Chapter 90.2
How can it not count?
You set the question, and you also say it doesnt count, such untrustworthiness!
A thief is a thief, not to be trusted!
Your Majesty, your servant believes there is no need to waste more words!
Lin Beifan waved his hand indifferently: Ministers, what harm is there in giving him one more chance? Hes just a petty thief; can he really turn the tables under my watch?
His Majesty is benevolent! the officials shouted once again.
Having been defeated twice in a row, the Empty Hand Master was extremely embarrassed and felt disgraced.
However, he did not consider himself defeated; he simply thought that he had not been as well-prepared as his opponent, which allowed the other to exploit an opening.
This time, I must propose an unprecedentedly difficult challenge, like never before!
Empty Hand Master pointed at Bai Zhu next to him and provocatively said, Lets take assassin as our theme, what do you say? This time, Id like to see what kind of poetry you can come up with!
Assassin as a theme? The crowd exclaimed in surprise.
From ancient times to the present, there had never been an instance where someone used assassin as a theme for composing poetry.
The difficulty of this challenge could be said to be unparalleled.
Everyone looked at Lin Beifan with concern.
This time, you wont be able to do it, will you? Haha Empty Hand Master burst into a triumphant laughter.
Lin Beifan said calmly, Who says I cant do it? Listen carefully now so you wont accuse me of cheating again!
Im all ears! Empty Hand Master huffed.
Pointing at Bai Zhu, Lin Beifan recited loudly,
Knight rush in nomad gear, great sword bright as frost.
Silver saddle pale horse shine, galloping like shooting star.
Ten steps for every head, thousand miles left no trace.
When all is said and done, the person is without a name.
Once again, the officials spontaneously burst into applause: Excellent!
Empty Hand Masters jaw dropped in shock: Youve managed to do it again!
The flattery of the officials came rolling in once again!
However, this time, Lin Beifan did not laugh with pride. Instead, he hung his head in shame and said.
My fellow Ministers, please stop your praises. This poem was prepared in haste and is not as good as the previous ones. I am embarrassed!
The officials were suddenly at a loss for words!
How could he be embarrassed when he had done so well?
Even if it was slightly inferior to the first two, it was still a poem through the ages!
To produce an eternal poem about an assassin in such a short amount of time, your level of poetry is truly unparalleled and unprecedented!
Its not that there havent been any who tried to do it, but certainly none before were like this. What more do you want?
Is there any room left for others to recite poetry?
Empty Hand Master, now its your turn! Lin Baifan made a welcoming gesture.
This round doesnt count, you must have been prepared in advance! Empty Hand Master shouted loudly.
The officials once again became angry, and this time, they were absolutely furious.
How does it not count?
Youre the one who set the question, and now you say it doesnt count after its been solved. Are you deliberately playing tricks?
A thief is a thief, they never keep their word, no sense of honor!
Your Majesty, dont stoop to his level!
The Empty Hand Master argued furiously, embarrassed and angry: What do you know? Look carefully, although this female assassin has her face covered, she still looks stunningly beautiful, a beauty that could overthrow cities and nations! It must be that your Majesty has been coveting the female assassin, hence you were prepared and took this opportunity to seduce her out!
The crowd looked at Lin Beifan, then at the assassin Bai Zhu, and found that there seemed to be some truth to the other partys words.
Lin Beifan:
Under the gaze of the crowd, Bai Zhu felt somewhat uneasy and could only glare at Lin Beifan in embarrassment and annoyance.
Lin Beifan:
So, this round still doesnt count. Lets start over!
Lin Beifan flicked his sleeve: Fine, lets continue! Without a struggle, youll never understand what true despair means!
Then, the Empty Hand Master continued to pose questions.
However, each time a question was presented, Lin Beifan composed a poem, and each one was a classic.
The Empty Hand Master has gone mad, hes in utter despair!
Why does he know every single poem and verse?
Even on the most obscure topics, he responds with ease?
Is this guy even human?
The officials, however, are extremely impressed; their sovereign is just too awesome!
He speaks and out comes a masterpiece, every single poem a classic!
Throughout history, youd struggle to find a poet who could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him!
To call him a Poet Immortal or a Sage of Verse would not be an exaggeration!
At this moment, Lin Beifan arrogantly said, Empty Hand Master, are you capable or not? From the beginning until now, its always been you posing questions, and Ive been composing poetry. Its about time you produce a poem yourself!
Yeah, you should at least produce a poem yourself!
And here you claim to be a cultured person, yet you cant even recite a single poem!
If you dont have the skill, just admit it, why the pretense?
Pretending to be a cultured person when youre clearly a thief, thats just laughable!
The officials followed suit, clamoring loudly.
Empty Hand Master was so taunted that he almost coughed up blood in frustration!
If he were to impulsively present his own poetry, it would truly be an embarrassing spectacle!
Empty Hand Master waved his hand dismissively and said dejectedly, Alright, alright, I admit defeat. I wont compete anymore. Are you happy now?
If you had said so earlier, wouldnt that have settled it?
Lin Beifan said with a smile, According to our agreement, you have to grant me one request!
Of course, I, Empty Hand Master, maybe a thief, but I am a man of my word! However, let me make it clear beforehand, I only know how to steal; I cant do anything else! Empty Hand Master said somewhat resignedly.
Lin Beifan said disdainfully, If I truly wanted to steal something, I wouldnt need you, for I have a better candidate in mind!
Someone with thieving skills superior to mine? I dont believe it! Empty Hand Master shook his head.
Dont believe it then. I didnt ask you to believe it! Lin Beifan retorted.
Just spit out your conditions. Ill do the job and then leave; I dont want to see you again! Empty Hand Master urged.
Alright, Ill say it, but you better listen carefully!
Lin Beifan said with a smile: I want you to join Great Xia and serve me!
The civil and military officials were shocked. No wonder His Majesty was so tolerant; it turned out he had his eye on Empty Hand Master and wanted to recruit him.
Empty Hand Master was also taken aback: Well, well, so youve been targeting me all along, you cunning little fox! But to think that I would serve you with the loyalty of a dog or horse, thats absolutely impossible!
You did promise. Its within your capabilities! Lin Beifan raised an eyebrow.
Although I promised I am a world-renowned master thief, how could I possibly tie myself down to one country? Its getting late, I must be off!
With a whoosh, he shot up into the sky and quickly disappeared from sight.
However, the proud laughter of the Empty Hand Master echoed back.
By the way, little foolish emperor, I find the Night Pearl in your imperial study quite nice. Ill take it to play with for a couple of days, and Ill return it to you after that, haha!
The faces of the crowd changed dramatically.
How audacious! To dare steal His Majestys night pearl!
Such reckless impudence, utterly outrageous!
Quick, chase him! Dont let him get away!
The Imperial Guard was urgently dispatched.
Lin Beifan waved his hand: No need to chase, he will return soon! Everyone, please sit down and continue to enjoy the moonlight! Court musicians, resume the music, resume the dance!
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