I just wrote a love poem, how did that make me so powerful?

Xu Qing once said: When you see your enemy, you should smile; the brighter your smile, the angrier he will be.

He grinned, revealing two rows of bright white teeth, and greeted Chen Shijin: "Hey, good morning, Young Master Chen! You don't look too good today, didn't you sleep well last night?"

Chen Shijin's lips twitched, and his lips moved, but he ultimately didn't say anything. He coldly flicked his sleeve and strode past Xiao Mingyuan.

Xiao Mingyuan turned around and looked at his back, a secret sense of satisfaction shooting from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.

"Hmph... I'm so happy I don't like you!"

He snorted and strode inside, his chubby body becoming noticeably lighter.

Upon entering the academy, Xiao Mingyuan did not go directly to his seat, but instead wandered around the courtyard.

He slowed his pace as he walked to the pavilion next to the library.

Li Yan sat there, with two classmates in blue robes sitting opposite him. The three of them had books in front of them and were talking about something.

Xiao Mingyuan stood not far away and observed for a while.

Li Yan was about sixteen or seventeen years old, of medium build and rather thin, wearing a dark blue straight robe with his waist cinched tightly.

He has regular features, and his brows exude a sharpness that cannot be concealed. He speaks crisply and decisively, and when he smiles, it is always just a fleeting moment.

They are from completely different worlds compared to Xiao Mingyuan, who has the style of a fat pufferfish.

Xiao Mingyuan smiled and walked forward confidently.

"Brother Li, I have a new poem here. Please take a look and appreciate it."

Li Yan paused when his gaze fell on the first line of words on the paper.

The paper read: "The sun sets beyond the mountains, the great river flows into the sea. To see a thousand miles further, climb one more story."

Li Yan's eyelid twitched.

After reading it, he shook his head helplessly.

"Brother Xiao is truly a great talent. From not being able to recite the Three Character Classic completely to writing this, it hasn't taken much time."

Two classmates huddled over to look at the poem, then exchanged bewildered glances...

"This poem...did you really write it?"

One of them looked at Xiao Mingyuan with a mixture of belief and doubt.

Xiao Mingyuan didn't answer, but just chuckled, with an expression that said, "Believe it or not."

The other person muttered under their breath.

"Previously, Xiao Mingyuan's academic performance had already astonished the headmaster. At the time, some people had doubts. Later, when Young Master Xiao presented three more poems at the Zhuangyuan Tower... the doubts almost disappeared."

Now, he's produced another song; one can't help but believe it. Perhaps Young Master Xiao truly is gifted.

Li Yan nodded and placed the poem on the table.

"Young Master Xiao... You've come to see me today to compete in poetry? Then I'll concede immediately; there's no way we can win this poem. I suspect you have other motives."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Mingyuan's mind immediately lit up...

Li Yan is really a smart person; he guessed it right away.

But isn't this exactly the topic I wanted to bring up?

He plopped down on the stone bench in the pavilion, looked left and right to make sure no one was around, then lowered his voice and made a face as if he were telling a secret.

"Young Master Li, to be honest, this poem of mine is just a stepping stone. I've heard something, I don't know if you've heard it."

"What is it?"

Li Yan also asked curiously.

Xiao Mingyuan moved a little closer.

"Chen Shijin has recently been eyeing a girl from a village down below, not a daughter of a wealthy family."

I heard it's about Song Yao, the one whose father was demoted and sent to a remote area. You should know her, right?

Li Yan's eyebrows twitched slightly. He didn't speak, but his gaze shifted from the poem manuscript, waiting for Xiao Mingyuan to continue.

Xiao Mingyuan continued.

"I don't know what that guy surnamed Chen was up to, he sent people to disrupt someone's engagement and almost snatched the girl away. If someone hadn't stopped him, things would have blown up."

"You say he's a scholar, doing something like this, isn't that shameful?"

After listening, Li Yan remained silent for a while, then gently tapped the surface of the stone table with his fingers.

"Young Master Xiao, are you trying to drag me into this?"

Xiao Mingyuan chuckled.

"No way! I just don't like that kid."

Also, I just feel that he used to always pick on you and try to embarrass you. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, isn't that true?

I think this poem would be quite suitable for use at the next Zhuangyuanlou Poetry Gathering.

Isn't Chen Shijin always trying to show off at poetry gatherings? Li Shao, if you take this poem, where will he put his face?

Li Yan glanced at him twice, a faint smile appearing on her lips.

"Young Master Xiao, you've become much better at handling people than before. I'll keep this poem; I'll let him shine at the next poetry gathering."

Xiao Mingyuan was overjoyed. He stood up and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Thank you, Young Master Li. Then I won't bother you any longer..."

"Wait a minute," Li Yan suddenly called out to him.

Xiao Mingyuan turned his head, thinking that Li Yan was about to change his mind, and was on edge.

But then Li Yan said, "Don't worry, I won't keep this poem for myself. When it's handed in, it will still bear your name."

Xiao Mingyuan was stunned: "Young Master Li, you..."

Li Yan waved his hand dismissively.

"Who in the whole county doesn't know my skill level? Being able to occasionally beat Chen Shijin in poetry gatherings is already my limit."

If I were to keep something of this caliber for myself, my uncle would beat me to death. What belongs to someone should belong to them; I'm not worth the trouble of trying to gain some fame.

Xiao Mingyuan cupped his hands in greeting, and his goodwill towards Li Yan immediately increased significantly.

This person is quite straightforward in his dealings with others.

As he was about to take his leave, his gaze inadvertently swept over the things spread out on the stone table...

In front of Li Yan and his two classmates were several books and an open sheet of paper covered with writing and various corrections.

It seems they've encountered some kind of problem.

Xiao Mingyuan paused, leaned closer to take a look, and asked, "What's wrong? Even Young Master Li has his troubles?"

Li Yan gave a helpless, wry smile: "I'm just an ordinary person, how could I not have any difficulties?"

The other person gave a similar wry smile: "Young Master Xiao, is this something you're good at besides writing poetry?"