So You're Forcing Me to Write Poetry

With Zhang Dongxiang's approval, everyone relaxed.

The provincial examination occurred only once every three years. Although the examination compound was in the capital, not all officials were from the capital. A considerable proportion were local officials dispatched from elsewhere.

These measures were naturally designed to prevent cheating. Local officials coming to the capital could also use this opportunity to build relationships with other officials.

However, having been in local posts for years, although many officials were diligent in their duties, they rarely experienced physical hardship in their daily lives.

The task of monitoring the examination left all of them feeling unusually exhausted.

So being able to enjoy a good meal made everyone quite happy.

Everyone took their seats, and after Zhang Dongxiang took the first bite, they all became less reserved, chatting while heartily enjoying the food.

Their conversation mainly revolved around the candidates' performance in the examination hall that day.

They also reminisced about their own glorious past achievements.

Regardless of official rank, reminiscing about the old days and boasting was a universal pastime for older men throughout the cosmos.

Although Fang Zheng was hungry, he didn't rush to eat. With a faint smile, he moved between tables with a wine jug, pouring drinks for everyone.

Though the atmosphere was pleasant, the officials politely declined.

They could eat the dishes, but absolutely couldn't drink wine!

Fang Zheng didn't mind. He replaced the wine jug with chopsticks and went around serving food to everyone.

Whenever he saw someone eating slowly, he would quickly put a piece of food in their bowl!

The officials began to develop favorable impressions of Fang Zheng, especially those with lower rank than him, who felt particularly honored.

Everyone knew Minister Fang was a capable official, but some said he was arrogant and domineering at court.

The emperor and crown prince trusted him deeply, Eunuch Guo was like a brother to him, and then there was his uncle.... With his youth, his arrogance seemed perfectly normal! It would be strange if he weren't arrogant!

Wait? Seeing him today... he seemed different!

But Zhang Dongxiang at the dinner table viewed things differently, constantly scrutinizing Fang Zheng with suspicious eyes.

This young man's attentiveness surely hid some ulterior motive!

But what could be the issue? He just couldn't figure it out, no matter how hard he tried!

After serving several rounds of dishes, Fang Zheng grew tired and sat down beside Zhang Dongxiang, eating large mouthfuls and occasionally pouring himself small cups of wine, slurping loudly as if afraid others wouldn't hear!

Zhang Dongxiang advised. "Minister Fang, have just a couple cups. Don't affect the main business!"

"No worries, thank you, Master Zhang. I can handle my liquor well, a thousand cups won't make me drunk! Nothing will be affected!" said Fang Zheng, pouring himself another cup and slurping noisily.

Seeing that he showed no respect for his official duties, Zhang Dongxiang snorted coldly and whispered. "Though I don't know what you're planning, offering such attentiveness without reason must mean either treachery or theft!"

"I warn you... the imperial examination is no child's play! If anything goes wrong, don't expect me to show mercy!"

Oh? You're getting worked up now?

Fang Zheng raised an eyebrow and chuckled softly. "Third Uncle, you misunderstand!"

"We're straightforward people, how could we mess around with the imperial examination? I heard people outside say you enjoy good food every day, that you're uncomfortable without it! That's why I specially prepared this!"

When did I ever say I wanted good food? Who dares spread such rumors behind my back!

Have I offended someone recently?

Zhang Dongxiang's expression turned strange, his brows furrowed as he said. "Who said that! I'll find them!"

"Who said it? Just hearsay!" Fang Zheng quickly advised. "Come on, Third Uncle, haven't you eaten the food too? Only small-minded people would inform on others. What do you want me to say?"

"Don't get familiar with me! Who's your Third Uncle!" Zhang Dongxiang fumed.

Zhang Dongxiang put down his bowl and chopsticks angrily, having lost his appetite, focusing only on figuring out which bastard was spreading rumors about him behind his back.

The official sitting next to Fang Zheng, seeing that he had finished talking with Zhang Dongxiang, couldn't resist raising his teacup and saying. "Minister Fang, I am Cen Wense!"

Cen Wense? Never heard of him!

Fang Zheng looked at him curiously, and Cen Wense explained. "I'm not from the capital but a judicial official from the provinces!"

"Oh, I see! A pleasure to meet you!!" Fang Zheng raised his wine cup, nodded to him, and drained it in one gulp.

Seeing Fang Zheng giving him such face, Cen Wense felt honored, and his voice unconsciously grew louder.

"I've heard that Minister Fang is known in the capital as the Fragmented Verse Sage. Meeting you today proves your reputation is well-deserved!"

"To be honest, Minister Fang, I've always been passionate about poetry. The short verse you just composed was truly heartfelt and moving!"

As he spoke, Cen Wense stood up and began to recite loudly. "The farmer works beneath the noon sun, sweat drips...."

Fang Zheng watched Cen Wense with horror.

What's wrong with you?!

Damn it! The thing he feared most had happened. He should never have recited that poem! This guy would surely ask him for advice next. How could he get out of this?

The side effects of plagiarizing poetry were too severe!

After finishing the recitation of "Sympathy for the Farmers," the officials naturally erupted in another round of applause without Fang Zheng's prompting.

Cen Wense raised his teacup and proclaimed loudly. "Though we have no wine tonight, we must have poetry! Minister Fang truly deserves the title of Sage! This poem, though composed spontaneously, is natural and unpretentious, genuine and heartfelt, revealing a sincere concern for the common people. It easily ranks among the finest poetry!"

"I deeply admire you! Might I ask Minister Fang to provide some guidance and instruction in the art of poetry? Using poetry instead of wine would be delightful, wouldn't it?!"

As soon as Cen Wense finished speaking, everyone immediately joined in the excitement.

Everyone knew about the Fragmented Verse Sage! He had already shown his skill once today, and while everyone was in good spirits, he should demonstrate once more!

Everyone present was highly educated, and there wasn't a single person uninterested in poetry.

With Fang Zheng carrying the title of "Sage," everyone naturally had high expectations. Even Zhang Dongxiang began paying serious attention.

Cen Wense remained standing with his cup raised, head lowered, smiling as he waited for Fang Zheng's response. He felt quite proud of himself. If Minister Fang gave him face, he would naturally give Minister Fang face in return!

He had played his supporting role well today. If Fang Zheng composed another good poem, wouldn't that put him in the spotlight? It would also be convenient to build a relationship with him and discuss poetry more in the future!

"Ah.... uh.... hmm..."

"Umm......." Fang Zheng hummed and hawed, his head nearly swelling from the pressure!

Damn! What to do? What to do? Should I plagiarize another poem? No! That would never end!

And you want me to teach you about poetry? Even the dogs in the examination compound know more about poetry than I do...

This bastard named Cen Wense, I'll remember you! Just you wait!

"Minister Fang?" Cen Wense, seeing no response, asked again with concern.

Under the gazes of everyone present, Fang Zheng felt extremely awkward.

His brain raced at top speed, and his toes worked frantically beneath the table.

He felt like he was standing naked in the street wearing only socks, being stared at by a crowd!

But the more tense the situation, the more he couldn't show weakness! Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to control the situation later!

Composing himself, Fang Zheng calmly placed his wine cup on the table.

Then he stood up and placed one hand on Cen Wense's shoulder.

"Wenny, please sit down."