he wouldn't be unable to match any of them and get embarrassed and angry...

Seeing that Feng Ziying was also sitting and drinking tea, Jia Lian couldn't help but laugh and say, "Brother Feng, are you not preparing to display your talents today?"

"Brother Lian, you flatter me. I am a man of limited talent and knowledge, and I know that I am not worthy of such a refined audience. So I would not dare to make a fool of myself."

In response to Feng Ziying's modesty, Jia Lian chuckled.

Although Feng Ziying was the son of a general, his usual speech and behavior made him far from being a boor.

He could even be described as a rare individual who excelled in both martial arts and literature.

However, the way of literature is not as direct and straightforward as the way of martial arts, and it is really difficult to convince others unless one is exceptionally talented.

Therefore, Feng Ziying, who had already shone in the morning's martial arts battle, believed that he could not surpass others in literary pursuits, and that mediocre works would be of little significance.

From this perspective, Feng Ziying was a very self-aware person. After all, there is no absolute first place in literature. Even when writing about something as trivial as going to urinate together, if one has an eye for beauty, it might have a unique "flavor" when viewed from another angle.

Therefore, more than 80% of the people present were actively participating in the literary exchange.

As for the results, most of them were just for their own amusement. Even the few works that were submitted to princes and nobles for their evaluation, according to Jia Lian, were rather mediocre...

Although Jia Lian himself couldn't produce anything particularly good, he, having transmigrated from the future, felt he had the right to be critical.

What, you're not convinced? I'll give you two songs, one good and one bad!

This is what Jia Lian saw in those people who, after being praised, beamed with pride and felt they had brought glory to their ancestors.

In the end, they managed to hold back and keep a low profile.

Plagiarism may feel good in the moment, but once you're labeled as a culprit, you can't get rid of it.

I might have to keep copying things from now on, which is quite tiring...

Anyway, he really didn't have any designs on the princess, and besides, maintaining his rough-and-tumble image was fine.

Looking back, Jia Lian saw Zhang Tao with his head down, deep in thought, his fingers pointing and drawing on the table. He almost burst out laughing.

When Princess Zhaoyang came earlier, Jia Lian noticed that the boy's fists were clenched tightly and he looked nervous.

Could it be that this young man has also fallen for Princess Zhaoyang?

"Xiao Tao, have you come up with a plan yet? Tell us and we'll give it a try."

Zhang Tao, interrupted from his thoughts, blushed instantly. Seeing Feng Ziying and the others staring at him, he snapped angrily, "What's it to you!"

"Judging from your expression, you probably haven't come up with anything good. How about this: if you call me 'cousin,' I'll help you become the prince consort!"

"cut……"

Zhang Tao rolled his eyes in exasperation and scoffed, "Don't think I don't know you. Forget about becoming my son-in-law; if you could even write a poem to hang up there, I'd eat this whole fruit plate!"

Zhang Tao really admires Jia Lian; he's so shameless.

He didn't know that Jia Lian had only studied at the Imperial Academy for two years. Many of the sons of noble families like them were just nominally enrolled at the Imperial Academy, never attending classes, so they couldn't even go through the normal graduation process and just obtained a "fake diploma" to deceive others.

Jia Lian is that kind of person.

Jia Lian smiled and was about to tease Zhang Tao again when he suddenly saw several people walking towards them, so he stopped talking.

"My name is Zhou Xing, and I greet Lord Jia."

"What is it?"

Although Jia Lian didn't recognize Zhou Xing, he recognized Zhou Sheng behind him. That was his first big deal since taking office, worth a full eight hundred taels of silver!

Judging from their names and circumstances, Zhou Xing and Zhou Sheng should be brothers.

Is this an attempt to stand up for Zhou Sheng?

Zhou Xing looked to be in his early twenties with an ordinary appearance, but he was very confident, even arrogant.

Seeing that Jia Lian didn't even flinch when he greeted him "with courtesy," he immediately felt slighted, and his malice towards Jia Lian increased threefold.

"I have heard that Lord Jia is a top student of the Imperial Academy. I happen to be studying at the Imperial Academy and have always admired the demeanor of the students of the Imperial Academy."

Today is a grand occasion; I wonder if Lord Jia would be interested in offering me some guidance?

Zhou Xing squinted and said, seemingly sincerely.

The provocative undertones are self-evident.

The arrival of Zhou Xing and his group naturally attracted the attention of some people around them.

"That's Zhou Xing from the Imperial Academy! I know him; he's rumored to be a famous scholar there!"

"Yes, this person is one of the most prominent figures in the Imperial Academy, and also the younger brother of Consort Zhou in the palace—a true member of the imperial family. He must be here this time for Princess Zhaoyang..."

"If he's here for Princess Zhaoyang, why is he going to see Master Lian? Master Lian poses no threat to him."

"Hehe, you guys don't know, do you? Zhou Xing's younger brother, Zhou Sheng..."

The surrounding chatter only amplified Zhou Xing's arrogance, a feeling of being recognized wherever he went, like a celebrity.

Looking down at Jia Lian, he imagined himself "trampling" Jia Lian on the ground and showing off his outstanding talent in front of all the princes and noblemen. This way, he could not only make a name for himself but also vent his family's anger!

Perhaps this will even earn me Prince Zhaoyang's favor...

"Not interested."

Jia Lian uttered three words indifferently, and then, as if Zhou Xing and the others did not exist, continued talking to Feng Ziying.

Seeing that Jia Lian was looking down on him, Zhou Xing was furious and then sneered: "What, is Lord Jia, who comes from the Rongguo Mansion, afraid?"

Are all the people from your Imperial Academy so timid that they dare not show their talents to the outside world?

Could it be that they're afraid of tarnishing the reputation of the Imperial Academy?

As Zhou Xing spoke, the people next to him joined in with sarcastic remarks, trying to provoke Jia Lian into taking the fall.

Although Jia Lian remained calm, Feng Ziying, who was standing nearby, couldn't bear to listen.

He was also a member of the Imperial Academy.

When it comes to one's alma mater, one will naturally defend it to the death!

"In terms of talent and learning, your Imperial Academy isn't even worthy of carrying shoes for the Imperial College!"

Feng Ziying said coldly.

Feng Ziying's retort naturally sparked a war of words between the two sides.

After a few words, Zhou Xing said with a smile, "If you're not convinced, how about we have a match?"

Although Feng Ziying knew his skills were insufficient and he might not be able to defeat his opponent, he refused to lose face and could only ask, "How shall we compete?"

Zhou Xing smiled and said, "I won't make things difficult for you. Let's follow His Highness the Third Prince's rules: compose poems and see who ranks higher on the display screen. Is that fair enough?"

Poetry and lyrics have always been the main theme of literary gatherings, and today is no exception.

The Third Prince, as the host of the literary gathering, had a large screen placed on the stage.

Any poems that reach them and are approved by him, the Crown Prince, and the Prince of Bei Jing can be displayed on the screen for everyone to review.

The rankings can change within one hour. The top three in the end will be the champion, runner-up, and third-place winner of this round of literary competition, and will receive the rewards prepared by the Crown Prince.

Feng Ziying was about to agree when Jia Lian grabbed her arm.

When Feng Ziying turned around and saw Jia Lian shaking his head at him, he was puzzled.

These people have come to bully us. At this moment, he believes that he is the most talented writer in their small circle. If he doesn't step forward to take on the challenge, who will?

"What, scared? Tsk tsk, are all the graduates of the Imperial Academy cowards?"

As more and more onlookers gathered, Zhou Xing's voice grew louder and louder.

One of his goals was to humiliate Jia Lian, so even if Jia Lian didn't dare to step down, he still wanted to make sure Jia Lian and the others lost face and couldn't save face.

It would be even better if Jia Lian couldn't handle the shock and met with a bad end.

As the younger brother of the newly favored concubine, Consort Xiande, Jia Lian was already quite famous. Winning against him would attract far more attention than going up to the Third Prince and others to critique his poems!

Not to mention, it can also help his older sister and younger brother get revenge.

The fact that Consort Xiande's younger brother lost to Consort Zhou's younger brother naturally boosted his sister's morale.

Jia Lian looked at the Zhou Xing brothers with a smile, finding it truly amusing.

Just because he doesn't want to stand out doesn't mean he can't, right?

Who would go to such lengths to offer themselves up for him to trample on? Isn't this just forcing him to show off in front of everyone?

"I remember, I should be your target, right?" Jia Lian asked Zhou Xing with a smile.

Zhou Xing's expression brightened, and he said, "If Lord Jia would be willing to offer his guidance, that would be the best outcome."

To everyone's surprise, Jia Lian shook his head: "Actually, logically speaking, you are not qualified to compete with me. You are just a commoner, while what is my status?"

"you……"

Zhou Xing's face darkened, but seeing the mocking smiles of those around him, he knew that Jia Lian was right.

In terms of social status, Jia Lian was far superior to him.

"If Lord Jia doesn't dare to step into the arena and demonstrate, just say so. There's no need to spout this useless nonsense."

Today is His Highness the Crown Prince's birthday celebration for Princess Zhaoyang, so even with your status, you're no different here!

Haha, Zhou Xing is quite good at saving face.

"You're right. In front of Your Highnesses, my status is indeed nothing."

"But even the Crown Prince prepared a prize for the winner. You came to challenge me to a match; you can't possibly come empty-handed, can you?"

Not to mention Zhou Xing, even the people around them didn't understand Jia Lian's meaning.

Do I have to give him gifts to ask him to write something?

"Just say what you want to say."

Jia Lian laughed and said, "What's the point of just gesturing? Why don't we add a prize?"

"What kind of prize?"

"I don't need anything expensive. How about this: if I beat you, you give me ten thousand taels of silver?"

"What? Ten thousand? Are you crazy?"

Zhou Xing and the others were startled.

Even when gambling at a casino, I've never seen anyone bet 10,000 taels of silver right off the bat. That's terrifying.

"Of course, if you're afraid of losing, or can't come up with ten thousand taels of silver, then you should go back as soon as possible. I don't have time to waste on cowards or poor people."

Jia Lian waved his hand, urging Zhou Xing to leave as if shooing away flies.

Zhou Xing had never been so looked down upon. Ten thousand taels of silver was not an astronomical sum for the Zhou family.

He can afford it.

"What if you lose?!"

"I lost? Of course I'll still give you ten thousand taels."

Jia Lian smiled.

Seeing this, Zhou Xing couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Ten thousand taels is definitely not a small amount. If his family finds out that he is gambling so heavily with others, they will surely be in trouble!

But he's doing this today to bring honor to his family!

Moreover, how could he possibly lose?

They had already figured out Jia Lian's situation. He was just a military man who was only interested in joining the army and fighting. The biggest thing they could find out about him was that he beat up the Prince of Duan's son. They had never heard of him having any literary talent or talent.

Even if one studied at the Imperial Academy, it was nothing more than a formal experience, just like the children of other powerful and wealthy families.

How can he compare to a talented scholar from the Imperial Academy!

Jia Lian was merely trying to scare him off with such a high-stakes gamble, so as to save his reputation and face.

"Brother, say yes, say yes..."

His younger brother, Zhou Sheng, was still urging him on; clearly, Zhou Sheng shared the same idea!

With his younger brother's support, Zhou Xing had no more hesitation and even felt excited for a moment.

This is an unexpected surprise! Ten thousand taels is a huge fortune for anyone!

"Okay, I agree! Let's see who has the best skills then..."

Zhou Xing hurriedly sent someone to summon the servants carrying the writing implements, some of whom were eager to make a name for themselves and amass wealth.

"Wait a minute."

"Any other questions?"

"You're happy to agree now, but what if you change your mind later, or can't come up with the money?"

"So what do you want?"

The more reasons and excuses Jia Lian made, the more certain Zhou Xing became that Jia Lian was guilty.

"How about we go to the Crown Prince and have him draw up a written agreement, asking His Highness to act as our guarantor?"

Zhou Xing was slightly shaken; asking the Crown Prince to act as a guarantor was not something anyone would dare to do.

But considering that Jia Lian holds the rank of second grade, the Crown Prince would definitely give in to this.

Although it's unclear why Jia Lian dared to make such a request, with the Crown Prince's guarantee, wouldn't restraining him also be equivalent to restraining Jia Lian?

He had just suspected that Jia Lian might deny it later...

So why would anyone disagree?

Those around him, including Feng Ziying and Zhang Tao, all thought Jia Lian had gone mad.

Even knowing your Duke's mansion is powerful and wealthy, you still don't need to give money away to others like this!

For the other onlookers, such a high-stakes gamble is quite rare.

Moreover, this happened in such a setting, and the two parties involved in the bet were both brothers of imperial concubines.

This is a great show, and no matter who wins or loses, it's an absolutely unmissable spectacle!

Therefore, everyone who noticed the situation here followed closely as Jia Lian and the others headed towards the Crown Prince and his entourage, afraid of missing any exciting part.

……