Chapter 147: The Unrivaled Couplet

The examinees were buzzing with anticipation. This was especially true for the poor students from humble backgrounds who lacked connections or advantages. Here, under the watchful eyes of the public, it was truly a test of real talent. They perked up to the fullest, waiting for the Educational Official to pose the challenge.

Not just them, even the Leftover Warriors in the crowd who were there for a performance duty were drawn in. After all, they counted themselves as scholars; given the chance, they all wanted to compete.

Liu Liwa and Miss Zhao had no choice. To find a way to advertise, they pushed through the crowd closer to the center.

Amidst eager calls from the crowd, the seemingly erudite Old Pedant, whose beard seemed full of stories, finally spoke: “Young scholars, this unworthy old man dare not claim to be testing you. I merely offer three questions as a way to rouse better responses and help everyone enjoy themselves.”

As soon as the Old Pedant spoke, the noisy scene fell silent. Aside from the hundreds of examinees, there were girls seeking suitors, middle and primary school students, and parents – all held their breath, quietly waiting for the challenge.

“The first challenge will be a couplet, beloved by all. This old man presents the first line. Anyone present may attempt the second. The victor shall be the one whose antithesis is most precise and whose imagery aligns best.” The Old Pedant stroked his beard and smiled, his eyes gleaming with fervor. To Liu Liwa, it seemed he wasn’t offering the scholars a chance to showcase their talents. Rather, it was an opportunity for him to show off.

Just as Liu Liwa thought, the Old Pedant’s opening line practically gave internal injuries to many. His first line was:

White Pagoda Street, a Yellow Smith, lights a Red Furnace, burns Black Charcoal, releases Blue Smoke, flashes Blue Light, tempers Purple Iron, sitting North, facing South, making East and West tools.

The already quiet scene became utterly silent after the Old Pedant presented this first line. You could hear a pin drop. This couplet not only contained seven colors – red, white, blue, black, purple, green, and yellow – but also four directions: east, west, south, north. Calling it the unrivaled couplet through the ages wasn’t an exaggeration.

The first line had stumped everyone. Each person was frowning in deep thought. Of course, some were genuinely pondering, while others were pretending. In this atmosphere, even if you couldn’t read, you had to pretend to be an intellectual.

This didn’t include Liu Liwa and Zhao Jiabi, however. The two were still gesturing and discussing how to adapt and continue their advertising mission, but they hadn’t found a way yet. Miss Zhao grew so frustrated she slowly edged closer to him.

Just then, while everyone was deeply frowning and utterly baffled, one person in the crowd raised his arm high and loudly declared, “I have it!”

This cry was like thunder on a clear day, instantly breaking everyone’s train of thought. That someone could come up with the second line so quickly demonstrated a swiftness of mind that truly commanded respect.

The crowd turned to look. The speaker was none other than the poorly dressed but exceptionally handsome scholarship student Wu Yuzhou, a fisherman’s son from the eastern coastal town. Bookworms who shared his interests saw it was him and immediately became excited. Even the frivolous scholars looked at him differently. The most astonished, of course, was the Old Pedant. He had thought this couplet would make him tower above the others, flaunt his knowledge, and hopefully earn the County Magistrate’s favor. He hadn’t expected someone to answer so fast! There’s always someone greater, he sighed inwardly before saying, “Young scholar, please…”

Though his clothing was shabby, Wu Yuzhou had a handsome, imposing demeanor and moved with an air of scholarly refinement. He stepped forward, cupped his fist in salute to the Old Pedant, and then spoke clearly: “Sir’s first line is: White Pagoda Street, a Yellow Smith, lights a Red Furnace, burns Black Charcoal, releases Blue Smoke, flashes Blue Light, tempers Purple Iron, sitting North, facing South, making East and West tools. This unworthy student humbly offers the second line: Freshwater Bay, a Bitter Farmer, wears a Cool Straw Hat, stoops with a Sour Back, bares his head to the Spicy Sun, drips Salty Sweat, cuts Sweet Sugar Cane, supporting his Wife, teaching his Son, raising his Grandchild.”

“Excellent!” As soon as he finished, a chorus of cheers erupted from the bookish faction, and others bowed to his talent and quick wit. However, some weren’t impressed. After all, the Old Pedant’s first line contained seven colors and four directions. Wu Yuzhou’s line, while reflecting the hardships of the common people, hinting at his own humble origins and embodying his proud spirit, wasn’t perfectly matched in structure.

Wu Yuzhou himself clearly knew his line wasn’t flawlessly balanced. Yet, he stood proudly in the center, unfazed by both cheers and doubts. The matching line was truly a reflection of his own feelings and lament about his background.

Despite that, being the first to respond was commendable. The faction of the rich young masters was instantly overshadowed. Unable to concede defeat, they involuntarily cast hopeful glances at their leader, Du Shaofu. Du Shaofu did not disappoint. He stepped forward, a playful smirk on his face. His gaze swept past the crowd to the bustling street outside, lined with colorful shops. Inspiration struck. Clasping his fist, he proclaimed, “This unworthy student also has a line. I ask for corrections not only from the esteemed Education Official but also from my school brothers. My humble second line is: Firewood and Coal Store, Rice Boss, stir-fries Rapeseed Greens, sprinkles Salt Powder, pours Sauce Dregs, splashes Vinegar Water, adds Tea Leaves; from Top to Bottom, busy Inside and Outside.”

“Marvelous!” The frivolous faction erupted into thunderous applause. The Old Pedant and the County Magistrate nodded repeatedly. Even Wu Yuzhou’s eyes flashed with surprise as he looked at Du Shaofu. Though the man was full of dirty jokes, playful and scolding, he did possess real talent and knowledge.

Du Shaofu’s second line clearly surpassed Wu Yuzhou’s by a level. It incorporated the seven essentials – firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, tea – and the four directions of up, down, inside, outside, achieving much better structural parallelism.

After both men presented their lines, the crowd was stirred and excited. Such skill was enviable. Glances from many young ladies drifted towards them, bright and shimmering like spring water, lingering glances full of admiration. True talent is indeed attractive. Naturally, there were others who refused to admit defeat, locking horns mentally, sweating cold beads of sweat on their foreheads, racking their brains. Alas, composing poems and antithetical couplets isn’t just about how many books you’ve read or characters you recognize. You need to apply what you’ve learned, flexibly.

The Old Pedant held back his commentary for now, waiting to see if anyone else could produce an answer. If no one did, then Du Shaofu naturally won this round.

Wu Yuzhou and Du Shaofu were each surrounded by supporters from their own factions. Neither side yielded, locked in an intense, silent battle. The atmosphere became heated. Wu Yuzhou remained calm, radiating powerful confidence, his resolute face bearing the stubborn spirit of the grassroots. Du Shaofu, on the other hand, looked relaxed and pleased, not hiding his smugness one bit. Simultaneously, his frivolous gaze swept the crowd and suddenly landed on the exceedingly beautiful Miss Zhao. His eyes instantly sparkled. Unconsciously, he stepped towards her.

Miss Zhao noticed him too, along with his ill intentions. She hurriedly tried to avoid him by walking faster. Since she had been planning to get closer to Liu Liwa to discuss the advertising matter anyways, her flustered attempt brought her speeding headfirst right into Liu Liwa.

“Ah!”

Liu Liwa yelped in surprise, unprepared. He staggered backwards from the impact, crashed through the crowd, and nearly knocked over the Old Pedant…