In a room on the second floor of Cuiwei Pavilion, He Liufeng was having tea with Shen Jinwen, the owner of Cuiwei Pavilion.
Someone pushed the door open, brought in a box, whispered a few words in Shen Jinwen's ear, and then turned and left.
"What is this?" He Liufeng looked at the box in front of him with curiosity.
"Someone just delivered the box here, saying that we need to spread the contents of it within three days, mainly targeting the literati and scholars in the capital."
Shen Jinwen glanced at He Liufeng, then opened the box. Unexpectedly, there were some papers inside. Shen Jinwen took one out, and there was a poem written on it.
Shen Jinwen initially thought someone was showing off their writing skills, and after a casual glance, he was shocked. He then held the paper in both hands and carefully read the contents.
Seeing Shen Jinwen's reaction, He Liufeng also picked up a card, and was equally shocked when he saw its contents.
He Liufeng and Shen Jinwen exchanged a glance, both seeing disbelief in each other's eyes.
Shen Jinwen immediately called someone over.
Who delivered this box of things?
"It was delivered by someone from the Prince of Nanqing's residence." The man hesitated for a moment, then glanced at He Liufeng. Seeing that Shen Jinwen had no reaction, he spoke.
"Alright, go now." Shen Jinwen waved his hand, and the man left immediately.
"So you came from the Prince of Nanqing's mansion. The Prince of Nanqing's mansion really produces a lot of talented people." Shen Jinwen glanced at He Liufeng meaningfully.
"I was surprised too." He knew everything about the people in the Nanqing Prince's Mansion, except for his princess.
First her medical skills, and now these poems—what secrets does Qu Qingxi hold? Isn't she just an unfavored daughter of the Prime Minister's household?
"Make a few copies of these and send them out, keep these for me." Aside from the poems, the calligraphy was also beautiful. He Liufeng squinted slightly as he looked at the things in his hand.
The following afternoon, Qu Qingxi took Qingdai in a carriage to Princess Yongchang's residence.
Princess Yongchang is only of marriageable age this year, but she is very much favored by the emperor. She already has her own residence outside the palace, but she can also return to the palace to live at any time.
Upon arriving at the Princess's residence, Qu Qingxi was helped down from the carriage by Qingdai. Several noble ladies who had come with her were standing at the entrance.
Seeing the insignia of the Prince of Nanqing's residence on the carriage, and then seeing Qu Qingxi gracefully emerge from it, the group knew that the person in front of them was Princess Qu Qingxi of Nanqing.
Several noble ladies quickly led their entourage to pay their respects to Qu Qingxi.
"Greetings, Your Highness."
"No need for formalities," Qu Qingxi chuckled lightly, her demeanor elegant and dignified.
Upon learning of Qu Qingxi's arrival, people from the princess's residence quickly came out and respectfully led Qu Qingxi and the group of noble ladies to the banquet hall where Princess Yongchang was.
When they arrived, many noble ladies had already gathered in the hall.
The separation between men and women here is not so strict, and there is no need to use gauze or screens to separate men and women. However, the men's seats are still a little distance away from the noble ladies.
Upon seeing Qu Qingxi enter, Princess Yongchang quickly walked over to her.
"Greetings, Imperial Aunt." "Greetings, Princess."
"Greetings, Princess." Although Princess Yongchang was a junior, she was still a princess, and Qu Qingxi still needed to bow to her.
The Prince of Nanqing and the current emperor are brothers, but the Prince of Nanqing is almost twenty years younger than the current emperor. So the emperor's sons and daughters are all grown up, but the Prince of Nanqing only recently got married.
"Aunt, please have a seat." Princess Yongchang had only met Qu Qingxi once or twice, both times at palace banquets, so she had never had a proper chance to interact with Qu Qingxi.
Today, Qu Qingxi was only wearing casual clothes, but she was still bright and elegant, which amazed everyone present.
Qu Qingxi and Princess Yongchang sat together, and the others slowly sat down as well.
Qu Qingxi glanced at the crowd below, feigning composure, but inwardly she was screaming with excitement—so many beautiful women!!
Some are dignified and beautiful, some are demure and charming, and some are fresh and gentle, just like the stars in the night sky, each shining with its own light.
At the same time, Qu Qingxi immediately spotted Ren Nuanyun sitting on the left, towards the back.
“Aunt, it’s still very hot outside. Let’s go out later. We were just reciting poetry. Would you like to join us?” Yongchang warmly invited Qu Qingxi.
She didn't have much contact with Qu Qingxi, and didn't know if Qu Qingxi liked these things.
Qu Qingxi smiled and shook her head, "You all have fun. I'm just here to join in the fun. You don't need to worry about me."
Ren Nuanyun, who was sitting below, originally wanted to take the opportunity to humiliate Qu Qingxi, but before she could speak, Yongchang interrupted her.
“Since my aunt says she won’t join us, then let’s play by ourselves. Everyone, let’s continue.” Princess Yongchang spoke, and no one else had any objections. Ren Nuanyun also shut up. Oh well, who cares about Qu Qingxi? As long as she shines today, that’s all that matters.
"Oh, right, a few more people just came in. I'll mention the prizes again. This time, I've set up three prizes in total. The first prize is a red coral bonsai, the second prize is a glass vase, and the third prize is a set of glazed teaware with fish playing among lotus leaves."
The others exchanged glances, surprised that Princess Yongchang would offer such fine items as a prize. Normally, these items would be quite ordinary, but for Princess Yongchang to offer them was something bestowed by the emperor. If it was bestowed by the emperor, it would undoubtedly be the finest of these items.
Ren Nuanyun didn't react much. Her goal today wasn't material possessions; she wanted to amaze everyone and for people to refer to her as the most talented woman in the capital from today onward.
“It’s my turn now, so I’ll begin.” The speaker was a prince’s daughter named He Xueying, who was also a princess.
Before coming here, Qu Qingxi told Qingdai that once they arrived, no matter who it was, Qingdai should quietly introduce them to her so that she wouldn't mistake one person for another and cause an embarrassment. So, as they walked in from the door, Qingdai introduced the general identities of each person to her.
"In the sixth month of summer, lotus blossoms abound, their graceful forms surpassing all other flowers. Green leaves stretch to the horizon, obscuring the water, leaving only the red lotus to reflect the blazing sun." He Xueying, forced by her father since childhood, had learned a great deal of poetry, and thus possessed considerable skill in it. She was absolutely confident that even among all the noble ladies in the capital, her poetry was second to none, and today's first place was undoubtedly hers.
Upon hearing the poem, all the men and women present applauded.
"Princess, you are so talented! The green leaves stretch to the sky but no water is visible, only the red lotus leaves reflect the blazing sun. Wonderful, truly wonderful!"
A gentle male voice rang out, and everyone turned to look at him. The man was dressed in a black robe, had a handsome appearance, and looked to be no more than twenty years old. He held a folding fan in his hand and looked very elegant.
"Your Highness, this is His Highness the Crown Prince." Qingdai quickly explained when she saw Qu Qingxi looking over.
So it's the Crown Prince. Qu Qingxi nodded thoughtfully. There were quite a few men here today. I wonder if the male protagonist that Ren Nuanyun mentioned is among them?
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