Zhizhou: \"You're An Official, But You're Raising A Bunch Of Demonesses?

Chapter 63: I command thousands of people to write poems praising you! So... so good at flattery!

Although the English Poetry Conference gets more grandiose with each passing year,

For every conference,

Lan Xi only sends out 100 invitations without fail, never changing.

For those who want to attend but didn't receive an invitation, there are two ways.

The first one is simple: money!

For a hundred gold, one can buy a spot, but it's only for the audience and they can't participate in the conference activities.

Li, the shopkeeper, has diligently saved up his earnings for decades, but it's only enough to enter and observe.

The second way is to showcase talent. Every year, the Princess will set a theme plaque at the entrance for scholars to contemplate and answer. If one can produce a work that satisfies the Princess, they can enjoy the same treatment as those who received invitations.

And this year, the theme set by the Princess is... White Jade.

"Wow... this theme..."

Li Jinghao and Bai Yu arrived at the entrance of the Moon Embracing Pavilion.

Even if they planned to buy their way in with money, they still wanted to see the theme first.

What if their literary inspiration surged and they actually wrote a good poem, receiving praise from the Princess?

However,

When Li saw the words on the plaque, he couldn't help but be taken aback.

Bai Yu... White Jade...

Everyone present is literate.

The imperial examination has just ended,

The most famous person is undoubtedly Bai Yu, who emerged as a dark horse and left behind poems and writings that have been passed down through the ages.

He can be said to have become famous overnight,

And everyone present, being scholars and readers, naturally paid special attention to him.

Bai Yu is currently in the limelight, and everyone present surely knows him.

And now,

The Princess has given such a theme.

Bai Yu, White Jade,

It's really hard not to associate it with "240" together.

Even if he's the top scorer in the imperial examination, this is too much, right?!

What an honor it would be!

To my surprise, the Grand Princess used his name's homonym as the title.

Countless scholars racked their brains to compose poems praising him.

Why does this feel...?

It feels like the Grand Princess is subtly trying to please him!

Bai Yu is indeed talented, being the top scorer in the imperial examination.

But she is the Grand Princess, a member of the royal family, and likely to rule the world in the future.

Is it really necessary to go to such lengths?

In the past, in several previous examinations, the Grand Princess has never done such a thing!

With this gesture, she might really lose her crown!

"Um..."

Even Bai Yu, upon seeing this title, couldn't help but be stunned.

Good... she knows how to flatter!

I've learned!

It's both subtle enough not to embarrass herself,

and openly announced, letting everyone know: you are special, I have feelings for you!

I have made thousands of people compose poems praising you!

How should I put it?

Princess, you really know how to make people feel good!

In my previous life, your flattery skills were top-notch, leaving nothing to be desired!

The Grand Princess has gained a lot of points!

Add another ten points!

"Brother Bai... Could it be that this is from Yu?"

Old Li cleared his throat, feeling his lips dry.

Look... this is what a top scholar looks like!

The princess gave me a topic and inspired me to compose a poem.

To be able to do this, he can be considered the first!

"I don't know."

He shrugged, "You can ask the princess."

Li Jinghao: ................

Asking Your Highness?

Am I qualified?

"Bai Xiong, your kind...

But for Li Jinghao, today's shock seems to be not over yet.

Then, this outsider Bai Xiong who is traveling with himself.

But he took two steps forward and, in the shocked gaze of Old Li,

took out an invitation and handed it to two tall and burly guards, saying loudly,

"I am scholar Bai Yu, invited to attend the gathering."

Old Li: !!!

Other scholars who were secretly observing: !!!

Two guards: !!!

Bai Yu just said a few simple words, and his voice was not loud.

But in an instant, he attracted the attention of everyone and became the most eye-catching person in the room.

Is this Bai Yu?

Buddies are racking their brains, using metaphors to write poems to praise you!

Is the protagonist here?

"Mr. Bai, please come in!"

The two fierce guards instantly blossomed with smiles more beautiful than flowers.

They bowed to Bai Yu, speaking with great solemnity.

They all work under the Great Princess.

If the leaders can't see the direct favoritism towards Bai Yu, then they might as well quit.

"Brother Li, let's go!"

Bai Yu waved his hand towards Li Jinghao, who was standing behind him like a wooden chicken, with a smile on his face.

Li Jinghao: "Ah... um... oh."

The talkative Old Li couldn't say a word at this moment, just following him like a puppet.

"Um... Mr. Bai..."

The two guards were somewhat embarrassed.

According to the rules,

an invitation is only enough for one person to enter, and it is not allowed to bring others along.

But Bai Yu is special.

For a moment, they didn't know what to do, neither blocking nor not blocking.

"Mr. Bai, you're here!"

"Please come in!"

"His Highness has been waiting for you here for a long time!"

And at this moment,

A woman in a neat black dress with a cold and capable temperament walked over,

With a gentle smile on her face, she said to Bai Yu.

Under the order of the Grand Princess,

She had been waiting here for a long time, just to receive Bai Yu alone.

They had met before,

Previously on the street corner, she was the one who gave Bai Yu the invitation.

While saying this to Bai Yu, she also signaled the two guards with her eyes, indicating to let them pass.

"It's you!"

Bai Yu nodded and greeted her with a smile.

Together with the absent-minded Li Jinghao, they followed her into the gate.

The officials and scholars around them were stunned as they watched.

When they came back to their senses,

The three figures had already gone far away.

"That... that's Bai Yu?"

"Is the rumor true? Is he really this young? He's truly a genius!"

"So elegant and graceful, could it be that His Highness..."

"Don't speak recklessly, don't disgrace His Highness!"

"I won't!"

"Can he bring people in with him? What is so special about this person?"

"Youth as beautiful as jade, unparalleled young master, meeting him, my inspiration surges! I want to compose a poem!"

"Hey! You're so cunning, you actually sneaked away!"

After a brief silence, all that was left was noise.

Scholars, look at me, I look at you,

But we can't stop discussing.

Some are envious, some are jealous,

Some are moved, some are suspicious...

And the protagonist among them

Is undoubtedly the young man who left gracefully.

Though they are all scholars,

They no longer belong to the same class.

Such a person, wherever he goes,

Will surely be the center of attention.

In a corner unnoticed by the crowd,

A petite figure deeply gazes in the direction Bai Yu and the others left, as if trying to engrave Bai Yu's appearance in their mind.

Tightening the hood that conceals their figure,

They quietly leave.

In the Pavilion of Embracing the Moon,

"Mr. Bai, His Highness is busy with state affairs and has not yet arrived! For now, Chunya will be responsible for receiving you.

"Chunya is a simple martial artist, lacking in literary talent and eloquence, with shallow knowledge of literature. It is difficult to compare with you. If I say anything inappropriate, I hope you will forgive me.

Calling a young man 'Mr.' is quite strange.

But it is only natural for Lanchunya to do so.

As a loyal guard directly under the Grand Princess, their status is high, and their usual speech is cold and concise.

But now, facing Bai Yu, they are exceptionally polite and respectful.

"It's alright."

Bai Yu gently waved his hand.

He is not arrogant, and he respects those who respect him.

"To the south of the courtyard is the cool pavilion with a lake view, which you can enjoy. The west side is the elegant pavilion, where there are artists singing and dancing, as well as exquisite delicacies to enjoy. To the east is the Moonfall Terrace, where tonight's gathering will take place..."

Lanchunya walked ahead, like a tour guide, pointing around and introducing Bai Yu.

At the same time, they took out a token and handed it to Bai Yu: "You can hold this token, and you can go anywhere in this place."

Bai Yu looked around,

After all, it is a literary gathering hosted by the Grand Princess, and even the qualifications for entry are not easy to obtain.

But at this moment, there are already quite a few people in the courtyard.

He seemed to have found something and couldn't help but look at it a few more times.

Then he accepted the token handed to him by the other party.

"When His Highness arrives, he will definitely have a drink with you and enjoy poetry and literature together."

"Okay, thank you!"

Bai Yu smiled and nodded at her: "I understand, you can go busy yourself."

"Yes!"

"If you need anything, feel free to call me anytime!"

"Okay!"

After completing the task, Lan Chunya nodded towards Bai Yu and quickly left.

"Bai Xiong, you... are you Bai Yu?"

"This..."

When the female guard left,

Old Li, who had been walking with a dazed expression, finally returned to his senses.

He opened his mouth and asked Bai Yu in a dry manner...

It is rumored that Bai Yu is only sixteen years old, young and handsome, and also an outsider.

Upon careful consideration,

it does seem to match the person he coincidentally encountered on the road.

But... this is too coincidental!

There are also many people surnamed Bai in the world,

Li Jinghao never thought that the person he randomly met on the road would be the talented scholar who was being talked about by everyone.

And the other person is so friendly and casual,

completely different from the image of the talented scholar he had imagined.

"If there is no second person named Bai Yu, then it must be me."

Bai Yu smiled at him: "Why, are you surprised?"

"No... hahaha!"

"Just didn't expect it!"

"Haha, I, Li Jinghao, have traveled through the rivers and lakes, and made many friends... but it's the first time I've met someone like Bai Xiong!"

"Hahaha, I also have a top scholar friend now!"

This person has always had an outgoing and sociable personality.

The reason for being stunned just now was simply because the impact was too strong.

Then, he also snapped back to reality,

He was not restrained, still cheerful as he smiled at Bai Yu.

This guy's voice is quite loud.

His unconventional words also attracted strange looks from the surrounding scholars.

"The palace examination has not yet taken place, it's too early to talk about being the top scholar."

Although... the old emperor had already prearranged it for him.

Bai Yu gently waved his hand.

He didn't want to attract unnecessary animosity.

Li Jinghao laughed and said, "Hahaha, Brother Bai, trust me! I have a keen eye for judging people, you will definitely surpass everyone and come out on top."

Hey, even though I know you're bragging.

But you actually said it right.

Bai Yu smiled and didn't modestly deny anything.

He just walked towards the other side.

Hey, Miss Yao Yun, we meet again!

"Not seeing each other for a day feels like three autumns, it really makes people miss you~"

A beautiful and elegant girl sat quietly in a corner of the pavilion.

This place is mostly filled with men.

A beautiful flower bloomed in the green grass, and a beautiful woman here is quite eye-catching.

But strangely enough,

It seems that not many people are paying attention to this place.

And with Bai Yu, Li Jinghao also noticed the presence of a woman here.

It's really strange, just now it felt like there was no one here!

"Master Bai...!"

Miss Lingbi seems to be introverted and timid.

She is the complete opposite of Old Li.

Startled by Bai Yu's call, she trembled and looked up.

Seeing the familiar face, her face turned red and she couldn't help but exclaim.

Bai Yu always manages to spot her when she uses the concealment spell.

And this person... always speaks so inappropriately.

"Master... this person..."

In Bai Yu's 2.1, Long Zhi was also puzzled and paid much attention to this strange existence.

When did the young master come to know this ghostly creature?

"Haha, are you also here for this poetry gathering?"

Bai Yu smiled and asked her.

"Um...yes."

Actually...I wanted to see you.

When Ji Yaoyun received the invitation, she was also a bit confused.

After all, the Grand Princess only sent out 100 invitations.

Even if one passed the imperial examination, they might not receive an invitation to the Lao Island Poetry Gathering.

Basically, the top 100 would monopolize it.

As one of the 500 scholars at the bottom, she was not much different from the failed scholars.

But...she still received an invitation.

She found it strange.

If you need help, come find me!

Somehow, she suddenly remembered the young master she met on the day of the examination, who left a deep impression on her.

She knew they would meet again!

And, she had a faint feeling that her strange acceptance and the invitation to the poetry gathering...

...were very likely related to Bai Yu, who had achieved first place in the imperial examination and gained fame overnight.

And more importantly, his poetry...was excellent.

So, she came.

She wanted to see Bai Yu, to get to know him, to talk to him about something.

And coincidentally,

Bai Yu walked in and saw her.

He happily said, "Would the young lady like to accompany us?"

"Of...of course!"

Somehow, Miss Lingbi felt a dangerous aura from Bai Yu.

But she still agreed.

Her purpose in coming here was to see Bai Yu.