The area inside and outside the Wu Gate was dead silent, and hundreds of officials seemed to have collectively lost their voices, with the sarcastic poem echoing in their ears.

Only scholars could truly understand the sarcasm embedded in this poem, and how sharp it was.

Scholars were not afraid of being scolded, nor were they afraid of arguing. In fact, they even saw arguing as a form of intellectual debate and took pride in it. Those of lower status liked to pick fights with those of higher status.

Those with great reputation liked to pick fights with those of the same level, and even enjoyed picking fights with the Emperor. Once the Emperor became furious, they would even point at him and say, "He's furious, he's furious..."

The censor-in-chief was the leader in this regard.

However, scholars, especially those in high positions, were afraid of being scolded by three things:

1. History books

2. Articles

3. Poetry

Because these three things involved the thing that scholars cared about the most: their reputation.

Their reputation in front of others and behind their backs.

"Your names and reputations will be lost, and the rivers and mountains will remain forever..." This was a heart-wrenching statement, and no scholar could tolerate the mockery in this poem. It was too malicious.

At this moment, the hundreds of officials felt as if their blood was rushing to their faces, and they keenly felt a great insult.

It wasn't just the poem itself, but also the fact that they were being humiliated by a crude warrior.

It wasn't until the figure with the short cloak walked further away that an official trembled and said with a quivering voice, "Ruffian, insolent brat, uncouth fellow... How dare he insult us like this. Gentlemen, how much more can we tolerate? Send troops to capture and execute this scoundrel."

This was spoken by Yuan Xiong, the Left Censor-in-Chief. All his plans had fallen through, and he was in a low mood, feeling like a powder keg. At this moment, Xu Qi'an's deliberate act of stepping on the Wu Gate made him furious.

Yuan Xiong felt that Xu Qi'an's poem was mocking him, nailing him to the pillar of shame.

The second person to lose control was Qin Yuandao, the Assistant Minister of War. He angrily rushed forward a few steps and shouted sternly, "Guards, where are the guards? Stop that scoundrel, who has insulted the court officials. This is a great disrespect. Stop him at once!"

Unfortunately, the Imperial Guards only followed Emperor Yuan Jing's orders, and even the princess and the prince had no authority to mobilize them.

The Minister of Personnel had a rather complex mood. Anger was inevitable, but for some reason, he felt relieved and let out a sigh. Xu Qi'an hadn't named anyone specifically.

He had nailed everyone to the pillar of shame, so the humiliation they received wasn't so sharp.

The Minister of Personnel felt that there was something wrong with his mindset, but he couldn't figure it out. He, who had read extensively, had never read a book written by Lu Shuren.

"Minister Wei has indeed cultivated a capable subordinate."

The corner of Prime Minister Wang's mouth twitched, and he said with a strange tone.

Even the inscrutable Prime Minister Wang was angered by this poem, showing its power to wound.

The officials looked at Wei Yuan with anger and questioned him with their eyes.

Wei Yuan seemed to have just come to his senses and calmly asked, "Gentlemen, what are you doing? Have you all taken this personally?"

... The officials' expressions froze, feeling that Wei Yuan's casual words had turned the tables on them.

"Well, how should this matter be recorded in the history books?" a young lecturer from the Hanlin Academy said in a deep voice.

As soon as he finished speaking, the officials turned their heads and looked at him with a deep gaze, as if to say, "Has studying made you foolish?"

The lecturer from the Hanlin Academy shrank back and said, "Such a trivial matter is not worth recording in the annals of history."

Wei Yuan said indifferently, "The court session is over, gentlemen should not linger at the Wu Gate. It's best to disperse as soon as possible."

With that, he left first. After walking a distance, Wei Yuan couldn't conceal the smile that appeared on his face, and he let out a "heh" with a gloating expression.

Outside the gate, Huai Qing and Lin'an still remained in their original positions, watching the officials from the civil and military departments disperse.

"Your names and reputations will be lost, and the rivers and mountains will remain forever..." Huai Qing murmured to herself, her pupils reflecting the figures of the officials, but her heart was only focused on the figure of the Nightwatcher, who was wearing the uniform of a night patrolman and walking away with a sword in hand.

Xu Ningyan was different from ordinary warriors. He knew how to attack the seven-inch area of a person, how to use the most incisive attacks to retaliate against enemies, without endangering himself.

Using poetry to wound the heart, striking at the seven-inch area of scholars - this was Xu Ningyan's unique ability.

"The dog slave is really impressive..." Huai Qing murmured.

In her eyes, there was only one scene: the dog slave's light and airy poem had made the officials from the civil and military departments furious, yet they were helpless.In the heart of Biao Biao, this is something that Father Emperor cannot do. Although Father Emperor can use power to suppress others, he cannot do it as casually as a dog servant.

Her charming peach blossom eyes sparkled, and she proudly straightened her chest, barely reaching the daily scale of Huai Qing.

............

In the sleeping palace, after the morning court, Emperor Yuan Jing, who was holding the Daoist classics in his hand, silently listened to the report from the old eunuch and learned about everything that happened at the Wu Gate.

"Such audacity."

Emperor Yuan Jing smiled, and it was unclear whether it was praise or mockery.

However, the old eunuch could confirm one thing, that is, Emperor Yuan Jing, upon learning of Xu Qi'an's arrogant behavior, had no intention of punishing him.

He vaguely guessed Emperor Yuan Jing's thoughts. Xu Qi'an's actions were drawing him closer to the position of a solitary minister, following in the footsteps of Wei Yuan.

And a solitary minister is often the one who puts the Emperor's mind at ease.

A young man with the ability, talent, and talent, compared to those who are opportunistic and form factions everywhere, of course, being a solitary minister is more in line with His Majesty's intentions.

"Your names and reputations will be obliterated, but the rivers and mountains will last forever!"

Emperor Yuan Jing laughed heartily, with a mocking expression on his face: "What a good poem, our Great Feng's poetry champion is truly deserving of the title. Da Ban, pass on my decree and order the Hanlin Academy to record this matter in the annals of history. I want to review it personally."

This is the Emperor's revenge on the bookworms of the Hanlin Academy... Both poems by the Xu brothers delighted the Emperor. The old eunuch took his leave.

Your names and reputations will be obliterated, but the rivers and mountains will last forever!

Emperor Yuan Jing recited this line again, and the joy on his face gradually faded, replaced by an even stronger desire for longevity.

.............

During lunch, Chu Yuanzhen listened to an old friend at the dinner table talk about the events in the court, and finally, the scene of Xu Ning'an blocking the officials with a single knife and mocking the courtiers with poetry.

This, is actually a way to break the deadlock... It's a good idea to use the nobles to confront the literati, but it's extremely difficult in itself. How did Xu Ning'an and Third Brother do it... Third Brother and Xu Ning'an are indeed brothers, both gifted in poetry.

Unfortunately, Third Brother's wings are not yet fully grown, and his rank is too low, too far from his cousin Xu Qi'an. Otherwise, among the people who died that day, Third Brother would definitely be one of them.

Of course, the Confucian system has long been in decline, so it is understandable that Third Brother's rank is low.

Chu Yuanzhen praised the poem made by Third Brother in the court, but did not say much more. It's a good poem, but unfortunately the last line didn't touch his heart.

On the other hand, Xu Ning'an's mockery of the courtiers' poem made Chu Yuanzhen's blood boil, and he drank three cups on the spot.

"I've long wanted to scold those who have been idle for too long like this, but poetry is not my strong suit. Xu Ning'an is truly the poetry champion of the Great Feng, hitting the nail on the head." Chu Yuanzhen laughed heartily.

Feeling invigorated, he had the urge to go find Xu Ning'an immediately and have a drink and a good time with him. But considering that the other party had just resolved his cousin's case of cheating in the imperial examination, and there were still some trivial matters to be dealt with, he suppressed the urge.

...........

Wang Mansion.

Wang Simu, who was closely following this case, learned through her own channels about the fierce confrontation that occurred in the court today, as well as the satirical poem at the Wu Gate.

"I knew it, Xu Huanyuan is exceptionally talented, how could he possibly cheat in the imperial examination. Hmm, this matter, his cousin Xu Ning'an is even more amazing, mediating in it, and even getting the Marquis Cao and Prince Yu to speak for Xu Huanyuan in the court.

Find the original at "pawread.com".

"This network of connections is extraordinary. What surprises me the most is that Wei Yuan did not intervene. From start to finish, he remained aloof. In this way, Xu Huanyuan will not be branded as a member of the eunuch party, which is a far-reaching good thing for him."

Of course, it's also a good thing for me... Miss Wang smiled.

The maid Lan'er pretended to listen attentively on the side, but her mind was full of confusion.

"Lan'er, go to the Xu Mansion again and make an appointment for me with Xu Huanyuan... No, this will make me seem too eager, and it will seem like I'm seeking credit." Miss Wang shook her head, dispelling the thought.

In her heart, at this time, silence would highlight her dignity and breadth of mind. If she were to rush to seek credit, it would only make the lady of the Xu family look down on her.

Smart people don't need to make things too obvious, it's better to understand each other without saying anything.

............

Bureau of Heavenly Masters.

When Yang Qianhuan passed by the alchemy room on the seventh floor, he heard his junior brothers inside discussing the events of the morning court. He was originally disdainful of these court matters and was too lazy to listen.

But when he heard the name "Xu Ning'an," Yang Qianhuan's steps slowed down, and his instinct told him that perhaps, this was another opportunity to gain knowledge.

"Master Xu's poem is simply delightful, I think it can be called the greatest satirical poem of all time.""Look at you, exaggerating. But it was indeed quite satisfying, especially when you blocked the officials at the Meridian Gate and said... poetry? What poetry?"

Yang Qianhuan approached silently and asked in a deep voice, "What are you talking about?"

The alchemists in white robes were startled and complained, "Brother Yang, you always do this, scaring people."

Ignoring them, Yang Qianhuan asked again, "What did Xu Ningyan do this time, blocking the officials at the Meridian Gate alone? What's the meaning of the first mockery poem in history?"

The alchemists then told Yang Qianhuan about today's events.

Yang Qianhuan was struck as if by lightning, a scene appeared in his mind: after the morning court, the officials slowly walked out of the Meridian Gate, only to suddenly see a figure in white standing there with his back to the crowd, blocking the path of the officials.

The officials were furious, scolding the white-robed alchemist for being ignorant and daring to block their way.

The white-robed alchemist ignored the insults and suddenly recited, "Your names and reputations will be forgotten, but the rivers and mountains will flow for eternity."

The officials were dumbfounded and shocked on the spot.

Thinking of this, Yang Qianhuan felt a shiver run through his body uncontrollably, goosebumps appearing on his neck and arms.

"Why, why can Xu Ningyan always do things that make people envious? Blocking four hundred rebel soldiers in Yunzhou, and competing with the Buddhist sect in front of everyone... It's so unfair, so unfair."

"When is the next court meeting? I, I have to go to the Meridian Gate."

...

In the afternoon, at the Official Brothel Sector.

Xu Qi'an and Fu Xiang sat drinking tea. In the midst of their conversation, Xu Qi'an told Fu Xiang about the events at the court today, along with the patriotic poem "written" by Xu Xinnian, and the half-line of poetry he recited at the Meridian Gate.

Fu Xiang was a lover of poetry, and her heart was deeply moved, especially by Xu Qi'an's feat of blocking the officials alone, filled with admiration and eyes brimming with tears.

"I have a favor to ask. Spread the news of today's court events," Xu Qi'an requested.

The Official Brothel Sector was the fastest and most efficient place to spread information.

"Well, what reward do you plan to give me?" Fu Xiang couldn't refuse, her clear eyes fixed on Xu Qi'an.

One cannot hide their feelings for someone they like, and Fu Xiang's longing for Xu Qi'an was evident.

Half an hour later, Xu Qi'an went to see Ming Yan, Xiao Ya, and a few other familiar courtesans, asking them to spread the news of the court events during tea gatherings.

Then he rode back home on a small mare.

The exam cheating case was a fatal blow to Xu Xinnian's reputation, especially after it was deliberately spread. The scholars and the public in the capital city all knew that Xu Xinnian had obtained the top scholar position through cheating.

This impression would slowly solidify over time, and once it became ingrained, even if the court later proved Xu Xinnian's innocence, it would be difficult to change people's perceptions.

Moreover, the exam cheating case was not over yet. In five days, it would be the palace exam, and Xu Qi'an had to guard against Sun Shangshu and others making a desperate move, causing trouble on the eve of the palace exam.

For example, inciting the students of the National Academy to cause a disturbance.

If public opinion could be turned around in a short period of time, the students of the National Academy would be discredited and unable to cause a major incident.

When everyone knew that Xu Xinnian had been wronged, even if you pretended to turn a blind eye, you would not gain the public's recognition and support.

In ancient times, whether in battle or in strategy, it was important to have a good reputation.

"The favor from Prince Yu has been used up, but it's not a loss. Fortunately, Prince Yu has long since lost interest in fame and fortune, otherwise he might not have stood up for me... As for Duke Cao, I haven't delivered the promised benefits yet. With the power of the Duke and the deputy general of the Northern King, if I go back on my word, I will face backlash..."

"The Northern King probably doesn't know about this, it's the plan of the deputy general and Duke Cao. However, I'm just a small pawn. Even if the Northern King finds out, he won't blame the deputy general. Besides, the invincible Vajra of the Buddhist sect can even tempt high-level martial artists. After all, it can enhance defense, reach a high level of cultivation, and even lead to a breakthrough in combat power. There's no reason for him not to be tempted."

"So, the promised benefits must be given. But I can write the Nine Yin Scripture in reverse..."

...

After dusk, the atmosphere at the Xu family's dinner table was filled with joy. Auntie enthusiastically served dishes to Xu Xinnian and Xu Qi'an, treating them both as her own sons.

As if both were her own sons.

Although this attitude wouldn't last long, the moment her nephew made her angry in the future, Auntie would remember the old grudges and their relationship would return to normal.

But at this moment, Auntie's gratitude was as sincere as pure gold.Xu Lingyue was very fond of such a family atmosphere, growing increasingly admiring of her eldest brother, her lively and beautiful eyes constantly fixed on Xu Qi'an.

"I have something I want to say."

Lina swallowed her food, adopting a rare serious demeanor as she looked towards Xu Qi'an and Uncle Xu.

"What is it?" Xu Qi'an asked while continuing to eat.

Uncle Xu, on the other hand, lifted his cup of wine, took a sip, and glanced at the little dark-skinned girl from the Southern Border with the corner of his eye.

With a solemn expression on her small face, Lina glanced at Xu Lingyin and said, "I want to take Lingyin as my disciple."

"Pfft..." Xu Qi'an spat out his food.

"Pfft..." Uncle Xu spat out his wine.

The family was caught completely off guard.

Xu Xinnian, with a look of disgust, wiped the grains of rice off his body, moved a bit further away from his big brother, and then turned to Lina, "Explain your reasons."