Chapter 36
A moment later, several people, led by Liao Kai, the son of the Minister of Literature, moved to the stone table in the pavilion. Servants served tea and fruit snacks. Their presence also attracted the attention of the people around the pavilion, who automatically stood up and bowed respectfully. Yi Luoyue, seated in the main seat in the pavilion, surveyed the people chatting and laughing around the pavilion. Many famous scholars and talented people in the royal capital had been invited, partly to gain a good reputation, and partly to showcase their talents in front of the princess and win her attention.
"Everyone, please don't be so reserved. Just be yourself. I just came here today because I have some free time. I look forward to your excellent works after the poetry gathering begins.
As soon as the words fell, everyone bowed and responded loudly.
"Thank you, Princess!"
"That's Princess Yue?"
"That should be it, but I heard that the princess is the most beautiful woman in Yidu. I don't know if it's true or not."
"I have seen the princess six years ago. She was truly a beauty back then. Not to mention, she looks just like the little girl next to her. They're practically cut from the same mold!"
"Is that so? Whose child is that? Could it be the princess's?!"
"Are you okay? Princess Yue is only nineteen years old, and that child looks at least seven or eight years old. How could it be the princess's child? Maybe it's from a distant relative."
"Hey! Hey! Did you see that? Isn't that the second son of the Wu Cheng family next to the princess? Now we're going to see something interesting."
"What? What?"
"Do you see the young man in the middle of the pavilion?"
"I see. Who is he?"
"That's the prince of Xiyi. I heard he's also a hot candidate for the imperial consort. Both of them are renowned talents. With the two most sought-after candidates both attending the poetry gathering today, I'm sure a showdown is inevitable. It's bound to be something exciting to watch."
The people around were whispering about it.
Why is the atmosphere getting weirder and weirder? What are people talking about? Xiaoyue looked around in confusion.
"Auntie, what are they doing?"
"Don't listen to what is indecent, don't look at what is indecent."
"But how can you know it's indecent if you don't listen or see?"
"You little rascal, I spoke softly because I didn't want you to hear me. If you insist on listening, then that's molestation."
"Oh, okay then." Xiaoyue helplessly supported her cheeks with her hands.
When she met Gong Yuxian's evil and malicious eyes, she couldn't help but shudder.
"That person is really annoying. He always looks at my aunt with an uncomfortable look." She complained.
Gong Yuxian's gaze in the crowd was particularly eager, his eyes fixed on Yi Luoyue, and he did not hide his intentions at all.
"If you don't like him, don't look at him. These snacks are pretty good. Try them." Yi Luoyue was also annoyed when she saw Gong Yuxian, but in such occasions, as a royal princess, she still had to observe basic etiquette.
"Princess, the time has come and the show should begin." Liao Kai, who had been serving beside her, reminded her softly, with a hint of uneasiness in his tone.
"Yeah. Let's get started."
Liao Kai walked to the entrance of the pavilion, and his voice was carried by the breeze to the ears of everyone present.
"Today marks the annual Yidu Poetry Festival. We are honored to have gathered here at the Wencheng Mansion, with all the talented scholars and beautiful ladies. I am Liao Kai, the son of the Wencheng, and I have the honor of serving as the master of ceremonies for this poetry gathering. There are no restrictions on the topic of this poetry gathering; you are welcome to fully showcase your talents, whether reciting poetry, composing lyrics, or writing couplets. Any masterpiece that touches the heart will be rewarded generously."
"Good!" Everyone applauded.
"Then I declare the poetry reading to begin."
As soon as he finished speaking, someone stood up from the audience and recited a seven-character quatrain. Although it was neat, it lacked originality. Yi Luoyue just nodded faintly.
Later, several more people came on stage one after another, but most of them had limited talents.
Gong Yuxian gazed at Yi Luoyue in the hall, gazing at her with lust. Although her face was still covered by a veil, her figure was far superior to those of his previous concubines. Her breasts, her waist—just thinking about them was enough to excite him. He had to do whatever it took to win first place at the poetry gathering today, to impress the princess. However, it was still early, and with his talent, he had to be the finale to showcase his exceptional talent.
The competition outside the pavilion was in full swing, and people inside were also chatting happily. Fortunately, Xiaoyue came along and prevented them from being bored to death.
"Tsk tsk, how come this guy didn't break his neck by shaking his head! So amazing! He shook his head every time he said a word." Xiaoyue also imitated him, shaking her head.
"Little ancestor, please stop shaking. We are feeling dizzy." Li Fei looked at her with a bitter face.
"Uh...Uncle Li! Don't say you fainted, I fainted too." After saying that, his head fell on the table with a bang.
"Here, this is an ointment specially made with mint leaves. It can clear the brain and repel mosquitoes. Gong Mingxue took out a small porcelain bottle from her sleeve, opened it, dipped her finger in the ointment, and applied it on Xiaoyue'er's temples.
"Wow! So cool and comfortable!"
"Miss Mingxue is so intelligent and kind-hearted. She will definitely be a caring and virtuous wife in the future." Yi Luoyue praised her warmly.
"No, Princess, you are too kind. I just asked for advice from others." She lowered her head shyly, and was very happy when she saw Li Fei nodding in agreement.
"Don't call me princess anymore, it seems strange. We are of similar age. From now on, you can call me Luoyue and I will call you Mingxue, okay?" Yi Luoyue took her hand affectionately.
"Princess, this is unreasonable."
"What's the big deal about whether we're compatible or not? We'll be a family from now on. Don't you think so, Cousin Li Fei?" Yi Luoyue looked at the two of them mischievously.
"I think so."
"What's okay? Don't cause me any trouble!" Gong Mingxue gave Li Fei a cold look. If she had the courage, she would dare to call the princess's name. Did she think she wouldn't die soon enough?
"Aunt Xue, you are so stupid. If you marry Uncle Li, you will be Aunt Luo's cousin. Aunt Luo must not want to call you cousin, so she calls you by your name." I looked at the adults with an expression that said I was the smartest.
"Little devil, you betrayed me." Yi Luoyue rubbed her forehead pretending to be angry.
"Who wants to marry him?" It turned out that the princess and he were really just brother and sister. Gong Mingxue, who was originally a little worried, was so embarrassed that she almost buried her face in the ground.
"If you don't marry me, who will you marry?" If this wasn't in public, he really wanted to give her a good beating and make her speak incoherently. But it doesn't matter, he will find a place where no one is around and give her a good beating. Looking at her red lips, he couldn't help but swallow his saliva.
"But!"
"Okay, just listen to Luo Yue. Didn't I tell you that I will come to propose marriage in a few days? I have solved all the problems, and you have to marry me even if you don't want to." He had an expression that did not allow any rebuttal.
"Mingxue, look at this! My cousin knelt in front of my father for two hours just for you. If you don't marry me, he's afraid no one will want me anymore."
"He... really knelt for two hours?" Gong Mingxue felt a little touched.
"That's right. Since he's so pitiful, I'll let you down and just marry him." She thought to herself, if you marry her, she can go and deal with Gong Yuchen.
"So, you see, we should just call each other by our names." Her coquettish expression was exactly the same as Xiaoyue'er's.
Fortunately, everyone in the pavilion was our own people, and the noise was not loud, so people outside could not hear what they were saying.
Seeing that the time was almost up, Gong Yuxian stood up, walked slowly to the middle of the water pavilion, and bowed to Yi Luoyue in a loud voice.
"Your Highness, I have a poem that I would like to present to you." After saying this, he thought for a moment.
"In September, the imperial city is filled with golden cups, just like the streets are filled with gold. Thousands of cups of gold enter your noble house, and wealth and glory will always be with you."
"good......"
This poem uses "chrysanthemum" as its core image, and uses the prosperous scene of the imperial city in autumn to convey an intuitive description and beautiful wishes for wealth and glory. The lines are full of a lively and luxurious atmosphere. The description is vivid, the artistic conception is beautiful, and the meaning is extraordinary, which attracted applause from the audience.
Gong Yuxian looked at Yi Luoyue with a proud look on his face, raised his hands and saluted.
"This poem is called 'Ode to the Chrysanthemum'. I hope Your Highness will enjoy it."
Yi Luoyue nodded lightly and smiled.
"Prince Gongyu is very talented and his poem is excellent."
"He's saying that you like money, auntie." The little devil who loves to stir up trouble will never miss any opportunity to avenge his "father".
"Gold and all over the streets. Enter your family and stay with me forever, Aunt! How much do you love money to make the prince write such a poem?"
Everyone looked at Xiaoyue'er, wondering who this child was, calling the princess "Auntie".
"You..." Gong Yuxian was choked and speechless, his face turned ashen with anger.
"It's not Xiaoyue'er's fault. Prince Gongyu's poem is a bit vulgar." Li Fei also hurried to add insult to injury.
Gong Yuxian was not willing to be outdone and retorted to the two of them.
"Mr. Li, you are wrong. Poetry should be written in response to the situation. If you try too hard to be subtle, it will only make you seem pretentious. Moreover, for someone as unworldly as the princess, only straightforward praise can truly express our respect."
"Oh, so that's how it is. The prince just wants everyone to know that the princess loves money!" Xiaoyue said as if she suddenly understood.
"Hahahahahahaha." Everyone present couldn't stop laughing. This little girl was so cute.
Seeing this, Yi Luoyue coughed lightly and began to explain.
"Children speak without restraint. I hope Prince Gongyu will not be offended." But deep down he was saying, well done.
Upon seeing this, the emcee Liao Kai quickly tried to smooth things over.
"How about Prince Gongyu write another poem and let the princess and the others judge it?"
"Yes, but I still hope the princess will give me a title."
"Okay, then how about we use the scenery in this garden as our theme?"
He forced a smile, thought for a moment, and began to chant.
"In the autumn season, the fragrance of the flowers in the garden attracts butterflies. The beautiful lady with a smile on her face, but she doesn't understand the pain of lovesickness."
This poem, set against the backdrop of a beautiful autumn landscape, conveys the delicate sentiment of "the beauty knows not the bitterness of lovesickness" through the contrast between "scenery" and "emotion." Between the lines lies a sense of melancholy that no one else can understand. After reciting it, he gazed at Yi Luoyao with a deeply affectionate gaze.
"It's so sour, so sour! Whose vinegar spilled?" The little hands fanned under his nose.
"Auntie, Uncle Li, do you smell a sour smell? It's really sour."
"Xiao Yue'er, look at some people, they are so sour, sour, and arrogant! They only care about romance and are too petty."
You..." Liu Wenxuan was speechless after being scolded by Li Fei. He had been studying poetry and songs since he was young, and what he valued most was the elegance and charm of poetry. Now that Li Fei called him "petty-minded", how could he not be angry?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
