Chapter 151: Drinking contest, no end of trouble (2/2)

Before long, the plum blossom wine arrived, causing Princess Changping to finally look up. Only them did she notice that Murong Wanru had been shooting her looks the whole time. Princess Changping glanced at the jars of plum blossom wine as her eyes turned cold and fierce. She pulled herself together and nodded towards Murong Wanru to tell her not to worry.

The Plum Blossom Meet was only halfway through when the wine arrived. Although Han Yunxi had managed to change the direction of things in the first round, there was still the second half. This time, Princess Changping had thoroughly prepared. How could she let Han Yunxi go that easily?

The best part was in the second half!

Plum blossom wine was only available at the Plum Blossom Meet, brewed from the snows and fermented plum blossoms of the previous year. This wine had a sweet, fragrant scent, but was quick to intoxicate its drinker. At most, everyone only took shallow doses. Of course, there were still those who drank in excess. If they got accidentally drunk, they could rest in one of the wings in a distant house before going home the next day.

After trying a few sips, Princess Changping started speaking. “Every year we compete in poems and songs or music and painting. That’s no fun. We’ve seen enough of the plum blossoms too, so let’s try something new! How’s that?”

“Princess must have a good idea, right?” the silent Murong Wanru finally spoke up.

Next to her, a few girls also followed in agreement. “There should be something new! Since the princess is hosting this year, what the princess says, counts!”

“Your Highness Princess, hurry and tell us your good idea!”

… …

Princess Changping laughed. “This year my imperial mother isn’t here, so let’s raise the stakes, how’s that?”

Han Yunxi’s heart dropped at these words. She was instantly on guard, but everyone else seemed delighted at the news as they agreed one after the other, livening up the mood.

Princess Changping stood up. “Let’s have a drinking contest! We’ll compete using this plum blossom wine!”

“That’s new and fresh! We’ll play this!”

“Your Highness Princess, this is a good idea. Us girls won’t lose against the men, we’ll see who can drink more today!”

… …

A drinking contest was much more fun than a poetry contest. For many of the females present, it was a rare chance to let themselves loose and showcase their true feelings. Much of the crowd was in high spirits. Without the empress here, the princess was hostess, so whatever the princess approved of wouldn’t be taboo. Of course, many of the men had decided to wait and see. They didn’t plan on participating, since competing against a woman gave them unfair advantages. But to watch women compete in a drinking contest was one of life’s joys. In comparison, the North and South Lords were eager to give it a try, the excitement palpable in their pupils.

Lord Che lightly shook his fan, his smile bewitching to see. “Princess Changping, how are we going to compete?”

Princess Changping was waiting for these exact words and replied instantly. “In previous years, new guests always had to give a performance to show off their skills. I think this year, you should all compete in drinking! Do you dare?”

New guests meant those who were attending the gathering for the first time this year. They included Han Yunxi and the North and South Lords.

Have them compete in drinking?

What was the meaning of this?

Han Yunxi knitted her brows as she looked towards Princess Changping. “Changping, say things clearly. You want this wangfei to compete with men in a drinking game? What kind of idea is this?”

Princess Changping pretended not to understand the meaning behind Han Yunxi’s words. She was very earnest as she replied, “The three of you new guests should compete to produce a winner, then a runner up. Esteemed wangfei, you’re not afraid to, right? It’s fine if you are, just admit your loss and you can withdraw.”

Murong Wanru spoke up as soon as she finished. “Sister-in-law, everyone’s in such high spirits so you shouldn’t disappoint them!”

“That’s right, that’s right. Esteemed wangfei, we all support you!”

“Esteemed wangfei, you have to represent all the females to win against those two! Don’t lose face!”

“Esteemed wangfei, it’s rare to have such good wine. Don’t let us down!”

… …

Everyone took turns urging her on until Han Yunxi knew that escape was impossible. She darted a glance at the North and South Lords, feeling complicated. The true troubles had arrived. Her capacity for liquor wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t all that great, either. She’d heard that these two lords were well-known in their own right. One had distinguished accomplishments in the brothels while the other frequented the theaters. The two of them spent their days in drinking environments!

If she didn’t compete, she wouldn’t just disappoint everyone else, but become a topic for gossip. However, it was going to be a tough battle if she really participated!

-o-

[1] Lei Feng (雷锋) – (1940-1962), a soldier made into a model of altruism and loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party as government propaganda during the 1960s.