Junzi Mountain, a cottage in the bamboo grove.
Chen Baiqing took a small sip of tea. Cui Hao, who would usually find something to talk about and chatter on endlessly, now looked down at the book in his hands with a somewhat grave expression.
Thanks to that, she could quietly listen to the faint rustle of the breeze through the bamboo leaves.
She glanced sideways at Li Junzi nearby, who also held a book and wore a gentle smile.
If the date had not been pushed back again, the third Scholarly Debate would take place the day after tomorrow.
Yet of the four people in the courtyard, the least anxious was the central figure in this Scholarly Debate-Li Junzi.
That would have been one thing if victory were already in her grasp.
But if her chances of winning were slim...
Chen Baiqing set down her teacup and looked at Li Junzi's composed demeanor.
It was not that Chen Baiqing had no means of dealing with this Scholarly Debate. Rather, she had plenty.
Whether she brought pressure to bear on Junzi Mountain or had both sides take a step back, nothing had an absolute winner or loser, and Scholarly Debate was no exception.
After all, only principles had to be pursued to the bitter end. People did not, and it was people who debated.
It was just that Li Junzi probably would not want to see her employ those methods.
Sometimes, what one thought was a good deed could have the opposite effect.
Chen Baiqing had never liked doing things that made her own people dislike her.
The five rounds of Scholarly Debate would not end outright after three losses. All five rounds had to be completed unless one side forfeited and conceded.
If Li Junzi could win even one round,