CHAPTER 488: CHAPTER 164: PALACE BANQUET (2) RECITING POEMS AND MAKING COUPLET_3

Plus, with the red plum blossoms blooming in the cold wind, what a beautiful scene it is, like a painting.

Looking at it is pleasing to the eye, and even if it is somewhat cold, it is still worth it.

"Today’s winter solstice feast is for everyone to attend. There’s no need for formalities. However, this year’s winter solstice banquet at the Imperial Palace does introduce some new faces, so let’s all go in the order of seating and introduce ourselves, allowing everyone to get acquainted with one another," Zhao Mengyu began, her voice gentle yet commanding.

All listened to Zhao Mengyu’s arrangement and introduced themselves.

This was Xie Ruotong’s first time attending such a banquet, and she was understandably a bit awkward, but luckily, her naturally calm demeanor prevented any embarrassment.

Ye Qichi quietly observed everyone present.

Indeed, there were many new faces.

And at today’s Imperial Palace banquet, there were surprisingly two newly honored beauties who, because of their family’s status, were made concubines upon entering the Imperial Palace.

One was the Chief Scholar’s legitimate daughter, Liu Xinran, and the other was the Attendant Qin Wenchang’s legitimate daughter, Qin Junsheng, also the younger sister of Qin Shuyang.

Both the Chief Scholar and Qin Wenchang were men of the Chu King.

It was natural for the two of them to be made concubines as soon as they entered the palace.

That Zhao Mengyu brought them along on such an occasion also showed the trust she had in them.

Ye Qichi silently speculated.

At the moment, she was thinking about how she might meet the Emperor.

After all, her attendance at the banquet was not solely for the occasion itself.

Everyone had finished introducing themselves.

Zhao Mengyu then said, "Today, as the plum blossoms bloom and the scenery is picturesque, it is rare for us to gather together, and this palace is very pleased, feeling inspired to compose poetry."

Speaking of which.

She authoritatively ordered, "Servants, prepare ink and brushes for all the ladies. Today, let’s take the plum blossoms and white snow as themes. Each lady should, according to her own preference, compose a poem within the time it takes an incense stick to burn. The one who is judged first will be richly rewarded by this palace."

"Yes."

Palace Attendants quickly set up ink and brushes in front of everyone.

Ye Qichi was speechless.

A perfectly good palace banquet, yet they must compete in talent.

Can’t they just let people enjoy themselves?! Who would want to attend such a banquet in the future?

She thought.

It seems one cannot defy the Emperor’s command.

Ye Qichi simply stared at the ink and brushes in front of her.

Daydreaming.

The other ladies, however, were already eager to begin.

Those with quick minds had already started writing.

Xie Ruotong had also thought of a poem.

Back when she was still the young mistress of Duke Mansion, she had a fondness for poetry and literature. It was when she met Song Yanqing, who was equally well-versed in literature, that she developed a strong liking for him, which turned into affection from that time onward.

Luckily, having been kidnapped and sold to become an Assassin, her pursuit of things in life became few, and her emotions could become very detached.

As she was about to start writing, she looked up and glanced at Ye Qichi, who was sitting diagonally opposite.

She saw Ye Qichi with a blank expression in her eyes, staring at the ink and brushes in front of her, lost in a daydream.

Unsure... what kind of literary talent Ye Qichi possessed?!

Having interacted with her for some time, she knew of Ye Qichi’s superb medical skills, almost miraculous. Added to that, she was clever and full of stratagems, a true combination of intelligence and bravery! But as for talent... she’d seen her writing, which was truly an eyesore.

She had also heard that the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Rites Manor was completely ignorant in poetry and literature.

Unsure.

If now, she is unable to compose any poetry.

She even thought about how she might give her own poem to Ye Qichi.

After all, Ye Qichi was the Princess of the Chu King, with an exalted status.

Making a fool of oneself on such an occasion would inevitably be a laughingstock.

Xie Ruotong felt anxious.

But Xie Ruiyao seemed to take pleasure in the misfortune.

She naturally had a poem already in mind.

She had received word from Zhao Mengyu about today’s poetry composition on plum blossoms, telling her to prepare well and not make a fool of herself in front of others, so naturally, she had a head start of several days compared to everyone else, ensuring her poem would stand out.

At this moment, seeing the troubled look on Ye Qichi’s face, she couldn’t help feeling delighted.

Ever since her marriage to the Chu King, she always managed to please Zhao Mengyu, visiting the palace frequently to keep her company. The Emperor too had a very good impression of her, and she hadn’t felt threatened by anyone’s presence, until she saw Ye Qichi today.

Ye Qichi’s beauty was indeed startling.

Together with her status as the Princess of Chu King, she was the biggest threat to her.

Today, she intended to watch Ye Qichi make a fool of herself.

She also knew that when it came to literary talent, Ye Qichi was utterly clueless.

And indeed, such competitions among the ladies were bound to be talked about.