HomeSheng Shi Di FeiChapter 26: Champion of the Hundred Flowers

Chapter 26: Champion of the Hundred Flowers

“In that case, I shall humbly demonstrate.”

“Li’er…” Qin Zhong said worriedly, while Murong Ting and Hua Tianxiang also looked at Ye Li with concern. Ye Li winked at her and smiled slightly, shaking her head. Seeing her smile wasn’t forced, Qin Zhong relaxed a little. Then she remembered that Li’er’s mother had been the capital’s premier talented lady years ago, and her grandfather was the foremost among the kingdom’s pure officials. Even if she didn’t show it usually, she must have learned what she needed to.

Under everyone’s gaze, Ye Li walked toward the table that still held brushes and ink. After only a moment’s contemplation, she picked up the brush and began working on the high-quality paper.

On the high platform, Feng Zhiyao watched the blue-clad young lady painting with interest, unconsciously nodding. Yaoji, sitting beside him, glanced at him and laughed softly, “Third Young Master Feng thinks highly of Third Young Lady Ye?” Feng Zhiyao rubbed his nose and smiled, “She’s interesting, isn’t she? At least not as ordinary as rumors suggest.” Just her composure under pressure was enough to earn Feng Zhiyao’s respect, not to mention how Prince Li had recently suffered a loss at her hands. Perhaps this time Yao would get a worthy princess consort.

The Muyang Marquis’s heir also seemed interested in their topic, “Third Young Master Feng knows Third Young Lady Ye?”

Feng Zhiyao shook his head, “You’ve just returned to the capital, so you don’t know? She’s the future Princess Ding.”

“Mo Xiuyao?” Mu Yang frowned. He had been friends with Mo Xiuyao in their youth but hadn’t seen him since Mo Xiuyao’s incident.

Feng Zhiyao nodded, “That’s right. What do you think?”

Mu Yang raised an eyebrow, “Mo Jingli must be blind.”

Yaoji couldn’t help laughing softly, covering her mouth as she said, “It seems both Third Young Master Feng and Young Master Mu think highly of Third Young Lady Ye.”

Neither answered, but both turned their attention back to the blue-clad young lady writing swiftly. Coming from prominent families themselves, they naturally understood each other’s meaning. Regardless of beauty or talent, compared to Ye Ying, Ye Li was more suitable as the mistress of a great family or a prince’s mansion. Who knew whether Prince Li, raised in the imperial family, had been spoiled by the Empress Dowager and Imperial Noble Consort, or if this Ye Ying truly had extraordinary abilities unknown to others?

Everyone’s wait lasted less than the time it took to burn an incense stick before Ye Li put down her brush. The Princess Imperial ordered her attendants to bring Ye Li’s work, and as the paper left the table, people vaguely saw what appeared to be a peony painting. Qin Zhong and her two friends also relaxed slightly – regardless of whether it would win a place, completing a decent peony painting in such a short time meant at least Ye Li wouldn’t lose face. The painting was first presented to the six judges on the review panel. The first to see it, Elder Su Zhe, frowned and looked up at the blue-clad young lady still standing by the table. He lowered his head to look again for a while before passing it to Personnel Minister Vice Minister Mo Jian beside him. Mo Jian similarly frowned and occasionally looked up at Ye Li, taking quite some time before passing it to the next person.

The judges’ unusual reactions made the young ladies below unable to stop examining Ye Li, curious about what she had created.

After the last viewer, Feng Zhiyao, handed the scroll to his attendant to present to Princess Imperial Zhaoyang, the others had also reached their conclusion. Su Zhe announced: “Minister of Revenue’s daughter, Young Lady Ye Li, first in calligraphy, first in poetry, fourth in painting.”

“A-Li!” Hearing the results, Murong Ting called out joyfully. Others also cast surprised looks at Ye Li. Ye Li curtseyed to those on stage before returning to her seat. Murong Ting patted her and laughed, “You said you weren’t capable, but you were hiding your talents!” Ye Li smiled wryly, “I just took advantage of circumstances.” Hua Tianxiang smiled, “Whatever the case, you should be happy. A-Li, congratulations.” Qin Zhong smiled with pressed lips and nodded at her, and Ye Li smiled back.

Princess Qixia’s face changed upon hearing Su Zhe’s words. Disregarding etiquette, she walked to Princess Imperial Zhaoyang’s side to look at Ye Li’s painting. After a while, she raised her head to look at Ye Li with a complex expression but said nothing. The Princess Imperial’s attendant brought the scroll down for the seated young ladies to view. Since Ye Li’s work had changed the already-decided competition rankings, everyone needed to be convinced. The young lady who had originally won first place in poetry also came from a scholarly family and was quite reasonable – after seeing Ye Li’s painting, she stood and smiled, “Losing to Master Qingyun’s descendant is still honorable in defeat.” Her good upbringing and grace earned her even more respect.

Murong Ting quickly opened the painting when she received it to appreciate it with her friends. Qin Zhong exclaimed in admiration and praised, “What a wonderful poem!

‘When fallen red petals clear, true beauty shows,

This fine name we call the King of Flowers flows.

All boast none can match its splendid display,

Alone it stands, first fragrance of the day.'”

Hua Tianxiang smiled, “The poem is excellent, and so is the calligraphy. A-Li, who taught you this hand? I want to study under the same master.”

Ye Li smiled faintly, “When I was young, I met Master Liu who gave me some copybooks. After writing for so many years, it’s finally somewhat presentable.” In her previous life, she had started learning Liu-style calligraphy at age six, and adding this life’s practice, it had been over twenty years. If it still wasn’t presentable, it would only prove her lack of talent.

Qin Zhong, also passionate about painting and calligraphy, was full of envy, “Such good fortune. Li’er, you must promise to give me a copy of those practice sheets later.”

Ye Li nodded, “I don’t have the original copybooks anymore, would my writing do?”

“It’s a deal. I’ll be waiting.”

“I want one too…” Hua Tianxiang and Murong Ting didn’t want to be left out, and Ye Li agreed to give each of them a copy before they were satisfied.

“I concede as well!” With everyone else accepting the judges’ decision, Princess Qixia had to grudgingly accept despite her unwillingness. Princess Imperial Zhaoyang, seeing Princess Qixia’s reluctant expression, sighed lightly and pulled her close, patting her consolingly. Princess Qixia was young and proud, unable to accept defeat upon first arriving in Da Chu – whether this temperament was good or bad remained to be seen.

“In that case… this year’s Hundred Flowers champion is Third Young Lady Ye from the Minister of Revenue’s household.” Since no one had objections, Elder Su Zhe announced the final results on behalf of all the judges.

Feng Zhiyao added with a spring-like smile, “Of course, if anyone is unsatisfied, they can continue to challenge Third Young Lady Ye. I’m sure Third Young Lady Ye would be happy to accept challenges, wouldn’t she?” Ye Li looked up to see Feng Zhiyao winking at her – though he appeared frivolous, she could sense he harbored no ill intent.

As the new Hundred Flowers champion, Ye Li slowly ascended the platform at Qin Zhong and the others’ urging. She received this year’s prizes from the Princess Imperial’s hands: the coveted Beauty-Preserving Pearl, the Purple Jade Hairpin, and the Snow Sound Zither. About winning the prizes through what could almost be considered cheating, Ye Li felt neither guilt nor pride. Given the choice between losing face and taking advantage of circumstances, she naturally chose what benefited her most.

“Third Young Lady Ye, I hadn’t expected Minister Ye to have such an outstanding daughter,” Princess Imperial looked at the blue-clad young lady before her, her expression somewhat wistful as she gazed at Ye Li. “Years ago, I was somewhat acquainted with your mother. If you have time in the future, you should visit the Princess’s mansion.”

Ye Li smiled respectfully and appropriately, “Thank you, Princess Imperial. It’s Ye Li’s good fortune to receive your invitation.”

“Good child, you may go now,” the Princess Imperial sighed lightly, speaking to Ye Li.

Ye Li curtseyed to the Princess Imperial, then turned to bow slightly to the judges before departing with her prizes.

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