Chapter 365: Realized I’m Chow and Don’t Want to Admit It?
This couplet wasn’t invented by Jiang Man, but is an absolute classic through the ages.
Even if one could match the antithetical structure perfectly, it would be hard to find the correct corresponding line without understanding the context of the dialogue at that time.
She thought she could stump Lu Xingzhou, but she underestimated his vast knowledge of both ancient and modern times.
"This couplet was posed by Emperor Taizu, Zhu Yuanzhang, to Liu Bowen, incorporating allusions to the rivalry between Wu and Yue, and Gou Jian’s endurance of hardship to regain his kingdom, reflecting Emperor Taizu’s determination to unify the land."
"And Liu Bowen’s reply was, ’King among men, sovereign at the border, aspiring to take on all,’ praising Emperor Taizu and the officials around him for their commitment to support him wholeheartedly."
"The ruler and his minister used couplets and the breaking down of characters to express their thoughts, which was subtle and clever."
Jiang Man hadn’t expected that instead of being stumped, her brother had put one over on her.
Citing classics left and right, he was utterly convincing.
"How many points did you score for Chinese and history in the college entrance exam?" she raised an eyebrow.
"I never took it, I was recommended for admission," said Lu Xingzhou indifferently, his expression as calm as ever.