Seeing he remained silent, Yin Canwen looked towards the tutors in the academy, thinking he was worried about their relationship being criticized. He offered words of comfort, "Second Young Master, do not worry. Your talent is outstanding, and you will surely stand out."
Feng Jinlin's eyes flickered, bright as stars, and he burst into laughter, looking at Yin Canwen.
"Brother Yin is too kind. If I were to compete with others, I would naturally not lose. But if it's against you, then I am willing to concede defeat. It's better to avoid embarrassment, hahaha."
The sound of his hearty laughter attracted the surrounding students. They looked at Yin Canwen with eyes filled with jealousy, envy, admiration, or dislike... but none held the clarity that was in Feng Er's eyes.
Yin Canwen gave a wry smile. He knew how to build his own momentum.
Bai Siruo was caught by Feng Er as soon as she arrived. While no one was paying attention, he made a funny face, which infuriated Feng Er, distorting his handsome features slightly.
Beside him, Feng Jinyao gave Feng Er a deep look, reminding him that it was best to keep a low profile at this time.
The Yangchun Poetry Society, while ostensibly a competition before the Spring Examination, harbored hidden agendas unknown to outsiders. In her previous life, had she not accidentally overheard the Wen family father and son discussing it, she, like everyone else, would have remained in the dark.
Feng Er, who shared a deep brother-sister bond with her, understood her meaning from her gaze without needing many words.
Since he didn't like to join the fray, he decided to leave the opportunity to the scholars from humble backgrounds; they needed recognition more.
Not far away, Wen Mengsheng stood among the scholars with his cousin Wen Xinglu, possessing an air of distinction.
Wen Mengsheng, being the son of the Minister of Personnel, had grown up in the capital city and carried himself with exceptional grace.
Wen Xinglu, standing beside him, was no less impressive. Though his features were not as striking as Wen Mengsheng's, he still exuded the demeanor of a young master more than ordinary people.
Feng Jinyao remembered him. This cousin had been the third-place scholar in the imperial examination in her previous life, and his knowledge was not to be doubted.
Therefore, today, although he spoke humbly and exchanged pleasantries with the surrounding scholars, the determination in his eyes was unmistakable.
Seeing that most of the guests had arrived, Bai Chaohe took it upon himself to manage the proceedings.
"Everyone, everyone, please quiet down and listen to me."
His voice, though not as deep as a military general's, carried an unquestionable tone. Everyone present had heard of the reputation of the fourth son of Prime Minister Bai, so they admired him greatly and naturally obeyed his command.
No one made a sound, and they listened quietly as Bai Chaohe spoke.
"Since the reign of the late emperor, our dynasty has seen the emergence of the Yangchun Poetry Society. Today, you have gathered here to build momentum for next year's Spring Examination. Therefore, I hope everyone will display their talents without reservation."
As soon as he finished speaking, many students' eyes shone with excitement, looking at Bai Silang as if he were an immortal from the heavens.
Bai Chaohe observed the crowd. There were many familiar faces, indicating that the competition for the top three ranks this year would surely be fierce.
Everyone looked towards the highly respected Academician Lu, awaiting him to announce the theme of the competition.
He raised his hand and stroked the flecked white beard on his chin, his mind already made up.
"Everyone, the snow came late this year. I see the snow accumulating in the mountains, painting the sky with a magnificent hue. How about we take the theme of the first snow, shall we?"
Upon hearing this theme, most of them became eager.
Taking snow as a theme was not difficult, but precisely because of its simplicity, the poems and verses created could easily fall short. It would be even more challenging to stand out.
"Let's set a time limit of one incense stick. We shall await your excellent works," said the slightly stout Academician Xing with a cheerful smile.
One incense stick. If it were a live poetry writing session, it would be quite difficult. Therefore, most people used pre-written poems to fit the theme. Although a bit forced, they could barely match the theme.
Feng Er, having received a reminder, dared not steal the spotlight. He casually picked a verse that fit the theme and wrote it on paper, submitting it quickly.
Bai Si's uncle looked at him with great hope. Although Feng Jinlin was a bit arrogant, his talent was extraordinary and ranked among the young men of the capital. His verses would surely be unique.
Unfortunately, after reading the verses on the paper, his brows furrowed, and his expression turned displeased.
He looked at Feng Er with a hint of suspicion. What was this boy doing?
This poem was not as good as what he could casually improvise after drinking. Was he deliberately hiding his skill?
"I have long heard of Young Master Feng Er's reputation. Today, let this old man be the first to witness the talent of this young man."
Academician Lu took the paper and looked at it. The cheerful expression on his face instantly froze.
This was it?
It was barely considered neat, and it adhered to the theme of the first snow, but the poetic sentiment was completely absent. The other two academicians took a look and shook their heads.
Out of consideration for face, they did not express much, merely saying, "There is room for improvement," before turning their attention to other people's works.
Feng Er shrugged helplessly and exchanged a look with his uncle Bai Si, indicating that this was not what he intended, but that two pairs of eyes behind him were watching closely, and he dared not act rashly.
Uncle Bai Si was torn between laughter and tears. He had long experienced the power of those two formidable figures behind them.
After Feng Er submitted his paper, feeling a sense of relief, he turned to look at Yin Canwen. He saw that Yin Canwen was confident and his brushstrokes flowed like flowers, quickly writing down verses on the paper.
Feng Er looked on with great admiration and cupped his fists, saying,
"Brother Yin's talent is astounding. It is my good fortune to be acquainted with you."
He spoke sincerely, without any airs of a noble son or false politeness. Yin Canwen returned the gesture by cupping his fists, "It is merely a minor skill. Brother Feng praises me too highly."
When the paper was handed to the four academicians, Academician Lu read a few lines in a low voice.
Without profit or fame, without honor or disgrace, without trouble or worry.
Before the night lamp, singing alone, drinking alone, chanting alone, laughing alone.
Moreover, the mountains are covered with the first snow, and the bright moon shines together.
Even if one lived a hundred years, what of it? Let it be.
Knowing wealth, who can guarantee it? Knowing achievements, when will they end?
Considering a simple meal and jade, how much is worth fighting for?
A moment's time is hardly worth mentioning, but thinking of enjoying oneself is always too late.
When spring comes, let us carry wine and get drunk in the east wind, sleeping among the fragrant grass.
"Good, good, good! A line like, 'Knowing wealth, who can guarantee it? Knowing achievements, when will they end?' This state of mind and breadth of vision is something even I cannot match. The younger generation is truly formidable, truly formidable!"
Using the first snow as an inspiration to express one's aspirations, such talent deserves first place.
"I have long heard of the learned scholar from Yunqi Academy this year. It seems you are the one they speak of."
Academician Lu cherished talented individuals the most. Although he had never met him, with the appearance of this poem, it was already a masterpiece of unparalleled brilliance. Looking at the other papers, even if there were more excellent works later, they could not surpass this one, appearing somewhat mediocre.
"Your Excellency praises me too highly."
As he spoke, he showed no arrogance due to his talent, nor did he intentionally act subservient. His calm and sincere nature made Academician Lu like him even more.
He exchanged glances with the other three, and all of them looked at Yin Canwen with newfound respect, stating that his name was fitting, his writings as brilliant as the sun and moon.
Wen Xinglu's poem was also not bad, but unfortunately, he lost in his broad-mindedness.