Chapter 57: with translation of chapter title

When Mr. Wen just spoke Xiao Yin's name, everyone sucked in a breath, their eyes bulging.

Even seven years ago, when Xiao Yin was at the height of their fame, people only regarded them as a martial general of outstanding merit; back then they often joined the generals in mocking civil officials, saying civil officials only know how to wield a pen and cannot fight.

But after that calamity at Qi Sha Gu, Xiao Yin finally understood what is meant by 'the highest warfare is to attack the enemy's plans'.

Martial generals kill enemies, but civil officials can overthrow this dynasty just by flapping their lips.

Xiao Yin no longer dares to feel the slightest contempt for civil officials; seven years ago, they were terribly mistaken.

Thinking that winning a battle would bring peace to the country and that justice under heaven would be upheld is nonsense!

Moreover, Xiao Yin has always appeared at the Southern Qi court as a madman and a good-for-nothing over the past seven years; thus, when Mr. Wen suddenly praised their strategy essay, even the person beside them, Gu Jiu Ling, was utterly astonished.

Soon Xiao Yin's manuscript was passed around; after many people read it, their expressions changed, and their gaze toward Xiao Yin became somewhat different.

Especially those from humble backgrounds, upon seeing it, felt a greater admiration for Xiao Yin.

Xiao Yin's essay argues that the aristocracy and commoners of Southern Qi, the high-born and the low-born, should not be treated differently by the state.

Today the governance of Southern Qi grows ever more corrupt, precisely because the state is controlled by aristocratic clans: some are born with the rank of prince and marquis, while others, no matter how talented, remain obscure, with no avenue for advancement.

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If we liken the humble-born of Southern Qi to plain yet vital water, then the upper-class nobles are like a layer of oil floating on its surface.

Xiao Yin's essay is a torch that was thrown straight onto that oil layer on the water's surface, instantly igniting it.

For a moment, the surroundings buzzed with discussion, unceasing; Crown Prince Xiao Ting clenched Xiao Yin's manuscript tightly, the chill in his eyes impossible to hide.

Today Xiao Yin came just to win over literary scholars, so that in future struggles they would not be suppressed by their brothers; yet they did not expect the brothers to be on guard, only to find they could not guard against their uncle?

What on earth does Xiao Yin intend to do?

Even if Xiao Yin takes the lead, what can they do? They will never become emperor!

The father emperor will not continue to indulge Xiao Yin.

Gu Jiu Ling turned her face and stared at Xiao Yin; no wonder Xiao Yin came here to join the poetry gathering, no wonder they personally took up writing an essay, and they are absolutely not skilled at poetry, song, or prose; indeed, while others were engaging in idle talk, they deliberately provoked a debate, which caused Mr. Wen to temporarily change the contest's content.

It's not about poetry; it's about the policy essay—only then could Xiao Yin win over the hearts of those humble-born scholars in one fell swoop.

If Gu Jiu Ling's expectation is not mistaken, after this poetry gathering ends, a large number of talented humble-born scholars will flock to Xiao Yin's door.

What the heck does Xiao Yin intend to do?

Xiao Yin, you are a perfectly fine idle prince; just stay as you are, make a little money, and we'll all be happy.

Why are you suddenly recruiting these literati? You're not seeking the throne, nor...

Gu Jiu Ling's face suddenly changed dramatically; she looked at Xiao Yin in disbelief, thinking, 'They are not competing with Crown Prince Xiao Ting's brothers for the throne—they are aiming to seize the throne!'

Oh dear!

Gu Jiu Ling had no interest in that matter; she subconsciously sat up straight, moving slightly away from Xiao Yin.

"Beloved consort, what's wrong? Your face looks so awful," Xiao Yin said, turning their face with concern toward Gu Jiu Ling.

"I... I suddenly feel a bit chilly!" Gu Jiu Ling instinctively touched the back of her neck.

Xiao Yin blinked slightly, gestured to Ling Feng nearby to give an order; soon Ling Feng arrived with a fur cloak, and Xiao Yin personally draped it over Gu Jiu Ling.

Gu Jiu Ling lifted her head to look at the scorching sun above, feeling even colder.

Fortunately, Mr. Wen still held a few manuscripts in his hand without announcing them, and the people around grew all the more eager.

Prince Rui's essay is already top-notch; I wonder whose writing could actually outshine Prince Rui's.

Mr. Wen slowly raised the manuscript in his hand and said, "I am overjoyed by these essays today; they don't read like policy essays, yet they are written exceptionally well."

"I love them to the utmost; even I could not write such fine pieces—they are truly timeless masterpieces, worthy of the title!"

An uproar spread through the crowd; Mr. Wen rarely praises others' writings, only saying a few extra lines at poetry gatherings.

Because nothing meets Mr. Wen's eyes; looking at them hurts the eyes.

These essays not only earned Mr. Wen's highest praise, but also received the accolade of being timeless masterpieces—an appraisal that is truly exhilarating and delightful.

Even those who were not named by Mr. Wen just now, who usually enjoy some reputation, cannot help feeling a bit smug, thinking perhaps their own piece is among them.

The attendants beside Li Songyue could no longer contain their excitement; the girl in green from earlier laughed, saying, "These essays must have been written by our elder sister Songyue."

"Yes, yes, Li the younger sister is normally a talented lady of Shang Jing; unlike some people who merely put on a show," said the girl in yellow, casting a glance at Gu Jiu Ling.

Li Songyue gave a cold snort, looked at Gu Jiu Ling with contempt, her face full of mockery.

Gu Jiu Ling laughed angrily, "What's the point of this praising and belittling? What's the point?"

"You want to be dogs, wagging your tails for Li Songyue—don't drag her in as your backing!"

In the past, the original owner would surely have been driven to tears by anger; Gu Jiu Ling's eyes turned cold, she was about to say something back, but then thought better of it.

Today is her lord's domain; she should not steal the show.

Mr. Wen had everyone's appetite whetted, then flipped out a manuscript from his hand and shouted, "Since we need to select the top three,"

Gu Jiu Ling froze on the spot; their so-called policy essay was nothing formal—just a casual copy they had written.

Li Songyue's smile instantly froze there, her face gradually turning pale.

Mr. Wen pays no heed to the open and covert struggles among these women; smiling at Gu Jiu Ling, he said, "In this line, 'the poison of tax levies, what could be worse than a snake?'—it's written superbly! It pierces the ills of the age, awakens the deaf and enlightens the ignorant!"

Gu Jiu Ling's old face flushed red; she hastily rose and waved a hand at Mr. Wen, saying, "Sir, you overpraise! Sir, you overpraise! I just scribbled casually; it doesn't deserve such praise from you."

Li Songyue was even more furious to tears, that a casual scribble could catch Mr. Wen's eye—and that's Mr. Wen himself!

A peerless national talent, Mr. Wen!

How could Mr. Wen have missed the mark?

If Xiao Yin had just earned Mr. Wen's praise, others would have nearly popped their eyes out; now that Gu Jiu Ling has done this, everyone is on the ground searching for their eyeballs.

They must have been blind before!