USWHC -Chapter 515 The Talent of a Top Scholar (Part 5)

At that moment, the emperor suddenly laughed and said, “Since the Second Prince is interested in listening, this year’s palace exam will be changed to a policy-style test!”

The emperor’s words were simple, but the officials below immediately fell into a chaotic uproar. Just then, Yelü Haonan, surprisingly cheerful, exclaimed, “Wonderful! May I… scream in despair?”

“You may!” The emperor replied with a steady smile, clearly confident in his top scholar.

“Father, what are you doing? Allowing such a scoundrel to participate in the talent selection ceremony of our grand nation—is this a joke?” Not only the ministers, but even Lanyi murmured under her breath.

Zhu Jie smiled faintly and said, “Perhaps Father truly wishes to show off our nation’s power in front of the people of Qi!”

“Really? But what if we falter?” Lánxīn asked, unable to hide her concern.

At this, the officials of Daliang also grew anxious. Indeed! What if they falter? How could they save face afterward?

Just then, a clear and enchanting song suddenly floated from the pavilion in the middle of the lake:

“Willows in varied shades hide the painted towers,
Morning orioles chirp, sending sorrow throughout the palace.
Year after year flowers fall unseen,
In vain following spring’s waters flowing from the imperial moat.”

Zhu Jie looked up, startled. The delicate and melodious voice was none other than Hua Feixue singing. Her voice was naturally cool, carrying a solitary elegance and subtle melancholy; singing this song, it was truly captivating.

“Haha, what a fine song!” Yelü Haonan laughed loudly. “I forgot that the Liang Dynasty is famous not only for talented men, but also for talented women! This singing… it carries longing even amidst sorrow!”

He then clasped his hands and smiled at the emperor. “Your Majesty is indeed fortunate—adored by the most beautiful of the world!”

The emperor’s already furrowed brows tightened even further at his words, yet he still smiled lightly, calm and unbothered. “Which maiden hasn’t known springtime longing? It’s just a poem—there’s no deeper meaning.”

Just then, Yelü Haonan suddenly said, “I’ve heard that the Liang Dynasty’s foremost talented woman is Your Majesty’s most beloved Eighth Princess. May I be so fortunate as to catch a glimpse of her today?”

Hearing his mention of her name, Zhu Jie was momentarily stunned. Indeed, the Second Prince of Qi was rather bold—calling a princess forward in front of so many people, and an unmarried princess at that! Even if there had been some prior understanding between them, it was hardly appropriate to summon her publicly.

Fortunately, a stern voice spoke up: “The Eighth Princess is still unmarried; it’s not suitable to meet foreign guests. Prince, please exercise self-restraint!” The tone was firm and curt, leaving no room for argument.

Lanyi, witnessing this, muttered, “Since when did the Third Prince speak up for Eighth Sister?”

The Third Prince’s direct words plunged the atmosphere into awkwardness, but at that moment, the emperor spoke again: “Third, how can you speak so? Customs in Daliang differ somewhat from Qi; the Second Prince is simply unfamiliar.”

“Yes… it is my fault!” Third Prince Guo Jinghong quickly apologized, then turned to Yelü Haonan. “In Daliang, women are well-versed in the teachings of Confucius and Mencius. There is a distinction between men and women—they cannot appear publicly at will.”

“Is that so?” Yelü Haonan responded. “Then I must have been presumptuous! I only heard that Princess Lanqin is the most beautiful woman in Daliang; I assumed all had seen her. Now I realize perhaps it’s merely a legend!”

At that moment, another young woman gracefully approached, kneeling lightly, head bowed, standing quietly before the hall, and whispered, “I pay respects to Your Majesty!”

At such a time—who could be so oblivious? The palace had just said that Daliang women did not meet strangers, yet she rushed forward—this would embarrass the scene!

It turned out Hua Feixue, after finishing her song, had deliberately come to show herself before the emperor to express her thanks.

But the emperor showed no favor, merely scowling and waving dismissively. “You may step down.”

Hua Feixue did not lift her head, but the stern tone of the emperor made her heart ache. Kneeling there, she stifled her sobs, nearly crying openly.

This was indeed humiliating! The people of Daliang all felt a cold sweat, yet no one could speak—they could only wait for the young lady to finish and leave quickly.

Fortunately, at that moment, a palace maid came forward, gently helping Hua Feixue to her feet, silently bowed, and guided her away.