Chapter 81: Do You Really Think Everyone Else Is Blind?

"First of all, do you really think I can only sing traditional style songs?" At Xu Ze's response, Du Yuanzhou chuckled dismissively. Still so young—just the mention that he only knows traditional songs was enough to ruffle him and prompt a rebuttal. Du Yuanzhou imagined Xu Ze might feel compelled to compose a couple of songs in other styles, and the thought almost made him laugh outright.

Does he really think crossing genres is that easy? That takes years of accumulation. If Xu Ze lost his composure because of this and tried to change his style, and the songs ended up lacking in quality, the persona he’d so painstakingly built would collapse in an instant. Young people just can’t keep calm.

Just as Du Yuanzhou was sure Xu Ze would continue debating this point, Xu Ze abruptly shifted the topic and spoke calmly: "Secondly, I’m afraid your understanding of the characters for 'archery' and 'short' is rather problematic."

"Oh?" Du Yuanzhou put on a look of great interest. "And where, may I ask, is my understanding flawed?"

Initially, Xu Ze hadn’t intended to engage Du Yuanzhou at all. He had no patience for people who relied on seniority to lecture others. But when he heard Du Yuanzhou talking about Chinese characters, Xu Ze could no longer hold back. He saw him for what he was: the typical type who, after a few years abroad, forgets his own roots. Since that was the case, Xu Ze decided he owed him no courtesy.

Xu Ze explained seriously, "If one were to truly study the evolution of Chinese characters, it would become clear at once that your interpretation misses the mark."

The moment those words left his mouth, the tension in the room was palpable.

"Xu Ze sounds a little angry, doesn’t he? He just outright said Du Yuanzhou hasn’t studied Chinese characters seriously."
"Wow, I suddenly love Xu Ze even more—he’s so bold!"
"But what Du Yuanzhou said does make sense. Xu Ze, please don’t mess up. Let’s not attract hate by saying something reckless."

Du Yuanzhou’s face darkened. He hadn’t expected Xu Ze to speak to him so directly. Was he implying that Du Yuanzhou was talking nonsense without ever having studied Chinese characters seriously?

At that moment, Jiang Yiyan gazed at Xu Ze with shining eyes.

To her, Xu Ze had always been the image of a gentle, otherworldly scholar. But now, hearing him confront Du Yuanzhou with such firmness, a thought occurred to her: "Is he standing up to Du Yuanzhou for my sake?" Yes, it must be so. Right then, Jiang Yiyan was wrapped in a warm feeling of being protected.

Xu Ze continued, "Let me clarify for Mr. Du: the character for 'archery' was originally composed of the radicals for 'bow' on the left and 'hand' on the right, vividly symbolizing the act of drawing a bow and shooting an arrow. In the course of the character’s evolution, it later became a combination of the body radical and the 'inch' radical. Even this combination carries its own meaning. Chinese characters never consist of mere graphic components—five thousand years of culture have endowed them with unique significance."

“In the Annotated Shuowen Jiezi, it is recorded: ‘The meaning of the “inch” radical in “archery” is that archery must be precise and follow strict rules, hence the use of “inch.”’ In ancient times, archery was a ceremonial act governed by strict codes, and bows and arrows themselves sometimes served as measuring tools.”

“As for the character for ‘short,’ its left-side radical, which also appears in ‘arrow,’ besides meaning ‘arrow’ can also signify ‘ruler’ or ‘measure.’ For example, in the character for ‘short,’ the same radical is used. Anyone knowledgeable would immediately recognize how laughable the contrary opinion is. But I can’t blame Mr. Du entirely—sometimes, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of thinking only oneself is perceptive while everyone else is blind.”

An uproar erupted.

"My goodness, Xu Ze is being so direct—not giving Mr. Du any face at all!"
"Wow, I never knew Xu Ze had such a bold side."
"Xu Ze’s knowledge is impressive! Is this what it means to be a top scholar from Qingbei?"
"Let’s not forget, Xu Ze is a star graduate in Chinese language and literature from Qingbei. Du Yuanzhou just happened to pick the wrong field to challenge him."
"I think Xu Ze is right. I can’t stand Du Yuanzhou either—he always seems to look down on our country, as if he were a foreigner. Someone needs to put him in his place."
"Exactly. Our nation’s five thousand years of culture—not even fully understood by us—and yet he worships foreigners?"

Zhang Yingjing was also surprised. She hadn’t expected this side of Xu Ze to emerge. But this kind of candor could easily attract backlash. Suddenly, Zhang felt worried. She could already foresee that after the show aired, people would use this as a pretext to stir up trouble for Xu Ze. It didn’t matter whether what he said was correct—if they could accuse him of disrespecting his seniors, they would exploit it to the fullest.

At the thought, Zhang Yingjing’s eyes grew sharp. "Those people better not go too far. Xu Ze is under my wing now. If it comes to it, I’ll step in myself." She was determined—Xu Ze was under her protection.

Meanwhile, Du Yuanzhou’s face was livid. Xu Ze truly didn’t respect him at all. It had been years since anyone dared to speak to him like this. He was doing his best to contain his anger, all traces of his earlier suave demeanor gone. The folding fan in his hand was now clenched tightly.

At that point, the host, drenched in nervous sweat, hurriedly stepped in to defuse the situation: "Now, let’s have the judges begin scoring Xu Ze and Yang Yixin. Yang Yixin, please come up to the stage."

Yang Yixin was finding it hard to suppress a smile. He too had little patience for Du Yuanzhou, and seeing Xu Ze go head to head with him was a show he was happy to watch. The fiercer the clash, the better.

Just as Yang Yixin was secretly delighted, the host suddenly said, "Well then, Mr. Du Yuanzhou, would you please give your comments on contestant Yang Yixin?"

The host beamed, feeling quite clever. After all, the director’s instructions were to avoid provoking Xu Ze, and now Xu Ze and Du Yuanzhou were at odds. Du Yuanzhou would certainly want to retaliate. In order to shield Xu Ze, the host simply redirected Du Yuanzhou’s sharp tongue to someone else.

Yang Yixin, sorry, but you were going to be eliminated anyway.

Yang Yixin stared at the host in disbelief. So, you’re calling me on stage just to make me the target of Du Yuanzhou’s fury? After what Xu Ze just said, Du Yuanzhou must be seething, and now you want him to critique me? You’re basically feeding me to the wolves.

Du Yuanzhou could see right through the host’s intentions—this was merely an attempt to give Xu Ze a breather by offering another target. But he had no intention of playing along.