Wang Yan stood tall, coldly smiling at Xu Shao, his eyes fixed on Xu Shao's attribute panel.
**[Name: Xu Shao]**
**[Emotion fluctuation: 10%]**
If Wang Yan could convert Xu Shao into a follower, wouldn't he then control the world's public opinion?
With this thought, Wang Yan began to prepare his speech.
"I originally thought that as a renowned scholar, even if you didn't feel the need to mentor rising talents, you would at least have some encouraging words."
"But who knew you would utter such insidious and venomous words."
Facing his questioning, Wang Yan noticed that Xu Shao seemed indifferent, once again raising his teacup to sip calmly.
Xu Shao did not regard Wang Yan as significant.
To him, Wang Yan was just a junior, no matter how much experience he had. What could Wang Yan do to him?
Xu Shao was now widely respected; even if an intense argument had occurred here, how would it have been perceived when it spread?
People would undoubtedly see Wang Yan as an ignorant junior, disrespecting his elders, and Xu Shao as a calm and soothing figure, advising young people not to be impulsive.
"Youngsters who don't heed the words of the old will suffer the consequences," and so on.
Seeing Xu Shao's dismissive attitude, Wang Yan's eyes narrowed, filled with anger and pity.
"Truly stubborn and unrepentant."
He turned and addressed the crowd loudly:
"I have something to say; please listen carefully."
"The Han Dynasty is in decline, eunuchs causing chaos, the Yellow Turbans rising, turmoil everywhere. Corrupt officials hold office in the court, and in the palace, beasts feast on salaries."
"Everyone knows the world is in chaos, the people suffering."
"Every ambitious person is striving for the nation, trying to turn the tide and stop the impending doom."
"In this national crisis, what has Xu Shao done?"
This question made Xu Shao's face change slightly.
**[Emotion fluctuation: 20%]**
Wang Yan didn't give him time to refute and continued:
"I am well aware of Xu Shao's life."
"Known for your reputation and enjoyment of evaluating others, your name is widespread. Yet, you are very protective of your political standing, repeatedly declining court appointments."
"Merely because you feared the chaos in the royal family would endanger yourself."
"Knowledgeable but cowardly, a recluse."
After these words, Wang Yan paused.
**[Emotion fluctuation: 25%]**
The crowd began whispering.
"What Wang Yan said seems to be true."
"But the world is in chaos, and everyone is worried; it's not unreasonable for Master Xu to act this way."
As Wang Yan's words grew sharper, Xu Shao finally put down his teacup, looking deeply at Wang Yan with a trace of fear in his eyes.
Wang Yan turned and coldly stared at Xu Shao.
Seeing no sign of reflection, he decided not to hold back any longer.
"Xu Shao, though you are famous, you are merely a mediocre recluse who knows how to use the Moon Ratings to gain fame and wealth without contributing a bit to the world!"
"All you have is an empty reputation!"
"I, Wang Yan, though not as renowned, fought on the battlefield, killed Yellow Turbans, quelled rebellions."
"Each action, a life-and-death struggle!"
"You do not seek to serve the country, but instead, out of jealousy, suppress those of us who save the nation and its people to elevate your status."
"You shame your distinguished ancestors from a family of three grand counselors!"
**[Emotion fluctuation: 40%]**
In Wang Yan's eyes, Xu Shao's figure suddenly stood up, no longer calm and composed.
"Such sharp words!"
"How dare a mere youth slander me so?"
Xu Shao's angry voice rang out, making Wang Yan sneer again.
"Getting angry is good."
"My attacks have just begun."
"People don't offend me; I don't offend them. Since you are unrighteous, don't blame me for being unkind."
With this thought, Wang Yan raised his voice and quickened his speech, his words like bullets from a gun.
"Xu Shao, an old wretch, a gray-bearded scoundrel!"
"Your actions are as despicable as those of a heartless and ruthless beast. How dare you comment on me, Wang Yan?"
"You haven't achieved anything in your life, only wagging your tongue, manipulating public opinion, a spineless cur, a gossiping hag. How dare you bark in front of us who serve the nation?"
"I, Wang Yan, have never seen such a shameless person!"
Wang Yan stared hard at Xu Shao.
**[Emotion fluctuation: 45%]**
**[Emotion fluctuation: 87%]**
Xu Shao, utterly broken, staggered and collapsed onto his chair, clutching his chest as if having a heart attack, breathing heavily.
"You!"
"You!"
The crowd was shocked and worried.
"Master Xu!"
"Master Xu!"
While the crowd feared Xu Shao might faint from Wang Yan's scolding, Yuan Shao focused intently on Wang Yan.
"Truly eloquent, unfathomable."
Yuan Shao had yet to expect the young man before him to render Xu Shao, the renowned critic, speechless.
His words were sharp, his logic tight.
Even someone skilled in rhetoric like Xu You might need help against him.
Such sharpness was rare.
Rumor had it that Wang Yan possessed incredible strength and had killed Zhang Jiao in battle. But his eloquence was equally formidable.
Yuan Shao's eyes gleamed with admiration and a hint of caution.
"This young man is not to be underestimated. Unless necessary, I must avoid making him an enemy."
Chunyu Qiong, beside Yuan Shao, was stiff, his throat dry.
Beyond shock, he felt a deep sense of relief.
He was grateful he hadn't clashed intensely with Wang Yan earlier.
Otherwise, he would have been defeated both physically and verbally, utterly humiliated.
Chunyu Qiong took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.
"Perhaps it's better to make friends rather than foes."
Seeing Xu Shao's emotional fluctuations reach 87%, Wang Yan seized the opportunity.
His eyes were sharp, his voice unmistakable.
"The Moon Ratings is a crucial tool for saving the nation."
"And you, Xu Shao, claim to be a noble scholar, wielding public opinion, should be upholding justice and purity, but instead, you have turned it into a tool for scholars to raise their status. Have you ever considered the common people?"
"The heavens and earth are indifferent, treating all beings as straw dogs, and the common people struggle daily for survival. If you pointed out the government's flaws, righteous people would surely respond. Yet, you never speak for the people!"
"What qualifications do you have to be a critic?"
Wang Yan's scolding echoed in the courtyard, resonating with many ambitious people.
His speech talent continued to work its magic.
**[Emotion fluctuation: +66]**
**[Emotion fluctuation: +66]**
...
"Unexpectedly, Ziwen Gongzi turns out to be a compassionate person!"
"Truly a young hero!"
Many people's opinions of Wang Yan changed once again.
Wang Yan's words also struck Xu Shao like a series of powerful blows.
Xu Shao knew the influence of the Moon Ratings and had thought about using his voice to impact the world.
But he was afraid of offending people.
The two Party Prohibitions had deeply scared him.
As a noble, he feared being targeted by the eunuchs.
So he only critiqued people, not issues, leaving no pretext for the court to act against him.
At this moment, Wang Yan's words reminded Xu Shao of his past ambitions.
He, too, had once been righteous, unafraid of authority.
But today, he retreated in the face of threats.
For a moment, Xu Shao was filled with regret.
Looking at Wang Yan, he was deeply moved, filled with shock, guilt, and admiration.
Finally, he said slowly:
"Ziwen Gongzi, you don't know, today's matter has another story."
At this moment, Wang Yan was watching Xu Shao's attribute panel.
**[Emotion fluctuation: 98%]**
**[Emotion fluctuation: 99%]**
He was overjoyed.
Hearing this, he was suddenly startled. Another story?
Had he misunderstood Xu Shao?
"Please, Master Xu, tell the truth!"
**[Emotion fluctuation: 100%**
**[Follower +1]**
Xu Shao sighed deeply, "Today, I harshly criticized you because..."
Whoosh!
A sharp sound pierced the air.
An arrow shot from the high wall of the courtyard, striking Xu Shao's throat!
Xu Shao struggled to utter a few words, "From the palace..."