My Inner Thought is Exposed! The Villain Family Defy Their Fate!-Chapter 177 - 79: As Likely as a Rooster Laying Eggs

The appraisal of Jiang Zitang’s two poems lasted for two quarters of an hour and concluded with praises from Lord Sacrificial Officer and four esteemed scholars.

Subsequently, the young noblemen and ladies presented their poems one after another.

The poems of many noble ladies were increasingly poor and laughable, and by comparison, Jiang Zitang truly stood at an unattainable height; she deserved her title as the foremost talented woman.

However, among the noblemen, there were grand and splendid works that amazed the audience.

Yun Wanqing shook her head repeatedly.

[Tsk, the overall level of the young men’s poems is indeed higher than that of the noble ladies.]

[This disparity is certainly related to the gender inequality ingrained in Da Wu Country, where men are valued over women, leading to differing levels of education between genders and stunting women’s intellectual development.]

In Da Wu Country, which is set in ancient times, suppressive practices against women were commonplace.

While women’s academies existed, they mainly taught oppressive moral standards such as female virtue, speech, appearance, and duties, all part of the constraints known as the three obediences and four virtues.

Additionally, they covered social etiquette and protocols.

Under such circumstances, women were inevitably disadvantaged.

Yun Wanye: "???"

He acknowledged the gender inequality in Da Wu Country, but was there anywhere in the world without it?

What his little sister said implied that her previous world was free from such issues.

Time passed slowly as young noblemen and ladies continued to present their poems, and the atmosphere gradually calmed from its initial intensity.

Lord Sacrificial Officer and the four esteemed scholars sorted through a stack of poems with smiles, nodding in approval repeatedly.

Clearly, today’s gathering was fruitful, with many poems winning their favor.

"Ladies and gentlemen, under the guidance of Jiang, numerous excellent works have emerged today, showcasing the flourishing state of Da Wu Country’s literary development and the abundance of remarkable talents."

"This bodes well for a prosperous nation and is a great joy; I am truly gratified and pleased on behalf of the Emperor."

"Next, does any young talent wish to come forth and present a work for everyone to appreciate and broaden their horizons?"

Lord Sacrificial Officer stood with a straight back, stroking his white beard, and looked around at the vibrant, youthful noblemen and ladies.

Those with some talent had mostly already showcased themselves.

The remaining ones were either like Xie Xuanrong, who customarily shunned the limelight, or like Zhu Yongcheng, who lacked knowledge and had more ambition than ability.

The former had no love for the spotlight and naturally wouldn’t step forward, while the latter would inevitably embarrass themselves, so no one was willing to go either.

The atmosphere instantly cooled.

People looked at each other, pushing and shoving, yet no one stepped forward.

Yun Wanyao’s gaze was fixed on Su Qianxue, her heart anxious.

Would the protagonist step up or not?

Could an accident have occurred?

If she was going to step up, she should do it; if not, she should leave early. Could she stop tormenting her like this?

"Miss Yun, you seem quite anxious. Would you mind sharing what you’re worried about?"

A calm, deep voice suddenly sounded beside her ear. Yun Wanyao instinctively turned her head to see the handsome and imposing Emperor looking at her with dark, inscrutable eyes.

She was momentarily stunned, her heart instantly tensing up.

"No, no, not worried about anything..."

"Is that so?"

Mo Yuanlin’s eyes darkened slightly, and he chuckled softly before averting his gaze.

On the other side, Su Qianxue curled her lips and looked at the main stage, a flash of brilliance quickly passing through her eyes.

Excellent, now that no one else was stepping up, it was her turn to take the stage and bring this poetry gathering to a perfect close.

"Lord Sacrificial Officer, it’s getting late, and since no one else is willing to present, why don’t we announce the end and let these youngsters mingle on their own? After all, today has been quite rewarding."

"Also, I am eager to take on disciples, and let me make it clear, I have my eye on that boy Li Yuxi, so the rest of you better not compete with me."

The oldest scholar, eager to take on disciples, could not resist urging Lord Sacrificial Officer to conclude the banquet upon seeing no one step forward.

Upon hearing his words, the remaining three scholars blew their beards and glared, visibly dissatisfied.

"That boy is articulate, talented, and has insightful views on governance and administration. He’s a rare seedling."

"With proper nurturing, in time, he will surely become a pillar of the Court and a leader in Da Wu Country’s literary world. Old Yu, it’s hardly fair of you to snatch him like this, is it?"