Chapter 43: What’s Wrong with a Ghost Messenger? Can’t a Ghost Messenger Write Poetry?

"Is there no restriction on who can serve as a companion examiner at this Talent Recruitment Gathering?"
The top scholar coming as a companion examiner seemed excessive to Xu Ye.
"The only limitations for companion examiners are age and frequency. Each person can only serve once, and they must be under twenty. Other than that, there are no restrictions, as long as you have the ability to invite them."
Lin Buyu shook his head with a bitter smile.
Xu Ye understood.
"Don't worry, even a top scholar may not secure the highest grade, since the questions are set on the spot."
He comforted Lin Buyu further.
"Li Moyan may have earned his title through essays and policy arguments, but his true mastery lies in painting and calligraphy. Five or six years ago, he was already known as the ‘Little Immortal of Painting.’ His works are collected even in the palace. With such a simple piece, he won’t fail."
Lin Buyu sighed.
Just then, a surge of mighty, righteous energy spread through the hall.
Xu Ye and Lin Buyu both looked up immediately.
On Li Moyan’s desk, a brush of ancient design hovered in the air, radiating waves of powerful, righteous energy.
"To draw forth a square yard of righteous energy from the Sacred Blossom Brush, Li Moyan’s painting is certain to earn the highest grade."
Seeing this, Lin Buyu sat down in dejection, lowering her head in reluctance.
"If only I were just a little better..."
Her voice trembled with faint murmurs.
This scene of Lin Buyu’s disappointment was witnessed by Liu Muxuan and Bai Zijin, who exchanged excited smiles.
Although Li Moyan’s top-tier painting stirred the whole hall, the examination was not over yet.
The old scholar surnamed Liang, holding the Sacred Blossom Brush, passed before each desk in turn.
Most could not even elicit a reaction from the brush, let alone make its glow cover a yard; at best, a faint flash of light.
At last, Examiner Liang came to the desk where Lin Buyu and Xu Ye sat.
"Hmm?"
He had grown disinterested, but upon seeing the Night Moon painting on the desk, his spirits revived. Noticing the signature, "Lin Buyu," he understood.
"Girl, your painting is excellent. Why is there no poem?"
The old scholar glanced at the brush in his hand, which was already releasing a steady stream of righteous energy, then looked at Lin Buyu in confusion.
"Master Liang, my painting does not need a poem."
Though her heart was full of reluctance, Lin Buyu stubbornly shook her head.

"If there is no poem, I can only give you a second-grade mark at best. Are you sure you won’t reconsider?"
Master Liang asked, somewhat perplexed.
"No need."
Lin Buyu’s expression dimmed.
Even if her painting earned a first-grade mark, her ranking would still be below Li Moyan and his companion; it hardly mattered anymore.
"Examiner Liang, hasn’t the allotted time yet expired?"
Just as Liang was about to rate Lin Buyu’s painting with the brush, Xu Ye interrupted him.
"There’s still time for another cup of tea."
The old scholar nodded to Xu Ye.
"Xu Ye, don’t trouble Master Liang further."
Lin Buyu shook her head at him.
"Xu Ye, are you planning to write a poem for Buyu’s painting?"
Before Xu Ye could explain, Liu Muxuan and Bai Zijin approached.
Their own examinations were over, both earning first-grade marks, and their rankings were sure to be among the leaders.
"Sister Buyu, don’t let her ruin your painting. Without a poem, you might still get a second-grade mark. With one, you’ll likely lose even that."
Bai Zijin looked at Lin Buyu’s Night Moon painting with half regret, half schadenfreude.
"Indeed, letting a ghost messenger write a poem would be a waste of Buyu’s work."
"Buyu’s painting is rare. If you could have one of the academy’s teachers compose a poem, it would be worth a fortune."
"If a ghost messenger could craft a good poem, I’d become a sage myself."
A group of scholars nearby chimed in, some out of genuine concern, but most out of disdain for Xu Ye’s identity as a ghost messenger. In their eyes, the odds of a ghost messenger writing a good poem were slimmer than their own chances of becoming sages.
"Miss Buyu, I think you should refrain from adding a poem. There will be other gatherings, but if this painting is ruined, it will truly be lost."
When Xu Ye’s identity was pointed out, even the old scholar began to persuade Lin Buyu.
"What’s the matter with being a ghost messenger? Can’t a ghost messenger write poetry?"
Lin Buyu hadn’t originally intended for Xu Ye to write a poem, but with so many strangers suddenly offering unsolicited advice and mocking Xu Ye, her rebellious spirit rose. She couldn’t help but retort, not caring about the elder’s status.
"Xu Ye, write. Write boldly!"
She handed him the brush from the desk.
At her words, the surrounding crowd erupted in commotion.

Liu Muxuan and Bai Zijin were overjoyed, thinking their provocations had succeeded.
Xu Ye, caught off guard, looked at the brush handed to him by Lin Buyu, feeling both amused and exasperated.
"There’s still a cup of tea’s time left. If you miss the deadline, your chance is lost."
The old scholar’s expression turned stern.
"Then I’ll really write?"
Xu Ye took the brush and smiled at Lin Buyu.
"Write!"
Lin Buyu’s resolve remained firm.
But as Xu Ye prepared to write, a trace of reluctance flickered in her eyes.
Though this painting was done on the spot, it perfectly matched her state of mind. Creating another identical one would be nearly impossible.
Not only Lin Buyu, but several others wore expressions of reluctance as Xu Ye prepared to write, especially the old scholar.
Those who love art cannot bear to see it spoiled.
"Wait!"
At that moment, Li Moyan, who had been standing at the back of the crowd, pushed his way forward.
Seeing the top scholar approach, people made way and looked on with curiosity and confusion.
"Is this your painting?"
The top scholar first bowed to the old scholar, then looked at Lin Buyu.
"It is."
Lin Buyu grew nervous at his arrival.
"Stop him. After the gathering, I will personally compose a poem for your painting."
Li Moyan spoke with a commanding tone.
"The top scholar himself will write a poem—this painting will surely become a masterpiece!"
"To have a masterpiece at such a young age—when she becomes a sage, passing the three trials will be so much easier."
"With a name, this painting could even become a sacred artifact."
As soon as they heard Li Moyan would compose a poem for Lin Buyu’s painting, the scholars erupted once more, their gazes filled with envy.