Chapter 8
"Jasmine is elegant and its fragrance is pleasant. It can also be used to make tea, making it suitable for both home and family."
Her voice was soft and gentle, and a breeze lifted her dark hair, making her exceptionally striking.
Ye Lingzhou's eyes were bright. He replied, "Everyone likes peonies or chrysanthemums, but Miss Shen's taste is different from ordinary people and is quite unique."
Anyone could see what Ye Lingzhou was thinking.
Others couldn't help but chime in:
"I just saw that Miss Shen painted quite a few jasmine flowers, which shows that she really likes them."
“Miss Shen is kind-hearted. She just said she would send the poems and paintings here to the palace. She is somewhat similar to Jasmine, who does not compete or fight.”
"Jasmine is not gaudy, but it has its own unique fragrance. I find this jasmine tea very refreshing!"
......
This banquet was originally held for Shen Qingnian, who is the main character of today's banquet, and the invited guests will naturally praise her.
Not to mention that she herself is very proper, and her appearance and talent are top-notch. Coupled with the comparison with Lin Yue'er just now, these people's praises are even more sincere.
Lin Yue'er found the constant praise from those around her extremely grating, but having already lost her composure, she dared not say anything more now.
The words, one after another, made her face grow increasingly pale, but fortunately, Song Xuan did not offer any praise.
Do you, Crown Prince, also think that Shen Qingnian was overpraised?
At this moment, Song Xuan spoke, his clear and melodious voice reaching everyone's ears: "Jasmine is beautiful, and it's not that no one cares about it. In ancient times, Chen Xi wrote a poem praising jasmine, and I also love jasmine very much."
After Song Xuan said this, the scene fell silent, and many people even looked at each other in bewilderment.
What does the Crown Prince mean by this?
Didn't the Crown Prince favor Lin Yue'er? How could he say he liked Jasmine?
But after saying that, Song Xuan didn't say another word.
Lin Yue'er looked at Song Xuan, her expression becoming even more unpleasant.
The Crown Prince's words seemed to be a rebuttal to Ye Lingzhou's statement. If he didn't care, why would he be refuting it?
Looking at Lin Yue'er's expression, Shen Qingnian, who was seated, became even more gentle.
She didn't look at Song Xuan, but after he finished speaking, Song Xuan glanced at her, but quickly looked away. She pretended not to notice.
"Since everyone has mentioned jasmine, let's make the upcoming poetry contest themed around jasmine. Gentlemen and ladies, please compose your poems, and the prize will be that painting of a mountain dwelling," Madam Shen said with a smile.
According to the rules, everyone will compose two or three lines of poetry, and then the one that everyone thinks is the best will be chosen as the winner.
When everyone heard that the prize was that painting of a mountain dwelling, they couldn't help but gasp.
Some couldn't help but exclaim, "This mountain dwelling painting was created by the great Confucian scholar Mr. Chen of the previous dynasty. His calligraphy and paintings were all burned, making it priceless!"
The Prime Minister's residence is truly generous, even offering such a famous artifact as a prize.
Madam Shen smiled kindly: "It is a joyous occasion that everyone has graced us with their presence today and is willing to play with Qingnian. Master has also said that as long as Qingnian is happy, he is willing to give up all his wealth."
Shen Qingnian looked at Madam Shen with deep emotion: "Mother, I'm sorry to have troubled you."
Such a mother-daughter bond moved all the guests, and the ladies looked at Shen Qingnian with envy.
Noble families are often very large, with only two parents but countless children. Apart from the current crown prince, there is no one else in the entire capital who would treat a daughter like Shen Qingnian.
Whose backyard isn't a mess?
“Miss Shen is fortunate to have such parents,” Song Xuan said.
Although he was the crown prince, his father and mother had an excellent relationship and treated him very well. There was no infighting or any disgusting scandals in the palace.
Shen Qingnian looked at Song Xuan, their eyes met, and her cheeks flushed slightly before she looked away first.
Seeing that Song Xuan had spoken up, Lin Yue'er was not to be outdone and said, "My father also treated me very well. When I was young, I was not healthy, and my father sent me to the mountains to be raised, for fear that I would not be able to withstand the climate in the capital."
Winter in Beijing is indeed not conducive to recuperation.
"I've heard that Miss Lin was born with a weak constitution. Lord Lin is indeed very considerate of Miss Lin. Three years ago, he sent Miss Lin to the mountains to recuperate. He really loves his daughter dearly," Madam Shen's expression softened slightly. Her tone was indifferent, even tinged with a hint of mockery.
Lin Yue'er's poor health has been a problem since she was a child, but Lord Lin only sent her away to recuperate three years ago.
These words were a blatant mockery of her.
Lin Yue'er's face turned ashen; she gritted her teeth, wanting to curse, "You..."
But before she could finish speaking, Song Xuan interrupted her.
The man's tone was as gentle as ever: "It's getting late, let's begin composing poetry."
He seemed oblivious to the mockery in Madam Shen's words, and even less to Lin Yue'er's angry expression.
"Alright, alright, let's begin!" Everyone echoed Song Xuan's sentiments.
They all witnessed Lin Yue'er nearly bullying Shen Qingnian to tears in front of Madam Shen.
Madam Shen's words are sharp now, but it's understandable. As a mother, she can't bear to see her daughter suffer.
Lin Yue'er, on the other hand, is inferior to Shen Qingnian in every way, yet she always tries to get close to him and speak ill of him. If it weren't for His Highness the Crown Prince protecting her, she would probably have been isolated by everyone long ago.
Lin Yue'er was interrupted by Song Xuan, and she couldn't help but tear up. However, he didn't care at all and continued to sit there in a dignified manner, not even sparing her a glance.
This is not gentle and modest at all; it's clearly cold-hearted and hard-hearted.
The poetry gathering officially began. After writing down their poems, everyone handed their slips of paper to a servant, who read them aloud in unison. Then, everyone tried to determine who was the best.
Shen Qingnian wrote quickly; her handwriting was delicate yet sharp. After handing the note to the servant, she looked at the man in front of her who was bowing his head and holding a pen.
Song Xuan's skin was slightly pale for a man. His features were deep and sharp, but his temperament was reserved and peaceful, which was related to his upbringing.
The reigning emperor was also humble and polite, and Song Xuan naturally followed in his footsteps.
As Song Xuan was writing, he seemed to notice someone watching him. He looked up and caught Shen Qingnian's slightly admiring gaze.
Shen Qingnian's watery eyes widened slightly, and the admiration in her eyes turned into fright. She immediately lowered her head, like a frightened rabbit.
The girl's drooping head made it impossible for Song Xuan to see her expression, but he did see her white jade earlobes gradually turning a light pink.
He felt his heart beat slightly faster, but it was fleeting.
Like a small stone falling on a vast lake, it creates slight ripples but quickly sinks.
Soon, everyone handed the poems to the servant.
The servant stood at the head of the table and began to loudly read aloud the poems composed by the guests:
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