Shen Jing's mind was racing, but his mouth didn't stop for a moment.
In his previous life, he had been forced to recite various Taoist classics since childhood, and they were already deeply ingrained in his mind, allowing him to easily multitask.
Listening to the continuous stream of content flowing from Shen Jing's mouth, everyone gradually became serious, moving past their initial disdain.
Later, their expressions grew more and more solemn, and many fell into deep thought.
Su Yourong looked at Shen Jing with burning eyes, her heart in turmoil.
This scoundrel!
Did he really comprehend the Great Dao?
Oh my god!
This was enough to be called the founding of a school of thought!
He constantly claimed everything was copied, yet he quietly comprehended such profound and mysterious things?
"The highest good is like water; water benefits all things without contention… Enough, enough!"
Shen Jing abruptly stopped. "Discussing these matters with people like you, who crave false fame, is like playing a lute to a cow! Let's leave it at that!"
With that, Shen Jing pulled Su Yourong and Chi Chi, who were still in a daze, and quickly walked out, sighing inwardly.
Damn it, I finally managed to fool them.
From now on, I won't have to worry about anyone asking me to write poetry again.
Don't ask, just know that my realm is high!
It wasn't until Shen Jing and the others left that everyone woke up as if from a dream.
"The highest good is like water; water benefits all things without contention…"
Li Zhao murmured softly, repeatedly chewing on what Shen Jing had said.
Shen Jing had said a lot, and most of it he remembered vaguely or had even forgotten.
But this one line left a deep impression on him.
A few simple words, yet they revealed the ultimate truth!
Li Zhao smiled bitterly, turning his head to look at the doorway where Shen Jing and the others were no longer visible.
No wonder Shen Jing was so arrogant!
Comparing people leads to death, comparing goods leads to discarding!
Shen Jing was already comprehending the Great Dao and had made progress, while he was still chasing after these illusory reputations.
What was the point?
What use was the false fame gained from a few poems?
Wouldn't reading more books and diligently studying the Way of self-cultivation and governing the world be better than this?
Fool!
Such a simple truth, and he only just realized it now.
He truly was a fool!
Suddenly, Li Zhao felt that all the poems he had written were meaningless.
"Hoo…"
Li Zhao took a deep breath and hurried to Guo Sheng. "Shopkeeper Guo, I am but a piece of rotten wood. Please do not invite me to future poetry society gatherings! I don't want the fifty taels of silver reward. I also ask Shopkeeper Guo not to publish my clumsy works, lest I be ridiculed by the world! Farewell!"
With that, Li Zhao, ignoring the few people who had come with him, quickly departed, leaving Guo Sheng standing there in a daze.
This…
The silver that was practically in his hands… he didn't want it?
"Shopkeeper Guo, farewell!"
"Farewell…"
Everyone said their goodbyes one after another.
Before Guo Sheng could respond, a large number of people had already left with faces full of disappointment and shame.
Looking at the scene before her, Song Lianxin was stunned.
Shen Jing just casually spouted some random nonsense, and these people acted as if they were possessed?
Unbelievable!
It was a long time before she came to her senses, asking Zhao Ying in a low voice, "What Shen Jing said, was it really… the Great Dao?"
Although she could read and write, she didn't have much true scholarship.
What Shen Jing said, she only found it empty.
What a load of nonsense about the Great Dao!
Taking his wretched life, that was the true Great Dao!
Repeated humiliations at Shen Jing's hands had made her hatred for him immeasurable.
She now only wanted Shen Jing's life!
Not a moment longer did she want to wait!
Even, she wanted Su Yourong's life!
"Let's go!"
Zhao Ying exhaled a turbid breath, his face dark and gloomy.
Although he was unwilling to admit it, once Shen Jing's words came out, they had already fallen behind.
Even if he were to create a world-shattering masterpiece today, he would still be inferior!
That damned scoundrel!
He must avenge this!
As Zhao Ying and Song Lianxin left, the remaining people also quickly departed.
Some greeted Guo Sheng, while others left without a word.
Soon, the large room was left with only Guo Sheng and a few assistants.
"No…"
Looking at the empty room, Guo Sheng was almost in tears.
Shen Jing just got up and left, but what was he supposed to do?
If this matter got out today, how many scholars and refined individuals in Luochuan Prefecture would feel ashamed beyond words.
From now on, so-called poetry would be completely relegated to a minor art!
Many people would probably disdain composing poetry.
With this, what would happen to the business of his poetry society?
He had clearly intended to make the poetry society's business better!
But now…
Shen Jing, I curse your ancestors!
You're trying to ruin me!
…
"Don't look! I copied it all!"
In the carriage, Shen Jing waved his hand in front of Su Yourong and Chi Chi, who were staring intently at him.
They wouldn't think he could comprehend the "Tao Te Ching," would they?
What were they thinking!
He didn't even look like someone who could comprehend such things!
"Copied again?"
Su Yourong swatted away Shen Jing's hand, which was waving in front of her, her beautiful eyes sparkling. "Where did you copy such a profound Great Dao from? When can I copy it too?"
There was no hiding one's talent like he did!
Did he still need to hide his talent in front of her?
"That was many years ago."
Shen Jing laughed it off. "I did this to shut those people up, so they won't always ask me to write poems! Anyway, just think of me as a shameless scoundrel who plagiarizes others' works, and definitely don't think of me as some great talent!"
…
Su Yourong couldn't help but laugh.
It was the first time she had heard someone ask others to consider them a shameless scoundrel.
And this scoundrel happened to be her husband!
"Young Master is not shameless at all!"
Chi Chi stood by Shen Jing without reservation. "If we're talking about shamelessness, Zhao Ying and Song Lianxin are the most shameless people!"
"Right, right!"
Shen Jing chuckled, then looked at Su Yourong with a smile. "That slap you gave Song Lianxin really surprised me!"
"She deserved it!"
Su Yourong snorted, then teased, "What, are you feeling sorry for her?"
"Mm-hmm, I'm so sorry!"
Shen Jing nodded earnestly, then grabbed Su Yourong's hand. "Such a soft and tender hand, it would be a shame for it to be injured by Song Lianxin's face."
Su Yourong felt a wave of disgust at Shen Jing's words and quickly pulled her hand back, looking at him with revulsion. "As expected of someone who can write those love poems, you can say such sickening things without blushing at all."
"No, I…"
Shen Jing's face darkened.
Damn it!
This dark history was never going away, was it?
Seeing Shen Jing's expression, Su Yourong and Chi Chi immediately bent over with laughter.
Shen Jing's eyes widened, and he menacingly showed his palm to the two of them. "If we weren't in the carriage, I'd make you taste the Shen Family's discipline!"
Su Yourong was unconcerned, embracing Chi Chi and laughing non-stop.
Fine!
Don't talk about it then!
Who cared if it was plagiarized or if he comprehended it himself.
Anyway, they were his own people…