Chapter 1084 - 1086: Talented Rivals Clash, Trouble Arises!_1
Soon, the topic for the second round was announced, and Bai Zepei and Tang Feng saluted each other before returning to their respective private rooms to compose poetry.
Watching Tang Feng’s retreating figure, Bai Ruozhu’s heart was in turmoil. She realized that Tang Feng’s progress to this point was not solely dependent on the knowledge from his previous life but also his personal talents. Considering his years of immersion in Madam Lianluo’s Tea House and his inherently quick understanding, coupled with the accumulation of his past experiences, it was natural for him not to fall short.
But she quickly thought of something else, her second brother is not a transmigrator. He is only nineteen, so how could he be so exceptional?
She remembered once joking with her second brother, asking, "Second brother, how come you are so scholarly and demonically talented?"
At that time, her second brother had smugly said, "It can’t be helped when one has good comprehension skills."
Bai Ruozhu had also heard that some people are naturally gifted in certain areas, like how she had a talent for medicine—something her grandpa had praised her for. Some people have a talent for martial arts, where even if they train with others, they can quickly leave them far behind.
With such thoughts, Bai Ruozhu felt somewhat more at ease. Even if Tang Feng had the advantage of being a transmigrator, her second brother also had his talents. What was there to fear?
After the time it took to drink a cup of tea passed, Bai Zepei and Tang Feng both handed their poems to the attendant outside the door. They exchanged glances, each eying the other with a scrutinizing look, yet there was a sense of mutual respect as well.
Bai Ruozhu leaned on the railing of the upstairs corridor and looked down. As soon as the attendants took the two men’s poems downstairs, everyone below turned to look, knowing that the two young masters were upstairs and taking an interest in their works.
"An Gu, are you up to it or not? Time is almost up; if you can’t finish, just give up and don’t lose face for us here," a young master by An Gu’s side said impatiently, flicking his fan. It was almost winter; was there a need for such fanning?
Sweat beads formed on An Gu’s forehead. He was already nervous, as he still owed money for the welcoming banquet. If he didn’t place in the competition, he wouldn’t win any silver to repay his debt.
As a result, his hand shook under the urging of those around him, and he barely finished writing a poem with crooked lines.
Bai Ruozhu shook her head as she observed from upstairs. If only An Gu had not chosen his friends unwisely, he might have been able to learn and improve from this experience. But now, the entire atmosphere had changed.
In the end, the judges announced Bai Zepei as the victor of the second round, with Tang Feng in second place. Then they compared An Gu’s and another person’s poems to see who would take third place, and the judges found themselves indecisive for a moment.
"An Gu’s handwriting is too ugly; just for that, he loses half a point to Liu Fang," one of the judges remarked.
The other judges nodded in agreement, and so An Gu failed to advance into the top three of that round.
An Gu was seated not far from the center stage and heard the judges’ comments. His face turned a sullen green with frustration—if only he could have been steadier earlier...
Bai Ruozhu chuckled and then turned to her second brother, saying, "Congratulations, second brother. The final round will just be you and Tang Feng facing off."
Bai Zepei laughed softly, "Today has been strange indeed; it just allowed Tang Feng and me to stand out while the others have been quiet. Not many talents from the Capital have shown up."
Upon hearing this, Bai Ruozhu glanced sideways at Tang Feng. Was this his arrangement?
Before long, the third topic was revealed. It required a poem describing a new dish from the Welcome Guest restaurant. The dish would be displayed on the stage, and a waiter would introduce its unique features and taste to everyone. However, those who had placed in the top three previously would get a plate to taste first—an absolute advantage.
Once the dish was brought up, it was a Roasted Suckling Pig, with two short candles placed in the eye sockets. As soon as it was carried onto the stage, it caught everyone’s attention.
In those days, pigs were raised completely naturally, and their meat was already exquisitely flavorful, not to mention these specially raised suckling pigs.
A collective gasp arose from below, and someone exclaimed, "Isn’t that a little piglet? Killing it before it’s grown, isn’t that a bit wasteful?"
"Clearly, you’re not a gourmet," another person said, swallowing hard. "Such a dish must have its own special considerations for welcoming guests. It’s just a pity that I didn’t place in the top three and miss out on tasting it personally."
At that moment, three portions of the suckling pig were brought out; two were taken directly upstairs, to Tang Feng and Bai Zepei, while the third, belonging to Liu Fang who sat downstairs, was immediately surrounded by people as soon as the pork was served.
Tang Feng glanced at the suckling pig and then smiled at Bai Ruozhu, "I presume this dish was Miss Bai’s idea?"
This was a knowingly asked question. Suppressing her irritation, Bai Ruozhu replied, "I am no longer part of the competition; Master Tang should not address me by my surname. My marital family bears the Jiang name."
Tang Feng chuckled twice, bowed to Bai Ruozhu, and said, "Madam Jiang, I apologize for my forwardness. Considering how Lord Jiang’s righteous anger for a beauty led him to awe the arena with two hundred elite troops, it’s no wonder he won Madam Jiang’s heart."
Bai Ruozhu forced a laugh and said, "Master Tang, you should taste the suckling pig before it gets cold and loses its flavor. Moreover, you still have to compose a poem; don’t run out of time."
After saying that, she turned and pulled her brother back to the private room, picked up a knife and fork, and started carving, exclaiming excitedly, "I didn’t expect Shen Lu to be so generous. We’re in for a treat today!"
Bai Zepei laughed, "Isn’t it that you could eat it whenever you wish?"
"It’s different. This one was won by you, Brother; that makes it special," Bai Ruozhu said as she placed the cuts on her brother’s plate. "Hurry up and taste it while it’s hot, then you can work on your poem."
After tasting a morsel, Bai Zepei immediately found its flavor lingering on his lips and teeth; the pork was indeed tender, even more delicious than any he had eaten before.
He looked at Bai Ruozhu with admiration. He had to admit that when it came to appreciating fine food, his little sister was definitely at the level of a scholar, or as she jokingly called herself, a "Foodie."
Bai Zepei took a few bites and quickly fell into contemplation. Bai Ruozhu didn’t dare to disturb him and quietly continued to eat, curious about how Tang Feng’s tasting was going.
Before long, Bai Zepei put pen to paper, and Bai Ruozhu peeked over his shoulder, noting the quality of his writing. He compared the dish to a delicacy fit for an immortal’s banquet, suggesting it would pair well with nectar and ambrosia. Bai Ruozhu laughed inwardly, thinking she might advise her grandpa’s restaurant to introduce a drink called nectar and ambrosia.
Soon after, Bai Zepei finished and sent out his poem. Bai Ruozhu followed to check on Tang Feng, who also stepped out soon after and handed his poem to the attendant.
As the third round was the final one, the patrons from the private rooms all emerged. Some stood expectantly on the balcony, eager to catch a glimpse of the new dish below or at least to savor the aroma wafting from the two front rooms on the second floor. Others were curious to see which household would clinch the pivotal victory.
Leaning on the railing, Tang Feng appeared quite at ease and asked Bai Zepei, "Brother Bai, you won’t be angry if you lose to me, will you?"
Bai Zepei smiled and retorted, "Master Tang, would you get angry if you were defeated by me?"
At that, both men burst into laughter.
Just then, as the server began to read the third round’s poems, many people from the second floor crowded around the railing for a better listen. From another side of Tang Feng’s private room, a tall, fat man also squeezed his nose up to the railing.
Out of the blue, and to everyone’s surprise, a snap was heard – a section of the second floor railing had broken off!
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Today, Mouka’s husband’s mobile game "Close the Gates and Release Lu Bu" launched on the Apple platform, and those with iPhones might want to give it a try, while Android users will have to wait until the 20th. Those familiar with Mouka know that she worked in game development before becoming a full-time mother and author following the birth of her baby – she still has a true passion for games. Also, Mouka has suggested Jiang Xin, the fairy-like figure, as the game’s spokesperson. She’s stunningly cute, just like those who admire Jiang Xin must check it out.