Hua Wanqiu's sudden fainting caught everyone off guard.

The literary meeting was temporarily interrupted, and Luo Yan quickly carried the bride back into the house and called for a doctor.

However, he soon returned alone.

Jiang Taiyuan asked with concern, "Luo Xiang, are you okay?"

"I'm fine! Let's continue, don't delay the literary meeting!" Although Luo Yan said so, his eyes couldn't hide his worry.

Seeing his expression, Ying Wuji narrowed his eyes.

This Hua Wanqiu is really strange. She has a weak aura and a slightly weaker physical condition than ordinary people without cultivation, but she doesn't faint easily. She used to never faint, but she faints right after singing "The Peacock Flies Southeast".

This Yuefu poem was supposed to be released in such a beautiful way when Luo Yan was emotionally moved.

But because of her, everyone's emotions became disjointed.

What is her purpose?

While pondering, Hua Chao sat down beside Ying Wuji.

Seeing the uncontrollable smile on her face, he asked, "Hua Chao, are you happy?"

Hua Chao didn't answer, she just smiled and looked at him, "Thank you!"

Ying Wuji waved his hand, "It's nothing. If you hadn't helped me before opening the bookstore, I wouldn't know where I would be now! When you become a senior in Zhou Yuefu in the future, I'll still rely on you to give me some guidance!"

"Zhou Yuefu..."

When mentioning this place, Hua Chao's eyes suddenly dimmed.

Before singing "The Peacock Flies Southeast", all she thought about was entering Zhou Yuefu so that she could leave this muddy city and go to City Jing to have an official position and have some connection with Ying Wuji.

But now, she was thinking that City Jing and this muddy city were thousands of miles apart, and officials couldn't easily leave the capital. It would take a long time before she could see Ying Wuji again.

For a moment, her mind was in turmoil. She bit her lip and suddenly had an impulse to ask Ying Wuji if he wanted her to stay. If he nodded, she wouldn't leave.

But when she turned her head, she found that Ying Wuji was staring straight ahead.

The second question of the literary meeting had already begun.

It concerned the status of two or even three elite students from various prestigious families.

Hua Chao knew that this was crucial for Ying Wuji. She sighed softly and swallowed the words that were about to come out of her mouth.

"The second question of the literary meeting!"

Luo Yan slowly opened the dark blue scroll, "This question was proposed by His Royal Highness, the Great Li. You can choose 'the country' as the theme, and there are no restrictions on poetry, prose, painting, music, or any other form!"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present showed a pensive expression.

The prince proposed the question!?

Although the prince rarely appeared in the public eye, everyone knew that he was the one who actually governed the Great Li. The three-day court meeting was held by the prince.

The prince had never participated in the literary meeting before because he was busy with state affairs. But this time, he personally proposed the theme, which showed how much he cared about this prestigious event.

And...

With "the country" as the theme, this literary meeting was no longer a simple one. The outstanding works of this meeting would definitely fall into the hands of the prince.

If they could seize this opportunity and make the prince appreciate their ambitions, even if they didn't obtain the status of elite students, they could still qualify for official positions.

For ordinary students, this was a great opportunity!

So, in just a moment of silence, someone stood up, bowed to the officials on the field, and started writing poetry directly.

It was a seven-character regulated poem with a well-structured rhythm. The words expressed a strong desire to serve as an official and hoped to assist the prince in governing the country.

Unfortunately, the content was somewhat empty.

The officials present shook their heads after reading it.

Then one after another, more people came up, clearly more enthusiastic than the previous round.

But Ying Wuji didn't even bother to look. His gaze wandered, occasionally falling on Han Juan and Zhao Qi.

This Daoist with kidney deficiency had been sitting cross-legged before, with his elbows resting on the table, eating fruits and snacks as if no one else was around.

Now, although he was still in the same posture, he had stopped eating and his gaze was fixed on the stone wall.

This guy definitely had a big move to make.

And Zhao Qi, who had been sitting upright and serious just now, closed his eyes at this moment, thinking about something. He must also have something to show.

Ying Wuji smirked. If he thought he could secure a position just by singing "The Peacock Flies Southeast", it wouldn't be that simple!

The literary meeting became more and more lively.

The literati in front of the stone wall came and went, and there were quite a few works that impressed people, but most of them were more about form than content. Either they were empty in sentiment or impractical in their grandiose words.

A few disciples of the Daoist school even tried to persuade the emperor through their poems, urging everyone in the world to restrain their desires, so that the world would be at peace. This caused the students from other schools present to boo, and a few of them blushed and became angry.

"Fool!"

Han Juan saw another Daoist coming down with a disgruntled expression, spat out the bellflower in his mouth, stood up, and stretched lazily.

The Daoist was a little unhappy, but when he turned his head and saw Han Juan, the dissatisfaction on his face disappeared instantly. He respectfully bowed to Han Juan.

"Hmm!"

Han Juan clasped his hands and casually returned the gesture, then walked lazily towards the stone wall.Standing under the stone wall, he symbolically bowed to the officials present, and then said, "I am Han Juan. I have come here to present a map of the country's fortune to the Crown Prince. I want to occupy half of the stone wall. As for the poems on the stone wall, I will clear them first!"

After speaking, he waved his right hand, and most of the poems on the stone wall disappeared.

His speed was too fast, and everyone didn't react. When they finally reacted, it was already too late.

For a while, the scene was in an uproar.

"Where did this Taoist priest come from? He is too arrogant!"

"We worked hard to write these poems. Who gave you the right to erase them?"

"Exactly! Our poems are not mediocre. Even if we can't win the top two, it should be decided by the examiners. Who is this Taoist priest to interfere?"

"I'm so angry!"

"Get out of the literary meeting!"

The scene was lively, especially for those whose poems were erased by Han Juan. Their words were particularly intense.

In the end, someone suddenly said, "This Taoist priest seems to be the legitimate son of the Han family..."

In an instant, ninety percent of the voices disappeared.

Everyone looked at each other, reflecting on whether their voices were too loud.

Although the Han family's momentum in recent years was not as strong as the royal family and the Wei family, they were still the stable third family in the Kingdom of Li. How could they be pointed at by others?

Especially since this Taoist priest was the only legitimate son, his status was much higher than Wei Teng's. If this happened to Wei Teng, someone would definitely die in a few days. What if Han Juan was also that kind of person...

Of course, they were not afraid.

They just felt that speaking so loudly was not in line with the demeanor of scholars.

Yes!

That's right.

Jiang Taiyuan's mouth twitched as he sat in the main seat.

This abandoned disciple of mine is so arrogant?

Are you really from the Yang Zhu lineage, or am I from the Yang Zhu lineage?

He leaned forward slightly, "Han Juan! This literary meeting involves competition. It is unreasonable for you to directly erase other people's poems."

Han Juan raised his eyelids and looked like he hadn't slept enough. "If this offends everyone, then I apologize here. But there is no need for everyone to be too angry, because none of the people who wrote the poems just now can compete for the top two."

His tone had always had a sense of powerlessness, and there was no hint of sarcasm or provocation.

But why did these words sound so infuriating?

But he was the legitimate son of the Han family, so what could they do?

Jiang Taiyuan leaned forward slightly, "Oh? How can you be sure that no one can compete for the top two?"

Han Juan smiled and did not answer immediately!

He just slowly stretched out his right hand, and the dark blue true energy had already spread out from his fingertips. He waved it towards the stone wall, and a few words fell from the top of the stone wall: "Map of the Country's Fortune!"

He smiled faintly, "Because these people have neither fortune nor momentum!"

"Fortune-telling!"

Jiang Taiyuan's pupils contracted.

Fortune-telling!

As soon as these three words came out, the scene fell into silence.

Fortune-telling had disappeared from history for many years. The last time it appeared was before King Zhou Youwang played with fire and played with the lords. At that time, a Yin-Yang master appeared in City Jing. He found King Zhou Youwang and said that there was a hidden illness in the Zhou royal family. If not taken care of, it could easily tear open and cause the decline of the fire virtue, leading to the downfall of the Zhou royal family.

But King Zhou Youwang didn't take it seriously. In order to prevent the powerful relatives from interfering in politics, he deposed Queen Shen and the Crown Prince. As a result, Marquis Shen directly colluded with the Barbarians and attacked City Jing.

Later, the well-known King Ping moved east and the two kings stood side by side. Even though King Zhou implemented the political and sacrificial dualism to maintain the Zhou royal family's transcendent position in ritual education, the hard power of the Zhou royal family was unable to turn the tide. From then on, a new era of contention among the lords began.

A prophecy came true.

A battle made a name.

That Yin-Yang master became famous for a while and became a guest of various lords. Although he disappeared later, his legend always circulated in the world. It was rumored that he was the founder of the Yin-Yang school.

And the most fascinating thing about the Yin-Yang school was not the supernatural powers of reversing Yin and Yang and displacing the Five Elements.

Instead, it was the Qi-reading technique, which only had the Earth rank. For cultivation, the Qi-reading technique could only conform to the Yin-Yang and Five Elements, allowing one to be in the best state and position for cultivation at all times.

But for a dynasty, it was more significant than the Heaven rank spells.

"Map of the Country's Fortune!"

Ying Wuji also pursed his lips. He didn't expect to see such a thing in a small literary meeting.

He turned his head and glanced at Zhao Ning, only to see that she was clenching her hands.

She must be the most valued princess when it comes to the country's fortune.

It's really interesting to see my future wife worrying about her career!

Zhao Ning seemed to feel his gaze and turned around, "Brother Ying, what are you looking at? Look at the map!"

Ying Wuji pursed his lips, "Why should I look at the map? Does it affect me living off you?"

Zhao Ning: "..."

The current situation in the world can't be considered chaotic. Although Kingdom Qian has the potential to rise, its national strength is too weak, and it is difficult to threaten Kingdom Li in the short term.

Although there are signs of division within Kingdom Li, it has been like this for hundreds of years. The strength of the royal family can still suppress the Wei and Han countries. In addition, without the enfeoffment of the Zhou royal family, anyone who dares to establish a kingdom will be attacked by all. Even if Wei and Han want to make big moves, it is impossible in the short term.

The Tian family of Kingdom Qi has already marginalized the Jiang family and is planning to replace them.The reform in the Kingdom Chu has failed, and the internal turmoil is being pacified.

Several major countries have fallen into silence, and the smaller countries in between are even worse off, with no possibility of starting a major war.

Therefore, as long as there are no major problems, Ying Wuji can continue to live a comfortable life for decades.

Unless the Zhou royal family collapses and completely ignites the ambitions of the Tian, Wei, and Han families, it is possible to cause chaos in the world and overthrow Ying Wuji.

But... is that possible?

Zhao Ning shook his head and smiled. His gaze returned to the stone wall. Ying Wuji may not need to look at this map of the country's fortune, but she cannot help but care.

However, she did not expect that Han Juan, as a disciple of the Laozi lineage, would even learn the signature technique of the Yin and Yang families!

"Divination!"

Luo Yan's eyes also showed a hint of fanaticism. "Han nephew, quickly draw this map of fortune!"

"Alright!"

Han Juan smiled. The dark blue true energy at his fingertips instantly became several times stronger, but his hand movements in drawing the map were still casual and relaxed.

The exquisite control of true energy made everyone present amazed.

Such a genius would undoubtedly become a top-notch expert even if he only reached the Lingtai stage. How did the Han family produce such a freak?

Moreover, he is still wearing Daoist robes until now. When he draws this map of fortune, does he represent the Han family or the Daoist family?

The various branches of the Daoist family have been hidden for many years. What is the meaning of suddenly intervening in the situation of the lords of the world?

While everyone was hesitating, the stone wall began to fall down in a flurry. In less than ten breaths of time, the stone wall had already depicted the mountains, rivers, and borders of the world, perfectly matching the current situation.

But Han Juan did not stop there. With a wave of his hand, specks of moonlight rose from the bottom of the Moon Viewing Pool and were transported into the map of the country.

This was the accumulated literary energy in the Moon Viewing Pool for many years.

For a while, the moonlight on the map was hazy, like chaos descending, revealing no trace of mystery.

Everyone stared at the stone wall, eagerly awaiting the moment when the answer would be revealed, not knowing which country currently held the fortune.

Han Juan took a few deep breaths in succession and wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve.

It could be seen that drawing this map of fortune was also quite exhausting for him.

He calmed himself down and drew a talisman in mid-air. As soon as the talisman took shape, it turned into a stream of light and rushed into the moonlight. The moonlight trembled, and in an instant, a beam of light connected the sky and the earth, while the moonlight on the map also began to change rhythmically.

Under the gaze of everyone, the moonlight slowly converged towards the four powerful kingdoms of Qian, Li, Chu, and Qi.

The moonlight in the Kingdom Qian was slightly thin but still thriving.

The moonlight in the Kingdom Li was dense but somewhat hidden.

The internal moonlight in the Kingdom Chu was turbulent.

The moonlight in the Kingdom Qi surged like waves, with the front waves weak and the back waves soaring.

It perfectly corresponded to the current situation of the four powerful kingdoms.

Everyone marveled at the magic of divination, but someone still raised doubts. "Master Han, anyone with some political insight can clearly analyze the current situation in the world. Although your divination is amazing, could it be just a trick to deceive us?"

"Don't worry, everyone!"

Han Juan smiled and withdrew his true energy.

The moonlight completely lost control from Han Juan but continued to evolve on its own. In the early stages, the evolution was relatively slow for a long period of time. However, at a certain moment, three whirlpools appeared successively in Jiangcheng, Yongcheng, and City Jing, turning into storms and clashing with each other, ultimately stirring up the moonlight on the entire map.

But in just a moment, the stone wall could not withstand such a violent situation, and the moonlight collapsed and turned into specks of light, returning to the bottom of the pool.

Everyone was shocked. It was fine just now, why did it suddenly collapse?

Even Han Juan was a little dazed, staring at the stone wall for a while.

Luo Yan couldn't help but ask, "Han nephew, what's going on?"

Han Juan wiped the sweat from his forehead. "My cultivation is still shallow. If the world's fortune is running normally, I can predict the next hundred years with stability. But if there is a world-shaking chaos... I can't control it with my current abilities!"

"World-shaking chaos?"

Luo Yan's expression became serious, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. "Han nephew, is this world-shaking chaos happening in Yongcheng, Jiangcheng, and City Jing?"

Han Juan did not answer, just looked at the stone wall, his face full of doubt.

Zhao Ning also looked serious. After a while, he suddenly turned his head. "Brother Ying, whether this bowl of rice can be held steady depends on how steady your hands are!"

Ying Wuji: "..."

This map of the country's fortune doesn't seem fake!

After all, Han Juan did everything in front of everyone.

There were officials and many experts present, including Jiang Taiyuan, the senior brother of the Daoist family. And yet, Han Juan hadn't even reached the Lingtai stage. If he could deceive everyone and fake it, then he was a genius at deception.

So...

Assuming this map of the country's fortune is real, what kind of changes will happen in the Kingdoms Qian and Li? How will the Zhou royal family react to the storm sweeping the world in a short period of time?

After all, the fortune map had been very calm before the great changes occurred.

Wait!

Qian and Li?One surnamed Ying, one surnamed Zhao, both descendants of Zhuanxu, combined with the dream of Zhou Tianzi that Jiang Taiyuan mentioned a few days ago, it seems that everything is connected.

Ying Wuji's heart skipped a beat, feeling increasingly uneasy. No matter how you look at it, the vortex of this great era of contention will be very close to him. If he doesn't develop quickly and leave this place of right and wrong as soon as possible, it won't be long before an unprecedented earth-shattering change occurs.

Ying Wuji didn't believe that he was the chosen one, even if he was fortunate enough to have some "kingly aura," he should still firmly believe that a gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall.

He looked around, knowing that there was still some time before the big change. It happened to be a good opportunity to develop through marriage. By then, he would reach the thirteenth level of essence, energy, and spirit, immediately break through the realm of rebirth, and then escape with his wife. Even if she was reluctant to leave her brother and her princess position, he would find a way to persuade her...

Zhao Ning was puzzled, "Ying brother, why are you looking at me like that?"

She shrank her neck, somewhat worried that Ying Wuji had a preference for men.

Ying Wuji shook his head, "It's nothing!"

At this moment, the expressions of the people on the field were different.

They were either scholars from various countries or officials from the Kingdom of Li, or officials sent by the Zhou royal family.

Seeing such an astonishing scene, no matter which side they stood on, their hearts were filled with shock and confusion, and for a while, they didn't know what to say.

"I say..."

Han Juan still had that look of indifference, as if the fortune map just now had nothing to do with him. He pointed to the black and white energy swirling in front of his chest and lazily said, "This painting of mine should be considered a masterpiece of conveying meaning, right?"

Everyone fixed their gaze on him and found that the yin and yang energy in front of his chest was particularly prominent.

This... was the fortune of the Yin Yang School, faintly and clearly visible. Although it didn't condense into one, it was definitely an existence that the scholars envied.

A masterpiece of conveying meaning!

Top-grade!

Luo Yan nodded, "Congratulations to Han Shizi for creating a masterpiece of conveying meaning. Unless there are three more profound masterpieces of conveying meaning later, you will have a place among the elite scholars of the Hundred Schools Gathering!"

Upon hearing this, the field fell silent.

Three more profound masterpieces? Are you kidding me?

Although this fortune map had better technique than meaning, it was still an existence that the majority of people couldn't reach.

Three more?

The Crown Prince was probably laughing in his dreams.

A faint smile finally appeared on Han Juan's desolate face. He arched his hand and said, "Thank you!"

After speaking, he prepared to leave.

However, Luo Yan stopped him, "Han Shizi, did you paint this fortune map on your own or were you instructed by your master?"

This question was very important and directly indicated whether the Daoist School intended to participate in the disputes between the various countries.

"My master instructed me."

Han Juan didn't avoid the question at all. After speaking, he leaped over the wall and disappeared into the darkness. He didn't have any attachment to this literary gathering, as if he had only come to deliver this painting.

The crowd watched his departure in silence.

The Daoist School was really coming back this time.

Jiang Taiyuan frowned, not knowing what the descendants of Laozi really wanted to do.

Luo Yan stroked his beard and smiled, saying loudly, "The literary gathering continues. Who else has a masterpiece?"

The scene fell silent, and many people had originally prepared to step forward, but after the appearance of this fortune map, no one knew if they had recovered from the shock. Going up now... wouldn't that be pure embarrassment?

Moreover...

What if they just put up their poetry and calligraphy, and then another painting comes out, clearing the other half of the stone wall? That would be so embarrassing.

"Hahaha! Since you all are so modest, then I'll go first and embarrass myself!"

Everyone turned to the sound and saw a handsome young man standing up.

"Lord Pingling!"

"He's going to write poetry too?"

"Wasn't he here to be a judge? Why does he also..."

"Lord Pingling has always been low-key. This time, he suddenly made a move. I'm afraid it's also a masterpiece of conveying meaning!"

"This... then didn't we participate in the second question for nothing?"

Zhao Qi ignored the crowd and smiled as he walked towards the stone wall. He bowed to Luo Yan and Jiang Taiyuan, "Luo Xiang, Prefect Jiang, I need to clear the other half of the stone wall. I hope you don't mind."

Luo Yan: "..."

Jiang Taiyuan: "..."

The people on the field: "..."

Fortunately, they didn't come out just now, otherwise it would have been really embarrassing.

Seeing that no one objected, Zhao Qi released his true energy, and the characters on the other half of the stone wall disappeared in an instant.

Then, he took out a bronze pen that was as tall as a person, smiled slightly, and lifted the pen.

With each stroke, a natural landscape was created.

Under his control of true energy, not a drop of ink flew out of the stone wall, and the painting gradually took shape.

In the painting was a river, with sand and stones flowing in the river, and the riverbank was about a foot higher than the ground, clearly the Yellow River nourishing the Central Plains.

On both sides of the riverbank were countless fertile fields.

On the riverbank, thousands of commoners were clearing the silt.

Two silhouettes stood on the riverbank. The young man was dressed in royal robes, yet his feet were mired in mud, clearly having just cleaned the river himself. The old minister held a blueprint, explaining something to the young man.

Zhao Qi put down his pen, writing three large characters at the end of his work: Monarch, Minister, People!

A faint energy swirled around his chest. Although it was not as strong as Han Juan's earlier, it was indeed the energy of a true Confucian scholar.

A work of profound meaning.

It was done!

The officials present all showed expressions of astonishment. They hadn't expected to witness the birth of two such profound works in such a short time.

And the meaning within was crystal clear.

The monarch should empathize with the people.

The minister should share the country's worries.

Such a painting seemed to herald the revival of the spirit of Emperors Shun and Yu.

The crowd was abuzz with whispers.

"Who would have thought that the Prince of Pingling had such noble sentiments!"

"Emperor Shun tilled the fields, Emperor Yu controlled the floods, but few monarchs today can do the same. The Prince of Pingling, however, traveled the world in his youth and is said to have experienced many of the hardships of the common people. In contrast, the Crown Prince has always stayed within the palace."

"Are you seeking death?"

"How am I seeking death? I'm not from your Kingdom Li."

"…Your words make a lot of sense!"

"But look at these silhouettes, don't they look a bit like the Prince of Pingling and Minister Luo?"

"Indeed they do!"

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"What is the Prince of Pingling trying to say with this painting? Could it be…"

"He's been lying low for years, is he finally making his move?"

"What on earth is happening today? A small literary gathering has produced a painting predicting great changes in the world, and now the Prince of Pingling has stepped forward…"

"Is the Prince of Pingling finally going to vie for the throne? Today might go down in history."

"This is madness!"

Everyone was a bit flustered, having unexpectedly witnessed a historical event in this manner.

Even Luo Yan's expression fluctuated, his gaze towards Zhao Qi complex.

Ying Wuji looked at Zhao Ning.

As expected!

His face had darkened to the extreme.

He also felt a bit disgruntled in his heart. It seemed there were many things happening within the Kingdom Li that he was unaware of. The Prince of Pingling not only held cards, but also dared to play them so openly. It seemed that the Kingdom Li was not as peaceful as it seemed.

He chuckled, "Ah! Brother Zhao, it seems the Prince of Pingling is trying to steal your Crown Prince's thunder!"

Zhao Ning snorted, "Brother Ying, it seems the Prince of Pingling is trying to kick your rice bowl."

The two locked eyes for a moment.

Ying Wuji stood up.

Zhao Ning asked in confusion, "Brother Ying, what are you planning to do?"

Ying Wuji spat, uttering two words.

"Take him down!"