Someone is stirring up trouble.

Li Zhi saw Zhao Yeli saluting him and quickly stepped aside to let him pass. Then he stepped forward two paces, took Zhao Yeli's hand to assist him up, and said, "Zhao Master, this courtesy of yours, this little prince absolutely cannot accept."

Zhao Yeli replied, "This old minister heard from the prince's qin melody that the prince deeply understands the hardships of the common people. Combined with the prince's recent actions, this old minister knows that the prince is a man who loves the people as if they were his own children." With that, he saluted once more. "This old minister represents the people of the world in thanking the prince."

Li Zhi reached out again to stop him, but his strength was insufficient, and he was unable to prevent it. Not only that, Yan Liben and the other two also saluted him at the same time. He spoke with some helplessness, "His Imperial Majesty has entrusted the task of comforting the disaster victims to this prince. This prince must naturally do his utmost. How can I accept such high regard from several of you?"

Yu Shinan spoke up, "Your Highness has no need to be modest. We are all aware of what you have done. Being able to expend all your wealth to relieve tens of thousands of disaster victims shows that the prince is truly sincere in benefiting the people."

Li Zhi waved his hand, about to speak, when he heard Li Tai beside him say, "Several judges, the time is already late. We should continue with the competition." He had known something was amiss the moment Zhao Yeli and the others emerged. And the subsequent words and actions of the next few further elevated Li Zhi to the highest level. This was greatly at odds with his intention to suppress Li Zhi. Therefore, he quickly interrupted the conversation to prevent Li Zhi from taking too much attention.

After Zhao Yeli and the others heard Li Tai's words, they did not say much more. However, there was a different meaning in their eyes. Zhao Yeli stepped to the front of the trumpet and announced, "In this qin art competition, Prince Jin is superior in skill and has defeated his elder brother, Prince Yue."

Li Tai's face sank the moment he heard Zhao Yeli announce the result. He wasn't stupid and naturally knew that Zhao Yeli was announcing this way to disgust him. Otherwise, why deliberately mention his relationship as brothers with Li Zhi? Zhao Yeli didn't care whether Li Tai was pleased or not. He continued, "Now Prince Jin has won three consecutive matches. I wonder if all of you are looking forward to Prince Jin displaying great divine might and continuing to claim the championship?"

His words instantly stirred the emotions of the audience. Everyone began to cheer, "Prince Jin displays great divine might! Prince Jin continues to win the championship!" Not only did Li Tai's face darken further, but other scholars also appeared somewhat indignant.

They all secretly resolved to perform well from now on and strive to trample Li Zhi underfoot in the realm of poetry. At this point, Yu Shinan stepped forward and said, "Next, the poetry competition. All participating scholars, please compose one poem within the time of one incense stick and recite it publicly."

The poetry competition required not only writing the poem but also having it transcribed on paper. This would test the scholars' poetic attainments and reveal their calligraphy skills—a win-win situation. Yu Shinan proposed the topic of composing a poem on winter, without restriction on form. This somewhat lowered the difficulty of creation. Otherwise, there probably would not have been many people who could compose a qualified poem within the time limit. Even so, many scholars felt their abilities were insufficient and did not dare to participate.

Li Zhi in his previous life could only recall a few poems. Those related to winter were only one: "River Snow." The artistic conception of this poem was too solitary, so Li Zhi did not want to write it out. Fortunately, in this life he had sufficient literary foundation, so it was not difficult for him. Thus, he composed a quatrain: Cold winds swirl with dancing snowflakes, the stove fire warms the heart and soothes, winter days of idle talk bring joy, as years pass in peace and harmony. The poem's title was "Leisurely Talk in Winter." He considered this poem quite good; even if it couldn't win the championship, it could at least secure a ranking. So, after the ink had dried a bit, he submitted his work. Unexpectedly, because he submitted it too quickly, the remaining scholars began to suspect him. They thought this was a poem he had prepared in advance and was now just using it to应付 the competition. Thus, some began to incite.

The man said, "Several judges, students believe that composing poems in this manner is unfair. What if someone had done this topic in advance? Wouldn't that be taking too much advantage?" He didn't claim that Li Zhi's poem was prepared in advance, but merely pointed out the loophole in the rules. Other scholars, upon being reminded, also began to demand that the rules be changed. The person who had spoken first stood to the side, watching everyone propose their opinions, and a triumphant, sinister smile appeared on his lips. He was a scholar from a prominent family. Li Zhi's previous performance had already made their plans fail halfway.

If on this most crucial item Li Zhi again took the spotlight, then all their previous efforts would be for nothing. Therefore, he didn't care whether Li Zhi had really just composed this poem or not; in any case, he couldn't let Li Zhi pass easily. Yu Shinan originally wanted to appreciate Li Zhi's poem, but unexpectedly someone raised an objection at this moment, making his face look very ugly. However, seeing that so many people were now proposing objections, he could only suppress his displeasure and turn his gaze to the other three. Yan Liben's and the others' expressions also did not look good. When the rules were announced, no one spoke, yet someone stood out to oppose only after Li Zhi had already completed his work. Anyone with eyes could see that this was someone deliberately suppressing Li Zhi. Such actions made them all very displeased. After a brief discussion, they wanted to continue with the previous rules.

Just then, Li Zhi, who had already grown impatient, suddenly spoke to everyone, "Since everyone feels that it is unfair, then lay down the rules yourselves. Today this prince will let you see what it means for fireflies and the bright moon to vie for brilliance." After everyone heard Li Zhi's words, they all became flushed with anger. Someone said, "We admit that the prince's talent and learning are outstanding, but the prince looking down on us so much makes it hard for us to accept, I..." Li Zhi interrupted him without letting him finish, "This prince has no time for idle chatter with you lot. If anyone is dissatisfied, then stand out and compete with me."

Li Zhi now truly looked down on this group of people. Previously they had made a huge fuss wanting to compete with him. But so far, not even one capable fighter had appeared. This wasn't counting; these people, seeing that he had completed his work, actually dared to backpedal. Li Zhi had decided that today he would severely humiliate these people, making them unable to lift their heads in his presence from now on. Li Zhi's words completely aroused the public's indignation against these people. So instantly, dozens of people stood out. They all demanded to compete with Li Zhi one by one.

At this point, Yu Shinan stepped forward and said, "Since someone has raised an objection to the rules, then we shall redraw the rules." Saying this, he surveyed the crowd and continued, "However, this official has words in advance: after the new rules are formulated, if anyone dares to cause trouble again, do not blame this official for making it impossible for them to stand in the literary world."