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

Ok?

Li Zhiwei's words silenced the entire west wing courtyard once again.

At this moment, everyone's expression became somewhat incredulous.

Was it written by Jiang Xiaobai?

These four poems were actually written by Jiang Xiaobai?

For a moment, many people even doubted whether they had misheard.

After all, everyone knows what kind of reputation Jiang Xiaobai has.

The most notorious playboy in the capital.

He was an expert in all sorts of entertainment, from eating and drinking to cockfighting, dog racing, brothels, and gambling dens.

How could such a dissolute person write such a spirited and upright poem?

The problem is... the person who said that was none other than someone else.

It just so happens to be Li Zhiwei!

That's right. Given Li Zhiwei's personality, how could she casually joke about such things in this kind of setting?

Therefore, the more this was the case, the more shocked everyone became.

Gu Zhiyan stood by the long table, his gaze falling on Jiang Xiaobai once again.

That gaze was clearly different from before.

Previously, he had only thought that the young man was eloquent, quick-witted, and interesting.

Now, his gaze toward Jiang Xiaobai held an undisguised admiration.

This kid... is really nothing like the rumors suggest.

Could it be that he had been hiding his true abilities all along?

Thinking of this, Gu Zhiyan's admiration deepened even further.

However, while some were amazed, others naturally found it unacceptable.

Especially the young student who had repeatedly clashed with Jiang Xiaobai was now pale-faced, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Impossible...this is impossible!"

"This...this could never have been written by him!"

The student stared intently at Jiang Xiaobai, his emotions clearly at their peak: "How could a纨绔 (a spoiled brat)! A dissolute who frequents brothels and gambling dens all day possibly write such verses!"

"Miss Li, are you mistaken? Or... or have you been deceived by him!"

These words caused the atmosphere in the courtyard to tense up slightly once again.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xiaobai raised an eyebrow and was about to speak when a calm voice rang out first.

"Hehe, isn't that right? Why don't we verify it here in front of everyone and see?"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice, and the one who spoke was none other than the young prince, Xiao Qingxiu, who had remained silent until now.

He stood there calmly, with a slight smile on his face, neither appearing aggressive nor deliberately hostile.

On the contrary, it seemed natural that a very fair solution was proposed.

"Since everyone has doubts, instead of arguing here, let's verify it directly."

"In this way, we can avoid tarnishing Miss Li's reputation and prevent her true talent from being buried."

Xiao Qingxiu spoke again, turning his head slightly as he spoke, his gaze falling on Jiang Xiaobai. His tone remained calm and gentle, even carrying a hint of encouragement.

"I think... Young Master Jiang himself would be quite happy to prove it, wouldn't he?"

At first glance, this statement seems to make no problem.

They even gave him plenty of face.

But Jiang Xiaobai's heart sank slightly as he heard this.

prove?

That young prince certainly put it well.

But what kind of proof is this?

They're clearly just looking for trouble and want to put him in the spotlight.

If he accepts the assignment today and writes well, others will at most say it's just luck.

However, if one is not careful, the momentum that has just been established will collapse completely in an instant.

Even Li Zhiwei will be questioned as a result.

This person is quite cunning!

Thinking of this, Jiang Xiaobai felt somewhat displeased, but his smile only deepened: "I understand what the young prince means."

"So, you're saying that whoever has a bad reputation has to prove themselves, right?"

"If that's the case, does that mean that from now on, if anyone in the capital insults me, I'll have to compose a poem in the street to prove my innocence?"

"Heh, if that's really the case, then it probably won't be long before I become a poet immortal!"

Many people were momentarily stunned upon hearing Jiang Xiaobai's words.

Even the elders couldn't help but twitch their brows slightly.

Although the words sound somewhat frivolous, the truth behind them is undeniable.

The poem was seen by Li Zhiwei himself.

If Jiang Xiaobai has to write it again on the spot for it to count, then that's really too much of a bully.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qingxiu's smile remained unchanged, but a faint hint of coldness flashed deep in his eyes.

Clearly, he hadn't expected Jiang Xiaobai to so casually deflect the issue.

Before he could reply, Jiang Xiaobai spoke again.

"Of course, I'm always easy to talk to. If it's just about writing poetry, that's fine too."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone around changed instantly.

The young student, who had previously looked defiant, suddenly brightened up and stared at Jiang Xiaobai as if afraid he might change his mind.

Even Xiao Qingxiu narrowed his eyes slightly.

Only Li Zhiwei felt a slight stirring in her heart upon hearing these words.

Yes, she always felt... that this guy would never be so honest.

Sure enough, the next moment, Jiang Xiaobai continued with a smile: "But the problem is, writing poetry requires the right time, place, and people, as well as a certain interest."

"Some people can compose poems like a spring after drinking a cup of wine, while others can sit for half a day and still not be able to utter a single word."

"If I were to force myself to write this here, the result might not satisfy you all."

"When the time comes, if I write well, you'll say it's only right; if I write poorly, you'll say I'm undeserving of my reputation."

"Tsk, no matter how you look at it, this young master is the one who's losing out."

At this point, Jiang Xiaobai deliberately sighed, looking quite troubled.

He perfectly portrayed the shameless attitude of "I'm clearly very capable, but I just don't want to work for free."

Unfortunately, no one could really do anything about him, because what Jiang Xiaobai said... was indeed irrefutable.

Just as his words had created a strange atmosphere in the courtyard.

Jiang Xiaobai suddenly changed the subject: "However..."

The moment that word "however" was uttered, the hearts of everyone around jumped up almost simultaneously.

Jiang Xiaobai, seemingly oblivious, looked at Lin Fengshuo with a smile and said, "If it were Elder Lin who personally sets the questions..."

"Then I, the young master, am willing to give it a try."

These words were spoken.

The room fell silent for a moment.

Immediately, even the air seemed to freeze for a moment.

Having Lin Fengshuo set the questions meant that this was no longer a simple proof, but an assessment!

According to the rules, if Lin Fengshuo is satisfied with the poetry, then this is the time to begin!

However, Lin Fengshuo has already closed the school and claimed that he will no longer recruit students!

If the questions are actually set, then I'm afraid I'll have to take back what I said before!

"interesting!"

Gu Zhiyan chuckled, but when he looked at Jiang Xiaobai, his expression was full of surprise.

So this kid was waiting here?

Xiao Qingxiu's previously composed smile now showed a very slight pause.

Clearly, he hadn't expected Jiang Xiaobai to pull such a stunt!

As for Zhang Xinnian, who was standing next to Jiang Xiaobai, his heart skipped a beat, and his expression became slightly uneasy.

How dare the young master say such things!

At the head of the table, Lin Fengshuo, whose expression had been calm until now, finally showed genuine interest: "You've got some nerve."

"Hehe, if I weren't bold, I wouldn't dare to barge into the Lin residence today."

Jiang Xiaobai spoke with a smile, and even Lin Fengshuo couldn't help but chuckle at his words.

But that smile, as seen by others, sent a slight shiver down many people's spines.

Because they can all see it.

This former Grand Tutor has truly begun to develop an interest in Jiang Xiaobai.

Lin Fengshuo tapped his long staff lightly with his fingers, but did not speak immediately.

The entire west wing courtyard fell silent once again.

Everyone is waiting.

Will Lin Fengshuo accept Jiang Xiaobai's offer?

A moment later.

Lin Fengshuo finally slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, before finally settling on Jiang Xiaobai again.

A faint smile played in his aged, deep eyes as he looked at Jiang Xiaobai and slowly said, "Let this old man pose a question..."

"Then you'd better not regret it!"