Chapter 142: How Could You Be So Shameless!

“Who exactly is this Young Master Chu? His painting skills are impressive, but his couplet compositions are extraordinary as well!”

“I’ve heard he has some connection with the Xiao family, but beyond that, no one really knows much.”

“Ah, I can’t stand it anymore! Tonight, I’m going to pay a visit to Young Master Chu—and maybe have a child with him while I’m at it!”

“Hey, Xiao Ling, how can you say that? If you’re going, you have to take me along!”

...

Even Young Master Zhang admitted defeat, and the hall instantly erupted with exclamations.

Chen Xiang was quite good-looking, and after his cultivation, his skin and figure improved even further. Some women even confessed their feelings to him on the spot!

Young Master Wang and his companions looked as black as coal.

They never expected Chen Xiang to be so formidable, and so quickly, they had lost yet another round.

“He’s already taken first place twice. We can’t lose again. From now on, be careful—it concerns our family’s business!” Young Master Wang said solemnly to the group.

Everyone tensed and nodded in understanding, their faces serious.

But in truth, aside from Young Masters Wang and Zhang, the others felt more regret than anything else. This wasn’t their concern at all—why had they foolishly involved themselves in the first place?

Now, facing imminent defeat, they couldn’t help but feel anxious; they had been nervous since the very first round.

It felt as if they were hitting a brick wall.

Madam Xiao watched Chen Xiang with great interest, thinking to herself that her daughter had judged him well—this man was truly a great talent, possibly even an all-round genius.

That couplet he just composed was nothing short of brilliant.

No one with a shred of pride would dare to respond to it. How did he even come up with it?

Meanwhile, the secretary had already transcribed the couplet from the second round and distributed it far and wide. Not only had everyone in the hall seen it, but even those outside who couldn’t get in had caught a glimpse.

During this time, Chen Xiang had earned over a thousand reputation points!

“Haha, I’m one step closer to my little goal of a hundred million!” Chen Xiang dreamed happily.

As he basked in his joy, Young Master Wang stood up and said, “Brother Chu, we’ve decided not to use a draw to determine the next contest. How about a vote instead?”

At these words, some looked at him with fury.

“When did Young Master Wang become so shameless? He keeps making things difficult for Young Master Chu!”

“Exactly. This literary contest seemed fair at first, but it’s really just Chu against six of them. And now they want to decide by vote?”

“If it’s a vote, it’s obviously rigged. Six to one!”

“To think that these renowned talents of Liuxing City are like this—I really misjudged them before!”

...

A few people saw through it clearly and couldn’t stand it anymore; they spoke up in protest.

“Young Master Wang, there are limits to decency!” Madam Xiao narrowed her eyes and fixed Wang with a sharp gaze.

Wang broke out in a cold sweat but ignored the insults and accusations, his eyes locked on Chen Xiang.

They couldn’t afford another loss. This was about their family’s fortune and future. Although they would never surrender willingly, losing today would be a huge blow to their reputation!

Young Master Zhang and the others followed Wang, knowing full well his capabilities.

Besides, enduring a moment of scorn was better than a lifetime of disgrace!

“Fine, no vote then. Just tell me what you want to compete in,” Chen Xiang said casually.

He wasn’t afraid no matter what the challenge was—and he was certain to win!

---

“Great! Brother Chu, you’re straightforward. Then we’ll compete in poetry!” Young Master Wang said immediately upon Chen Xiang’s agreement.

Poetry was a must-learn for every scholar; each of them was skilled in composing poems, with Wang himself being among the best.

But that didn’t mean Wang’s poems were always better. For instance, Young Master Zhang had once composed a poem that outshone his.

They simply couldn’t believe that among six—no, five—of them, none could produce a single poem better than Chen Xiang’s!

“Alright!” Chen Xiang nodded calmly.

“Since we’re competing here at Tea Aroma Pavilion, let’s do as before and compose a poem about tea. Young Master Chu, any other suggestions?” Wang resumed his polite smile.

“Fine,” Chen Xiang agreed once more.

Wang sneered inwardly. This time, he was ready to give it his all. Even if Chen Xiang’s painting and couplet skills were superb, he didn’t believe Chu could excel in poetry as well!

The seven of them returned to their desks. The crowd in the hall lowered their breathing, anticipation thick in the air.

Chen Xiang didn’t start writing immediately. He picked up a sheet of rice paper and made it flutter softly.

The crowd looked over, curious about his intentions.

“Don’t be nervous. I’m just wiping my hands,” Chen Xiang said as he rubbed his hands with one sheet, but took up his brush to write on another.

Everyone craned their necks to see, but the stage was too high. Only Madam Xiao used her spiritual perception to clearly read the words.

“Life’s desires always at odds, wandering free, the world’s illusions false.”

Madam Xiao frowned slightly. Could Young Master Chu be troubled by something? The events of today would certainly vex anyone, but why write about something other than tea?

Those who couldn’t see grew anxious, eager to glimpse the poem Chu was composing.

Chen Xiang then stopped writing, a faint smile touching his lips as he sat down on the prepared stool, waiting for Wang and the others to finish.

“What is Young Master Chu doing? Why isn’t he writing anymore?”

“Could he have given up?”

“Unlikely—maybe he’s already thought it through!”

...

Everyone was puzzled by Chen Xiang’s behavior.

The other five saw his actions but inexplicably felt immense pressure, sweat beading on their foreheads.

Within less than half an hour, the five put down their brushes.

They sighed in relief, smiles appearing on their faces, confident their poems were quite good!

Wang looked at Chen Xiang with a confident smile. “Brother Chu, have you finished?”

He felt this poem was a breakthrough, better than any he had ever written! This round was surely his victory!

“Ha—been waiting for you all!” Chen Xiang yawned.

Anger flickered in everyone’s hearts.

“Well then! Who goes first?” Wang snorted coldly.

All eyes fixed on Chen Xiang, the meaning clear enough.

Chen Xiang raised an eyebrow and said coolly, “You go first. I’m afraid once my poem is out, you won’t stand a chance!”

“Hmph! We’ll see about that. Brother Chu, you should go first!” Wang sneered.

---

The others bristled with anger.

What did he mean, once his poem appeared, they’d have no chance? Could he really compose a timeless masterpiece in such a short time?

“Then don’t cry later!” Chen Xiang smiled faintly.

The five all snorted angrily, ignoring him.

Then Chen Xiang stepped forward and recited the first line: “Life’s desires always at odds, wandering free, the world’s illusions false.”

The hall fell silent in surprise.

Wasn’t this supposed to be a poem about tea? This seemed off-topic.

This line spoke of dissatisfaction and hardship, with no relation to tea at all.

“Brother Chu, did you get the theme wrong? We agreed on a tea ode!” Young Master Zhang sneered.

The others breathed easier, thinking Chen Xiang had indeed misunderstood the theme, and the line wasn’t all that impressive—giving them more confidence in winning this round.

Chen Xiang ignored Zhang’s words.

He stepped forward again: “Feelings entrusted to the pot holding myriad flavors.”

The five stiffened.

At last, he was writing about tea! A proper tea ode, and it sounded quite good!

Wang’s eyes narrowed in focus.

Everyone watched Chen Xiang anxiously.

Chen Xiang smiled faintly and took another step, standing firm: “No matter if the water’s lean or the tea’s rich!”

The hall fell utterly silent.

Life’s desires always at odds, wandering free, the world’s illusions false.

Feelings entrusted to the pot holding myriad flavors, no matter if the water’s lean or the tea’s rich.

This poem lingered in everyone’s minds.

“Well done!”

Someone shouted, snapping the crowd out of their trance.

“A fine poem! Truly a fine poem!”

“Yes, the first two lines seemed ordinary, but the last two added the perfect touch.”

“This poem will surely become a classic!”

“Brother Chu is indeed a genius—an all-round genius!”

...

Most present were scholars, their faces flushed with excitement.

Madam Xiao’s lips parted slightly as she gazed at Chen Xiang.

Many tea odes circulated in Liuxing City, but none could compare to Chen Xiang’s!

Just then, a furious shout cut through the hall, drowning out all other voices:

“Chu Liuxiang! How dare you be so shameless!”