The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 300

Both sides entered the arena, and the gong was struck.

"The first round of the battle between Hongwen Academy and Bailu Academy is a contest of poetry and prose. The first match is between Xiao Xin of the Lanling Xiao Clan and Gu Zixian of Bailu Academy, and the theme is spring!"

"The country is broken, but the mountains and rivers remain; spring has come to the city, but the grass and trees grow deep." Xiao Xin was already a handsome young man, and now he was only wearing a moon-white robe. His narrow peach blossom eyes were squinted. Although he had not yet reached adulthood, he was already showing the elegance of a man from Lanling.

The poem shocked everyone present. Xiao Xin was speechless. Master Xu didn't take such a poem seriously at all. The poem was too ordinary. Just the other day, he went to Master Xu to ask for advice on poetry. Master Xu casually recited two lines.

He then saw a piece of paper on Master Xu's desk, on which was written the poem: "The country is broken, but the mountains and rivers remain; spring comes to the city, but the grass and trees grow deep."

Xiao Xin was immediately deeply moved, thinking it was a famous line throughout the ages. However, Master Xu glanced at him and said, "You're too short-sighted. It's just a simple line of poetry, yet you call it a famous line throughout the ages."

He then threw the poem directly into the trash can.

Unexpectedly, the poems that Xu Tian threw in were considered treasures by the people of Bailu Academy. However, Xiao Xin had no idea that it was not surprising that Xu Tian could recite many more of these poems.

The phrase "The country is broken, but the mountains and rivers remain; spring has come to the city, but the grass and trees are deep" is profound, revealing the arrogance of the Lanling people. If they do not correct this shortcoming, they will be like Zhao Kuo, engaging in empty talk and theoretical warfare.

Over the past few days, as Xiao Xin listened to Yang Deming's explanations of the battle, he gained a deeper understanding of himself.

The vice president of Bailu Academy stood up.

"I wonder what explanation this young poet has for it?"

Xiao Xin said, "Even if the country is broken, the mountains and rivers remain! If we want our Great Tang territory to never be invaded by other iron cavalry again, we must examine ourselves and strengthen our bodies. If anyone dares to invade, we will punish them no matter how far away they are. We must not wait until spring comes and the grass and trees grow deep in the city to regret it. Therefore, we must maintain a long-term vision before the great war, develop industry and improve people's livelihoods, so that in times of war, the people will not be displaced and unable to even have a full meal."

The people of Bailu Academy grew even more fond of this young man. Then they saw the vice-principal say again, "In this round, Bailu Academy loses with complete sincerity."

The gong sounded, and Xiao Xin only nodded slightly. Gu Zixian was very curious about Xiao Xin and followed him back to Jidi Tower, where he found that Xiao Xin was actually copying books.

Xiao Xin raised his head, narrowed his eyes slightly, and said, "What, you're not convinced?"

Unexpectedly, Gu Zixian raised his hand in a salute and said, "Brother Xiao, it is not that I am unconvinced, but that I admire you wholeheartedly. I wonder why you are copying books here? I have heard that the Xiao family of Lanling is the richest in the world."

Xiao Xin calmly put down his pen and then said, "The people of the Xiao family are all arrogant and think that our Great Tang is a powerful country and that we need not fear the surrounding small countries."

Even if forced to send troops, the Tang Dynasty will surely be victorious in every battle. Staying in such a family for too long will inevitably narrow one's horizons and lead to regression!

I have severed ties with my family!

Gu Zixian was deeply shocked and surprised: "But you are still young."

Upon hearing this, a warm feeling flashed in Xiao Xin's eyes.

"If you come to Hongwen Academy, you will know that Master Xu not only set up student dormitories and student canteens in the academy, but also has a medical clinic."

The money I earn from copying books is enough for me to live on, and with the tuition fee of only three copper coins, I have no worries about making a living.