Adult Tang Dynasty: I, the Scoundrel, Fully Support the Empress

Chapter 23: Bring the Wine—I’m About to Put on a Show!

In the Taiji Hall.

That morning’s court session was different from usual. None of the civil or military officials presented any petitions. Even Wei Zheng, known for his outspokenness, remained uncharacteristically silent.

Because everyone’s attention was fixated on the results of the academic examination at the Imperial Academy. The entire court was waiting to see how Su Yang would fare against Prince Li Tai in their literary duel.

“The exam question this time…”

“It’s about personal life experiences.”

“For those young scholars who have barely stepped into the real world…”

“That’s not exactly an easy topic to write about.”

The officials murmured among themselves. Writing poetry about life required more than just talent—it demanded real experience and wisdom gained through time. Without that, it was nearly impossible to compose anything truly profound.

“Prince Li Tai shouldn’t have too much trouble.”

“His mentors were among the Four Literary Masters of the Early Tang Dynasty.”

“He’s been immersed in their teachings since childhood. That kind of influence is bound to leave its mark.”

Many officials held Li Tai in high regard. They believed this test wouldn’t be much of a challenge for him. Not only did he have brilliant teachers, but he was also exceptionally talented in his own right. As a prince, he had access to experiences and knowledge that common scholars could only dream of.

And as expected…

Before long, a eunuch arrived, carefully holding a copy of the poem Li Tai had written. The court fell into hushed anticipation as the eunuch stepped forward to present it to Emperor Li Er.

All eyes were on the Emperor.

Sitting on his throne, Li Er leaned forward as the eunuch spread the poem on the table before him. His expression shifted almost immediately.

“Excellent!”

“As expected of my son! His knowledge and refinement shine through his words.”

Li Er was delighted, though he hadn’t been the least bit surprised. Li Tai had always been intelligent. If he weren’t, the emperor wouldn’t have allowed him to establish his own literary academy at such a young age.

With a wave of his hand, Li Er signaled for the eunuch to circulate the poem among the officials.

Moments later, murmurs of admiration spread through the court.

“Prince Li Tai truly has a remarkable gift.”

“No wonder the Four Literary Masters hold him in such high esteem.”

“At this rate, he might even reach their level one day.”

Their praise was genuine. The Four Literary Masters themselves had gathered to observe this exam, and they, too, had received a copy of Li Tai’s poem.

“It’s still a little youthful, lacking some boldness…”

“But for someone his age to write like this…”

“That’s impressive.”

They agreed—if Li Tai continued honing his craft, he might even surpass them in the future.

Meanwhile…

Inside the Lijing Hall, Guan Yinbi paced restlessly, her anxiety clear in every step.

“Still no word from Su Yang?”

She hadn’t even bothered to look at Li Tai’s poem. She didn’t need to do so. With his talent, of course, he would produce something remarkable. The only thing she cared about was Su Yang.

She knew exactly what was at stake.

If Su Yang lost this literary duel, Li Er and the entire court would use it as an excuse to turn against him. At best, he’d be stripped of his honorary status as the emperor’s sworn brother. At worst? He could be exiled to the borderlands.

Either way, it would be a disaster.

Su Yang was the kind of brilliant mind that only came once in a lifetime. She was convinced he was destined to be a pillar of the empire, a wise minister who could shape the future. There was no way she would let him fall.

“Your Majesty,” Qing Yi answered hesitantly.

“There’s still no sign of movement from Lord Su.”

Even Qing Yi found it baffling. The exam was nearly over, yet Su Yang remained completely unbothered, sitting there with his eyes closed as if none of this concerned him.

What was he thinking?

Had he already given up, realizing he wasn’t capable of writing anything on this topic?

It wasn’t impossible.

Back at Taiji Hall.

“Su Yang still hasn’t written anything?”

Even Li Er was growing impatient. He turned to his attendants, but they could only shake their heads with wry smiles.

“He hasn’t moved, Your Majesty. He’s just sitting there with his eyes closed as if he’s meditating.”

The court erupted into murmurs.

“Haha!

“The outcome is obvious now. That fool is completely out of his depth.”

“Why hasn’t he started writing?”

“Because he has no idea what to write, that’s why! Does he even know enough characters to compose a decent poem?”

Laughter rippled through the hall.

They assumed Su Yang was simply saving himself from further humiliation. If he never wrote anything, he wouldn’t technically lose outright—at least not in the most embarrassing way possible. Trying and failing would be far worse than not trying at all.

But just as the ridicule reached its peak…

A commotion erupted outside.

A eunuch rushed in from the Imperial Academy, panting as he addressed Li Er.

“Su Yang has finally moved, Your Majesty!”

The hall fell silent.

“What did he write?”

The eunuch hesitated before replying, his voice carrying an unmistakable note of disbelief.

“He hasn’t written anything yet…”

“Then what is it?” Li Er frowned.

“He asked for wine.”