"Hmph, why aren't you saying anything, Little Duke? Are you feeling guilty because I've hit the nail on the head?" Seeing that Ye Yiming had nothing to say, Scholar Zheng scoffed, his words dripping with the arrogance of someone who believes they've seen through everything.

"Guilty?" Ye Yiming suddenly shouted.

Guilty? Ha! Would I, Ye Yiming, ever feel guilty?

Seeing Scholar Zheng's disdainful expression, Ye Yiming felt a surge of anger.

"Scholar Zheng, I, Ye Yiming, have never known what it means to feel guilty. What is mine is mine; if it isn't mine, I would never claim it. When you speak, you should base your words on facts and not spout nonsense under the guise of being a cultured scholar!"

Ye Yiming's bold words stunned the civil officials present.

Daring to scold Scholar Zheng of the Tahe Hall so bluntly in front of the Emperor and numerous powerful civil officials? Ye Yiming must be insanely audacious!

Not only were the officials shocked and angered, but even Lin Wanjun was taken aback by Ye Yiming's words, finding them hard to believe.

This kid is unbelievably bold. I've never seen anyone talk to Scholar Zheng like this before!

"You..."

Scholar Zheng was already extremely agitated, pointing at Ye Yiming and stuttering "you, you, you" for a while before finally roaring, "What a sharp-tongued brat! I would like to know how I, a cultured scholar, have spouted nonsense. Now, in front of His Majesty, explain how I have been talking nonsense!"

Hmph!

Ye Yiming sneered, giving the agitated Scholar Zheng a cold glance, and said, "Fine! Since that's the case, may I ask you, Scholar Zheng, have you ever seen the couplet and the poem I presented in the court seven days ago before that day?"

As soon as Ye Yiming finished speaking, Scholar Zheng was stunned into silence. The reason was simple: he had indeed never seen the couplet and poem before that day, leaving him momentarily speechless.

Seeing this, Ye Yiming stepped forward, fixed his gaze on Scholar Zheng, and raised his voice slightly, "I request Scholar Zheng to answer my question!"

Feeling uncomfortable under Ye Yiming's intense gaze, Scholar Zheng reluctantly said, "I indeed had not seen those couplets and poems before seven days ago, but..."

Scholar Zheng paused, seemingly thinking of something, and then sneered at Ye Yiming, "But given the profoundness of those couplets and poems, they are not something an ordinary person could come up with. Considering your notorious reputation as the top playboy in the capital, I find it hard to believe you could have composed them."

Upon hearing Scholar Zheng's words, the twenty-two officials present began nodding and discussing.

"Indeed, Scholar Zheng is right. With Ye Yiming's reputation, he couldn't have composed such poems."

"Exactly! With his reputation as a playboy, how could he argue with Prime Minister Wu and match couplets with him?"

"Yes, I agree too!"

For a moment, all the officials were convinced that someone with Ye Yiming's reputation could not have such talent, causing Lin Wanjun, sitting in the grand hall, to feel suspicious.

Why does this scene look so familiar?

Seeing the officials' reactions, Ye Yiming felt displeased. He frowned and said to Scholar Zheng, "Are you basing your conclusion on your assumptions and my reputation? There's a saying that one should look at a person with new eyes after three days. Just because I have a bad reputation, does that mean I can't compose poetry? Scholar Zheng, you should know that the world is full of wonders. Perhaps I am indeed the exceptional person you think I am!"

Ye Yiming's words made everyone present realize he had a point. After all, in such a vast world, it's normal for one or two extraordinary talents to emerge, so they all stopped discussing and focused on him.

Though they found Ye Yiming's argument reasonable, Scholar Zheng remained adamant, "Hmph, words are useless. Actions speak louder than words. Since you claim to be talented, let's have a competition to prove your capabilities and see if you are indeed as extraordinary as you claim."

Another competition? Is this never-ending?

Ye Yiming felt troubled. But upon seeing Scholar Zheng's smug expression, he felt a surge of defiance.

Hmph! Old coot, if you want to play, I'll play with you to the end.

"Fine, let's compete. I don't mind. Tell me, how do we compete?"

Hearing Scholar Zheng propose a competition, the officials buzzed with excitement, and the hall was filled with lively discussions when Ye Yiming agreed.

Hearing Ye Yiming's agreement, Scholar Zheng was delighted and quickly said, "Alright! Since that's the case, let me explain the rules. First, we'll start with matching couplets."

Scholar Zheng then bowed to Lin Wanjun and said, "First, let's have His Majesty give us a topic. Both Ye Yiming and I will provide a matching couplet to see whose is more fitting. Then, Ye Yiming and I will each give three topics to the other to match. As for composing poems..."

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Scholar Zheng deliberately paused and coldly said to Ye Yiming, "Let's see if Ye Yiming can come up with a matching couplet first. I hope you can match the first topic His Majesty gives."

After saying that, Scholar Zheng waved his sleeve and stopped looking at Ye Yiming.

"Oh, it seems I have a role to play in this?" Hearing Scholar Zheng asking him to set a topic, Lin Wanjun became interested, glanced at Ye Yiming, and asked, "Ye Yiming, do you have any objections?"

Ye Yiming first gave Scholar Zheng a glance, then bowed to Lin Wanjun and said, "Your Majesty, I have no objections. Please set the topic."

Seeing Ye Yiming's agreement, Lin Wanjun nodded and thought for a moment before speaking.

"Listen carefully. The topic is 'Eight directions bridge, bridge eight directions, on eight directions bridge, view eight directions, eight directions, eight directions, eight eight directions!'"

Upon hearing the topic, the officials exclaimed in awe, praising the Emperor's topic as wonderful, excellent, and perfect. Eventually, they were so excited that they knelt and chanted long live, leaving Ye Yiming feeling exasperated.

After the officials knelt, Scholar Zheng bowed to Lin Wanjun and said, "Your Majesty, I have come up with the matching couplet."

In no time, Scholar Zheng announced he had a matching couplet, causing Lin Wanjun to marvel at his talent.

As expected of the scholar of Tahe Hall! His knowledge is indeed astonishing!

"Then go ahead, Scholar Zheng."

"Yes!" Scholar Zheng first responded to Lin Wanjun, then straightened up, glanced at Ye Yiming, and said, "My matching couplet is 'One penny coin, coin one penny, exchange one penny coin for one penny, one penny, one penny, one one penny!'"

As soon as Scholar Zheng finished, the officials nodded in approval, and even Lin Wanjun couldn't help but nod.

"Very good, very good. Scholar Zheng's couplet is excellent!"

"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty!" Scholar Zheng hurriedly bowed in gratitude.

After bowing, Scholar Zheng turned to Ye Yiming and asked, "Little Duke, have you come up with your matching couplet?"

With Scholar Zheng's question, Ye Yiming became the center of attention.

Facing the inquisitive and doubtful looks, Ye Yiming smiled, then bowed to Lin Wanjun and said, "Your Majesty, I have come up with a matching couplet. Please evaluate it."

Seeing this, Lin Wanjun smiled and said, "Alright, let's hear it."

As soon as Lin Wanjun finished speaking, Ye Yiming knelt and loudly recited, "Long live Your Majesty, Your Majesty long live, in front of Your Majesty, long live, long live, long live, long long live!"

Ye Yiming's actions first stunned Lin Wanjun, but his loud recitation of the couplet made Lin Wanjun burst into laughter.

"Good! Good! Good! Ye Yiming, your couplet is excellent!"

Not only was Lin Wanjun surprised, but the officials were also amazed by Ye Yiming's couplet, even Scholar Zheng was momentarily stunned.

After a burst of laughter, Lin Wanjun glanced at the officials and asked, "What do you all think of Scholar Zheng's and Ye Yiming's matching couplets? Who do you think did better?"

Hearing Lin Wanjun's question, the officials exchanged awkward glances.

Do you really need to ask? Didn't you see how pleased the Emperor was?

Ye Yiming's couplet not only matched perfectly but also flattered the Emperor. The winner is clear, isn't it?

But these officials were here to find a reason to punish Ye Yiming. They were all on Scholar Zheng's side, but as scholars who had lived their lives upholding their integrity, they couldn't bring themselves to unfairly support Scholar Zheng, leaving them in a difficult position.

Fortunately, Scholar Zheng was a person who could accept defeat gracefully. After hearing Ye Yiming's couplet, he was momentarily stunned before speaking up.

"Your Majesty, there's no need to ask. I concede this round. My couplet is not as good as Ye Yiming's."

Scholar Zheng's firm tone surprised Lin Wanjun.

Ha, this is the first time I've seen Scholar Zheng admit defeat!

"Very well, I declare Ye Yiming the winner of this round. Now, you may set topics for each other."

"Yes!" After Lin Wanjun finished speaking, Scholar Zheng and Ye Yiming both bowed, then looked at each other.

After a moment of thought, Scholar Zheng set his first topic, "The snow has melted in three layers on the warm earth."

Ye Yiming pondered for a moment, then said, "The wind is warm and the flowers are blooming in spring."

The officials didn't have time to express their surprise when Scholar Zheng gave his second topic, "The rain has stopped, leaving wet flowers on the ground."

Ye Yiming pondered again and responded, "The sun is bright, shining warmly."

Hearing Ye Yiming's response, the officials were in an uproar. They didn't expect Ye Yiming to match so well.

After composing himself, Scholar Zheng announced the third topic, "In the warm spring breeze, flowers bloom and willows turn green."

Ye Yiming pondered and responded, "With the arrival of summer, lotus flowers are in full bloom, and the lotus fragrance fills the air."

Upon hearing the third response, Scholar Zheng was stunned. After a while, he sighed and conceded, "I admit defeat."

Seeing Scholar Zheng admitting defeat, the officials exchanged glances in disbelief.

Did Scholar Zheng really admit defeat? That's too unbelievable!

Before the officials could react, Lin Wanjun burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! Good, very good! Scholar Zheng, Ye Yiming, both of you are excellent! It seems that Ye Yiming is indeed talented. Scholar Zheng, you should not underestimate the younger generation."

"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty!" Both Ye Yiming and Scholar Zheng bowed to Lin Wanjun.

After the ceremony, Lin Wanjun looked at Ye Yiming and asked, "Ye Yiming, now it's your turn to set topics for Scholar Zheng."

Ye Yiming thought for a moment and set his first topic, "When the flowers fall, they follow the water, and they both vanish."

Upon hearing the topic, Scholar Zheng was stunned, but after a moment, he responded, "The wind sends the fragrance of flowers far away, filling the air."

Seeing Scholar Zheng's quick response, Ye Yiming smiled and set his second topic, "The moonlight on the pond is clear and the water sparkles like silver."

After a moment of thought, Scholar Zheng responded, "The mountain stream is cold, and the water flows swiftly."

Seeing Scholar Zheng's confident response, Ye Yiming paused and set his third topic, "In the quiet forest, the deer are leaping."

Scholar Zheng pondered for a moment before responding, "In the vast sky, the eagles are soaring."

After hearing Scholar Zheng's response, the officials couldn't help but marvel at his talent.

Though both Ye Yiming and Scholar Zheng performed well, Lin Wanjun knew it was time to conclude the competition.

"Alright, today's competition is over. Both of you have performed admirably. Scholar Zheng, Ye Yiming, you have both demonstrated your talents. There is no need to determine a winner or loser. Today, I am very pleased with your performance."

Hearing Lin Wanjun's words, both Ye Yiming and Scholar Zheng bowed and thanked him.

As the officials prepared to leave, Lin Wanjun gave Ye Yiming a meaningful look and said, "Ye Yiming, you have shown great talent today. I hope you will continue to cultivate your abilities and not let your talents go to waste."

"Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty. I will do my best to live up to your expectations," Ye Yiming responded respectfully.

As the officials left the grand hall, Ye Yiming felt a sense of relief.

Today's competition had been intense, but he had managed to hold his own against Scholar Zheng, earning the respect of the Emperor and the officials.

However, he knew that this was just the beginning. There would be more challenges ahead, and he had to stay vigilant.

As he walked out of the hall, Ye Yiming couldn't help but think to himself, "Is this never-ending?"