At this moment, Wang Qinglin, surrounded by a group of ladies, slowly approached. She first paid her respects to Xiao Yun, then turned to Fang Yuan and said, "Miss Fang, the sisters are feeling a bit bored sitting around. Why don't we have a poetry competition with the Zhuyuan across the lake? It would be a chance for us to witness the talents of the new imperial scholars."
The Zhongyong Duke's manor had a simple household. Among the grandchildren, there were only Fang Yuan and Fang Zheng. Logically, for an event like today's banquet, it should have been the Heir Apparent's wife, Zuo Yun, assisting in entertaining the young ladies. However, she was pregnant and had returned to her maternal home to rest. Thus, Fang Yuan had to step forward.
But Fang Yuan, having been pampered since childhood and never taught household management by Madam Huang, was momentarily stunned by Wang Qinglin's suggestion. Moreover, she already had a poor impression of Wang Qinglin, which now made her feel even more that she was being meddlesome.
Just as she was about to retort, Wang Qingyao kicked her under the stone table and gave her a meaningful look. Understanding dawned on Fang Yuan, and she reluctantly agreed, "Alright." She then called for a nearby maid to relay the message to Zhuyuan.
Wang Qinglin clearly saw their subtle exchange and rolled her eyes dismissively.
She felt that Wang Qingyao was incredibly lucky. Ever since the Emperor bestowed her marriage, the people who associated with her had elevated in status.
Even a true noble lady like Fang Yuan was willing to be her friend, showing no pickiness at all!
At Zhuyuan, led by Zeng Huai, they heard the maid's message and lined up by the lake. Zeng Huai announced loudly, "Miss Fang wishes for a poetry duel, and we will naturally do our best to oblige. The spring scenery is beautiful today, so let's make spring our theme."
With the warmth of spring, the bright sunshine, talented scholars, and beautiful ladies, it was truly a pleasing sight.
Wang Qingyao displayed a knowing smile.
Xiao Yun clapped his hands and laughed, "Excellent! I shall be the judge for this poetry contest. As for the prize..."
He fumbled on his person and casually unclasped the jade pendant from his waist, "This jade pendant shall be the prize."
The Xiao family was the wealthiest in the Great Sheng Dynasty, so Xiao Yun's possessions were naturally exquisite. Some discerning individuals already recognized the jade pendant's immense value. Their hands twitched with anticipation, ready to showcase their skills.
Wang Qinglin asked with slight surprise, "Your Highness will not participate?"
"My mediocre skills are not worthy of participation."
Wang Qinglin then turned to Wang Qingyao, "Second sister, will you participate?"
Wang Qingyao replied, "I do not compose poetry."
Wang Qinglin covered her mouth with a handkerchief and chuckled softly, "But you can recite poetry, can't you? We are short of people on our side..."
Wang Qingyao gave a few hollow laughs, "If the young talents opposite do not mind..."
Zeng Huai then smiled, "In that case, why don't we change to a game of 'Fei Hua Ling' (flower-themed poetry game)? Each person recites or composes a line of poetry containing a flower. How about that?"
This Zeng Huai was truly considerate. The difficulty of 'Fei Hua Ling' was much simpler than composing an entire poem.
Some young ladies who were not skilled in poetry also breathed a sigh of relief, and they all agreed.
Wang Qinglin sneered coldly. She knew Wang Qingyao's capabilities well. She could barely recognize a few characters and was considered fortunate if she could read the Three Character Classic. Recite poetry? Contempt flashed in her eyes, and she was determined to make Wang Qingyao look foolish. She also wanted Prince Ding'an to witness her talent.
There must be a comparison to highlight the difference, Wang Qinglin thought confidently.
The rules of 'Fei Hua Ling' were simple: a man would recite a line, then a woman, and whoever couldn't come up with a line would be penalized with a cup of wine and eliminated. The ultimate winner would receive Xiao Yun's jade pendant.
Ladies first.
The first participant was the daughter of a certain general. She had been fond of martial arts since childhood and disliked scholarly pursuits. After much thought, she finally managed to say, "A flower, a world; a tree, a Bodhi."
Everyone burst into laughter. She joined in, appearing unconcerned, her personality being forthright and uninhibited.
"Who can comprehend the enlightenment of Bodhi? The medicinal garden scatters fragrance as flowers fly."
"White egrets leisurely cross Xie Pond; flowers bloom and fall, with few who know each other."
"Today, at a crossroads, I encounter falling flowers; one cluster flies west, another east."
...
Talented scholars and beautiful ladies exchanged lines one after another, creating a lively scene. Soon, it was Wang Qinglin's turn. Intending to show off, she pondered for a moment before reciting an entire poem: "Year after year, spring's affairs are entrusted to the east wind, misleading peach blossoms into blooming countless times. Faces are unseen, flowers carpet the ground; the scenery of that time remains within the poem."
To be fair, Wang Qinglin did possess some genuine talent. The ladies in the Rose Garden immediately erupted in a chorus of praise. On the Zhuyuan side, Zeng Huai nodded and said to Wang Zijing, "Your sister is also a talented woman."
Wang Zijing smiled, feeling proud.
A few bold and romantic young men directly approached Wang Zijing to ask if Wang Qinglin was married.
Mentioning this, Wang Zijing's smile faded, "My sister is already betrothed."
"To which young master is she promised?"
Wang Zijing's face turned stern, "Tian Yu."
The talented young men fell silent instantly. Tian Yu, whose literary fame filled Duanjing, was a strong contender for the top scholar, yet he only achieved the rank of Tong Jinshi (a lower-tier scholar).
Naturally, some felt schadenfreude, but since Wang Zijing was also Tian Yu's future brother-in-law, such mocking words were difficult to utter.
A few who had previously discussed Tian Yu now appeared visibly awkward.
Zeng Huai signaled for the 'Fei Hua Ling' to continue.
Meanwhile, Wang Qinglin, basking in the admiration of the crowd, smiled modestly while secretly observing Xiao Yun.
*Prince Ding'an must be amazed by me!*
However, Xiao Yun didn't spare her a glance, his gaze fixed in Wang Qingyao's direction.
Wang Qinglin became resentful.
Soon, it was Fang Yuan's turn. Fang Yuan also disliked reading and stammered for a long time before saying, "I don't know, I'll take a penalty drink."
Wang Qingyao called out, "Young Master Zeng, please answer for Miss Fang. She cannot drink."
Fang Yuan, embarrassed, playfully hit Wang Qingyao. It was fruit wine, how could she not drink it?
Laughter erupted from both the Rose Garden and Zhuyuan.
Zeng Huai readily agreed, "Alright." He then recited loudly, "Today we drink together, guests before the flowers; why must we hold hands with the support of red sleeves?"
"Excellent!" everyone applauded in unison, truly worthy of being the new top scholar.
Fang Yuan, having received Zeng Huai's assistance, naturally expressed her gratitude. Across the small lake, she gave a graceful nod, and Zeng Huai returned the gesture with a cupped fist.
Wang Qingyao looked at them both with affectionate eyes, her fondness growing with each glance.
Suddenly, Wang Qinglin reminded her, "Second sister, it's your turn."
Wang Qingyao had already thought of her response. It was just ancient poetry, Tang poems, Song lyrics, Yuan dramas – who hadn't memorized them during their nine years of compulsory education?
"Past ignominy is not worth boasting, today's unrestrained thoughts know no bounds. Riding high on the spring breeze, I see all of Duanjing's flowers in a single day."
This was Meng Jiao's "Ascending to Officialdom After Success." Wang Qingyao had made a small alteration, changing Chang'an to Duanjing, making it more authentic.
Everyone was stunned, especially the scholars who had recently passed the exams. Their hearts swelled with emotion. This poem was a perfect depiction of their feelings after achieving success!
"Bravo, bravo!" everyone applauded enthusiastically.
Wang Qinglin looked at Wang Qingyao in disbelief. Whose poem was this? She had never heard of it!
"Second sister," she asked resentfully, "whose poem is this?"
"It is by a hermit who wishes to remain anonymous."
Wang Qinglin sneered, *Hmph, they won't even reveal their name! What's there to be proud of? It's just reciting a poem, not composing it yourself!*