This angered Master Si so much that he wiped away his tears.

Seeing her master crying because of her, Su Ruojin felt bad and had no choice but to obediently follow her fourth master to write poetry, paint, and learn to play the zither.

It wasn't until much later that she learned that this was an idea that her third master had given to her fourth master. He said that to deal with Xiao Ruojin, you couldn't force her; she was soft-hearted. You had to touch her heart, and she would obediently listen to you. So her fourth master staged this melodramatic performance.

By the time Su Ruojin learned the truth, much time had passed. Her fourth master had only meant well for her, so there was nothing to fuss about.

Recalling those days, she picked up her pen and wrote down the poem she had composed back then, "Ode to the Plum Blossom."

After the three rounds of competition, while waiting for the chief officiant and the vice-director to announce the rankings, Empress Sun looked around the room and said, "Give the chief officiant some time. I wonder if anyone would like to perform a talent?"

This was a long-standing practice, a way for the Empress to give young ladies from noble families a chance to showcase their talents.

Jia Yingying had been waiting for this moment for a long time, and upon hearing this, she stood up eagerly, saying, "This humble woman is willing to dance for Your Majesty."

Empress Sun nodded. "Alright, thank you for your trouble, Miss Jia."

Jia Yingying changed into a long-sleeved dance dress. She had practiced this dance diligently for half a year and believed that it would definitely attract the attention of the eldest prince.

As the musical instruments began to play, Jia Yingying danced gracefully, her every smile and gesture seemingly drifting towards the Crown Prince.

When the drumbeats became more intense, Jia Yingying leaped into the air, her sleeves flapping out.

"Ooh~"

Just then, Princess Anxing suddenly collapsed, clutching her stomach in pain.

"Princess!" The maids and servants serving nearby exclaimed in surprise and quickly helped Princess Anxing up.

Empress Sun stood up. "What happened?"

"Blood! Blood!" a maid cried out as blood flowed from under Princess Anxing's skirt.

An old nanny hurriedly knelt before Empress Sun, "Your Majesty, the princess has started bleeding."

Anxing was not yet due to give birth, and Empress Sun's expression changed drastically. "Quickly, summon the imperial physician."

The music stopped, and Jia Yingying stood there, stunned, her eyes reddening. Her carefully prepared dance had been ruined.

After this incident, Empress Sun lost interest in continuing the poetry competition and dismissed everyone. She said the results would be announced later and the prizes would be sent to their respective residences. She then left with An Xing.

Su Ruojin was about to leave when Yun Gan stopped her. "Princess Chang Le, I know you are skilled in gynecology. Could you please stay and check on my younger sister's condition?"

Since the eldest prince had made the request, Su Ruojin couldn't very well refuse, especially since Yun Gan had helped her in court earlier.

As for Empress Sun's intentions, we'll discuss that later.

"I am honored by the Crown Prince's high regard. Please lead the way, Your Highness."

The Empress was worried and had Princess Anxing brought to her palace.

A group of imperial physicians rushed over and took turns taking the princess's pulse.

After the Empress and the First Prince left, Jia Yingying's eyes lit up. She walked over to the Chancellor and bowed, "Chancellor, may I have a glimpse of Princess Chang Le's masterpiece?"

The poems submitted to the poetry competition were meant to be circulated among each other, and although Her Majesty the Empress had not yet read them, it was not considered a violation of the rules.

It was just a small favor, and the chief priest wouldn't refuse Jia Yingying's request. "Miss Jia, this is a poem written by Princess Chang Le."

Jia Yingying couldn't wait to take it and read it aloud. She wanted everyone to hear how bad Su Ruojin's poem was.

Jia Yingying's voice did indeed attract everyone's attention, and everyone looked in her direction.

But her voice grew softer and softer until she fell silent. Her face turned pale, and her hand holding the paper trembled slightly.