My family has been wielding knives for generations, but now it's my turn to wield a pen!

Chapter 178 Should you explain first?

Ok?

Jiang Xiaobai's actions stunned everyone.

Of course, the writer's expression was also one of surprise.

No, there's not a single word on this paper, and Jiang Xiaobai still has to hand it in?

This... this isn't a joke, is it?

Inside the Lanting Tower, many people who witnessed this scene had strange expressions.

"He actually handed in a blank sheet of paper?!"

"Yeah, what's the point of handing in a blank sheet of paper!"

Discussions gradually arose.

On the other side, Xiao Qingxiu's cold smile reappeared: "A blank sheet of paper, huh, he really dares to do that!"

"Hmph, maybe he has other intentions?"

Xiao Zijing wrinkled her nose, somewhat unconvinced.

"Something else?"

Xiao Qingxiu sneered: "What meaning could a blank sheet of paper possibly have?"

"That's not necessarily true."

Xiao Zijing gave a light snort and looked at Jiang Xiaobai again.

For some reason, she just felt that Jiang Xiaobai wouldn't give up so easily.

On the fourth floor, Li Bingzhang looked at the blank paper Jiang Xiaobai handed over. His expression was relatively calm, but there was a hint of doubt in his eyes.

What's this kid up to now?

"He handed in blank paper; it was probably intentional."

Lin Fengshuo stroked his beard and smiled.

If someone can write essays like "On Teachers" and "On Horses," their writing skills are definitely not bad.

Therefore, Jiang Xiaobai must have had other intentions.

"Master Lin, have you noticed something?"

Li Bingzhang raised his head and asked.

"without."

Lin Fengshuo shook his head: "But I know that this kid must have something on his mind."

Li Zhiwei sat beside her and nodded gently.

She also felt that Jiang Xiaobai wouldn't give up so easily.

If Jiang Xiaobai truly can't write anything, he can simply write something random.

Anyway, the beginning was already amazing enough, so it won't matter if the end is a little less impressive.

But Jiang Xiaobai handed in a blank sheet of paper, which means... Jiang Xiaobai must have other plans.

The middle-aged man who was writing the paper was worried that he had misread it, so he picked up Jiang Xiaobai's paper and examined it carefully.

There's nothing on the front, and nothing on the back.

He was certain...

This is truly a blank sheet of paper.

The writer looked up, giving Jiang Xiaobai a strange look: "Young Master Jiang, what's the point of submitting this blank sheet of paper with no writing on it?"

"Oh, let's read theirs first."

Jiang Xiaobai smiled and said, "I'll explain at the end."

The writer's expression flashed with confusion.

But judging from Jiang Xiaobai's appearance, he doesn't seem to be just fooling around.

Thinking of this, the writer nodded and placed Jiang Xiaobai's blank sheet of paper at the end.

Then he picked up the first article: "The first one, Du Chong, 'On Scholars'."

Upon hearing this, many people's eyes fell on Du Chong.

Du Chong sat there, his expression finally regaining some composure.

He was very satisfied with this article.

If he was severely outmatched by Jiang Xiaobai in couplets and poetry, then he didn't believe that Jiang Xiaobai could easily surpass him in the art of prose.

The writer unfolded the paper and began to read slowly.

The entire article is eloquent and elaborate, arguing that scholars should establish themselves through literature and live by integrity. In a roundabout way, it returns to the court's use of talent and the scholars' recognition of talent.

It must be said, this is indeed a good article.

As the writer read, his expression was filled with admiration.

"Great article!"

"Du Chong is indeed quite capable!"

"No wonder he's the author of 'On the Poor Scholar'!"

"While this piece may not surpass 'On the Poor Scholar,' it is certainly no less remarkable!"

Hearing the exclamations of praise from all around, Du Chong finally smiled and then glanced at Jiang Xiaobai.

When Du Chong saw Jiang Xiaobai sitting there drinking tea with a calm expression, he frowned slightly.

Keep pretending!

When he reads that blank sheet of paper later, he wants to see how Jiang Xiaobai can keep up the act.

After reading the first article, the writer nodded slightly and then picked up the second article.

"The second piece is Guo Zhan's 'Strategy for Climbing the Tower'."

After the writer introduced himself, he began to read the text aloud.

This article describes what one sees upon ascending the tower, from the students in front of the Orchid Pavilion to the selection of talents in the imperial court, and then to the aspirations of scholars throughout the land.

He had less of the resentment of a poor family than Du Chong, but more of the flavor of court policy discussions.

The writing was concise and the structure was solid. When they got to the end, Li Bingzhang on the fourth floor nodded in agreement.

Hearing the praises around him, Guo Zhan finally felt a little better.

At least... he didn't disgrace himself in terms of writing!

"The third piece is Zhong Yu's 'Ode to Clear Sound'."

The writer read each piece aloud, and Zhong Yu's article was even more eloquent than Guo Zhan's.

Yes, this article doesn't talk much about the imperial court, but rather uses the clear and melodious sounds inside the Orchid Pavilion to describe how scholars should understand their hearts and uphold righteousness when they study.

The writing is elegant, and the sentences are beautiful.

Several of the plot twists are particularly clever.

As the writer finished reading, his voice softened, and many students in the building also showed expressions of admiration.

"The third-ranked scholar is indeed a third-ranked scholar; this 'Ode to Pure Sound' is truly excellent."

"Clear yet not weak, elegant yet not frivolous."

"Zhong Yu's article is probably just as good as Guo Zhan's!"

Zhong Yu cupped his hands slightly without saying a word, but judging from his expression, he was quite satisfied.

Following that, several more articles by students were published.

Two of them were equally outstanding.

One essay is about how scholars establish their lives, and the other is about the inheritance of literary tradition. Although not as amazing as the previous three essays, they are still worthy of praise.

After each passage was read, a burst of praise would echo through the Lanting Tower, and the atmosphere would gradually become more lively.

Yes, those who can sit in the A section are indeed not ordinary students.

In terms of couplets and poetry, they were overshadowed by Jiang Xiaobai.

But by the time the article came to this point, everyone could see the level of these people.

Up on the fourth floor, Chen Zhanqiu listened to the articles, his expression gradually softening: "Young Master Zhao, these articles are all quite good!"

"nature."

Zhao Sheng smiled faintly: "How could someone who can enter the top-tier zone truly lack ability?"

As he spoke, Zhao Sheng looked down at Jiang Xiaobai: "But Jiang Xiaobai handed in a blank sheet of paper. I wonder what's going on!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Zhanqiu frowned.

He couldn't see through it either.

As time passed, the writer gradually read the twelfth article.

"The twelfth chapter is the Third Prince's 'Essay on Literature'."

After these words were spoken, the building immediately quieted down.

After all, this was written by a prince, and the writer read it aloud in a steady voice.

The Third Prince's writing clearly carried a courtly air.

The text emphasizes the importance of writing for the country's benefit, suggesting that scholars should enter officialdom to serve the people. It also mentions the imperial examination system for selecting talent and the government's support of scholars.

It must be said, it is quite remarkable.

The final section, in particular, connects literature and the dynasty's fortunes, and is written with great momentum.

After the reading, cheers erupted throughout the Lanting Tower.

"His Highness the Third Prince's piece is also excellent!"

"Wen Daoce certainly has vision!"

"No wonder he's a disciple of Chief Minister Meng!"

Amidst the murmurs, everyone's gaze gradually returned to Jiang Xiaobai.

Yes, now... all that's missing is an article about Jiang Xiaobai.

The writer looked at Jiang Xiaobai, a hint of helplessness in his expression: "Young Master Jiang, I can't read this blank paper for you, can I?"

"Would you like to explain first?"

"Of course, of course!"

Jiang Xiaobai finally stood up, slowly walked to the person holding the pen, and took the blank paper from their hand.