Volume One, Chapter 15: I Just Had to Stab You

His expression instantly made Su Ming feel as if he was about to cough up blood in anger.

Damn it, does he have to make things worse by stabbing me in the back? Right?

Damn it! Could you just not bring this up? Su Ming’s face flushed with alternating bouts of blue and red, his teeth grinding with frustration, his cheeks burning fiercely.

Su Yuan’s actions were like grabbing Su Ming’s face and slapping it repeatedly.

Everyone around burst into laughter at those words, the laughter making Su Ming wish he could just sink into the ground and never show his face again.

The Emperor Chu’s expression was extremely grim; he clenched his fists tightly, his body trembling with anger. Not only was he furious that his favored eldest son had been humiliated by Su Yuan, but he was even more upset at his son’s lack of resolve.

Yet no matter how angry he was, he couldn’t afford to lose his temper in public. If people thought he was showing favoritism, the scholars would undoubtedly criticize him mercilessly.

As an emperor, he feared gaining the notorious reputation of favoring concubines, harming his wife, or mistreating his children.

“Is there anyone else who wishes to challenge?” Su Yuan ignored Su Ming, who was already humiliated beyond redemption, and turned to the assembled scholars below.

At his question, all the scholars immediately lowered their heads like quails. They had once thought they might have a chance to defeat Su Yuan.

But now, no one dared to think that way. Su Yuan’s quick wit and eloquence, composing a poem almost effortlessly on the spot, were unmatched. Who could possibly stand against such talent and literary grace?

“Since no one else wishes to challenge, the rankings for this poetry contest are as follows: Second Prince Su Yuan first, Gu Tingyu second, Eldest Prince Su Ming third!” He Yuan Shen hurried forward to announce.

Although he believed no one could surpass Su Yuan in this literary duel, he worried that any delay might cause unrest.

When He Yuan Shen announced the final rankings, everyone fell silent. Some were unwilling to accept the results; others felt disappointed but all showed admiration.

After all, this poetry contest was unusually strange this year—lacking the usual excitement, only two challengers appeared, and in the end, no one else dared to step forward.

Still, everyone truly admired Su Yuan’s prowess.

He alone had dominated the contest, suppressing all the scholars so thoroughly that no one dared to challenge him. What grandeur and dominance!

After today, the title of the greatest poet in the five kingdoms would surely be associated with Su Yuan.

---

At this moment, Emperor Chu glanced at the eunuch beside him and gave a subtle nod. The eunuch understood immediately and hurried forward.

“By imperial decree,” he announced, “the second round of the couplet contest this year will not require a draw. The reigning champion shall be the defender!”

When the eunuch’s words fell, Long Feng and the other senior ministers exchanged shocked and angry glances toward Emperor Chu.

Su Yuan smiled bitterly to himself. His indulgent father would really stop at nothing for the sake of his eldest son.

To prevent him from securing first place in the literary contest, the emperor had appointed him as the defender. Wasn’t that setting him up to be the target of all challenges?

Usually, the first-place defender must face all challengers. One misstep, and he would be eliminated outright!

Technically, elimination wasn’t the right term. If a defender survived three rounds, they could still rank, but the top spot was only for the last man standing. The other rankings were based on how many rounds the defender had successfully held.

Drawing the first defender position was considered the worst fate because it meant facing challengers earliest and being the first to risk elimination.

Usually, the most capable players avoided drawing this position.

But this year, Emperor Chu openly designated Su Yuan for it, revealing his blatant favoritism. Such suppression of Su Yuan stirred widespread dissatisfaction.

Mu Yunchen glanced at Su Yuan with a sneer. He felt his brother-in-law was truly unlucky to have such a father. Being alive until now was a blessing.

But he had no pity for Su Yuan. He wished nothing more than to see him destroyed.

If Su Yuan were to become the crown prince or a prince, the marriage alliance with the princess would be confirmed.

That would give the princess’s full brother—the second prince—a chance at the throne. This was why Mu Yunchen sought Su Yuan’s demise.

He would not tolerate any threats to himself or his interests. If there were any, they must be eradicated.

Mu Yunchen’s gaze shifted coldly toward his own team’s seats. Lu Xingkui immediately understood and quietly approached the competitors’ seats, whispering to the leaders.

Emperor Chu gave a cold glare toward the competitors’ seats on the Chu side. Many scholars meeting his gaze trembled inwardly, instantly grasping the emperor’s intent.

Soon, the first challenger appeared. He was from the Daqing side, and many recognized him immediately.

“Isn’t that Wu Honghui, the reigning King of Couplets from Daqing? He was last year’s champion in the couplet contest! The second prince is truly unlucky—his first challenger is Wu Honghui, and now, he probably won’t even get past the first round!”

---

“Yes, this man is said to be unbeatable in couplets. Although he was the seventh to take the stage last year, no one defeated him afterward. The second prince is doomed!”

“Alas, it’s a pity. The second prince’s poetic talent is extraordinary, but this couplet contest may not be his forte.”

Many whispered among themselves—some feeling sympathy for Su Yuan, others eager to see him fail.

Long Feng and the others sighed helplessly. Though Su Yuan had won first place in poetry, without winning the couplet contest, he wouldn’t be considered the overall literary champion.

The couplet contest’s rules were straightforward and fierce: One person offers a couplet, the other must respond with a matching one within ten breaths. Failure to match means defeat.

The contest continued until one side lost. It tested quick wit and reflexes, with very little time to think. This was precisely what made it so thrilling and captivating.

Very few could go three rounds against Wu Honghui—he was the strongest in couplets!

Everyone was surprised Wu Honghui appeared so soon, but Long Feng and the others knew this was due to the collusion between Emperor Chu and Mu Yunchen.

They intended to defeat Su Yuan as quickly as possible, giving him no chance.

Su Yuan watched Wu Honghui step onto the stage, then met Mu Yunchen’s cold, mocking gaze. His own eyes grew colder still.

“I am Wu Honghui,” the challenger said respectfully as he approached with a bow. “I come to seek your guidance. Please, second prince, honor me with your reply.”

“Please proceed,” Su Yuan said calmly, without any unnecessary words, extending his hand.

“Two apes chopping wood in the mountains, asking the monkeys how to saw!” Wu Honghui presented his opening couplet.

The crowd gasped. This couplet was extremely clever and carried a subtle insult—it was calling Su Yuan a monkey.

Everyone worried whether Su Yuan could respond. The couplet had to be perfectly matched and the atmosphere recovered. If he couldn’t retort, it would be utterly humiliating.