Wang Chong hastily stood up and said, "I am a scholar. I know no martial arts."
Longji smiled. "Very well! Then let us compare literary talent. Chu Liuxiang, step forward. Each of you will compose a poem or lyric, and everyone will judge fairly. Whoever wins shall receive a hundred strings of cash."
Wang Chong thought, What the hell is there to compete over? Even tied together, everyone here would be no match for me!
Little do they know, this prince's literary talent surpasses even his martial prowess!
A graceful, elegant man stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said with a smile, "Please set the theme, Princess."
He actually felt quite a sense of danger. Everyone here aimed to win Princess Hongluan's favor, and quite a few had entered official service through her recommendation, soaring straight into the clouds. Although Wang Chong appeared "hopeless at both letters and martial arts," he was elegant and handsome as fine jade, making him an extremely formidable rival to the people here.
Longji pondered for a long while, then slowly said, "Let the theme be the bright moon?"
Chu Liuxiang immediately sank deep into thought. He prided himself on having some learning, but his inspiration was truly not that swift, and he needed to weigh his words.
Wang Chong immediately perked up and thought, Should I bring out Li Bai or Dongpo? Forget it. Straight to the ultimate weapon!
He straightened his collar and recited in a drawn-out, melodious voice, "When did the bright moon first appear? Wine cup in hand, I ask the blue heavens. I wonder in the palaces above, what year it is tonight... People have grief and joy, partings and reunions; the moon has cloud and clear skies, waxing and waning. Such things have never been perfect since ancient times.