TICIEC Chapter 64.2

Helian Qi smiled slightly: “Wei Meiren is very thoughtful.”

“Your Majesty, I have something else to report. When I acquired this painting, the artist told me that it had one regret: it was missing a poem. He felt his literary skills were lacking and had not written one himself. When he gave it to me, he entrusted me with the task of finding someone to write a poem for this painting.” Wei Meiren said, looking at Helian Qi.

Everyone understood; this was flattery of the Emperor, praising his talent and asking him to compose a poem.

But the next moment, they heard her say, “I have heard that Ning Jieyu is exceptionally talented, the most talented woman in the harem. Therefore, I believe that Ning Jieyu should be of service in composing this poem!”

The hall was completely silent.

The concubines in the harem had different expressions, and many of them looked at Ning Wanyin with schadenfreude.

Everyone knew that at the last poetry gathering, Ning Wanyin punished herself with a cup of wine because she couldn’t write anything.

Asking her to write a poem would be like deliberately making a fool of her.

Before Ning Wanyin could refuse, Wei Meiren continued: “As Your Majesty wishes your birthday well, I naturally cannot allow this painting to have such an imperfection. Ning Jieyu is deeply devoted to Your Majesty, so I’m sure she won’t be stingy with her brushstrokes to celebrate Your Majesty’s joy.”

Helian Qi’s eyes darkened slightly: “The court is full of talented people; there’s no need to use a mere woman like her…”

“Your Majesty has always valued talent, and Ning Jieyu is one of your favorites. She must be exceptionally talented, and her poems and lyrics must be no less impressive than those of the Jinshi¹进士, jìn​shì: successful candidate in the highest imperial civil service examination / palace graduate in the court.” Wei Meiren insisted.

A hint of exasperation flashed in Shu Fei’s eyes.

Fool. It’s one thing for you to trick Ning Wanyin, but…

But how dare you use such words to confront the Emperor?

Doesn’t this mean that the Emperor is vulgar and superficial, which is why he likes a woman like Ning Wanyin, who is beautiful but lacks talent?

Helian Qi looked at Wei Meiren with a cold gaze.

Shu Fei smiled and said, “Wei Meiren presented a painting, and Ning Jieyu wrote a poem, both of them wishing His Majesty a happy birthday. It is quite a beautiful story to see the sisters working together to celebrate His Majesty’s birthday.”

Ning Wanyin’s poem showcased the harmony within the imperial harem and the unity of the sisters.

On the contrary, if a court official were to write a poem, after all, a birthday gift prepared by Wei Meiren—a male outsider was with a concubine in celebrating His Majesty’s birthday—what would that look like?

While both were attempts to force Ning Wanyin to compose a poem, Shu Fei’s explanation was far more sophisticated.

Upon seeing this, Wei Yingya immediately stepped forward to save the situation: “Your Highness is absolutely right. Sisters united in heart is truly a beautiful story. As Wei Meiren’s cousin, I humbly request to compose a poem!”

Wei Yingshu glared fiercely at her cousin, who had ruined her plans, but Shu Fei had already retaliated without batting an eye.

“We’ve all seen Ying Meiren’s poem, and it’s good. You shouldn’t compete with Ning Jieyu for the opportunity to present a poem to His Majesty.”

“Last time, Ning Jieyu said she wasn’t in the mood to compose poetry. This time, when she’s celebrating His Majesty’s birthday, does Ning Jieyu not feel like celebrating His Majesty’s birthday?” Xue Jinyan replied casually.

Seeing this, Song Qingzhi was overjoyed and added fuel to the fire: “I believe that Ning Jieyu is definitely sincere in wishing His Majesty a happy birthday.”

The Cen family, the Xue family, Song Qingzhi…

All factions within the palace unanimously targeted Ning Wanyin.

Having come this far, Ning Wanyin had no choice but to write it.

“It is a great honor for me to celebrate His Majesty’s birthday. Since Wei Meiren has given me this opportunity, I cannot disappoint her kindness.”

Having finished watching the performance, Ning Wanyin stood up and said, “Please grant me writing materials, Your Majesty.”

Helian Qi’s gaze fell on her face, but he couldn’t discern her expression.

“Wang Degui, bestow upon her pen and ink.”

 

 

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