The prince is fierce: Who dares to steal my woman?

He Songzhi paced slowly in the main hall. After circling twice, inspiration flowed like a spring. He tilted his head slightly, his gaze seemingly piercing through time and space, returning to that heart-stirring battle: "General Xiao Cheng is truly amazing. He captured Tuoba Mao alive in one battle. Thanks to His Majesty's mighty power, Princess Leling came to beg for mercy."

His poems are fluent and passionate, each word seemingly carrying the smoke and fire of battle, making one feel as if they have witnessed the glorious achievements of that valiant general and the moment when the empire's fame spread far and wide.

After reciting the poem, He Songzhi smiled slightly, his gaze falling once more on Xiao Jinyan, with a hint of provocation and anticipation: "Your Majesty, what do you think of this poem?"

His tone carried a hint of smugness, as if he had already foreseen the impending victory.

Liu Kun's voice, like a gentle spring breeze, brushed past everyone's ears: "He Songzhi's poem is indeed extraordinary; it is simply overflowing with talent and truly breathtaking!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin smiled knowingly and echoed, "Indeed, He Songzhi's poem is profound in its imagery and exquisite in its word choice. It is truly unparalleled throughout history."

The surrounding ministers nodded in agreement, whispered among themselves, and discussed the matter animatedly, all praising He Songzhi's poems. The hall was filled with awe and admiration for his poetic talent.

At this moment, Yu Jin changed the subject, his sharp gaze fixed on Xiao Jinyan sitting in the corner, his tone tinged with provocation: "Xiao Jinyan, if you can compose a poem better than this within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, then you win; otherwise, hehe, the position of peace envoy will probably have to be handed over to someone else."

Despite being Yu Jin's son-in-law, Xiao Jinyan's kinship seemed fragile in this power struggle. Yu Jin and He Songzhi had already formed an unbreakable alliance, and Xiao Jinyan was more like a pawn in this power struggle.

Faced with Yu Jin's provocation, Xiao Jinyan showed no fear whatsoever. Instead, a confident smile appeared on her lips, a smile that contained both disdain for Yu Jin's provocation and confidence in her own talent.

"Don't worry, Father-in-law, what He Songzhi wrote was nothing but clichés. I, Xiao Jinyan, can create a masterpiece that surpasses his with a wave of my hand."

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin sneered, a barely perceptible glint of coldness flashing in his eyes: "Hmph, keep bragging. If you can't show your true skills, don't blame me, Yu Jin, for being ruthless."

Yu Jin stared intently at Xiao Jinyan, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips, a hint of provocation mixed with anticipation. He said, “Xiao Jinyan, if you can compose a poem even better than the one you just wrote before this incense stick burns out, then you’ll have some real skill. Otherwise, this contest will be considered a victory for He Songzhi.”

After speaking, he waved his hand gently, and the official beside him immediately lit an incense stick. The smoke rose and drifted slowly in the empty hall, making time seem to flow with the smoke, becoming both clear and urgent.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's lips curled into a confident smile, a smile that carried a hint of unruliness and indifference, as if he didn't take this sudden challenge to heart.

"It's nothing," he said casually, his voice soft yet clear, as if carrying immense weight, allowing everyone present to feel his hidden talent and confidence.

Seeing this, Yu Jin felt a little displeased. He deliberately raised his voice and urged, "Xiao Jinyan, hurry up and write your poem. Don't delay. It would be embarrassing if you couldn't finish it."

Not to be outdone, He Songzhi chimed in, "Indeed, Xiao Jinyan, if you can't compose a poem, this position of peace envoy will be mine."

Yu Jin sneered again, as if he had already foreseen the fruits of victory: "That's right, Xiao Jinyan, you can't do it, can you? This isn't something you can win with just words."

However, faced with the two's relentless attacks, Xiao Jinyan remained remarkably calm. His gaze pierced through the clamor, as if searching for something, or conversing with a corner of his heart. After a moment, he gently closed his eyes and began searching his memory bank, looking for that spark of inspiration that could move people's hearts.

Suddenly, his brows furrowed slightly, then quickly relaxed, a glint of light flashing in his eyes as if he had caught something.

He slowly opened his eyes, a confident smile returning to his lips, and softly recited: "The mountains and rivers are desolate on this remote borderland, where barbarian cavalry rampage through the wind and rain. Half of the soldiers at the front are dead or wounded, while beauties still sing and dance in their tents..."

As the verses flowed, the entire hall seemed enveloped by an invisible force; the air froze, and time stood still. The magnificent yet tragic scenes depicted in the verses unfolded slowly before everyone's eyes like a series of paintings: the desolation of the frontier, the rampage of enemy cavalry, the life-or-death struggle of warriors, and the seemingly distant yet within-reach peace and prosperity of the rear...

Every word is full of deep emotion, and every sentence strikes the heart, making people involuntarily immerse themselves in it and be moved.

As the poem progressed, Yu Jin and He Songzhi's expressions gradually became solemn. The frustration and embarrassment they had originally hoped to see vanished in the face of Xiao Jinyan's brilliant talent.

At this moment, they had to admit that Xiao Jinyan indeed possessed extraordinary talent and demeanor, and the contest of poetry had already been decided silently.

Liu Kun's face was so gloomy it could drip water; his brows were furrowed, and his eyes flashed with a complex and unreadable light.

The reason is simple: the poem Xiao Jinyan just recited was sharp and incisive, not only brilliant in its literary style but also a direct satire of Xiao Jinyan's father, Xiao Cheng, who was fighting valiantly on the front lines while he himself indulged in pleasure and entangled with beauties in the palace.

This poem struck like a hammer blow to everyone's heart, leaving no room for ignoring it, yet also making it difficult to refute, because the sharpness and talent in its verses are truly captivating.

Liu Kun slowly scanned the assembled officials below the throne, his voice deep and powerful: "My dear ministers, in your opinion, whose poem is the best today?"

Xiao Jinyan smiled confidently, a confident and arrogant expression that showed he was not interested in arguing: "Is there any need to ask? Naturally, my poem is superior."

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin raised an eyebrow, a hint of resentment and defiance flashing in his eyes: "In my humble opinion, He Songzhi's poems are the best of today. His profound artistic conception and exquisite word choice are even better."

Upon hearing this, He Songzhi also showed a smug look on his face, stroked his long beard, and slowly said, "What the Duke of Chu said is very true. My poem is indeed a masterpiece of today."

Xiao Jinyan sneered inwardly. He had never seen such a shameless person, so brazenly boasting without any regard for the truth. However, he maintained his composure on the surface, while inwardly plotting how to leave his opponent speechless in the upcoming contest.

Seeing this, Liu Kun turned his gaze to Du Xuan. Du Xuan had once been a close advisor to the Crown Prince, renowned throughout the court for his integrity, selflessness, and impartiality. His choice would undoubtedly carry immense weight.

Liu Kun said in a deep voice, "Du Xuan, you have always been fair. Tell me, whose poem is better today?"

Du Xuan stood up, his eyes clear as water. He first bowed to Liu Kun, then looked around and said in a firm and clear voice, "Your Majesty, in my opinion, the best poem of the day is Xiao Jinyan's. Not only is it brilliantly written, but more importantly, it contains a deep sense of patriotism and a profound reflection on reality, making it a truly rare masterpiece."

These words caused an uproar in the court. Du Xuan's fair judgment undoubtedly brought an end to this debate over poetic skill and also brought wider recognition to Xiao Jinyan's talent.

Liu Kun frowned, his heart churning like a turbulent sea, unable to find peace.

He gazed at Xiao Jinyan, who was being praised by everyone, a complex emotion swirling within him. Although he was displeased with Xiao Jinyan's talent, which had inadvertently emerged, he could only force a smile under the watchful eyes of the crowd and said in a seemingly magnanimous manner, "Since your poem is so good, then you shall be the peace envoy."

There was a hint of bitterness in his words.

Upon hearing this, Yu Jin sighed softly, a look of helplessness flashing in his eyes: "Alas, things in this world are often not as one wishes."

He shook his head and muttered to himself, "There's nothing I can do; that's the rule, and that's how it is with talent."

He Songzhi appeared indifferent, but a glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes as he slowly spoke: "Since His Majesty has spoken, then we have no choice but to comply. As his subjects, we should obey."

Seeing this, Liu Kun felt unwilling, but he also understood that the outcome was already decided. He looked around and saw that everyone was either silent or nodding, as if they had all accepted the decision. He took a deep breath and tried to calm the turmoil in his heart.

"Since no one has any objections, let's settle on this matter."

However, at that moment, a clear and firm voice suddenly rang out, like an icicle suddenly appearing in the cold wind, breaking the original calm.

"I have a dissent."

Wei Wuji slowly stepped out of the line, looking directly at Liu Kun, his eyes flashing with complex emotions.

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun frowned again, his gaze sharp as he looked at Wei Wuji, his tone carrying a hint of displeasure: "Duke of Qin, do you have any objections?"

Wei Wuji smiled slightly: "Your Majesty, although Xiao Jinyan is quite talented and his poetry and prose are outstanding, he is still young and lacks experience in dealing with complex situations. The peace talks are a matter of national security, how can they be taken lightly? I believe that we should send an experienced old minister to assist him in order to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

His words seemed sincere, but in reality they concealed a hidden agenda. He secretly calculated: I can't let Xiao Jinyan take all the credit, otherwise my position as Duke of Qin will be in jeopardy.

Upon hearing this, Liu Kun couldn't help but sneer inwardly. He understood Wei Wuji's scheme perfectly well. However, faced with such a direct challenge, he couldn't easily back down.

So Liu Kun asked in a deep voice, "Then what does the Duke of Qin mean..."

Wei Wuji's eyes were sharp as an eagle's. He slowly stepped forward, his voice steady and firm: "Your Majesty, although I am old, I have the country on my mind. I am willing to use my remaining strength to serve as the deputy envoy and do my best to assist Xiao Jinyan in completing this important task of peace talks."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's lips curled into a barely perceptible sneer. He bowed slightly, his tone carrying a hint of nonchalant confidence: "Your Majesty, such a trivial matter is more than enough for me to handle alone. Why trouble the Duke of Qin? I will certainly live up to your expectations and return safely."

He secretly pondered to himself that he had worked hard to earn this credit, and he could not easily give it to others, especially an old fox like Wei Wuji.

Upon seeing this, Wei Wuji's eyes flashed with a barely perceptible glint. He gently shook his head and said in an almost benevolent tone, "Alas, Xiao Jinyan, youthful vigor is certainly good, but peace talks concern the safety of the nation and must be handled with caution. Although I am old, I am experienced and may be able to offer you some advice. Let me go with you."

At this moment, Liu Kun, who had been silent for a long time, was still holding a grudge because of the sharp satire in Xiao Jinyan's poem. Seeing this, he went with the flow and pretended to be magnanimous, saying, "Since the Duke of Qin insists on this and has such a good intention, then let's do as the Duke of Qin says and let him serve as the deputy envoy to go and negotiate with us."

His gaze swept over Xiao Jinyan, carrying a hint of barely perceptible provocation and smugness.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jinyan's expression changed slightly. Although he was displeased, he knew that it was not appropriate to openly disobey orders at this moment. He could only suppress his anger and force out a smile: "Since Your Majesty has made such a decision, this humble subject will obey and will do my best to live up to Your Majesty's expectations."

Looking at Xiao Jinyan's forced resentment, Wei Wuji sneered inwardly: Xiao Jinyan, although you are young and promising, how can you dance alone on this political stage? I want to see what tricks you can come up with!