Chapter 75

Xirui Yun, the first literary genius, was the living signboard of the new generation of scholars in the south, a rising star in the literary world.

These titles had made Feng Jueyu's ears calloused on the day of the Spring Literary Talent Gathering. He had thought that someone like this would at least understand what humility meant, but who would have thought that upon meeting him today, it turned out to be completely different. This kid was so arrogant that he was already up in the clouds. Did he even know what the poet was thinking when he wrote the poem? If the poet was seeking fame, what business was it of yours?

Feng Jueyu didn't think he was stronger than Xirui Yun, but the key was that this guy was criticizing Li Bai's poetry. What's up with that? Is Li Bai not better than you? It's really just whining...

Just from one meeting, Feng Jueyu had already looked down on this first literary genius from the bottom of his heart. However, the women present didn't think much of it and still treated him like a star.

However, there were exceptions, and Shangguan Ruomeng was a representative of this. After hearing Xirui Yun's evaluation, she also felt disgusted with this top scholar and couldn't help but retort, "Master Xi, your words are off the mark. Poetry is for entertainment, entirely based on the mood and atmosphere. The unnamed gentleman was boating on the lake, and upon meeting a friend, his mood was pleasant, hence he composed the poem 'Spring Talent Gathering in the South.' I believe his joy was for his friend, with no intention of seeking fame. Subsequent poems were undoubtedly based on this one, expressing his bold sentiments, which have nothing to do with governing the country, stabilizing the state, or benefiting the people. If you think this person lacks ambition, your view is somewhat biased."

Upon hearing this, the women nodded in agreement, and Feng Jueyu inwardly cheered: Well said, well said. My wife is so considerate, she even understood what I was thinking, but the first literary genius couldn't figure it out. He's not even as good as my wife. What kind of genius is he...

Sima Ruyu remained silent, and in fact, she had also felt something was off when she heard Xirui Yun's evaluation, but she couldn't pinpoint what. After hearing Shangguan Ruomeng, she suddenly understood. She then looked at Feng Jueyu a few more times.

Then she said, "I agree... Poetry is the foundation of talent. If you force ambition onto it, it's just whining."

Hmm? This girl is also good, she sees things clearly. I'll give her a little red flower... Feng Jueyu was pleasantly surprised after a moment of hesitation.

The first literary genius being publicly contradicted by two young ladies naturally lost face. Xirui Yun frowned, quite displeased, but he wasn't about to argue with two women in public.

Xu Zixiong knew that Xirui Yun liked Sima Ruyu and didn't want to ruin the mood, so he quickly smoothed things over, "Ha ha, all three of you have valid points. Everyone is just expressing their own views, no need to take it too seriously."

After Xu Zixiong spoke, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. After all, it was Zhang Changling's birthday, and fighting over a couple of poems would be a laughingstock.

Xirui Yun calmed down and prepared to speak to Sima Ruyu, but found it too far, so he moved closer. However, he noticed someone sitting in between.

"Who is this..."

This guy had just come over and hadn't even noticed Feng Jueyu, which infuriated Feng Jueyu. I'm 1.8 meters tall, and even sitting, I'm 1.2 meters. Are your eyes in the back of your head? How could you not see me?

Xu Zixiong stepped forward, his eyes filled with disdain, and said, "Brother Xi, this is Feng Jueyu, the Feng Master I mentioned to you..."

As he spoke, Ma Yuanru lowered his head in shame, and everyone subconsciously looked at him, with many turning away to laugh secretly.

In the upper circles of Tiansouth City, the story of Ma Yuanru eating his own painting in the pavilion on Xilin Lake had long been common knowledge. In fact, not many people knew about it before, but after Ma Yuanru ate the painting and then became the second-place winner, he became famous, and the embarrassing incident on Xilin Lake also became well-known.

Therefore, Ma Yuanru was now in a difficult position, neither happy nor regretful, feeling extremely uncomfortable.

Upon hearing this, Xirui Yun recalled the story from Xilin Lake and knew that this person was Shangguan Ruomeng's fiancé. Shangguan Ruomeng had just contradicted him, and he was already displeased, so now he finally found a way to vent.

Although he knew that two days ago, Feng Jueyu had almost turned Tiansouth upside down, as a scholar, he wouldn't care about the rash actions of a martial man and didn't look up to Shangguan Lingyun.

Thinking of this, Xirui Yun smiled sinisterly, clasped his hands, and said, "So it's Brother Feng. I have long heard of your great name, and I had intended to visit your residence, but I have been busy with the imperial exams and haven't had the time to seek your guidance. Please forgive me, Brother Feng."

Feng Jueyu, despite looking down on Xirui Yun's pretentious face, couldn't refuse the polite gesture, so he stood up and returned the bow, also with a forced smile, "Brother Xi, you flatter me. Your name is far greater than mine. If anyone should visit, it should be me."

Xu Zixiong, being smart, knew what Xirui Yun was thinking and immediately said, "Yes, Brother Feng, a few days ago, Brother Xi mentioned your unparalleled painting skills at my residence and expressed a desire to meet you. In fact, Brother Xi is also a rare talent in painting. Why don't we take advantage of Lord Zhang's birthday to have a painting competition?"

As he spoke, Xu Zixiong deliberately raised his voice, as if afraid that no one would hear. Everyone knew that Xirui Yun was skilled in poetry, calligraphy, chess, and painting, and upon hearing about the painting competition, they immediately gathered around.

Shangguan Lingyun, Mu Hongtu, Xu Liefeng, and many others from the Shangguan family, including the Minister of Revenue, Sima Wen, who was Sima Ruyu's father, were all present.

Xu Zixiong's move was brilliant, leaving Feng Jueyu no choice but to agree. If he refused now, not only would he lose face, but so would Shangguan Ruomeng and the Shangguan family, and he would be seen as a coward.

Almost everyone knew that Feng Jueyu had once defeated the new generation's leading literary figure, Ma Yuanru, in a painting competition, forcing him to eat his own painting. How could such a person not be good at painting?

Feng Jueyu naturally understood this. He squinted his eyes, and the corners of his mouth curled up. "Since Brother Xi is interested, it would be rude of me to refuse. Alright, Brother Xi, please go ahead..."

"I'll give it a try then." Xirui Yun smirked and prepared the ink and brush.

No one expected Feng Jueyu to agree so readily, and there were gasps of surprise.

Who was Xirui Yun? The first literary genius of Tiansouth, skilled in poetry, calligraphy, music, and painting. Although Ma Yuanru was also a talented painter, Xirui Yun was even better.

Who was Feng Jueyu? The first playboy of Tiansouth, skilled in bird-keeping, dog-teasing, and chicken-playing, but painting... that was a bit of a stretch.

Everyone was surprised because of this. Even if you had once defeated Ma Yuanru by chance, you shouldn't be so arrogant. Painting and evaluating paintings are two different things. Without ten years of practice, you would embarrass yourself...

Shangguan Ruomeng's heart sank, and she secretly worried for Feng Jueyu. Taking advantage of Xirui Yun's preparation, she pulled Feng Jueyu aside and scolded, "Big Brother Feng, why did you agree to this?"

Feng Jueyu shrugged, "Do you think I wanted to? Look at their attitude; they're clearly targeting me. With so many people around, how could I refuse? Even if I lose, I have to compete. Besides, you just contradicted him. If he doesn't take it out on me, who else? It's obvious they plan to humiliate me to get back at you and help Ma Yuanru save face. It's a three-in-one plan. So, we have to compete, understand?"

Shangguan Ruomeng hadn't expected Feng Jueyu to think so thoroughly. After hearing him, she was stunned and began to look at him differently.

"What are you looking at? Did I say something wrong?" Feng Jueyu raised an eyebrow, looking fearless.

Shangguan Ruomeng was amused by his expression and playfully punched his shoulder, "How can you be so cunning? I never noticed before. And it's not a three-in-one plan, it's a one-stone-two-birds plan, okay?"

The beauty's laughter and the subtle fragrance wafting from her body made Feng Jueyu want to embrace her. He thought, if he could truly fall in love with her and marry her, it wouldn't be bad.

In recent times, Feng Jueyu had discovered that Shangguan Ruomeng wasn't as cold as she appeared. She was actually warm and passionate, intelligent, and had a strong character, making her the perfect wife—graceful in public, capable in the kitchen, and warm in bed. How perfect.

Feng Jueyu was momentarily lost in thought...

After laughing, Shangguan Ruomeng noticed Feng Jueyu staring at her with an extremely ambiguous look, and her face turned red. She spat, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You're beautiful," Feng Jueyu said bluntly.

Shangguan Ruomeng's face turned even redder. She thought, if you want to look, I'll let you look every day. She was about to say this but, seeing the crowd gathering, she closed her mouth. Flirting in public would be embarrassing.

She glared at Feng Jueyu and then remembered the painting competition. "Do you really know how to paint?"

Feng Jueyu smiled confidently, "We'll see. But you need to help me."

"Help you with what?"

"Find me a piece of charcoal..."

"Charcoal?"