Chapter 280 - True or False, Being Forced by the Su Meier (1/2)

In Bai Yihao’s painting, there were bamboos in the background. There were green tender shoots that had recently sprouted. However, the bamboo was lush and green.

The sky was bright and there was a round moon hanging in the sky. A man wearing a long robe with wide sleeves sat before the bamboos, holding an antique Qin elegantly. There was a flask of wine beside him that was placed haphazardly. It was evident that it had been used. The man seemed a little tipsy, making him seem even more beautiful. The painting was extremely beautiful no matter in terms of the scenery or the intention behind it.

It also fitted the theme of the meet today where there were elegant n.o.bility and music. If the poem did not match well, it was easy for others to feel that she was doing something unnecessary.

It was very difficult!

It was very difficult to get the intention of the painter and describe the scenery and figure in the painting!

You Yue’e smirked with satisfaction. She even c.o.c.ked her head and asked, “Princess Anping. Look, what should be written here?” She asked for help fakely.

w.a.n.g Xiuxiu did not speak. She twisted the handkerchief in her hands and hid the satisfied smile on her lips. As long as Mo Xuetong failed here, no one would believe what she said in the future. Mo Xuetong could only stay silent on what happened between her and King Ning. King Ning’s idea was indeed good. Without any evidence, what could Mo Xuetong say?

Both of them each had their own intentions and they watched intently, waiting for Mo Xuetong to embarra.s.s herself.

Luo Mingzhu noticed it and tugged at Mo Xuetong’s sleeves worriedly. She said softly, “Cousin Tong, wait here first. I’ll look for Eldest Brother to help you write one.”

Then, she moved to get up. Mo Xuetong held her back and shook her head imperceptively, gesturing for her to stay. Then, she pointed at herself and gestured that she was fine.

She knew that Luo Mingzhu had good intentions and wanted the talented Luo Wenyou to help her compose a poem. Then, she would pa.s.s it to Mo Xuetong. However, everyone was looking at her now. If Luo Mingzhu did that now, w.a.n.g Xiuxiu and the others who were watching her closely would definitely catch them. It would implicate Luo Wenyou and he would be embarra.s.sed as well.

“Sir Bai, may I borrow paper and a brush?” Mo Xuetong looked up and asked with a smile. There were no brushes other than the one that Bai Yihao had used earlier.

“Please help yourself, Your Highness.” Bai Yihao smiled gently. His handsome face was as gentle and bright as the moon. The n.o.ble girls around him stared at him.

Mo Xuetong’s attention was not on him. She did not even look at him. She picked up the brush with her right hand and then looked at Bai Yihao’s painting. After some thought, she began writing on the white silk paper with a flourish. Then, after she was done writing, she hung the brush onto the brush rack on the side and picked up the paper. She handed it to Bai Yihao courteously with a faint smile and said, “Sir Bai, please give us your comments.”

As long as Bai Yihao said that it was good, w.a.n.g Xiuxiu and the others had no choice but to agree no matter how powerful they were.

Bai Yihao smiled and took the paper. He frowned slightly as he looked at the poem he was holding. He could not help but look surprised.

“Sitting alone in the quiet bamboo forest, the Qin sings long and distant. There is no one else in the deep forest, the moon s.h.i.+nes bright and distant. Good!”

“This is a good poem, it’s really good. The princess is very talented and is the most talented woman in the capital.” There were already people standing beside Bai Yihao who saw the poem. They praised Mo Xuetong effusively.

“It is indeed a good poem that fits the theme. It cannot fit any better. I did not expect Your Highness to be so learned and talented despite your young age. You are really talented!” There were others who were stunned by the poem. It was evident that there were true talents at the Qin gathering. Their critique was naturally much more genuine than those who pretended to be elegant and learned.

You Yue’e watched wide-eyed and open-mouthed in shock. She stood up suddenly, wanting to see the poem. She did not believe that a country b.u.mpkin could write so well and that her poem would fit the theme so perfectly.

“How can she write so well? Even a famous and talented scholar would not be able to write such an apt poem. Princess Anping is a true talent.” w.a.n.g Xiuxiu said. She was also shocked. A glint flashed in her eyes and she quickly hid the soft smile she had on her lips.

“That’s right. Princess Anping is the true talent.” Shen Qianxiu smiled and joined the crowd in their praise for Mo Xuetong. She did not look like she had any ulterior motives.

This time, it was not just You Yue’e who looked cross. There were many talented women in the capital. Beautiful women did not just stand out because of their appearances. Their beauty had to be critiqued by the ma.s.ses, especially when there was a comparison between two girls. As such, to raise the popularity of their daughters so that they could marry well in the future, the wealthy and n.o.ble families would publicize the poetry that their daughters composed from time to time.

It was true that some of them were good works. Coupled with some publicity, there were many girls who were thus known to be both talented and beautiful no matter whether it was true or not. Those young ladies all felt that they were different from the ma.s.ses when they went out and were usually very proud. They looked down on others. Now that they heard that a country b.u.mpkin was not only known to be talented but also questioned their talents, they immediately grew angry.

…

“The poem is indeed beautiful, but I wonder if it was composed by her. There was once Aunt asked me to critique poetry and I realized that there were a few right at the top that was plagiarized.” A beauty in pink sitting on Bai Yihao’s right glanced at the poem in Bai Yihao’s hands with a disdainful smile.

She was Consort Su’s niece, the daughter of the Minister of Personnel, Su Mei’er. She was considered beautiful and was famous for her talents in the capital. Furthermore, because she was King Chu’s cousin, there were many who fawned over her. As such, she was known to be both beautiful and talented. Usually, she despised the other beauties and felt that they were all vases and had nothing to be proud of.

When she heard that there was someone who doubted her ident.i.ty of being a talent, Mo Xuetong became the focus of her ire.

“Miss Su, I didn’t think about it until you mentioned it. I feel like I have heard someone reciting this poem before.” You Yue’e calmed down then and glanced at Su Mei’er. She hid her smile.