Chapter 50a: Change This Year’s Rules
This unexpected development made Empress Wang somewhat startled, but she also kind of wanted to know Luo Qing Luan’s intention. She replied smilingly, “When you say novel, how in the world do we make it more novel?”
Once she heard that there’s a possibility, Luo Qing Luan smiled faintly while winking at Empress Wang. She looked a bit weird. “Your Highness, how about we issue a topic for the poem on the spot, then take turns, so that no one is excluded. Everyone will be involved, because it’s Your Highness who determines the subject matter impromptu. In this way, the poem that’s recited can then be a test of a person’s talent in composing poetry. True gold doesn’t fear fire. Only by choosing the best three in this way can the winner be truly deserving of Western Chu’s title of ‘girl of talent’.”
Drawing up the topics on the spot?
Once this idea was presented, most of the girls who were eager to come forward turned pale.
Even though they had been educated since young, and could occasionally come up with a pretty good poem, tonight wasn’t the same. This was a once a year occasion which had to do with being able to shine in front of the empress and may even become the key to becoming the crown prince’s consort. How could they genuinely use the poems that they composed themselves?
At the very least, most of these young ladies had their parents find someone to compose something for them ahead of time. Moreover, these poems passed through layer upon layer of consideration. Even if they were not chosen among these countless numbers of people, at least they wouldn’t lose face.
Yet now, Luo Qing Laun unexpectedly came up with this idea, to have them compose a poem on the spot. How’s that possible! While they focused on giving the empress a good impression, they had to also think of the verses. They were not some literary genius, how could they compose something in such a short time?
Wasn’t it the same as taking their life away?
After barely thinking about it, Fang Minghu, who had been glaring at Luo Qing Luan, blurted out, “That won’t do! Luo Qing Luan, what are you up to. Why would we need to change the rules of this poetry meeting? Her Highness won’t listen to you.”
She knew that the majority of people lacked confidence, yet didn’t expect that the first to jump out was actually Duke Song’s granddaughter, Fang Mingzhu!
Luo Qing Luan took a glance at her, not the least bit pleased. “Why does Miss Fang have to be so keyed up? You’re Duke Song’s granddaughter, so naturally, your literary skills are notable. I’m merely proposing an idea for Empress Wang to make a fresh change for this year, that’s all. I truly bear no malice.”
“Moreover……” The corners of her mouth curved up into a knowing smile. That smile which was not a smile made her seem calm and collected, distinguishing her from the countless numbers of young girls present.
Luo Qing Luan bowed towards Empress Wang as she opened her mouth. “In coming up with the topics tonight, Your Highness will naturally know who the most talented girl in the capital is. Real ability and learning is important, but an honest and kind character is equally necessary.”
After pondering Luo Qing Luan’s suggestion, the more Empress Wang listened, the more she felt it was reasonable. She subconsciously nodded her head.
She did want to see which young lady was creative and quick minded, with a good character and kind heart. Her main objective wasn’t to listen to poetry during the feast, but to choose a consort for the crown prince. If the event was held according to what’s been done during previous years, then the great majority of poems for tonight had been prepared way ahead of time. As for whether they were original compositions, it was even more difficult to tell. How could this still be considered a test?
It’s true that the future consort needed to be both intelligent and talented. However, moral conduct was even more important!
A flash streaked through Empress Wang’s eye as she laughed. “Not bad. This is indeed novel and interesting. Let’s do it this way then. Tonight, I’ll personally come up with the topics. For the top ten winners, I’ll ask the emperor to reward double.”
Once her voice dropped, a minority of people were inwardly happy, but the majority of young girls turned pale, apprehension filled their hearts.
If they truly had to compose a poem impromptu, and they failed to come up with something, then what? Wouldn’t that be too embarrassing? Some of the girls already started to secretly pray that the topic the empress came up with will match the poem that they already prepared!
“Miss Sun……”
Looking at Sun Qiao’Er, who’s still standing on stage, Empress Wang smiled and said, “Should you still be the first to start?”
A very ordinary question, yet it immediately made Sun Qiao’Er stammer, unable to formulate words clearly. “Your, Your Highness, this……I, I had better……”
In such a frenzy that she nearly wanted to run away, Sun Qiao’Er lost her head out of fear as she looked at Empress Wang and cast a glance towards Luo Qing Luan. Damn her, it’s all her fault. If she didn’t come up with the idea of changing tonight’s rules, how could she be humiliated like this? Right now, she’s neither able to move forward, nor retreat. This was simply the same as asking for her life!
“I should still, still, should still be the first to go……”
Sun Qiao’Er’s legs practically turned to mush. After she finished this sentence, she no longer even dare to look at Empress Wang. Her hand hidden inside her sleeve was clenched tightly as she trembled slightly from head to toe.
“No need to be nervous, Miss Sun.”
For the first topic, Empress Wang actually didn’t want to make it hard for the young girl before her. She also could tell that this daughter of the supervisor of Shanglin Institution, Sun Huidong, was not as confident as before. However, since she dared to be first, then let’s just put forth a simple topic.
With some thought, Empress Wang spoke gently. “Today is the Mid-Autumn holiday. Miss Sun should just compose something based on the two words ‘Mid-Autumn Festival’.”
Mid-Autumn Festival?
Once Sun Qiao’Er heard this, her body relaxed all over. Of the two poems she prepared ahead of time, one just happened to talk about the Mid-Autumn Festival. Her prior worries instantly disappeared, as her face finally recovered some color. She promptly nodded. “Yes, Your Highness.”
After speaking, she pretended to appear to be thinking as she recited several times inwardly. When she felt that the duration was about right, she finally recited the poem.
“August the 15th night, wine cup faces the blue sky,
Bright moon gazes upon all, all long to return home.
In the quiet dim of night, autumn geese cry out.
Round fan already left the hand, clear moon came as usual.”
Chapter 50b: Changed This Year’s Rules
Just as she finished reciting, those girls familiar with her immediately clapped their hands. In response, everyone also followed after and nodded inwardly, praising incessantly. Something like ‘what finely done antithesis’, and even said Miss Sun’s literary ideas gushes forth like a spring. The empress had given the topic for but a moment, yet she already created a poem. Moreover, it was in alignment with the topic, speaking of how the moon was full, and people longed to be reunited, and was really a rare composition.
After all, this was the first poem. As long as it wasn’t too terrible, Empress Wang would also not go as far as to say that it was bad.
Right away, she smiled and praised Sun Qiao’Er for doing a good job and even asked which teacher she ordinarily learned from. Sun Qiao’Er was overwhelmed by the favor and replied to each question. Only after that did she sit down, her face completely crimson. It was obvious that she was quite excited inside.
No matter what, she’d passed one of tonight’s obstacles. Sun Qiao’Er calmed down before lingering fear surfaced. If it wasn’t for Empress Wang intentionally being lenient, and her luck being good, how could she not lose face tonight?
The more she thought about it, the more worried she became. To avoid any problems cropping up later, Sun Qiao’Er decided that no matter what, she won’t try to attract anymore attention tonight.
Empress Wang smilingly said a few things to Imperial Consort Song and the other consorts, then asked Yuchi Lianqing another question. The latter paid her respects graciously as she answered flawlessly. She praised Sun Qiao’Er’s literary talents without belittling herself in the least, as if she was a major scholar providing commentary and actually even reflected some of her teacher’s graceful bearing.
At this point, Empress Wang expressed regret. “If would’ve been even more lively if Teacher Ling could be present at tonight’s feast.”
“Although Teacher is extremely knowledgeable and learned, he is health has always not been too great.” Yuchi Liangqing immediately assumed an appearance of pride and cleverly continued, “Before I came, Teacher even said that she can’t help but miss seeing Your Highness’ graceful bearing, so she asked for Your Highness’ forgiveness and hoped that you won’t take offense. She can only wait at home to see how many masterpieces will be presented on the following day.”
“Scholar Lin is being too courteous. I’ll personally invite her to come into the palace on another day, so that we could have a good chat.”
After a few more interjections, the conversation immediately returned to the main topic. Based on Lin Qiao’Er’s seat order, the young lady next in line, dressed in pink, stood up trembling in fear.
Empress Wang perceived that she appeared delicate and pretty and actually had a bit of a good impression of her. She said, “You can use Morning Sun Palace as the setting and integrate that into today’s Mid-Autumn Festival poem.”
“Ah……” She originally thought that the topic would still be the Mid-Autumn Festival, and that it would be as easy as Sun Qiao’Er’s. Once this young lady heard the three words ‘Morning Sun Palace’, she immediately panicked. Her complexion instantly flushed red and she hemmed and hawed for quite awhile without being able to say anything.
Luo Qing Luan wasn’t affected at all. In any case, she merely came here tonight to go through the motions. Every one of these people previously mocked her for not knowing how to compose poetry. Too bad for them, it’s now their turn to be tested on whether they truly have talent. It turned out that each and every one of them were idiots.
After standing for a period of time, that young lady in pink became more and more panicky. She was practically ready to burst into tears. Her mouth merely formed the words, “Palace……Morning Sun Palace……” After a long time, still not a single appropriate verse was recited.
Empress Wang already understood something. As it turned out, Imperial Consort Song also understood. Apparently, the rules have truly changed. Each and every one of these ordinarily eloquent highborn ladies had become mute. It’s just that tonight was supposed to be a joyous occasion after all, so it’s also not good to be too demanding to avoid ruining the mood. She spoke out. “She looks to be still young. Forget it if she can’t compose something. Let’s have her sit down?”
“Fine. Go back and think about it well. You can withdraw.” Empress Wang concurred emotionlessly.
“Yes. Thank you for Your Highness’ grace.” The shame in that young lady in pink’s eyes already turned into tears threatening to overflow.
Having lost face in front of everyone, once she returned to her seat, she couldn’t help but sob. The other young girls who saw this also didn’t come and console her. They were preoccupied with their own turn to go up on stage later on. What should be done if they also could not come up with anything?
Within a short time, the atmosphere at the Full Moon Feast changed completely. Some people actually became tense and terrified.
If there’d only been two people like this, Empress Wang still wouldn’t mind. However, the following that, she also asked seven or eight ladies, each one of whom were also born of prestigious families, and who had status, position, and renown within their families.
The topic that she gave could also be considered simple and wasn’t too demanding at all, but the poems they composed surprisingly was not up to standard in the least. If they weren’t standing there dumbstruck, then they were acting coy for half the day before coming up with a verse. Not only did the meter and meaning fail to parallel in the couplets, some even failed to rhyme and were completely random.
Gradually, Empress Wang also started to become displeased. It was obvious that in previous years, each and every one of these highborn young ladies had plagiarized others’ works. Every one of these aristocratic young ladies ordinarily known for their talents all turned out to be incompetent and unlearned idiots.
“What now? I’ve already asked so many people. Is it possible that I won’t be able to hear a single good poem tonight?”
Having heard Empress Wang’s somewhat sullen voice, the room full of highborn young ladies panicked. Oh no! The empress is displeased. How could she not have a bad impression of them? Don’t even mention becoming the crown prince consort, if they’re not careful, the empress might even be stirred into anger, with no end of trouble in sight.
Luo Qing Luan was totally unaffected as she watched each and every one of these young ladies’ terrified appearance. There were only three words in her mind: ‘serves them right’!
Who told them to mock her like that previously? This time, they’d made a rod for their own back, right?
Just at this time, a clear and elegant, sweet-sounding voice reverberated and Yuchi Lianqing was seen to be standing up. She turned to Empress Wang and bowed a deep bow, “Your Highness, how about having me give it a try. May you suggest a topic.”
Chapter 50a: Change This Year’s Rules
This unexpected development made Empress Wang somewhat startled, but she also kind of wanted to know Luo Qing Luan’s intention. She replied smilingly, “When you say novel, how in the world do we make it more novel?”
Once she heard that there’s a possibility, Luo Qing Luan smiled faintly while winking at Empress Wang. She looked a bit weird. “Your Highness, how about we issue a topic for the poem on the spot, then take turns, so that no one is excluded. Everyone will be involved, because it’s Your Highness who determines the subject matter impromptu. In this way, the poem that’s recited can then be a test of a person’s talent in composing poetry. True gold doesn’t fear fire. Only by choosing the best three in this way can the winner be truly deserving of Western Chu’s title of ‘girl of talent’.”
Drawing up the topics on the spot?
Once this idea was presented, most of the girls who were eager to come forward turned pale.
Even though they had been educated since young, and could occasionally come up with a pretty good poem, tonight wasn’t the same. This was a once a year occasion which had to do with being able to shine in front of the empress and may even become the key to becoming the crown prince’s consort. How could they genuinely use the poems that they composed themselves?
At the very least, most of these young ladies had their parents find someone to compose something for them ahead of time. Moreover, these poems passed through layer upon layer of consideration. Even if they were not chosen among these countless numbers of people, at least they wouldn’t lose face.
Yet now, Luo Qing Laun unexpectedly came up with this idea, to have them compose a poem on the spot. How’s that possible! While they focused on giving the empress a good impression, they had to also think of the verses. They were not some literary genius, how could they compose something in such a short time?
Wasn’t it the same as taking their life away?
After barely thinking about it, Fang Minghu, who had been glaring at Luo Qing Luan, blurted out, “That won’t do! Luo Qing Luan, what are you up to. Why would we need to change the rules of this poetry meeting? Her Highness won’t listen to you.”
She knew that the majority of people lacked confidence, yet didn’t expect that the first to jump out was actually Duke Song’s granddaughter, Fang Mingzhu!
Luo Qing Luan took a glance at her, not the least bit pleased. “Why does Miss Fang have to be so keyed up? You’re Duke Song’s granddaughter, so naturally, your literary skills are notable. I’m merely proposing an idea for Empress Wang to make a fresh change for this year, that’s all. I truly bear no malice.”
“Moreover……” The corners of her mouth curved up into a knowing smile. That smile which was not a smile made her seem calm and collected, distinguishing her from the countless numbers of young girls present.
Luo Qing Luan bowed towards Empress Wang as she opened her mouth. “In coming up with the topics tonight, Your Highness will naturally know who the most talented girl in the capital is. Real ability and learning is important, but an honest and kind character is equally necessary.”
After pondering Luo Qing Luan’s suggestion, the more Empress Wang listened, the more she felt it was reasonable. She subconsciously nodded her head.
She did want to see which young lady was creative and quick minded, with a good character and kind heart. Her main objective wasn’t to listen to poetry during the feast, but to choose a consort for the crown prince. If the event was held according to what’s been done during previous years, then the great majority of poems for tonight had been prepared way ahead of time. As for whether they were original compositions, it was even more difficult to tell. How could this still be considered a test?
It’s true that the future consort needed to be both intelligent and talented. However, moral conduct was even more important!
A flash streaked through Empress Wang’s eye as she laughed. “Not bad. This is indeed novel and interesting. Let’s do it this way then. Tonight, I’ll personally come up with the topics. For the top ten winners, I’ll ask the emperor to reward double.”
Once her voice dropped, a minority of people were inwardly happy, but the majority of young girls turned pale, apprehension filled their hearts.
If they truly had to compose a poem impromptu, and they failed to come up with something, then what? Wouldn’t that be too embarrassing? Some of the girls already started to secretly pray that the topic the empress came up with will match the poem that they already prepared!
“Miss Sun……”
Looking at Sun Qiao’Er, who’s still standing on stage, Empress Wang smiled and said, “Should you still be the first to start?”
A very ordinary question, yet it immediately made Sun Qiao’Er stammer, unable to formulate words clearly. “Your, Your Highness, this……I, I had better……”
In such a frenzy that she nearly wanted to run away, Sun Qiao’Er lost her head out of fear as she looked at Empress Wang and cast a glance towards Luo Qing Luan. Damn her, it’s all her fault. If she didn’t come up with the idea of changing tonight’s rules, how could she be humiliated like this? Right now, she’s neither able to move forward, nor retreat. This was simply the same as asking for her life!
“I should still, still, should still be the first to go……”
Sun Qiao’Er’s legs practically turned to mush. After she finished this sentence, she no longer even dare to look at Empress Wang. Her hand hidden inside her sleeve was clenched tightly as she trembled slightly from head to toe.
“No need to be nervous, Miss Sun.”
For the first topic, Empress Wang actually didn’t want to make it hard for the young girl before her. She also could tell that this daughter of the supervisor of Shanglin Institution, Sun Huidong, was not as confident as before. However, since she dared to be first, then let’s just put forth a simple topic.
With some thought, Empress Wang spoke gently. “Today is the Mid-Autumn holiday. Miss Sun should just compose something based on the two words ‘Mid-Autumn Festival’.”
Mid-Autumn Festival?
Once Sun Qiao’Er heard this, her body relaxed all over. Of the two poems she prepared ahead of time, one just happened to talk about the Mid-Autumn Festival. Her prior worries instantly disappeared, as her face finally recovered some color. She promptly nodded. “Yes, Your Highness.”
After speaking, she pretended to appear to be thinking as she recited several times inwardly. When she felt that the duration was about right, she finally recited the poem.
“August the 15th night, wine cup faces the blue sky,
Bright moon gazes upon all, all long to return home.
In the quiet dim of night, autumn geese cry out.
Round fan already left the hand, clear moon came as usual.”
Chapter 50b: Changed This Year’s Rules
Just as she finished reciting, those girls familiar with her immediately clapped their hands. In response, everyone also followed after and nodded inwardly, praising incessantly. Something like ‘what finely done antithesis’, and even said Miss Sun’s literary ideas gushes forth like a spring. The empress had given the topic for but a moment, yet she already created a poem. Moreover, it was in alignment with the topic, speaking of how the moon was full, and people longed to be reunited, and was really a rare composition.
After all, this was the first poem. As long as it wasn’t too terrible, Empress Wang would also not go as far as to say that it was bad.
Right away, she smiled and praised Sun Qiao’Er for doing a good job and even asked which teacher she ordinarily learned from. Sun Qiao’Er was overwhelmed by the favor and replied to each question. Only after that did she sit down, her face completely crimson. It was obvious that she was quite excited inside.
No matter what, she’d passed one of tonight’s obstacles. Sun Qiao’Er calmed down before lingering fear surfaced. If it wasn’t for Empress Wang intentionally being lenient, and her luck being good, how could she not lose face tonight?
The more she thought about it, the more worried she became. To avoid any problems cropping up later, Sun Qiao’Er decided that no matter what, she won’t try to attract anymore attention tonight.
Empress Wang smilingly said a few things to Imperial Consort Song and the other consorts, then asked Yuchi Lianqing another question. The latter paid her respects graciously as she answered flawlessly. She praised Sun Qiao’Er’s literary talents without belittling herself in the least, as if she was a major scholar providing commentary and actually even reflected some of her teacher’s graceful bearing.
At this point, Empress Wang expressed regret. “If would’ve been even more lively if Teacher Ling could be present at tonight’s feast.”
“Although Teacher is extremely knowledgeable and learned, he is health has always not been too great.” Yuchi Liangqing immediately assumed an appearance of pride and cleverly continued, “Before I came, Teacher even said that she can’t help but miss seeing Your Highness’ graceful bearing, so she asked for Your Highness’ forgiveness and hoped that you won’t take offense. She can only wait at home to see how many masterpieces will be presented on the following day.”
“Scholar Lin is being too courteous. I’ll personally invite her to come into the palace on another day, so that we could have a good chat.”
After a few more interjections, the conversation immediately returned to the main topic. Based on Lin Qiao’Er’s seat order, the young lady next in line, dressed in pink, stood up trembling in fear.
Empress Wang perceived that she appeared delicate and pretty and actually had a bit of a good impression of her. She said, “You can use Morning Sun Palace as the setting and integrate that into today’s Mid-Autumn Festival poem.”
“Ah……” She originally thought that the topic would still be the Mid-Autumn Festival, and that it would be as easy as Sun Qiao’Er’s. Once this young lady heard the three words ‘Morning Sun Palace’, she immediately panicked. Her complexion instantly flushed red and she hemmed and hawed for quite awhile without being able to say anything.
Luo Qing Luan wasn’t affected at all. In any case, she merely came here tonight to go through the motions. Every one of these people previously mocked her for not knowing how to compose poetry. Too bad for them, it’s now their turn to be tested on whether they truly have talent. It turned out that each and every one of them were idiots.
After standing for a period of time, that young lady in pink became more and more panicky. She was practically ready to burst into tears. Her mouth merely formed the words, “Palace……Morning Sun Palace……” After a long time, still not a single appropriate verse was recited.
Empress Wang already understood something. As it turned out, Imperial Consort Song also understood. Apparently, the rules have truly changed. Each and every one of these ordinarily eloquent highborn ladies had become mute. It’s just that tonight was supposed to be a joyous occasion after all, so it’s also not good to be too demanding to avoid ruining the mood. She spoke out. “She looks to be still young. Forget it if she can’t compose something. Let’s have her sit down?”
“Fine. Go back and think about it well. You can withdraw.” Empress Wang concurred emotionlessly.
“Yes. Thank you for Your Highness’ grace.” The shame in that young lady in pink’s eyes already turned into tears threatening to overflow.
Having lost face in front of everyone, once she returned to her seat, she couldn’t help but sob. The other young girls who saw this also didn’t come and console her. They were preoccupied with their own turn to go up on stage later on. What should be done if they also could not come up with anything?
Within a short time, the atmosphere at the Full Moon Feast changed completely. Some people actually became tense and terrified.
If there’d only been two people like this, Empress Wang still wouldn’t mind. However, the following that, she also asked seven or eight ladies, each one of whom were also born of prestigious families, and who had status, position, and renown within their families.
The topic that she gave could also be considered simple and wasn’t too demanding at all, but the poems they composed surprisingly was not up to standard in the least. If they weren’t standing there dumbstruck, then they were acting coy for half the day before coming up with a verse. Not only did the meter and meaning fail to parallel in the couplets, some even failed to rhyme and were completely random.
Gradually, Empress Wang also started to become displeased. It was obvious that in previous years, each and every one of these highborn young ladies had plagiarized others’ works. Every one of these aristocratic young ladies ordinarily known for their talents all turned out to be incompetent and unlearned idiots.
“What now? I’ve already asked so many people. Is it possible that I won’t be able to hear a single good poem tonight?”
Having heard Empress Wang’s somewhat sullen voice, the room full of highborn young ladies panicked. Oh no! The empress is displeased. How could she not have a bad impression of them? Don’t even mention becoming the crown prince consort, if they’re not careful, the empress might even be stirred into anger, with no end of trouble in sight.
Luo Qing Luan was totally unaffected as she watched each and every one of these young ladies’ terrified appearance. There were only three words in her mind: ‘serves them right’!
Who told them to mock her like that previously? This time, they’d made a rod for their own back, right?
Just at this time, a clear and elegant, sweet-sounding voice reverberated and Yuchi Lianqing was seen to be standing up. She turned to Empress Wang and bowed a deep bow, “Your Highness, how about having me give it a try. May you suggest a topic.”
