After traveling through time, I was raised by a little brat

Unexpectedly, just as autumn arrived, the Imperial College announced a remarkable piece of news: they would select outstanding students to study abroad at the other three universities. Furthermore, each university would send two students, and these students must possess well-rounded talents.

You know, the Imperial College is a frequent visitor to the annual imperial examinations! While nominally an exchange and learning event, in reality, it's meant to showcase the Imperial College's own strength and style. Those selected to be sent to other academies are either exceptionally talented within the Imperial College, or they carry a heavy responsibility, determined to outdo the students from the other academies who are participating in the exchange.

Therefore, the Imperial College decided to allow top-ranked students to apply to these three universities on their own. Among the many students, Tang Qi chose Yingtian Academy, the farthest away, without hesitation. Legend has it that Yingtian Academy once produced a just, honest, and highly respected sage. Tang Qi had always admired this sage and longed for the opportunity to visit him in person.

Of course, there was another crucial reason, which was that Yingtian Prefecture and Yangzhou were only separated by a river. In this way, perhaps during this trip, he could also visit his father whom he had not seen for a long time.

Not long after, Tang Qi reluctantly bid farewell to Zeng Yuan, Tang Wenshu, and other family members before embarking on his journey to Yingtian Academy with Liao Xinyin, also a top student. Speaking of Liao Xinyin, he's truly remarkable! A child from a poor family who only entered the Imperial College the previous year, through his tireless efforts and exceptional talent, he has not only excelled academically but also possessed impeccable character. It's for this reason that he was fortunate enough to receive this precious opportunity to study abroad.

The carriage sped along, arriving in Yingtian Prefecture in no time. As soon as they entered the city, they saw the streets adorned with lanterns and bustling with people. It turned out that a grand welcoming banquet was being held to welcome the guests from afar.

Arriving at the banquet, the tables were laden with delicacies, but surprisingly, despite the abundance, the food seemed bland. It turned out that this banquet had ingeniously imitated the popular Yangzhou activity of "Qushui Liushang." An exquisite wine jug slowly flows along a winding stream. Whenever it comes to rest in front of someone, that person must improvise a poem based on a given topic. The allotted time is from the moment they pick up the wine glass until they finish drinking.

Such intense and stimulating rules put pressure on many present. Even Tang Qi, known for his quick thinking, had never experienced such a short deadline. As everyone waited with bated breath, the wine jug swam squarely in front of Liao Xinyin. He gazed at the title before him—"Heaven's Pride"—and fell into deep thought.

As the seconds ticked by, the people around him began to whisper among themselves. Yet, Liao Xinyin remained brow furrowed, racking his brains, unable to come up with a suitable line. Finally, before he knew it, his glass was empty, and the allotted time had slipped away. When he finally realized he hadn't finished his poem within the allotted time, he was stunned.

He had never imagined that, having come to challenge others with such confidence and high spirits, he would find himself in such an utterly embarrassing situation after the first question! His face was as red as a ripe apple, burning like fire, and he was in a state of panic. He wished he could find a crack in the ground and crawl into it, never to be seen again. Endless regret and shame surged over him like a tide, enveloping him tightly and making it almost impossible to breathe.

At this moment, several students from Yingtian Academy were whispering, "Look! This is the so-called coward from the Imperial College! He can't even recite a line of poetry, and yet he has the nerve to come to our Yingtian Prefecture and embarrass himself. How ridiculous..."

You know, these questions only change after someone successfully answers them. Not long after, this question quickly swam to a student from Yingtian Academy. Without hesitation, the student picked up the wine glass on the table, pondered for a moment, and then, shaking his head, recited a poem.

"I was born with talent to be useful, and I, a proud young man, will realize my ambitions. My wings will grow stronger and I will soar thousands of miles, proudly soaring in the sky."

After reciting the poem, he raised his head and drank the wine in the cup in one gulp, then set the cup down triumphantly. Having already known the question, he saved himself a lot of time thinking. Then, the wine jug continued to flow slowly along the stream.

Not long after, the wine pot arrived before another student from Yingtian Academy. This time, the topic was "Holding a Spear as a Way of Kindness." Upon seeing the question, this student frowned and began to mutter, "Oh my! What a strange question! Kindness is kindness, how can it possibly be related to holding a spear? Could fighting be a kind act? If so, the state of Zhao would be in perpetual turmoil and strife!" He rambled on, his precious time slipping away unnoticed.

The wine jug was like a lithe dancer, swaying in the air, slowly drifting. Wherever it passed, several students from Yingtian Prefecture frowned and pondered, trying to compose a poem that would fit the theme, but in the end, they could only shake their heads and sigh helplessly.

Finally, the jug arrived before Tang Qi. His expression was calm as he leisurely lifted the glass and filled it. Then, he tilted his head slightly and gazed into the distance, his thoughts drifting to the distant battlefield. Then, he gently parted his lips and chanted, "The flames of war rage on, and I bear my sword to protect the land of Han. The landscape is a painting, stained red with blood, only to ease the sorrow of the people."

As soon as he finished speaking, Tang Qi raised his glass without hesitation and drank it all in one gulp. The wine in the glass slid down his throat and into his stomach. A spicy feeling instantly spread throughout his body, but he didn't care. Instead, he praised loudly, "Good wine!"

At this moment, everyone present was deeply moved by Tang Qi's poem. They could almost see with their own eyes the Zhao soldiers, clad in armor and wielding long spears, bravely fighting on the battlefield. The scene of blazing flames, rivers of blood, and the unyielding eyes of the soldiers all came to mind. Tang Qi's poem vividly captured the great spirit of these soldiers, who risked their lives to defend their homeland and protect the people.

For a moment, the sound of praise was endless. Some people excitedly said, "This is a peerless poem!" Another sighed, "Yes, through this poem, I seem to truly feel the bravery and selfless dedication of those soldiers." Another, with tears in his eyes, murmured to himself, "This is the true meaning of taking up arms for good..."