Once More, an Absolute

Ye Tiangao had been an official for so long that he knew better than anyone how to bow, yield, advance, and retreat. Whatever happened today, winning would bring him no credit, and losing would bring him no blame. As a first-rank court official, he had done what he was supposed to do. Stepping aside and keeping himself safe was undoubtedly the wisest course.

As soon as Ye Tiangao finished speaking, Ye Piaoling, along with the fair-faced scholar to his left and the handsome young man to his right, all bowed and obeyed.

The Elder in Confucian Robes smiled and stepped back as well. The Young Man in Green smiled faintly. "How should we compete? You decide." As he spoke, a jade-green snuff bottle appeared in his palm, spinning round and round.

The fair-faced scholar was this year's Top Scholar. Since rank and precedence mattered, he stepped forward to negotiate. "You were the one who made such a boast, challenging the literary world of Great Yue. Naturally, we'll let you have your way. Otherwise, if you lose, wouldn't you blame us for setting questions that were too tricky? So, go ahead and lay down your terms."

His reply had been neither servile nor arrogant, and it displayed the Top Scholar's wisdom. He had preserved their dignity while kicking the ball back to the other side. Better still, he had left room to maneuver. Everyone present secretly praised him.

The Heir of Prince Xiang smiled faintly and pointed at the Top Scholar. "You really are a clever man. Matching wits with clever people is the only fun there is. But I only compete with those who are my equal. You may be newly appointed scholars, the finest of Yue, but to me, you're no more than men with a smattering of letters