TFWYH – Chapter 649 Speaking Eloquently

Everyone who was supposed to come had arrived — and even some who weren’t supposed to had shown up too. Wan Zhenxiang continued drawing lots for the competition.

At first, Princess Yong’an and Huangfu Rong’an had no idea what was going on. But after asking around, their attention was immediately captured by the three treasures.

Holy crap — the Emperor, Empress, and Imperial Consort are being this generous this year?!

Then what were they waiting for?

Participate!

They absolutely had to participate!

The two quickly wrote down their names and handed them in as well.

Since the competition hadn’t officially started yet, and the two technically weren’t breaking any rules, Wan Zhenxiang reshuffled the slips after receiving the Emperor’s approval.

He then drew out two slips, unfolded them, and loudly announced:

“Miss Gu of the Chancellor’s Estate, and Wengnai County Lady!”

The moment those words were spoken, the officials who had previously been bored instantly perked up.

Their gazes shifted back and forth between Tang Wan and Gu Xiyan as whispers spread throughout the hall.

“I heard Wengnai County Lady came from the countryside. Does she even know any refined arts?”

“Hard to say. What talents would a rural woman have? Chopping firewood, feeding pigs, or carrying water?”

“Miss Gu is still the granddaughter of Chancellor Gu after all. She’s studied music, chess, calligraphy, and painting since childhood. I heard she’s exceptionally learned and doesn’t lose to the great scholars of noble families.”

“We’ll find out soon enough.”

…

No one had high expectations for Tang Wan. Most were simply waiting to watch her embarrass herself.

Gu Xiyan herself wore a face full of disdain as she rose and walked forward proudly to face Tang Wan.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t as tall as Tang Wan, so she couldn’t quite manage the lofty “looking down her nose at others” effect.

Compared to her, Tang Wan was much calmer — eyes forward, expression indifferent.

If nothing else, based on temperament and beauty alone, she completely outclassed Gu Xiyan.

Wan Zhenxiang carried over the bamboo tube containing the event slips and asked the two women:

“Which of you will draw?”

Gu Xiyan immediately said:

“Wengnai County Lady probably can’t even recognize all the characters. Naturally I’ll be the one drawing.”

“You draw, you draw,” Tang Wan replied, even stepping back to let her perform.

Little did Tang Wan know that in Gu Xiyan’s eyes, this only confirmed that Tang Wan truly lacked education and was scared.

Gu Xiyan became even prouder, like an arrogant peacock.

She glanced at the nine slips inside the bamboo tube. After only a moment’s thought, she casually drew one and handed it to Wan Zhenxiang.

Wan Zhenxiang opened the slip, smiled, and displayed it for the two women to see.

“This round will be a poetry contest.”

“That works. I’ve been immersed in books since childhood. I may not be a great scholar, but I’m certainly better than certain people.”

As Gu Xiyan spoke, she deliberately looked toward Ling Yu.

But Ling Yu didn’t even glance at her.

He simply watched Tang Wan with a faint smile, his eyes full of intoxicating tenderness.

Gu Xiyan’s expression stiffened briefly before quickly returning to normal.

It didn’t matter.

She only needed to prove that she was superior to Tang Wan.

Then Ling Yu would naturally understand who was the flower and who was the pile of dirt.

The Empress glanced at Tang Wan before smiling at the Emperor.

“Since this is a poetry competition, there should naturally be a topic. I dare to offer one — does Your Majesty approve?”

The Emperor raised a hand.

“Approved.”

“Yes.”

A trace of satisfaction flashed through the Empress’s eyes before she calmly looked at the two contestants.

“On my way here, I passed by the plum garden and saw the winter plum blossoms in full bloom, filling the garden with beauty. Why don’t you two compose a poem on the subject of plum blossoms?”

“This subject obeys,” Gu Xiyan replied respectfully.

Then, with a cold look toward Tang Wan, she immediately recited:

“Hidden fragrance drifts upon icy snow,
Sparse crimson shadows carry sweet perfume.
Plum blossoms themselves are unstained by worldly dust,
Yet who has brushed rosy color upon their jade-white lips?”

As soon as Gu Xiyan finished, the assembled officials immediately revealed expressions of admiration.

As expected of the Chancellor’s granddaughter — she could compose poetry effortlessly on the spot!