Outside the Princess's residence, Madam Guo had her carriage drive her daughter back to the Marquis's mansion in a hurry. Meanwhile, inside the Princess's residence, Princess Wuyou's poetry gathering officially commenced.
Ancient customs dictated that weddings were held in the evening and birthdays at noon. Gatherings like poetry sessions, sitting by the fire, or admiring flowers and snow were certainly held after midday.
The garden had long been prepared. A desk was set up, complete with writing implements. The maids of the Princess's residence spread out the cut Xuan paper and secured it with paperweights, ready for the young ladies from various households.
"Sister Qian, what topic do you think the Princess will set today?"
"I can't fathom the Princess's thoughts," the second daughter of the Qian family pondered before adding, "A poetry gathering is always inspired by the season. There are so many things to write about corresponding to the four seasons. The scope is hard to define."
These young ladies were all astute. To achieve prominence in public, how could they not endure hardship in private? They might not study much normally, but they certainly had to practice their calligraphy. They weren't aiming for imperial examinations, so being proficient in composing poems and lyrics was considered a sign of talent. The kind of learned women who knew astronomy and geography were almost mythical. The ancients believed that a woman without talent was virtuous, and simply being able to read and understand some principles was more than enough.
The poetry gathering was a battlefield for young ladies. Here, they would compete, vie for prizes, and the one who ultimately won the prize would undoubtedly be the greatest victor, not only enhancing her reputation but also gaining the favor of Princess Wuyou, and earning the envy and jealousy of others.
In the pavilion atop the rockery, several madams were enjoying tea and idle chatter. The location was excellent, offering a panoramic view of the garden below and allowing them to observe the activities of the young ladies at any time.
"Madam Qian, your daughter is becoming more striking by the day. Most importantly, her temperament has improved, becoming more steady and capable, possessing the grace of your younger days," said Madam Huang, who was plump with a round, amiable face that exuded warmth.
Madam Qian replied, "Madam Huang is too kind. My daughter is good in every aspect, perhaps too quiet. She usually spends her time at home tending to flowers and reading, not venturing out much. It's fortunate the Princess thought of her and invited her to this poetry gathering; it's an opportunity for her to relax."
Madam Huang subtly pursed her lips, thinking to herself, "What a boast! This second daughter of the Qian family is, at best, of average talent, yet she claims the Princess thought of her? The Princess likely doesn't even know her name."
Maintaining her outward politeness, Madam Huang smiled and agreed, "As girls grow older, they should indeed go out more. Madam Qian, won't you go down and observe?"
"It's a game for the young; why should I join the fray?" Madam Qian sighed sentimentally. "We have all been young once, and the thoughts of maidenhood are long gone."
"Who isn't saying that!" Madam Huang chimed in. "We are old. The future rests with them." The remark was pregnant with double meaning, but Madam Qian understood it perfectly. The two exchanged smiles, neither dwelling on the matter further, and instead resumed their casual conversation and tea.
Before long, Princess Wuyou returned after changing her attire. A maid followed her, carrying a tray with a scroll tied with a red ribbon.
"Ladies, this is the first theme for today's poetry gathering," said Aunt Min, unrolling the scroll and presenting it to everyone: "Lotus."
Princess Wuyou had already taken her seat. She smiled at the assembled young ladies and said, "This topic is not difficult. Whichever lady wins first place, I shall bestow this precious jade hairpin, the Eight Treasures Ruyi hairpin, as a prize." With that, she personally removed the hairpin from her head and had a maid place it on the tray.
The young ladies were all excited, not so much for the hairpin itself, but because the prize from Princess Wuyou was rare. To win first place would enhance their reputation and provide them with an additional advantage.
When the second daughter of the Qian family heard the theme was "Lotus," her eyes lit up, and she already had an idea. She glanced around and saw some girls frowning in thought, others murmuring to themselves, and some even biting their penholders. A smug feeling washed over her; it seemed destined for her to win first place today.
"Lotus is not difficult to write about, but it's not easy to write it well."
"Indeed."
"I passed by the waterside pavilion earlier and saw the lotuses blooming beautifully there. They must have been meticulously cared for by someone. Perhaps the Princess wishes to set a scene?"
"Don't you know the Princess loves lotuses the most?"
"Really?"
"I heard it from someone else," the young girl whispered. "Hush, let's get back to writing our poems."
The second daughter of the Qian family showed a hint of disdain, but quickly suppressed it.
She already had a plan and wasn't worried about anyone surpassing her.
With this thought, the second daughter of the Qian family stepped forward and said with a touch of pride, "Your Highness, I have an idea."
Li Man'er, who was sipping tea, spat out her mouthful of tea upon hearing this, causing quite a stir.
"My lady, are you alright?" Mu Yun quickly stepped forward, holding a silk handkerchief to wipe Li Man'er's face. Fortunately, only a few drops of tea had splashed onto her shoe, barely noticeable if one didn't look closely.
The commotion on her side also attracted the attention of the concerned parties. The second daughter of the Qian family felt Li Man'er was deliberately causing trouble.
"What is the meaning of this, Miss Li? Are you dissatisfied with me?"
Li Man'er simply replied, "A misunderstanding, it has nothing to do with Miss Qian." She made a gesturing motion, "Feel free."
If you have an idea, you say you have an idea. If you can compose a poem, you say you can compose a poem. Why be so brief and say "I have an idea"? What do you have? Are you pregnant?
The second daughter of the Qian family felt Li Man'er was toying with her. However, in front of the Princess, she couldn't afford to lose her temper. Everyone had witnessed Princess Wuyou defending Li Man'er before. If she directly confronted Li Man'er, she likely wouldn't gain anything.
"Since Miss Li intends to compete, why not participate? We can each write a poem and settle the score. Wouldn't that be enjoyable?"
"Heh heh, forget it. I'm not as talented as Miss Qian. I'm willing to spar in a fight, but writing poetry is out."
The second daughter of the Qian family pressed on, "What are you saying, Miss Li? This is a poetry gathering; we meet friends with our writing. One cannot come empty-handed and leave empty-handed, can they?"
Was she implying that she hadn't brought a gift for the Princess?
Hmph~
"Miss Qian, why don't you write your poem and I'll drink my tea? Must you be so aggressive?"
At this point, all the young ladies had gathered around, enjoying the spectacle. Since it was difficult to compose a poem, they might as well watch the drama.
"Man'er," the Princess, who had been silent until now, suddenly said, "Since you are idle anyway, why not compete with Miss Qian? Lotus is not a difficult topic."
Upon hearing this, a spark of realization flashed through Li Man'er's mind. She instantly understood.
Previously, by the lake, she had seen the lotuses and was in a good mood, so she casually recited a few lines from a poem by Yang Wanli. Aunt Min was by her side at the time and likely overheard it.
It was precisely because of this that the theme was Lotus.
*Cough~*
Cheating, plagiarizing, doesn't seem quite right, does it?