Back at the palace, Leng Qingning first accompanied Wen Yanche to pay respects to the Empress and the Emperor, and the four of them then had breakfast together. The Empress arranged for Wen Yanche to stay at Anning Palace first, and Leng Qingning could come directly to Anning Palace to pick him up later.
After making the arrangements, Wen Yanche and his group went back to rest, as there would be a welcome banquet that evening.
In the afternoon, Leng Qingning kept the Emperor company in his palace. The Emperor was extremely satisfied with this son-in-law, praising him to the skies, saying that there was no better man in the world than him.
Leng Qingning listened and wholeheartedly agreed. From the modern era to Dayue, she had seen many handsome men, but someone like Wen Yanche was unparalleled and unique in the world.
Hehe, so happy~
Leng Qingning had no idea that her habit of falling in love at first sight after arriving in Dayue was completely cured from that point on!
Dinner at Yu Ding Xuan -
The Empress sat at the head of the table, while Leng Qingning and Wen Yanche sat below her. Below them were the various princesses and princes. Ministers, their families, and envoys were seated in the hall.
Leng Qingning and Wen Yanche sat side by side, looking like a perfect couple to others. Wen Yanche smiled gently and occasionally served Leng Qingning some food.
Leng Qinghan stared at Wen Yanche, her eyes practically popping out of their sockets. The Imperial Nobleman's expression also shifted dramatically, filled with jealousy and resentment.
Others also stole glances at Wen Yanche from time to time, marveling at the existence of such a handsome man. Even Leng Qinghuan, Xue Tong, Xie Yun, and others couldn't help but steal several glances.
Gu Nanyi was afraid her younger brother would be upset and wanted to say a few words of comfort to him, but when she turned around, she saw that he showed no signs of sadness at all, only admiration in his eyes. Gu Nanshu told her that he was very happy and glad that Leng Qingning had met a good man...
At the banquet, the ministers and the envoys from Lin Kingdom exchanged greetings and toasts. Lin Kingdom's chief minister, Dong Cheng, recalled the task His Majesty had given her: to carefully investigate the character of Yue Kingdom's young ruler after arriving in Yue Kingdom, and to test her literary talent to see if she possessed true ability.
The decision to arrange a marriage for the sake of peace between the two countries was made after much discussion between His Majesty of Lin and his ministers. His Majesty's decision to send the young lord to Yue was a reluctant one.
Yue is the largest country and borders Lin, so many of Lin's agricultural and sideline products are exported to Yue. The two countries have extensive economic and trade relations.
The Empress of Lin Kingdom wanted her to test the young master of Yue Kingdom, after all, what mother doesn't want her child to have a good life? And she had the same intention.
Upon meeting the young master of Yue, who was exceptionally talented and strikingly handsome, Prime Minister Dong was very pleased, finding him to be a perfect match for the young lord.
If this young ruler is indeed as exceptionally talented in literature as people say, that would be even better. She could then return to report with peace of mind, and His Majesty could also rest assured.
Thinking of this, Dong Cheng stood up and toasted Leng Qingning:
"Your Highness, I have heard that you are quite talented. May I ask you to describe your opinion of our young lord in one sentence?"
Leng Qingning looked at Wen Yanche and guessed that this was a test by the Empress of Lin Kingdom, probably to see if she was worthy of Wen Shaojun.
After considering for a moment, he said, "The piled stones are like jade, the rows of pines are like emerald green, and Lang Yan is uniquely beautiful, unparalleled in the world."
The Left Prime Minister picked up his wine cup and translated, "Like jade stones piled up, like emerald pines arranged in rows, your beauty is unparalleled in the world, there is no other like you in the world. Your Excellency, are you satisfied?"
Dong Cheng nodded in satisfaction and said, "As the rumors say, the young king is indeed very talented in literature. This old minister is very pleased."
"However, this old minister dares to make a request to the young king. I wonder if the young king would be willing to grant it."
These words struck some ministers as odd. They whispered amongst themselves. The Empress understood, but maintained a calm facade.
Wen Yanche put down his wine cup and said to Dong Cheng, "Prime Minister Dong, you mustn't be rude." Although he was scolding him, his face showed respect.
Leng Qingning could tell that Wen Yanche respected Lord Dong very much.
She thought that perhaps she should put their minds at ease. Having sent her young master all this way, she must also hope that he would meet a good man.
That's why I risked offending the young master of Yue Kingdom to raise my questions. Since that's the case, I should just perform well and put their minds at ease.
Leng Qingning gently patted Wen Yanche's hand to comfort him, then looked at the Empress and gave them a reassuring look. She turned to Lord Dong and said politely, "Prime Minister Dong, please feel free to make any requests. I will do my best to fulfill them as long as they are within my power."
Dong Xiang naturally didn't miss Leng Qingning's little actions, and his eyes showed even more satisfaction.
He then said, "In our Lin Kingdom, besides the Spring Festival, the most important festival is the Full Moon Festival. His Majesty has instructed me to convey a message requesting the young ruler to compose a poem praising either the Spring Festival or the Full Moon Festival. Either one will suffice."
Leng Qingning picked up her wine glass, took a small sip, and lowered her head as if in thought. In reality, she was considering which great ancient poet's poem would be most suitable.
While he was pondering, the palace servants had already placed the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone on the desk.
The ministers waited in silence as the Empress and the Emperor raised their cups to drink together with ease.
Leng Huaichuan raised an eyebrow at Leng Qinghan, a look of pride on his face. He was confident his little sister would live up to expectations. Leng Qinghan scoffed softly and looked away, not wanting to see Leng Huaichuan.
After locking onto her target in her mind, Leng Qingning began to write, and the only sound in the room was the sound of the brush writing on the paper.
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the eunuch Wang took the poems, walked to the center of the platform, and recited them with a strong voice:
"Welcoming Spring"
The rhythm of the music is harmonious, and the atmosphere is joyful.
No need to go to the eastern suburbs to greet spring, for spring is already in every household. (Note: Original poem by Ye Xie of the Qing Dynasty)
Water Melody
When will the moon be clear and bright? I raise my cup to ask the heavens. I wonder what year it is tonight in the celestial palace? I long to ride the wind and return, yet fear the jade towers and crystal palaces, where the cold is unbearable at such heights. I dance with my shadow, how can it compare to being in the mortal world? The moon turns through the red pavilion, shines low through the embroidered windows, illuminating my sleeplessness. There should be no resentment, yet why is the moon always full when we are apart? People have sorrow and joy, separation and reunion; the moon has its phases of waxing and waning, and this has always been so. I only wish that we may all live long and share the beauty of the moon, even though we are thousands of miles apart. (Note: Original poem by Su Shi of the Song Dynasty)
As soon as the eunuch Wang finished reading, the prime minister was overjoyed and couldn't help but stand up and say, "Excellent! A timeless masterpiece!" The ministers also nodded in agreement.
The eunuch presented the poem to the Empress. After reading it, the Empress smiled and handed it to the eunuch to be taken away and circulated.
The ministers scrambled for the poem, creating a chaotic scene. Everyone who saw it was deeply moved, exclaiming that the young king was a genius. This is a masterpiece, a timeless masterpiece!
Dong Xiang took the poem and read it carefully. When he read the last line, "May we all live long and share the beauty of the moon, though separated by a thousand miles," he couldn't help but shed tears of sorrow.
So, His Highness the Young King knows what His Majesty is thinking.
This sentence tells His Majesty not to be sad, because even though we are thousands of miles apart, we can still enjoy the same bright moon together!
At this moment, Dong Xiang was more excited than anyone else present. Disregarding her image, she grabbed Wen Yanche's sleeve and said, "Young Master, Your Highness is truly talented. This old minister's trip has not been in vain."
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