USWHC -Chapter 430 Rushing to the Capital for the Exam (Part 10)

Remarkably, he actually recited that long poem word for word, and it even seemed fitting for the occasion—at least it conveyed his desire to find someone like Zhuge Liang. Could it be that Third Prince was just putting on an act? No—he really was a cultured man.

Just then, someone behind him muttered quietly, “Wasn’t that the poem he recited yesterday too?”

“Don’t talk nonsense. He recited this one earlier as well,” another whispered.

Ha! Was this a little trick? Yet many of the scholars clearly hadn’t heard of it before—they looked on in admiration. Of course, there were also the bootlickers, loudly exclaiming, “Third Prince’s literary talent is unmatched! We are truly in awe!”

The Third Prince seemed quite pleased with this flattery and immediately smiled. “Well said, well said!”

Ji Yi watched the scene and couldn’t help but smirk inwardly. He was even too lazy to stay any longer and was about to turn and leave.

But then Lu Anzhi leaned over and whispered, “Aren’t you looking to meet the Lady of Ping’an County? Why not go flatter the Third Prince first?”

“Why?” Ji Yi asked disdainfully.

Lu Anzhi replied earnestly, “Haven’t you heard? The Third Prince’s birthday is in a few days. Which of the capital’s elite young ladies would miss it? If you win the Third Prince’s favor, at least you might get a foot in the door, and who knows—you might even run into the Lady of Ping’an County.”

Hearing this, Ji Yi’s eyes immediately widened. He headed straight toward the Third Prince, but the crowd was thick inside and out. Everyone was pushing forward with single-minded determination. Earlier, if you didn’t push, you might squeeze in—but now, even if you were skilled in martial arts, you probably couldn’t get through!

Ji Yi felt a pang of urgency. What could he do? How could he draw the Third Prince’s attention?

In the next moment, Ji Yi shouted loudly, “No! This poem is no good!”

Huh? Contradicting everyone? The crowd immediately turned to look at him. Was this person here to cause trouble? Didn’t he fear the Third Prince’s wrath?

Sure enough, the Third Prince’s expression changed. He had been reciting this poem for a month, and now someone dared say it was no good? Was this man brainless?

The Third Prince glared coldly and saw a scholar striding toward him. At this moment, Ji Yi didn’t need to squeeze through; everyone instinctively gave him a path. Even within three meters of him, there wasn’t a single person. Everyone feared getting caught up in his trouble and punished alongside him!

“Who is this?” the Third Prince ground his teeth.

Even now, Ji Yi calmly bowed and said, “I am Ji Yi.” Did he not fear any retribution later?

“Is that so? You think this poem is no good? What exactly is wrong with it?” the Third Prince asked coldly.

Ji Yi smiled faintly. “The last line is not good.”

The Third Prince frowned. How could that be? This was a masterpiece by Du Fu—who wouldn’t praise it? Even the last word was brilliant.

Ji Yi continued, “’Throughout history, great talent is hard to employ; but in today’s court, it can be put to use.’ With a prince like the Third Prince, who knows and recognizes talent, even the greatest of men can be of service!”

Hearing this, the crowd thought, ah, here comes another flatterer.

The Third Prince snorted coldly. Flattery with such a show—hmph, this man is nothing special.

But then Ji Yi added, “Yet the last line isn’t actually the worst. There is another line that would be gravely inappropriate for the Third Prince. If I were your strategist, I would never let you recite this poem.”

His serious tone caused the Third Prince to pause, frowning. “Oh? Then tell me—what line?”

“I can only tell the Third Prince in private,” Ji Yi insisted.

The crowd was stunned. Private? This newcomer is clearly scheming!

The Third Prince hesitated briefly, observing Ji Yi’s calm and upright stance—he didn’t seem deceitful. Could there really be something wrong with the poem?

“Fine. Come over here,” the Third Prince said.

The two stepped aside to a large tree, which created some space. The crowd could watch from a distance but couldn’t see what was happening.