After the soft couch and small table were arranged, Su Yan began to urge people to leave.
"You've all had a long journey, so please rest at the villa for a while."
He Si, with a smug look on his face, bowed and replied, "If you need anything, sir, please call me."
With that, he drove the carriage away.
Minister Lin's twenty soldiers also retreated in unison.
Ye Panjiu helped Su Yan sit on the soft couch. "How are you feeling?"
Su Yan smiled and leaned her head against the edge of the couch behind her. "Like a dream."
The wind blew through the bamboo forest, ruffling their hair.
Ye Panjiu looked at him and couldn't help but raise her hand to tuck his hair behind her ear.
Su Yan and she both have fine, soft hair that feels silky smooth to the touch. She curled her hair with her fingers, applying a little force.
Su Yan raised an eyebrow, straightened her head to look at her, and looked puzzled.
Ye Panjiu smiled and said, "This is a perfect time to enjoy the beautiful scenery."
Su Yan's eyes held a smile, "I don't want things to be ordinary in the future."
As he spoke, he lowered his head and touched her lips.
The bamboo leaves rustled softly.
Ye Panjiu gently closed her eyes, letting Su Yan take her away.
It turns out that kissing really is a wonderful thing.
The next day arrived in the blink of an eye. After noon, Shengping led his men to set up the arena.
She originally intended to set up the training ground in the palace, but on the way she encountered Minister Di, who was walking in a hurry.
"Is Your Highness afraid? Why not use the empty Taihe Gate instead of this remote place? Are you afraid of losing face in front of everyone in the palace if you lose?"
Sheng Ping smiled, "Then I will do as you say, sir. I will go to Taihe Gate now!"
As she spoke, she bowed to Minister Di.
Minister Di held the rank of first-grade official and was a very important minister in the court.
Although she was a princess, she still had to show respect and bow to the ministers.
In this palace, without power, even the emperor must depend on others.
Di Yushu snorted coldly, "I advise the princess not to let that kind of beast, Di Yunxin, come out and embarrass herself. She thinks she's smart, but she's nothing at all!"
Sheng Ping hurriedly bowed, "It's getting late, I'll go set up the arena first."
She didn't want to waste any more breath here. Prejudice in people's hearts is a mountain. Even if she described Di Yunxin as a beautiful flower, in Di Yushu's heart, it would still smell like filth.
But once the fight begins today, she'll see how this person manages to save face!
The Taihe Gate was the only way for all officials to enter the palace, and it was separated from the Meridian Gate by only a small river.
Sheng Ping was not afraid at all. He set up a very large arena with red silk fluttering high and a large drum on the side.
The formation was enormous.
In just half an hour, even those who were not well-informed yesterday now knew about the competition.
This was a huge event in the palace, causing a great stir.
The concubines in the harem were originally very excited because Consort Wang was confined to her quarters.
Consort Wang was domineering and ruthless; people only supported her because of the circumstances.
Who wouldn't want their master to be approachable?
Empress Shen's Yikun Palace suddenly became lively.
Empress Shen understood that the competition was not just about fighting; it had far-reaching consequences. So she brought a group of concubines, both high and low, to join in the fun.
In addition, all the officials, both high and low, who were attending the morning court session also gathered around this area.
Official business is never-ending, but a martial arts competition in the palace is a first for me. This kind of excitement will never come again if I miss it.
Minor officials who were not allowed to attend court, as well as palace maids and eunuchs who were not on duty, all gathered together.
Sheng Ping placed many chairs around the arena, with His Majesty naturally sitting in the center facing the arena.
After some back and forth between Di Yushu and Minister Shen, Minister Lin, annoyed by the suggestion, simply plopped down on the left side of the middle seat.
That's why he hates going to the palace the most; dealing with those bookish scholars is the most troublesome thing.
Di Yushu opened his mouth, coughed dryly, and then sat down on the right side of the middle seat without giving way.
Minister Shen snorted coldly and sat down next to Minister Lin. "You boor!"
Minister Lin ignored him completely.
Su Yan and Ye Panjiu also entered the palace, but they arrived very late, only after almost all the seats near the arena had been filled.
The two quietly and discreetly sat down in the two empty seats at the very back.
Ning Xuan arrived at the same time as them, but Ning Xuan walked past the arena.
Everyone stood up and shouted, "Long live the Emperor!"
Ning Xuan waved his hand, a faint smile on his face, "My beloved subjects, rise and take your seats. Sheng Ping, let's begin."
Sheng Ping bowed in agreement, then turned and walked toward the arena. “When heaven and earth were first created, men and women were distinguished. Today, we will compete in three categories: literature, martial arts, and debate. Your Majesty and all the spectators are welcome to judge! Without further ado, let’s begin the first round: literature. Your Majesty will set the topic.”
Sheng Ping then stepped down from the stage. A long table, along with writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, had already been set up on the stage.
Ning Xuan looked around and smiled, “There are many general outlines of the texts. Let’s start with today’s competition. There are no rhyme restrictions. Each of you should compose a seven-character poem.”
Di Yunxin wore plain white silver jewelry, her whole body was moon white, her eyebrows were like willow leaves, hanging high at both ends, her eyes were like phoenix eyes, her steps were steady, her back was straight, and she walked onto the stage without any fear.
She bowed to the audience like a scholar, saying, "I am Di Yunxin."
After saying that, he retreated to the shore.
Ye Panjiu and Su Yan whispered to each other, "This female scholar seems to have quite an imposing presence."
Su Yan replied softly, "She defeated her stepmother when she was young, and if she hadn't been born a girl, she would have already made a name for herself in the court."
Ye Panjiu was surprised. Goodness, what a master of domestic intrigue!
However, throughout history, those who engage in domestic power struggles are often those whose families are filled with misfortune.
She was quite lucky; the Ye family she transmigrated into was truly blessed.
Another man strolled onto the stage, holding a fan in his hand. With a flick of his wrist, the fan opened, revealing a trace of an ancient sage.
"My name is Xun Yu."
Ye Panjiu raised an eyebrow and looked at Su Yan with a puzzled expression.
She only knew that the Minister of Justice was surnamed Xun.
"This is Minister Xun's youngest son. He composed a poem in five steps at the age of seven, which made him famous throughout the capital. The Xun family's poetry club is very famous. Xun Yu has always been devoted to poetry, lyrics, music, calligraphy, painting, and chess, and has no interest in the imperial examinations. He is the most famous talented man in the capital."
"It seems you also admire this person quite a bit?" Ye Panjiu couldn't help but ask in return.
Su Yan smiled and said, "Xun Yu's poems are indeed inspired."
Ye Panjiu's curiosity grew even stronger; to receive such praise from Su Yan meant he must be a formidable rival.
Sheng Ping said, "Let's begin."
The two knelt down, dipped their brushes in ink, and without hesitation, finished their work in one go.
Di Yunxin was quicker; she stood up with the paper in her hand, walked off the stage, and presented it to Ning Xuan with both hands.
Di Yushu sat next to Ning Xuan, glaring at Di Yunxin, wishing he could immediately drag this rebellious daughter home.
Ning Xuan took it and read it aloud.
Ye Panjiu listened intently; her knowledge of poetry was rather shallow, making it difficult to distinguish her from others.
Su Yan smiled and nodded, "I didn't expect Di Yun to care so much about the common people. This seven-character poem is so powerful and profound, it is definitely a masterpiece."
The ancients loved poetry very much, and most of the onlookers applauded.
Ye Panjiu then joined in the drumming.
Xun Yu, who had just stood up, paused for a moment and gave a disdainful snort.
But that's all.
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