Chapter 107: Floating Cup Banquet
The lotus-picking boat was a bamboo and wood structure built by the water, with beautiful scenery.
The flowing cup banquet was held by the lotus pond, with the fragrance of lotuses wafting. Male and female guests sat separately, with a bamboo curtain in between.
There were not many female guests, less than ten.
On the male guest side, not only were the Crown Prince and three princes present, but also many well-known scholars from the capital.
Prince Duan, Li Huan, was always courteous to scholars and naturally treated these talents with great respect.
As soon as the flowing cup banquet began, Li Huan set the rules: “Only talent will be discussed, not hierarchy,” and “Befriend through poetry, do not discuss state affairs.” His benevolent and magnanimous character earned him the support of the scholars.
With Prince Duan speaking, the Crown Prince could not object.
Li Zhao sat to the side, his expression calm, occasionally raising his cup for a sip, not saying much.
Scholars appreciated each other, and for a time, everyone raised their cups to discuss poetry, with laughter and joy.
At some point, it started to rain.
The rain fell in a drizzle, creating ripples on the calm lotus pond. Some drops landed on the lotus leaves, making a ticking sound, pleasant and leisurely, making the small bamboo building seem even more lively.
The entire atmosphere became even more joyful—
“Raindrops on the lotus pond smile like pearls and jade.”
“The wind brushes the emerald leaves, and a hidden fragrance drifts.”
People chimed in one after another, with brilliant lines emerging frequently.
The poetic inspiration grew stronger.
Xue Yuechen listened to the lively scene, beckoned the maid beside her, whispered a few words, raised her cup to a few young ladies, and smiled gently.
“Sisters, please wait a moment. I will go to the other side to toast the princes and young masters and say a few words before returning.”
Seeing the Princess Consort walk confidently to the male guest seating area, chatting and laughing with the scholars, the other young ladies couldn’t help but feel envious.
Having a high status always meant more freedom. A woman should marry someone like Prince Duan, who was handsome, tall, gentle, and generous, capable of giving his wife dignity and sufficient respect.
Looking at Xue Sui again, their previous envy vanished.
Prince Duan’s Madam Ping’an was merely a concubine, naturally unable to appear in public like Princess Consort Duan, and had to remain in a corner.
Xue Yueying said, “The dignity of Eldest Sister is not something everyone can emulate…”
Xue Yueman quickly agreed, “Exactly. And one should consider their own status. Some people are too overconfident.”
Xue Yue E feigned ignorance and asked playfully, “Fourth Sister, Eighth Sister, who are you talking about? Is there someone in our seating area who is so disrespectful?”
Xue Sui seemed not to hear, smiled, and lowered her eyes, watching Ru Yi carefully peel lotus seeds for her.
The lotus seeds were sweet and delicious, her favorite.
At this moment, Crown Prince Li Zhao’s voice came through the bamboo curtain.
“I have been ill recently, and the medical officers have repeatedly advised me to eat lightly and maintain my health. Look at these lotus seeds, each one round and plump. I like them very much, but I don’t know if they can be eaten. Imperial Brother, I heard that Madam Ping’an is skilled in pharmacology; why not ask her for me?”
Xue Sui was slightly taken aback.
Was this Li Zhao deliberately trying to cause trouble?
Looking for trouble for no reason.
Soon, a maid in green clothes brought a box. Inside the box was a small white porcelain bowl, filled with peeled lotus seeds.
Xue Sui suppressed her emotions and smiled slightly.
“Please tell His Highness that lotus seeds are sweet and astringent, with a mild nature. They can enter the heart, spleen, and kidney meridians. Eating them can strengthen the spleen and stomach, stop diarrhea, consolidate the essence, and nourish the spirit. If Your Highness needs to maintain health, it is fine to eat them.”
Strengthen the spleen and stomach, stop diarrhea, consolidate the essence, and nourish the spirit.
The maid’s face flushed slightly, and she curtsied.
The maid did not verbally relay Xue Sui’s words.
She couldn’t relay them verbally…
But the seating area suddenly fell silent.
Not only Li Zhao heard it, but everyone else did too.
Li Zhao smiled, “A good insight.”
A moment later, the maid returned, circling around the bamboo curtain.
“Crown Prince asks Madam, everyone says the lotus heart is the bitterest. When eating lotus seeds, do you eat them with the heart, or without?”
Xue Sui’s heart sank.
After pondering for a moment, she replied with a smile.
“The taste of lotus seeds varies from person to person; some find them good, while others do not. Lotus seeds without the heart are soft and glutinous, melting in the mouth. Lotus seeds with the heart have that hint of slight bitterness and crispness. Crown Prince, you may take them according to your heart’s desire and preference…”
The maid left.
After a while, she returned with the wooden box in both hands, placing it before Xue Sui.
“His Highness says that Madam Ping’an is knowledgeable and learned. This box of peeled lotus seeds is a reward for Madam.”
Ru Yi, who was peeling lotus seeds, trembled slightly and thought to herself, “Crown Prince is truly kind!”
Wouldn’t she have to peel them anymore?
Xue Sui gently put down the handkerchief she was using to wipe her hands, nudged the peeled lotus seeds in the box with silver chopsticks, and said calmly.
“Thank you, Crown Prince.”
The atmosphere at the seating area was somewhat strange, but everyone quieted down.
Even Xue Eighth Miss and Xue Ninth Miss, who had been making sarcastic remarks earlier, fell silent.
If they were to make veiled insults again, they would be the ones being overconfident.
After all, Xue Sui was not only Prince Duan’s Madam Ping’an, but her casual words had earned her a reward from the Crown Prince.
Her luck was too good.
How could an abandoned daughter, who had been living in exile for ten years, suddenly possess such abilities?
Xue Yuechen sat beside Li Huan, hiding the displeasure in her eyes, and elegantly put down her wine cup.
“Everyone’s literary talent is outstanding, but unfortunately, I am untalented and only understand a little. There are also a few distinguished guests next door, so I will not stay. I don’t want to spoil your mood…”
Li Zhao said, “Since there are distinguished guests, why doesn’t Imperial Sister-in-law invite them to join the fun? It would add some elegance to this flowing cup banquet.”
As soon as this was said, the scholars at the male guest seating area became excited and cheered.
Stories of scholars and beauties had always been a topic of much discussion among literati.
With such a rare opportunity, young, passionate blood boiled…
Seeing that Li Huan did not object, Xue Yuechen smiled and asked the servants to roll up half of the bamboo curtain.
This way, the male guests could see the young ladies’ dresses but not their faces, which was not considered rude.
With young ladies joining the poetry gathering, the young scholars’ poetic inspiration surged.
“Since it was the Crown Prince’s suggestion, why not let the Crown Prince set the topic?”
Li Zhao said, “See the lotuses swaying their green shadows, why not compose beautiful lines to praise pure joy? Since it is under the lotus-picking boat, let’s use lotuses as the theme. It might be a bit common, but it’s rare that Imperial Brother is in the mood.”
“Good!”
Everyone cheered.
A young gentleman stood up, cupped his fists, and bowed.
“I’ll go first—”
“Wait!” Li Zhao suddenly interrupted him, “If we are to compete, how can there be no prize?”
A sound of surprise arose from the seating area.
Li Huan saw him looking at him, smiled slightly, and looked at Xue Yuechen.
“Princess Consort, may I borrow your gilded lotus fan?”
Upon hearing this, Xue Yuechen happily handed the fan over with both hands.
“This item is for the winner!”
Prince Duan generously offered the prize, and the atmosphere suddenly became heated.
The scholar’s eyes lit up. He cupped his hands in a bow, cleared his throat, and said:
“Green lotuses sway and dance on clear waves, pink buds filled with affection reflect the sun’s warmth. Fish play beneath the leaves, the whole pond’s beauty sings with rhythm.”
After speaking, he received a round of applause.
Everyone praised him, saying his poetic lines were delicate.
Immediately, someone picked up a brush and ink, wrote down the poem, and hung it on a pre-prepared bamboo screen for people to read.
“Green leaves embrace the flowers, as if speaking tenderly; clear waves reflect the shadows, with a rhythm like strings.”
“Pink lotuses half-hidden, concealing hidden dreams; green umbrellas gently sway, playing with the evening mist.”
Brilliant lines kept coming.
The male guest seating area was extremely lively, with people reciting loudly or clapping in praise…
More and more poems appeared on the bamboo screen.
With young ladies present, there was an added touch of romantic charm, with many gentle and lingering sentiments.
On the female guest side, the young ladies were all shy and reserved, and no one spoke.
The rain continued to fall, much heavier than before, striking the blue stone slabs with a crisp sound like pearls and jade, making the place even quieter.
Xue Yueying suddenly stood up and walked gracefully to the bamboo curtain, saying in a sweet voice:
“I am untalented, but I have chanced upon a few lines. I hope all the princes and young masters will not hesitate to offer their guidance—”
The small bamboo building immediately fell silent.
Xue Yueying curtsied gracefully, her emerald green skirt faintly visible behind the bamboo curtain.
She deliberately struck a pose, and the male guest seating area could just glimpse the outline of a graceful profile…
Each line fell like pearls and jade on a plate.
“Green leaves hang low, concealing the pink makeup; the lotus heart holds dew, tears falling in rows. Clear waves reflect the shadows, no one cares; guarding the secluded pond alone, resenting the long night.”
The poem carried a sense of feminine grievance.
Using the lotus to lament about a person, it seemed to speak of her possessing beauty and talent but being unappreciated and unloved, living a life of extreme desolation.
After she finished, someone wrote the poem on a scroll and hung it on the side of the bamboo curtain.
“Young Madam Gu’s poem 《Lotus Lament》 is truly graceful and moving.”
“Indeed, indeed!”
“A talented woman!”
A scholar praised her. Xue Yueying smiled slightly, exchanged a few polite words, and returned to her seat. She glanced at the other young ladies, her gaze finally landing on Xue Sui’s face, with a hint of provocation.
“Sixth Sister, can you compose poetry?”
Xue Sui replied unhurriedly, “I have never composed poetry.”
Xue Yueying remembered that when Xue Liu first returned to the manor, she had said that she learned to read from an embroidery woman and had never studied.
Her knowledge of pharmacology was likely learned from common folk.
Discussing poetry formally was not something everyone could do…
“Sister, don’t be modest. It’s just for fun, just say a few words casually.”
Xue Yueying said this with a smile, but in reality, she wanted Xue Liu to make a fool of herself in front of everyone.
This way, Prince Duan would see clearly that a country girl could never ascend to refined society.
Xue Sui’s expression was calm, “Why does Young Madam Gu have to make things difficult for me?”
“I’m not making things difficult,” Xue Yueying smiled. “As everyone knows, Sixth Sister grew up in the countryside. If your poetry isn’t good, no one will laugh… Eldest Sister, what do you think?”
Xue Yuechen smiled, “Then Sixth Sister, just improvise a few lines, for fun.”
Eighth Miss and Ninth Miss also started to laugh.
“Yes, yes.”
“Sixth Sister spoke so eloquently about lotus seeds, so composing poetry should not be difficult.”
Xue Sui seemed not to hear their sarcasm, a faint smile on her lips.
“Then I will follow Young Madam Gu and compose a poem?”
Instantly, the entire seating area fell silent.
Xue Sui gently twirled the round fan in her hand, her eyes lowered as if in thought.
After a long while, she slowly stood up and walked to the bamboo curtain. Her thin gauze shawl slipped from her shoulders, her jade neck tilted slightly, and in the midst of the room’s lotus fragrance, she possessed a cool, ethereal beauty.
“The lotus should guard the clear pond, why does the mud seep its hidden fragrance? The pearl embryo secretly forms, emotions difficult to rectify—”
“You!” Xue Yueying suddenly stood up, so flustered that she knocked over the teacup in her hand.
The water spilled down, wetting the hem of her skirt…
Under everyone’s gaze, Xue Sui smiled slightly and slowly recited the concluding lines.
“In vain, the noble purity becomes a laughing stock.”
As soon as these lines were spoken, the entire hall fell silent.
She suddenly turned her head and smiled at Xue Yueying.
“Young Madam Gu, what do you think of the poem?”
Everyone could tell that Xue Sui was satirizing Xue Yueying.
Regardless of whether the poem was good or not, the meaning within it was enough to make Xue Fourth Miss utterly ashamed.
No one spoke for a long time.
Until a voice of laughter and praise came from the seating area.
It was Li Zhao.
He said, “Madam Ping’an’s lines not only praise the noble character of the lotus but also thoroughly criticize improper conduct and defilement. Using the lotus to satirize the world, it further displays integrity, truly a superior work.”
Li Huan’s expression darkened slightly as he saw the Crown Prince stand up and walk towards the bamboo curtain.
“Today’s prize belongs to Madam Ping’an.”
Xue Yueying’s face was extremely ugly, her lips bitten slightly.
Amidst the laughter, her eyes silently welled up with tears.
Li Huan had organized the poetry gathering, and he had also provided the prize. The Crown Prince’s words had decided the winner.
Was this not using his status as Crown Prince to suppress others, deliberately making Li Huan unable to save face?
Everyone held their breath.
Only Li Huan smiled slightly, “Crown Prince, the poetry gathering is not over, it is too early to say…”
Li Zhao raised his hand and looked at the sky. A few strands of rain drifted onto his fingertips, and he lightly twirled them.
“The rain has gotten heavier, and my interest is completely gone. Imperial Brother, please continue; I will not accompany you.”
With the Crown Prince leaving midway, what was the point of the flowing cup poetry gathering?
Everyone present knew the Crown Prince was capricious, but they hadn’t expected him to be so capricious, leaving as soon as he said so. He didn’t seem to care about spoiling others’ moods, which was consistent with the Crown Prince’s usual arrogant demeanor.
Everyone looked at each other, their faces showing embarrassment.
“Crown Prince!” Li Huan suddenly called out to him.
“A storm is coming, and I fear we will have to keep our guests here today. The poetry gathering can be continued tomorrow. For now, with full stomachs and satisfied appetites, why don’t I accompany Your Highness in a few rounds of chess to relieve the mountain’s solitude?”
The rain outside the curtain grew heavier, falling on the lotus pond, emitting a fishy, pungent odor.
Xue Sui looked towards the bamboo curtain and met Li Zhao’s gaze.
A gust of mountain wind blew, rustling the copper bells hanging from the bamboo eaves. Amidst the ding-dong sounds, he smiled slightly.
“I am willing to accompany you.”
I’m a bit stuck today, and I have guests at home, which caused delays. Ahhh, sorry, sorry!! Happy New Year to everyone, and may all your wishes come true. See you tomorrow…
Li Zhao: Why does it always end when it’s my turn?
