Prince Jing delivered a brief opening speech, announcing that the winner would receive an imperial plaque inscribed with “National Beauty, Heavenly Fragrance” by the Emperor’s hand. After expressing gratitude for the imperial favor, he ordered the entries to be unveiled in the order they were presented. As each name was called, the colorful silk covering was removed, allowing everyone to assess the flowers. Those deemed unworthy were swiftly eliminated, while the impressive ones were retained, and their presenters were granted seats.
The enormous red-phoenix white peony was indeed Lü Chun’s entry. Prince Jing glanced at it and remarked, “Although this flower is called ‘Various Brocade,’ it only has three colors, including the rootstock. However, its large size, well-matched grafting points, elegant form, and abundant blossoms make it a worthy contender among today’s entries. Let it remain for consideration.”
Lü Chun seemed unconcerned as he gently unveiled his other three entries. The first was a Two Beauties peony with purple and pink hues, featuring solid purple flowers, solid pink flowers, and some with both colors intertwined in the same blossom. The flowers were large and full. The Two Beauties variety had leaves of different colors and shapes, making it like observing three types of flowers and two types of leaves. While the plant was well-tended, it was a mid-season variety with only four or five blooms open, the rest still in bud. Though not at its peak, it was still impressive.
Another entry was a Jade Plate Bai in full bloom, unparalleled in its noble purity. The third was a Flying Swallow Red Makeup with deep red, multi-layered petals. Lü Chun placed the most value on the Flying Swallow Red Makeup in full bloom, with about thirty flowers open. Its slender petals were layered intricately, with a pure and vivid color that was truly captivating.
The audience began to discuss in hushed tones, and the two monks even came down to examine the flowers closely. Undoubtedly, all four of Lü Chun’s entries were retained, marking the first major success among the presented flowers. Lü Chun felt a hint of pride as he thanked Prince Jing and took his seat, silently calculating his chances of winning the imperial plaque and being crowned the foremost peony cultivator.
Next came Cao Wanrong’s entries. He presented Spring River Floating Brocade, Yao Yellow, and Inverted Halo Sandalwood Heart peonies. While the varieties were excellent, they lacked any extraordinary qualities and were predictably eliminated. However, his main entry was a forced-bloom mid-to-late season variety called Fire-Refined Golden Elixir. Its greatest advantage was its brilliantly vivid color, appearing like a ball of fire from afar. Its main drawback was a low flowering rate, but Cao Wanrong’s specimen had eight blooms, which was rare for this variety. Combined with his forcing technique, it was hard to overlook. Thus, Cao Wanrong also earned a seat.
Mudan observed clearly that when Cao Wanrong’s Fire-Refined Golden Elixir was revealed, both Lü Chun and his son seemed slightly surprised. They hadn’t anticipated Cao Wanrong entering this flower or possessing such forcing techniques. This skill was something even Mudan hadn’t expected Cao Wanrong to master, having thought it was her unique ability. It now appeared that everyone had their hidden talents.
As more silk coverings fell away, fewer flowers remained in the open area. Soon it was Mudan’s turn. When the name “He Weifang” was called, many perked up. Cao Wanrong seemed both uneasy and expectant, Lü Chun maintained his usual confident demeanor, Prince Jing looked intrigued, Liu Chang remained expressionless, and Lü Fang wore a slight smile. The monks and scholars appeared either curious or disdainful.
Mudan took in everyone’s expressions, her earlier nervousness suddenly vanishing. She straightened her back, smiling as the red silk was removed from her four entries, revealing them to all. The crowd fell silent, then began to buzz like a swarm of insects. Prince Jing’s expression turned solemn as his gaze, sharp as lightning, turned to the flower artisan Li standing beside Mudan. Li gently shook his head.
Without a word, Prince Jing stood and walked directly to the flowers, examining them closely before speaking, “Zhao Pink, Bai Jade, Luoyang Red, Two Beauties, Golden Powder, Lotus-like, Red Lotus, and Yellow Flower Champion. Different flower forms, similar blooming periods, vibrant and harmonious colors, well-matched grafting points – the thought and skill here have reached the realm of transformation. These are indeed far superior to the earlier Three-Color Various Brocade. The Yao Yellow and Bean Green, while not seeming particularly clever at first glance, are impressive in their full, large blooms. What’s truly remarkable is that these late-blooming varieties have been forced to bloom early, and so uniformly at that.”
Prince Jing quietly counted the blooms, noting that both the Yao Yellow and Bean Green had twenty-seven flowers each – the number of three times nine. He gave a meaningful look to Fang Bohui and Jiang Changyang, but both simultaneously feigned ignorance, their expressions as if cast from the same mold. Prince Jing shook his head slightly in resignation and said, “All shall remain for consideration.”
Mudan, smiling, walked steadily to sit beside Cao Wanrong, bearing the weight of countless gazes. Cao Wanrong, his eyes filled with malice, spoke with a mixture of sourness and provocation, “Miss He, you truly are a heroine among women, putting us men to shame. It seems you must claim the top prize today.”
“Master Cao, you’re too modest. Your Fire-Refined Golden Elixir was truly unexpected – a late-blooming variety forced to flower early, and with so many blooms. It’s truly remarkable. You might well be the one to claim the top prize,” Mudan replied coolly, glancing at Lü Chun. She noticed his eyebrows furrowing slightly as he stared ahead, feigning indifference, though his hands resting on his knees betrayed a hint of unease.
Cao Wanrong laughed falsely and said, “When it comes to forcing techniques, you still have the edge, Miss He. I struggled to force just one Fire-Refined Golden Elixir, while you presented two varieties – one mid-season and one late-season. Is there anything you can’t do? Not to mention those two Various Brocades, which truly demonstrate mastery of the art, as Prince Jing said. If you win the top prize, we men will have to accept being second to you in fame throughout the land.” At these words, many around them looked at Mudan with indecipherable expressions.
“There are always greater talents beyond our knowledge, hidden masters we have yet to encounter. I dare not agree with Master Cao’s assessment, nor would I be so presumptuous. Let’s set aside this talk and focus on appreciating the flowers, shall we?” Mudan, finding the pointless exchange tedious, decisively ended the conversation and turned her attention back to the competition area.
By now, it was past noon, and the initial selection was nearing its end. After eliminating another batch, it seemed there was little suspense left. The top three would likely be chosen from among Mudan’s entries, Cao Wanrong’s, Lü Chun’s, and the Purple Under Leaf and Nine-Stamen Pearl Red submitted by the Great Ci’en Temple. However, a dark horse emerged at the last moment – a little-known youth surnamed Niu, who brought two pots of flowers to the competition.
One was the Green Pearl Hanging from Jade Tower, with pure white flowers adorned with green spots like jade beads, fresh and lovely. The other was Ink Sprinkled with Gold, its petals a deep purple-black with transformed stamens and pollen on top, resembling gold dust sprinkled on ink. Both stood out for their unique and extraordinary colors.
The appearance of these two entries caused an uproar. Everyone had previously formed opinions on whose entries were best, but now uncertainty crept in. The outcome became unpredictable, tensions rose among both participants and spectators, and the judges on the platform argued heatedly, each holding firm to their own views.
As the judges continued their heated debate, Cao Wanrong seized the opportunity to play the role of a good person, warmly engaging the young Niu in conversation. He first praised the youth, saying he would surely win, then tried to provoke hostility between Mudan and the young man. Lü Chun maintained his facade of calm maturity, remaining silent. Mudan naturally wouldn’t fall for Cao Wanrong’s ploy, and the young Niu was peculiar, allowing Cao Wanrong to speak without responding, only smiling. After talking to himself for a while with no one paying attention, Cao Wanrong finally fell silent, disgruntled.
By this time, the platform had erupted into chaos. Lü Fang believed that Mudan’s flowers were the best overall in terms of variety and technique, and thus deserved the top prize. The two monks and two scholars, however, argued that Cao Wanrong’s Fire-Refined Golden Elixir was equally impressive in terms of forcing technique. They contended that Lü Chun’s well-tended Jade Plate Bai and Flying Swallow Red Makeup were no less impressive than Mudan’s Bean Green and Yao Yellow in terms of prestigious varieties. As for uniqueness, they claimed that young Niu’s Green Pearl Hanging from Jade Tower and Ink Sprinkled with Gold were far more naturally exquisite than Mudan’s grafted Various Brocades. In essence, they felt Mudan was too greedy, attempting to excel in every aspect without truly standing out in any single area.
Lü Fang acknowledged the uniqueness of young Niu’s flowers but argued they were existing varieties, not his cultivars. He maintained that the focus should be on flower form, color, and technique, areas where Mudan’s Various Brocades were unmatched. He pointed out that while Cao Wanrong’s Fire-Refined Golden Elixir had also been forced to bloom early, it was only one variety, whereas Mudan had forced both mid-season and late-season varieties to bloom simultaneously, demonstrating superior skill. As for his father Lü Chun’s Jade Plate Bai and Flying Swallow Red Makeup, while well-tended, they lacked the forcing techniques displayed by Cao Wanrong and Mudan. Therefore, he concluded, Mudan’s entries were still the best.
As they argued heatedly, Liu Chang remained uninvolved, his gaze fixed on Mudan’s vibrant peonies below. He silently recalled last year’s flower-viewing banquet at the Minister’s mansion when the peonies were in full bloom, comparing it to the current state of affairs. All the renowned peonies belonging to Mudan had been moved away from the Minister’s mansion, and the remaining flowers he had purchased at great expense were neglected due to lack of attention and poor care from the gardeners. This year, they bloomed poorly compared to before – some too large, some too small, with yellowing leaves, altogether unimpressive.
He then observed the radiant Jiang Changyang and the sweetly smiling Mudan, then glanced at Qinghua sitting in the shade, her face full of resentment and hatred, along with the equally displeased Madam Qi and Pan Rong fawning over Madam Bai. He closed his eyes briefly, reflecting on how the flowers might be similar year after year, but the people change.
Prince Jing listened to Lü Fang and the others argue for a while, then glanced at the distracted Liu Chang and asked with a smile, “They’re arguing heatedly, what’s your view on this, Zishu?”
Liu Chang quickly collected his thoughts and replied earnestly, “Each has its strengths.”
Hearing this diplomatic response, Prince Jing gently tapped the table and said meaningfully, “Zishu, this approach isn’t good.”
Liu Chang was momentarily at a loss for words and sighed softly. Prince Jing, being considerate, didn’t press him further. Instead, he raised his voice to stop Lü Fang and the others, “Please, hear what I have to say.”