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

Chapter 8 Personal Belongings!

"Your Highness, you..."

The guard commander was both amused and exasperated upon hearing Jiang Xiaobai's words.

To be honest, he had never realized before that his young master had such a narcissistic side.

Moreover, it's not just ordinary narcissism!

He speaks without hesitation and without blushing.

But look at the prince's expression; he looks so serious.

Jiang Xiaobai naturally noticed the guard's expression and was about to say something when a voice suddenly rang out from the crowd.

"In that case, why don't you, Miss Li, set the questions yourself!"

"We too can compose something in response to the topic!"

As the voice faded, the people around were stunned for a moment, and then they all reacted.

"Indeed, this method is brilliant!"

"If Miss Li were to set the questions herself, that would be ideal!"

"Yes, this way we can truly see who has real talent and ability!"

In an instant, cheers rang out one after another, and the atmosphere was pushed to an even higher level.

The guard standing next to Jiang Xiaobai changed his expression immediately upon hearing this.

"not good!"

The guard lowered his voice and looked at Jiang Xiaobai, saying, "Young Master, if we were to give you a question on the spot, those three poems you recited might not be enough!"

When composing a poem based on a given topic, the key is that the imagery and meaning should match!

No matter how well it is written, if it is completely unrelated to the topic, it will only attract ridicule from the audience.

Then, the loss of face will be even greater.

However, Jiang Xiaobai simply smiled faintly at his concerns: "It's alright!"

The simple words surprised the leader, who was momentarily stunned, his expression full of astonishment.

Ultimately, the reason they specifically sought out those three poems was simply to prevent Jiang Xiaobai from being too embarrassed at the poetry gathering.

I'm worried that Jiang Xiaobai won't be able to stay in such a place.

Right now, as long as Jiang Xiaobai is satisfied with himself, there's no problem.

On the other side...

Upon hearing the suggestions from the crowd, Li Zhiwei's watery eyes flickered slightly.

After a moment of contemplation, Li Zhiwei seemed to have thought of something, so she turned her head slightly and whispered a few words to the maid beside her.

After hearing this, the maid smiled sweetly, glanced around, and said in a clear voice, "My young lady said so!"

"Poetry is not merely about describing scenery and objects; it also reveals the human spirit and aspirations!"

"Tonight, I invite you all to focus on... integrity and spirit, and showcase your talents—poetry and prose are both welcome!"

As the maid's voice fell, many people present were slightly startled.

Integrity?

This question is not easy.

After all, these two words are far more than ordinary flowers, moon, and scenery.

To write well, one needs not only literary talent, but also a broad vision and a grand perspective.

For a moment, the garden, which had been quite lively, became quieter.

Many people lowered their heads and began to ponder in secret.

Just then, a rather abrupt voice rang out: "Excuse me, but what reward is there for creating the best entry?"

The sound wasn't loud, but at that moment, it carried extremely clearly throughout the surrounding area.

Almost instantly, it drew everyone's attention.

When everyone saw that the person who spoke was Jiang Xiaobai, their expressions immediately became quite interesting.

There was surprise.

There was disdain, and of course, undisguised contempt.

"He really is a spoiled brat!"

"Offering rewards without even asking—that's utterly mercenary!"

"In this kind of situation, everyone else is thinking about how to write poetry and make a name for themselves, but he's asking about the reward first!"

"Utterly vulgar!"

Low murmurs rose again from the surroundings.

Clearly, in their view, being personally reviewed by Li Zhiwei, and even rated as the best, was already a great honor.

Such an opportunity is something others would kill for, so why would they care about any extra rewards?

But Jiang Xiaobai, as soon as he opened his mouth, revealed his true colors as a spoiled, low-class scoundrel.

However, Jiang Xiaobai seemed completely oblivious at this moment, standing there calmly.

The maid was clearly surprised as well. Looking at Jiang Xiaobai, a smile returned to her face as she asked, "Then... what reward would Young Master Jiang like?"

"this……"

Jiang Xiaobai smiled gently, his gaze passing over the crowd and landing on the moon-white figure not far away.

Then, he slowly began to speak: "I don't ask for anything else, if I can really win first place..."

"I only ask that Miss Li personally leave me one... personal item!"

These words were spoken.

Everyone present was taken aback at first.

Immediately afterwards, many people's expressions turned angry.

Personal belongings?

How dare this bastard say such a thing?

Even the maid was visibly taken aback, her eyes widening in disbelief as she stared at Jiang Xiaobai.

The guard standing next to Jiang Xiaobai twitched his eyelids violently.

Good guy!

Isn't our young master far too audacious?

How dare you say such frivolous things in front of so many people?

But before everyone could react...

Jiang Xiaobai smiled again and added slowly, "For example..."

"A piece of calligraphy written by the author himself."

"Or a page of handwritten calligraphy!"

"In that case, my trip wasn't in vain!"

"..."

As the second half of the sentence came down.

Those who had initially misunderstood the situation suddenly looked somewhat embarrassed.

Especially the young masters whose faces had just turned black, their lips twitched slightly.

After all that fuss...

So that's what it means?

Upon hearing this, the maid quickly realized what was happening.

He immediately burst out laughing.

obviously.

She also realized that Jiang Xiaobai's first half of his sentence was clearly meant to mislead people.

However, this subsequent turn was not really considered impolite.

On the contrary, it also carries a touch of wit and fun.

Even beneath Li Zhiwei's veil, a faint smile flickered across her usually serene face, disappearing in an instant.

However, the smile was so faint that it seemed she herself was unaware of it.

The maidservant then spoke up with a smile, "If Young Master Jiang can truly compose the best poem of the night, it wouldn't be unreasonable for my young lady to personally inscribe a piece!"

As she finished speaking...

Many people present exchanged glances.

Although the reward isn't anything of gold or silver, it would be wonderful if Li Zhiwei could personally inscribe it.

That value... is probably much higher than ordinary rewards.

After all, this is not just a simple piece of calligraphy.

This also represents Li Zhiwei's approval.

In some ways, it even represents the face of the Prime Minister's residence.

Thinking of this, many people's expressions became even more serious.

Jiang Xiaobai smiled slightly, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Then it's a deal!"

After he finished speaking, he raised his head and looked at Li Zhiwei again.

Just then.

Li Zhiwei's eyes, as clear as autumn water, happened to glance in his direction.