(Apologies for the delay due to an unforeseen matter, only three installments will be provided, and no more.)
The group strolled through the grand assembly, where notable young talents of both genders were present. Zhang Hua even mentioned that the Falling Cloud Nation highly valued talent, allowing both men and women to serve as officials. They even had several renowned female generals. Of course, women holding official positions were still a minority in the Falling Cloud Nation. Zhou Yan was quite surprised and held their nation in higher regard. This was rarely seen in other ancient feudal countries.
“The Couplet King competition has already begun,” Zhang Xi Yan said to the two of them. “Are you participating?”
“Are there any rewards for becoming the Couplet King?” Zhou Yan asked out of curiosity.
Zhang Hua felt a bit speechless. You are already so powerful, why are you still interested in these trivial matters? Zhang Hua stared at Zhou Yan, dumbfounded. He truly couldn’t comprehend Zhou Yan’s thinking. Based on his perception, despite his youthful appearance, Zhou Yan must have lived for a very long time, like an old monster.
Sensing Zhang Hua’s strange gaze, Zhou Yan said, “I’m not that old. I’m only twenty-one this year.”
“Twenty-one…” Zhang Hua was utterly astonished. He had assumed Zhou Yan was an ancient being, but to discover he was a mere youngster was shocking.
Zhou Yan: You dare say that again, and I guarantee I won’t beat you to death.
Zhang Hua was twenty-three himself, and Zhou Yan was two years younger! Yet, his strength… Zhang Hua suddenly felt the need for some quiet contemplation.
“Twenty-one, and not older than me. I’m only sixteen,” Zhang Xi Yan chimed in.
Zhou Yan looked at Zhang Xi Yan. She was well-developed and had a full figure. Although young, her development in all aspects was quite impressive. Zhou Yan said, “No, you are older than me.”
“How am I older? I’m clearly only sixteen!” Zhang Xi Yan replied innocently.
Zhou Yan just smiled, choosing not to elaborate. It was better for a child not to know too much. Following the local customs, Zhou Yan curiously observed how the locals engaged in composing couplets.
Zhang Hua explained the rules to Zhou Yan. The first round had one hundred couplets, and only those who answered first could proceed to the next stage.
“How about we have a competition? Let’s see who can last until the end,” Zhang Xi Yan suggested.
“If you can win against me, I’ll give you something,” Zhou Yan declared.
“Okay!” Zhang Hua was immediately delighted. Zhou Yan’s strength was formidable, so whatever he gifted would surely be extraordinary. However, Zhang Hua also knew that the probability of him winning against Zhou Yan was very low.
“I also want to see what kind of good things you can offer,” Zhang Xi Yan said with curiosity.
“Don’t worry, I’ll definitely make sure you like it,” Zhou Yan said casually.
“The Couplet King competition officially begins!” As a middle-aged man announced, the sound of gongs and drums erupted.
“Dong!”
When the instruments struck, one hundred people in identical attire emerged from the third floor. Each held a couplet, which they then hung on a designated wall on the third floor. After everyone had hung their couplets, they exchanged glances and simultaneously pulled them down.
“Hualaala!!!”
One hundred couplets descended from the third floor. Each was large enough for even those with poor vision to clearly read the characters. Furthermore, there were scribes on the upper floor, and for those who successfully advanced, their corresponding lower line would appear next to the couplet. The competition in the first round was fierce, as there were only one hundred couplets, but the attendees numbered well over a thousand. To stand out, one needed to be fast and provide accurate answers. However, these couplets were not simple; each held a special meaning. Participants needed to choose one and think carefully. If they were too slow, others might seize the opportunity, and then it would be impossible to catch up. A seemingly simple couplet tested not only a profound cultural foundation but also a quick and agile mind.
Zhang Hua and Zhang Xi Yan quickly scanned the couplets displayed upstairs and began contemplating one. Zhou Yan also looked at the couplets, chose one, and with his formidable intellect, already had the answer. Zhou Yan approached a couplet that read: “A good book, comprehended under the moonlight of the third watch.”
Zhou Yan promptly offered: “A dear friend’s arrival brings spring to the hall.”
Along with Zhou Yan, several other individuals quickly provided their answers, including Zhang Hua. Both Zhang Hua and Zhou Yan were promptly informed they had advanced to the next round. Zhang Xi Yan, although she also provided an answer, was significantly slower than Zhou Yan and Zhang Hua. However, her successful advancement proved her literary talent to be above average.
“I didn’t expect you to be faster than me,” Zhang Xi Yan remarked, surprised by how quickly Zhou Yan had finished with minimal delay.
“It seems winning my prize will be difficult for you. How about this, I’ll let you have a slight advantage in this round,” Zhou Yan proposed.
“Great, then I won’t be polite!” Zhang Xi Yan immediately agreed and then smiled slyly, appearing lively and adorable.
After the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the hundred victors entered this round, comprising both men and women. Upon entering, several individuals noticed Zhang Hua and Zhang Xi Yan and quickly approached them, cupping their fists in greeting. Just as they were about to speak, Zhang Hua said, “We are merely here to join the fun. Please perform to the best of your abilities so I can witness your literary prowess.”
“Understood, Young Master Zhang,” one of the men said intelligently.
“I am truly honored that Young Master Zhang and Miss Zhang are also present,” said a maiden in white. She was not only graceful but also very courteous. She bowed to Zhang Hua and Zhang Xi Yan, her gentle smile making one feel as if basking in a spring breeze.
However, a boisterous voice suddenly rang out from outside: “Haha, how could the Couplet King competition be complete without me, Wang Yuan!”
Upon hearing this arrogant and overbearing voice, Zhou Yan inquired, “Who is this person?”
Zhang Hua quickly replied, “This person is from the Wang family of the Royal Dynasty. Although none of them hold official positions in the court, several members are disciples of the Mysterious Yin Hall, which makes them extremely arrogant and domineering.”
Zhou Yan seemed to understand and asked, “Does this person deserve to be killed?”
Zhang Hua heard this and, observing Zhou Yan’s calm expression, seemed to ponder the implication of the question before truthfully answering: “I have heard of this person. He is generally wicked, committing all sorts of evil deeds, bullying both men and women. There have even been numerous memorials submitted to my father, the Emperor. However, due to the influence of the Mysterious Yin Hall, he has only received minor punishments. It’s not that we don’t want to intervene, but the Mysterious Yin Hall’s power is too great.”
“If you dare to make a move, I will take responsibility for any consequences. If you don’t, then I will not meddle in this matter,” Zhou Yan stated.
Zhang Hua’s eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he immediately declared, “Good.”
With that, Zhang Hua strode towards Wang Yuan.