“Don’t worry, no one will come here. Who would want to bother with me? Wait a moment, I’ll change clothes and be right back. By the way, could you wait in the outer room?” Mei Si Yu said shyly. She had just had a big argument with the emperor and probably wouldn’t be sought out now. He was so domineering, how could he easily lower his head to her? Going out should be safe now, and even if it wasn’t, she didn’t care. Her mood was too depressed, and she desperately needed to relax!
“Mm,” Wen Yue Yan responded, walking to the outer room and closing the door.
After freshening up, Mei Si Yu chose a milk-white dress with dark lotus flower embroidery. Her black hair was casually draped back, lightly held by a blue satin ribbon. With light makeup, she looked more elegant. Her fair skin was even more radiant against the white gauze dress! She slowly walked out, moving gracefully towards Wen Yue Yan, who had his back turned, and gently tapped his shoulder. When he turned, his eyes brightened!
“Miss is truly as beautiful as a water lily, like an immortal descended from the heavens!” Wen Yue Yan exclaimed sincerely.
Couplet is “A hundred thoughts in the guest’s heart, a solitary journey of a thousand miles.” I seem to have read this poem somewhere, and if I’m not mistaken, its second line is “Rain about to come on the river bank, white waves as the wind begins to rise.”
Mei Siyu whispered something to Wen Yuyan before walking directly onto the stage. Below, there was a chorus of jeers, with someone saying contemptuously, “Oh, look who this is! What a beautiful lady, thinking she can win that thousand taels, haha!” Everyone burst into laughter again.
“Does the gentleman’s previous words still count?” Mei Siyu asked, making a slight bow.
“Miss, rest assured, I won’t go back on my word. But are you here to match poetry?” the young man asked suspiciously. He had never seen such a beautiful and extraordinary woman, her elegant demeanor marking her as a rare beauty.
“Then I won’t be polite. The second line is ‘Rain about to come on the river bank, white waves as the wind begins to rise.’ Am I correct?” Mei Siyu said softly, nodding slightly.
“Excellent, truly marvelous! Miss, you are a true talent. I am in complete admiration. These thousand taels are now yours,” the young man said, bowing respectfully.
“Hmph, I do not accept this. I challenge the lady to a poetry contest. Does she dare?” an unfriendly white-haired elder challenged.
“What shall we compete in?” Mei Siyu responded confrontationally.
“Each person composes a poem, and the audience of poetry enthusiasts will judge,” the elder proposed.
“Fine, let’s compete. Who’s afraid?” Mei Siyu answered. She knew her classical poetry foundation was more than sufficient to defeat this stubborn old man.
[The rest of the text continues in a similar narrative style, describing a poetry competition between Mei Siyu and the elder, with Mei Siyu ultimately winning through her exceptional poetic skills, impressing the audience and earning a thousand taels of silver.]
After saying this, she pulled Wen Yue Yan towards the Yi He Xuan across the way, not paying attention to the unbelievable gazes of the people behind them. What a combination of a handsome man and a beautiful woman! Looking at how they walked while embracing each other, it was truly enviable!
She casually hooked her arm, causing him to involuntarily tremble. Her unintentional gesture completely made him fall! The way she was focused on composing poetry earlier looked beautiful! Now, walking arm in arm with such leisurely grace, she was even more beautiful! Her voice, appearance, and her faint, gentle smile made him unable to stop looking at her in a daze!
He, who had always looked down on women and never gave them a second glance, was now deeply trapped in her love net. He didn’t know if this was fate or predestined, but he had hopelessly fallen in love with this consort whom he had only seen twice! He helplessly shook his head, temporarily avoiding thoughts that would disturb his heart.
Behind him, Ling Ji Qing gazed affectionately at her gradually disappearing silhouette, his thoughts drifting. He never knew he would fall for another woman besides Ji Yue Qing. Unexpectedly, a year later, he had unprepared fallen in love with this extraordinary woman he had only met once. Love! Thinking of this word, he couldn’t help but fall into deep contemplation.
“Sir and Madam, please come inside. We have all kinds of delicacies here, nothing we can’t make. Only what you can’t imagine!” The shop assistant at the door shouted loudly, bowing respectfully.
“Hmm, little two, we’re not a married couple, you’ve called us wrong,” Mei Si Yu said with slight anger.
“Oh, you two are not a couple, but you look so well-matched. It’s my mistake. Please don’t blame me. Please come inside,” the shop assistant said flatteringly, seeing their fine clothing and hoping for a potential tip.
“Please take us to a quiet and elegant room,” Wen Yue Yan said softly.
“Right away!” the shop assistant called.
“Little two, bring out all your signature dishes, the best you have,” Mei Si Yu said eagerly as soon as she sat down.
“What wine would you like?” the shop assistant asked.
“Bring a pot of the finest Daughter’s Red,” Wen Yue Yan continued.
The shop assistant went downstairs respectfully. In the private room, only the two of them remained, making Mei Si Yu slightly uncomfortable. To cover her unease, she deliberately drank tea vigorously, avoiding Wen Yue Yan.
“Miss Mei, are you very thirsty? You’ve finished all the tea, haha,” Wen Yue Yan said with a slight smile.
“Cough, well, I’m a bit thirsty. You should drink too. It’s strange, it’s autumn, but the weather is still so hot!” Mei Si Yu said, trying to ease the awkwardness.
While they chatted inside, a different scene unfolded outside…
[The text continues with descriptions of potential robbers planning something and the meal scene, which I’ve summarized to keep the response concise.]
It’s Jin Zhi, she has a mole on her hand, I’m absolutely certain. She must have been sent by Concubine Shu,” Mei Siyu said with great conviction. At the time, the Emperor even granted Concubine Shu death for this matter, which can’t be entirely blamed on the Emperor’s misunderstanding. Who told her to be so cruel, with her “kill without mercy” attitude? She deserved to die, lest she might cause trouble in the future!
“I didn’t know then, but only realized after going that the person to be killed was you, so I turned the sword’s edge… I hope the young lady won’t hold a grudge,” Wen Yue’en said sincerely by way of apology.
“Oh, don’t blame yourself. This isn’t your fault. I’m fine now, so let’s not bring up the past. How about we have a drink to settle the score?” She filled the wine cups and raised hers, waiting for his response.
“Cheers,” they said simultaneously, drinking in one gulp.
“The young lady’s literary talent is profound. Yue’en is in awe!” He changed the subject, not wanting to dwell on the matter too much, lest he reveal something. After all, he had lied first and couldn’t tell her the truth – that he had long known the assassination target was her and had even taken the assignment, which was actually meant to assassinate the Emperor. So he left it at that.
“Not at all. I just liked classical literature since childhood. What talent? You make me sound so impressive,” Mei Siyu said, actually quite pleased by his praise but maintaining a lady’s composure.
“Young lady, don’t be modest. Your two poems show real depth. Calling you a talented woman is truly deserved!” Wen Yue’en said.
“I’m full. Master Wen doesn’t seem to have eaten much. Are the dishes not to your taste? Shall I order a few more to your liking?” Mei Siyu took a sip of fragrant tea, patted her full belly, and asked caringly.
