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

Ok?

Upon hearing this sound, everyone inside the Lanting Tower looked up and gazed towards the second floor.

Jiang Xiaobai also looked up.

The one who spoke was an unfamiliar man, who looked to be in his early twenties, wearing a light gray long robe and holding a scroll in his hand.

At this moment, he was standing by the second-floor railing, staring in Jiang Xiaobai's direction.

"Nowadays, it is widely rumored that 'On Teachers' and 'On Horses' were written by Prince Jiang."

The man slowly began to speak: "But there are also rumors that Young Master Jiang is a fraud and a charlatan. Hmph, if it's the former, that's fine too."

"But if it's the latter... then since Prince Jiang can steal two articles, he can naturally steal a third one as well."

As soon as he finished speaking, many people frowned and looked at the student with disdain.

Yes, this person... to a large extent, is clearly deliberately picking a fight!

Under such circumstances, even an idiot wouldn't say something like that.

It must be a deliberate attack!

Jiang Xiaobai smiled slightly, not paying any attention, but looking at the man, her expression was somewhat amused.

He did not know this person.

But if someone were to jump out at this moment without being instructed by someone else, Jiang Xiaobai would never believe it.

As for the most likely person...

Jiang Xiaobai turned his head to the side and looked at the fourth floor on the other side.

Zhao Sheng was looking at him calmly, while Chen Zhanqiu sat beside him, his expression still composed.

Seeing Jiang Xiaobai looking over, Zhao Sheng didn't dodge. Instead, he gently picked up his teacup and took a sip.

Jiang Xiaobai raised an eyebrow slightly. These people... really wouldn't let him have any peace.

"this……"

The writer frowned.

To be honest, Jiang Xiaobai's literary talent, from his couplets to his four poems on romance and nature, and now to this article, is hard to doubt.

Especially that article I just read.

Such a broad mind and such a vision, how could they be stolen?

He didn't understand why this person would still jump out.

Just as the writer was about to speak, an aged voice rang out from the fourth floor: "As I mentioned before, those two articles are among these thirteen people."

Everyone looked up and saw that it was Lin Fengshuo who had spoken.

At this moment, Lin Fengshuo frowned as he looked at the student on the second floor, his expression cold, and said, "And the person you're referring to is none other than Prince Jiang!"

"Both the first and second halves of 'On Teachers' were personally handed to me by Prince Jiang. How can it be considered deceitful or fraudulent?"

Few people would have believed what he said before, but now that he's saying it, he believes those present, and no one doubts him anymore!

"Yes, 'On Horses' was also written by Prince Jiang in front of me."

Lin Qinrou stood up at this moment and said clearly, "I felt it was a pity to write this article, so I posted it inside the Imperial Academy."

As the two finished speaking, the people present looked at the student with even more mockery.

Who is Lin Fengshuo? He is a renowned scholar in the capital.

Given his status, it's impossible for him to tell such a lie in public for Jiang Xiaobai's sake.

Moreover, Lin Qinrou herself has stepped forward, so the truth is now very clear.

"On Teachers" and "On Horses" were written by Jiang Xiaobai. How can there be any talk of him deceiving the world and stealing fame?

"Hmph, kid, what else do you have to say?"

"Yes, Elder Lin testified to it himself, this person is really just nitpicking!"

"Damn it, I really want to fuck him!"

"..."

"this……"

The students on the second floor paled, clearly not expecting Lin Fengshuo and Lin Qinrou to stand up at the same time.

But since things had come to this, the student gritted his teeth and continued, "Alright, since Young Master Jiang is so talented..."

"Then...if you're so capable, write another article on the spot!"

As soon as these words were spoken, curses erupted from inside the building.

"Who do you think you are, kid? Are you trying to make things difficult for me?!"

"Exactly! Wasn't that article enough? If you're so capable, write one yourself!"

"You bastard, get the hell out of here!"

"They've already read and written one while working on it, what more do you want?"

Hearing the sounds around him, the student's face turned even paler, but he still stood there, gritting his teeth and refusing to back down.

Upon seeing this, the writer couldn't help but shake his head.

With fame comes controversy, and Jiang Xiaobai's current popularity naturally attracts discontent.

Naturally, some people will want to take this opportunity to bring Jiang Xiaobai down again.

With a sigh, the writer looked at Jiang Xiaobai and slowly said, "Young Master Jiang, there's no need to concern yourself with such matters."

"My Green Robe Society will naturally help Prince Jiang prove his innocence."

"No need."

Jiang Xiaobai shook his head.

The writer was taken aback, only to see Jiang Xiaobai's gaze return to the student on the second floor, his smile unchanged.

"In that case, I'll... steal another article and let him see it."

what?

Steal another article?

The writer listened to these words with a strange look in his eyes.

That was a really sarcastic remark!

"Hey, Your Highness, you're really trying to solidify your reputation as a thief!"

Zhang Xinnian, standing to the side, burst out laughing.

"Otherwise what?"

Jiang Xiaobai smiled and said, "Since they've said that, this young master... has to cooperate."

"Yes, that makes sense!"

Zhang Xinnian nodded emphatically.

Tang Ningshuang stood to the side, her face cold and silent.

The look in his eyes as he gazed at the students on the second floor had already turned somewhat cold.

Yes, even she felt that this person had gone too far.

"Hmph, if that's how it is..."

The student on the second floor, his face grim, said, "Then please, Young Master Jiang, answer the question on the spot!"

"No, no, no!"

Jiang Xiaobai shook his head and said, "Since I stole it, I naturally can't listen to you. As for the topic... I have to decide for myself!"

The student was stunned, his face turning red with frustration, unable to utter a single word.

Jiang Xiaobai gave a mocking laugh, slowly stood up, and raised his voice: "Everyone, listen carefully, this piece... 'On the Love of Lotus'!!"

As soon as he finished speaking, many people shook their heads and sighed.

In their view, Jiang Xiaobai didn't need to follow this path at all.

Yes, Jiang Xiaobai has just finished a groundbreaking article, and if he writes anything now, it will be easy for people to compare it with.

If another article is written, but it's too far off, it will inevitably make people feel that the author lacks staying power.

And...it's even based on the lotus flower theme?!

This lotus flower has been rarely touched by scholars throughout history!

Just as everyone was thinking this, Jiang Xiaobai's voice rang out: "Among the flowers of land and water, there are many that are lovely."

As soon as the sound came out, the building fell silent.

"Ancient sages loved chrysanthemums, while the wealthy and powerful of the world love peonies."

Ok?

The writer's eyes flickered slightly.

The opening... is flat, but very steady, giving the impression that it's just casual conversation.

But this simple sentence has already captured the essence of the flower.

Jiang Xiaobai's voice continued: "I love the lotus for its purity, rising from the mud unsullied, washed clean yet not seductive."

boom!

With just that one simple sentence, the expressions of everyone inside the Lanting Tower changed.

Jiang Xiaobai is now stigmatized.

Buying top scholars, stealing articles, deceiving the world and stealing fame—these dirty tricks were poured onto Jiang Xiaobai one after another.

So... this isn't about lotus flowers at all, it's clearly about people, about Jiang Xiaobai himself!

Upon hearing this, Li Zhiwei unconsciously clenched her fingers slightly.

Her face, hidden beneath the veil, was slightly flushed, and as she looked down at Jiang Xiaobai, her eyes stung with tears.

Jiang Xiaobai didn't stop; the voice continued: "Straight inside and out, without tendrils or branches, its fragrance spreads far and wide, standing tall and pure."

Then, Jiang Xiaobai paused and said, "It can be admired from afar, but not touched."

Every word was crystal clear.

These few words, however brief, were like presenting a lotus flower to everyone.

Neither branching out nor spreading out, neither flamboyant nor seductive, standing tall and graceful, so clean that one dares not treat it lightly.

On the fourth floor, Lin Fengshuo took a soft breath.

"What a graceful and pure plant!"

Fan Xinghe couldn't help but whisper, "What a wonderful phrase, 'to be admired from afar but not to be trifled with'..."

After saying this, Fan Xinghe's face showed even deeper shame.

Previously, he couldn't stand Jiang Xiaobai no matter how he looked at it.

But looking at it now...

What is this? A good-for-nothing playboy?

It is clearly a lotus that is covered by mud, yet remains pure and untainted.

"I say that the chrysanthemum is the flower of the recluse."

Jiang Xiaobai paused slightly before continuing, "The peony is the flower of wealth and nobility!"

"The lotus is the flower of the gentleman."

When they heard that last sentence, everyone realized something.

Yes, Jiang Xiaobai is using the lotus to write about a gentleman, and also using the lotus to respond to all the doubts.

You're saying I stole your article?

Are you saying I'm a fraud?

This... is my answer!

The student on the second floor had turned completely pale. His lips moved, but he couldn't utter a single word.

Jiang Xiaobai's gaze swept over the crowd in the building, and finally he looked at the student and said indifferently, "Alas! The love of chrysanthemums is rarely heard of in ancient times."

"Who shares my love for the lotus?"

"The love for peonies is indeed widespread..."