Splendid Twins

The emperor put down the wine glass in his hand, his eyes were like torches, and he slowly spoke: "What the Duke of Zhenguo said is very true. I have also heard about the talent of the new champion. Why don't you... compete with each other?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of drums and music in the hall gradually died down, and everyone's eyes were focused on Si Qing.

Si Qing did not show any panic on his face. He stood up and walked to the center of the hall. He bowed deeply to the emperor and said:

"Your Majesty, although I am not talented, I am willing to give it a try."

The Duke of Zhenguo turned back to his seat, picked up the refilled glass of wine and savored it slowly, with a hint of ill intent flashing in his eyes!

Young people are ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth. Do they think they are geniuses just because they receive a few compliments from others?

Ha, naive!

If he could do something about that little bitch, he, as a Duke, would never bother to give face to a newly crowned number one scholar!

Si Qing, who was being watched by everyone, accepted the challenge calmly.

Si Qing's mind was as clear as a mirror. This was the first time he met Yaoyao's adoptive father, the powerful Duke Zhenguo!

This tactic of killing someone by praising him without spilling any blood is truly brilliant.

Praise someone to a high position and then let him fall from that height. He will then be smashed to pieces. He doesn't need to do it himself, because those enemies who are praised to death will fall into the dust due to their inner imbalance, frustration and despair!

When the emperor saw Si Qing agreed, his eyes moved slightly and he said in a deep voice:

"Well, you are worthy of being the number one scholar chosen by me. My dear ministers, you must do your best."

"I dare to set a precedent."

One of the young officials stood up, bowed upwards, then glanced towards the old official, with a shrewd look in his eyes.

After pretending to think for a while, he slowly recited the beautiful sentences he had prepared in advance, which drew applause from everyone.

Si Qing responded calmly, his nonchalant look causing his opponent to gradually lose his composure...

"The cavalry hurriedly beat the drums, and we are glad that you have won the trophy.

The floating chrysanthemums in the golden jar urge the banquet to begin, and the red buds are waiting for the arrival of spring.

One day he accompanied Yu to the cave, and when he was old, he saw him again and wrote poems in Nanshan.

When will we be able to enjoy the peace and prosperity together, and sit and relax at night with music and flutes?"

(The author is a waste. This poem was written by Su Shi at the Luming Banquet in the first year of Yuanfeng?_?)

Si Qing stood out among all the contestants. His attitude was always neither humble nor arrogant, and his clear eyes became more and more calm as his inner determination grew.

The emperor took in everyone's expressions from his high seat, tapping the empty wine glass with his slender fingertips...

Everyone was laughing and talking, drinking from their glasses. The clear and pleasant sound of the glasses clinking together echoed in the air like a melodious piece of music.

As the wine glasses were flowing, everyone's face was filled with joy and happiness. At this moment, the atmosphere between the emperor and his ministers was extremely good. As time went by, most people were slightly drunk. The emperor left the stage early. Before leaving, he gave the eunuch who was serving beside him a meaningful look...

As the night was about to rise and the banquet was over, the ministers left the palace in groups of three or four.

When Si Qing was about to step out of the palace gate, a deep voice came from behind him:

"Master Si, please stay."

Si Qing stopped, turned around and looked over. It was the person he expected!

Seeing the Duke of Zhenguo talking to the new number one scholar, the people around them quickened their pace and left. Soon, they were the only two left on the palace road.

"I wonder if the Duke of Zhenguo has any advice for me."

Si Qing saluted with proper manners. The other party's status and age were higher than his, so it was reasonable for him to be respectful.

The Duke of Zhenguo looked at Si Qing with a sharp gaze and full of pressure, trying to read something from his face.

However, Si Qing remained calm, without any sign of dodging or retreating, and waited calmly for the next words.

The Duke of Zhenguo was surprised to see this. There were very few young people who could face his scrutiny without showing any fear, and even fewer who could be as calm and composed as Si Qing.

"Si Zhuangyuan has become famous overnight, so I think he has great ambitions. As luck would have it, my Lord is always generous to talented people. If you have any inconvenience in the future, feel free to come to me."

The Duke of Zhenguo was certain that a young man without any support would definitely seize the opportunity that came out of nowhere...

Hearing this, Si Qing smiled slightly and said calmly:

"I would like to thank the Duke for his kindness, but please forgive me for my poverty and short-sightedness. I just want to make a living."

What he meant was that we are not of the same kind, we cannot eat from the same pot, and there is no such thing as any support or assistance!

The Duke of Zhenguo's face darkened slightly. He was actually rejected!

You really don’t know what’s good for you!

"Si Qing, don't refuse a toast and then drink a forfeit. Your sister Si Yao once called the Duke of this country father. According to etiquette, you should call him uncle."

The Duke of Zhenguo became angry when he thought of that little girl's stubborn attitude. He had previously considered sending her to the palace, but after what happened last time, he changed his mind.

Since we can't become enemies, we can only ease the situation through other means. Si Yao is not indestructible and heartless. On the contrary, she is very protective!

As long as he uses the right means and pulls everyone around her to the Duke's Mansion, he doesn't believe that Si Yao can turn against her blood relatives!

Having said that, Si Qing understood why the Duke of Zhenguo did this. It turned out that he wanted to use him to contain Yaoyao. That really disappointed him...

"You are joking, my Lord. How can a poor person like me tarnish the reputation of the Duke's Mansion? I know that my status is low and I cannot afford to marry into the Duke's Mansion. I am not worthy of calling you uncle."

As soon as Si Qing finished speaking, the whole atmosphere froze.

The Duke of Zhenguo's face was as dark as the dark clouds before a storm, terribly gloomy.

He spoke slowly, his voice filled with unquestionable majesty and coldness:

"Si Qing, do you know the consequences of refusing?"

Si Qing raised his head and looked at the Duke of Zhenguo without fear, his eyes full of firmness and determination.

He knew very well that his choice today might bring unpredictable consequences, but he knew even more clearly that Yaoyao did not like the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion. If he allowed her to be restrained by others because of his own selfishness, he would never forgive himself.

After weighing the pros and cons and emotions, he chose to stick to Yaoyao's wishes!

"My Lord, I know the consequences of refusing." Si Qing's voice was calm and clear. "Everyone has their own aspirations. Mine is to hope that my family will be safe and happy, without any constraints."

When the Duke of Zhenguo heard this, he couldn't help but feel angry.

He never thought that Si Qing, who came from a poor family, would have such a firm will and courage.

He took a deep breath, tried to calm himself down, and then said coldly:

"Well, since you have made your choice, you must be prepared to bear the consequences. However, I hope you remember that there are many accidents in this world!"

After saying this, the Duke of Zhenguo turned around and strode away.

After a long while, Si Qing slowly turned his head, looked at the towering palace and whispered:

"Since you have to make a choice, then... why not choose the strongest one?"

When the palace gate was about to be locked, Si Qing came out, followed by a little eunuch holding a lantern.