As the luan pendant fell, in the hall’s silence came the clear sound of pearls and jade colliding.

Countless little hearts began pounding wildly.

Prince Chu’s romantic affairs filled the capital, yet his romantic escapades possessed great external extension—he seemed to have little interest in inward development. Common folk constantly heard of him spending lavishly for courtesans at various brothels and pleasure houses, but it was rare to see him taking concubines or marrying wives. To this day in his princely mansion, he had only two or three concubines, bestowed by the Emperor, sent by the Crown Prince, or stuffed in by his brothers.

It was said the concubine contingent was originally larger, but at regular intervals, one or two would so very conveniently die. The few surviving specimens now carefully preserved themselves as cultural relics. Unless Prince Chu came digging, they absolutely refused to see daylight.

Many suspected he’d accidentally lost the luan pendant and didn’t plan to bring it out this lifetime.

Today they’d finally gotten their wish.

“Yi’er is in fine spirits today.” A trace of surprise flashed through the Tiansheng Emperor’s eyes. His gaze deliberately swept across all the young ladies’ faces. He understood this son somewhat—if no one in the assembly interested him, he would never produce the luan pendant.

Of course, he’d looked at everyone except Feng Zhiwei.

A “married woman,” both ugly and mad—what business was it of hers?

“In past years it’s always been poetry games.” Noble Consort Chang consulted with the Emperor. “Today why not try something fresh?”

“Ask what good ideas the children have?” The Emperor smiled and ordered.

“Your Majesty, Your Grace.” A woman in yellow stood without hesitation, first gracefully curtsying in all four directions with elegant bearing. Everyone praised—what fine deportment!

Looking at her face—gentle, beautiful, palace-style moth eyebrows—this was the talent famous throughout the capital, Hua Gongmei, daughter of the Minister of Personnel.

All felt it appropriate. Besides her, who else was qualified to lead?

Hua Gongmei’s bright eyes swept around, very satisfied with being the people’s choice. Her demeanor grew more gracious, her voice more gentle, as she smiled: “Your Majesty! Your Grace, Your Highnesses, this subject’s daughter has a humble suggestion.”

“Speak.” Noble Consort Chang’s expression was bland, somewhat annoyed she’d stolen her niece’s thunder.

“Our dynasty currently has military operations. Countless soldiers fight enemies at the front, heroic as iron with banners like forests. Though we sheltered daughters cannot personally follow to the battlefield, our hearts yearn for it.” Hua Gongmei smiled. “This subject’s daughter proposes that today we imitate battlefield paired combat, with anyone freely requesting challenges. We’ll use war drums to set the time—three drumbeats to produce literary works, exceeding the time limit means defeat. With this we express respect for frontline soldiers bleeding for the nation and cheer for Tiansheng’s complete victory over Da Yue. What do the noble ones think?”

This tested both ability and quick wit. Mutual challenges, having to answer within three drumbeats—the difficulty was incomparably higher than the usual practice of setting a topic and letting everyone slowly write.

Noble Consort Chang frowned. Her niece had literary talent but lacked agility. She was just considering how to veto this when the Tiansheng Emperor beside her raised his brows and smiled: “Good, this method is excellent. Let’s see three drumbeats with ladies competing—fresh and interesting. Let’s do it this way.”

Noble Consort Chang sighed inwardly, knowing the Tiansheng Emperor’s heart hung on military matters. Hua Gongmei’s proposal suited his preferences. She could only smile and order people to fetch drums. Soon they retrieved drums from the Music Bureau and set them up below the front hall steps.

“I wonder if we young ladies have the honor of requesting Prince Chu personally beat the drums?” Hua Gongmei glanced at Ning Yi, smiling radiantly.

Ning Yi raised his wine cup, lightly touched it to his lips, lifted his eyes and smiled at Hua Gongmei.

Hua Gongmei was delighted.

“No.”

Hua Gongmei froze awkwardly. The Seventh Prince beside her already laughed: “How can Sixth Brother go beat drums? If he showed favoritism toward some young lady, making the drumbeats drag out slowly and fall late, what would we do?”

The entire hall laughed, immediately dissolving Hua Gongmei’s embarrassment. That woman was also quite formidable, borrowing the opportunity to smile: “Yes, thanks to Your Highness’s reminder—this young lady was thoughtless.” With one light sentence she moved past it, then bowed toward the head table. “Better let His Majesty personally appoint the drummer.”

“We’ll trouble Prince Helian.” The Tiansheng Emperor’s gaze shifted, feeling Helian Zheng was an outside guest with fewer entanglements than others—he was most suitable.

Helian Zheng was very unwilling, grumbling: “If I beat drums I should be going to battle, not beating drums for a bunch of women’s amusement.”

Feng Zhiwei glanced at him, reminding: “Prince, you’re sitting right beside a woman.”

“You’re my auntie.” Helian Zheng wasn’t embarrassed at all. “Auntie is an elder.”

“Go on.” Feng Zhiwei pushed him. “Defying an imperial order over such a small matter isn’t worth it.”

Helian Zheng raised his hand to drain his cup, rolled up his sleeves and strode over, still turning back to warn as he walked: “Don’t you participate. People marrying wives—none of your business.”

“How could I?” Feng Zhiwei shooed him away. “Whoever marries a wife is none of my business.”

She poured herself a cup and drank, thinking: Why play games? The Tiansheng Emperor clearly favored Hua Gongmei. With such a difficult format, wasn’t he just letting her win? Made sense—though the Hua family held high position, their clan power was weak. The Tiansheng Emperor definitely wouldn’t want Ning Yi marrying a woman from a powerful aristocratic family, giving him wings like a tiger.

Helian Zheng sat beneath the drum, tossing the gold-handled drumsticks in his hands. Hua Gongmei stood proudly smiling in the center of the crowd, her gaze slowly sweeping across all the tables. The women whose gazes met hers all felt uneasy, unconsciously shrinking back, afraid of being challenged by her. This made Hua Gongmei smile even more smugly.

Finally someone refused to be slaughtered.

“Your Majesty, this subject’s daughter has an objection!” The woman standing in purple was petite and delicate with frail bearing, yet her voice held some resonance. “Literary talent has high and low, but quick literary thinking doesn’t necessarily represent outstanding ability. This competition method lacks fairness!”

The Tiansheng Emperor paused. Noble Consort Chang recognized this as Vice Minister Hu Shengshan’s granddaughter and immediately smiled: “What good method does Miss Hu have? Please speak freely.”

Miss Hu, Hu Jingshui, curtsied and said clearly: “Since this is to cheer for frontline soldiers, everyone should participate. This subject’s daughter’s meaning is—the Prince beats three drums, everyone writes their own topic and submits it, then Your Majesty and Your Grace judge by difficulty and select the top three topics. The young ladies will request to answer topics themselves. However, for the selected top three topics, before anyone requests to answer, only announce the questioner’s name, not reveal the topic content. Let the young ladies choose which topics to challenge. Additionally, those whose submitted topics are judged as top three must request to answer a topic themselves. What does Your Majesty think?”

Hu Jingshui understood clearly—once Hua Gongmei was allowed to challenge at will, everyone else’s momentum would weaken first. Rather than let her alone steal the show, better to drag everyone into the water. Perhaps someone might emerge who could suppress her. Even if no one could suppress her, selecting a top three would avoid letting her monopolize the spotlight as the undisputed choice for Prince Chu’s consort.

This kind of state banquet selection was just an unwritten rule anyway, an indication of intent. There was no regulation saying first place must become the consort—after all, establishing a consort was a major matter requiring consideration of many factors.

She believed even if she couldn’t take first place, the top three posed no problem. And Hua Gongmei was too arrogant—she might very well stumble on some question.

Feng Zhiwei drank her wine indifferently, thinking this Miss Hu was quite calculating. With this competition method, even if the later answers weren’t brilliant, as long as the submitted topic was good enough to be judged top three, she’d gain enough face—always better than being completely suppressed.

Hua Gongmei didn’t care either. The methods could change however they wanted—could it alter the fact that she was the capital’s number one?

The Tiansheng Emperor pondered briefly. Though he intended to show favor, he couldn’t make it too obvious, so he agreed. Palace attendants distributed paper and brushes to all guests except the princes.

Ning Yi suddenly smiled: “This is a good method. Thank you for your hard work, young ladies. This Prince toasts you all first.”

He floated down the steps, toasting all around in a circle, drinking first himself. Everyone’s faces flushed and they hastily all drank.

Feng Zhiwei raised her cup. A wax pellet floated in the wine.

Just now, while everyone tilted their heads back drinking, Ning Yi had flicked a wax pellet into her cup.

Feng Zhiwei impassively retrieved the wax pellet, crushing it in her sleeve. On a small strip of paper was written: “Strategy for pacifying vassal princes.”

Was this cheating? Feng Zhiwei crumpled the paper, thoughtful—Tiansheng dynasty had only one non-imperial surname vassal prince, the Prince of Yongning enfeoffed in Xiping Province. During the founding, old Prince Yongning had practically helped the Tiansheng Emperor conquer half the realm. To put it somewhat exaggeratedly, at that time old Prince Yongning could have become emperor himself. Yet ultimately he’d yielded to the Tiansheng Emperor, so after the dynasty was established his rewards were extremely generous. But emperors were like this—what they gave you they’d eventually take back, what they let you swallow they’d eventually make you spit out. Add that the succeeding young Prince Yongning maintained troops and held power, outwardly obedient but inwardly defiant toward the court. Officials in his territory were all self-selected with no court interference. So these years, though the Tiansheng Emperor seemed calm and his favor unchanged, in his heart he must have already been fixated on this matter.

Was Ning Yi’s meaning that she should use this topic to compete for the top three?

Use this topic?

Feng Zhiwei smiled, her smile carrying a trace of mockery. She raised her eyes to look. Diagonally opposite, Hua Gongmei for some reason suddenly beamed with joy, her face flushed with excitement, even her eyes seeming to brim with tears.

What was this? Had she drunk too much?

Helian Zheng was already impatient, shouting: “Beat the drum!”

The young ladies hastily unfurled paper and wet their brushes.

“Boom—boom—boom—”

The drumbeats were slow, yet even slow drumbeats eventually stopped.

Feng Zhiwei had been casually drinking wine all along. Only as the second drumbeat was about to end did she lazily write a few characters.

The paper scrolls were sealed and submitted. The Tiansheng Emperor reviewed them one by one.

Red lamplight reflected on his face. All around was silent except for the rustling sound of turning pages. Everyone held their breath, intently watching the expression on the Tiansheng Emperor’s face.

Only two people remained composed as usual.

One was Ning Yi, acting as if they weren’t currently selecting his consort, endlessly examining spring palace pictures.

One was Feng Zhiwei, secretly transferring the untouched “Ancient Moon Pure” wine from the next table—whose owner was too nervous to drink—onto her own table.

She wasn’t greedy for wine, really. She just pitied how Prince Helian hadn’t gotten more than a few sips yet.

The lamplight was bright, illuminating the Tiansheng Emperor’s expression in minute detail. Most of the time it was calm and placid. Suddenly he gave a soft “eh,” picked up a paper scroll, and examined it.

Someone clutched their handkerchief tightly.

Someone sat up straight.

The Tiansheng Emperor looked at it, then put it down. People released long breaths of either disappointment or joy.

The Tiansheng Emperor flipped faster and faster. Everyone’s little hearts were also being flipped back and forth, stirred until they didn’t know up from down. Suddenly the Tiansheng Emperor stopped.

He withdrew that paper scroll, looking at it repeatedly, then suddenly chuckled.

Noble Consort Chang beside him looked curiously, then quickly pulled out her handkerchief to cover her mouth.

Everyone exchanged glances, very curious. Princess Shaoning, relying on her favored status, thumped up the steps, peeked, and came back down holding her belly laughing.

Ning Yi had been calmly viewing spring palace pictures all along but finally couldn’t resist. He put down the pictures and turned to look. The Seventh Prince had already risen to go over. One glance and he came down with a strange expression—by that look, clearly struggling hard to suppress laughter.

Ning Yi raised his eyes to look at him. The Seventh Prince didn’t speak, just gave him sidelong glances—one glance left, one glance right. Ning Yi heavily set down his wine cup with a splash as wine sprayed everywhere.

The Seventh Prince jumped in fright, knowing this person had been provoked to the breaking point. He quickly leaned over and whispered a few sentences in his ear.

Ning Yi’s expression turned iron-dark.

Looking carefully, the pure gold wine cup in his grip seemed somewhat deformed.

Feng Zhiwei looked sympathetically at that wine cup, feeling everything beside Prince Chu was so pitiful.

The Tiansheng Emperor laughed for a long while before placing that scroll to the side—in first position.

Noble Consort Chang went back to covering with her handkerchief. Shaoning had just straightened up and bent down again. The Seventh Prince whispered with his consort, the consort busily searched for her handkerchief, other princes successively leaned over curiously, then whooshed and separately found places to laugh.

Ning Yi’s wine cup had become thin gold sheets.

He raised his eyes, his gaze shifted and fell on Feng Zhiwei.

Feng Zhiwei showed him a face of innocent, natural dumbness—imitating Young Master Gu.

Ning Yi paused, his gaze actually somewhat suspicious. By this time the Tiansheng Emperor had already selected all three top topics. Looking at the three top topics again, his expression was complex for an instant, then he smiled: “Today’s topics are all quite good. The daughters of aristocratic families in my Tiansheng court—many are talented ladies.”

Hua Gongmei looked smug, beginning to straighten her clothing, preparing to receive her reward.

“These three then.” The Tiansheng Emperor tied gold, silver, and white silk ribbons to the three scrolls respectively, signaling the attendant to announce them.

Everyone sat up straight, eyes burning bright.

The attendant took out the third scroll, first announcing the third-place name.

“Daughter of the Minister of Personnel, Miss Hua.”

Everyone exclaimed in shock. Hua Gongmei’s expression changed drastically.

How was she not the top scroll!

Hua Gongmei’s topic only placed third—beyond everyone’s expectations. After stunned silence, most people felt delighted.

Qiu Yuluo’s learning was insufficient, knowing she had no hope for the top three. Seeing Hua Gongmei looking devastated, she felt both schadenfreude and some concern, couldn’t help asking: “What do we do? Could that mad sister of mine take first place?”

Hua Gongmei’s thoughts weren’t on Feng Zhiwei. Prince Huzhuo’s betrothed wasn’t her competition. She just resented her stealing the spotlight so much. Hearing this, she laughed coldly: “Even if everyone in the world died, it still wouldn’t be your sister’s turn!”

“Second place scroll,” the attendant announced, “Granddaughter of Cabinet Grand Scholar Hu Shengshan, Miss Hu.”

Hu Jingshui revealed a faint smile, yet also showed slight disappointment and surprise.

She’d come prepared, her topic had been guided—how could anyone still surpass her?

“First place scroll.” The attendant’s voice drew out long. Everyone’s eyes blazed as they looked over, holding their breath—the two most outstanding and famous talented ladies only placed second and third. Who else could surpass them?

The young ladies looked at each other, feeling everyone seemed possible yet also impossible.

Still no one gave Feng Zhiwei a second glance.

Ning Yi poured and drank for himself, his demeanor having recovered its leisurely contentment, even with a hint of schadenfreude.

Helian Zheng played with the drumsticks in boredom. After all, it wouldn’t be Feng Zhiwei. She wouldn’t deliberately compete for the consort position on such an occasion. This woman—her ambitions were vast.

Feng Zhiwei poured and drank for herself—after all, it wouldn’t be her. With that topic of hers, not angering people to death would be good enough.

The attendant’s shrill voice, in the extreme silence, penetrated the entire broad plaza.

“Feng Zhiwei!”

Exclamations.

Commotion.

Countless people stood up with a swish, then realized their impropriety and hastily sat back down.

Only after sitting did they realize some were still standing dumbly, completely unable to react—Qiu Yuluo and Hua Gongmei. The ladies of both families hastily pressed them down forcefully.

Ning Yi drank his wine even more cheerfully, so much that he began coughing, a faint flush rising on his face, making him appear even more bright as the clear moon, elegant as flowing clouds, making those ladies who’d missed the top three want to die.

Helian Zheng’s drumstick fell, nearly smashing his foot.

Feng Zhiwei accidentally crushed her wine cup into gold sheets too.

Not possible—with that topic of hers, first place?

The Tiansheng Emperor at his seat smiled: “A woman without talent is virtue itself. Women interfering in politics is not the nation’s fortune. Some topics, though good, shouldn’t be encouraged. Women should concern themselves with matters women should concern themselves with. So this first-place scroll, though seemingly playful and vulgar, is actually fresh, unique, and bold. I am very pleased with it.”

When he said that line about “women interfering in politics,” Noble Consort Chang, whose expression hadn’t looked good, turned pale and hastily responded: “Yes, this concubine also believes the first-place scroll is well-deserved.”

Saying this, everyone grew even more curious, not knowing how this mad, ugly Feng family woman had gained the Emperor and Noble Consort’s favor, receiving such high praise. Even Miss Hu and Miss Hua ranked behind her, while Noble Consort Chang’s niece wasn’t even on the list.

Feng Zhiwei regretted so much she wanted to bang her head against a wall.

She’d made a mistake!

To demonstrate talent, all the young ladies’ topics would definitely lean toward grand, important political matters, instead triggering the Tiansheng Emperor’s unease and displeasure. Thus by comparison, her mischievous topic was lifted high by the Tiansheng Emperor to remind those harem consorts with overreaching hands!

Truly one misstep brings eternal regret!

“Please, young ladies, choose which of the top three topics to challenge.” Amid the attendant’s announcement, Helian Zheng’s drumbeats sounded again, this time beaten heavily and fiercely, nearly breaking the drum.

“This subject’s daughter requests to answer the third-place scroll.” A woman in pink stood shyly—precisely Noble Consort Chang’s niece. Apparently she was steady and prudent, not seeking merit but seeking no fault, first competing for the third-place scroll.

The attendant unrolled Hua Gongmei’s scroll.

“Using the Three Princes’ Rebellion in the twenty-second year of Da Cheng’s Changxing era, seek a resolution method that doesn’t harm the national foundation.”

Feng Zhiwei paused.

Wasn’t this a disguised request for a strategy to pacify vassal princes? The Three Princes’ Rebellion in Da Cheng’s twenty-second Changxing year was essentially a rebellion of non-imperial vassal princes. How was Hua Gongmei’s topic the same as Ning Yi’s hint?

Listening to the topic announcement, Hua Gongmei’s expression was even worse than when she’d been announced as third place.

Just now when Prince Chu descended to toast, passing by her, his finger had flicked a wax pellet into her wine cup. Her heart had wildly rejoiced. She hastily secretly retrieved and looked—Prince Chu’s note read “strategy for pacifying vassals.” She immediately understood His Highness’s meaning. This was him giving her a hint. Who knew the Emperor’s thoughts better than princes who attended him day and night?

She was so joyful her heart seemed about to explode. This matter wasn’t just Prince Chu hinting to her—it more subtly told her she was His Highness’s chosen consort candidate. Her long-cherished wish suddenly coming true—in that instant she nearly wept with emotion.

But, but—only third place!

Thinking of the Tiansheng Emperor’s earlier words, she seemed to understand Ning Yi’s meaning somewhat, her expression turning deathly pale.

Feng Zhiwei, watching her expression, vaguely guessed part of it, a faint smile crossing her lips—Hua Gongmei actually had some insight. Even without joy going to her head, she’d known to subtly change the topic and dynasty. If she’d truly written “strategy for pacifying vassals” following Ning Yi’s exact words, never mind third place—she’d probably immediately be convicted.

Prince Changning hadn’t yet shown rebellious intent. The court and outer vassals at least superficially maintained amicable relations. Pacifying vassals was only the Tiansheng Emperor’s greatest secret. How could it be rashly proposed at such an occasion, alerting the enemy? Once someone proposed it, to appear magnanimous and appease Prince Changning’s domain, the Tiansheng Emperor would only severely punish Hua Gongmei for “harboring divisive intent, damaging the affection between national pillars and me,” wouldn’t he?

Now using this method to propose this topic was also a clever move. His Majesty could play dumb and give her another chance.

Feng Zhiwei leisurely picked at her nails, vaguely feeling she’d actually also fallen for Ning Yi’s trick.

Ning Yi, this person, was extremely skilled at grasping others’ psychology.

He’d seemingly thrown trap wax pellets to both her and Hua Gongmei simultaneously, yet his intentions were fundamentally different. For Hua Gongmei, he wanted to pull down her chance at first place, topple her. For herself, he wanted her to rise.

Hua Gongmei harbored infatuation for him and was arrogant by nature—she’d definitely follow his wax pellet to cheat.

But herself—Ning Yi knew she definitely wouldn’t obediently listen, and would certainly think through the stakes, absolutely wouldn’t use this topic. Not only wouldn’t use it, but suspecting his attempt to frame her, she’d do the opposite and mock him.

She’d indeed couldn’t help mocking him.

Drawing the Tiansheng Emperor’s attention.

As he predicted, as he wished.

Feng Zhiwei secretly ground her teeth, thinking: Only Prince Chu and Little Fool Gu are hard to raise!

Three drumbeats and Miss Chang, having some learning, immediately spoke eloquently. Besides conventional tactics like seeking good generals, deploying heavy troops, slowly planning gradual progress, she also subtly discussed methods of dividing the various vassals, methods of paralyzing them, military containment and rotation, stabilizing court ministers and popular sentiment. The implication was to prepare early, might as well feign compliance, then strike with thunderous force when the time came, etc. The Tiansheng Emperor was noncommittal. He picked up Hua Gongmei’s answer to look, nodded, indicating she’d passed. Miss Chang sighed with relief and sat down.

In her heart, Feng Zhiwei knew Miss Chang had no hope. Though the Chang family wasn’t a non-imperial prince, they were also the preeminent imperial relatives, not vassal princes yet surpassing them. Now for Miss Chang to answer with such words at court—wouldn’t this make the Tiansheng Emperor even more uneasy?

Indeed, Noble Consort Chang glanced at her niece, her eyes quite displeased.

Next was the second-place scroll. The attendant announced: “Seek a method to counter the Lotus Hook Arrow.”

The Lotus Hook Arrow was a type of arrow newly created by Da Yue in recent years. The arrowhead contained hooks that sprang open upon contact with human flesh, enlarging the wound so blood flowed unceasingly, causing death. Tiansheng soldiers who died beneath it were uncountable. Proposing this topic demonstrated concern for current events and care for soldiers, truly striking the Tiansheng Emperor’s thoughts. No wonder it placed second.

The entire hall fell silent for a moment. This topic couldn’t be answered casually. Better to miss the spotlight than speak carelessly—otherwise if adopted and proven ineffective on the battlefield, it would harm countless soldiers’ lives. Absolutely no joking matter.

Feng Zhiwei lowered her eyes, thinking of chatting with Yan Huaishi some days ago when they’d also discussed the Lotus Hook Arrow. Yan Huaishi had proposed that current heavy armor wasn’t conducive to combat. Overseas Luzon had a type of silk with excellent resilience. Woven into silk and made into undergarments, the soft, slippery silk could catch arrowheads, preventing injury from spreading. At the time she’d said silk undergarments blocking arrows wasn’t a new method, and moreover was enormously expensive—the court probably had the will but lacked the means. Actually there was another method that could solve it, only requiring bold experimentation. Yan Huaishi asked what method, but she hadn’t answered.

That method—she felt the time wasn’t right to bring it out yet.

No one dared answer this question. The Tiansheng Emperor couldn’t hide his disappointment, waving his hand to indicate moving to the next question.

Everyone’s spirits rose now, eyes blazing.

“First-place topic—”

“I’ll answer!” Hua Gongmei stood proudly, challengingly glancing at Feng Zhiwei.

Feng Zhiwei smiled at her innocently. Go ahead, answer if you can.

The attendant glanced at the topic, first froze, then chuckled.

This laugh showed he’d committed an offense. He hastily knelt to beg forgiveness. Everyone released tortured sighs. Helian Zheng couldn’t bear it any longer, strode forward and snatched the scroll: “Let me see what remarkable thing—”

His voice suddenly stopped, his expression changing strangely, then he laughed heartily: “Right! Right! Too right!”

Everyone exchanged glances, thinking was this one also going to laugh and forget to announce the topic?

Fortunately, while laughing, Helian Zheng glanced sideways at Ning Yi and loudly said: “As a woman, what is the most detestable thing?”

Hua Gongmei froze.

Everyone froze.

No one expected the first-place scroll to be such an almost joke-like topic.

As a woman, what was the most detestable thing?

Humble birth?

No beauty, no talent?

Youth fading?

Husband’s affections shifting?

Concubines climbing above her?

Outside wife’s children surpassing her own children?

The person she admired suddenly visiting but after searching all wardrobes discovering none of her clothes were pretty enough?

Someone else wearing identical clothes she’d specially ordered? Copying identical makeup she’d just learned?

Going out and meeting a rival from thirty years ago who’d fought to the death over a man, only to discover her clothes’ material was more expensive and her husband’s official rank higher?

In an instant everyone felt they knew the answer. In an instant everyone felt their answer was still far from enough.

Too many answers—women were inherently creatures never satisfied. Wanting them to know contentment was harder than making Prince Helian’s feet not stink.

Hua Gongmei stood stunned. She’d thought of many questions—involving politics, history, astronomy, geography, astrology, horticulture, needlework, tailoring, etc. Confident in her learning, she believed whatever question came she could answer something. She hadn’t expected such an all-encompassing yet containing-nothing topic.

The simplest was also the most difficult, because anything could be the answer, yet nothing necessarily was.

She stood frozen, only feeling her heart grow cold, thinking of Prince Chu’s wax pellet today, thinking of this strange and peculiar topic, then looking at Feng Zhiwei’s elegant bearing as she sat at her place, cup after cup after cup, light blue sleeves distant as the sea, looking actually somewhat unfathomable.

Perhaps she’d truly misjudged…

“As a woman, the most detestable thing…” She stammered with some desolation, “…is one’s beloved’s deception.”

Ning Yi smiled faintly, casually pouring himself wine.

Feng Zhiwei smiled faintly, raising her cup from afar to toast this woman of praiseworthy courage but poor luck.

You’re wrong.

Once someone would deceive you, they wouldn’t be your beloved.

Helian Zheng shook his head, drawing out his tone, reading the answer in a strange manner.

“As a woman, what is the most detestable thing?”

“—Prince Chu being more beautiful than her!”

The hall had a moment of silence. Everyone looked at yellow-faced, drooping-browed Feng Zhiwei, then at the clear, peerless Ning Yi, thinking of that line “Prince Chu is more beautiful than women.” They wanted to laugh but dared not, all suppressing it until their expressions were strange, features twisted.

After suppressing laughter, thinking back, the question was ordinary, even carrying some casualness, yet the boldness revealed within to dare joke about a prince at court, and simultaneously the carefree courage for self-mockery, truly wasn’t something ordinary women could voice.

Ning Yi had long ago been thoroughly angered by this woman. At this moment, bathed in everyone’s gazes, being looked at by everyone comparing Feng Zhiwei to him, comparing back and forth, he actually remained composed—at least you’re acknowledging my strong point. Me being more beautiful than you is in any case better than me being more stupid than you.

From his understanding of Feng Zhiwei, this woman was extremely vicious. If not for this kind of occasion, heaven knew if her question might be even more outrageous.

The Tiansheng Emperor was about to bestow rewards when Hua Gongmei suddenly stepped forward, raising her brows, speaking indignantly: “Your Majesty, this topic has neither learning nor depth. If we discuss such a topic as first place at this grand imperial palace banquet, wouldn’t it make our Tiansheng a laughingstock?”

“It’s just amusement anyway.” The Tiansheng Emperor smiled. “Just your boudoir games—why take it seriously?”

At these words, everyone’s expressions changed, not understanding why the Emperor’s tone had shifted. Noble Consort Chang, however, breathed a sigh of relief.

Feng Zhiwei’s fingers tapped the table, her smile enigmatic. She now understood the Tiansheng Emperor’s thoughts. He’d originally favored Hua Gongmei, wanting to use this palace banquet opportunity to assign Hua Gongmei to Ning Yi. However, contrary to wishes, Hua Gongmei had fallen for Ning Yi’s trick and submitted that topic—no matter what, she couldn’t be rated first. Miss Hu was also out of consideration because Hu Shengshan belonged to Prince Chu’s faction. Noble Consort Chang’s niece wouldn’t do either. She herself had conveniently popped up, already “Prince Huzhuo’s betrothed”—might as well assign her first place and turn this matter into ordinary amusement, glossing it over.

Anyway, this banquet’s literary consort selection had never been formally stated. The Tiansheng Emperor wanted to play dumb this time—everyone could only play along.

Ultimately, today’s consort selection was false. Father and son gaming, with Ning Yi using the momentum to escape the Tiansheng Emperor’s arranged marriage, was true.

“Indeed.” Ning Yi smiled, casually taking back the luan pendant and replacing it with an ordinary jade pendant. “Just a game for everyone’s amusement.”

Indeed everyone’s amusement. When Miss Hu proposed everyone submit topics, including those noble ladies participating, the selection nature had already changed. With Ning Yi saying this, everyone gradually understood the meaning, all looking at Hua Gongmei with sympathy.

“But rewards should still be given.” Ning Yi beckoned the white jade pendant toward Feng Zhiwei.

Feng Zhiwei had no choice but to go over, perfunctorily thanking him for the reward, extending her hand to receive the jade pendant. Ning Yi handed over the pendant but took the opportunity to pinch her finger, quietly smiling: “You really detest me being more beautiful than you?”

Feng Zhiwei fake-smiled: “How could that be?” Why wasn’t the jade pendant moving? She used some strength to pull.

But Ning Yi wouldn’t let go.

“I can become ugly for you, just to match you.” He gripped the jade pendant, still smiling, his smile rippling with floating light, making even his words seem to shimmer, preventing one from distinguishing truth from falsehood.

Feng Zhiwei continued fake-smiling, “How could that be!” Pulling hard on the jade pendant.

“You always don’t believe me.” Ning Yi smiled, the jade pendant utterly motionless.

“How could that be!” Feng Zhiwei could bear it no longer, yanking hard.

Ning Yi suddenly let go.

Feng Zhiwei, who’d exerted sudden force only to meet emptiness, unluckily toppled backward.

Helian Zheng rushed to catch her.

But wasn’t as fast as Ning Yi. His hand extended and had already grabbed Feng Zhiwei’s wrist, pulling her steady, smiling: “Miss Feng mustn’t go mad with joy.”

His fingers clasped on Feng Zhiwei’s wrist pulse, touching briefly before releasing, a faint smile crossing his face.

Feng Zhiwei paused, then immediately understood he was concerned she’d left consequences from eating the Rejuvenation Fruit. This was finding a way to check her pulse.

A faint flush suddenly rose on her face. She covered it by turning away.

Their jade pendant dispute, being with their backs to everyone, no one saw. Only Hua Gongmei, who’d been standing there all along, saw the general outline. A trace of resentment flashed through her eyes. She suddenly walked slowly over, smiling: “Since it’s amusement, this subject’s daughter wants to invite Sister Feng to play once more. Does Sister Feng dare accept?”

Do you have to be so tactless?

Feng Zhiwei slowly turned, looking steadily at her.

Hua Gongmei, meeting her gaze, found her smile somewhat stiff.

“I dare not.” Feng Zhiwei said indifferently.

Hua Gongmei froze, seeing Feng Zhiwei’s eyes so cold and impatient, thinking she would erupt. She hadn’t expected this response. A trace of mocking smile immediately floated on her face, about to speak.

Feng Zhiwei had already walked back to her table with hands clasped behind her, smiling as she walked: “I’m afraid if you lose again, you’ll die of shame and rage.”

“You—” Hua Gongmei drew a long breath, so angry she laughed instead: “Enough talk. Since you’ve agreed, how about the simplest couplet matching? One incense stick, forty lines. Whoever pauses loses. I want to see exactly how Sister Feng will make me die of shame and rage?”

Couplet matching wasn’t difficult, but one incense stick’s time was so brief. Matching forty consecutive lines—there’d be almost no time for thinking. What kind of agility would that require?

Everyone knew Miss Hua was famous throughout the capital precisely for her mental agility. Spirits immediately lifted.

“Very well.” The Tiansheng Emperor was quite pleased. “Don’t rush the reward. Let’s see the two young ladies’ talents.”

“I’ve always most admired agile women.” Ning Yi applauded, smiling. “The victor—Prince Chu’s mansion gates will forever be open to you!”

What did this mean? Hua Gongmei’s eyes brightened, a thread of hope’s flame igniting. Feng Zhiwei, however, curled her lip disdainfully—this person was playing his cloud-obscuring fog-covering tricks again!

“Please.” Feng Zhiwei wouldn’t say one word more.

Green smoke curled, faint light flickering.

Hua Gongmei’s voice flew rapidly.

“Without poetry, invite no guests beneath the plum blossoms!”

“With music, often gather immortals among clouds!”

“Smoke obscures the short oar as fishing songs rise!”

“Moon veils the long river as clear notes pierce!”

“Spring sounds ever age peach blossom faces!”

“Autumn wind always renews lotus eyebrows!”

“When poems complete, cast brush laughing toward heaven!”

“Wine-drunk, leaning on sword, treading through snow!”

“Tea also intoxicates—why need wine!”

“Books can perfume me—no need for flowers!”

In an instant, like lightning, they’d matched over ten lines. Hua Gongmei’s color changed. Feng Zhiwei didn’t even glance at her, smiling as she raised the wine on the table, cup after cup after cup.

“Gatherings and partings all arise from fate—wrongly bearing that spring color on one shoulder before the misty rain!”

“Rights and wrongs all spring from emotion’s tribulation—emptily exchanging autumn frost on two brows after wind and waves!”

Short lines insufficient, now long ones. Hua Gongmei gritted her teeth.

“Observing your exile from azure heaven, flying sword coming from the west, Dragon Spring dancing long, outside the tower hearing rain, asking whose white hair grows lonely as snow, deep curtains one trace of melting moon!”

“Awaiting when I dismiss the red dust, releasing boat going east, phoenix flute humming low, on the island toasting moon, forgetting those peach blossoms falling melancholy like dreams, small tower half a life of desolate wind!”

“Good!” Someone couldn’t help applauding. This kind of response without thinking was far superior to the questioner—after all, the questioner might well have prepared beforehand.

Hua Gongmei’s body trembled slightly, yet still refused to give up. She looked at Ning Yi with infatuation, remembering their first meeting at a spring banquet years ago. That person’s romantic elegance had since resided in her heart. From then all her short lines and long verses were composed for him. Yet how long her longing was, reality was equally cold. Until today, originally thinking His Majesty favored her, she’d certainly be selected and fulfill her wish. Unexpectedly, step by step wrong, step by step falling. Now—she couldn’t even defeat an ugly woman with no talent reputation!

Suddenly sorrow welled up.

“Asking heaven’s numbers wax and wane, where go those departed? Thinking of you in those years, wearing golden belt, purple silk robe, holding white jade cup, spirit snake sword, admiring Liangyuan’s moon, Luoyang’s flowers, laughing at glory’s coming and going, a body of clear wind—who would have thought falling into love’s barrier with no release, left only with jade-green blood on green bamboo, playing clear strings one mournful song.”

This girl—had she finally lost heart?

Feng Zhiwei smiled, watching her. Hua Gongmei, seeing she didn’t immediately match the couplet, showed delight. But then saw Feng Zhiwei raise her head and drain a cup in one gulp.

Wine finished, the couplet emerged.

“Sighing at creation’s additions and subtractions, how continue the next life? Remembering you at first sight, having jade-green bracelet, emerald bamboo flute, sweeping wave-connecting eyes, oriole-swallow voice, sharing Purple Forbidden tribulation, Great Interior slaughter, sighing at red dust’s gatherings and partings, half a life of drifting duckweed—knowing early that breaking dust’s net brings resentful birth, might as well cup cinnabar heart and frost-snow, playing silver zither one long sorrowful sound!”

As one line completed, applause rose like tide. Hua Gongmei retreated a step, expression deathly gray. Feng Zhiwei calmly poured wine—I did warn you. Imperial family waters run deep. Better to let go.

Unfortunately, some couldn’t let go. After Hua Gongmei’s expression changed repeatedly, finally unable to control herself, she cursed angrily.

“View your countenance decayed and defeated as yellow flowers!”

“Observe your face detestable as a cleaver.”

“View your conduct foolish and ignorant as small children!”

“Observe your face detestable as a cleaver.”

“View your words and actions harsh andlike a withered old crone!”

“Observe your face detestable as a cleaver.”

Amid uncontrollable roaring laughter, Feng Zhiwei raised her hand and tossed her wine cup, landing precisely at Hua Gongmei’s feet. “Miss Hua, the incense stick has ended. You may stop. This younger sister offers a number poem on the harm of the word ‘love,’ hoping only to earn your smile.”

She stood with hands clasped behind her in the courtyard. Evening breezes came, sleeves fluttering. Under hazy lamplight her bearing and expression seemed like an immortal among people. Everyone watching her silhouette momentarily forgot that unfortunate appearance and mad woman reputation, only feeling that woman seemed near yet far, her wine-drinking posture like a gentleman beneath forest trees, chanting and strolling as if among clouds.

Feng Zhiwei’s smiling face, however, turned toward the head table. There, Ning Yi supported his forehead with his hand. In the pale red lamplight his gaze flowed, unblinking as he silently watched her.

“Seeking perfect completion in ten, forgetting nine deaths and one life, appearing mighty on eight sides, actually clueless through seven apertures, completely forgetting six relatives unrecognized, kneading until five organs no longer function, entangling until four limbs powerless, upending until three meals uneaten, finally falling to two places gazing afar—better to cast aside one piece of foolish heart!”