Tang Dynasty: Taking the Empress Dowager to a brothel, Father Emperor, what a coincidence!

The farce finally came to an end after Li Chengqian's extortion.

Several eminent scholars, like stars surrounding the moon, invited Li Gang to the main seat on the high platform.

Li Chengqian, Li Tai, and Changsun Chong also benefited from this, and were allowed to sit in the seats that were usually reserved for literary giants.

As soon as Li Tai sat down, he grabbed the roast chicken on the table and started eating, completely disregarding the stares of those around him.

"Master, His Highness the King of Yue's three poems were simply breathtaking."

Old Wang moved closer to Li Gang and praised him with a smile.

"Though battered and bruised, it remains firm and strong, unmoved by winds from east, west, north, or south."

Such spirit is something we, who have devoted our lives to studying poetry, can only dream of.

"Yes, yes, Your Highness is so young yet has such a broad mind; it is truly a blessing for the Tang Dynasty."

Another great Confucian scholar echoed this sentiment,

"In my humble opinion, Your Highness's demeanor hints at... the potential to become an emperor."

Upon hearing this, Li Gang glared at the scholar with displeasure.

The potential to become an emperor? Is that a phrase that can be used so casually?

Upon hearing this, Li Tai stopped chewing his meat.

He glanced furtively at Li Chengqian beside him, feeling a little guilty. Seeing that his elder brother wasn't looking at him, he continued eating.

Seeing that his mentor was somewhat dissatisfied, Old Wang stepped in to smooth things over:

"Master, it is a rare treat that His Highness the Prince of Yue is in such high spirits today. Why not strike while the iron is hot? We disciples will pose a few more questions on classical texts and poetry for His Highness to discuss and exchange ideas with, so that we may broaden our horizons. What do you think, Master?"

"Clatter".

The roast chicken in Li Tai's hand fell directly onto the table.

Again?

He turned his head pitifully to look at Li Chengqian, his two chubby hands frantically gesturing under the table.

Changsun Chong, who was standing next to him, wanted to laugh but dared not.

Li Chengqian chuckled to himself: This kid does have some self-awareness.

He slowly stood up and bowed to the several Confucian scholars.

"Gentlemen, my prince has composed three quatrains in a row, and is already exhausted and his inspiration has dried up."

Composing poetry is already mentally taxing; Your Highness needs rest and recuperation at this time, and it is truly not advisable for you to exert yourself further.

Upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment flashed across Old Wang's face.

Unexpectedly, Li Chengqian changed the subject:

"However, if you gentlemen are truly in the mood, I may do it on your behalf."

I have learned a little from the Grand Tutor, and I would like to ask you gentlemen for some guidance.

The scholars were taken aback and began to scrutinize Li Chengqian.

The young man was dressed simply, but he spoke with great arrogance.

Old Wang turned to look at Li Gang, his eyes full of questions.

Li Gang stroked his beard and smiled, pointing at Li Chengqian and saying:

"This is also one of my prized students. Although he is a bit unconventional, he still has some unique insights into the classics."

If you want to take the entrance exam, just go to him.

Li Gang could never forget the scene where Li Chengqian provoked Kong Erlengzi in the court, almost making him become his disciple.

The Confucian scholars perked up immediately upon hearing that Li Chengqian was Li Gang's prized student.

The King of Yue and his men dared not put themselves through the wringer in the tests, but a study companion was someone they could easily manipulate.

"good.

Since he is my esteemed master's outstanding disciple, then he can be considered my junior brother. In that case, I won't stand on ceremony.

Old Wang slammed his hand on the table and laughed loudly.

The Analects says: "A gentleman who is not dignified will not command respect, and his learning will not be solid."

"May I ask, young friend, what is the meaning of this statement?"

This question seems simple, but it actually contains a hidden trick.

The traditional interpretation is that a gentleman who is not dignified lacks authority and his knowledge is not solid.

But Old Wang usually likes to nitpick over words, and no matter how you answer, he can always find fault with it.

Li Chengqian didn't even think twice before speaking.

"Isn't that simple? A gentleman can't establish authority if he doesn't hit someone hard."

If you don't manage to knock your opponent firmly to the ground when you fight, then you haven't mastered the skill.

"puff!!!"

Changsun Chong spat out the tea he had just drunk.

The smiles on the faces of the several Confucian scholars froze at those words.

Old Wang stared wide-eyed, pointing at Li Chengqian:

"What kind of twisted logic and heresy is this?"

"What? Is that not right?"

Li Chengqian looked at Old Wang with a puzzled expression and asked,

"Confucius was nine feet tall and had extraordinary strength. What did he rely on when he traveled around the states? Did he reason with people? Would you believe it if I told you?"

That will definitely require military conquest.

Li Gang sat beside him, his eyes twitching.

He had already silently mourned for his disciple in his heart.

Even Kong Erlengzi was completely fooled by this rhetoric.

It would be strange if his disciple didn't suffer a setback.

"Nonsense! Utter nonsense!"

Another great scholar slammed his fist on the table in anger.

"Since we're here, let's make the best of it. What's the point of explaining it?"

"Since you're here, let's bury you here."

"At thirty, one stands firm; at forty, one is free from doubt."

"I'm not afraid of forty people even if three of them come at me at once."

The great Confucian scholars have all gone mad.

They've studied the classics for decades, but this kid has completely shattered their worldview.

Unfortunately, Li Chengqian's explanation left them speechless.

Seeing the strange smile on his mentor Li Gang's face, Old Wang decided not to make things difficult for the young man on this track.

"Young friend, let's set aside the debate on the meaning of the classics for now. I have a broken couplet here, left by an old friend many years ago, and no one has been able to match it to this day."

The first line of the couplet is: "Smoke locks the willows by the pond." Please advise.

Upon hearing this first line of the couplet, the renowned scholars nodded in satisfaction.

This is an absolute masterpiece, with five characters containing radicals representing the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The difficulty is extraordinary.

Li Gang glanced at Li Chengqian with concern.

Even if you asked him to create a matching couplet, he wouldn't be able to.

Li Chengqian pursed his lips.

After all that fuss, this is all?

He picked up his glass, took a sip, and said slowly:

"Cannon Zhenhai City Tower".

"boom."

The renowned scholars present were all dumbfounded.

This kid came up with such an absolute masterpiece in the blink of an eye?

"This...this..."

Old Wang stared at Li Chengqian with a look of utter shock.

Li Gang looked at his beloved disciple with a look of surprise and delight.

At this moment, he felt that the most enlightened thing he had ever done in his life was to take Li Chengqian as his disciple.

He had even completely forgotten who had driven him crazy a while ago.

Changsun Chong looked at Li Chengqian with a face full of admiration.

We're all human, so how did the prince's brain develop?

Others possess great talent through diligent study.

He had never seen Li Chengqian read a book.

Is there really such a thing as a genius in this world?

"Young friend, your talent is beyond compare; I am completely convinced."

Having seen the true God today, I realize that there are heavens beyond heavens and people beyond people.

We humbly admit defeat.

A great scholar stood up shakily and bowed to Li Chengqian.

Li Chengqian casually waved his hand:

"You're too kind, sir. It's just basic procedure."

Zheng Qiuying watched the entire confrontation inside from outside the door, her beautiful eyes sparkling with admiration.

She originally thought that the Crown Prince could only rely on Li Gang's prestige to suppress the great Confucian scholars in the room.

I never imagined that the Crown Prince's true talent and learning would be so terrifying.

Even a great Confucian scholar like Master Wang was forced to admit defeat by his few words.

Zheng Qiuying's heart began to beat faster involuntarily.

"Bring me my violin."

Zheng Qiuying looked at her personal maid and gave her instructions.

"Miss, are you going to handle this personally?"

The maid was completely stunned.

"He deserves it."

Zheng Qiuying chuckled and walked directly into the house.