Chapter 8: Who Else Dares Oppose the Crown Prince's Tutor Appointed by Me?

In ancient times, Cao Zhi composed a poem within seven steps, becoming a celebrated historical tale. Only those of extraordinary talent could achieve such effortless brilliance like Cao Zhi.

Now, the young Qin Feng boldly claimed he could compose a poem within seven steps. Even the most learned grand scholars of the court would not dare make such a claim.

All the officials of various ranks in the hall stared at Qin Feng with astonished eyes. Even Old Zhu and Zhu Biao looked at Qin Feng in utter shock. A person who could compose a poem in seven steps was truly a genius!

But Qin Feng had said his expertise lay in mathematics and science. Could it be that he also possessed some mastery of poetry?

Zhu Biao muttered to himself, "If it turns out to be a crude poem, it would be a laughingstock."

Zhu Biao sincerely worried that Qin Feng’s boldness in the court might lead to a humiliating failure. If his poetic skills did not match his mathematical ones, would that not be a disgrace? Not only would Qin Feng himself be deeply ashamed, but even the emperor might wish to vanish from embarrassment.

Because of Qin Feng’s special status, Old Zhu tolerated his every action. No other official in the court dared speak so arrogantly before him—only Qin Feng.

If Qin Feng were to fail publicly in front of the ministers, where would that leave the emperor’s dignity? Should the young man cause a great scandal in the hall, even the emperor’s utmost ability would not save him.

Old Zhu thought silently: If Qin Feng truly came from a future era, surely reciting any famous verse would shake the court profoundly. Qin Feng, do not disappoint me!

Hu Weiyong was stunned for a moment after hearing Qin Feng’s words, then suddenly burst into loud laughter. “Ridiculous! You, who have not even passed the imperial examinations, claim to compose a poem in seven steps? If you truly could do so here in the hall, would that not mean all the grand scholars of our Ming court are incompetent?”

“Your Majesty, such arrogance cannot be tolerated in this hall!”

As soon as he finished speaking, the civil officials behind Hu Weiyong knelt down and echoed, “Your Majesty, you cannot allow this man to speak so recklessly in court!”

Resolute and decisive, Old Zhu would not be swayed by these officials. He glanced disdainfully at the scholars, paying them no heed. As long as he reigned, anyone obstructing the court’s governance would have to kneel obediently and not cause trouble.

Seeing the atmosphere in the court chill to a freezing point, Zhu Biao quickly spoke up, “Since Mr. Qin claims he can compose a poem in seven steps, why not let us hear his verse before passing judgment?”

Hu Weiyong replied, “This man is arrogant and disrespectful. What good poem could he possibly produce? If he merely recites a crude jingle to deceive us, should Your Majesty and the Crown Prince allow him to continue acting so brazenly?”

Qin Feng rolled his eyes at Hu Weiyong. After all, he had undergone nine years of compulsory education, endured three years of hard study in high school, and emerged from millions of candidates as a top graduate of a prestigious university. How could these old men belittle him so?

“Your Majesty...” Hu Weiyong tried to continue his impeachment, but Old Zhu waved his hand and said coldly, “Mr. Qin, compose your poem.”

Old Zhu was tired of arguing with Hu Weiyong; actions spoke louder than words. If Qin Feng could truly compose a poem in seven steps, all the ministers would be silenced. Even if he failed, those calling for his death would be the ministers themselves, not the emperor.

When celestial omens appeared to warn of divine punishment, it would be those corrupt officials who forced Qin Feng’s demise who would suffer—not the emperor.

With his words clear and concise, Qin Feng did not dare to delay. Smiling, he said, “Then I shall compose a poem within the distance between Minister Hu and myself.”

The rivalry between scholars was age-old. The officials in the court all exuded the sour arrogance of literary men, unwilling to believe such a young man could possess profound talent. To write good poetry, one needed years of experience, did they not? What rich life experience could such a naive youth have to produce timeless verses?

All the officials fixed their eyes on Qin Feng, eager to see him fail. If his poem turned out to be nonsense, they would petition the emperor to punish him. How could the emperor possibly protect this young tutor of the Crown Prince?

These grand scholars had studied for decades without ever attaining the position of Crown Prince’s tutor. How could Qin Feng, a mere youth barely in his twenties, hold such a coveted post so easily?

Old Zhu, losing patience, urged, “Mr. Qin, please proceed!”

With full confidence, Qin Feng stepped forward, his footfall on the imperial steps seeming as heavy as a thousand pounds. Each step he took seemed to press down on the officials like an overwhelming force.

“Alone in the chill of autumn, the Xiang River flows northward, to the head of Orange Isle.”

“Behold the myriad hills red with leaves, the layered forests ablaze; the vast river clear as jade, countless boats racing downstream.”

“Eagles strike through the long sky, fish glide beneath shallow waters, all creatures under the frosty heavens vie for freedom.”

Qin Feng’s opening verses astonished the hall. Such a beautiful and vivid scene—could it truly come from the mouth of a youth barely past twenty?

The imagery painted a lifelike panorama. From those elegant words, the deep autumn scene unfolded vividly before one’s eyes, as if one were truly there.

Zhu Biao applauded excitedly, “Mr. Qin, your poem is exquisite!”

Old Zhu’s lips gradually curved into a smile. He had known that Qin Feng, a man from over six centuries in the future, would effortlessly recite timeless verses.

Hu Weiyong’s face darkened, and the officials behind him wore expressions of embarrassment. The quality of Qin Feng’s opening lines was beyond their capability even after a lifetime of striving.

They felt their faces burn with shame.

Qin Feng had already descended the steps and was walking steadily toward Hu Weiyong. Cold sweat appeared on Hu Weiyong’s brow; the arrogance he had displayed moments before now gave way to utter humiliation.

“Gazing into the boundless void, I ask the vast earth: who rules its rise and fall? I’ve traveled with a hundred companions, recalling the turbulent years of greatness.”

“Youthful comrades, in our prime; scholarly passion, wielding words with vigor.”

“Pointing to mountains and rivers, stirring the pen’s might, scorning the mighty lords of old.”

“Do you remember striking the water midstream, the waves halting the flying boat?”

As Qin Feng finished, only a short distance separated him from Hu Weiyong.

Hu Weiyong bowed his head in deep shame upon hearing the entire poem.

Qin Feng’s verses echoed throughout the hall, stirring the soul.

Though poetry was the realm of literati, even the military officials led by Xu Da were moved by his powerful recital.

Everyone present was swept up in emotion, their blood boiling with passion.

Indeed, a fine poem can evoke profound resonance, drawing endless strength from its lines and guiding one’s feelings through its beauty.

The hall fell into a deathly silence.

No one dared question the erudition of Qin Feng, the Crown Prince’s tutor.

Old Zhu declared sternly, “Is there anyone who still doubts the tutor I have appointed for the Crown Prince?”