Chapter 0053: Poetry

Chapter 0053: Poetry

Jing Xiaoyi probably had the same thought, but now that they had encountered each other, avoiding them was clearly no longer an option.

Well then.

It seemed that the few favored ladies of the harem were now all gathered together.

Meng Chang quickly signaled to the people behind to guard the entrance of the Imperial Garden, preventing more people from coming in.

But just as they tried to manage the situation, the Noble Consort arrived.

Absolutely typical.

After everyone greeted each other, Consort Lan smiled, "Your Majesty, see? Wasn't it worth it to bring you here to enjoy the snow? It's all beauties here."

He Jinli smiled, "My consort has done well."

The Noble Consort hadn't come to obstruct the Emperor intentionally; she was just enjoying the snow and wouldn't avoid him knowing he was there.

Seeing Qi Yun Li, she felt somewhat annoyed, but still quietly followed the Emperor.

Among the few people behind, Jing Xiaoyi and Yun Li were genuinely appreciating the snow.

After a while, Consort Lan suggested, "Since we've all met today, it must be fate. His Majesty seems to be at leisure today; why not set up a banquet? With such lovely snow, we could hold a poetry gathering. What do you think, Your Majesty?"

He Jinli smiled, "Since you've suggested it, how can I refuse? Someone, go prepare the Luomei Pavilion and ask if the Empress will join us."

Someone hurried off to make arrangements.

"Upon hearing this, the Empress laughed and said, 'It’s rare for His Majesty to relax, but I cannot join as I have some matters to attend to. Please take good care of him. I won’t be there, but I’ll send two jars of plum wine. Just remember to remind His Majesty to drink less for his own good.'"

"The eunuch who came with the message chuckled and agreed."

"Back at the venue, He Jingli responded, 'The Empress is hardworking; I am well aware. I appreciate her kindness.'"

"At the Empress’s side, Ruyi remarked, 'Your Majesty isn’t going? There aren’t many pressing matters.'"

"'The Emperor having fun with the consorts is one thing, but my presence would be superfluous. No need to worry, the Imperial Consort alone can make things awkward enough; I shall not go and save the day,' the Empress shook her head."

"Ruyi chuckled quietly, 'Indeed.'"

"In Luomei Pavilion, as soon as they entered, Consort Lan exclaimed, 'Oh look at these chrysanthemums! I was saying just the other day that the Imperial Garden still had many chrysanthemums. Where did they go? Turns out they were all moved here. These chrysanthemums are truly beautiful.'"

"Indeed, Luomei Pavilion was adorned with numerous chrysanthemums of various colors and varieties, arranged exquisitely, enhancing the ambiance without being overwhelming."

"'I suggested we compose poems and verses related to snow, and now we even have chrysanthemums. Look, Your Majesty,' Consort Lan said."

"He Jingli smiled, 'Alright, let’s follow your lead, Qiu.'"

"Consort Lan thanked him with a smile, her eyes sparkling with happiness."

"Yun Li thought to herself that she had heard the Emperor call the Empress and Jin De Fei by their names, and now she heard Consort Lan’s as well."

"The Emperor is interesting; he uses first names to signify closeness with someone."

"Yet, towards the Imperial Consort... it seems..."

"He has never even used a pretentious term like 'beloved consort' for her?"

"Tsk, how utterly desolate."

"Such a pity for Qi Qingluan's soaring name."

"A banquet was set up in Luomei Pavilion, but in the middle was a long table with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones."

"After everyone was seated, Consort Lan suggested, 'Your Majesty, please start.'"

"He Jingli pondered for a moment and wrote a seven-character verse. It wasn't exceptionally good, as poetry was not his forte."

"However, it had a grand and majestic aura, reminiscent of wind and snow sweeping over the sands."

"Naturally, everyone praised it."

"When it was the Imperial Consort's turn, she easily penned a verse. Trained from a young age, composing a poem about snow wasn't a challenge for her. The words were ornate and beautiful."

"Since Consort Lan had proposed the idea, she naturally had a poem ready. Her verse focused on beauty, but with an added touch of frosty pride, standing out brilliantly."

"Shu Jieyu, well-read in poetry, wrote a poem that was neither extraordinary nor deficient."

"Perhaps, among them, Jia Meiren found it the most challenging. Her education wasn't extensive, but after years in the palace, she had learned enough."

"Her poem wasn't exceptionally outstanding, but at least it was passable."

Jing Xiaoyi's poetry carried a bit of a commanding tone.

When it was Yun Li's turn, she thought hard but couldn't come up with anything.

She could certainly compose poetry, having learned it as a child, but just couldn't think of anything suitable at the moment.

Resigned, she decided to stand on the shoulders of giants.

So, she wrote: "Not for love of its delicate grace, the cold place suits it best, with unique roots and buds, it's not the common flower of worldly wealth."

After writing, she set down her brush.

"Oh, Qi Xiaoyi's verse is quite unique. But why only the first part?" Consort Lan asked.

"Replying to Consort Lan, I am of limited talent and learning, and could only think of the first part," Yun Li said with a smile.

He Jinli extended his hand, and Consort Lan passed the half-finished verse to him.

"My consort is indeed unique; this verse is excellently written."

"Thank you for the praise, Your Majesty," Yun Li thought to herself, of course, it's good – it’s one of Rong'er's favorite verses, and she is the greatest heartbroken poet of all time.

Indeed, the most heartbroken person through the ages.

The second round started, focusing on chrysanthemums.

This topic was much simpler than snow.

Yun Li strived for originality but perhaps due to waking up early, she couldn't come up with anything.

"When it was her turn, she candidly said, 'Your Majesty, I only have one line.'"

"The Imperial Consort sipped her tea, lowering her head to conceal her disdain."

"Consort Lan laughed, 'One line is fine, let’s hear it.'"

"He Jingli chuckled, 'Write it then. If this one line is good, I’ll consider you have passed.'"

"Yun Li approached with a beaming smile, 'Yes, Your Majesty.'"

"She wrote: 'Who can match the chrysanthemum's proud solitude, blooming uniquely late?'"

"'Although sister has only one line, it surpasses countless others,' Jing Xiaoyi laughed, 'This question renders the chrysanthemums speechless. I am no match for her.'"

"'Oh? If it impresses you so, it must be good. Bring it here for me to see,' said He Jingli."

"Jing Xiaoyi obliged and handed over the line."

"After reading it, He Jingli smiled, 'Excellent, this is indeed a verse of my consort.'"

"'If Your Majesty says it's good, then it must be excellent. I never realized before that Qi Xiaoyi was so proficient in poetry,' Consort Lan said with a smile, looking towards the Imperial Consort, 'I wonder if the Imperial Consort knew this?'"

"'The Qi family, both men and women, are well-educated from a young age. Poetry and prose are their forte. It’s expected that Qi Xiaoyi can compose poetry. However, producing only half a verse or a single line of a poem still indicates a lack.'"

"The Imperial Consort's words carried an air of arrogance and belittlement."

"This condescending tone irked Yun Li."

"Though Yun Li's poetry was borrowed, she believed it to be far superior to the Imperial Consort’s lines."

"Indeed, the breadth of one’s vision can often be discerned through their poetry."

"The Imperial Consort's ambitions reach the sky, seeking to replace the Empress, yet her poetry reveals a childish mentality."

"Perhaps, her lofty goals are a result of not being favored."

"Deep down, what she craves is the Emperor’s affection and love."

"In Yun Li’s view, only Shu Jieyu truly lives up to her name, with a hint of lofty tranquility in her verses."

"The Imperial Consort's words were not only disliked by Yun Li but also by others, though no one openly countered her."

"He Jingli had a cup of hot tea sent to Yun Li: 'Here, a reward from me.'"

"Yun Li received it with a curtsy, 'Thank you, Your Majesty.'"