Prince Jing had the final say, and when he announced he had something to say, who would dare not listen? Lü Fang and the others fell silent, waiting for his words. Prince Jing slowly scanned the crowd, smiling as he spoke, “All the flowers selected today are exquisite, and in my opinion, each deserves the title of ‘Heavenly Fragrance.’ However, there can only be one first place, so we must choose the best among the best. In my view, if we’re judging technique, He Weifang’s entries are the most outstanding. But if we’re judging the flowers themselves, the Green Pearl Hanging from Jade Tower and Ink Sprinkled with Gold are the most remarkable.”
His words seemed to settle the matter, and people began to discuss whether He Weifang or the young Niu would ultimately win. Mudan couldn’t help but feel nervous, listening intently for Prince Jing’s next words. The young Niu, however, appeared confident, as if everything was either irrelevant to him or entirely under his control. The most disappointed were Lü Chun and Cao Wanrong, who had been eliminated with a single sentence. Lü Chun’s eyes dimmed, his hands trembling uncontrollably, his face filled with defeat. Cao Wanrong gritted his teeth in frustration, glancing between Mudan and the young Niu, his expression full of resentment.
Prince Jing paused, then continued, “However, today we’re not just looking at technique. We must also consider the clever combination of flower form, color, and technique. Ultimately, we must evaluate the overall aesthetic effect – whichever is most pleasing to the eye is the best.”
In essence, he was saying that whoever pleased him most would win. Mudan’s heart sank, feeling that things might not go well. She looked up and caught Prince Jing glancing in her direction with an enigmatic smile. At this point, it was out of her control. Mudan sighed softly, averting her gaze from Prince Jing to look toward Jiang Changyang and the others in the distance. Jiang Changyang watched her with concern, clenching his fist in encouragement.
Prince Jing smiled faintly and continued, “The Green Pearl Hanging from Jade Tower and Ink Sprinkled with Gold are already rare treasures. Among today’s entries, these two are unique. Therefore, I believe these two should win. However, as I said earlier, there can only be one first place. While the Green Pearl Hanging from Jade Tower is fresh and lovely, it lacks the grandeur and elegance of the Ink Sprinkled with Gold, which edges it out.”
Lü Fang was stunned, then immediately argued that if they were judging grandeur and elegance, Mudan’s Yao Yellow was more impressive. He pointed out that the Green Pearl Hanging from Jade Tower was just a type of green peony, how could it compare to the pure green of the Bean Green? Prince Jing just smiled silently, not angered by his outburst.
Liu Chang, listening to Lü Fang’s impassioned plea to Prince Jing, turned his gaze to Mudan below. He saw her sitting there expressionless, eyes downcast, clearly dissatisfied and hurt. He understood very well what these peonies meant to Mudan. Logically, seeing Mudan disappointed should have made him happy – finally, she was having a taste of failure. But he didn’t feel happy. He just felt that Prince Jing’s decision was inappropriate. How could such a renowned flower enthusiast make a judgment based solely on personal preference? It wasn’t right.
He coughed lightly and said, “The Bean Green is one thing, but the Yao Yellow is the king of flowers, known for its grandeur and elegance. This Yao Yellow is flawless…”
Prince Jing looked at him with an ambiguous smile and asked, “Shu, is your opinion the same as Lü Shilang’s?”
Liu Chang’s feelings were complex. He shook his head ambiguously, but Prince Jing just smiled, “Speak freely. It’s not just my decision alone, otherwise, what would be the point of having you all as judges?”
Suddenly, a eunuch in a deep blue round-collared robe, speaking in a duck-like voice, came to summon Prince Jing to the back. Prince Jing immediately stood and left.
Everyone was momentarily stunned, secretly guessing that some important person must be hidden in the back to summon Prince Jing away. It seemed the first place was not yet decided and might change again. Mudan looked around and noticed a tall building in the back that had been empty before but now seemed to have people in it.
During the wait, Lü Chun remained silent, while Cao Wanrong fidgeted as if insects were crawling on him, persistently trying to learn about the young Niu’s background and where he lived. The youth continued to just smile without speaking.
What they had guarded against so carefully had come to nothing, while an unexpected contender had gained the advantage. Cao Wanrong, filled with jealousy and hatred, said to Mudan, “Miss He, what a pity. You’ve been outmaneuvered by this unknown upstart, all your efforts wasted. Such a shame.” He added in a low voice, “Today’s judging was truly unfair, the work of petty men.”
Mudan gave him a cold glance without saying a word. Feeling ignored, Cao Wanrong finally fell silent. Suddenly, two palace eunuchs respectfully carried out a plaque covered with crimson-yellow brocade, followed closely by a smiling Prince Jing.
This must be the famed “National Beauty, Heavenly Fragrance” plaque. Everyone became excited, standing up and waiting for Prince Jing to announce the final result.
To everyone’s surprise, Prince Jing’s announcement was completely different from what he had said earlier. The Yao Yellow was declared the undisputed king of flowers. Second place was shared by Bean Green, Ink Sprinkled with Gold, Flying Swallow Red Makeup, and Fire-Refined Golden Elixir. The Green Pearl Hanging from Jade Tower was eliminated for undisclosed reasons. Mudan had won a complete victory. She felt as if in a dream, unable to comprehend this sudden reversal.
Prince Jing showed no signs of disappointment or displeasure at having his earlier judgment overturned. He simply called Mudan forward to receive the plaque and accept the honor.
As Mudan stepped forward to kowtow and express gratitude for the plaque, Cao Wanrong, overcome with jealousy and resentment, whispered in Lü Chun’s ear, “I told you earlier, but you didn’t believe me. It’s not even certain if she grew these herself. Her flower artisan was originally given by Prince Jing, wasn’t he? Who else would they let win if not her? This was just a smokescreen, first putting her down to elicit sympathy, then declaring her the winner so no one could object. And Shilang… what can I say? He kept speaking up for her. Has he never seen a beauty before? Doesn’t he realize that with the Lü family’s flowers in this state, what right will he have to be a judge next time? If there’s another peony exhibition in the future, it’ll be He Mudan sitting up there!”
Cao Wanrong’s harsh criticism of Lü Fang deeply shook Lü Chun. His lips trembled uncontrollably as he stared at Prince Jing, then at Lü Fang, and finally at Mudan. Truly bewitched, Lü Chun thought, closing his eyes briefly. He had wanted this title not for a day or two, but as a lifelong dream, for which he had put in unimaginable effort.
He had originally believed it would undoubtedly be his, too proud to resort to underhanded tactics. But he couldn’t resist Cao Wanrong’s provocation, warning him about Mudan’s powerful background and her behind-the-scenes maneuvers. He believed it and allowed Cao Wanrong to act, only to have everything ruined by his son. His son, young and unmarried, could perhaps be excused for being bewitched by such a temptress, but the most hateful was this enchantress herself! A fraud and a disgrace! Lü Chun’s eyes were filled with hatred as he looked at Mudan.
Cao Wanrong was triumphant. Lü Chun had spent decades building his reputation in the industry, and his influence was unparalleled. As long as he didn’t acknowledge Mudan and boycotted her, which flower grower would dare to do business with her? Garden tours and flower appreciation also depended on a good reputation – if the host had none, who would come? No one!
Meanwhile, Mudan respectfully accepted the plaque and expressed her gratitude. Prince Jing smiled and asked, “I wonder how much Miss He values these four pots of flowers?” implying that he wanted to purchase them from Mudan.
Mudan thought to herself that this sudden reversal must have a reason. The Yao Yellow winning first place was within her expectations, but it also indicated that it had caught someone’s eye. She hesitated for a moment, then said, “This commoner has always had a wish that these flowers could reach the imperial presence, to add a touch of beauty to the imperial gardens.”
Prince Jing laughed heartily and exclaimed, “How admirable of you to have such filial thoughts!” The young Niu also expressed his willingness to offer his Ink Sprinkled with Gold to the imperial gardens. Not to be outdone, Cao Wanrong also offered to present his flowers. Lü Chun, though initially uninterested, felt compelled to join in and offer his flowers as well.
Prince Jing praised them all, then ordered someone to report to the back. Soon, rewards were bestowed. Mudan received five hu of pearls, twenty rolls of colored silk, a pair of gold plates, two pairs of silver cups, and six strings of cash tied with colored rope. It was said that the pearls, silk, and gold plates were bestowed by the Emperor, while the silver cups and cash were from the Empress. The young Niu, Cao Wanrong, and Lü Chun each received a pair of gold plates and two pairs of silver cups.
Everyone had suspected it, but now it was confirmed that both the Emperor and Empress were in the back. Immediately, they all shouted “Long live the Emperor” and “Long live the Empress,” their voices shaking the heavens as they respectfully saw off the imperial carriage.
Afterward, everyone came forward to congratulate Mudan. Before she could fully enjoy the moment, Prince Jing announced that he would host a banquet for today’s top winners and judges. Mudan knew she couldn’t refuse, but said that as a lone woman, it would be inappropriate, and asked if her elder brother could accompany her. Prince Jing nodded slightly, granting permission.
The details of the banquet need not be elaborated. Everyone centered around Prince Jing, flattering and fawning over him. However, Prince Jing remained humble and cautious, smiling as he said, “Actually, my reputation is undeserved. I merely love flowers but don’t truly understand how to appreciate them. If His Majesty hadn’t been watching from above today, I would have made a fool of myself.” With these words, he confirmed that the Emperor had been the true chief judge today. Mudan, being perceptive, silently reasoned that Prince Jing wasn’t incapable of appreciation, but had deliberately left this opportunity for recognition to His Majesty.
Someone asked why the Green Pearl Hanging from Jade Tower had fallen so far. Prince Jing smiled and said, “The name is inauspicious!” The origin of name “Green Pearl Hanging from Jade Tower” came from the story of Shi Chong and Lü Zhu during the Western Jin dynasty – a tale of family extinction and destitution. While commoners might find it poignant, the nobility would consider it unlucky, so naturally, it couldn’t be selected.
Everyone sighed at the young Niu’s misfortune. Prince Jing led the toast to Mudan, and others joined in, seeming determined to get her drunk. Mudan drank some, but her brother drank most on her behalf. When her brother became unsteady, Mudan supported him and apologized, saying they needed to leave. Cao Wanrong, half-drunk, shouted that they couldn’t leave, saying it was one thing if Mudan looked down on others, but did she look down on Prince Jing too?
Hearing this, her brother pushed Mudan away and grabbed a wine jug, intending to drink it all at once. Mudan was alarmed, knowing what state he might end up in after drinking so much. Prince Jing just smiled silently. Lü Fang wanted to intervene but was held back tightly by Lü Chun. Liu Chang watched indifferently, just drinking his wine, while others egged him on.
Were they all trying to force her hand and make a fool of her? Fine! Mudan, with a surge of defiance, took the wine jug from her brother’s hand and said, “You want to drink? No need to go cup by cup. Let’s all bring out the wine jugs. Do you dare?”