[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming":3,"chapter-the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-989":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Unorthodox Sword of Ming",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2338194,4570,"Chapter 989","the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-989",989,"\u003Cp>Huang Quan drained his wine in one gulp and laughed heartily: “My mistake—I forgot outsiders wouldn’t know this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Quan sighed: “It’s a pity the Feng family’s demands are too high; otherwise, plenty of men in Chaozhou would gladly become son-in-laws.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dai Fu nervously tugged at Huang Quan’s sleeve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Quan brushed off Dai Fu’s hand: “Why pull me? I’m not wrong—if the Feng family didn’t demand both literary and martial talent, locals would fight over the chance. How poor could a man who’s both literate and martial be? Who with ambition would become a son-in-law?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dai Fu glanced apologetically at Xue Shao and whispered to Huang Quan: “Cousin, the poetry contest has begun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The contest had indeed begun—the owner of Piaoxiang Tower stepped forward carrying a box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would draw a theme from it; whatever he pulled, everyone would compose a poem on that theme, and the best would win, called the Poetry Top Graduate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Poetry Top Graduate wins sixty-six taels of silver and a year’s worth of single-diner meals at Piaoxiang Tower—breakfast, lunch, and dinner included—quite a generous prize.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While listening to gossip, Pan Yun glanced up, about to lower her eyes again, but caught a flick of the owner’s hand as it reached into the box—she arched a brow, instantly lifting her gaze, eyes sparkling as she fixed them on the man onstage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Piaoxiang Tower owner remained oblivious, unfolding a slip of paper and announcing loudly: “The theme is out: Sea! This time, our poetry must center on the sea.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The sea? If we’re talking about sea-themed verse, Cao Cao’s is still the best.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think Zhang Jiuling’s ‘The bright moon rises over the sea, shared by all at the world’s end’ is the finest ever written.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Su Shi’s ‘Ascending the Sea Market of Dengzhou’ is more profound—it observes the sea to perceive the laws of heaven and earth, embodying the principle of investigating things to attain knowledge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After listening to the crowd’s chatter, Pan Yun turned to Xue Shao: “Can you win?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shao was modest: “I’ll try. Even if I don’t win, my calligraphy is good—I can hang it up, and someone might buy it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Quan was startled: “Xue Brother, are you really this poor you must sell your calligraphy to survive?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shao nodded slightly: “I truly have little money to my name.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Quan instantly looked understanding—no wonder he wanted to become a son-in-law—but…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at the dishes and wine on the table, his heart skipped—he had little money, yet these meals and wine…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shao sensed his worry the moment he lowered his gaze and immediately lifted the wine jug: “I owe you thanks, Brother Huang—if not for you, I’d have wandered far longer. This cup is for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Quan relaxed, laughing heartily: “No need for thanks, Xue Brother—rest assured, tomorrow I’ll take you to register at the Feng family’s villa.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun’s gaze wandered around the tavern, observing the guests who shook their heads, pinched their fingers, and frowned—soon she singled out three who, though also nodding and frowning, carried an air of quiet confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She jabbed Xue Shao urgently: “Hurry, hurry—the incense stick has started, some are already going up to write—go write yours now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun grinned mischievously: “If you win the top prize, that’ll be fun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shao turned to her: “Fun?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun nodded firmly: “Fun. Very fun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pushed him to his feet: “Go, go—if you win, you’ll see why. If you don’t, I’ll tell you later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shao rose and invited Huang Quan and Dai Fu to join him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Quan waved him off: “I’m no good at poetry, and with so many talented scholars and beauties here, I wouldn’t dare show off—go ahead, Xue Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, the poetry contest allowed women to enter as well as men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shao walked toward the long table set before the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three long tables stood before the stage, each holding nine sets of brushes and ink—anyone who composed a verse could step forward and write immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After writing, they signed their names and handed the poem to a nearby page; when the incense stick burned out, the pages would read the poems aloud in order, and the final winner would be chosen jointly by the judges upstairs and the guests in the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This system produced poems that earned broad consensus—according to Huang Quan, so far, even when critics disagreed on the quality of the winning verse, everyone agreed on the winner’s ability and the contest’s fairness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun agreed the winning poems were good—but whether they truly reflected the winner’s ability was another matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, what if the winner had known the theme in advance and prepared several poems ahead of time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others had only one incense stick’s time; he might have had a day, three days, even longer to prepare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun watched the Piaoxiang Tower owner and the judges upstairs with keen interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shao walked slowly; by the time he reached the table, he already had his poem ready and picked up his brush at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had seen the sea, sailed on it, even fought naval battles—he knew the sea no less than these native Chaozhou men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His brush danced like a dragon, and he finished quickly; after a moment’s thought, he signed it “Xue Wen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His given name was Wen Shao, but though he rarely used it, those in official circles with good connections might recognize it—so he used only “Wen,” omitting “Shao.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shao set down his brush, lifted the poem, and blew on it to dry, then handed it to the waiting page.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The page glanced at it and his eyes widened in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a page, he was naturally literate; having worked here long, though he couldn’t compose poetry himself, he could still appreciate it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether or not this was the best poem, this handwriting was unquestionably the finest in the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shao turned to return to his seat; as he reached the table, the Piaoxiang Tower owner struck a gong loudly, announcing the incense stick had burned out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two pages immediately unfurled the collected poems and began reading them one by one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After each poem, they paused briefly—allowing the crowd to savor it and the judges upstairs to score it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, two men emerged as frontrunners: Ma Chengjun and He Yang—their scores were closest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guests in the hall began whispering, debating whose poem was better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the debate stalled, a page lifted another slip and announced: “This is the final poem: ‘Waves Wash Sand’ by Lord Xue Wen of Hedong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The page read it aloud—silence fell over the hall. The judges upstairs rose and leaned forward, asking: “Who is Xue Wen?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those upstairs all leaned down, scanning the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Quan had been staring, dumbfounded, at Xue Shao; as soon as the judges spoke, he leapt up, waving his hand loudly: “This—this!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He grabbed Xue Shao’s hand and shoved him forward: “This is Lord Xue Wen!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Shaofuren, seeing it was Xue Shao, hid her face behind her fan, smiling warmly: “Little sister, our taste is truly excellent—this gentleman has both looks and talent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Lin blushed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Shaofuren sighed: “Pity he’s accompanied by a young lady—otherwise, I’d ask Father to set up a literary contest for you. The Feng family holds martial trials for brides—we’d hold a literary one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Lin pulled her hand away sharply, annoyed: “Big sister, if you keep making wild suggestions, I’ll tell Brother you came to Piaoxiang Tower to gawk at handsome men—see how you dare show your face again.” Lin Shaofuren tapped her head with her fan: “Ungrateful! Why do I go out so diligently? To take you for a stroll, of course!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Lin sniffed, glancing at Pan Yun, who stood beside Xue Shao with a serene smile, and fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun was delighted, nudging Xue Shao insistently: “Say it—do you think the judges will give you the top prize? I bet they won’t!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shao scanned the upstairs—five judges; one leaned forward, eagerly watching him, the other four sat unmoved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes were sharp—he could clearly see their grim expressions and the displeasure in their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Piaoxiang Tower owner, who had been smiling warmly, now wore a forced smile, his gaze constantly flicking to one side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shao followed his gaze and saw Ma Chengjun and He Yang standing there—the two who had been tied before his poem appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shao turned away, scanned the hall and upstairs once more, then said calmly: “I won’t bet on the judges’ verdict—I’ll bet on the final outcome. I bet I’ll win the top prize.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun also scanned the hall and upstairs—today’s crowd was unusually large, and everyone seemed wealthy—not paid spectators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not paid meant impartial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine,” Pan Yun conceded, “I bet you’ll win the top prize.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With no one betting against it, the wager had no point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Quan, half-listening, stood bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shao stepped forward, bowed to the crowd upstairs and down, and introduced himself with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xue Shao was not only talented but young and handsome, everyone’s eyes brightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Handsome men were admired not just by women, but by men too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In official circles, good looks brought extra advantages—being a beauty-fan wasn’t just a woman’s trait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So as soon as Xue Shao appeared, goodwill toward him surged—even the four judges upstairs softened their expressions slightly, though they remained displeased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one likes an outcome that was certain to be lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Piaoxiang Tower owner smiled faintly at Xue Shao: “Your accent suggests you’re new to Chaozhou?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shao smiled and replied: “I passed through Chaozhou three years ago during my studies; I loved the southern landscapes and culture so much, I’ve returned to study again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This answer won him more favor—the judge upstairs who liked him best leaned halfway out, eager to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Piaoxiang Tower owner beat him to the question: “Do you hold any official degree?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shao answered: “I am a Provincial Graduate of the Zhengtong Eighth Year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire tavern gasped, all eyes fixed on Xue Shao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So young a Provincial Graduate~~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Lin’s sister-in-law sat up straight, gripping Miss Lin’s hand tightly: “Little sister, if you keep digging, no wall is too high—she’s dressed like a lady of the inner chambers, clearly unmarried; as long as they’re not wed, you still have a chance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Lin yanked her hand back, flustered: “Big sister, what are you saying? Do you think I’m that low-class?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not about class—it’s about family advancement! Such a young Provincial Graduate—think of your brother—he’s old, still a Licentiate, failed the Autumn Examination three times, didn’t pass this year’s special exam, and no one knows when he’ll get another chance—miss this, and you’ll never find another!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Lin ignored her, frowning at the hall below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Piaoxiang Tower owner continued questioning Xue Shao, even proposing the upstairs judges test his scholarship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Lin frowned slightly and whispered: “Big sister, don’t you think Sun Hanwen seems odd?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How so?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miss Lin glanced around, frowning: “I don’t know—it just feels off. He doesn’t want to give the top prize to Xue Wen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Shaofuren waved her fan dismissively: “Maybe he’s upset the new winner won’t come alone to eat here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Piaoxiang Tower only offered single-diner meals to the winner—but who eats alone at a tavern?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d bring friends; beyond the fixed meal, everything else cost money—so the tavern made more profit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Shaofuren managed the family’s estates and shops—she’d learned many tricks from Piaoxiang Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two sisters whispered a few more words; the judges had already scored. One gave a perfect score; the other four gave varying low scores.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall erupted in uproar—everyone was confused: Xue Shao’s poem was clearly the best, why such low scores?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four judges began finding fault with the poem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is no absolute best in literature; to find fault with poetry, even Li Bai would be picked apart—some said Xue Shao’s rhyme was vulgar, others claimed his use of the character “ru” was poor and should be changed to “gui”…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone had their own excuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>▲￠O\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Overall, Xue Shao’s judge scores ranked only average—not just behind Ma Chengjun and He Yang, but down to twelfth place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Shao didn’t mind; he smiled and thanked the five judges for their guidance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sincerity and openness made him appear graceful, while the four judges and the owner of Piaoxiang Pavilion, who had been interrogating him, seemed petty and narrow-minded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, in the final guest voting round, the vast majority cast their votes for Xue Shao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The so-called votes were the flowers placed in bamboo tubes on each table after guests sat down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For every few guests at a table, the waiter would place that many flowers into the bamboo tube.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These flowers were not free—one wen per flower; when guests left, if no flowers remained on the table, it meant they had used them and needed to pay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If flowers remained, it meant none of the poems that night pleased them, and no payment was due.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, most guests had no objections to the judges’ selections, so many would not use flowers to vote.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But tonight, the guests’ preferences clearly differed from the judges’ final results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, the judges held no absolute authority—Lin’s young lady picked up a flower from the bamboo tube and placed it on the waiter’s tray: “Vote for Young Master Xue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other ladies and young mistresses at her table immediately picked up flowers and cast theirs for Xue Shao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Lin’s young lady set the example, everyone followed suit and voted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sun Hanwen, owner of Piaoxiang Pavilion: …\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tonight’s flower revenue should be the highest of the year, yet he was not at all pleased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One flower cost one wen; even if every single flower was used, the profit would be negligible, let alone the money owed to Ma Chengjun and the others…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tonight he lost money and damaged his reputation—who on earth was this man?\u003C\u002Fp>",2339,"2026-06-20T22:04:01.137Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","ee45e00be9b4ce2e796703871820a7cb6b0d4585a729f2e8e97eaf5f9f123870","the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-990","the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-988",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-cover.jpg"]