Chapter 176: First Update
"Dong—" The crisp sound of the copper gong rippled across the water.
"Weng Qing, the second son of the Liugui Aristocratic Clan, has completed a seven-character regulated poem—" Immediately, small boats swiftly spread out across the lake, copying the verses that had already been handed over to Lake Heart Island, distributing them to various boats.
Other boats carrying singers and players of musical instruments sent sounds from deep within the lotus leaves, creating a lively scene on the lake.
"Dong—" Another clear gong sound rang out.
"Lord Mu Qingfeng and Lord Shen Houmu from the Youchun Workshop make it to the next round." As the voice of an attendant on a boat announced, cheers came from some boats, while sighs emerged from others.
"Congratulations Brother Mu, congratulations Brother Shen—" Luh Xingze was the first to congratulate Mu Qingfeng and Shen Houmu.
"Brother Luh, it’s still too early to congratulate, as there are already twelve contestants in the first round, and we still have to select the best three poems from these twelve," Shen Houmu thought deeply, with intent to make a mark.
However, everyone knew that since the Crown Prince was participating, the first place was reserved for the Crown Prince, and what they could compete for was second place at best.
...
"Young master, shall we give up?" Gu Dao looked at the crumpled papers scattered on the ground, as time was running out and there was no comfort to be had; after all, their young master did not enjoy composing poetry. It wasn’t that he couldn’t, even their teacher said that the young master was highly intelligent, yet more playful.
Zong Yunqian clenched his teeth, picked up the brush, and wrote down a poem swiftly. Without waiting for the ink to dry, he hurried Gu Dao to submit it.