Chapter 211: Poetry Exchange in the Royal Palace, the Female Thief Appears Again!

The poem was finished.

Everyone clapped and praised it, their gazes turning toward the Queen.

Lin Daiyu's face turned even redder.

The Queen murmured the poem to herself once, then smiled and said, "It is a good poem, but it is too hazy and does not fully capture Lin Guniang's beauty. Perhaps Young Master Luo was afraid of being rude and offending Lin Guniang, so he did not dare to write openly."

Seeing the Queen was in high spirits, Jia Mu hurriedly smiled and said, "Reporting to Your Highness, Daiyu is also good at writing poetry at home. If Your Highness is interested, why not let Daiyu write one as well to join in the fun?"

The Queen's eyes brightened, and she said, "Lin Guniang can write poetry too? That is excellent; it just so happens that I wish to hear some poetry tonight."

Upon hearing this, Jia Mu hurriedly said, "I ask that Your Highness set the topic."

The Queen pondered for a moment, looked at the youth standing respectfully with his head lowered before her, and suddenly smiled, saying, "Why not have Lin Guniang write one in response to Young Master Luo? Let us judge which of you two talented individuals writes the best."

Everyone clapped and cheered upon hearing this.

Blushing, Lin Daiyu modestly said, "This young woman naturally cannot compare to Young Master Luo."

Imperial Concubine Jia smiled and said, "Daiyu, there is no need for modesty. Show your skills and let the Queen see them."

Jia Mu also hurriedly smiled and said, "Daiyu, you must not let Her Highness be disappointed."

Seeing this, Lin Daiyu dared not decline further; she looked up shyly at the front, pondered for a moment, and said she was ready.

Upon hearing this, everyone urged her to recite it.

Lin Daiyu no longer hesitated; with a blushing face, she lowered her head and recited it.

"A jade tree in the wind reflects the moon's brilliance, a green robe flutters with elegant intent.

The splendor of the writing startles the Liang Kingdom, the brush falls with a thousand words to stir the nine clouds.

The heart is like fine jade, harboring noble spirit; the talent is like a river and sea, scattering mist and clouds.

If only we could accompany each other through the spring days, smiling at the passing years without staining the veil.

"

Although her voice was delicate and shy, her tone was resonant and powerful, possessing a natural, dashing spirit.

After listening, everyone secretly praised it, but not knowing the Queen's mind, they did not dare to speak up prematurely.

The Queen recited it to herself once, her face full of admiration, and could not help but praise, "Lin Guniang truly has a talent for poetry; I had underestimated her before."

Upon hearing this, Jia Mu was overjoyed and hurriedly smiled, saying, "When this girl has nothing to do, she just likes to recite poetry and compose couplets with her sisters at home."

The Queen smiled and looked at the youth before her, saying, "Young Master Luo, what do you think of Lin Guniang's poem?"

Lin Daiyu also raised her head and glanced over secretly, her peach-blossom face burning slightly.

Luo Zijun bowed his head and replied, "Lin Guniang's talent is naturally beyond words, but as for this poem being dedicated to this commoner, this commoner dare not accept it."

The Queen smiled and said, "Young Master Luo, a young girl is brave enough to express her heart directly in her poetry without hiding anything. Yet you—not only is your poetry restrained, but you don't even dare to accept a compliment. Where is your manly spirit?"

Everyone laughed, and they all said, "Your Highness is right."

Seeing the Queen's interest had not waned, Jia Mu's heart stirred, and she added, "Your Highness, why not let Young Master Luo write another one?"

The Queen smiled and said, "I have the same intention. It is not easy for such talented people to gather tonight; would it not be a pity not to write a few more? Young Master Luo, Lin Guniang, you two shall compete. Each of you will write three more poems. Whoever wins, I shall reward, and if you lose, I shall also punish. As for what the rewards and punishments are, I shall not say for now."

Once these words were spoken, everyone cheered.

Jia Mu hurriedly took Lin Daiyu's small hand and whispered, "Daiyu, this is a rare opportunity, cherish it well. The Queen seems to like you very much; you must not let Her Highness be disappointed tonight."

Lin Daiyu lowered her head and softly replied, "Yes."

The Queen added with a smile, "As for the topic, there are no restrictions. To add some fun, you two shall praise each other."

Everyone laughed.

However, Chu Meixiang, the Head of the Bai Family, felt secretly suspicious and uneasy in her heart.

Such a poetic exchange between a man and a woman, and praising each other at that—if the man were unmarried and the woman were unmarried, it would be fine, but the key was that this youth was her Bai Family's son-in-law...

She kept a smile on her face, but her gaze turned toward her daughter behind her.

Bai Qingtong also seemed somewhat puzzled; she met her mother's gaze and shook her head slightly, signaling her not to say anything more.

Imperial Concubine Jia smiled and said, "Alright, let us begin. Young Master Luo first."

Luo Zijun had no choice but to walk over and stand opposite Lin Meimei. To show respect, he bowed and said, "Lin Guniang, please forgive me."

To write a poem praising a girl to her face like this was, in fact, somewhat rude and offensive.

But now that the Queen was in high spirits and everyone was joining in the excitement, the two naturally dared not be constrained by convention anymore.

Lin Daiyu also blushed, lowered her head to return the bow, and whispered, "Young Master Luo, please."

Luo Zijun did not hesitate further; after a moment of pondering, he recited it.

"Light clouds brush the moon's shadow, hazy and dim; weak willows lean in the wind, dancing in the azure sky.

Plain hands pick flowers, pitying the weeping dew; by the secluded window, I play with my brush to compose of fragrant red.

I hide my pearly tears within the poem; in dreams, I send my spring sorrows to the east of the water.

It is not that there are no soulmates in the Human Realm, I only pity that when the flowers wither, when shall we be together?"

"

After listening, Lin Daiyu stared up at him, her eyes glistening with tears, looking deeply moving.

The Queen praised, "Young Master Luo has great talent!"

Everyone also hurriedly offered praise.

Jia Mu hurriedly whispered, "Daiyu, it is your turn."

Lin Daiyu withdrew her gaze, pondered for a moment, and also recited.

"The green robe and jade face reflect the spring breeze; the brush falls, startling the wild goose, the spirit naturally heroic.

A belly full of writing hides the sun and moon; a heart full of clear rhyme draws in the autumn swan.

Your talent is worthy of a national scholar, startling the Liang Garden; your heart is like fine jade, reflecting in the water.

If one asks who is the best in the Human Realm, Young Master Luo carries the moon and steps into the cloud palace."

"Good poem!"

The Queen clapped her hands in praise and couldn't help but say, "Lin Guniang's talent has opened my eyes once again! Between these two, I feel that this one by Lin Guniang is a cut above. It wins in its momentum, it wins in its directness, and it is not affected or pretentious."

Hearing this, the crowd also offered their praise one after another, then echoed, "Lin Guniang is indeed a cut above."

Lin Daiyu lowered her head and smiled faintly, her pretty face slightly warm.

Jia Guifei smiled and said, "Young Master Luo, you must be careful with the next one."

Luo Zijun bowed to Lin Meimei before him and then recited the second poem.

"Hibiscus-like face reflects the autumn waves, weak bones light and graceful, steps hesitant and shy.

A scroll of poetry and books pities the night rain, half a window of cool shadows listens to a sad song.

Fragrance fades and jade chills, not without intent, moon shines on withered flowers, what can be done?

If only the east wind could always be a companion, then I would make the red tears not flow in vain."

After listening, Lin Daiyu was slightly startled; she raised her head to look at him, a look of confusion appearing in her eyes.

Luo Zijun met her gaze and heard her secretly thinking in her heart: Fragrance fades and jade chills, moon shines on withered flowers... Could it be that Young Master Luo is taking this opportunity to tell my fortune and hinting at something?

"Lin Meimei is indeed as clever as ice and snow."

Luo Zijun sighed secretly in his heart.

After listening, the Queen smiled and said, "Young Master Luo, this poem is beautiful, but it seems a bit desolate."

Jia Guifei hurriedly said, "Daiyu, it is your turn."

Lin Daiyu came back to her senses, glanced at the young man opposite her again, and lowered her head to ponder. Just as she was about to recite, an old eunuch suddenly hurried in to report: "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager asks you to come over for a moment."

The Queen frowned slightly: "What is the matter?"

The old eunuch lowered his head, hesitant and afraid to speak.

The Queen's expression turned cold, and she said, "Speak!"

The old eunuch had no choice but to kneel and say, "The Empress Dowager says... says that the singing here is too noisy and is disturbing her rest."

Upon hearing this, the Queen narrowed those charming peach-blossom eyes, her expression cold, but she quickly returned to normal and smiled at the crowd: "Everyone, please continue listening to the opera here; I will be back shortly."

Having said this, she rose and left.

Everyone bowed their heads to respectfully see her off.

It was not until long after the Queen had left that the people in the room gradually raised their heads, looking at each other, not daring to say much.

Everyone had heard of the conflict between the Queen and the Empress Dowager.

When the Liang King was alive, the Empress Dowager had even spoken of deposing the Queen; just as the Liang King lay seriously ill in bed, the Empress Dowager had said this again, even directly letting the ministers discuss it.

Who would have thought that the Liang King would suddenly pass away from illness, and the great power would suddenly fall into the hands of the Queen.

It is said that because the Queen was too young, only eighteen, after the Liang King passed away, the Empress Dowager had intended to rule from behind the curtain, but perhaps due to excessive grief during that time, she suddenly fell ill and lapsed into a coma, almost following the Liang King; only then did the great power fall into the hands of the Queen. All sorts of speculations about this were spreading everywhere.

However, after the Queen completely controlled the court and military power, those rumors suddenly disappeared.

"Pin'er, I'm afraid you had these poems prepared long ago, right? It's just that you were troubled by having no way to give them to Young Master Luo, and today just happened to be the opportunity, isn't that so?"

At this time, Shi Xiangyun leaned over to Lin Daiyu's side and teased in a low voice.

Lin Daiyu immediately blushed and said anxiously, "Yun'er, don't talk nonsense!"

Jia Mu seemed to be deep in thought; she went over to hold Jia Yuanchun's hand and whispered, "The Queen seems to like our Daiyu very much. See if you should send Daiyu into the palace to serve the Queen?"

Jia Yuanchun pondered for a moment and whispered, "Let us not mention this for now. If the Queen has the intention, she will naturally state it; if she does not, it is not good for us to be too proactive, lest we be too clever and end up with a blunder."

Jia Mu nodded upon hearing this: "That is true."

Immediately, she turned her head to look behind her and couldn't help but sigh, whispering: "It's a pity, that Young Master Luo and our Daiyu, a talented man and a beautiful woman, a perfect match. Why didn't I notice it before? What a pity, what a pity."

Jia Yuanchun also took a look and sighed along with her: "I am also to blame. Back then, Tanchun did send me a message saying that this Young Master Luo would have a boundless future and wanted me to come forward to facilitate a marriage, but unfortunately, I didn't pay much attention to it at the time. Now it seems that the Queen thinks very highly of this Young Master Luo, and I fear this young man will soar to the skies in the future..."

Jia Mu immediately became jealous and said, "The Bai Family has indeed made a good move, and they even had him marry into their family as a son-in-law..."

!

Jia Yuanchun gave a bitter smile and said nothing more.

At this time, a eunuch came to pass on a message: "The Queen asks Noble Consort to accompany everyone to watch the opera. If you are tired, you may rest in the palace or return on your own. There are still some matters with the Empress Dowager, so the Queen will not be able to come for a while."

Upon hearing this, everyone had the intention to return.

After all, the Empress Dowager had sent that old eunuch to pass the word that the singing here was too noisy and was disturbing her rest.

It was truly inappropriate for them to continue watching the opera here.

But at this moment, it was not easy for everyone to leave immediately.

After all, this visit to the palace to watch the opera was by the Queen's invitation, and now that she had sent a eunuch to tell the Noble Consort to accompany them, if they left now, wouldn't they be offending the Queen?

Everyone felt uneasy and conflicted, but they had to stay and watch the opera half-heartedly.

After watching three acts, Jia Guifei finally said, "Everyone seems tired, so why not let them go back to rest early. As for the Queen, I will go over and explain it myself later."

Once these words were spoken, everyone breathed a sigh of relief and took their leave one after another.

Jia Mu held Jia Yuanchun's hand, reluctant to part.

Jia Yuanchun was equally reluctant to part; she looked at her and then at the other sisters, tears welling up in her eyes.

Lady Wang rubbed her eyes and said, "Your Highness, do not be sad. When spring comes next year, you can report to the Queen and return home for a family visit. By that time, our Daguanyuan will also be built. You and these sisters can have a good chat and play."

Jia Yuanchun hurriedly said, "I have already sent word that there should be no extravagance or waste. Daguanyuan can be built or not; our Jia Family does not need to follow the trend of competing in wealth and invite criticism."

Lady Wang smiled and said, "How is it competing in wealth? You are a Noble Consort; when you return for a family visit, it should naturally be grand. You represent the majesty of our King, so we naturally cannot lose etiquette."

While the Jia Family members were talking, the Bai Family and other families had already gone downstairs first.

Luo Zijun left the pavilion and secretly waved at Liu Chujian, who was standing not far away, signaling her to follow behind.

Chu Meixiang walked in front, looking preoccupied.

Bai Qingtong whispered, "Mother, don't worry too much; perhaps the Queen has no other intentions."

Chu Meixiang looked left and right and whispered, "You don't know, when she was a child, she was jealous of your sister's beauty... Now that she has discovered your sister has recruited such a good husband, I fear..."

She did not dare to continue speaking.

Bai Qingtong was stunned for a moment, and not daring to ask more, she hurriedly said, "We'll talk about it when we get back."

She then turned her head and said, "Brother-in-law, you and Liu should take my carriage; take Liu home first."

Luo Zijun agreed, and he, Liu Chujian, and Bi'er got into her carriage.

Chu Meixiang frowned and said, "Which Liu?"

Then her expression changed: "The one your eldest brother likes? Minister Liu's Young Lady?"

Bai Qingtong nodded slightly: "It is her."

Just as Chu Meixiang was about to speak, people from the Jia Family came out and greeted her.

Jia Mu smiled and said, "Meixiang, if you have time, come to our manor to chat; if we don't visit often, we'll grow distant."

Chu Meixiang hurriedly smiled and said, "When I have time tomorrow, I will go to pay a visit to the Old Matriarch."

The two sides exchanged pleasantries for a while before boarding their carriages.

At the same time.

The Queen's phoenix carriage had just emerged from Yangxin Hall.

At this moment, a eunuch came to report that the gathering at Jing'an Tower had dispersed, and everyone was preparing to leave.

The Queen pondered for a moment and said, "Then let us return to the palace as well."

The group immediately carried the phoenix carriage and headed toward Yaohua Palace.

The Queen leaned back, closing her eyes; even her wide red robe could not conceal her curvaceous figure, and perhaps because she had just been angry, the swell of her chest rose and fell continuously.

That beautiful face was also charming and alluring under the flickering light.

After a moment.

The murderous aura between her brows gradually dissipated, and in her mind, she could not help but recall that delicate and handsome face, and that elegant figure in a scholar's robe.

"The long night is endless..."

She slowly opened her eyes and looked at the cold night.

Then, she suddenly said to a maid following beside her: "Qing'er, go prepare. My temper is quite high tonight; if I don't vent it, I fear I won't be able to sleep."

The maid agreed and left immediately.

In her charming and alluring peach-blossom eyes, ripples of water appeared, as if spring water were overflowing, endless and extremely seductive.

The night grew darker.

The carriage left the palace and traveled along the deserted night streets, soon arriving at Chujian Bookstore.

Luo Zijun helped Liu out of the carriage and wanted to go inside to sit for a while, but Liu Chujian stopped him and whispered, "It's getting late, Brother Zijun should hurry back. Just now in the palace, Madam Bai looked at me several times; I fear that when you return to the manor, she will want to question Brother Zijun."

Seeing that the Bai Family's carriage was still waiting, Luo Zijun could only say, "Then rest early, I will come to see you tomorrow."

"Mm, Brother Zijun should also rest early."

Liu Chujian said softly.

Seeing her delicate and beautiful appearance under the light, so touching and pitiful, Luo Zijun could not help but pull her into his arms and kiss her gently a few times before reluctantly saying goodbye.

After getting into the carriage, he poked his head out of the window and whispered, "Wash up and wait for me tomorrow night."

Liu Chujian waved with a smile.

The carriage drove away slowly.

Luo Zijun sat in the carriage, thinking about what had happened tonight.

After thinking for a while, the carriage suddenly jolted, and then, something seemed to fall off the carriage outside.

His heart skipped a beat, and he immediately lifted the curtain to look outside.

Who would have thought that as soon as the curtain was lifted, a large net suddenly came toward him, and with a "swish," it directly enveloped him.

Damn it!

Luo Zijun was terrified, his soul almost flying out of his body!

He immediately wanted to throw a punch, but found that the large net on his body tightened instantly, wrapping him directly into a strip of meat; the net threads almost dug into his flesh at once!

Then, with a "whoosh," he was dragged off the carriage and then dragged into another carriage.

Just as he entered the carriage, a familiar and trembling fragrance assailed his nostrils.

Before he could open his eyes to see clearly, a black cloth was suddenly placed over his face.

Then, everything went black before his eyes, and he fainted.

When he woke up, he seemed to still be lying in a carriage.

The carriage was covered with soft velvet rugs.

The carriage was moving very slowly.

A figure seemed to be crouching in front of him, looking down at him; her long hair fell down onto his face, and her soft skirt also fell onto his hands.

Luo Zijun cursed in grief and indignation: "Female thief! I have no grudge against you, why do you, time and time again, and again and again... Mmph..."

A silk sock was suddenly stuffed into his mouth.

Then, warm breath fell on his earlobe, and then, a moist little mouth suddenly bit his ear...

Gently, hotly...

"Tonight, I want... eight times..."

She bit him and said vaguely.

(End of chapter)