After reciting Yin Canwen's verses several times, Wen Xinglu’s gaze towards him became more complex.
While heroes admire each other, for someone as proud of his talent as him, true conviction in another person was impossible unless it was an overwhelming, crushing victory.
The paper slip in his hand was secretly crumpled. Watching the crowd's adoration for Yin Canwen, he felt a pang of discontent.
Wen Mengsheng, observing from the side, revealed a hint of calculation. With a mischievous tone, he said, "He merely had the advantage of timing. If my cousin had submitted his paper a moment earlier, it's hard to say who would have stolen the spotlight today."
Wen Xinglu's expression grew slightly somber. He detested being compared to others above all else.
"You are too kind, cousin. Yin brother's talent is not something I can match."
Though he spoke these words, Wen Mengsheng clearly saw the defiance in his eyes.
He meticulously rewrote the poem. Unfortunately, while his paper also received praise after submission, the academicians were not as enthusiastic about him as they were about Yin Canwen.
An hour later, the winner was decided.
All four academicians named Yin Canwen as the first-place winner of the first round. Wen Xinglu clenched his fist again, "It's merely a folk competition. Who laughs last will depend on the Spring Examination."
His words carried a strong sense of disdain for Yin Canwen.
"Cousin speaks wisely."
Wen Mengsheng replied with a smile. His cousin's talent far surpassed his own, and his future prospects were undoubtedly bright. Therefore, maintaining a good relationship with him was only natural.
The scholars standing around were all followers of Wen Mengsheng within the academy. They naturally disliked Yin Canwen's current act of stealing the limelight.
Receiving a subtle nod from Wen Mengsheng, they fanned the flames further.
Feng Jinyao observed their every word and action, her dislike for Wen Mengsheng growing more pronounced.
Using others as a tool to harm, that was his usual trick. Unfortunately for him, he had encountered her in this life. It was yet to be determined who would wield the knife and who would be slain.
In previous years, the Yangchun Poetry Society would have three other rounds of competition.
However, this year, due to Academician Gu Xilu's health, the four rounds had to be reduced to two.
The theme for the second round was closely tied to the "Tribute of Ten Thousand Nations," which caused many scholars from humble backgrounds to withdraw, diminishing their presence.
Compared to the noble scions of the Eastern Capital, they had never even seen such a scene. How could they compose poetry about it?
Whatever they managed to write would merely be empty expressions, far from satisfactory.
Many individuals couldn't even complete their poems within the allotted time, and the few verses they produced were hardly worthy of high praise.
Wen Xinglu, having the advantage of having witnessed such a grand scene outside the Changchun Tower once, was able to write lines like, "The palace gates of the Nine Heavens opened wide, ten thousand nations' officials bowed to the emperor's crown." This earned him a deep impression from Academician Lu.
"Excellent, excellent. It seems you will have great achievements in next year's Spring Examination."
After receiving his critique, Wen Xinglu finally relaxed, casting a slightly provocative glance at Yin Canwen.
To his surprise, Yin Canwen showed no sign of the dejection or disdain of a defeated opponent. Instead, he offered a sincere congratulation. This, in turn, made Wen Xinglu's earlier expression seem petty.
Therefore, his joy lasted only a moment, but the feud with Yin Canwen had been ignited.
After this competition, Yin Canwen and Wen Xinglu's reputations were cemented among the scholars of the Eastern Capital. Some innkeepers, upon hearing the news, even set up betting pools for the top scholars at their establishments.
Who would ultimately emerge victorious became a topic of discussion on every street corner.
Of course, that was a story for another time.
For now, after the competition concluded, Feng Er did not rush back to the academy. Instead, he flagged down Uncle Bai Si's carriage with Yin Canwen on the way.
The servant of the Bai family knew the temperament of the second young master of the Feng family and dared not disobey.
Uncle Bai Si, who had been sitting in the carriage with his eyes closed in meditation, suddenly felt the carriage stop and asked, "What is it?"
"Uncle, it's me."
The voice was familiar, clearly Feng Jinlin. Uncle Bai Si chuckled, "Caught red-handed, are we? Don't expect me to plead for you."
His nature was more inclined to watch the show than to use his elder status to help them.
Feng Jinyao shrugged, looking at Bai Siruo's expression as if she had been caught with incriminating evidence. Bai Siruo, however, grinned slyly.
"You, hurry up and come out with me. If second brother scolds, you must stand in front of me."
Bai Siruo patted her shoulder, saying gallantly, "Don't be afraid, I'll speak to cousin for you."
With that, she lifted the curtain and jumped down from the carriage, still dressed as a young page. She showed no fear towards Feng Er.
"If cousin has any anger, direct it at me. Don't scare A'Yao."
"You still know to protect A'Yao? Then why do you constantly drag her around everywhere, even daring to cause trouble at the poetry society? Aren't you afraid of being discovered? There are quite a few young masters in the Eastern Capital who have seen the two of you."
Feng Er's greatest concern was precisely this, fearing discovery and damage to their reputations.
Bai Siruo chuckled, "Don't worry. They've only seen us a few times at banquets. How could they possibly remember?"
Only then did Feng Er dare to take a good look at her attire. Indeed, without careful observation, one would hardly realize she was a woman disguised as a man.
"Hmph, go ahead and do as you please. Next time, don't bring A'Yao with you. She'll be of age next year. If it affects her marriage arrangements, see how Grandmother and Mother deal with you."
Though his words were a threat, they did not frighten Bai Siruo.
However, it stunned Yin Canwen, who was standing nearby.
Of age? That meant she was a woman?
Did that mean the two people behind Mr. Bai today were both women?
Yin Canwen instantly felt uneasy. But after all, they were on the street, and even Feng Er was speaking in a low voice. No matter how surprised he was, he dared not make a scene.
Then, a pair of small, delicate hands lifted the curtain and looked towards them.
Although also dressed as a page, she was exceptionally pretty. If one hadn't known beforehand that she was a woman, one might have truly believed she was an immature boy page.
Then, a melodious voice said, "Second brother, please don't be angry. It was my fault for overstepping. Let's discuss anything at home."
Yin Canwen felt his heart skip a beat.
Even without seeing her face, Yin Canwen felt he had already fallen for her.
Feng Er was busy being angry and did not notice the reaction of the person beside him. He instructed, "Be careful on the road. We'll talk when we get home."
Bai Siruo nodded. After getting into the carriage, seeing Feng Er gallop ahead, the coachman also whipped the horses a few times, making the carriage move faster.
This was the first time Yin Canwen had entered the gates of the Feng family since he became acquainted with Feng Er.
The mansion was serene, the servants were orderly, possessing both grandeur and a touch of delicate beauty, truly befitting a prominent family.
Suddenly recalling the voice from earlier, he became somewhat lost in thought.
Feng Er settled him in his courtyard and then strode towards Ning'an Courtyard, where Feng Jinyao resided.