Gu Lan did not continue to stare at the Empress Dowager, as it might give rise to unnecessary speculation.
Moreover, the woman was past her pri and had indulged in drinking a bit too much.
It would be wise for Madam to avoid any misunderstanding...
Read latest chapters at My Virtual Library Empire
As the court officials began to offer toasts, Mu Yuyan naturally did not shy away, and Gu Lan likewise lifted his goblet.
However, during the exchange of cups with Mu Yuyan, she lowered her cup a notch below Gu Lan's!
Many officials noticed this scene, their pupils slightly contracting, as they sought refuge in drinking to conceal their astonishnt!
"Her Majesty actually values Gu Lan so highly?"
This was the thought running through their minds.
Her Majesty's protocol was even lower than that of a prince.
This clearly indicated that in her heart, Gu Lan's importance was unparalleled!
Her daring breach of protocol had only one explanation: she regarded Gu Lan as her husband!
Only if Mu Yuyan recognized Gu Lan as her husband could she, in the guise of an emperor, still lower the protocols in favor of Gu Lan.
There was no other explanation.
Gulp!
Nurous veteran officials cast venomous glances, and the sound of swallowing wine beca particularly distinct at this mont.
After three rounds of wine, the atmosphere suddenly beca lively.
Many officials were scholars by training, having passed the Spring Exam.
In such a grand setting, many talents erged, singing praises to Her Majesty Mu Yuyan.
Although Mu Yuyan's behavior today revealed her attitude towards Gu Lan, leaving these scholar-officials sowhat disappointed, they were a group of persistent individuals...
After all, Her Majesty Mu Yuyan was truly irresistible!
Not only was she the Jing Nation Sword Immortal, but also the unparalleled beauty, Her Majesty Mu Yuyan, with boundless power and peerless elegance!
Such a beauty, even if she had clearly made her choice—Gu Lan—others wouldn't easily give up...
After all, who knew how long Gu Lan would remain in favor?
He was just a pretty face, while they were talents selected through layers of Spring Exam, with extraordinary family backgrounds surpassing re appearances.
Moreover, even if Gu Lan didn't fall out of favor, Mu Yuyan was still Mu Yuyan, with three palaces and six courtyards being quite normal, right?
Even if they had to beco lackeys, they would gladly accept!
"Relying on the agricultural policies implented by Her Majesty last year, our Jing Nation is now prosperous and stable, hence the grand Spring Festival banquet we have today. In such a splendid mont, why don't all of you gentlen recite a poem to praise the eternal rits of Her Majesty?"
The Minister of Rites was the first to speak, managing the rhythm of the banquet quite skillfully, given his position in charge of the Ministry of Rites.
"Why not let the Minister of Rites present a poem first for us to admire?" Soone promptly obliged.
The Minister of Rites smiled faintly.
Since he proposed the idea, he was naturally prepared. He stood up, feeling pleased with himself, and said with a smile:
"With Mu Yuyan reigning over Chang'an,
She transforms the city, embracing peace.
Emphasizing agriculture, the people thrive,
Continuing the sacred work of the previous Emperor."
"Well done! What a fine poem!" Exclaid the guests.
"The Minister's poem is truly outstanding, leaving us, the followers, almost speechless."
"Indeed, this poem eloquently extols the greatness of Her Majesty, resonating deeply and evoking endless admiration."
Mu Yuyan smiled but remained silent, not expressing her opinion.
After all, the poem was composed to praise her, and the Minister of Rites was an old official...
"Gentlen, do not be modest. On such a rare occasion as today, whether in poetry or prose, it should all be shared with our colleagues for appreciation," the Minister of Rites bead.
The Minister's face flushed with pride.
" Minister is right. In that case, allow to humble myself," another official stepped forward. He was a rather young official, with a hint of arrogance on his face.
Confident in his abilities, even though the Minister of Rites had set a high standard, he was not daunted in the slightest.
As he recited his poem, he stared straight at the table where Mu Yuyan sat!
Unfortunately, Mu Yuyan paid him no attention.
Instead, she was coincidentally whispering to Gu Lan, her expression shy and her smile radiant, as beautiful as a flower in full bloom.
The young official's face dimd montarily, but he quickly rallied.
He thought to himself, "Do not panic. Her Majesty's interest is fleeting. As long as I showcase my talents, I can surely impress her and show her the intrinsic beauty of talent, far surpassing re appearances!"
With renewed determination, he began to recite his carefully prepared essay:
"The majesty of the Empress,
Echoes through the ages, awe-inspiring,
Achievents..."
One after another, the officials began to recite their poems in praise.
But reciting poetry wasn't easy for everyone.
Many were rely going through the motions, and the results were less than satisfactory. After all, ti was limited, and few had prepared adequately.
"After hearing so many poems, why not let Prince Jingyang also offer one for us to appreciate?"
Soon, soone suggested that Gu Lan should also compose a poem.
Almost all officials agreed, emboldened by their inebriation, seeming sowhat unrestrained.
"Indeed, Prince Jingyang is greatly favored by Her Majesty. I believe composing a poem should co naturally to him."
"Let us witness how Prince Jingyang views Her Majesty. What a splendid sight it must be in his eyes!"
...
The courtiers cheered, even Mu Yuyan's eyes sparkled with anticipation, gazing affectionately at her beloved.
Her eyes brimd with excitent and expectation.
Clearly, she wanted Gu Lan to compose a poem.
Because Mu Yuyan knew that her husband was truly gifted, though, for so reason, he always seed inclined to hide his talents, rarely revealing them outwardly.
But today was an excellent opportunity for him to gain recognition!
Mu Yuyan wanted to declare to the world that her husband was a unique talent, far beyond the estimation of these ignorant people!
Although, admittedly, her husband was indeed handso enough to be called a pretty face...
But what truly captivated people was his unparalleled talent and strength!
Under the gaze of everyone, including the malicious gaze of the Empress Dowager, Gu Lan remained calm and composed, with a faint smile.
He said, "Since everyone is so kind to invite , it would be impolite of not to compose a poem. Today, in this rare and prosperous era, I shall do my best."
With eyes as bright as stars, against the backdrop of Xiao Fei'er's gentle lody on the zither, Gu Lan recited:
"Woman in the clouds, fairy in the flowers,
Mysterious and beautiful, at the peak of the sword.
An emperor for the ages, holy and divine,
Daring to challenge the order of sun and moon."
"Female talent reshapes the world,
A queen for the ages, unmatched.
A lone phoenix spreads its wings to ascend the throne,
A fragile woman waves her hand to command the court."
...
With each ancient verse, Gu Lan effortlessly delivered, his words flowing naturally.
Afterward, despite the stunned expressions of the audience, Gu Lan remained calm as he sat down, casually eating a crystal grape fed to him by Mu Yuyan as if it were a trivial matter.
Mu Yuyan's eyes sparkled with joy as she looked at Gu Lan, her love almost dripping from her eyes.
The courtiers were equally astonished, murmuring to each other: "Challenging the order of sun and moon... The imagery is so vivid, just like when Her Majesty ascended the throne!"
"A lone phoenix spreads its wings to ascend the throne, a fragile woman waves her hand to command the court... Isn't this a portrayal of Her Majesty's ascension to the throne?"
"I believe this poem is the best praise for Her Majesty!"
Reviews
All reviews (0)