Chapter 108 Public Display of Affection
The atmosphere in the hall eased temporarily because of the emperor's words, and the sound of string and wind instruments resumed as a group of dancers gracefully entered.
However, Crown Prince Mu Chen was clearly unwilling to give up.
His cold gaze swept over Li Bao'er, then he suddenly picked up his wine cup, forced a smile, and said loudly to the emperor, "Father, today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. The songs and dances are beautiful, but they lack a certain elegance. I have heard that my second sister-in-law is exceptionally talented and famous throughout the capital, especially skilled in poetry. How about we ask Princess Jing to compose a poem on the spot to add color to our Great Lin's Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, and also let all the imperial relatives and ministers witness the charm of my royal daughter-in-law?"
These words immediately made the atmosphere, which had just eased, become tense again.
Who doesn't know the rumors circulating in the capital about Princess Consort Li Bao'er? Everyone says she's just a pretty face with a weak constitution, and that she was only mediocre in her studies at the Imperial Academy. How could she be said to have exceptional talent? The Crown Prince is clearly deliberately making things difficult for her, trying to embarrass her in public and thus damage Mu Cenlin's reputation!
Many people turned their sympathetic or amused gazes toward Li Bao'er.
Princess Kangning almost burst out laughing, waiting to see how Li Bao'er would lose face. Although her older brother didn't treat her well usually, he was surprisingly in agreement with her when it came to Li Bao'er.
Mu Cenlin's face darkened, and a chill rose around him. Just as he was about to speak up to protect Bao'er, he felt his sleeve being gently tugged.
He looked down and saw Bao'er shake her head slightly at him, her bright eyes giving him a reassuring look.
Her eyes were clear and calm, without the slightest panic. Her reflection was clearly visible in them, and ripples spread through her heart... A sense of certainty settled in her heart, and the tense lines of her jaw relaxed slightly.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Li Bao'er slowly stood up. Today she wore an elaborate and expensive princess's gown, yet her movements remained elegant and composed. She first gave a graceful curtsy towards the emperor, her voice clear and melodious:
“Father, Your Highness the Crown Prince is too kind to refuse. However, I am not worthy of such a gift. It is merely a casual scribble in my spare time and is hardly worthy of being presented in a formal setting. Since Your Highness has given the order, I will make a fool of myself.”
Her tone was humble, but her demeanor was poised and confident, showing no signs of stage fright.
Just kidding! Even if you haven't eaten pork, you've seen pigs run, right? Back when I was at the Imperial College, I didn't want to attract attention; that's called hiding your talents!
Mu Cen, that stinky bastard, just wait to be amazed! Mu Yuan, who had been silent in the corner all day, was also a little flustered. When did Li Bao'er become so confident and dazzling?
The eunuchs had already prepared writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, and carried them into the hall.
Li Bao'er walked to the desk, picked up the wolf-hair brush, and pondered for a moment. The famous ancient poems she had memorized in her previous life flashed through her mind, and combined with the current situation, she quickly came up with an idea.
With a flick of her wrist, her brush moved swiftly, and lines of elegant yet spirited handwriting appeared on the paper.
After a moment, she put down her pen and bowed again in the direction of the emperor: "Father, my humble work is finished. Please take a look."
The eunuch hurriedly presented the poem, still wet with ink, to the emperor.
The emperor had initially only intended to glance at it, but when his gaze fell upon the paper, he went from casual to focused, and finally couldn't help but recite it aloud:
"When will the moon be clear and bright? I raise my cup to ask the heavens. I wonder what year it is tonight in the celestial palace? I long to ride the wind and return, yet I fear the jade towers and crystal palaces are too cold at such heights… People experience sorrow and joy, separation and reunion; the moon waxes and wanes, and such things have always been imperfect. I only wish that we may all live long and share the beauty of the moon, even though we are thousands of miles apart."
The emperor's voice grew increasingly filled with undisguised amazement as he spoke! The poem's imagery is lofty and its sentiments expansive; it is truly a rare masterpiece!
"Excellent! What a beautiful line, 'May we all live long and share the beauty of the moon, though separated by a thousand miles!'" The emperor couldn't help but applaud, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "This poem blends emotion and reason perfectly, its style is lofty and elegant; it should be considered the pinnacle of Mid-Autumn Festival poetry! Bao'er, you are too modest. Such talent is far beyond mere scribbling!"
"A reward! I will reward Princess Jing handsomely. Hang this poem in my study so I can appreciate it properly."
Even the eldest princess, who was still furious, had a look of disbelief and amazement in her eyes. Her gaze towards Li Bao'er was now filled with complex emotions. She was not a good-for-nothing after all!
All the astonished and incredulous gazes from everyone in the hall were focused on Li Bao'er! The rumors that she was a useless pretty face were instantly dispelled!
"Brother Li, you really raised a wonderful daughter!" Many people congratulated Li Xiangyuan, but no one knew the shock Li Xiangyuan was feeling at that moment. Was this really his daughter? How could he have never known that Bao'er's talent was so extraordinary?
Crown Prince Mu Chen's face instantly turned ashen. He had intended to see Li Bao'er make a fool of herself, but he never expected that she would actually possess such astonishing talent! This was practically a resounding slap in the face to him in front of everyone!
Princess Kangning was dumbfounded, her mouth agape for a long time. Even Mu Yuan's hand holding the cup trembled. Surprise and regret were intertwined in her heart. She should have been his imperial concubine!
Mu Cenlin looked at his princess, his deep eyes overflowing with pride and tenderness. His precious daughter had once again given him a tremendous surprise. He raised his wine glass, gestured towards Li Bao'er, and drank it all in one gulp.
Bao'er smiled brightly at him, and then ran towards Mu Cenlin in front of everyone. Seeing this, Mu Cenlin got up and walked towards Bao'er.
The next instant, a soft, warm body rushed into his arms, making his heart feel slightly hot.
Li Bao'er tilted her head back, her cheeks flushed with excitement and a touch of alcohol. Her beautiful eyes sparkled, and her voice, still brimming with lingering joy, asked softly and eagerly:
"How was it? How was my poem? Did I embarrass you?"
Mu Cenlin looked down at the charming appearance of the person in his arms, and felt his heart was filled with tenderness.
He tightened his arms around her, ignoring the stares around them, and gently rested his chin on the top of her fragrant hair, his deep voice filled with unwavering affection:
"It's more than just not embarrassing! My queen is exceptionally talented and stunning, truly the best."
He tilted his head slightly, his thin lips almost touching her earlobe, and in a whisper that only the two of them could hear, with a hint of teasing and utmost seriousness, added:
"The words are exquisite, but the person is even more extraordinary. I, the King, am delighted."
Li Bao'er slightly raised her head from his embrace, a mischievous glint in her bright smile. She tiptoed and whispered in Mu Cenlin's ear:
"To tell you the truth, this poem was not written by me. I borrowed it from a masterpiece by a great scholar surnamed Su."
Upon hearing this, Mu Cenlin was taken aback at first, then the smile in his eyes deepened, and even a hint of understanding flashed across his face.
"Little clever devil"
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