Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life-Chapter 1036 - 1025: The Undefeated General
"General Ye, it was wrong of me on that day not to stop Yu Rou from bullying you." Tong Yingxin said reluctantly, still somewhat defiant and sulking, "But the poem General Ye composed that day indeed amazed everyone. Today, amidst such beautiful scenery, could you compose another one?"
Deep down, Tong Yingxin still did not believe those two poems were indeed Ye Qiu’s own creations. With the Crown Prince present today, and her sudden provocation, she was confident Ye Qiu would not be able to produce another good poem.
Upon hearing her words, Shang Wenjun’s eyes flashed immediately, clearly indicating her disbelief as well, while eagerly anticipating Ye Qiu’s mistake.
"Is General Ye unable to come up with something for the moment? How about Sister Shang composes a poem first, perhaps once she’s done General Ye will improve." Tong Yingxin teased.
Shang Wenjuan saw everyone looking at her; she glanced apologetically at Ye Qiu, seemingly unable to refuse, "Then I’ll humbly try to offer some inspiration for everyone first."
Ye Qiu watched her with interest, listening as she showed a thoughtful expression, took a few steps, and said, "Since today is about appreciating orchids, I will take the orchid as my theme! The orchid grows quietly in the valley, blossoms beside the stone stream. The wind carries its fragrance afar, spring accompanies its verdant leaves fluttering. Its delicate form like jade, its pure elegance like a celestial being. It remains in the world holding true meaning, unaffected by worldly disputes."
"What a fine poem!" Seeing her so quickly produce a poem, Tong Yingxin immediately clapped her hands in praise.
This poem was indeed excellent, especially given its brief creation time. It not only depicts the growth environment of orchids but also portrays the orchid’s leaves as jade-like, its petals clean and flawless, ethereal like a celestial being. It metaphorically represents the orchid’s detachment from the bustling world, better preserving the beauty and independence of its character, hinting at its desireless nature, unaffected by worldly temptations, allowing one to navigate the world with serenity, unperturbed at heart!
Moreover, the poem is elegantly structured, melodious and smooth, truly befitting her title as the capital’s leading literary talent!
The Crown Prince, Second Prince, and Third Prince also applauded, each casting appreciative glances at her.
Shang Wenjun inwardly breathed a huge sigh of relief, feeling she had performed exceptionally well this time; yet, she deftly maintained her humility, bowing in thanks to everyone before gazing expectantly at Ye Qiu.
"General Ye, my apologies for making you laugh!"
"Not at all, Lady Shang’s literary reputation is indeed well-deserved."
Listening to her remark, Tong Yingxin sneered somewhat gloatingly, "You’re not conceding, are you? Indeed, creating such a fine poem in such a short time isn’t something everyone can do."
"Yingxin!" The Crown Prince reprimanded her, frowning.
Tong Yingxin stomped her foot, pouting, "I actually admire General Ye’s literary fame. Last time General Ye composed such terrific poems; I thought this time he’d be able to produce another."
"I didn’t expect the Commandery Princess holds me in such high regard." Just as Tong Yingxin and Shang Wenjun thought he was about to concede, Ye Qiu suddenly smiled, "In that case, I cannot let the Commandery Princess down; Monarch, please listen well."
In surprised gazes, Ye Qiu said coolly, "The orchids have grown in rows, the mountain air grows long. Firm and self-contained, what need to compete with other blooms. Though less verbose than Lady Shang’s, it should suffice, right? I presume no one will suspect anymore!"
This poem may have fewer words than Shang Wenjun’s previous one, but the quality of a poem is never judged by word count. Although brief, this is a poem expressing ambitions through allusion, likening oneself to orchids while using the mountain’s varied blooms to metaphorically depict challenging external circumstances. The last two lines precisely articulate the author’s admirable unwillingness to conform to worldly corruption or labor over petty fame and fortune, preferring the joy and ease of a secluded lifestyle.
The Crown Prince’s gaze grew complex while looking at Ye Qiu; does she refuse to engage in the struggle for heirship? Is she tired of court intrigues? Unexpectedly, she seems indifferent to power, desiring only to retire from official duties and live in the mountains!
No wonder she has been ignoring my favor, no wonder!
"Clap! Clap! Clap!" The crisp sound of applause reached their ears, causing everyone to look toward the person clapping—the Second Prince.
"What a wonderful poem, truly splendid! General Ye is equally skilled in both literature and martial arts, highly admirable!" His eyes shined brightly, "Meeting someone like General Ye in this lifetime is the greatest fortune for my spirit!"
The Crown Prince felt very uncomfortable with his gaze, as if his prey was coveted and about to be snatched away.
"Won’t saying such things disappoint Father Emperor? Isn’t your greatest fortune being a member of the Imperial Family?" The Crown Prince retorted unable to resist.
The Second Prince laughed instead of getting angry, "Is Crown Prince feeling envious? The gentle lady and the gentleman pursue each other; the Crown Prince can seek out General Ye, why can’t I do the same? Let’s rely on our skills then!"
The Crown Prince said nothing further but his gaze grew more dangerous, yet the Second Prince, battling him for years, certainly would not be intimidated.
While storms brewed here, over there Tong Yingxin and Shang Wenjun felt great jealousy; Tong Yingxin regretted prompting Ye Qiu to compose a poem again, unexpectedly allowing him to shine once more.
Shang Wenjun, on the other hand, blamed herself for her limited knowledge. Although rated the capital’s leading literary talent, she fell short compared to a martial artist who trained for years.
Her gaze at Ye Qiu grew complicated, unable to resist questioning the heavens: when there was already someone like me, why give birth to another Ye Qiu?
"The Crown Prince and Second Cousin are both enamored with General Ye; doesn’t the Third Cousin have any thoughts?" Tong Yingxin felt uneasy, yet dared not provoke the Crown Prince and Second Prince, seeing Shang Wenjun seeming dazed, she shifted the topic to the Third Prince.
Clearly in her mind, although the Third Prince’s Queen Mother, Princess Consort Ning, also hailed from an esteemed family, she held little real power. The Third Prince himself was unrestrained and casual, often joking with others, having no airs, thus Tong Yingxin wasn’t afraid to offend.
Indeed, the Third Prince appeared unperturbed, seemingly unconcerned, quickly waved his hand as if avoiding trouble, "I came today merely to admire the treasured swords at the General Ye’s Mansion. I am still young, and should others wish to wed Princess Consort, I ought to wait in line behind Crown Prince and Second Brother."
Finishing his statement, he kindly relieved Ye Qiu, "General Ye, since the orchids have been admired, can we view the swords now? Should the Crown Prince and Second Brother wish to remain and continue viewing, General Ye can simply arrange for a servant to guide me there."
"How dare I neglect the Third Prince, I will personally escort Your Highness there." Saying so, she glanced at the others, clearly signaling her unwillingness to remain here.
Everyone present was perceptive, except the less perceptive Tong Yingxin, who had just lost face and felt unhappy, resolved not to stir any chaos to sway the Crown Prince’s view of her negatively, hence obediently followed along.
"Today I’ve truly been treated to a feast for the eyes, General Ye; if one day, I could witness your elegance on the battlefield, that would be splendid!" Before parting, the Third Prince gazed at her intently.
"My lifelong aspiration is peace and prosperity, with no more wars." Ye Qiu replied with cold determination.
The Third Prince took no offense, continued smiling, "Indeed General Ye is magnanimous, it was my oversight. Next time there’s an opportunity, I shall invite General to my mansion for a drink."
"You are courteous, Third Prince."
