Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 26. First Beauty
26. First Beauty
"In that case, I will present my humble work," Ye Li said.
"Li’er..." Qin Zheng voiced her worry, while Murong Ting and Hua Tianxiang also looked worriedly at Ye Li. Ye Li winked at them, smiled, and slightly shook her head. Seeing her genuine smile, Qin Zheng felt a bit relieved. Recalling that Li’er’s mother was once Capital City’s Number One Talented Woman and her maternal grandfather was the head of all scholars, she probably had learned all the requisite knowledge, even if she didn’t show it.
Under everyone’s gaze, Ye Li walked toward the table where the brush and ink were still placed. After only a brief contemplation, she picked up the brush and began to work on the premium Xuan paper.
Above the stage, Feng Zhiyao observed with amusement the young woman in a blue dress who was bowed over her artwork, and he subtly nodded. The woman beside him, Yaoji, glanced at him and softly laughed. "So, Third Feng has high hopes for Third Miss Ye?"
He rubbed his nose and chuckled. "Isn’t she interesting? At least she isn’t as mediocre as the rumors imply." Even this calm and unflustered demeanor is enough to make me see her in a better light, not to mention the embarrassing loss Mo Jingli suffered at her hands a while ago. Perhaps Ah-Yao is truly marrying a deserving Princess Consort this time.
The Heir of Marquis Muyang seemed interested in their conversation. "Does Third Feng know Third Miss Ye?"
Feng Zhiyao shook his head. "You’ve just returned to the Capital City and aren’t aware? She’s the future Princess Consort Ding."
"Mo Xiuyao?" Mu Yang frowned. He had some interactions with Mo Xiuyao in their youth but hadn’t seen him since Mo Xiuyao’s incident.
Feng Zhiyao nodded. "That’s right. What do you think?"
Mu Yang raised an eyebrow. "Mo Jingli must be blind."
Yaoji couldn’t help but giggle, covering her mouth with her hand. "It seems that both Third Feng and Sir Mu Yang think highly of Third Miss Ye," she murmured.
Neither man spoke, their gazes returning to the young woman in blue who was now writing swiftly. Coming from prominent and influential families themselves, they naturally understood each other’s unspoken meaning. It wasn’t about looks or talent; rather, compared to Ye Ying, Ye Li was simply better suited to be the Madam of House for a great family or a princely estate. It was unclear whether Mo Jingli, with his royal heritage, was spoiled blind by the Empress Dowager and the Grand Consort, or if this Ye Ying truly possessed extraordinary abilities unknown to outsiders.
Before a single stick of incense had fully burned, Ye Li had already put down her brush. The Eldest Princess ordered her attendants to bring Ye Li’s work over. As the Xuan paper was lifted from the table, the crowd could vaguely see that it appeared to be a painting of peonies. Qin Zheng and her two friends let out a sigh of relief. Regardless of whether she wins a prize or not, being able to complete a decent peony painting in such a short time means Ye Li won’t disgrace herself.
The artwork was first presented to the six judges on the panel for their appraisal. Elder Su Zhe was the first to see the drawing. He frowned and gazed at the young woman standing by the desk. After lowering his head to continue examining it for some time, Su Zhe handed it to Mo Jian, the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Mo Jian also frowned as he frequently glanced at Ye Li. It took him quite a while before he passed it to the next person.
The judges’ unusual reactions made the young ladies in the audience look at Ye Li with curiosity, wondering about her artwork.
Once Feng Zhiyao, the last to review it, handed the scroll to a nearby attendant to present to Eldest Princess Zhaoyang, the other judges had also reached a consensus. Su Zhe announced, "Miss Ye Li, daughter of the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, ranks first in calligraphy, first in poetry, and fourth in painting."
"Ah-Li!" Murong Ting exclaimed joyfully upon hearing the results. Others also looked at Ye Li in amazement. Ye Li curtsied slightly to the judges in gratitude before returning to her seat. Murong Ting playfully patted her shoulder and laughed. "You said you weren’t good, but it turns out you’ve been hiding your light under a bushel!"
Ye Li gave a wry smile. "It was just a bit of cleverness."
"No matter what, you should be happy. Congratulations, Ah-Li," Hua Tianxiang said with a laugh. Qin Zheng pursed her lips, smiled, and gave her a small nod of approval, which Ye Li returned with a smile of her own.
Upon hearing Su Zhe’s announcement, Princess Qixia’s expression suddenly changed. Forgetting her etiquette, she walked over to Eldest Princess Zhaoyang to look at Ye Li’s painting. She stared at it for a while before looking up at Ye Li with a complex expression, then fell silent. An attendant beside the Eldest Princess brought the scroll down to be passed among the seated young ladies. Since the competition’s rankings had been changed due to Ye Li’s work, everyone needed to be convinced of its merit. The young lady who had originally been ranked first in the poetry category, and who also came from a scholarly family, graciously stood up and smiled. "To be defeated by a descendant of Mr. Qingyun is an honor, even in defeat." Her good upbringing and poise earned her even more admiration.
Murong Ting quickly unrolled the scroll for her friends to admire. Qin Zheng gasped in amazement. "What a great poem!" she praised, then recited:
"With the fall of petals, the fragrance begins to emerge,
The unparalleled sovereign of beautiful flowers.
Its exclusive, unrivaled beauty gloriously admired under the sky,
It stands alone as the most fragrant amongst people."
Hua Tianxiang laughed. "The poem is excellent, and so is the calligraphy! Ah-Li, from whom did you learn this calligraphy? I want to become their apprentice as well."
"When I was young, a teacher surnamed Liu gave me a copybook," Ye Li replied with a subtle smile. "After practicing for so many years, my calligraphy is finally somewhat presentable." In my previous life, I began learning Liu-style calligraphy at the age of six. Counting this life, I’ve spent over twenty years on it. If it still wasn’t presentable, it would only prove my aptitude was dull.
Qin Zheng, who was also an enthusiast of calligraphy and painting, said with great envy, "You’re so lucky! Li’er, you must promise to write a copy for me."
Ye Li nodded. "The original copybook is gone. Would a piece I write myself be acceptable?"
"It’s a deal! I’ll be waiting," Qin Zheng declared.
"I want one too!" Hua Tianxiang and Murong Ting chimed in, not wanting to be left out. Ye Li promised each of them a copy before the matter was settled.
"I also concede!" Princess Qixia finally declared through gritted teeth. Since everyone else accepted the judges’ verdict, Princess Qixia, although disgruntled, had no choice but to begrudgingly do so.
Eldest Princess Zhaoyang sighed lightly and pulled Princess Qixia to her side, patting her comfortingly. Qixia has just arrived in Great Chu, yet her youthful and aggressive nature means she hates to admit defeat. It’s hard to determine whether this is a good or bad trait.
"Since this is the case, then... this year’s First Beauty of the Hundred Flowers Festival is Third Miss Ye from the residence of the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue." As no one had any objections, the venerable Su Zhe announced the final results of the competition on behalf of the panel of judges.
"Of course," Feng Zhiyao added, his smile like a spring breeze, "if anyone is dissatisfied, they can still challenge Third Miss Ye. I believe Third Miss Ye would be more than happy to accept such challenges. Isn’t that right?" Ye Li looked up, just in time to see Feng Zhiyao winking at her. Despite his frivolous demeanor, she felt no malicious intent from him.
As the new year’s First Beauty, Ye Li slowly ascended the high platform under the urging of Qin Zheng and the others. She personally received this year’s prizes from the Eldest Princess: the coveted Everlasting Youth Pearl, a purple jade hairpin, and the Snow Sound Zither—prizes that every beautiful woman desired. As for winning the prize in a manner that could essentially be considered cheating, I feel neither guilty nor remorseful. Of course, I don’t feel particularly triumphant either. Given the choice between humiliation and clever trickery, I will inevitably opt for what is more advantageous to me.
"Third Miss Ye, I didn’t realize Minister Ye had such an outstanding daughter," the Eldest Princess said, looking at the young woman in blue before her with a somewhat wistful expression. "Years ago, your mother and I had some acquaintance. If you have free time in the future, you should visit the Princess Mansion."
"Thank you, Eldest Princess," Ye Li replied with a respectful and appropriate smile. "It is Ye Li’s honor to receive your invitation."
"Good child, you may go now," the Eldest Princess said with a light sigh.
Ye Li curtsied to the Eldest Princess, then turned and gave a slight bow to each of the judges before departing with her gifts.
