Shangguan Xi’s face was ashen, a garlic leaf still warm still stuck to her forehead.
She wanted to quickly remove the leaf but was too disgusted to touch it with her hands.
Across from her, Nian Jiaojiao couldn't hold back her laughter any longer, almost letting out a pig-like squeal.
At Nian Jiaojiao’s laughter, Shangguan Xi trembled with anger.
Beside her, Lou Lan gently nudged Nian Jiaojiao's arm with her elbow, signaling her to restrain herself a little.
As if on cue, Situ Mo, at that precise moment, smugly remarked,
“Heh, didn’t expect it to be so accurate.”
As soon as these words were spoken, Lou Lan burst into laughter, unable to hold back, and many nearby officials also stifled their giggles.
Shangguan Xi, fighting the nausea, pulled out a handkerchief from her robe and wiped her forehead. She then disdainfully tossed the handkerchief aside. However, this action enraged Situ Mo.
She furiously retorted,
“Are you disgusted by me?”
Shangguan Xi was speechless.
Who wouldn't be disgusted by something so revolting?
However, she was too aware of the other person’s position in court. So, she could only offer a placating smile,
“You misunderstand. I only use my handkerchiefs once.”
Just as Situ Mo was about to press the issue, the Empress from above suddenly spoke,
“The poem our top scholar used during the literary debate is something all my esteemed officials are very curious about. Why not have the top scholar write down the full text for everyone to savor?”
As soon as the Empress finished speaking, the old eunuch beside her instructed the younger eunuchs to clear away the food from Nian Jiaojiao’s table and replace it with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone.
At this moment, all eyes in the grand hall turned towards Nian Jiaojiao’s location. Naturally, it was the princes present whose gazes were filled with intense curiosity.
Nian Jiaojiao picked up her brush and wrote down the full text of both poems in one go. A young eunuch quickly and carefully presented the Xuan paper.
The Empress showed a look of admiration as she read it.
She beckoned, signaling her attendant eunuch to pass the Xuan paper down for the senior officials to appraise. Thus, the Xuan paper reached the hands of the two Prime Ministers in the quickest manner.
“A Swordsman
Ten years of honing a single sword, its frosted edge untested.
Today, I present it to you, who has grievances to contest!”
Prime Minister Huang was the first to read the first poem. Her eyes lit up, and she praised,
“A fine poem! A fine poem indeed. This line describes the sword’s edge as white as frost, glinting with a cold light – a peerless treasure sword yet to reveal its sharpness, exuding the poet’s ambition and heroic spirit for great deeds.
It is evident that the top scholar wishes to accomplish great things in court henceforth; one could say this is an inspirational poem.”
Nian Jiaojiao’s expression was numb.
No.
She did not.
You are thinking too much.
Next, the Right Prime Minister read the second poem:
“Vast is the sorrow of parting under the slanting sun, with a flick of the whip, the horizon is the edge of the sky.
Fallen petals are not devoid of sentiment, they turn to spring mud to nurture the flowers anew.”
After reading the poem, she clapped her hands and sighed,
“The poet uses fallen flowers as a metaphor, expressing their aspirations and their passionate devotion to the country until death, embodying a fearless spirit of sacrificing oneself for the greater good.
It’s no wonder, then, that with petals forming a wall, such protective effects could be achieved back then.”
The pronouncements of the two Prime Ministers filled Shangguan Xi with jealousy.
Without a doubt, with the affirmation from two Prime Ministers today, who in the court would not show this Nian Jiaojiao at least three parts of respect?
It could be said that as long as the other party did not court disaster, Shangguan Xi could foresee a smooth sailing official career for her.
In stark contrast to Shangguan Xi’s reaction were the stirrings of affection among the princes.
The Tenth Prince, seated at his position, almost couldn't resist jumping out to beg his mother, the Empress, for an immediate marriage decree.
But thankfully, years of royal etiquette training had kept him in check.
At this point, the Empress announced that everyone was free to mingle, which meant it was time for free activity and networking.
Soon, many ministers gathered around Nian Jiaojiao, offering toasts. As a newcomer to the workplace, she naturally reciprocated their politeness one by one.
However, with the sheer number of people, she gradually grew impatient. Fortunately, Situ Mo, who was seated beside her, began to take off her shoes and pick at her feet again. The pungent, sour odor assailed the senses once more, forcing the ministers to disperse.
“Top Scholar Nian, I’ll seek you out for a poetry duel next time.”
“I’m leaving now, I still need to greet others over there.”
…
Nian Jiaojiao, holding her breath, offered a graceful smile, watching everyone eagerly depart.
At this moment, she actually felt a sense of gratitude for having Situ Mo sitting beside her.