bookbashuk Page 159
Page 159
The aftertaste is a delicate blend of floral and fruity aromas, transporting you to a springtime flower-filled paradise, a truly delightful experience. The winemaker must have poured their heart and soul into creating such a fine brew.
However, when asked about the merits of the two wines, Li Chengtian changed the subject and looked at Li Xin with a deep gaze: "Young Master Li Xin's wine is exquisitely crafted and impeccable, truly a fine wine. But in terms of emotion and artistic conception, it is still lacking."
These words immediately caused an uproar in the examination room.
Li Xin's face instantly darkened, clearly dissatisfied with Li Chengtian's evaluation: "May I ask this classmate, what makes you think that the emotion and artistic conception of my wine are lacking?"
What does drinking have to do with emotions and artistic conception? Don't nitpick!
Li Chengtian smiled calmly, his eyes revealing a transcendent wisdom: "Wine is not just a beverage, but also a carrier of emotions and a continuation of culture."
Every drop of wine contains the winemaker's thoughts and emotions. While Li Xin Gongzi's wine is technically impeccable, to me it's more like a work of art than a masterpiece imbued with soul.
Li Chengtian's words caused a huge stir, not only turning Li Xin's face ashen, but also plunging everyone present into deep thought.
Tu Zao and Liu Yue also cast curious glances, clearly showing their keen interest in Li Chengtian's views.
Li Xin sneered and retorted, "Hmph, brewing wine is a display of skill. If you insist on imposing emotions on it, that's far-fetched. I'd like to hear what emotions and artistic conceptions are in your wine."
Li Chengtian smiled slightly, but did not answer...
He had no intention of wasting too much breath on someone who was like an ant in the world of white horses.
“Li Xin, wine tasting is inherently subjective; everyone has their own preferences and opinions.”
At this moment, Young Master Liu Yue spoke up. His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority: "What Li Chengtian said may well be his unique understanding of wine."
We are here today to select talent, not to argue about the quality of wine. Li Xin's winemaking skills are undoubtedly excellent.
He paused deliberately, and before Li Xin could object, he said to Baili Dongjun, "Then try another cup!"
After speaking, Young Master Liu Yue, Tu Zao, and Li Chengtian each picked up a glass of wine that had been poured in front of them and smelled it.
Tu Zao spoke first: "This wine is crystal clear and doesn't have any wine aroma. If you didn't tell me it was wine, I would have thought it was water."
After speaking, Tu Zao glanced at Baili Dongjun.
If Baili Dongjun weren't the young master of the Zhenxi Marquis's mansion, he really wouldn't have given him a kind look.
Baili Dongjun smiled gently, waving the feather fan in his hand without saying a word.
"However, it smells quite refreshing," Tu Zao added, before downing the wine in his glass in one gulp.
Although Li Chengtian already knew how the plot would unfold, he still finished the wine in his glass.
In an instant, he felt a warm current slowly rising within his body.
This warm current flowed from his heart, circulated throughout his body, and then dissipated from the soles of his feet.
I immediately felt a great sense of relief.
At this moment, Tu Zao slowly said, "So...so sweet!"
Young Master Liu Yue also drank the wine in his cup, and then asked Tu Zao, "Lord Baili Dong, what is the name of this wine?"
"Too early," Baili Dongjun replied.
"Why is it called 'early morning'?" Young Master Liu Yue asked curiously.
"Because this wine could have been brewed for a long time, but it was brought out too early for people to drink, it is called 'early' wine."
After saying this, Baili Dongjun glanced at Li Chengtian.
Li Chengtian nodded slowly, and Baili Dongjun then smiled and explained, "However, aged wine has its advantages; it is refreshing if it is too early."
This drink is not suitable for heavy drinkers; it is more appropriate for young women or kind elderly people.
"There are a thousand flavors of wine, and no single flavor is the best." After saying this, Young Master Liu Yue instructed the maid Ling Su beside him, "Ling Su, pour me another cup."
The maid Lingsu received the order and immediately poured another cup for Young Master Liuyue.
Tu Zao smiled and asked Baili Dongjun, "Young brother, may I have another cup?"
“What you desire, you will have,” Baili Dongjun replied.
Tu Zao smiled and pulled a wine cup directly from his sleeve.
Keep in mind that this wine cup has a capacity three times that of the wine glass we just drank from.
Li Chengtian smiled slightly. Just as the plot said, Tu Zao really liked Baili Dongjun's "Guozao" (early breakfast).
Li Chengtian didn't ask for any more drinks. Instead, he stood aside and waited quietly for what was to happen next.
Baili Dongjun looked at Li Chengtian curiously and asked, "Your Excellency, why don't you have another cup? Is it because the wine I brewed doesn't suit your taste?"
“Of course not.” Li Chengtian smiled slightly and looked at Baili Dongjun with gentle eyes. “Dongjun, your wine is certainly good, but I am not here today just to taste the wine.”
Your wine was brewed too early, its freshness and elegance mirroring your own personality, leaving a lingering aftertaste. But my thoughts run deeper than this wine.
Upon hearing this, Baili Dongjun's eyes flashed with a hint of doubt, but he quickly smiled with relief, "What Your Excellency says is quite right; Dongjun is too superficial. So, what exactly is Your Excellency thinking?"
Li Chengtian gently shook his head, not answering directly, but instead turning his gaze to Young Master Liu Yue, "The results of this brewing competition should be out by now, right?"
Young Master Liu Yue smiled slightly, his gaze shifting between Baili Dongjun and Li Xin before finally settling on Baili Dongjun. He slowly spoke, "In today's brewing competition, all the candidates have displayed their talents, but only Baili Dongjun's wine..."
Not only is its taste refreshingly sweet, but it also carries a profound meaning, leaving a lingering aftertaste. Therefore, the winner of this competition is Baili Dongjun.
Upon hearing this, applause erupted in the examination hall, and everyone looked at Baili Dongjun with admiration.
Baili Dongjun himself also showed a happy expression, but he quickly composed himself and respectfully bowed to Liu Yue Gongzi to express his gratitude.
However, at this moment.
Li Xin, whose face had been gloomy, suddenly jumped out and loudly questioned, "Young Master Liu Yue, I am not convinced! My wine-making skills are clearly superior, so why did I lose to him?"
Young Master Liu Yue frowned slightly. He did not respond immediately to Li Xin's question, but instead gestured for Li Xin to continue.
Seeing this, a ruthless glint flashed in Li Xin's eyes, and he continued, "My wine, from the selection of ingredients to the brewing and aging, has been meticulously planned. There is absolutely no way it could lose to such a greenhorn! I suspect he cheated!"
These words immediately created a tense atmosphere in the examination room.
Chapter 116 The Final Exam at the Academy, Secretly Going to Conquer the World of Tianlong! (Please Subscribe!)
Baili Dongjun's expression also turned serious, but he did not immediately refute it. Instead, he quietly awaited Liu Yue Gongzi's decision.
Young Master Liu Yue scrutinized Li Xin with piercing eyes and asked in a deep voice, "Li Xin, do you have any evidence to prove that Baili Dongjun cheated?"
Li Xin gritted his teeth, seemingly having made up his mind, and pulled out a delicate little porcelain bottle from his pocket. He held it high above his head and said loudly, "I have evidence! This is wine I brewed in advance, which I originally intended to use to replace the wine I brewed on-site at a crucial moment in order to improve its quality."
But before I could even act, Baili Dongjun had already submitted his work. However, this doesn't mean I'm incapable of brewing better wine!
These words caused an uproar in the examination hall. Li Chengtian and Mingyue Xin exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise and disdain in each other's eyes. Liu Yue Gongzi's expression, however, turned unusually cold.
"Li Xin, are you aware that your actions have violated the rules of Jixia Academy?"
Young Master Liu Yue's voice was deep and powerful, each word seemingly squeezed out from between his teeth, "Within the academy, what matters is integrity and ability, not opportunism. You not only lost the competition, but also your character."
Li Xin was pale, but he still argued, "Rules are rigid, but people are flexible! As long as we can win, the means don't matter!"
"Hmph!" Young Master Liu Yue snorted coldly, and in a flash, he appeared in front of Li Xin, pointing a finger at Li Xin's dantian.
Li Xin shuddered, his face turned deathly pale, and he staggered a few steps, nearly falling over.
"From this day forward, you, Li Xin, are no longer a martial artist of the Free Realm, but have been demoted to an eighth-rank martial artist."
Liu Yue Gongzi's voice was cold and ruthless, "I hope you can learn from this painful experience and start anew."
The examination room was completely silent; everyone was deeply shocked by what they saw.
Li Xin slumped to the ground, his eyes vacant, seemingly still reeling from this sudden blow.
Baili Dongjun watched this scene with mixed feelings.
He felt both sympathy for Li Xin's plight and relief at his own victory. He knew that a true strongman not only needs strength, but also virtue and principles.
Young Master Liu Yue surveyed his surroundings and said in a deep voice, "I hope you will all take today's events as a warning. The doors of Jixia Academy will always be open to students who are truly talented and virtuous."
Those who try to take shortcuts and break the rules will ultimately reap what they sow.
After speaking, he turned to Baili Dongjun, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "Baili Dongjun, your performance is evident to all. You not only won the competition, but also earned respect. I hope you will continue to work hard and live up to expectations."
Baili Dongjun nodded, indicating his understanding.
At this moment, Young Master Liu Yue turned his gaze to Li Chengtian and asked curiously, "Li, time is almost up. What paper did you hand in?"
“I already submitted it,” Li Chengtian replied.
"Oh? When?" Young Master Liu Yue was taken aback and asked with even greater curiosity.
"Didn't I just have a nice nap in the exam room?" Li Chengtian said. "You said today's exam was neither academic nor military, and sleeping is neither academic nor military, right?"
Upon hearing this, Young Master Liu Yue's eyes flashed with surprise, then a meaningful smile appeared on his lips: "Student Li, you are indeed extraordinary. But, can sleeping count as answering a question?"
"Why not?" Li Chengtian smiled slightly, his tone carrying a hint of confidence. "The essence of the exam is to test the candidates' wisdom and adaptability."
Even while I was sleeping, I was observing, contemplating, and even having a dialogue with myself. Isn't this inner cultivation a unique form of answering a question?
Young Master Liu Yue nodded slightly, inwardly admiring Li Chengtian's insights: "Student Li is right. Exams come in many forms, and inner cultivation is also a state of being."
So, could you share what you learned from this sleep test?
Li Chengtian chuckled softly, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, and slowly said, "I have realized that no matter how noisy the outside world is, as long as one's heart is calm, one can see the smallest details clearly."
Just as in this examination hall, though all kinds of people exist, what truly matters is maintaining one's true self and staying true to oneself.
Upon hearing this, the examination room fell into complete silence.
The candidates looked at each other, seemingly understanding but not quite grasping Li Chengtian's words, yet vaguely sensing that they contained profound philosophical insights.