Due to the butler's startled expression, everyone else was puzzled. Could it really be that it was unbearable to the extreme?
Cang Yile was also quite worried. He regretted that his words here would have no effect.
He only wished that Jiang Tingyu hadn't snatched away such a great opportunity from him.
Why did this guy always stick to his Xia Yuhan?
Including the Queen, everyone was quite curious about the butler's mysterious demeanor. "Bring the painting up. Let's all take a look."
"Yes, Empress."
The butler responded and unfolded the painting that Xia Yuhan had just completed. When everyone saw the painting, it wasn't just Jiang Tingyu who was shocked; even the Emperor was quite surprised. The first update came in.
This painting was truly amazing. He had underestimated Xia Yuhan. Hmph.
The Queen's eyes were filled with disdain. Just how much did this Xia Yuhan have that she didn't know? Not only could she seduce men, but she could also create poetry and paintings so beautifully.
When Nangong Mo saw this painting, she couldn't help but admire it. The painting embodied both poetry and artistry, truly elevating the art of poetry and painting to a high realm.
The painting was not only skillfully done but also rich in meaning. This level of artistry was beyond her reach.
If this painting had been created by Jiang Tingyu, she would have thought it natural for him to possess such talent. But unfortunately, this painting, along with its poetic lines, came from the hands of Xia Yuhan—a mere woman.
Cang Yile looked at Xia Yuhan in astonishment. Could she be any more impressive? This painting was simply too good. He never realized that his woman could also compose poetry and paint. But why couldn't she be a little gentler with him?
Even during those intimate moments, it was always her who took the initiative at the most critical times...
But what did it matter? Watching his woman win so beautifully, even if she stole his thunder, so what? As long as she was well, he would naturally be well too.
If it weren't for Xia Yuhan's brilliant masterpiece, Cang Yile would definitely have stood out, making everyone envious of his painting.
Jiang Tingyu glanced at the painting and was deeply captivated by the verses within: "The osmanthus falls leisurely; the night is quiet, and the spring mountains are empty. The moon startles the mountain birds; they sing in the spring stream." Such a good poem. Truly excellent. At such a young age, if one did not possess an open-minded spirit, it would be impossible to write such a fine poem.
"Especially this painting. Looking at it feels like being in the mountains and rivers, creating a flower and bird painting with poetry... In this painting, there is an Osmanthus Tree, quietly shedding its flowers; there is a moon, slowly blooming; there is a bird, crisply startling the spring."
"Floating boats come and go. Playing the zither and composing poetry, singing all day long. Such carefree and unrestrained living makes Jiang Tingyu envious."
"Upon closer inspection of this painting, it feels like viewing one's own Osmanthus poetry painting. More chapters can be found quietly blooming in the mountains and rivers. When the Osmanthus matures and falls, this bird, representing one's spiritual consciousness, cries out within, resonating with a kindred spirit. Thus arises 'the moon startles the mountain birds; they sing in the spring stream.' This kind of natural detachment and tranquil existence is what Jiang Tingyu has always yearned for."
Jiang Tingyu's continuous praises compelled those below to also express their admiration.
Because of Jiang Tingyu's words, which echoed their sentiments, even though those Young Ladies had not previously thought highly of Xia Yuhan, upon seeing her poetry and painting that seemed destined to win against the Southern Kingdom Prince, they felt a sense of pride.
"Excellent. Truly excellent. Come on! There will be generous rewards." The emperor was usually reluctant to say such things, but at this moment, he hoped for victory in the competition more than anything else.
Xia Yuhan did not become arrogant or complacent due to everyone's praise but instead knelt down as usual to express her gratitude: "Your Majesty, Subject Daughter was able to create this painting entirely because of Your Majesty's grace and protection. Otherwise, Subject Daughter would not have been able to produce such work. Therefore, Subject Daughter does not dare take credit."
"Hahaha... Rewards must still be given where they are due. Hahaha..." The emperor laughed heartily at such a satisfying outcome as he left.
Unexpectedly, they could strike back hard at the Southern Kingdom. It was worth it.
Indeed, Xia Yuhan's talent was remarkable. She won this competition through her own abilities without being arrogant about it; instead, she attributed the credit to the emperor. Thus, at this moment, it was the emperor who had won against Nangong Mo. How could he not be pleased?
Seeing this situation, Cang Yile couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. He glanced at Xia Yuhan, wishing he could crack open her head to see what exactly was inside.
The morning session of the Flower Viewing Banquet came to an end. The Queen, feeling fatigued and seeing that the emperor had also left, prepared to depart: "Changning, you entertain the guests well. I am tired and will go rest for a while. You all may enjoy yourselves; the snacks in the palace are excellent. Everyone should taste them."
"Yes, Mother Empress. Changning will certainly fulfill her duties."
After sending off the Queen, Princess Changning ordered food and drink. Xia Yuhan felt completely relaxed after a morning of hard work. Suddenly, she realized how hungry she was, but she was also afraid it might be poisoned and that she could die from it. There was nothing she could do but watch the new desserts being served, drooling.
Seeing this, Cang Yile chuckled and sat down beside her, whispering in her ear, "Silly. The food isn't poisoned. Don't worry."
"How does the prince know?"
"There are people from This King in the palace. Naturally, they would know about such things."
"Hmph. Isn't the prince silly too? If it weren't for his own people, how would he know if it's poisoned or not?"
Xia Yuhan and Cang Yile exchanged banter, making Jiang Tingyu, who was sitting next to Xia Yuhan, quite jealous.
At that moment, how wonderful it would be if he could share a laugh with her.
However, if he approached her, he would naturally become the enemy of many women. He couldn't do that...
Thinking of this, Jiang Tingyu's beautiful eyes dimmed as he silently savored the pastries on his table.
Meanwhile, Cang Yile was so engrossed in teasing Xia Yuhan that he forgot to ask the question he had been most curious about: "By the way, Yu Han, honestly tell me how you learned to paint and compose poetry."
Xia Yuhan nibbled on her pastry and replied in a voice only they could hear, "Silly. Of course, I memorized a lot of poems and then I could recite them~~"
The poem she mentioned was written by Wang Wei and titled "Birdsong Stream." Using a masterpiece from such a great master here was quite impressive...
"This poem is memorized. It can barely pass for an update at first glance. But painting... that's not something you can master in just a day or two. This King is truly curious."
Cang Yile persisted with his questions while casually sipping tea...
Seeing that their conversation was inaudible to others, Xia Yuhan coldly responded to Cang Yile's inquiry: "Prince, you might regret knowing that Yu Han can paint. Otherwise, it might disgust you."
"If you don't, then you would be disgusted by This King."
"Is that so? In that case, Yu Han might as well tell the prince that Yu Han paints because Yu Han enjoys painting portraits of the dead. The more one paints, the better one becomes..."
"Pfft. For more chapters, please go to... Xia Yuhan, you..."
In that moment, Cang Yile almost choked on the tea he had just sipped due to Xia Yuhan's shocking words.
Because of this, Cang Yile caused such a commotion that everyone turned to look in their direction...
Xia Yuhan felt very frustrated. She really was disgusted by him. But what she said was all true...
As a police officer, how could she not be able to draw a criminal's portrait when encountering a suspect? Moreover, she had suffered losses several times because of this. That's why she diligently practiced drawing portraits of the dead...
Unexpectedly, it came in handy today.
To be honest, when she first stepped forward to draw, her mind was filled with images of people. But when her heart suddenly calmed down, a serene and pleasant scene suddenly surged in her mind, and she painted it down. Then she added a poem that matched the mood perfectly.
Fortunately, it was tea time at that moment, and everyone didn't want to crowd around too much.
Cang Yile finally caught his breath and said, " Xia Yuhan, do you have to be so harsh on This King?"
"But Your Highness, every word from Yu Han is true."
Cang Yile: ...
After filling her stomach, Xia Yuhan felt that Queen wouldn't let them leave the palace so early. So she quietly asked Cang Yile, "Prince Yile, do you know what will happen this afternoon that requires us to stay? After all, we've already enjoyed most of this Flower Viewing Banquet."
"We're still far from done. This afternoon, This King heard news that we won't be staying in the palace but will be going to the outskirts."
"Why go to such a far place? It's fine to enjoy the flowers in the palace," Xia Yuhan said, puzzled. "How was the Flower Viewing Banquet held in previous years?"
Cang Yile's expression was serious: "Just like today. It's just that I've never been to the outskirts. As for why we need to go there, this King knows nothing. In any case, be cautious. If it comes to it, this King will do everything possible to save you."
After saying this, Cang Yile was about to leave when Xia Yuhan called out to him: "You mustn't! It's not worth it. As long as the prince is here this afternoon, Yu Han will do her utmost to take the lead."
"Alright. This King believes you."
Because Cang Yile and Xia Yuhan had spent a long time talking together, people began to suspect their relationship.
Moreover, Xia Wan'er, who had her spotlight stolen by Xia Yuhan, was now gritting her teeth in anger.
Princess Changning also harbored great resentment. However, before this, the Queen had repeatedly instructed her not to act recklessly and ruin the entire plan. Otherwise, Princess Changning would not allow Xia Yuhan to sit here so peacefully.
Princess Changning truly couldn't understand why her Mother Empress was putting so much effort into dealing with just a Xia Yuhan. If it were her, she could simply find an excuse to have her executed.
Comment 0 Comment Count