Bab 38: Chapter 38: Moving Words, Xu Shao is Merely Bronze
The crowd was stunned into silence, and the courtyard fell eerily quiet.
Caught off guard, everyone gasped in disbelief.
"What... What just happened?"
"Why would Master Xu evaluate Ziwen Gongzi so harshly?"
Even Xu Shao's younger cousin, Xu Jing, was slightly taken aback, seemingly surprised by the evaluation.
Wang Yan's expression froze as if he had been slapped.
Despite having experienced numerous storms, he couldn't remain calm.
"You crafty old man, you're not sticking to the script!"
Still immersed in his confusion, Wang Yan heard a cold sneer, "I wondered who it might be; it turns out it's just a nobody."
"Ordinary talent suits you perfectly."
Chunyu Qiong stepped forward, standing proudly.
The anger he had bottled up now found an outlet, making him the first to kick Wang Yan when he was down.
The crowd's opinion of Wang Yan shifted dramatically.
"Looks like we misjudged him before."
"We thought he was exceptionally talented, but it seems he's just a fame-seeker."
"Master Xu's discerning eye can separate the wheat from the chaff, exposing the charlatans."
The immense impact of the Moon Ratings primarily influenced the crowd's reaction.
The Moon Ratings judged the world.
As the critic for the Moon Ratings, Xu Shao held an unparalleled position in the Eastern Han's public opinion.
If Xu Shao praised you, you would become capable even if you weren't capable.
If Xu Shao criticized you, no matter how capable you were, you would be dismissed.
Xu Shao's harsh assessment of Wang Yan undoubtedly blocked his path to an official career.
Thus, the crowd echoed Xu Shao's sentiments, hoping to gain favor and be reviewed themselves.
Seeing Xu Shao's swift judgment on Wang Yan, Chunyu Qiong felt his chance had returned.
"Wang Yan, Master Xu has evaluated you. Step aside quickly."
Wang Yan quietly observed Xu Shao, who remained expressionless, sipping his tea without a second glance.
Thoughts raced through his mind:
"My father wouldn't set me up like this."
"Although he's superficial, he knows right from wrong."
"I asked him to recruit Zhao Yun, and he did it despite not understanding. I asked him to settle refugees, and he did it reluctantly. He sent me to see Xu Shao, so he must have given Xu Shao a significant gift or reached some agreement."
"The problem must lie with Xu Shao."
Chunyu Qiong pressed on:
"Master Xu, such an ordinary talent doesn't deserve your attention."
"I am Chunyu Qiong, styled Zhongjian, a scholar from Yingchuan, requesting your critique."
Seeing an opportunity, Yuan Shao chimed in:
"Master Xu, this is my friend, known for his extraordinary strength and valor. He has long admired you and came specifically to pay his respects."
The crowd admired Chunyu Qiong's imposing figure, seeing him as a valiant warrior, especially with Yuan Shao's endorsement.
Chunyu Qiong, seeing Wang Yan unmoved, reached out to push him aside.
Wang Yan watched coldly, amused.
Chunyu Qiong's outstretched hand was caught mid-air by Zhao Yun, who moved like a gust of wind, restraining Chunyu Qiong effortlessly.
Startled, Chunyu Qiong struggled but couldn't break free.
Enraged, he stomped his foot, causing the ground to crack, muscles bulging, trying to shake off Zhao Yun's grip.
Yet, despite his efforts, he couldn't free himself, his face turning pale to flushed.
"Who are you?"
Zhao Yun snorted, "I am merely a guard for my lord."
"If someone with your so-called strength can't escape my hold, how could you match my lord?"
The crowd was astonished.
If even a guard was so formidable, how could the master be ordinary?
Seeing Chunyu Qiong's distress, Wang Yan, with a hint of impatience, said:
"Zilong, let him go."
"They're just parroting others' words."
Wang Yan then stared directly at Xu Shao, sneering:
"Master Xu, if an ordinary talent can kill Zhang Jiao and quell the Yellow Turbans, what makes the rest of the country's soldiers?"
"Are Lu Zhi and Dong Zhuo utterly incompetent in your eyes?"
"Moreover, the rebellion was a significant concern for the emperor, who mobilized the army. If an ordinary talent could resolve it, what does that say about the emperor's capabilities?"
"Are you suggesting the emperor is inferior to an ordinary talent?"
Wang Yan's words left Xu Shao visibly displeased, his expression growing colder.
Xu Shao retorted, "An ordinary talent is an ordinary talent. That is my evaluation, and I won't retract it."
The crowd was bewildered.
Why would Xu Shao offend Wang Yan so publicly, giving him an irreversible critique?
Yuan Shao, sensing the tension, pulled Chunyu Qiong aside.
Chunyu Qiong, now deflated, remained silent.
All eyes were on Wang Yan and Xu Shao, the tension palpable.
Xu Shao aimed to end Wang Yan's career, but Wang Yan wouldn't yield easily.
Calmly, Wang Yan asked:
"Master Xu, if you didn't want to evaluate me, you could have refused entry like the others. Why invite me only to demean me publicly?"
"I have no enmity with you. What's your motive?"
If Xu Shao intended to ruin Wang Yan, Wang Yan wouldn't make it easy.
The crowd was stunned by Wang Yan's boldness.
How could he defy Xu Shao?
Facing Wang Yan's direct challenge, Xu Shao remained composed, unwilling to argue.
"If you believe my words are wrong, prove me wrong by achieving success."
"Don't throw a tantrum here, showing disrespect."
Wang Yan, seeing Xu Shao's dismissive attitude, knew he had to escalate.
Critiquing was talking.
With his exceptional oratory skills, Wang Yan was a true master.
Xu Shao was merely bronze.
"Since you're obstinate, let me evaluate you using the Moon Ratings."
"Let's see who ends up humiliated."
The crowd was shocked. Wang Yan was going to evaluate Xu Shao?
This would be a spectacle.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone