Long Tianmo stared at Han Yunxi in disbelief. This was the second time he'd seen her up close. The first time was when she'd cured his strange illness and saved his life.
The feeling this time was completely different. No matter how much he tried to ignore it, he couldn't fool himself. He liked this woman. Moreover, he knew that she was different from Duanmu Yao. Duanmu Yao could help him secure his position as crown prince and the throne in the future, but Han Yunxi could bring his life to a whole new level.
However, he constantly reminded himself of one fact. The man behind this woman could also help him ascend to the throne, but he could also easily destroy everything he had now.
He couldn't afford to offend him!
How could an ant shake a tree? How could a lone star compete with the brilliant moon?
He could only secretly hope that the Duke of Qin hadn't discovered this woman's difference. Perhaps the proud and aloof Duke of Qin would miss this woman. Perhaps, one day in the future, there would still be hope for him.
Long Tianmo's applause brought the stunned crowd back to their senses. Quite a few people joined in.
"Wonderful! Ambitious and magnanimous! This poem will definitely become a classic!"
"Esteemed wangfei is truly unfathomable. His Highness Duke of Qin … has good taste! Heh heh! "
"As expected of Qin Wangfei, this humble one is convinced! I'm sincerely convinced! "
"Without a certain level of magnanimity, it's impossible to write such a poem. Esteemed wangfei, we really don't need to continue!"
… …
Many of those who had been waiting to see Han Yunxi make a fool of herself were openly praising Han Yunxi. They were willing to admit their inferiority.
When one reached a certain height, many people would be jealous. But when one reached true heights, those who envied one would only look up to one.
Han Yunxi didn't like plagiarizing, but if this method could shut these people's mouths and let these self-righteous women know that there was always someone better than them, then she was very willing to be a Lei Feng for once.
Now, it was time for her to take revenge.
She looked at Duanmu Yao and smiled faintly. "Princess Rongle, it's your turn."
Only then did Duanmu Yao recover from her shock. Her heart skipped a beat and her body trembled.
It was time for her to perform.
However, if she didn't do anything better, then she would just be a foil and a disgrace!
Moreover, Han Yunxi had just said that she was afraid that if her poem was too good, she would be too embarrassed to compose another one.
Now, if she really did it, it wouldn't be as good as her in comparison. Wouldn't it really be like what she said, and she would lose even more face?
What should she do?
Originally, she had wanted to embarrass Han Yunxi, but now she was being watched by everyone. She was stuck between a rock and a hard place. As time passed, the crowd grew quieter and quieter. Duanmu Yao's face gradually turned red. She wanted nothing more than to find a hole to crawl into!
Everyone was waiting. Those who'd stood up earlier, those who'd been called out by Princess Changping, were all rejoicing that they hadn't gone up. Otherwise, the ones who'd be embarrassed right now would be themselves!
Han Yunxi, this woman, was too frightening. She hid her strength too deeply. It looked like they'd better avoid direct conflict with her in the future. Otherwise, they wouldn't even know how they died!
It had to be said that at this moment, even Princess Changping was rejoicing. Luckily, the one who'd made the bet with Han Yunxi was Duanmu Yao. If it had been her, then the biggest joke today would've been her!
Han Yunxi's patience was limited. She smiled and kindly reminded, "Princess Rongle, you've been thinking about it for a long time. You've already published so many poetry books. It's just a poem about plum blossoms. You don't need to think about it for so long, right?"
Duanmu Yao's head snapped up to look at her. Seeing the radiant light in her eyes, she really wanted to kill this woman. She took a few deep breaths and finally admitted defeat. Gritting her teeth, she said, "Esteemed wangfei is amazing. This princess admits her inferiority!"
Han Yunxi, this girl, would definitely take revenge. She wasn't modest in the slightest as she laughed. "Aiya, didn't I remind you long ago? You still insisted on me going first and insisted on making a bet. Now, you'll have to fulfill your end of the bet, right?"
Duanmu Yao was so angry that she could taste blood in her throat. Only the heavens knew how sullen she felt. She lowered her voice and hatefully said, "Of course, I'll accept my loss. From now on, this princess won't write any more poems!"
Han Yunxi was very satisfied. She smiled innocently and brightly. She turned to look at Princess Changping. "Changping, are we competing in anything else? Painting? Playing the zither? Or playing a game of chess? "
How could Princess Changping dare to agree? She hurriedly refused. "It's the same thing every year. How boring. I don't think there's any need!"
Right now, no one knew how deep Han Yunxi's foundation was. Who would dare to compete with her?
Princess Changping really regretted it to death!
If she knew things would turn out like this, she wouldn't have bothered with the poetry competition at all. Not only had she failed to defeat Han Yunxi, she'd even stepped on Princess Rongle and stunned everyone.
If that poem spread, it would definitely cause a stir in Tianning's capital city. Now that Han Yunxi had defeated Princess Rongle and forced her to give up poetry for the rest of her life, it wouldn't just cause a stir in Tianning's capital city, but all of Cloud Realm Continent.
After all, Princess Rongle was one of Cloud Realm Continent's famed talented women. It was hard not to become famous after defeating her!
After all, Princess Rongle's fame resounded throughout Cloud Realm Continent not only because of her true talent, but also because she'd spent a lot of time and money on creating public opinion. Han Yunxi, on the other hand, had simply used a poem to pick up a huge bargain!
After Princess Changping's refusal, no one else dared to stir up any more trouble. A new round of refreshments was brought in and everyone quietly tasted them.
Princess Changping resentfully lowered her head and drank her tea. It was too unexpected. She needed some time to compose herself and reevaluate Han Yunxi.
Meanwhile, Duanmu Yao had truly suffered a blow. The more she thought about it, the more sullen she felt. The more she thought about it, the more humiliated she felt. She didn't even dare to raise her head to look at anyone else. Finally, she couldn't sit still any longer and used her body's discomfort as an excuse to leave early. If she wanted to leave, Long Tianmo had no choice but to accompany her.
Han Yunxi tasted the pastries with relish as she watched Duanmu Yao's retreating form.
As she watched, she couldn't help but think of Long Fei Ye. It'd been days since she'd seen that fellow. Actually, she assumed that Long Fei Ye would accompany her today as well, but it was Long Tianmo who'd come instead.
Rumors had it that there were three candidates for the marriage alliance: Long Fei Ye, Long Tianmo, and Mu Qingwu. Judging from Princess Changping's attitude, Mu Qingwu was impossible. She'd only choose between Long Fei Ye and Long Tianmo.
Just what was that fellow thinking?
She'd said she wouldn't care about his affairs, but Han Yunxi couldn't help but feel conflicted again.
It would be New Year's Eve in a few days. Duanmu Yao wanted to spend the new year in Tianning, but who was she planning to spend it with on New Year's Eve? Where would she spend it?
Would there be news of the marriage alliance after New Year's?
Was it true that Long Fei Ye was going to travel after New Year's Eve?
Soon enough, plum blossom wine was brought in. Princess Changping finally lifted her head and discovered that Murong Wanru had been giving her meaningful glances the entire time.
Princess Changping glanced at the plum blossom wine, a trace of coldness flashing through her eyes. She pulled herself together and nodded towards Murong Wanru, indicating that she shouldn't worry.
By the time the plum blossom wine was served, the Plum Blossom Meet was only halfway over. Although Han Yunxi had stolen all the limelight in the first half, there was still the second half.
Princess Changping had made ample preparations this time. How could she let Han Yunxi off so easily?
The best part was in the second half!
Plum blossom wine was a specialty of the Plum Blossom Meet. It was brewed from last year's plum blossoms and snow.
Although the wine was fragrant, it was very easy to get drunk. Most people would stop after tasting it. Of course, there were often people who drank excessively and accidentally got drunk. They could only be sent to a distant room to rest for the night before returning by themselves the next day.
After tasting a few mouthfuls, Princess Changping spoke up. "Every year there's only poetry and songs. The four arts are so boring. We've had enough of admiring the plum blossoms. I think we should try something new! How about it? "
"I presume the princess has a good idea?" Murong Wanru, who'd been silent all this time, finally spoke up.
The other girls beside her also chimed in. "Yes, we should try something new. This year the princess is hosting, so what she says goes!"
"Your Highness, if you have any good ideas, quickly say them!"
… …
Princess Changping chuckled. "This year, Imperial Mother isn't here. How about we play something big?"
Han Yunxi's heart thumped at these words. She was on guard. However, almost everyone present was delighted and agreed. The atmosphere was lively.
Princess Changping stood up. "Let's have a drinking competition! Let's have this plum blossom wine! "
"Fresh! Let's have this! "
"Your Highness, this is a good idea. We women don't lose to men. Today, let's have a drinking competition!"
… …
A drinking competition was much more fun than a poetry competition, especially for many of the women present. This was a rare opportunity to let go of their restraints and reveal their true natures. Everyone was in high spirits. Since the empress wasn't here, Princess Changping was hosting. In any case, with Princess Changping's support, no one was afraid of anything.
Of course, many of the men were in a wait-and-see mode. They didn't plan on participating. After all, a drinking competition with women was somewhat unfair. Watching women compete in drinking was a great joy in life. However, the North and South young masters were eager to give it a try. The joy in their eyes was hard to hide.
Gongzi Che lightly fanned himself with a charming smile. "Princess Changping, how should we compete?"
Princess Changping was waiting for these words. She immediately replied, "In previous years, you newcomers would have to perform. I think this year, we'll have a drinking competition! Do you dare? "
Newcomers referred to those who were attending this year's banquet for the first time. In other words, Han Yunxi and the North and South young masters.
She wanted them to have a drinking competition?
What was the meaning of this?
Han Yunxi frowned as she looked at Princess Changping. "Changping, speak clearly. You want this wangfei to compete in drinking with men. What do you mean?"
Princess Changping pretended not to understand the meaning behind Han Yunxi's words. She earnestly replied, "It means that you three newcomers will compete to determine a champion. Then you'll start defending the ring. Esteemed wangfei, you wouldn't be afraid, right? It's fine if you don't dare. Just admit defeat and withdraw. "
As soon as she finished speaking, Murong Wanru opened her mouth. "Sister-in-law, everyone's in high spirits. Don't be a wet blanket!"
"That's right, that's right. Esteemed wangfei, we're very optimistic about you!"
"Esteemed wangfei, you have to represent us women and win against the two of them. Don't lose face!"
"Esteemed wangfei, it's rare to have such good wine. Don't let it go to waste!"
… …
Everyone began to persuade her. Han Yunxi knew she couldn't escape. She glanced at the North and South young masters, a complicated look flashing through her eyes. The real trouble had come.
Her alcohol tolerance wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either.
She had heard of the North and South young masters before. One of them was a dissolute man who immersed himself in brothels, while the other spent his days mingling with actors. Both of them spent their days drinking wine!
If she didn't participate, not only would she dampen everyone's spirits, she'd also give them a hard time. But if she did participate, it would be a tough battle!
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