Yelv Guza’s pupils shook with shock; clearly, Gu Jinghui’s act was beyond his expectations.
Gu Jinghui stood with his hands behind his back, feet slightly apart, waiting leisurely on the spot, expecting him to give an answer publicly.
But how to explain this?
The Yelv Zhi made a Life and Death pact with a group of young ladies, but the reason couldn’t be revealed to the public.
If disclosed, it’s feared that all the scholars of the Da Xing Dynasty would denounce him with harsh criticism.
Scholars have always been proud and fond of reputation; even such dirty dealings like corruption are disguised with elegant names. Their curses would persist for years, with ever-changing tactics, which is very disadvantageous for his plans to buy off courtiers.
Yelv Guza felt like he was being grilled over fire.
An especially tormenting situation.
"How come Gu Jinghui, a martial artist, has started playing literary tricks?"
He was greatly confused.
Outside, Qin Siyuan suddenly raised his arm, shouting, "Indeed, why does the Yelv Zhi and the young ladies watching the poetry contest have a Life and Death pact? We came upon hearing rumors, yet know not why. May we ask the Yelv Zhi to explain publicly so us spectators can understand the reason."
Qin Heng hurriedly chimed in, shouting, "If there’s nothing shameful, there’s no reason to shy away from speaking to the crowd. Yelv Zhi, do tell, let us all judge."
The students of the Imperial College naturally wanted to support their own, agreeing, "Yes, yes, let’s hear why."
The Yelv Clan remarked, "Is it that you cannot afford to lose, stalling for time with unrelated talk? Just say if you do not wish to or dare not compete."
Listening to the heated debate outside, Marquis Gu softly provoked, "What’s the matter? Afraid to speak? You dared to do it, yet why not talk about it? Afraid you won’t have the face to continue after speaking?"
The words of Marquis Gu subtly teased Yelv Guza’s defenses, unsettling him. Yelv Guza shouted loudly, "Da Xing people go back on their word; let’s not compete then. Isn’t it just fear of death and defeat? Just say it! Our Yelv Clan has already been bested by Dingbei Marquis and dares not incur Dingbei Marquis’ displeasure!"
As soon as he finished speaking.
A chorus of boos erupted both on and off the field.
Qin Siyuan shouted, "This is how scared you are? Did the Zhi deliberately trick the young ladies into signing the Life and Death pact? Now everyone is here, and no one can lie, why afraid to speak? Is the Zhi not worried about having his reputation stabbed even if he wins?"
Qin Heng added, "Indeed, indeed, we have an ancient saying: If you’ve done no evil, you won’t fear ghosts knocking. It’s just asking you to clarify why both sides signed the Life and Death pact, yet you’re unwilling to speak; it seems there’s indeed something fishy. We are all Da Xing people and we can’t just watch as fellow Da Xing people get bullied by the Yelv Clan!"
The guards immediately echoed, "Exactly, clarify the situation, we can’t watch our own be bullied!"
The scene gradually lost control.
Yelv Guza forced a smile, "Since Dingbei Marquis feels for his sister and is unwilling to compete, we won’t insist on it. We’ll simply forgo the competition, this Life and Death pact can be voided."
As he spoke, he attempted to tear the Life and Death Document in his hand.
Gu Jinghui said, "How can it be torn? The Life and Death Document was signed, yet the competition is unfinished, correct?"
With a flick of his finger, a thin needle flew out, striking Yelv Guza’s wrist.
Feeling a sudden sharp pain in his wrist, making his fingers unable to grasp the thin paper.
Yelv Guza watched helplessly as the paper fluttered down, landing between Gu Jinghui’s sturdy, long fingers.
"Since you don’t wish to keep it, I’d better take care of it."
Marquis Gu chuckled softly as he retrieved his hand, waving the contract in front of him.
Yelv Guza’s face turned pale, and his gaze towards Marquis Gu was filled with apprehension and shameful anger.
Marquis Gu raised his arm high above his head, shaking the contract in his hand, saying loudly, "Everyone can witness that Yelv Guza has handed the contract to me, Marquis. The contract remains intact, the match naturally needs a result. With so many lives at stake, I am responsible for uncovering the entire truth behind this contract."
The crowd responded, "Yes, Dingbei Marquis is right. We all want to know the clear truth."
Yelv Guza’s sweat flowed in large beads, soaking the front of his clothes.
The robe he wore already seemed somewhat out of place on him.
Now it looked even more untidy.
Yelv Guza barely composed himself, raised both hands high, signaling everyone to quiet down.
But the Da Xing people paid him no heed.
Gu Jinghui unexpectedly let out a whistle, reverberating through the sky, sounding like tearing silk.
Only then did the crowd quiet down.
Yelv Guza glanced gratefully at Marquis Gu, then said loudly, "This dispute arose because my Yelv Clan members read the poems at the contest and found them lacking compared to our Yelv Clan folk songs, which are more lively and melodious, hence a dispute with the Seventh Miss of Dingbei Marquis Mansion and several noble daughters ensued. Both sides were vehement in words, unwilling to concede, thus in a moment of anger, agreed to use a polo match to determine the winner, signing the Life and Death pact. If any of you find it inappropriate, this contract can be annulled."