Chapter 34 She really wanted to be with Lin Wan'er.
As soon as he finished speaking, the previously noisy venue instantly quieted down, and everyone turned their attention to the stage entrance.
The main reason is that Lin Wan'er's reputation as "the most talented woman in the capital" and "the most beautiful woman" is too well-known. In addition, she has always been an observer at banquets in previous years and rarely performs herself.
His decision to step forward at this moment immediately aroused everyone's curiosity.
She was still wearing the same moon-white silk dress with cloud patterns, and she didn't wear much jewelry. She only used a simple jade hairpin to tie her hair up, looking like a secluded orchid in a valley.
The emcee announced at the opportune moment: "Miss Lin will compose a poem on the spot to celebrate today's grand banquet!"
These words immediately sparked a murmur of discussion from the audience.
"Miss Lin wants to compose a poem?"
“She never performed in public in previous years…”
"It seems the rumors were true; Grand Tutor Lin is indeed looking for a husband for her!"
"Should we test the waters today and see which way the wind is blowing?"
"I wonder which young man will have the honor of winning Miss Lin's favor."
Everyone's gaze couldn't help but linger on the several eligible young men in the room, all of whom were of the highest status and position.
Among them, Xiao Jingheng and Li Yu, the heir of the Duke of Dingguo, are naturally the two who attract the most attention.
Xiao Jingheng remained indifferent, as if the surrounding discussions had nothing to do with him.
Meanwhile, Li Yu, the heir apparent of the Duke of Dingguo, straightened his posture. Today, he wore a royal blue brocade robe, which made his face appear even more gentle and handsome.
Unlike Xiao Jingheng's coldness, Li Yu's lips habitually curled up, carrying a slight smile, and his eyes were calm and gentle.
With his good looks and family background, he was naturally a popular candidate on Lin Wan'er's list of potential husbands.
Everyone held their breath, eager to see what kind of poem this renowned talented woman in the capital would compose.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Lin Wan'er did not rush to compose a poem, but first bowed deeply to the eldest princess in the main seat, her voice clear and melodious.
"Your Highness, today's banquet is a grand affair, with beauties vying for attention and talented men gathering. Inspired by this, Wan'er has come up with a humble poem, which I wish to offer to Your Highness in the hopes of pleasing you."
Her words were extremely eloquent, explaining both the reason for composing the poem and attributing the credit primarily to the eldest princess.
As expected, the princess's smile widened upon hearing this.
"Wan'er is very kind. I am all ears."
Immediately afterwards, Lin Wan'er stood up, pondered for a moment, and then recited the poem she had prepared beforehand:
"Princess Congratulations on Her Flower Appreciation Banquet"
Zhu Ming held a banquet in the east of the imperial tower, where jade wine and delicacies shone red in the sunlight.
The zither once played the luan and phoenix melody, and now the painted hall is filled with the fragrance of orchids.
The peacock's plumage on the screen is still emerald green, while the mandarin ducks on the pond are perfectly colored.
May the colorful clouds forever protect us, and may our fragrance linger among the trees year after year.
As Lin Wan'er's clear and melodious recitation faded, its lingering charm seemed to still echo in the air.
A brief silence fell over the audience, followed by thunderous applause.
Those present were all scholars, gentlemen, and noble families; after a brief reading, they understood the brilliance of the poem.
On the surface, it describes the grandeur of a banquet, but between the lines, it subtly hints at a harmonious and loving relationship between husband and wife.
As is well known, the eldest princess and her husband had a very deep affection for each other. Although her husband passed away early, this affection has always been the most precious memory in the eldest princess's heart.
Lin Wan'er accurately captured this point and praised it with elegant verses. How could the princess not be moved and delighted?
Sure enough, after initially admiring the scene, the eldest princess, seated in the main seat, had a slightly unfocused gaze, as if the phrase "Luanfeng Qu" had stirred up tender memories hidden deep in her heart.
Her gaze unconsciously fell on a very old jade bracelet on her wrist, a wedding gift from her husband.
When the princess looked at Lin Wan'er again, her eyes held not only the appreciation of an elder for a talented woman, but also a genuine emotion and gentleness.
"Excellent! What a perfect line: 'The brocade zither once played the luan and phoenix melody, and now the painted hall is filled with the fragrance of orchids!'"
"Wan'er's poem is not only beautifully written, but also deeply touching. It is a testament to your sincerity. This poem deserves to be appreciated!"
Lin Wan'er curtsied appropriately, displaying a humble demeanor.
"If Your Highness likes it, it will be Wan'er's greatest honor."
Immediately afterwards, she looked up and asked the princess for a favor.
"Your Highness, if my humble work just now is pleasing to your eye, Wan'er... would like to humbly ask you for another favor."
"Oh? What favor do you want?" The princess was clearly in a very good mood.
Lin Wan'er looked up, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over the crowd below the stage, finally pausing for a moment in a certain direction.
"Wan'er wishes to compose another poem, but... only the first half. I humbly request Your Highness's permission to invite a learned scholar present to complete the second half. If a complete poem can be formed, it will surely be a memorable moment at today's banquet."
Upon hearing this, the entire room fell silent for a moment, followed by a collective gasp.
This is hardly a matter of composing a poem to beg for favors; it's clearly an open affair, with Lin Wan'er personally choosing her husband!
That's right, it's about choosing a son-in-law!
Bold and straightforward.
The eldest princess was taken aback at first, then a great interest and understanding flashed in her eyes.
She was always happy to bring together good couples, and Lin Wan'er's move was both elegant and bold, just what she wanted.
"Granted!"
The princess smiled and agreed, her gaze sweeping over the young men below the stage who had instantly stiffened.
"I am also very curious, which young talent has caught Miss Lin's eye and taken on the second half of this poem?"
Everyone's curiosity was piqued to its peak! Their eyes darted back and forth between Lin Wan'er, Li Yu, and Xiao Jingheng.
Nearby, Su Xiaoyu almost choked on the peach blossom pastry in her mouth, her eyes widening instantly.
[Wow! It's here, it's here! The iconic scene is finally here! The poem that sealed their love, recorded in the book, was written at this banquet. It was this banquet that made the young master look at Lin Wan'er with new eyes, and their relationship steadily warmed up from then on, eventually becoming a beautiful love story. I never thought I would be able to witness this historic moment in person!]
Is this the power of the official pairing? They're so perfect to ship, I'm locking them in!
Every word of these excited sentiments reached Xiao Jingheng's ears.
A strange, intense feeling of restlessness and irritability instantly welled up in my heart.
Official pairing?
Locked up?
And their relationship is steadily heating up?
Does she really want to be with Lin Wan'er?
An extremely unpleasant feeling swept over Xiao Jingheng. He felt as if a wad of cotton was stuck in his chest, making it difficult to breathe.
He subconsciously frowned, and his already cold aura seemed to drop even lower. Even Xiao Lingxi, who was sitting next to him, looked at her older brother with a puzzled expression.
No way?
Who angered the eldest brother again?
On stage, Lin Wan'er had already begun her recitation. Her gaze, without hesitation, swept over the crowd and landed in the direction of Xiao Jingheng. Her lips parted slightly:
The first half of my poem is:
"A tree stands out in the forest, its roots firmly planted in the soil, patiently awaiting the arrival of a fine bird."
"I wonder if Young Master Xiao would be so kind as to offer his guidance and complete the second half of this poem for Wan'er?"
As soon as he finished speaking, all eyes in the room instantly focused on him!
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