TICIEC Chapter 41.2

Shu Fei was in a very good mood.

Standing atop the high platform, with the Emperor behind her and her assembled concubines before her, ready to obey her every command…

This feeling of absolute power made her feel like an uncrowned empress, even though she was a concubine.

Shu Fei’s mood darkened slightly as her gaze briefly swept over Ning Wanyin. She would never allow Ning Wanyin to take away her power as Empress!

Shu Fei quickly withdrew her gaze and looked at Helian Qi, saying: “This concubine will offer a poem as a starting point…”

The poetry gathering was untitled; everyone could write freely, and many had prepared in advance.

The palace maids presented the writing brush and ink to the concubines.

Song Qingzhi, confident in her abilities, handed in her poem, which she had been working on for several days.

Ning Wanyin was sitting next to her. Seeing that Ning Wanyin hadn’t touched the writing brush and ink in front of her, Song Qingzhi immediately raised her voice and asked, “Why isn’t Ning Meiren writing?”

“I’m not in the mood for poetry today.” Ning Wanyin replied calmly.

Everyone turned to look at Ning Wanyin.

Song Qingzhi was also stunned, not expecting that Ning Wanyin would be afraid to compose a poem.

Then her literary talent must be at the bottom.

“The Count of Shou’an’s family is a prestigious family. How could Ning Meiren be illiterate? I heard that His Majesty gifted you a dragon-patterned ink stick. Ning Meiren must be extremely talented.” Song Qingzhi stared at Ning Wanyin, pressing her relentlessly.

The entire hall fell silent.

This was truly a case of overt praise masking a covert attack, putting Ning Wanyin on a pedestal.

If she were illiterate, then it meant firstly, she had a poor family upbringing, and secondly, she had failed to live up to His Majesty’s bestowal.

Ning Wanyin glanced at her and said, “If you want to stand out, then write your own poems. Why do you need me to be your stepping stone?”

Ning Wanyin wasn’t incapable of writing poetry. Rather, who would want outsiders to know their true skills?

If you compose a stunning poem at this poetry gathering today, besides letting others know you have outstanding literary talent and making it easier for them to set traps against you based on your strengths and weaknesses, what other purpose does it serve?

As for gaining the Emperor’s attention and appreciation, is that important to her now that she is the Emperor’s pawn?

All she needs to do is maintain her position and fulfill her duties.

Ning Wanyin will not do anything if it doesn’t bring her a reward that will move her.

“Thank you for your kind words, Song Jieyu, but I truly cannot write anything today.”

Ning Wanyin stood up abruptly, picked up the wine cup before her, and bowed deeply to Helian Qi.

“This concubine will punish herself with a cup of wine.”

Helian Qi didn’t care about these trivial matters. He picked up his wine glass and drank with her.

Song Qingzhi angrily clenched her handkerchief. His Majesty didn’t seem to mind Ning Wanyin’s poor literary skills at all and had even drunk with her, giving her ample face…

Soon, the poems of the concubines were submitted one after another.

After glancing at it briefly, Shu Fei handed Song Qingzhi’s copy to Helian Qi.

“Your Majesty, take a look at the poems written by Song Jieyu. She truly deserves to be called the most talented woman in the capital. I think this is the best poem of today’s poetry gathering.”

Helian Qi picked up the poem, glanced at it, and nodded slightly, “Hmm…”

Song Qingzhi was secretly delighted. She had stunned everyone at the poetry gathering, and His Majesty, who always valued talent, would surely treat her differently.

She glanced at Ning Wanyin sitting next to her out of the corner of her eye, her eyes filled with arrogance.

But the next moment, she became somewhat dissatisfied. Because Ning Wanyin’s face was expressionless, showing no trace of envy or jealousy.

It made her feel less happy than if she had won.

“Your Majesty, I have just finished writing a poem on the theme of bamboo.” A beautiful woman suddenly stood up from among the concubines and bowed to the Emperor.

Then she read aloud: “Hold fast to the green hills and never let go; the roots originally stood in the broken rocks. Despite countless trials and tribulations, it remains firm and resilient; let the winds blow from east, west, north, or south.¹This line comes from Zheng Banqiao’s poem “Bamboo and Rock” from the Qing Dynasty. It means that bamboo, despite enduring countless hardships and setbacks, remains resilient and upright, regardless of which direction the wind blows. These two lines, while ostensibly describing bamboo, actually use the imagery to express the poet’s upright, unyielding, and indomitable character. It is often used to describe a spirit of unwavering determination and fearlessness in the face of difficulties. ”

Her opening remarks stunned the entire audience.

Ning Wanyin couldn’t help but look at her; this poem was truly breathtaking!

 

*****

Translator’s Comment:

Here is the time-travelling woman!!! Welcome to the stage~~

 

 

You can support this lovely translator and your favorite series by buying me a cup of Ko-fi ( ˘▽˘)っ♨

I will really appreciate it. ♥️♥️♥️