In the warm spring of March, the imperial gardens were ablaze with flowers and lush with green grass. The annual spring poetry gathering was held as scheduled. This was not only a grand event for literati to display their talents, but also a rare occasion for young men and women of the capital's aristocracy to socialize relatively freely.
Fifteen-year-old Princess Xiao Chengyu had blossomed into a graceful young woman. She inherited her mother Xin Jiuwei's beautiful features and serene temperament; her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her eyes like autumn waters, and her demeanor elegant. She exuded the grace of a royal princess and the gentle refinement of a scholar. Today, she wore a light blue palace gown embroidered with magnolia branches, sitting below the Empress, quietly listening to the scholars reciting poems and exchanging verses. Occasionally, she would whisper a few words to the young ladies beside her, a polite smile playing on her lips.
Her gaze mostly fell upon those talented and spirited young men, tinged with a girlish curiosity and admiration. Although her father and mother were open-minded, they were extremely cautious about the marriage of their most beloved princess, and ordinary men were unlikely to meet their standards. Xiao Chengyu herself was not in a hurry, believing that fate was predetermined and that it was best to let things take their course.
Halfway through the poetry gathering, it was the turn of a young man dressed in a moon-white long robe, with handsome features and a gentle demeanor. He was about seventeen or eighteen years old, with clear and bright eyes. He bowed gracefully and spoke in a clear and melodious voice: "I am Liu Wenxuan, and my father is Liu Zhijie, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites. Today, I humbly offer my poem on the theme of 'A Moonlit Night on the Spring River,' and humbly request Your Majesty, Your Majesty, and all the esteemed officials to offer their critiques."
Liu Wenxuan? Xiao Chengyu vaguely remembered him. Vice Minister Liu was a man of integrity in the court with a good reputation, and his son seemed to be studying at the Imperial Academy and was known for his talent.
After a moment's thought, Liu Wenxuan began to recite the poem aloud. The verses were beautiful and the imagery was ethereal, vividly depicting the beauty of the moonlit night on the spring river. What was even more remarkable was the sense of detachment and freedom it conveyed, which was completely different from those poems that merely pursued neatness or piled up words.
For a moment, the entire room fell silent, then erupted in enthusiastic praise.
"Excellent! The imagery is lofty and the language is superb!"
"Young Master Liu is truly a man of great talent! He is indeed a leading figure at the Imperial Academy!"
Even Xiao Xun, sitting on the dragon throne, nodded slightly and whispered to Xin Jiuwei beside him, "Minister Liu has indeed raised a good son; he is quite intelligent."
Xin Jiuwei nodded with a smile, her gaze gentle.
Xiao Chengyu's heartstrings seemed to be gently plucked by the clear and melodious recitation. Having been immersed in poetry and literature since childhood, she naturally felt a fondness for truly talented people. Liu Wenxuan's poems were not only beautifully written, but more importantly, they possessed a transcendent quality that seemed indifferent to fame and fortune, making them exceptionally fresh and refined in this noisy and powerful arena.
She couldn't help but glance at him a few more times. After receiving the praise, Liu Wenxuan showed no sign of pride. Instead, he humbly bowed and said, "You flatter me." As he returned to his seat, his gaze inadvertently met Xiao Chengyu's. He paused slightly, then gave a gentle, slightly shy smile, quickly lowering his head, his ears seemingly flushed.
That fleeting glance and that clean, shy smile were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples in Xiao Chengyu's heart. She quickly looked away, picked up her teacup to hide her slightly flushed cheeks, but a strange feeling was quietly growing in her heart.
After the poetry gathering, the young men and women were allowed to freely enjoy themselves in the imperial garden. Xiao Chengyu and several close female members of the imperial family rested in the Peony Pavilion, discussing the poems they had just written. Naturally, the topic inevitably turned to the most popular figure, Liu Wenxuan.
"Young Master Liu's poem was absolutely brilliant! And he's handsome too!"
"Yes, I heard that he is gentle and mild-mannered, never argues with anyone, and only studies the classics."
"It's just a pity that his family background is somewhat inferior; he's only the son of a vice minister..."
Xiao Chengyu listened quietly without interrupting, but his impression of that person who "did not covet fame or fortune" and "only devoted himself to studying the classics" deepened.
Just then, Liu Wenxuan and several classmates strolled over to the vicinity of the Peony Pavilion. Upon seeing the princess there, they quickly stepped forward to pay their respects.
Liu Wenxuan's gaze met Xiao Chengyu's again. He still seemed somewhat reserved and bowed, saying, "This student, Liu Wenxuan, greets Your Highness. I am truly humbled that Your Highness noticed my humble work just now."
Xiao Chengyu said gently, "Young Master Liu is too modest. Your poetic talent is truly admirable." Her voice was soft, like a spring breeze.
Liu Wenxuan blushed, his eyes sincere: "Your Highness flatters me. I have long heard of Your Highness's talent in poetry, but seeing Your Highness's ethereal beauty today, I truly understand what it means to be blessed with exceptional talent. I... I dare to ask, I recently acquired an ancient inkstone, and I have heard that Your Highness is fond of calligraphy. I wonder... I wonder if Your Highness could offer me your opinion?" His tone was earnest, filled with the pure admiration of a young man, yet maintaining just the right distance, so as not to be off-putting.
Xiao Chengyu's heart stirred slightly. She did indeed enjoy calligraphy, and collecting famous inkstones was a minor hobby, though not many people knew about it. That Liu Wenxuan knew this and was so dedicated to it... she couldn't help but feel even more favorably disposed towards him.
The women around her chuckled good-naturedly. Xiao Chengyu's cheeks flushed slightly, but she maintained her princess-like demeanor and nodded slightly: "Young Master Liu is too kind. If I have the time, I would be happy to take a look."
Liu Wenxuan's eyes lit up with surprise, and he quickly said, "Thank you, Your Highness! I will keep it safe and await Your Highness's summons!"
This brief conversation planted a seed in Xiao Chengyu's heart. Liu Wenxuan's talent, humility, shyness, and seemingly clumsy yet sincere sincerity all matched a young girl's ideal of a "talented scholar." She began to look forward to their next "chance encounter," and even started paying attention to the news about him from the Imperial Academy, all of which praised his outstanding talent and noble character.
Since that poetry gathering, Liu Wenxuan seemed to have found a reasonable excuse to begin sending letters to Xiao Chengyu through a reliable eunuch, asking for his "advice" on poetry and calligraphy.
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