This person had sent all the profits to the Royal Charity, claiming that they were the earnings from selling books, and therefore, dare not keep them for personal use.

Upon hearing the news, Yang Mengchen smiled faintly and did not meet this person, as she would never entertain those who sought shortcuts.

The publication of this book had once again made Yang Mengchen’s name known throughout the world, earning her the title of the foremost talented woman. Ordinarily, a woman’s poetry should not be publicized, but given Yang Mengchen’s special status, naturally, no one dared mention this as an issue.

At the Early Wei Hour (around 1 pm), Yang Mengchen and her entourage arrived at the competition venue.

Everyone voluntarily cleared a path for Yang Mengchen and looked at her with eager eyes. Suddenly, someone began to clap and soon the applause grew more and more enthusiastic.

Yang Mengchen smiled at the crowd as a gesture of gratitude for their support and affection, then took her seat and nodded to Hai Ruofeng as a greeting.

Hai Ruofeng responded with a sincere smile.

Putting aside the relationship between her grandfather and the Yang family, just hearing of Yang Mengchen’s great achievements and reading her extraordinary masterpieces filled her with genuine admiration.

No matter what Su Manru’s intentions were, now that both were working for the glory of Dong Chu, Yang Mengchen naturally would not dismiss her, in order not to bring any negative influence on Dong Chu, and so, she nodded in greeting as well.

Having not expected Yang Mengchen to acknowledge her, Su Manru was momentarily stunned, but quickly regained her composure and nodded back.

"Since all contestants have arrived, the competition is about to start. Contestants must complete two pieces of calligraphy within the time it takes an incense stick to burn," announced Old Hai, the main judge. It came as a surprise to Yang Mengchen to see Song Bochao there as well, "The competition..."

"Wait, this princess has something to say," Yang Mengchen interrupted Old Hai once more.

What demand might Princess Chen have? Everyone immediately turned to look at her.

"Please provide this princess with two brushes and six pieces of paper," Yang Mengchen said indifferently, ignoring the puzzled looks of all. "In case the brush or paper gets spoiled, there will be spares."

The crowd was dumbfounded.

Seeing Yang Mengchen acting seriously yet amusingly, those close to her could not help but chuckle.

Struggling to hold back laughter, Old Hai had brushes and paper delivered according to Yang Mengchen’s request and then began to speak: "The competition..." frёeweɓηovel_coɱ

"Wait, this princess has more to say," Yang Mengchen interrupted again.

The crowd was collectively petrified.

Qi Qiuxin couldn’t help herself and jumped up, loudly exclaiming, "Have you not finished yet?"

"What business is it of Princess Qiuxin whether this princess has finished or not?" Before Qi Qiuxin could speak, Yang Mengchen turned her gaze to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, this contestant strongly requests that after the competition, all works by this contestant must be returned to her, no one is thus allowed to ask for or seize them under any pretext."

"You’re afraid your work will be so poor that you’ll lose face, aren’t you?" Qi Qiuxin shouted sarcastically.

Some people snickered along with her.

Seeing Long Xuanmo and others frown, Qi Zonghao shouted sternly, "Imperial Younger Sister, you must not be rude!"

Following her Imperial Brother’s gaze and seeing the cold, piercing eyes of Long Xuanmo and his company, Qi Qiuxin was so scared that she dared not speak any further.

Yang Mengchen kept her eyes on the Emperor.

"Esteemed judges, do you see this request as going against the rules?" the Emperor asked, outwardly showing utmost respect for the judges.

In reality, the request did not violate any competition rules, as normally, apart from the most outstanding pieces being collected, the remaining works would simply be disposed of.

Princess Chen’s status was special, and it was likely that she was worried about people causing trouble with her calligraphy, thus she demanded its return. After a brief discussion, the judges readily agreed.

The competition officially began.

Each contestant was accompanied by a maid, who could grind ink for them and set aside the completed works to dry.

Judging by Hai Tang, who was prepping the paper, Yang Mengchen grabbed a brush in each hand, dipped them into the ink, and began writing with both hands simultaneously.

"Oh my heavens, Princess Chen can actually write with both hands at the same time?" someone exclaimed loudly.

Soon someone chimed in, "Could Princess Chen be a celestial being descended to earth?"

Suddenly the competition venue erupted into chaos, even the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and the Empress seated in the main area, as well as the judges and everyone in the audience, stood up, their eyes wide with shock and disbelief directed at Yang Mengchen.

The contestants on the stage stopped their brushes upon hearing this and turned to look at Yang Mengchen, their faces filled with astonishment.

And Qi Qiuxin was utterly stunned, her face pale as paper: How is this possible? How could this vile woman write with both hands? This isn’t real!

As time slowly passed, the other contestants, having regained their senses, continued their writing. Except for Princess Yashuang, Princess Feilan, and Hai Ruofeng, who managed to stabilize their minds, the rest of the contestants could no longer focus, and the quality of their work was predictable.