The abstinent and powerful minister is cold and aloof during the day, but he adores her in his dream

Chapter 78 The loser must be punished
Ouyang Zhenzhu said mysteriously, "You'll find out soon enough."

Zhiwan nodded and didn't ask any further questions.

"What did the princess just say to you?" Lu Jinglan, who was a few steps behind, had not heard what Xuan Yuanjing and Zhiwan were saying. When she saw Xuan Yuanjing go in, she stepped forward and asked.

"She didn't say anything." Zhiwan shook her head.

Those who have come to celebrate Xuanyuan Jing's birthday today are all noble ladies from the capital.

When Zhiwan and her party entered, the garden was already bustling with activity.

People gathered in small groups.

Some were playing the zither and composing poetry, while others were playing chess.

Everyone chatted and laughed, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

After greeting the young ladies they knew, Zhiwan and Ouyang Zhenzhu strolled around the garden.

The garden of Prince Gaoyang's Palace is very large, with pavilions, terraces, rockeries and flowing water, which is dazzling to behold.

After strolling around, they returned to the waterside pavilion, where someone exclaimed joyfully, "Jinglan, when did you get back?"

Zhiwan recognized the voice and was about to look up when she heard Ouyang Zhenzhu beside her say with great displeasure, "It's Wang Yanran again!"

Wang Yanran?
Zhiwan looked up and saw a woman in white walking gracefully towards her. It was Wang Yanran, whom she had met at the flower-viewing banquet at the Fu family.

So she knew Lu Jinglan?
Judging from their tone, the two have a close personal relationship.

As expected, Lu Jinglan was also delighted to see Wang Yanran. She took a few steps toward Wang Yanran and said with a smile, "I returned a few days ago."

"Then why didn't you send me a message?" Wang Yanran asked, feigning anger.

Lu Jinglan smiled and said, "I was planning to visit you in a couple of days, but I didn't expect to run into you here today."

Wang Yanran took her hand and was about to leave when Lu Jinglan introduced, "Yanran, these are our two younger sisters from the Duke of Dingguo's mansion, Zhiwan and Lulan. They've come to greet Miss Wang."

Ouyang Zhenzhu was about to leave, holding Zhiwan's hand, when she heard what Zhiwan said. She raised an eyebrow and whispered in Zhiwan's ear, "Why does she speak like an elder? And why should you two greet Wang Yanran? We are all peers."

Lu Lan stepped forward and said, "Greetings, Miss Wang."

Zhiwan remained standing still, only nodding to Wang Yanran, "We meet again, Miss Wang."

Wang Yanran had already noticed her by then, and her expression was somewhat subtle. "So it's Miss Zhi."

Lu Jinglan asked in surprise, "You two know each other?"

“How could I not recognize you? Although we only met once at the Fu family’s flower-viewing banquet, Miss Zhi’s charm was unforgettable,” Wang Yanran praised, but there was no smile on her face.

“She’s mocking you,” Ouyang Zhenzhu whispered in Zhiwan’s ear.

"I can tell." Zhiwan nodded, glancing at Wang Yanran with some surprise.

At the flower-viewing banquet at the Fu family's residence, Wang Yanran had shown her some hostility, but she later let it go.

Why did she become hostile towards me again when we met again?

She suppressed her doubts, ignored the barbed words in Wang Yanran's voice, and looked at Lu Jinglan, saying, "Since Aunt and Miss Wang are acquainted, you two chat, and Pearl and I will go for a walk elsewhere."

“Miss Zhi, it’s a rare opportunity to meet you. Why don’t we play together?” Wang Yanran stepped forward and blocked their path. “We are currently composing poetry. We have long admired your literary talent, Miss Zhi. Please do not hesitate to offer your guidance.”

She spoke humbly, but her attitude was firm, as if she was determined to keep Zhiwan alive.

Zhiwan paused for a moment. Was the other party deliberately flattering her to see her make a fool of herself?

"Okay." She parted her red lips slightly.

Wang Yanran was taken aback, clearly not expecting that she would agree so readily.

Isn't the other person an orphan?
He shouldn't even be able to recognize characters, how could he possibly compose poetry?

But the other party showed no sign of backing down.

Could it be that he's just putting on a brave face?

Wang Yanran thought to herself.

“Wan’er, Yanran’s talent is renowned throughout the capital. Are you sure you want to…” Lu Jinglan looked worried, hesitating to speak. Zhiwan glanced at her, “Is Aunt Jinglan worried that I’ll embarrass myself? I dare not claim such literary talent, but I think I can compose a couple of poems. Miss Wang, please!”

Wang Yuyan glanced at her disdainfully, thinking to herself, "I'll definitely make her look bad later."

She snorted coldly, flicked her sleeves, and entered the waterside pavilion.

Upon hearing that the two were going to compose a poem, Xuanyuan Jing immediately became interested.

She invited Zhiwan here today because she wanted to cause trouble for her after she lost face in front of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion last time.

But she didn't expect that Lu Zhan would come too.

Moreover, Lu Zhan had warned her in the front yard just now.

She didn't want to really break ties with Lu Zhan, so she could only let Zhiwan go for the time being.

Unexpectedly, Zhiwan overestimated herself and challenged Wang Yanran to a poetry contest.

Wang Yanran was a renowned talented woman in the capital. For Zhiwan, a mere young girl, to challenge Wang Yanran in a poetry contest was simply humiliating.

She could almost see Zhiwan's defeat and the ridicule she would receive from everyone, and she couldn't wait to enter the waterside pavilion as well.

When she entered, the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone were already laid out on the table in the waterside pavilion.

Zhiwan and Wang Yanran each stood behind a table, their heads down as they wrote.

Soon after, they both finished writing and put down their pens.

Xuan Yuanjing quickly said, "Wait, let me say a few words first."

Everyone looked at her.

Xuan Yuanjing glanced at Zhi Wan with ill intent, "The winner will be rewarded with a set of ruby ​​jewelry, but the loser..."

Everyone held their breath and watched her.

A set of ruby ​​headdresses is quite extravagant.

Needless to say, this prize will definitely end up in Wang Yanran's hands.

After all, her talent was renowned far and wide, how could the unknown Zhiwan compare?

"The loser has to kneel down and bark like a dog!" Xuan Yuanjing continued what she hadn't finished saying, her eyes fixed on Zhi Wan, as if she was certain that Zhi Wan would lose.

Hearing this, even the most oblivious person would know that Xuanyuan Jing was targeting Zhiwan.

Everyone chuckled, their gazes subtly fixed on Zhiwan.

Ouyang Zhenzhu spoke up indignantly, "Princess, composing poetry is an elegant affair. What you did was really unbecoming of your manners and status, and it was also unfair to the loser."

"Ouyang Zhenzhu, are you in such a hurry? Have you already decided that Zhiwan will be the loser?" A noblewoman standing next to Wang Yanran covered her mouth and laughed.

"You!" Ouyang Zhenzhu was furious and tried to rush forward, but Zhiwan grabbed her hand.

She glanced at Xuan Yuanjing's determined look, paused for a moment, and said softly, "It's alright, Pearl. Winning or losing is a small matter. If I lose, I'll accept the punishment."

Ouyang Zhenzhu said anxiously, "But..."

“Even Zhiwan doesn’t care, what business is it of yours?” Xuan Yuanjing interrupted her. “Besides, this is the Gaoyang Prince’s residence. Who dares to object to my decision?”

Seeing this, Granny Fang, fearing that Zhiwan would be at a disadvantage, quietly withdrew.

Wang Yanran looked at Zhiwan with a smile, "If I lose, I am willing to accept the punishment."

"Wang Yanran, read your poem aloud first," Xuan Yuanjing urged impatiently, eager to see Zhiwan's defeated and embarrassed state.

Wang Yanran picked up the paper and smiled, "Today is the princess's birthday, so I just discussed with Miss Zhi that we would each compose a poem on the theme of your birthday." She then began to recite: "Colorful dances fill the hall with joy. Every year on this day, we celebrate my birthday. Fragrant mist shrouds the clear dawn, red peach blossoms adorn the early spring. Let us get drunk, do not hesitate. The nine-colored cup, cold, is warmed again. In this world of wine, age is inevitable; let us forever embrace the music and sing, drunk amidst the clouds."

As soon as she finished speaking, the group of noble ladies applauded, "What a fine poem! No wonder she is a talented woman!"

Xuan Yuanjing was also very pleased. She looked at Wang Yanran with admiration, and when she turned her gaze to Zhi Wan, she rubbed her hands together, eager to recite for her, "It's your turn, quickly recite your poem too!"

The poem quoted in the text is "Partridge Sky" by Zhang Lun of the Song Dynasty.

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(End of this chapter)