My transformation into a beautiful girl started with a hemorrhage.

"Just now, everyone wrote about the theme of 'beauty,' and you both wrote about the beauty in your hearts. However, beauties have always had tragic fates, and very few of them have a good ending, often due to heartbreak. For the second question, please write about the sorrows of beauties! You two wrote poems just now, so this time, please write lyrics!"

After Xia Yuxuan finished speaking, He Wenyuan fell into deep thought.

Upon hearing the word "melancholy," an absolutely brilliant poem immediately came to mind.

However, in order not to be too shocking, Hui pretended to sit down and think.

The scene fell silent, and no one dared to make a sound for fear of disturbing the two.

Standing by the railing on the third floor, Wei Yi asked the question that had been on his mind: "Your Highness, why did you make things difficult for that Young Master Lin?"

“Wei Yi, don’t you think this Young Master Lin reminds you of someone, someone you’ve met before?” Xia Yuxuan said meaningfully.

Chapter 194 A Lifetime of Repayment

“Like a person?” Wei Yi thought carefully for a moment, but couldn’t figure it out. “Your Highness, I am too dull to tell.”

Do you still remember Consort Hui?

Wei Yi was taken aback: "Consort Hui?! That stupid woman who's been the subject of gossip both inside and outside the palace!"

"Stupid? If this Lin Hui really is that person, then it's not just her who's stupid, it's the whole world that's stupid."

······

hall.

He Wenyuan suddenly stood up, cupped his hands in greeting to Xia Yuxuan, and said, "Your Highness, I have already obtained the information!"

Upon seeing this, everyone exclaimed, "As expected of the renowned scholar He, whose literary talent is truly remarkable!"

"Judging from the confident demeanor of the talented He, he is probably certain of victory."

Upon seeing this, Xia Yuxuan said, "A person with a great reputation is indeed worthy of it. Tell me about it."

He Wenyuan paced back and forth a couple of times. He had already memorized a beautiful poem he had written on a piece of paper, and he recited it softly:

"The Flickering Red Candlelight: A Beauty's Melancholy"

Spring's dream is shattered as spring departs; birdsong and fallen blossoms echo in the quiet courtyard.

Moss creeps up the walls and grass grows on the steps; after the rain, the wind brushes the railings.

I cannot bear to climb to a high place and look into the distance.

As dusk approaches, the crystal curtains are half-rolled up.

Amidst the shadows of weeping willows and the sound of flowing water, a poignant and lingering melody resonates.

He Wenyuan finished speaking.

The scene immediately became lively, with many people clapping and cheering:

"Great words!"

"What a beautiful artistic conception!"

"Truly worthy of being called the great talent He!"

The learned scholar praised it, saying, "The lyricism is delicate and graceful, the language is beautiful, and the imagery is even more beautiful! Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful!"

"The poem is a masterpiece, combining the dreamlike scene with the real feelings."

Xia Yuxuan took a closer look, his eyebrows lifted, and he praised with a smile, "Indeed a masterpiece! He Caizi truly lives up to his reputation as a talented scholar!"

Seeing that even the Eighth Prince was praising He Wenyuan so highly, many people knew that He Wenyuan had a bright future ahead of him, and they immediately rushed to flatter him, saying things like, "Young Master He's talent is unparalleled in the world," "Young Master He will surely win first place tonight," and "You are the one who will win Lady Yu's heart," and so on.

He Wenyuan's expression remained calm, but he was already feeling quite pleased with himself. To be honest, he felt that today was truly a blessing from heaven. He never expected that the second question asked by the Eighth Prince would be the same as the second question on the invitation given by Yu Youwei.

That's right, Yu Youwei hinted at having two themes on the invitation. The reason for having two themes was mainly to be prepared for any eventuality.

Coincidentally, He Wenyuan had prepared for both themes, and unexpectedly, they actually came in handy.

'This poem is also my own labor of love, and even the Eighth Prince praised it highly. Wouldn't Yu Youwei be completely captivated by my literary talent?'

Thinking of this, He Wenyuan unfolded his jade fan, his gaze passing over the crowd and landing on Yu Youwei.

Suddenly, his face turned ugly, and he looked as if he wanted to crush the fan in his hand.

Because the imagined scene of Yu Youwei being obsessed with him did not happen.

Yu Youwei didn't even look at him; instead, she stared at the pretty boy with a worried expression.

At this moment, Yu Youwei was filled with remorse, regretting that she had told the Eighth Prince the theme of the poetry gathering, which had led to the current unfavorable situation for that jade-like Young Master Lin.

'Tonight, Young Master Lin was destined to become famous for his timeless masterpiece, but it was all my fault that he suffered such a crushing defeat. In that case, it seems... it seems I can only spend the rest of my life making it up to him!'

Thinking of this, Yu Youwei looked at Hui with a slightly shy expression.

Hui saw Yu Youwei looking at her expectantly and assumed she was looking forward to her new words, so she gave Yu Youwei a bright, sunny smile and said, "Absolutely great words, they won't disappoint you!"

Seeing Hui's undisguised response, Yu Youwei thought to herself with annoyance, 'This person is so carefree; I was worried about him.'

But then, remembering that this was in public, she felt a little embarrassed and thought, 'This jerk is so rude! With so many people watching, he doesn't even try to hide it!'

Thinking of this, Yu Youwei's face turned red, all the way to her neck, and she immediately lowered her head, not daring to look at Hui anymore.

However, He Wenyuan had seen the exchange between the two men the whole time. He gripped his fan tighter and tighter, a fire burning in his heart. He could no longer help but push through the crowd and ask Hui, "I wonder how Young Master Lin is thinking? Has he come up with any ideas?"

After He Wenyuan finished asking his question, many people in the crowd frowned. The most taboo thing in poetry creation is being disturbed by others, and even more so, being urged by others.

Apart from a few spoiled brats, everyone else could see that He Wenyuan had ulterior motives.

This immediately labeled He Wenyuan as someone "not to be befriended closely."

But He Wenyuan couldn't care less about that at the moment.

He won tonight, and he will surely be remembered for eternity. At that time, people will believe whatever he says. Even if they turn around and accuse this narrow-minded Lin Hui of being jealous of his talent and deliberately interrupting his thinking, he still managed to create this masterpiece, "Candlelight Flickering Red," with his keen and quick talent.

Even more so, if handled properly, this could very well become a legendary tale, just like "Cao Zhi composing a poem in seven steps," a story that will be remembered for generations.

He Wenyuan had already begun to fantasize about the grand occasion when he became the greatest scholar in the world!

What will Yu Youwei be then?

He wants to marry ten beauties of Yu Youwei's caliber and indulge in nightly revelry!

Upon hearing He Wenyuan's question, Hui stopped writing altogether, stood up, and said calmly, "I just happened to have some insights, and I'd like to share them with you!"

He Wenyuan was secretly overjoyed: 'What a case of putting on a brave face—all bark and no bite. We'll see how your hastily uttered words turn out to be utterly unbearable and laughable.'

Hui began to imitate He Wenyuan's dashing manner, taking two light steps and saying, "My masterpiece is titled 'Mulan Ci: An Ancient-Style Farewell Poem'."

A timeless masterpiece?! And some people shamelessly call their unpublished lyrics a timeless masterpiece! Do they think creating a timeless masterpiece is as simple as eating and drinking?

Not only He Wenyuan thought this way, but everyone else thought the same way.

However, Huiyi remained unmoved, her eyes filled with sorrow. Just as everyone was about to lose patience with her emotions, she softly recited: "Life...if only it were like our first meeting!"

quiet!

The entire hall was deathly silent!

Everyone was utterly shocked!

Only four words are in my head!

A masterpiece for all time!

It can only be a timeless masterpiece!

Even if the rest of the poem is not mentioned, this one line alone is enough to make him famous for all time and immortal!

Hui continued reciting: "...Why does the autumn wind grieve over the painted fan?"

The heart of an old friend changes so easily, yet people say that the heart of an old friend is fickle.

After speaking at Lishan, half the night had passed; tears fell like rain, yet there was no resentment.

How could I compare to that heartless, richly dressed man, with whom I had once vowed to be a pair of birds, intertwined branches...?

After Huiyin finished speaking,

The audience erupted in applause, but no one offered any praise, for any words used to compliment the poem would seem pale and powerless, and the applause lingered for a long time.

He Wenyuan seemed to have aged fifty years in an instant, his face haggard. Looking at the pale-faced man he had always despised, his lips parted slightly, then closed again, as if to say something but unable to utter a word. He knew he was utterly defeated tonight…

Chapter 195 Is there a marriage arrangement?

As the saying goes, "When a wall falls, everyone pushes it down," and many people began to look at the pale-faced He Wenyuan with amusement.

He Wenyuan felt a bitter taste in his mouth. He knew that after tonight, there would be no more "Great Talent He" in the capital. People would only remember the name "Great Talent Lin." He, He Wenyuan, had become that pretty boy's stepping stone and the subject of people's gossip.

When later generations read this poem of resolute farewell in the style of ancient times, they will only know that it is Lin Hui’s famous work, and that he defeated Lin Hui, who will mostly be seen as a clown, used to highlight Lin Hui’s great talent.

Xia Yuxuan also stepped forward to praise, saying, "What a fine poem! It is elegant and graceful, poignant and beautiful, with a lofty style and far-reaching charm. It is unique and distinctive. With this timeless masterpiece, Young Master Lin will surely be remembered for eternity and will be the best."

When Yu Youwei saw that even the Eighth Prince praised Lin Hui, the huge weight in her heart finally lifted. Her face flushed red, and her eyes gleamed with a strange light. She smiled, glanced at Hui, and then looked up at everyone and said, "In that case, the champion of this poetry gathering will be Young Master Lin Hui!"

"Okay!" XN

The crowd applauded and cheered, looking at Lin Hui with admiration and envy.

Yu Youwei continued, "This poetry gathering is now over. Those of you who are in a hurry can take the small boat back. If you are not in such a rush, you can stay here for the night. I have prepared rooms for you all."

After Yu Youwei finished speaking, the scene seemed to be ignited, with everyone laughing and shouting, "You're too kind, Yu!"... The atmosphere was even more lively than the discussion about the poetry gathering earlier.

Looking at the eager expressions of the men around her, Hui was somewhat confused.

Is it really necessary to be this excited?

It's just spending the night on a ship, why are you making such a fuss like you're on steroids?

But Hui quickly understood why they were so excited.

A group of beautiful young women, about the same age as Hui, entered the hall, and the entire hall was filled with fragrance.

They all had their eyebrows drawn with delicate strokes, their lips painted crimson, and their hair styled in identical flowing buns. Their features were exquisite, and their faces were charming. Especially striking was their attire: they all wore identical dresses made of jade-colored, smoky gauze, with two newly blossomed lotus leaves embroidered on the front. Clear raindrops seemed to sway gently with each breath, as if about to fall. Below, a wide belt cinched their slender waists, and the shimmering skirts flowed to the ground, their beautiful legs appearing and disappearing as they moved—utterly alluring.

As soon as these beautiful women entered the hall, the group of gentle and polite men, who had been so refined and courteous just moments before, became like wolves that had been starving for too long. They rushed forward and snatched the girls away. The girls not only did not resist, but instead flirted with the men and actively catered to them, letting them do whatever they wanted with their hands on their bodies, and occasionally letting out seductive moans to spice things up.

Hui stared in disbelief at everything, her little face flushed red like a ripe apple, her heart pounding, and she felt a damp, sticky sensation, especially around her legs.

Just when Hui thought these beasts would shamelessly commit indecent acts in public, thankfully they still had some sense of shame. Groups of two or three men and women embraced and left the hall, disappearing without a trace.