The word 'shu' in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting referred to calligraphy.
As the saying goes, seeing calligraphy is like seeing the person. In the nine provinces, if one couldn't write good calligraphy, one would be ridiculed.
In order to practice good calligraphy, it required time and perseverance. If it was just competing in calligraphy, it would be too easy. After all, which prince couldn't write good calligraphy?
How to make 'good calligraphy' better and be remembered for eternity naturally required a good essay to complement it.
Therefore, King Qi would set the topic for the book battle. The princes and princesses would write a beautiful essay based on this topic.
Whoever's essay was good would naturally be number one.
"All of you are princes and princesses. Even if you can't ascend to the throne in the future, you are still important figures standing at the top of the country. Some of your ideals also represent the future direction of the country. Therefore, this time, my topic is: what do you want your country to look like?"
Many people frowned when they heard King Qi's words.
This could be considered a governing philosophy!
This was a question that only those famous officials and great sages would consider.
To be honest, many emperors didn't think about this.
"This kind of topic will only turn into false emptiness in the end!"
Li Xiu shook her head.
Those with power wouldn't tell the people at the bottom of the hierarchy about their intentions in formulating certain measures. In other words, the people couldn't be made aware of it.
These unspoken rules couldn't be written, so they could only write about their ideals. But wasn't this false emptiness?!
One had to know that reality was like an iron fist that could crush anyone's ideals and make them lower their heads.
Everyone had an ideal country in their heart, but reality would teach them how to be human. No matter how grand their ideals were, they would ultimately become mediocre ordinary people.
"This time, there is no limit to the number of participants. All seven members of the princes' group can answer the questions. The time limit is two hours!"
King Qi sat down.
The princes and princesses had to answer the questions for two hours. They couldn't let everyone wait, so King Qi's court band appeared.
Usually, this band would only perform at banquets or celebrations for the princes, dukes, and ministers. Ordinary people wouldn't be able to see it. But now, commoners could also watch.
"Wow, look at those dancers. They are all so beautiful!"
"Nonsense. Which woman who can enter the palace isn't beautiful?"
"No wonder everyone wants to be an emperor!"
The commoners looked at the beautiful palace maids and felt sour as if their mouths were stuffed with lemons. These were the best women that they could never touch in their entire lives.
Sun Mo drank his tea and ate the pastries, watching with great interest.
Compared to the variety shows of the modern era, the songs and dances of this era had more of an ancient charm to them. This made Sun Mo, a country bumpkin who had never seen anything like this before, feel satisfied.
The only problem was that the dancers wore too many clothes.
"Maybe when they perform for the emperor in private, they don't wear much."
Sun Mo wanted to see the emperor's special edition.
Li Xiu was bored to death. She had long since grown tired of watching such songs and dances. Just when she was preparing to say something to Sun Mo, she saw that he was overflowing with interest. Hence, the Eldest Princess was stunned.
What the hell was this?
Were the women of the State of Qi so charming?
Wait,
Even after Sun Mo became famous, it seemed that he had been focusing on researching knowledge and educating people. It seemed that he had never enjoyed a luxurious life before.
Because of Li Ziqi, Li Xiu had sent people to follow Sun Mo. She remembered that her subordinates had reported that Sun Mo didn't even go to the red-light districts.
"Oh no, I've neglected to greet Great Teacher Sun. After I return, I'll gift him a palace band!"
Li Xiu decided.
Although it was very expensive to raise a palace band, Sun Mo definitely didn't lack money.
"Great Teacher Sun, how is my band? Can they even enter your eyes? "
Prince Qi arrived, followed by the Empress and Grand Tutor Su.
The Great Tang spectators quickly got up and bowed in greeting.
"Very good!"
Sun Mo praised.
Qi King nodded at Li Xiu and Han Cangshui, casually chatting with them as a form of greeting. After that, he continued talking to Sun Mo.
"Which one do you think is the most beautiful?"
"…"
Sun Mo sneaked a glance at the Qi King, not knowing how he should reply. Theoretically speaking, these dancers were considered the private property of the royal family and belonged to the Qi King's harem. He could do whatever he wanted with them, and he didn't dare to interfere.
Discussing the Emperor's woman?
You're tired of living!
"I've tried the lead dancer before. Her figure can really make all kinds of shapes!"
King Qi whispered.
"Your Majesty!"
The Empress had a look of shame and anger while Grand Tutor Su had a look of helplessness. The Qi King was famous in the Nine Provinces for being unreliable.
"Alright, alright. I know that great teachers like you pay attention to your image. I don't have any other meaning in saying this. I just saw that you like it and want to gift you a few dancers!"
King Qi explained.
"There's no need!"
Sun Mo was embarrassed to accept it.
(Of course, if you insist on giving it to me, I'll accept it reluctantly.)
Sun Mo couldn't help but glance at the lead dancer. (Forget about this one, you can keep it for yourself!)
"Which man doesn't like women? Other than eunuchs, even monks are no exception!"
King Qi's lips twitched, feeling that Sun Mo was a little boring. However, when he thought of his identity, he felt at ease. After all, he was the ruler of a country. It was very normal for him to be unable to let go.
"Since you don't want to choose, I'll make the decision myself!"
King Qi looked around and said, "This court band is yours!"
"Your Majesty!"
The Empress frowned, feeling a little reluctant. This was the best palace band in Great Qi and had taken six years to build. Regardless of whether it was their appearance or talent, they were all excellent.
The crux was that if she gave it to Sun Mo, what would happen to the country's grand ceremony at the end of the year?
"Many thanks for your good intentions, but this gift is too valuable. I can't accept it!"
Sun Mo hurriedly rejected.
It would be a lie to say that he didn't want it. However, these were all living people. If they were to be given away like goods, Sun Mo, who had a proper outlook on the world, wouldn't be able to accept it.
(Sigh, I'm the light of the righteous path!)
"Then what do you think we should do? I'll get someone to train a new band for you? "
King Qi's voice sounded unhappy.
"Great Teacher Sun, since His Majesty has this intention, just accept it!"
Grand Tutor Su persuaded.
King Qi was someone who kept to his words. If he rewarded you, it meant that he thought highly of you. If you kept rejecting him, you'd incur his disgust.
"Alright then, many thanks to Your Majesty!"
Sun Mo clasped his fists.
"Haha, that's more like it."
King Qi gave the gift and smiled like a 50-year-old kid. "I feel like old friends with Great Teacher Sun. Why don't we come to the palace tonight and sleep together?"
"You motherf * cker..."
Sun Mo almost cursed. Luckily, he knew that King Qi coveted his God Hands. Otherwise, he wouldn't dare to go.
"Your Majesty, I have a type of medicine packet that can be used during a warm medicinal bath. It has a miraculous effect on strengthening one's body!"
Since King Qi was so generous, Sun Mo also felt embarrassed to be stingy. "After the Five Countries Mock Battle ends, I'll prepare a special version of ancient whale oil that's suitable for your body!"
"Good! Good! "
King Qi was overjoyed. At the thought of being able to roam freely on the bed again, he couldn't wait for the Five Countries Mock Battle to end as soon as possible.
Special version?
Great Teacher Sun, you're really my good friend!
"Despicable, sycophant!"
Some of the officials of Qi Country were so jealous that they wanted to cough up blood when they saw Sun Mo chatting happily with King Qi and receiving such a valuable reward.
One must know that Sun Mo was a foreigner who had just met His Majesty and wasn't familiar with him at all. Yet, he had received such favor.
If he were to stay in Qi Country for a few years, he'd definitely become the number one favorite subject.
Li Xiu felt great pressure.
What should she give to surpass King Qi?
The members of the royal band were all selected from all over the country. Not only were they beautiful, but they also had to be skilled. The most important thing was that they were all beauties of Qi Country.
Men were all greedy for novelty. There was nothing wrong with liking foreign women.
"Since I can't surpass them in terms of looks and talent, I'll put in more effort in terms of status!"
Li Xiu planned to give Sun Mo a princess. However, just when she made the decision, she heard King Qi's question.
"Great Teacher Sun, what do you think of these daughters of mine?"
Li Xiu's ears pricked up.
"Aiya, what do you mean? You old b * stard, you want to give princesses to rope Sun Mo in? Do you still have any face? "
Li Xiu immediately decided to let Ziqi speak ill of the Qi Country's royal clan. In any case, she had to mess up this matter.
Sun Mo was the most dazzling great teacher in Great Tang. She mustn't let Qi Country snatch him away.
At the thought of this, Li Xiu glanced at Han Cangshui. She planned to let Han Cangshui acknowledge Sun Mo as his teacher, even if it was just in name.
She had to establish a relationship first.
Han Cangshui sat in a corner, drinking alone. Today, he could be considered to have lost all his face.
"Sun Mo, f * ck!"
Han Cangshui felt very helpless. (Even the cleverest housewife can't cook without rice. Li Xuan's aptitude is bad, so there's nothing I can do. I can't possibly change his bloodline, right?)
"Great Teacher Sun, are these your personal disciples?"
King Qi's eyes brightened when he saw Lu Zhiruo and the others. They were so beautiful!
"Yes!"
Sun Mo smiled. "Zhiruo, Tantai, come over and pay your respects to His Majesty!"
The Calabash Brothers came over and bowed to King Qi, neither servile nor overbearing.
"Good, they are all young heroes!"
King Qi waved his hand. "Men, reward them greatly!"
When Han Cangshui saw this scene, he felt even more sour in his mouth.
Given King Qi's judgment, how could he know if these children were geniuses or not with just a glance? The reason he said this was because he was giving face to Sun Mo.
It was impossible for King Qi to continue staying here. After chatting with Sun Mo for a while, he invited him back to the main spectator stand.
Even the Calabash Brothers benefited from this.
One and a half hours later, the princes and princesses successively finished their essays.
Xiang Zhao scratched his head. He hated writing such things the most.
"Time's up, stop writing!"
The ceremonial officer announced.
The princes who hadn't finished their essays were anxious and wanted to write a few more words. However, all of them were judged to have failed and didn't even have the chance to enter the selection.
"Next, it's time for the public reward!"
As the ceremonial officer spoke, four eunuchs carried a metal machine up the stage.
This was a projector platform that was made from projector stones and weaponsmithing techniques. By placing the paper on it, it would be magnified.
The effect was similar to a movie screen.
"Is there anyone who is willing to be the first to be appreciated?"
King Qi looked at the participants and asked.
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