Chapter 102:

Chapter 102:

Su Lis remarks caused both Changle and Li Xueyan to become anxious. Both of them believed that Su Li was about to agree to participate in the poetry event organized by Zhangsun Chong. However, this decision was very unwise!

Due to Empress Zhangsuns influence and Zhangsun Wujis position as prime minister, the Zhangsun Clan held a prominent position in the Tang dynasty. As a result, numerous individuals in Changan City sought to align themselves with the Zhangsun Clans power.

Given the relationship with Zhangsun Chong and his status as the prime ministers son, it was likely that there would be several loyal followers at his poetry event. These individuals would undoubtedly create difficulties for Su Li and prevent him from attending.

Even though Su Li might be truly talented and capable and could produce exceptional poems as usual during the event, it wouldnt matter. Li Xueyan and Changle was a princess. Given their backgrounds, they couldnt naively view someone like Zhangsun Chong.

Distorting the truth and misleading, a skill not exclusive to historical figures like Zhao Gao, was a trait commonly found among the powerful and privileged. Originally, there was a planned poetry event at the Princess Mansion in a few days, but Changle no longer wished to hold it. Gongzhu, Changle looked at Su Li, hesitating to speak.

However, Su Li and Changle shared a deep connection, so he easily understood what she meant. He pinched her nose and said, I wont attend Zhangsun Chongs poetry event. Going would just be giving him more importance! However, our own poetry event in a few days should proceed as planned.

Changle and Li Xueyan gazed at Su Li with bewildered surprise, unsure why he was so stubborn. If others were intent on tarnishing his reputation, writing more poems at the event wouldnt make a difference.

They couldnt believe Su Li failed to grasp such a simple concept. As they believed, the best approach was to handle the situation calmly.

Su Li maintained a faint smile and remained silent. He knew the story of the two bowls of rice better than anyone else. He wouldnt be like the character in that story who, in his attempt to prove his innocence, ended up in a terrible state.

He understood that if he backed down, the other party would press on relentlessly, and he would eventually find himself cornered without any recourse.

The spectators around were merely observing the commotion and didnt care about how many rice bowls were in his stomach.

Zhangsun Chong wanted to use a poetry event to tarnish Su Lis reputation. However, he didnt realize this petty trick was ineffective in front of Su Li. He might still believe his strategy was clever, but it was quite laughable from Su Lis perspective. Dealing with such an annoying presence was simple, slap it away and silence it for good.

It was likely he only dared to deceive those women who lacked insight.

He was not attending because he feared exposing himself to these true young talents and being unmasked.

I heard that the Princess Mansion is hosting a poetry meeting today. Consort Su Li might be busy with that, and perhaps he hasnt seen the invitation. How about sending it again?

As the speaking talent looked at him, Zhangsun Chongs eyes brightened.

He certainly understood that it was highly unlikely Su Li hadnt received the invitation. However, he could easily send another one in front of so many people.

If Su Li didnt respond, he could send someone else. If Su Li steadfastly refused to come, he wouldnt need to say anythinghis reputation would undoubtedly suffer.

Just as Liu Bei visited Zhuge Liangs cottage three times in ancient times, Zhangsun Chong extended three invitations to Su Li.

Killing someone and destroying their reputationhow would Su Li respond?

This idea seemed promising!

With this thought in mind, Zhangsun Chong quickly nodded in agreement and was about to instruct someone to send the invitation.

The talented individual who had spoken earlier eagerly volunteered again, Consort Sus fame echoes through Changan. If you were to send a servant to invite him, it might not appear respectful enough. How about I go and extend the invitation?

Upon hearing this, Zhangsun Chong immediately nodded in approval.