Long Live the Empress

Chapter 161: Poetry Contest

On this day, Yue Jinghong was attending a poetry reading organized by a scholar.

Men of letters and scholars gathered together, and young men and women from aristocratic families also gathered in groups of three or four to discuss the poems and books they had read recently.

Yue Jinghong's beauty was undoubtedly the most outstanding one in this poetry gathering. Today, she wore a lotus pink double-breasted top with plum blossoms embroidered on the cuffs, a light pink pleated long skirt, and a goose down cloak covered with white fox fur. The makeup on her face was also suitable for the occasion, with plum blossom makeup, and a fairy bun, making Yue Jinghong look like a person in a painting. She attracted the attention of many young masters from aristocratic families.

Gu Ziwei, the daughter of the Minister of Imperial Households, has always been good friends with Yue Jinghong. It is also rumored that Fan Ronghua was chosen by the prince as a concubine because of her good relationship with Yue Jinghong. "Miss Yue, you are here! My sisters and I have been waiting for you for a long time!"

Gu Ziwei affectionately held Yue Jinghong's arm, making the two of them look extremely close.

Yue Jinghong smiled coyly and said, "My sister is not very knowledgeable, so you need to prepare at home!"

Gu Ziwei patted the back of Yue Jinghong's hand and said, "Miss Yue is too modest! Everyone in Weiguo knows that Miss Yue is the most talented woman in the capital!"

Originally it was just a compliment, but it didn't mean that to other people.

"Is this Miss Yue Er? She's pretty, but her reputation isn't very good?"

"What's wrong with that? Isn't it just that I handed in a blank paper for the entrance exam of Fengzhuo Academy? I don't think it's a big deal! Since ancient times, women are virtuous even without talent! I think this Second Miss Yue is great!"

"Besides this, there is more! That is..."

No one knew what that person said, but the looks that the young masters gave Yue Jinghong changed, becoming more meaningful...

Yue Jinghong suppressed the anger in her heart and still maintained a decent smile on her face.

Bai Xuer, the daughter of the Imperial Envoy, also came to Yue Jinghong's side and said, "Miss Yue, don't listen to the nonsense those men are talking about! Let's go sit over there!"

After that, several people came to the pavilion together.

This pavilion is very well built, with rockery and flowing water in front, a garden behind, a bamboo forest on the right, and a pond on the left.

Now, the lotus flowers in the pond have long withered, but there are a few cranes living here, making this deserted pond seem a bit fairy-like.

Yue Jinghong was very satisfied with this place, so she sat down and chatted with other young ladies from aristocratic families. As they were chatting, several scholars came to the pavilion.

The leader is Ning Bohao, the legitimate son of General Zhenbei. Although the Ning family is full of military generals, General Ning has cultivated his legitimate son into a scholar for the development of the family. Ning Bohao lived up to expectations. Not only is he elegant in appearance, but he is also very knowledgeable. He is the dream of many young ladies from aristocratic families. But Ning Bohao doesn't like any of them. He just writes and draws every day and doesn't care about love.

"Ladies, my name is Ning Baihao, and I'm honored to meet you!" Ning Baihao bowed to show his respect to the ladies.

When the young ladies saw that it was Ning Baihao who came, they quickly tidied their appearance and stood up to return the greeting.

Hua Xiangrong, the daughter of the Minister of the Imperial Household, was Ning Bohao's number one fan, so Hua Xiangrong spoke first: "My little girl Hua Xiangrong, I wonder if Master Ning has any advice for me?"

Ning Baihao said with a smile: "Since today is a poetry gathering, writing poetry is definitely necessary! Why don't we use the scenery of this garden as the theme and compete to find a winner? What do you think, ladies?"

Hua Xiangrong agreed without thinking, "Okay, okay! What do you think, sisters?"

All the young ladies echoed and expressed their agreement.

"Since it's a competition, each of us should take out an object from our possession, and anyone who is good at writing poems can choose from them at will! What do you think of this idea?" Gu Ziwei said as she took out a jade pendant from her waist and placed it on a tray.

"I think Miss Gu's idea is very good!" Hua Xiangrong, unwilling to be left behind, took off a gold hairpin from her head and put it on the tray.

Afterwards, all the young men and women took off an item from their bodies and put it on the tray.

Ning Baihao took a piece of black jade. It is said that this piece of black jade was carved by Ning Baihao himself and is of great commemorative significance.

Hua Xiangrong glanced at Ning Baihao, then at the black jade, her face full of determination to get it!