Chapter 41
At the banquet, the literary contest between both sides was already leaning towards one-sided dominance. However, seated at the head of the table, Xiao Mochi still appeared calm and composed.
The old gentleman from Qi State, named Fang Jingchun, had the distinct feeling that he was being used. It seemed as though the other party had set up a trap, and he had unwittingly walked right into it. Yet what exactly this trap was, Fang Jingchun couldn’t figure out, let alone discern its purpose.
“Matching verses using others’ poetry will always lack originality and significance,” Xiao Mochi said, just as the atmosphere at the banquet grew increasingly lively. “How about this instead? Today is an excellent occasion—why don’t we create some poems of our own? If we produce a masterpiece worthy of being passed down through the ages, tonight’s banquet will truly become a cherished story. But I do have one requirement.”
As he spoke, Xiao Mochi clapped his hands. A few maids stepped forward, placing wooden plaques, brushes, and ink in front of each person.
“My requirement,” Xiao Mochi continued with a smile, “is that the poem must include the name of someone from the opposing side.” He gestured to the wooden plaques. “Please write your own names on these plaques so that everyone may compose accordingly.”
“Interesting,” Fang Jingchun said with a chuckle, stroking his beard. “If that’s the case, I’ll go first.”
Fang Jingchun took the lead and wrote his name on the wooden plaque. Although he still didn’t understand Xiao Mochi’s intentions, he couldn’t imagine that any real harm could come to them.
Qi State and Wu State didn’t exactly have a close relationship, but for now, they were allies. Under such circumstances, it was Wu State that would be most worried about their safety, and it was Wu State that would want to ensure their protection the most.
He was determined to see what kind of trick Xiao Mochi could possibly play.