Chapter 313 Dazzling Choices
When Xiao Huaijin arrived at Luomei Pavilion, it was at its liveliest time.
He was followed by four eunuchs, each carrying a tea tray. Three of the trays contained gifts for Lady Han, and the other tray held a set of writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.
As for who should receive that set of writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone... everyone knows.
Whoever catches the Regent's eye will be given to him, and that person will become the Regent's Consort.
As soon as Xiao Huaijin entered Luomei Pavilion, everyone immediately fell silent. He was dressed in a black brocade robe with gold thread and wore a golden crown.
The ladies who had been reciting poetry and painting together immediately bowed deeply.
"Greetings, Regent!" The young ladies quickly lowered their heads.
Xiao Huaijin nodded, then dismissed the young ladies' formalities, and led the eunuch into Luomei Pavilion.
The young ladies didn't dare to breathe loudly, only stealing glances at Xiao Huaijin's back.
The regent seems to be even more handsome than when he was King of Qi...
Broad shoulders, long legs, good looks, and now he's the regent...
Almost every young lady's eyes sparkled with excitement; becoming the Regent's wife must be something everyone was dreaming of!
Everyone watched as Xiao Huaijin walked into Luomei Pavilion.
...
"Madam, His Majesty heard that you have entered the palace. I happened to be with His Majesty just now, so I brought over His Majesty's reward on the way." Xiao Huaijin bowed to the old lady of the Duke of Han.
Lady Han, the matriarch of the Korean family, dared not accept Xiao Huaijin's courtesy and quickly stepped aside with the help of her maid.
Ye Yunshu presented the Lady of the Han State with a jade ruyi, a string of sandalwood beads, and a coral ornament.
The old lady smiled and thanked her.
Xiao Huaijin turned to leave, but was stopped by Madam Han Guogong.
"Today, thanks to the grace of the Imperial Concubine, the young ladies from all the families have gathered together to appreciate the plum blossoms. They have just composed many poems and painted many pictures."
The regent received instruction from renowned teachers and gained considerable expertise in poetry and painting.
Please, Your Regent, take a look and give your comments!
"That set of writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone was also a gift from His Majesty, right? Consider it a lucky charm!" said the old lady of the Han Kingdom with a smile.
If anyone else were to speak, Xiao Huaijin would definitely ignore them, and might even roll his eyes and leave.
He can't just look at anyone's poems and paintings.
But the Korean matriarch...
Even His Majesty showed some respect to the old lady of the Han State, and Xiao Huaijin did not want to embarrass her.
Moreover, the old lady of the Korean government probably meant the same thing as her eldest sister.
If I just storm off like this, my older sister will give me a good scolding as soon as I leave.
“Alright, in that case, I’ll gladly accept your offer! Madam, let’s take a look together!” Xiao Huaijin had no choice but to agree.
The old lady of the Korean government immediately looked at Consort Wu and gestured for her to go down and see the masterpieces of the young ladies.
...
The light snow was still falling gently, and the fragrance of plum blossoms in Luomei Pavilion seemed even stronger. The young ladies stood silently in front of their masterpieces.
Xiao Huaijin walked in front, followed by the Lady of the Han State, Consort Wu, and the ladies of various families.
Although he was unwilling, Xiao Huaijin looked at it very seriously.
He had to admit that the families' upbringing of the young ladies was truly impeccable.
Ladies, I wouldn't presume to say you're exceptionally talented, but you certainly possess a wealth of knowledge and skills.
Whether it's the various plum blossom paintings he creates or the poems he writes, they all look quite professional.
Xiao Huaijin nodded as he read.
"This painting is quite good. It captures the proud spirit of the plum blossom. Although the brushwork is a bit immature, given time, it will surely be comparable to the masters."
This one is also good. Although it only has a few plum blossoms scattered throughout, the snowy scenery makes everyone's attention drawn to the plum blossoms instead. It's nice.
And this painting doesn't depict plum blossoms, but it does depict plum trees—a clever and ingenious idea!
Lady Han Gong and Consort Wu exchanged a glance.
This regent is really something...
He's so impartial, I can't tell what he's thinking!
Now that we've seen the painting, let's look at the poem.
Just like when he looked at the paintings before, Xiao Huaijin praised everyone and commented on everyone's poems.
As for which one they particularly love... I really can't tell.
Both Lady Han Gong and Consort Wu sighed inwardly.
Looks like I didn't like any of them!
He even calculated the time he would stand in front of each person, without deliberately standing longer in front of anyone.
"Good, the daughters of each family are all talented. If they were to participate in the imperial examinations, they would surely achieve great things!"
"That's good, all of it is excellent!" Xiao Huaijin continued.
"Then... Your Highness, let's see whose masterpiece will win first place today!" Lady Han asked with a smile.
Xiao Huaijin glanced at the old lady of the Han family, then at the writing implements on the tray that the eunuch behind him was carrying.
He knew that no matter what, this set of writing implements had to be given away today, otherwise it would be difficult to explain to everyone.
But who should I give it to...?
No matter who it's given to, the consequences will be significant.
Moreover, Xiao Huaijin didn't want to give it to anyone...
"This puts me in a bit of a dilemma. The works of the daughters of various families are all equally excellent. Isn't this making things difficult for me?" Xiao Huaijin said with a smile.
Lady Han Gong and Consort Wu quickly chuckled.
Yes, it's quite difficult for someone!
But if you don't send them out, it will be even more difficult for them. Are you suggesting that you hold more banquets and invite the young ladies to the palace more often?
It's almost Chinese New Year, and everyone's pretty busy!
Xiao Huaijin looked around again, and was just about to casually give the things to someone when he suddenly saw someone...
He immediately had an idea.
Everyone watched as Xiao Huaijin suddenly turned around and walked over to the young ladies of the Lin family mansion, then stood down in front of the youngest granddaughter of the Lin family, who still had her hair in a bun.
"If Miss Ruo comes today too? What did she do?" Xiao Huaijin asked with a smile.
Lin Xiang's granddaughter, who looked like a porcelain doll, immediately raised her face and smiled.
"Only two words were written! And they're not well written!"
"How could that be! The other day the Crown Prince said that Ruo'er can already write, and her handwriting is better than his!"
"Come, let me see if Ruojie's handwriting is good!" Xiao Huaijin said, picking up the handwriting written by Lin Xiang's granddaughter.
Two plum blossom characters...
"Not bad, although she can't compare to everyone else yet, she has quite a talent! No wonder the Crown Prince said that Ruo'er's calligraphy is good!"
Sister Ruo, you must practice your calligraphy diligently, okay? You can't let Brother Jue outdo you!
"Guards, that set of writing implements is a gift for Sister Ruo!" Xiao Huaijin waved his hand.
The eunuch immediately placed the tray in front of Lin Xiang's granddaughter.
Everyone was stunned...
Lin Xiang's daughter is only seven years old! Judging by this, it seems the Regent Prince is sending her off on behalf of the Crown Prince...
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