Chapter 150: This wangfei is just that outrageous (1/2)

Chapter 150: This wangfei is just that outrageous

This was a good idea?

Han Yunxi felt thunderstruck. She was very clear that women often competed with each other in qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting, or verse and song. But didn’t these girls ever get irritated doing the same things since childhood? She was already tired of reading about such things in palace intrigue novels, so what was so good about this idea? Han Yunxi’s interest had waned, but the assembled guests seemed to be ignited by the suggestion and grew excited.

“Composing poems for the plum blossoms perfectly fits the mood of the occasion. It won’t disappoint this orchard full of flowers.”

“I wanted to say so as well. Everyone should compose a piece and have her highness princess pick a few good ones to put in a book. Then we can gift it to esteemed empress.”

“Good, good, good! That’s a wonderful idea!”

… …

These women had been waiting for their chance since the start. Whether it was composing odes, painting, or playing music to plum blossoms, all of them were thoroughly prepared. Who could possibly get the best of them?

But Han Yunxi was doomed to a tragic end. A useless trash who’d been cast aside since her youth, what would she understand? Judging from her usual conduct and manner of speech, they knew that she was a coarse person.

Everyone was expectant for her performance!

Princess Changping laughed as she looked towards Han Yunxi. “Imperial Qin Aunt, how do you feel about composing poems for plum blossoms?”

Han Yunxi’s mouth twitched, but before she could answer, seven to eight tongues waggled in her place.

“We haven’t seen any of Qin Wangfei’s poems yet! Today’s our lucky day!”

“Qin Wangfei, I heard you’re a superbly gifted woman and that the Duke of Qin most admires your talent and learning.”

“Esteemed wangfei, don’t you hide your skills today. You have to open everyone’s eyes and let us all see, just what level of learning is needed to gain His Highness Duke of Qin’s eye!”

… …

These words sounded like flattery, but they were actually satire, irony, and kill shots!

Han Yunxi was neither willing to accept their jealousy nor take it to heart. Let them envy as they would, she’d be light as a cool breeze, bright as a clear moon.

But by now, the Duanmu Yao sitting by her side couldn’t sit still either. She laughed and said, “This princess was puzzled over how esteemed wangfei married into the Duke of Qin’s estate? So it turns out that esteemed wangfei had talent and learning enough to catch His Highness Duke of Qin’s eye. It really sounds…inconceivable. How about esteemed wangfei compose a poem first?”

Her words silenced the lively crowd. Duanmu Yao’s words were truly unkind. Everyone knew that Han Yunxi and the Duke of Qin’s wedding had been an arranged affair, but she still put it like this. It was basically a vicious slap to Han Yunxi’s face. At this point, Princess Changping actually added oil and vinegar to the story to embellish it.

“Huh? Imperial Qin Aunt, was it because of your talents that Imperial Qin Uncle married you? I didn’t even know! Is it really so?”

How should Han Yunxi reply?

If she said yes but couldn’t prove her talents, wouldn’t they laugh to death at her? If she said no, then Duanmu Yao and Princess Changping would definitely use her arranged marriage, and the fact that she stepped into the Duke of Qin’s gates herself, as a source of humiliation. In the ensuing silence, everyone’s eyes looked towards Han Yunxi, gloating over her misfortune as they waited for her to reply.

“Isn’t it? Esteemed wangfei, say something,” Duanmu Yao smiled coldly.

Just when everyone was waiting for Han Yunxi to look helpless, she actually smiled. It was a very beautiful smile, filled with confidence as she languidly said, “Talent and learning could be considered one of the reasons.”

This woman sure had a lofty tone!

“Hehe, looks like we’ve all guessed right. Imperial Qin Aunt’s talent must be extraordinary, we’ll see it all today!” Princess Changping’s intonation had completely changed.

Duanmu Yao’s face was full of disdain. “Then would Qin Wangfei please start us off with a poem?”

“Yes, you have to compose one! Hurry!” Princess Changping urged impatiently.

Things were tense!

None of the onlookers had shifted their gaze from Han Yunxi. Even the few men in the crowd, including Long Tianmo, were looking her way. Han Yunxi was now irrevocably but unwillingly committed. Since she’d dared to speak so boldly, she’d have to reap the results.

But Han Yunxi was actually quite earnest as she asked back, “Princess Changping, you’re sure you want me to go first?”

Princess Changping gave a start before nodding. “As if I need to make sure! Imperial Qin Aunt, don’t dawdle any longer. It’s not a matter of skill, so why delay? Can’t you see that everyone’s waiting! They’re all expectant!”

Duanmu Yao gave an arrogant laugh. “Esteemed wangfei, just don’t…be so modest! And start.”

Han Yunxi, this princess has to see how you’ll live up to your words!

Silence descended on the gathered crowd. Everyone was waiting as the tension in the air gradually dissipated…but Han Yunxi actually gave one more glance towards Duanmu Yao.

“Princess Rongle is a guest. Perhaps she should go first.”

Excuses! Words to delay the inevitable!

Han Yunxi, you’re a goner! I knew you couldn’t compose anything!

Duanmu Yao hadn’t spoken before Princess Changping cut in. “Imperial Qin Aunt, you’re certainly a joker. Princess Rongle is Cloud Realm Continent’s most famous poetess. She’s already published quite a few poetry anthologies. Our imperial academy textbooks include her poems as well; in fact, I can even recite a few by heart! Of course she has to be the second act, so you might as well go first!”

Duanmu Yao’s face was full of pride as she accepted Princess Changping’s praise. Han Yunxi wore a hypocritical smile on her face. Why didn’t Changping just say she grew up on reading Duanmu Yao’s poetry instead?

“Then perhaps that Miss Xu can go first?” Han Yunxi declined again, looking towards Xu Yunrong.

Princess Changping cut in again. “Imperial Qin Aunt, she can only write five or six poems that qualify for the yearly poetry anthology. You shouldn’t make her show her incompetency. The two of you aren’t on the same level.”