Commoner Hero

Su Qian'an's words were like sharp needles, fiercely slapping the faces of everyone present. The pain was so intense that it was almost ear-piercing.

Although they were angry, no one acted out. It wasn't that they were kind-hearted, but rather that in such a situation, it wasn’t their place to step forward.

Song Wen's face had already turned ashen with anger. If it weren’t for Wei Yun stopping him, he would have certainly taught Su Qian'an a lesson.

Wei Yun’s expression darkened as he stood up and looked at Su Qian'an. In a deep voice, he said, "No wonder you're called the genius of Lingbei County. You have a real talent for sharp-tongued rhetoric."

"Since you’re so good with words, I assume you're here at Wangyue Tower for the poetry gathering. As scholars, we naturally should be judged by our talents."

"You say our poems are like dog shit, so I invite you to show us your work. Let’s see your style."

Wei Yun wasn’t just speaking offhandedly. Anyone who could make it to the fifth floor was someone with considerable background. Even those from humble origins would still want to curry favor with the Wei family.

Wei Yun wasn’t worried. He couldn’t believe that a mere cloth-clad scholar would be able to create a poem that could turn things upside down.

Everyone’s eyes were indifferent, focused on Su Qian'an. From their gazes, it was clear they held him in disdain.

If Su Qian'an dared to compose a poem, whatever the result, they were determined to make him the biggest joke of Wangyue Tower today.

Su Qian'an didn’t rush to compose a poem. Instead, he looked around at the crowd, then spoke.

"Everyone here considers themselves a scholar, but before we begin composing poems, I have a question that has puzzled me. I hope you can help me understand."

"All of you have worked hard for many years, aiming to pass the imperial exam. But may I ask, after passing the exam, what is the next step?"

"Haha, Su Qian'an, you must have lost your mind. We scholars study for the imperial exam in order to serve the court, to assist the emperor in governance, and to solve the country's problems," a noble sneered.

Su Qian'an nodded, then continued asking, "Yes, to serve the court, to help the emperor. That’s correct. But let's be more specific."

"It’s about using one's talent to earn a degree, to be selected by the court for an appropriate position, like an official, a county magistrate, a governor, or even a state protector. These positions are given based on merit."

"As for soldiers, they are recruited and rise based on their military achievements—becoming squad leaders, captains, colonels, and ultimately generals. These positions are arranged according to one's abilities."

Su Qian'an looked at several young scholars who had stepped forward, nodded, and then continued, "Yes, all of that is correct. Each position is arranged according to one's talents. But in the end, all these positions are based on one’s own ability and talent."

Hearing Su Qian'an's perplexing words, everyone scoffed.

"Su Qian'an, I see you must have taken the shortcut to get your scholar degree. These positions are obviously earned through genuine talent, selected by the fair imperial examination system. Do you really think it’s all about connections and backdoor dealings?"

As they spoke, those who had laughed earlier suddenly seemed to understand something. By the end, they fell silent.

Su Qian'an smiled and looked at them, speaking softly, "Very well said. The imperial examination system is indeed designed to select those with true talent. Connections and backdoor dealings are naturally frowned upon. But it seems, what you said earlier is a bit of a contradiction, don’t you think?"

Everyone’s faces turned from green to white, and while they wanted to refute him, they swallowed their words.

What was supposed to be a way to mock this ignorant fool, ended up turning into a slap in the face for themselves.

They felt like they had just eaten rat droppings.

At this moment, Wei Yun spoke again, "Su Qian'an, I admit part of what you said is true. However, being favored by higher officials and being recognized is, in itself, a measure of one’s ability."

"That has nothing to do with connections or backdoor dealings. It’s just that gold will always shine. Someone like you, who distorts the truth and speaks with sharp words, I won’t argue with you."

"You’ve talked a lot, but where is your poem? Now I seriously suspect that you just came here to boast and use the reputation of Wangyue Tower to draw attention."

"If that's the case, you’re not qualified to stay here. You should leave."

As soon as Wei Yun finished speaking, a group of strong men approached from the edge of the fifth floor. Their intentions were clear: if Su Qian'an couldn’t compose a poem in a few minutes, he would be thrown out.

Su Qian'an laughed loudly, "It’s just a poem. Let me show you what poetry really is."

With that, Su Qian'an quickly stepped forward, picked up a brush from the podium, dipped it in ink, and without a second thought, began to write on the paper with elegant, sweeping strokes.

"Laughing out loud as I walk out the door, am I not a man of great ambition?"

"I wish to ride the wind and soar, reaching the heavens ninety thousand miles high!"

"A youth’s aspirations, ever lofty, once promised to be the best in the world.

Looking at the six lines of dragon-like calligraphy on the paper, the students who had initially wanted to criticize him suddenly fell silent. They quietly read, savoring each word. The disdain they had earlier shown was now replaced by a serious, thoughtful expression.

The poem's bold, youthful ambition seemed to overflow from the paper.

Even the older scholars, upon seeing those six lines, felt a warm current stirring in their long-cold veins. Their steady hearts began to beat faster.

After finishing these six lines, Su Qian'an set the brush aside and then loudly proclaimed,

"As scholars of the Great Liang, it is our duty to serve the court and help govern the nation. But what I want to say is, a scholar should have backbone. We should establish our hearts for the heavens and the earth, determine the fate of the people, carry on the teachings of the sages, and create peace for all generations. This is the true meaning of our studies."

If the six lines Su Qian'an had written earlier proved his youthful arrogance, the next four lines elevated his character and vision to an unprecedented height.

Once these last four lines were spoken, the entire fifth floor fell silent. Not a single sound could be heard, not even the fall of a needle.

The heartbeats of everyone in the room were so loud that, if you listened closely, you could hear them clearly.

"To establish the heart for the heavens, to determine the fate of the people, to continue the teachings of the sages, and to create peace for all generations."

Countless people’s eyes shone with light as they whispered the four lines. The intensity in their eyes reflected the powerful emotions stirring inside them.

Some older scholars couldn’t contain their excitement and began to tremble. Moments later, an elderly man with white hair approached, his eyes no longer showing disdain. Instead, they were filled with deep respect.

He bowed reverently to Su Qian'an and humbly said, "May I ask, Mr. Su, do these four lines have a title?"

Su Qian'an thought for a moment, then replied, "Since these lines were composed here at Wangyue Tower, they shall be called 'The Four Lines of Wangyue.'"

"The Four Lines of Wangyue? Hmm, not flamboyant, not arrogant. They seem plain, yet the content is profound and thought-provoking. I’ve been studying for forty years, and today, to hear your four lines, I have no regrets."

"Mr. Su, you’ve taught me something today. Please allow me to pay my respects."

Su Qian'an quickly stepped forward to help him up. This man was also a scholar in the current county exam, over fifty years old. While his chances of passing the exam were slim, his reputation in Lingbei County was immense.

To put it frankly, he was considered the leader of the many scholars in Lingbei County, and whether in knowledge or experience, he was someone to be addressed as "sir."

Even someone like Fang Jingzhi would have to show respect when meeting him.

Su Qian'an only borrowed the famous four lines of Xianxian Hengqu to teach those arrogant young men a lesson, but he had no intention of accepting the old scholar's bow on behalf of this prestigious figure.

The elder, supported by Su Qian'an, looked at him with even more respect in his eyes and said softly, "We scholars don't judge by age. Those who are accomplished should be our teachers. Mr. Su is young, yet he has such vision and grandeur. He should be a model for us all."

"Mr. Su, you don't need to be so humble. From now on, anyone in Lingbei County who disrespects you will be challenging all the scholars of Lingbei County!"

"Indeed, what Liu Sir says is right. Today, meeting Mr. Su is our fortune. We previously showed disrespect, and we ask for your forgiveness."

Soon, behind Liu Sir, a group of others voiced their support.

In the corner, the thin monkey watched this scene, his eyes dull at first. But when he came to his senses, there was deep excitement in his gaze.

He realized that this time, it wasn’t just a failure—it was the arrival of someone extraordinary.

Even though he didn’t understand poetry, seeing the reactions of these scholars, he could tell that Su Qian'an’s talent had won them all over.

Even someone like him, who couldn’t read or write, felt a surge of excitement after hearing those "Four Lines of Wangyue." He had a premonition that this event at Wangyue Tower would make Su Qian'an's name echo throughout Lingbei County, and even the entire Chuandu Prefecture.

Looking at the scholars who had quickly shifted their attitudes, Su Qian'an didn't hold any grudges. When scholars gathered, there would inevitably be competition between the influential and the humble, but when true talent appeared, even those who were frivolous could not help but admire it.

As soon as the Four Lines of Wangyue were spoken, they immediately conquered the scholars present. Even those who were closest to Wei Yun and Song Wen, who had deep backgrounds, fell silent for a moment.

The grandeur, the vision, the elegance of the lines—even they could not help but show respect.

They weren’t fools. The scholar who had just recited the Four Lines of Wangyue, the seemingly fallen genius of Lingbei County, would undoubtedly rise in prominence from this day forward. Even someone as powerful as Wei Yun or Song Wen, with their extensive backgrounds, would find it difficult to stop him.

At this moment, Wei Yun's face was as dark as thunder. His clenched fists revealed the fury in his heart.

He hadn’t expected what was supposed to be an occasion for mocking Su Qian'an would result in the cloth-clad scholar becoming famous in one fell swoop. Looking at the scholars who were now supporting Su Qian'an, he knew that if he didn’t do something, he wouldn’t be able to control the situation.

Wei Yun’s eyes scanned the room. Song Wen caught his look and immediately cleared his throat. Soon, another group of burly men appeared from the edge of the fifth floor. These men all had fierce expressions and exuded an intimidating presence.

They quickly surrounded Su Qian'an. The crowd around them quickly reacted and shouted toward Song Wen, "Song Wen, what do you think you're doing?!"

Song Wen sneered, "What am I doing? You’ll know soon enough. This is none of your business. Stay out of it unless you want trouble!"

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