Xi Lin Yan let out a light hum, cold and disdainful. Seeing this made my heart burn with anger, and without thinking, I pinched his handsome face again, unhappily saying: “Rotten peach blossom, what are you humming about!”
…
“Cough cough… cough cough cough…” I started coughing again. Goodness, I was certain it wasn’t my ears having a problem, but his brain was definitely malfunctioning!
“Have some water!” Bei Ting Zi Han held out the teacup and handed it to me, his eyes filled with gentleness.
“Thank you!” I took the tea bowl from his hand and drank it all in one gulp. I felt much more comfortable. Then I lowered my head and said to Dong Fang Yan: “Xin Ran has been rude!”
Dong Fang Yan smiled unconcernedly: “No worries! Miss Fei, please eat more. Everyone is waiting to see your contest with the empress!”
My face suddenly flushed hot, and I awkwardly responded: “Reporting to Your Majesty, Xin Ran has finished eating. The contest can begin at any time!”
“Finished eating?”
Dong Fang Yan raised his eyebrow slightly, clearly skeptical.
In fact, I hadn’t eaten anything at all, let alone be full! But since he had spoken, I couldn’t possibly continue eating. I had to brace myself and reply: “Yes, Xin Ran has finished eating. Your Majesty can propose the challenge!”
“Good! The first challenge is for the lady and the empress to compose a poem on the scenery in this imperial garden!” Dong Fang Yan said with an elegant smile, his phoenix eyes slightly closed.
I knew it!
Secretly rolling my eyes, I asked, “May I ask, Your Majesty, can it be anything in this garden?”
Dong Fang Yan replied: “Yes, as long as you like, you can even use me as the subject.”
I hurriedly bowed, saying in panic: “Xin Ran wouldn’t dare!”
Dong Fang Yan glanced appreciatively at me, then turned to the empress: “Miss Fei’s ‘Gentle Orchid’ was played beautifully, with exquisite technique and an extraordinary melody that lingers for three days and never fades! It seems, Your Majesty, you’ve finally met your match!
“The empress smiled softly: “As Your Majesty said, Miss Fei’s musical skills are superior to mine. After hearing this piece, I dare not perform in front of everyone!”
