After Wang Yang finished speaking, no one said a word for a long while.
Xie Xinghan had proposed the original argument, and she must have thought it through carefully. Although she had presented it on the spot, no one knew how long she had spent preparing it, or whether she had consulted others or arrived at it herself.
Wang Yang, however, had first rebutted Liu Cheng, then built an eloquent, expansive argument upon Xie Xinghan's thesis in a single sweep. Its intricacy and sophistication even surpassed her original argument. How could such learning and eloquence fail to astonish them?
Only after a long silence did Yan Youcheng sigh. "The Langya Wang truly live up to their name! An illustrious noble clan, with five hundred years of renown-indeed, that reputation is no empty boast!"
Xie Xing Han's lips lifted slightly in a smile of heartfelt admiration. She lowered her lovely head, like a fairy among flowers bowing down. "You have won, Young Master Wang. Xing Han concedes."
Liu Cheng's face darkened, and he remained silent.
Yu Yi had enjoyed Pure Conversation in his youth, but now had little interest in it. Thus, although Wang Yang's brilliant performance earned his silent admiration for the young man's learning and eloquence, he did not take it too much to heart. Seeing that Liu Cheng said nothing, he spoke:
"Young Master Wang's exposition was exquisite, his wit keen and his language elegant. Young Master Liu's literary gifts are likewise exceptional. Have you finished presenting your argument, Young Master Liu?"
Liu Cheng drew a breath, stood, and bowed to Wang Yang. "Brother Wang, I admire your wit and talent."
Wang Yang immediately rose and returned the bow. "I merely took a clever shortcut. Your talent is what truly deserves admiration, Brother Liu!"
To a certain extent,