Chapter 303: Canglang Poetry Talk

Unexpectedly, he would rather give it to that sharp-tongued bitch than bother to buy an extra jar for her.

Since when did her second brother start to distance himself from her?

In the past, he had always done whatever she asked.

Ji Qingqing went over the events of the past few months in her mind.

She increasingly felt that it was because of Ji Yuntang and Hua Feixue’s appearance that Ji Qingfeng had become so selfish, to the point where even she didn’t recognize him anymore!

By now, Ji Qingqing had taken it for granted that Ji Qingfeng would give her gifts.

As soon as he didn’t give her something, she felt that Ji Qingfeng had changed and was no longer her beloved brother!

Ji Qingqing lay on the ground, her face a palette of ugly colors.

In that moment, she thought a lot.

Since she had taken back the whole family’s favor from Ji Yuntang before, naturally she could do it again.

She pushed herself up from the ground, hatred burning in her eyes.

"Miss Hua, Mother is letting you stay here out of consideration for Second Brother, but don’t think that living in the Marquis’s mansion means you will definitely marry my second brother."

"As for you injuring me today, with just one word from me, you can be kicked out at any time..."

Ji Qingqing had thought that if she threatened Hua Feixue a few times, she would obediently come and apologize to her.

Unexpectedly, Hua Feixue made a funny face at her, her slender phoenix eyes slightly raised.

"Second Miss Ji is so formidable, I’m so scared, boohoo!"

"Then do you believe that with just one word from me, your second brother will also be kicked out together?"

Ji Qingqing was furious!

This bitch dared to threaten her?

Ji Qingfeng, as if poisoned by something unknown, now protects Hua Feixue in everything he does, even turning against his family for her.

So what Hua Feixue said was not without reason.

Though angry, Ji Qingqing knew she could not drive her away for now, so she left angrily after leaving a harsh word.

"The gates of the Marquis Yongning’s mansion are not so easy to enter. We’ll see about that."

Hua Feixue curled her lips.

She didn’t come here for him; she simply thought Ji Qingfeng was stupid and easy to deceive.

The Blood Rain Sect was deserted and empty; years of hard work were undone overnight.

She had been angry and resentful, but what use was that?

Would the lost silver come back?

Hua Feixue was originally someone who accepted circumstances as they came. Although she hated the thief in her heart, she also felt that those things never belonged to her in the first place; they were left by the previous sect leader.

Of course, she would not forget the little bastard who knocked her out that night, as well as... that damn Crown Prince of the Dongchen Kingdom.

If he hadn’t led troops to attack the Blood Rain Sect that night, her treasury wouldn’t have been stolen, and the Blood Rain Sect wouldn’t have disbanded.

Then now, she would still be comfortably ruling as her sect leader on Mount Limang; how could she have been brought home by a man?

Hearing him call her A Hua every day made her sick!

Every time, she wished she could stuff a rag in Ji Qingfeng’s mouth.

She had never met such a greasy, shameless stinky man as Ji Qingfeng!

In contrast to Hua Feixue’s disgust, Ji Zihang was much more agitated.

The reason he rushed back from the Royal Academy this time was not only because of his grandmother’s illness.

There was another more important matter waiting for him.

That was, the Qingyun Hall would hold the Canglang Poetry Talk at the Qianqiu Tower in three days.

The Canglang Poetry Talk was held annually in December, rotating among the four nations each year, known as the largest literary event among the four nations.

This year happened to be the Dongchen Kingdom’s turn.

It emphasized spontaneity, cordiality, fairness, and justice.

Although it was called a poetry talk, the examination content included more than just poetry; it was divided into five categories.

They were arithmetic, law, carpentry, calligraphy, and finally poetry.

The participants included not only literary masters from the Imperial Academy, but also students from various academies who came out of admiration, as well as literati and wandering scholars from all over the four nations. It was truly a gathering of talents.

There were many benefits for those attending the Canglang Poetry Talk. If a student achieved excellent results in the five subjects, they could directly take the palace examination to become an official, without needing to sit for the spring metropolitan examination in February of the following year.

If a literati or wandering scholar made a name for themselves, and if they were unwilling to become officials, they would receive generous rewards and the Emperor Jingyang’s calligraphy blessing.

The first-place winner of the Canglang Poetry Talk could not only become famous throughout the world, but the most important point was that they could offer a suggestion to Emperor Jingyang.

This suggestion could relate to the development of the Dongchen Kingdom, bring about political changes, or pertain to the livelihoods of the people.

In the end, this suggestion would be implemented and named after the proposer, to be passed down forever, achieving fame and going down in history.

Almost all the students came for this opportunity.

Just imagine: your own suggestion being adopted by the emperor and developed under your own name.

When this spreads, not only yourself but the entire family would bask in glory and pride.

Ji Zihang came precisely for this.

Ji Nanchuan talked to him for half the night, telling him that no matter what, he must win the first place in the Canglang Poetry Talk this time.

The Marquis Yongning’s mansion already had one son serving as an official; his goal was to get Ji Zihang into office as well.

The spring metropolitan examination was fair and just, but it took too long; one would have to wait several months to take the metropolitan examination.

Ji Nanchuan couldn't afford to wait that long. He wanted Ji Zihang to win first place in this Canglang Poetry Talk and then clear the Yongning Hou Mansion's name of the shame brought by Ji Yuntang.

Over these past few months, because of Ji Yuntang, no matter where Ji Nanchuan went, his fellow officials would make life difficult for him.

He had overheard people talking behind his back at least twenty times.

He feared that if this continued, the reputation of the Yongning Hou Mansion would truly be ruined because of him.

As the hope for the Yongning Hou Mansion to clear its name, Ji Zihang felt immense pressure.

As far as he knew, the judges for this Canglang Poetry Talk comprised officials from various ministries, great scholars from the Imperial Academy, and princes.

In addition, the headmaster of the Royal Academy, Cheng Rushan, and the master of Qingyun Hall, Mei Zhuyu, would also be present.

All of them were highly renowned and influential figures.

With three days left until the Canglang Poetry Talk began, Ji Zihang spent all day in his study, burying himself in books and neglecting food and sleep.

Even when Ji Qingqing came to see him, he refused to meet her.

Ji Qingqing was somewhat displeased. Ji Huaiche was not in the mansion, and Ji Qingfeng was captivated by that woman!

When she felt wronged, the only person she could think of was Ji Zihang!

But Ji Zihang wouldn't even see her.

Ji Qingqing went back and threw a huge fit, smashing everything on the floor.

"What's so great about that damn poetry gathering? Is it more important to him than me, his sister?"

"Third Brother would rather stay in his room all day reading those boring books than open the door to see me. Does he no longer have a place for me, his sister, in his heart?"

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