A group of people arrived at the garden and indeed saw various breeds of flowers blooming. The variety was even more extensive and precious than those in the Imperial Royal Garden.
Yang Mengchen’s expression was serene, but a trace of sharp coldness flitted through the depths of his eyes and eyebrows.
The descendants of the Xinyang Marquis Mansion were all unlearned, relying solely on selling ancestral properties and the dowries of daughters-in-law, as well as the aid of married-off daughters to live their lives, yet they maintained so many flowers, some of which were extremely rare breeds. How interesting.
"Oh, why has she come as well?" Long Jingxi muttered in confusion.
Following Long Jingxi’s gaze, they saw Long Fengying, in her bright and splendid attire, walking over with a group of maids and sisters. The Emperor had decreed that Long Fengying should reflect behind closed doors, without specifying the duration, so she should be staying in the Princess Mansion at this time.
Princess Ning said sternly, "This flower viewing party today is probably a trap. You all need to be careful, especially Jiujiu and Madam Shao. Do not leave our side."
Everyone present was a confidant, except for Yang Mengchen and Chu Dieyi. The others were well aware of the filth and venomous tactics of the Xinyang Marquis Mansion. The fact that Long Fengying had come, along with the marital ties between the Xinyang Marquis Mansion and Ke Prince Mansion, suggested that Long Yanrou would likely come as well, undoubtedly ready to play her conspiracies.
"I will be careful," Yang Mengchen and Chu Dieyi nodded.
Just as they were whispering to each other, a maid suddenly came over: "Princess Chen, the ladies over there are writing poetry for fun. Everyone is participating. Would Princess Chen like to join?"
"Sure, we’ll go over and take a look," Yang Mengchen said with a smile, though a sharp gleam flashed in her eyes.
There were many people here, and yet the maid invited only her. It was obvious that this was aimed at her, and she wanted to see what tricks some people would play.
Seeing Yang Mengchen and her group approaching, Long Fengying’s smile held another meaning: "Everyone suggested writing poems for fun. It would be lively if Third Sister-in-law and Madam Shao also participated." A peasant girl and an official slave, they probably don’t even recognize many characters, let alone write poetry. Soon, the two wretches would surely make fools of themselves in public.
Several young ladies eager to curry favor with Long Fengying chimed in agreement. With a man as outstanding as Prince Chen being monopolized by a peasant girl, they were naturally envious and resentful. freewёbnoνel-com
Several ladies, pleased to hear the news, came over to watch. With their own daughters or daughters-in-law among them, they held a comparative spirit.
"Since it’s for fun, those who are interested can write. There’s no need to force those who aren’t. We don’t want to delay the banquet while waiting for so many to finish," Princess Kang said with a light smile. "Besides, Third Sister-in-law and Madam Shao, having different statuses, need not join in this activity."
Third Sister-in-law is indeed extremely clever, but I have never seen her lift a pen, and Madam Shao has been at the border for a long time. She must be too busy with her duties to read or write. Naturally, she worried for Third Sister-in-law and Madam Shao.
"Princess Kang worries too much. With her noble status, Princess Chen must be talented, and so is Madam Shao, a warrior woman. Surely they are both brimming with talent. It is perfect for us to learn from their poetry," Ma Ruyin, the legitimate second daughter of the Xinyang Marquis Mansion, chuckled.
Her grandmother and father wanted to marry her and her sisters to the Yang family brothers, but they simply looked down on the Yang family’s low status. Moreover, after today’s banquet, the reputation of Princess Chen and the Yang family would be completely ruined, making her and her sisters even less willing to be associated with Princess Chen and the Yang family.
Princess Kang’s expression darkened slightly at these words and was about to say something when Yang Mengchen tugged at her sleeve subtly and smiled reassuringly, indicating there was no need to worry. She then turned to look at Long Fengying and others: "Let’s skip the observation and study. Madam Shao and I will just join for fun."
Yang Mengchen and Chu Dieyi exchanged a glance, then walked to the table in the center and began to write their poems.
This seemed to be a ’start’ signal. Regardless whether they were surprised or interested, everyone hurriedly picked up pens so as not to be the last one still writing when everyone else had finished, and be embarrassed.
Watching the earnest writing of Yang Mengchen and Chu Dieyi, not only Long Fengying but also the others were shocked. Could Princess Chen and Madam Shao actually read and write? Or were they merely pretending?
About a quarter of an hour later, everyone who had been writing poetry put down their pens.
A maid came forward and curtsied: "Princess Fengying, the gentlemen have heard that poems are being written here, and Prince Jing has suggested sending everyone’s fine works over for them to peruse."
"Good..."
"Hold on!" Before Long Fengying could finish, Yang Mengchen already interjected with a clear tone, "Is it proper for women’s belongings to be casually passed around? If something happens, who will take responsibility? Princess Fengying? Prince Jing? Or the Xinyang Marquis Mansion?"
Princess Ning spoke authoritatively, "Jiujiu is right! If something goes wrong, no one can bear the responsibility! If the gentlemen wish to admire fine works, we’ll have someone make another copy and send it over later."
Many ladies and young ladies agreed, as it concerned the reputation of the ladies, which could not be taken lightly.
Seeing their plan failing, Long Fengying and the three young ladies of the marquis mansion were extremely annoyed but helpless. Ma Ruyin glared fiercely at the maid, who then bowed her head and went to convey the message.
Observing the odd reactions of Long Fengying and Ma Ruyin, Yang Mengchen remained composed, though her eyes harbored an obscure and difficult to discern sharpness.
Princess Ning said to one of the ladies, "Lady Weichi, I heard you have judged several cultural contests before. You must know who among us wrote well, so please help sort out the good writings. It will be easier for everyone to appreciate."
"It is my honor. I dare not own up to ’helping’, as mentioned by Princess Ning," Lady Weichi readily agreed, then directed her maid to neatly arrange the good writings. Lady Weichi, coming from a literary family herself, was talented, upright, and widely respected.
After casting a casual glance at those present, Princess Ning smiled and said, "None of us have seen the writing of Jiujiu and Madam Shao, and I’m sure we’re all as curious as I am. Lady Weichi, please paste Jiujiu’s and Madam Shao’s writing on this board first, so that everyone can have a good look."
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