"In terms of looks, I actually think Little Flower is more beautiful than her," the Crown Prince said to Gong Xiaohua. Even he himself did not realize the sincerity that slipped out in that fleeting moment.
This was precisely noticed by Qin Chuyuan, whose right hand gripped the wine cup tightly, unseen by anyone.
After unveiling her veil, Er Yue heard the infatuation from the audience. The corners of her lips curled up slightly before covering her face again and leaving the stage to return to her own room.
The madam took the stage again. "Writing tools are prepared. You have one incense stick worth of time, esteemed guests. Please begin."
With that, she arranged for the attendants to light an incense stick in the censer in the middle of the stage.
Two other attendants were also arranged to stand by on stage to collect the poems once written and display them for everyone to appreciate, before picking out the best one in the end.
The Hundred Flowers Building quieted down. Some mulled in contemplation while most were just there to watch the commotion, heads turning left and right.
After reading the poem and finding out the visitors' background, Lord Gao specifically sent someone to invite the Crown Prince and company upstairs.
Gong Xiaohua and two other guards followed behind the Crown Prince and Qin Chuyuan to the third floor.
The architecture of the Hundred Flowers Building was unique, with the second and third floor corridors built externally, then sealed off with rows of windows. Opening the windows offered a view outdoors while the inside view required looking through the windows of the private rooms.
On the third floor, barely any noise could be heard. Through the corridor windows, scenes of the Liang Capital City came into view, including the moonlit lake. A frigid gust caused ripples to form, and it would surely offer a different allure in summertime.
Nearly every private room along the way was guarded by varying numbers of guards. It was evident that like Lord Gao, the occupants were either prestigious or influential figures at court.
When they arrived at Lord Gao's room, Gong Xiaohua and the other two guards were stopped outside.
With no choice, the three guarded outside the room while staying alert to any sounds within.
Inside the room, the Crown Prince and Qin Chuyuan were brought before a middle-aged man. He looked to be in his forties, with wrinkles lining his forehead. Strands of white lined his temples, and above his lips was a faint moustache. His gaze was indifferent and gloomy.
"This commoner pays respect to Lord Gao," the Crown Prince and Qin Chuyuan bowed.
Lord Gao examined the remarkable bearings before him. Even in his presence, the two remained composed - not something average merchants could train.
"I heard you are foreign spice traders?"
"Yes."
"You don't look like traders. More like sons of prestigious families."
"My Lord, since young our father hired famous tutors to groom us, hoping that one day my brother and I may serve the court."
"I see. But gaining my favor isn't so simple. Bring writing tools for them."
"Yes."
"My Lord, what is this about?"
"Your poems were good, but to win top place in the Hundred Flowers Building tonight, that won't do. After all, the number one scholar in the capital, Shangguan Cheng, is also here tonight. I'll have to ask you two to produce another fine work."
"I'll remind you - failure to obtain first place will have consequences," he added after glancing at their hands.
"Of course, if I'm satisfied, I can help with anything within my power. Please begin."
The Crown Prince and Qin Chuyuan exchanged looks. As expected of the trusted confidant of Prince Liang - ruthlessness was necessary.
However, poetry was their forte. He and Chuyuan were evenly matched, and it had been awhile since they competed. This was a fine chance to do so again.
As for the capital's top scholar, they held no worries at all. For literary masters across the Five Kingdoms, none could surpass their Ye Country.
He and Chuyuan had been tutored by Qin Xingzhang since young, who was also Chuyuan's father - the revered literary master of Ye Country.
After half an incense stick, the two produced a poem almost simultaneously. Attendants immediately presented them to Lord Gao.
Night Zither
Purple sleeves and red strings mid the bright moon,
Self-played melody, downcast beauty's gloom.
Strings arrested and tones halted in their place,
Profound affection welling, ten thousandfold.
"What refined and vivid portrayals in this poem, almost lifelike. Readers will find boundless romance and beauty. Excellent!"
He picked up the other poem and read closely.
Phoenix Seeking Phoenix
A beauty glimpsed is a memory kept.
A day unseen turns longing madness.
The phoenix soars seeking its phoenix mate.
But the fair one nowhere near the eastern wall.
Strumming tunes my zither woeful core conveys.
When can my wanderings gain your promised encounter?
Matching in virtue, let there be a handheld sight.
Lest my flights render me fallen and destroyed.
Lord Gao grew more astonished the further he read. With this, forget comparing to Shangguan Cheng - even a hundred generations may fail to surpass it!
"Remarkable work. Though not outright depicting the zither, it borrows the instrument to sing lovelorn laments, baring ardent emotions that are simultaneously deep and lingering. The lines flow bright and smooth. I wonder which talent penned this?"
"Replying My Lord, it was I," said Qin Chuyuan.
"This was improvised just now?"
"Yes My Lord. I was suddenly inspired by the one my heart loves."
"Oh? Rare candor from you."
The Crown Prince fell silent reading Chuyuan's poem. He hadn't expected Chuyuan's feelings for Xiaohua to run so deep already, much less that Chuyuan's poetic skills already exceeded his by far.
Soon, time was up. Poems were sent to be displayed on stage for public judgement.
Three works stood out. Two were naturally the Crown Prince and Qin Chuyuan's, while the third was by Shangguan Cheng.
Hearing the Zither
Moon glows, lighting the white chamber entire,
Zither tones join the night falling still.
Cold above the seven somber strings,
Hushed, winds of pine chill softly thrill.
Bygone melodies loved as they would,
Seldom strummed now by present hearts stilled.
Yours the rare discernment I invest this song.
Hard to attain - the appreciated ear.
The three had individual charms, but the deepest impression was left by that Phoenix Seeking Phoenix.
As expected, Lord Gao obtained top place in this bout.
When Lord Gao released them to leave, he gave his insignia to Qin Chuyuan - using it would grant access to the Gao estate should they need to request anything.
Having achieved their goal tonight, everyone returned to rest early.
In the drawing room, only the Crown Prince and Qin Chuyuan remained.
"Tonight was fruitful. A worthwhile trip."
Chuyuan did not reply, instead asking solemnly, "Your Highness, are your intentions towards Xiaohua?"
Caught off guard by the bluntness, the Crown Prince quickly denied, "What are you saying? I treat you like a brother. How could I possibly covet my brother's wife? What do you take me for?"
"That would be best."
"This subordinate shall take his leave."
Watching Qin Chuyuan's departing figure, complex emotions swirled within the Crown Prince. He didn't understand his feelings towards Gong Xiaohua. He only knew that at some point, he began paying her sporadic attention.
Perhaps it started at Linglong's birthday banquet, witnessing her valiant spar with the General.
Perhaps it was hearing of her stakes at the Xu Mountain Border Pass, winning stability and respect for the commoners and Ye Country.
Perhaps it was the Mid-Autumn Festival, fearlessly battling the assassins to protect them.
Or when internal turmoil struck, and she descended like a goddess to win them a lifeline.
Or throughout their journey, admiring her keen wisdom steering them clear of danger time and again.
He sometimes envied Qin Chuyuan. No matter where, Chuyuan always gained admiration, with a life partner he cherished deeply. His life flowed smooth.
