The noble ladies, who had been eager to impress Xie Jingrun, were delighted by the Empress Dowager's words. They put down their utensils, wiped their mouths with handkerchiefs, and then eagerly said, "Your Majesty, we are unworthy, but we would like to compose a poem on the theme of plum blossoms."
"This humble woman wishes to create a painting..."
"This humble woman wishes to write an article..."
For a time, the plum garden was filled with the sounds of noble ladies vying for attention.
The Empress Dowager was very pleased to see everyone participating so enthusiastically. She nodded and said with a smile, "Then I will wait to see the masterpieces of all the young ladies."
As soon as the Empress Dowager gave the order, palace servants immediately went to prepare writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.
Emperor Zhaojing also began to look forward to it.
Although he did not approve of the Empress Dowager's actions, which resembled a talent selection process, the person had already entered the palace, so he naturally wanted to keep his eyes open and carefully select his son.
Xie Jingrun sat below Emperor Zhaojing, showing no interest whatsoever in the Empress Dowager's suggestion. However, seeing Rong Qingqing intently eating plum blossom pastries as if she were enjoying something delicious, he suddenly became somewhat interested.
Is this plum blossom pastry particularly delicious?
Otherwise, why would that girl only have eyes for plum blossom pastries?
He picked up a piece, tasted it, then frowned and threw it back onto the plate.
I don't understand why Rong Qingqing would like to eat such sticky food.
At this moment, Haifu walked to his side, bowed, and whispered, "Your Highness, the Emperor said that you should keep your eyes open and see if there are any suitable ones. You can choose several so that you can enrich your harem after you ascend the throne."
Xie Jingrun glanced at him and said, "Tell the Emperor to ask if he has any plans to remarry. I can help him make an assessment."
Haifu: "..."
When Emperor Zhaojing saw him return, he hurriedly asked, "What did the Crown Prince say?"
Hai Fu swallowed hard. He wouldn't dare relay the Crown Prince's words to the Emperor even if he had a hundred lives.
His face was stiff as he cautiously replied, "His Highness said he knows."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Zhaojing felt a sense of relief, but also a mix of helplessness and amusement.
This young man keeps saying he doesn't want to take concubines, but when he sees all the beauties in the garden, isn't he tempted?
The palace servants quickly retrieved the writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, and set up tables and chairs in the center of the area for the noble ladies to compose poems and paint.
Immediately, a noblewoman rose to her feet.
One, two...
Some wrote poems, others painted.
For a time, the plum garden was unusually lively.
When the Empress Dowager was in high spirits, she took Lin Mama's hand, left her seat, and walked to the center of the field to watch.
"These characters are beautifully written..."
"This poem is wonderful..."
"This drawing skill is quite good..."
The Empress Dowager's frequent praises echoed throughout the plum garden.
Encouraged by the Empress Dowager's praise, the noble ladies worked even harder, using every trick in the book to leave a good impression on the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince.
At this moment, Princess Huaiyin, who was sitting to the side, suddenly looked at Rong Qingqing and Shangguan Yanran, who were eating with their heads down.
Her gaze was fixed on Rong Qingqing, and looking at that face that resembled Lan Shi's, a cold mockery appeared in her eyes.
While everyone else was trying to show off, Rong Qingqing was busy wrestling with the food on her plate. What a good-for-nothing! She can't write poetry or paint, can she?
Thinking of this, a smile appeared on her face, and she asked, "Princess Su and Miss Prime Minister, why aren't you attending?"
Rong Qingqing, who was eating, put the half-eaten plum blossom pastry back on the plate upon hearing this. She looked at it with lingering relish before raising her head and calmly saying, "Princess Huaiyin, I am neither a poet nor a painter, and I fear that I may spoil everyone's enjoyment, so I do not intend to participate."
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