The scholars likewise sighed in disappointment, lamenting the loss of a prodigy like the Princess Chen, who had to give up due to some incident. It was a significant loss to the world of literature, but everyone has their path, and they could not say much.
Nangong Lingfei and the others couldn’t help but snicker, as everyone had been fooled by the ninth sister, who had never written a single poem or piece of verse, even if this incident had not occurred.
Prince Duan wished he could kill Yang Mengchen, who had actually shifted the blame onto him. It was utterly detestable, to the extreme.
In the poetry competition, Yang Mengchen deservedly won first place, while Princess Yashuang was second, and Princess Feilan came in third. Hai Ruofeng secured the fifth position, Su Manru was eighth, and Qi Qiuxin came in last.
Originally, the calligraphy contest was to follow immediately after the poetry, but Yang Mengchen made a request to the judges to postpone the calligraphy contest until the afternoon, claiming she had suffered a considerable shock and was physically and mentally exhausted, unable to continue the competition.
"No way!" Qi Qiuxin had paid special attention to Yang Mengchen’s handwriting earlier and found it delicate and neat but too conventional and lacking flair. Without waiting for the judges to speak up, she vehemently objected, "The timing of the competition has long been set. How can you just change it as you please?"
"Princess Qiuxin’s comment is laughable," retorted Yang Mengchen. "As the Princess Chen, wrongfully accused and questioned without cause, do I not even have the right to request a moment of rest? I believe I have no grudges with Princess Qiuxin, so why do you always target me?"
"You’re talking nonsense! When have I ever targeted you?" Princess Qiuxin argued back loudly but clearly lacked confidence.
Yang Mengchen spoke calmly, "Whether or not you’ve targeted me, Princess Qiuxin, you know best, as do all present here."
"You..."
Ignoring Qi Qiuxin, who was at a loss for words, Yang Mengchen turned to the judges, "May I ask the esteemed judges if I may rest?" She fully displayed her respect for the judges in her demeanor and tone.
The judges, renowned scholars and academics with a worldwide reputation, known for their free-spirited ways, and all older than Princess Chen’s father, secretly admired her behavior and found it agreeable. They were inclined to agree, but as the competition was significant, they couldn’t make the decision on their own.
Upon hearing Yang Mengchen’s words, the crowd started to see Qi Qiuxin’s earlier statements in a new light, their gazes towards her filled with scorn and disgust.
"Of course, the Princess Chen can rest!" someone cried out indignantly.
Quickly, another voice chimed in, "Right, the Princess Chen has the right to rest!"
"Exactly, certain individuals have ulterior motives for preventing the Princess Chen from resting. It’s simply shameless!" said another, with sharp words.
...
The scene started to spiral out of control as supportive shouts rose in waves.
Glancing at a flustered Qi Qiuxin, Yang Mengchen cracked a smile where no one noticed, with provocation and mockery clearly showing through her radiant grin.
Qi Qiuxin, grinding her teeth in anger, was helpless in the current situation and could only glare fiercely at Yang Mengchen.
"Your Majesty, what do you think?" Old Hai asked the Emperor seated at the main position.
The Emperor was a shrewd old fox, and at a time like this, he had no intention of sticking his neck out. With authority, he spoke, "With representatives from all over present, what do you think about postponing until the afternoon?"
"It’s just a slight delay; it should be fine," Xiahou Muyang stood up to reply, earning the good will of many.
Glancing at Yang Mengchen, Wu Zhenglie immediately stated his position, "Princess Chen is in poor spirits, she should indeed go back and rest properly."
"Imperial Younger Sister has been brash, causing trouble for Princess Chen. Please forgive her," Qi Zonghao obviously did not want to lose face in front of representatives from other nations, "Princess Chen, please go back and rest." freeweɓnovēl.coɱ
The competition thus naturally concluded.
Long Xuanmo walked forward, took his beloved wife’s hand, and they left together. As they left, his deep gaze coldly swept over Prince Duan and Qi Qiuxin.
The intense killing intent made Prince Duan’s face turn pale, not daring to even breathe heavily, while Qi Qiuxin trembled slightly, fear and hatred overwhelming her.
Nangong Lingfei declared boldly, "Today, it’s on me."
"We’re coming too," Hua Ziyu and the others ran over, speaking in unison.
Although the afternoon’s competition would determine whether they won bets, Nangong Lingfei was confident in Yang Mengchen’s chances, "Everyone, let’s go."
"Let’s head to the Yang Mansion first," Yang Mengchen said, her expression serious.
Long Xuanmo naturally obeyed his wife, and together with others, they proceeded imposingly towards the Yang Mansion, met with numerous respectful and admiring gazes along the way.
Yang Mansion.
"Fifth brother, how are the fifth sister-in-law’s affairs?"
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