Chapter 172: Chapter 127: The Phoenix Falls And The
Hidden Dragon Rises 3
“Of course, as long as my brother-in-law clears this last hurdle, he’ll be able to marry my sister smoothly.” Liu Yuanrui looked relaxed and confident, grinning sheepishly, “Of course, failing the test could work too, he could still marry my sister after admitting defeat.”
“Fine, but I’d like to reiterate I don’t care about the admission of defeat, I just want to give it a try.” Wang Shouzhe said calmly.
This was the third time Wang Shouzhe had said this.
The first two attempts, surprisingly, were successful.
Could a miracle happen for the third time? The onlooking younger brothers and sisters started to cheer, “Go, brother-in-law, defeat Yuanrui.”
Liu Yuanrui’s face darkened, “Whose side are you siblings on?”
However, for the last challenge, Liu Yuanrui had full confidence. As a scholar, excelling in poetry and composition is a must.
If he couldn’t even beat his brother-in-law at this, what was the point of all his study?
“Ready, brother-in-law?” Liu Yuanrui said confidently.
Wang Shouzhe laughed: “Please pose the question, Yuanrui, let’s get on with it.”
Liu Yuanrui looked around, smiled and said lightly: “Since it’s my sister’s wedding today, the topic should be about my sister naturally. Let’s see who can praise my sister better in a poem.”
The spectators cheered. The topic was apt. It would also test the literary knowledge of the brother-in-law. Even if he could not beat Yuanrui, he would pass as long as he can come up with something decent.
Wang Shouzhe thought for a moment and said, “Please start first, Yuanrui. I want to learn from you.”
Liu Yuanrui did not refuse. He cleared his throat in a pretentious manner, thought for a moment, and began his recitation.
The elegant maiden hidden within her boudoir
A matchmaker guides the way with a lantern in hand
Today she will be wed to a Wang family lad
A phoenix falls on its treasure land, thus sprouting a lurking dragon
As the poem was recited, there was a roar of applause from the crowd.
Even Wang Shouzhe subtly nodded in agreement. Yuanrui, as an educated person, indeed had certain standards.
He did not directly describe how good his sister was, but used descriptive techniques to elevate her.
Especially the last line, “A phoenix falls on its treasure land, thus sprouting a lurking dragon”, instantly elevated the entire poem!
While praising his sister, he also complimented the Wang family and Wang Shouzhe. A hidden dragon located in a treasure land, it sounded pleasant.
But all in all, he praised his sister who was marrying Wang Shouzhe. Her marriage would greatly benefit his future, as she is a woman of prosperity.
It also informed Wang Shouzhe that being able to marry Ruolan was a fortunate event.
The whole poem was very flavorful and apt for the occasion.
“Now it’s your turn, brother-in-law. Don’t rush, you can take your time. After all, we have plenty of it.” Liu Yuanrui’s voice was filled with confidence.
Of course, he had been refining this poem for three months, just waiting for today. How could he not be confident?
“Alright, let me think.”
Confronting this excellent poem, Wang Shouzhe got serious.
Naturally, this poem was quickly passed to the backyard by the maid, Qiao’er. After savoring the poem, Liu Ruolan copied it by hand on a piece of paper, and read it again carefully, a slight satisfaction in her eyes, “Yuanrui indeed loves his sister.”
“Yuanrui’s study has not been in vain.” The middle-aged women also praised one after another.
Wang Liuzi became worried, “Oh no, Yuanrui’s poem is excellent. My nephew
Shouzhe might be overshadowed.”
“Auntie Seven, it’s okay.” Liu Ruolan gently held Wang Liuzi’s hand and reassured her, “This three-challenge thing is just for the young people to have fun. My feelings for…uh… for him…”
When she said this, her face flushed with shyness. In short, she wouldn’t hold any prejudice against him for not being able to write a good poem.
I will write one too, to lend him a little support.
But Yuanrui’s poem is extraordinary. If I want to surpass him in such a hurry, there’s some difficulty, but at least it may save his grace.
While Liu Ruolan was thinking, her hand holding the brush wrote down a poem. “Qiao’er, you quietly give it to him, don’t let others see.”
The maid Qiao’er was immediately dumbfounded.
Mistress, how am I supposed to slyly give him the poem in front of everyone?