A cold glint flashed in Rui Yuhuan's eyes. The reason she had come with Ouyang Yue was because of her awkward status. She wasn't really a member of the General's Mansion. She relied on Old Madam Ning's favor and could act with great influence within the mansion, but once outside, she was immediately exposed for what she truly was. She was even inferior to Ouyang Rou, the illegitimate daughter of the General's Mansion. Ouyang Yue was clearly doing it on purpose. She had made all sorts of excuses at Anhe Hall before. Hmph, she was just the legitimate daughter of the General's Mansion, what was there to be so arrogant about? But she spoke softly to Ouyang Rou, "Second Miss, Third Miss is just like that. If she doesn't want to come with us, so be it. Riding in a carriage is much more comfortable than riding a horse."
Ouyang Rou snorted and glanced at Rui Yuhuan indifferently. In fact, she also disliked Rui Yuhuan, but she didn't know what kind of bewitching potion this bitch had given her grandmother, making her grandmother dote on her so much. So she didn't want to offend Rui Yuhuan: "Then let's leave it at that. Third sister is really something. If she goes up like that, won't people laugh at her? How can a proper young lady like to ride a horse like a man?"
Rui Yuhuan's carriage followed, and there were only her and Ouyang Rou inside. The two chatted for a while, and somehow the conversation turned to Ouyang Yue. Rui Yuhuan smiled and said, "Before I came to the capital, I heard that the Third Miss was a cheerful person. But after spending more time with her, I found that the Third Miss is surprisingly smart."
“She’s also clever…” Ouyang Rou was about to sneer, but immediately pursed her lips. Rui Yuhuan asked in confusion, “What did the Second Miss want to say? Why did she stop halfway through her sentence?”
Ouyang Rou looked at Rui Yuhuan with some suspicion, thinking that she shouldn't know her plans. Hesitating, she said, "The Third Sister used to be very cheerful and innocent, without any guile. I just don't know who she learned that from. Now she seems to be a different person."
Rui Yuhuan blinked in surprise: "Really? Maybe I haven't seen the Third Miss before, so I really didn't recognize her. I just think the rumors are wrong. But I think the Third Miss may have grown up."
Ouyang Rou seemed thoughtful: "I've been by her side the whole time, how come I didn't feel anything?" Rui Yuhuan looked at Ouyang Rou suspiciously and didn't say anything.
Ouyang Rou, however, recalled the day at Anhe Hall when she was slapped for no reason. The feeling was so intense, just like it was real. Then she thought about how she and Hong Yicheng had clearly killed Ouyang Yue, leaving her bleeding profusely. How could she have come back to life? Things she hadn't dared to think about before, or those she had doubted and hesitated about, became even more intense after Rui Yuhuan said that.
Ouyang Yue is definitely not right, so her plan will surely expose her!
Rui Yuhuan looked at Ouyang Rou's cold and ruthless face. Although she didn't know what Ouyang Rou was thinking, the corners of her mouth curled up slightly. She was probably thinking about Ouyang Yue. In that case, she would be happy to watch the show.
The first temple in the Great Zhou Dynasty was Wuhua Temple, which was highly favored by Emperor Mingxian. The second was Wuxing Temple, which was very popular in the capital. Wuxing Temple was not far from the capital, about 40 to 50 li away. It would take about half an hour by carriage, but Ouyang Yue and Li Rushuang arrived in half an hour on horseback.
"Whoa." Li Rushuang pulled on the reins, her chest heaving slightly from the exertion. Her dark face was flushed with a rosy glow, and her eyes shone brightly as she looked at Ouyang Yue and praised, "Excellent horsemanship! Among all the young ladies in the capital, none can surpass me in horsemanship. Well done!" Li Rushuang exclaimed, her eyes showing no anger or jealousy at losing to Ouyang Yue.
Ouyang Yue handed the reins to Dongxue, and the two of them dismounted and walked up the mountain. There were also young monks at the foot of Wuxing Temple who were in charge of the carriages and horses. After Dongxue finished speaking to Li Rushuang's maid, she followed behind Ouyang Yue and Li Rushuang. The journey from the foot of Wuxing Temple to the top of the mountain was not far. They set off very early, but they did not expect that when they arrived at the temple gate, they would find that the pilgrims coming and going inside were even earlier than them.
Li Rushuang pouted: "Why are you being so hypocritical? It's much better to do less immoral things in ordinary times than to pray to Buddha at the last minute."
Ouyang Yue shared the same sentiment but didn't reply: "The French ceremony usually lasts three days. If you're not in a hurry to go in, you might as well take a look around first. It's really no fun being crowded."
“Okay, let’s do it that way.” Li Rushuang nodded, then said with great interest, “There’s a naturally formed, evergreen bamboo forest behind the Five Elements Temple. The scenery is extremely beautiful. Let’s go take a look there first.” As she spoke, Li Rushuang waved her hand, “Dong’er, go find the monk in charge of the temple and ask for a few rooms. Dongdong can come with me.”
Upon hearing this, Ouyang Yue looked around at Li Rushuang's two maids. Li Rushuang was quite convenient in naming her maids: Dong'er and Dongdong. Couldn't she just change one more character?
In Ouyang Yue's previous life's memories, she had never been to a temple, so she was not familiar with the Five Elements Temple. However, Li Rushuang was very familiar with it and led Ouyang Peng through a series of turns, following a small path to the back mountain of the Five Elements Temple. Not long after they walked, Ouyang Yue's eyes lit up.
She immediately recalled two poems: "In the empty mountains, no one is seen, yet voices are heard." and "The bright moon rises over the Tianshan Mountains, amidst the vast sea of clouds."
They said this was the back mountain of Wuxing Temple, but that's not actually the case. They should only be standing at the foot of the mountain. Before them, a vast expanse of lush green bamboo rose into the clouds, spreading out in layers. Standing at the foot of the mountain, they felt that this bamboo forest was constantly rising, as if it had supported the sky, which was quite spectacular.
But upon closer inspection, they marveled at the wonders of nature. This patch of bamboo actually grew on a mountainside, stretching along the contours of the mountain, yet appearing as a vast expanse of green from afar. With the sun high in the sky and the distant clouds still lingering, it truly resembled the scene described as "the bright moon rising over the Tianshan Mountains, amidst a boundless sea of clouds." It was a magnificent and beautiful sight. Ouyang Yue, Li Rushuang, and the others stood there for a long time, marveling at the renowned bamboo forest of Wuxing Temple. Such a beautiful scene would surely captivate anyone.
"Hahaha." Just then, an untimely burst of laughter rang out. Ouyang Yue raised an eyebrow and looked over. She had heard the sound earlier. Li Rushuang said excitedly, "It's over there, let's go take a look." Then she pulled Ouyang Yue and walked along a mountain path by the bamboo forest.
Passing through the bamboo forest, there was an open space where several groups of people were standing in twos and threes. Upon closer inspection, they were all young masters and ladies from various mansions in the capital. Among them were a few familiar faces, such as Hong Yicheng, Mu Cuiwei, and Fu Meier. When the group saw Li Rushuang and Ouyang Yue approaching, they were taken aback for a moment, and then turned their heads away rather unfriendly, ignoring them.
Seeing this, Hong Yicheng walked over and said with a smile, "Sister Yue'er, you've come to the Five Elements Temple too? If you had told me earlier, I would have been waiting to come with you."
Hong Yicheng's actions immediately piqued the curiosity of those who had previously shown no interest in them. Everyone knew that Hong Yicheng had broken off his engagement with Ouyang Yue, and subsequently, he and Ouyang Hua had openly engaged in illicit relations in front of everyone at the Ning residence. Later, General Ouyang led a group to the Hong residence to cause trouble, and Hong Yicheng and the Crown Prince's tutor were both covered in excrement, becoming the laughingstock of the entire capital. Hong Wantang and Hong Yicheng didn't want to leave their homes for a whole month. Although the matter had faded, these people still remembered it. However, given Hong Yicheng's family background, no one would dare to cause trouble at such a time, but watching the spectacle was certainly acceptable.
Previously, everyone in the capital knew about Ouyang Yue's infatuation with Hong Yicheng. She had also witnessed Hong Yicheng's affair with her elder sister in public. The two families later fell out, but it's unknown what Ouyang Yue's next move was. Whether she still harbored feelings for Hong Yicheng or was filled with anger, either way would be quite interesting.
Ouyang Yue looked coldly at Hong Yicheng, who had a gentle smile, and frowned slightly: "I am not familiar with Young Master Hong, so why should Young Master Hong come to pick me up?"
Hong Yicheng's expression remained unchanged: "Sister Yue'er, what are you saying? If we're not familiar with each other, then I'm afraid we don't know anyone well."
Li Rushuang, her face grim, rebuked him, "Hong Yicheng, go somewhere cool and stay there. Yue'er doesn't want to talk to you, can't you see? You're so shameless. I thought you'd be at home spitting out feces every day, but have you cleaned yourself up yet? I don't think so. No wonder your breath still smells like feces." Li Rushuang was also puzzled. After meeting Ouyang Yue at the Ning residence last time, she considered Ouyang Yue a friend. Although the two hadn't met in person, they had exchanged letters. She deeply disliked Hong Yicheng because of Ouyang Yue's situation, but she hadn't expected him to be so shameless. She didn't hold back and pointed out Hong Yicheng's most shameful act.
Hong Yicheng could no longer save face. The mere mention of it by Li Rushuang sent shivers down his spine; his mouth tasted bitter and foul, and even his nose was filled with a stench. It was the greatest humiliation of his life. He had painstakingly tried to forget it, but Li Rushuang had brought it up so readily, and his body reacted instinctively. His stomach ached, and he nearly vomited again in front of everyone.
"Miss Li is still so quick-witted, truly a man's temperament," Hong Yicheng said with a forced smile, secretly cursing Li Rushuang for not being a woman and for not understanding the modesty of a young lady.
Mu Cui smiled and said, "Li Rushuang is certainly a good man, and that's what I admire most about her."
“You…” Li Rushuang’s face flushed with anger. Ouyang Yue looked at the young men and women standing there with a slightly cold gaze. Most of them were friends with Hong Yicheng and Mu Cuiwei. She immediately lost her mood to appreciate the scenery and pulled Li Rushuang, saying, “Rushuang, let’s go to another place. It’s not worth getting angry with these people. They are just a bunch of pretentious people. They are not like us.”
Li Rushuang immediately laughed: "Let's go. I don't like watching this group of pretentious people. You're right, I can't do such hypocritical things."
"Ouyang Yue, Li Rushuang, who are you talking about?" Mu Cuiwei immediately said with a stern face.
Ouyang Yue glanced at her indifferently, her meaning quite clear, but she said nothing and pulled Li Rushuang away.
"Third Sister, so you're here! Miss Rui and I have been looking for you for ages." Just as the two were about to leave, Ouyang Rou's soft voice came from behind. Then everyone saw Ouyang Rou and Rui Yuhuan walking in gracefully. The people here had all seen Ouyang Rou before, and most of them had also witnessed her having affairs with men. They just gave her a mocking smile and glanced at her indifferently, but their eyes lit up when they saw Rui Yuhuan standing to the side.
Rui Yuhuan wore a pale yellow floral dress, tightly cinched at the waist with a colorful ribbon, making her waist appear incredibly slender. Combined with her gentle and beautiful face, she was truly graceful and captivating, instantly outshining all the other women present.
Mei'er was still dressed in her favorite red outfit today. The fine fabric and her slender figure made her look incredibly hot and alluring. However, while she was beautiful, she was someone many had seen before, and she was nowhere near as pleasing to the eye as the newcomer, Rui Yuhuan. Upon seeing Rui Yuhuan, Fu Mei'er's expression immediately darkened. She had dressed up elaborately today, hoping to catch that person's eye, but unexpectedly, Rui Yuhuan had appeared as a formidable rival. She bit her lip slightly, her eyes turning cold.
"Miss Li and I are leaving now. My second sister just arrived. Why don't you enjoy the scenery here? With such talented men and women accompanying you, I'm sure your trip will be worthwhile." Ouyang Yue had no intention of staying any longer. After saying this, she pulled Li Rushuang and was about to leave. However, Hong Yicheng quickly stepped in front of Ouyang Yue and blocked her way.
"Why is Sister Yue'er in such a hurry to leave?" A cold glint flashed in Hong Yicheng's eyes. Li Rushuang and Ouyang Yue had just embarrassed him and reminded him of unpleasant things. He wouldn't let them leave so easily. They were currently in the back mountain of the Five Elements Temple, and neither of them had many servants with them. It would be easy for Ouyang Yue and Li Rushuang to suffer here, but if they were in another place, he wouldn't be able to vent his anger.
"Hahaha, I think Miss Ouyang is so eager to see me that she rushed down the mountain. Am I right or not?" At this moment, a somewhat vulgar and exaggerated laugh came. Everyone looked down and saw several people walking up from the foot of the mountain.
The leader was dressed in a silver-white, shiny, snow-white silk robe. From his chest to the hem, a faintly visible dragon was depicted, soaring through the air. This, combined with a gold and jade belt around his waist, made him appear both grand and magnificent. The moment Baili Chen's exquisitely beautiful face appeared, the ladies present gasped in astonishment.
Rui Yuhuan looked surprised, her eyes flashed rapidly, and she felt a sudden explosion in her mind. She did not expect to meet Baili Chen here. He was still as handsome as ever. As soon as he appeared, no color in the world could compare with him. This was the man she had always been infatuated with. Sure enough, every time she saw him, her desire became stronger.
Just then, a head popped out from behind Baili Chen. This person was extremely handsome, with a pair of captivating peach blossom eyes. He blinked those eyes and smiled at Ouyang Yue, saying, "Third Miss Ouyang, am I right?" This person was none other than Leng Caiwen, who was known for his romantic escapades.
Then Dai Yu, dressed in a symbolic gray outfit and with a cold, handsome face, appeared. Behind them was Leng Sha, dressed in black. As soon as the four appeared, everyone immediately bowed and greeted, "This student greets Your Highness the Seventh Prince."
"This humble woman greets Your Highness the Seventh Prince."
"Your subject greets the Seventh Prince."
As soon as Baili Chen stepped onto the mountain, a gentle breeze arose, blowing his robes. Instantly, the flying dragon on his body seemed to come alive, making him appear incredibly noble and awe-inspiring.
Ouyang Yue frowned as she looked at Baili Chen. Although this grand ceremony was a major event in the capital, it was not enough for a prince to show up and support it. At this moment, Baili Chen seemed to glance over unintentionally, and his eyes darkened when he looked at Ouyang Yue. Ouyang Yue's lips immediately pursed. Could this person have come to see her on purpose?
Baili Chen responded lightly, "Get up, cough..." Before he could finish speaking, he started coughing. Ouyang Yue gave him a strange look, but found that he was really coughing, his face contorted in pain, which immediately destroyed his previous noble and unapproachable image.
Rui Yuhuan had just climbed the mountain and was not far from Li Lichen when she immediately stepped forward with concern and said, "Seventh Prince, what's wrong? You're coughing so badly. Could it be that you've caught a chill from the strong wind here? I think you should go back and rest for a while."
"Halt!" Leng Sha suddenly drew his sword and blocked Rui Yuhuan's path. "All irrelevant persons, step back from the Seventh Prince's side."
Rui Yuhuan's face paled, and she bit her lip slightly. "Seventh Prince, please forgive me. I was only acting out of concern. I was rash." As she spoke, her eyes softened, showing a hint of grievance. However, Baili Chen was busy coughing and didn't pay any attention to her. Rui Yuhuan bit her lip slightly and stomped her foot lightly.
Fu Meier stepped out from the crowd: "Seventh Prince, this is a pill that my father prepared after finding a prescription from a retired famous doctor. It is very effective in stopping coughs. Seventh Prince, please try it first."
Leng Caiwen laughed, "No need, no need, Seventh Prince, this will do." She pulled a dark object from her bag and, without asking, shoved it into Baili Chen's mouth. Baili Chen frowned, swallowed it, and his expression immediately softened. Leng Caiwen teased, "Seventh Prince, you're quite the ladies' man. Look how much they care about you; it's heartbreaking. Don't you think Miss Ouyang is the only one we care about? Why don't we hide away and cry together?"
Ouyang Yue stared coldly at Leng Caiwen. Was he doing this on purpose? Didn't he see the ladies present glaring at her with murderous intent? Although Leng Caiwen's looks were slightly less than Baili Chen's, he was witty, charming, and his popularity with women was no less than Baili Chen's. There was no way he would be heartbroken.
Ouyang Yue looked at him expressionlessly and said coldly, "Young Master Leng, which lady did you get rejected by, making you so sad? I'm really curious about who could make Young Master Leng get rejected. Why don't you introduce her? I'd like to meet this extraordinary woman." Leng Caiwen's expression changed slightly. Ouyang Yue was indirectly criticizing Leng Caiwen for being a womanizer, asking where he had gotten into trouble and why he was trying to seduce her while trying to escape.
Leng Caiwen coughed lightly: "It seemed quite lively here just now. We heard conversations before we even got up the mountain. They sounded interesting. What were they saying?" He turned to look at Hong Yicheng with a half-smile, the mockery in his eyes making Hong Yicheng feel utterly humiliated!
☆、086, the scumbag is humiliated!
Next, everyone present quickly formed teams. The ladies who originally wanted to team up with Baili Chen could only bite their lips and suppress their desires when they saw that Baili Chen had no interest in the game and did not allow outsiders to get close.
Baili Chen lazily lifted his eyelids and said, "Since it is Young Master Hong's suggestion, then Young Master Hong shall begin."
Hong Yicheng's smile deepened. Having spent this time at home with nothing to do, he naturally enjoyed reciting poetry, indulging in pleasure with his mistresses, and seeking amusement. He had collected quite a few poems during this period, so his suggestion was naturally not unexpected. Moreover…
Hong Yicheng smiled maliciously and sighed softly, saying, "Flowers fall into the inkstone, mingling with the fragrance of ink; orioles sing outside the garden, echoing among the locust trees. Suddenly, a beautiful figure appears in the distance, and a gentle melody enters the window." As he spoke, he looked at Ouyang Yue with a hint of nostalgia, his eyes filled with deep affection and profound meaning.
Ouyang Yue frowned slightly, feeling disgusted. Hong Yicheng's poem was clearly a love poem, and Guan Yan was targeting her. Even if there was nothing between them, this poem would damage Ouyang Yue's reputation if it got out. Moreover, they had been engaged before. If things got serious, people would think that she and Hong Yicheng were having an affair and were secretly in love. Given Ouyang Yue's previous bad reputation, if she were to be accused of having a premarital affair, she would probably never be able to get married.
This was Hong Yicheng's purpose. He originally had no feelings for Ouyang Yue whatsoever. Their previous acquaintance and familiarity were merely a scheme he devised to win her favor and gain her dependence, thus helping him rise to prominence. Just when he thought he had one foot in the clouds, the Ning family's birthday banquet suddenly hindered his future.
The Crown Prince had originally promised him that by winning over Ouyang Zhide, he could pave the way for him to enter the court and become an official. However, due to the chaos, everything fell through. Not only that, he was also reprimanded by both the Crown Prince and his father. How could Hong Yicheng, who had always been the pride of the nation, bear this? He thought about it and realized that all of this was because Ouyang Yue had been too ruthless back then. If Ouyang Yue hadn't been so resolute in accepting the marriage certificate at the General's Mansion, with all these subsequent changes, there wouldn't have been time to propose marriage to Ouyang Rou. If he had just had the marriage certificate, even if Ouyang Yue didn't want to marry him, he would have had to. There would have been no need for all of this later.
In the end, it was all Ouyang Yue's fault for being impulsive. Even if he couldn't marry Ouyang Yue now, he absolutely couldn't let her have an easy time. He would ruin her reputation and force her to submit. Then he would still be able to control her, and he would have something to say to the Crown Prince and his father.
However, Hong Yicheng did not notice the sudden change in Baili Chen's expression, or the expressionless look in his dark eyes. Baili Chen's lips curled into a wicked smile, but the restrained killing intent in his eyes was terrifying!
Not only did Hong Yicheng fail to notice, but many of the young men and women present, upon hearing Hong Yicheng's poem, immediately looked at Ouyang Yue with mocking and sarcastic expressions. Even though they didn't say anything, their eyes clearly conveyed their disdain. Standing there, Ouyang Yue could imagine the contempt they felt in their hearts.
Ouyang Yue's eyes grew colder, but her face remained expressionless with a faint smile.
Rui Yuhuan was secretly delighted. Her eyes flickered slightly, and she immediately stepped forward: "Young Master Hong's talent is indeed remarkable. I've made a fool of myself. I'll be right. A gentle breeze enters the window, eight parts sweetness warms the heart. The writing flows with passion, the pen flies like clouds, and the words soar with brilliance." Rui Yuhuan's poem started directly with tenderness, revealing a girlish sentiment at the beginning. However, the next moment, she took a turn, adding a touch of elegance to the poem. The transitions were excellent, immediately drawing praise from many young gentlemen and ladies present.
"I never expected Miss Rui to be so talented. What a talented woman!" A young man immediately walked over with a smile, his eyes sweeping over Rui Yuhuan. His movement immediately caused several people to rush towards Rui Yuhuan. Although Rui Yuhuan was slightly annoyed by the directness of these people's gazes, she was full of vanity.
Originally, Rui Yuhuan would have preferred to ignore Ouyang Yue's comment and let her embarrass herself. However, since she had come with Ouyang Yue, she couldn't appear too indifferent, lest she seem heartless. Instead, she could showcase her talent, which was perfectly acceptable. Most importantly, she wanted to show the Seventh Prince that Ouyang Yue was no match for her. She deliberately spoke second, creating a stark contrast with Ouyang Yue's previous predicament, and also demonstrating that she was kinder than the other young ladies present.
But when Rui Yuhuan turned her head, she found that Baili Chen hadn't even glanced at her. Instead, he turned his gaze to Ouyang Yue, whose eyes were lowered and whose lips were slightly curved in a smile. His usually indifferent expression actually carried a hint of expectation?!
Rui Yuhuan felt a surge of anger rising in her heart for no reason, burning her liver with pain. She clenched her teeth tightly, her eyes filled with endless coldness, and with a sneer, Rui Yuhuan said in a low voice, "Miss Ouyang, have you thought of the next poem?" Rui Yuhuan's voice slowly softened, but she had already issued a challenge to Ouyang Yue.
Originally, this poem-writing game was supposed to be a one-on-one contest, but if someone called on you and you couldn't respond, you had to admit defeat. Ouyang Rou sneered at Ouyang Yue; this brat was utterly ignorant and only good for making a fool of herself. Fu Meier, who was about to step forward to compete with Rui Yuhuan, also withdrew and quietly watched Ouyang Yue, her expression equally mocking. Last time, she had caused her family a loss of 100,000 taels of silver, and her father had locked her up as soon as he returned. She had gone to great lengths to appease her father. Regarding the misunderstanding, although she was angry with the masked young master, she couldn't afford to offend him. Ouyang Yue, however, was different; everyone bullies the weak, so naturally, she held Ouyang Yue responsible for all the blame.
Ouyang Yue glanced calmly at Rui Yuhuan, slightly raised her head, looked at the distant blue sky, and softly parted her red lips to say, "I agree, 'The pen flies like clouds, eloquent words soar; the brushstrokes are layered, reflecting magnificent chapters. The years pass like a song, conveying the spirit; a heroic life carries the fragrance of dreams.'" After speaking, Ouyang Yue's eyes slowly swept across the faces of everyone present, especially Hong Yicheng and Rui Yuhuan, her slightly upturned lips conveying an unspoken meaning.
Ouyang Yue's poem may not seem as bold as Rui Yuhuan's poem, but upon closer reading, it reveals an inexhaustible charm. Although Ouyang Yue's poem does not directly express any grand ambitions, it subtly conveys a sense of grandeur and urgency, adding a touch of elegance compared to straightforward poems that require little contemplation.
After a moment of contemplation, everyone's gaze towards Ouyang Yue changed, losing its mockery and gaining surprise.
These so-called relay poems were all improvised on the spot. Given the changes in participants, it was impossible to have them all prepared beforehand. Ouyang Yue's statement reveals her quick wit and talent, a stark contrast to her previous image—a truly astonishing one. Moreover, upon closer examination, even if they were to improvise, they probably wouldn't achieve such a result. Is this… truly the same person as the three ugly women of the capital, the ignorant, stingy, and useless Miss Ouyang? Is there no mistake? Are they the same person? Clearly, yes.
Rui Yuhuan's beautiful eyes widened slightly, filled with indignation. What had Ouyang Yue done to deserve this poem that subtly suppressed her?
Hong Yicheng's mocking expression vanished, replaced by an indescribable chill. Ouyang Yue had actually managed to match the poem! He had never seen Ouyang Yue read before. Had this bitch been deliberately keeping it from him all this time? Hong Yicheng recalled how he had previously thought Ouyang Yue lacked Ouyang Rou's gentle and understanding nature, her modest talent, and of course, her bedroom skills. This person he had once dismissed was actually quite talented.
Hong Yicheng could clearly sense that those who had been waiting to see Ouyang Yue make a fool of herself were now looking at him with a strange expression, clearly mocking him.
Baili Chen's eyes flickered slightly, and the corners of his mouth curled up: "Young Master Hong and the other two have settled their positions. Let's continue. Young Master Leng, you can go first."
Leng Caiwen, who had been smiling at Ouyang Yue, now smiled even more, her captivating eyes gleaming with an unusual light: "Listen to my reply: A life of boldness carries the fragrance of dreams, a life of unrestrained elegance composes poems wildly. Thousands of floating clouds reveal the spirit, a thousand lines of flowing water play a wonderful chapter."
Baili Chen nodded slightly: "Hmm, not bad, that's your personality."
Leng Caiwen's sentences fully reveal his unrestrained and frivolous nature, yet also carry a touch of domineering elegance, truly indescribably beautiful, and they are all related to Ouyang Yue's poems, fully demonstrating his reputation as the top talent among the three geniuses in the capital. At that moment, Hong Yicheng's incongruous poem at the beginning was completely outclassed.
Hong Yicheng's face turned ashen. He had only tried to insult Ouyang Yue, but Ouyang Yue not only met his challenge but also had Leng Caiwen launch a counterattack from behind. He felt disgusted, as if he had swallowed a fly.
As Ouyang Yue and Leng Caiwen recited their poems, the many young gentlemen and ladies present became interested and began to compose their own. This relay poem game, played in groups of three, involved each person composing a poem, with the team that couldn't come up with a poem losing and being eliminated. The team with the most members remaining at the end was the winner.
As expected, Li Rushuang was eliminated first in the second round. After three rounds, only a dozen or so people remained to compose poems, totaling seven groups. Hong Yicheng, Fu Meier, and Mu Cuiwei were in a group of three, with no one eliminated. Rui Yuhuan, Ouyang Rou, and another young master were also eliminated. Ouyang Rou was eliminated, and the other group consisted of Leng Caiwen and Ouyang Yue. The remaining individuals and groups were no longer a threat.
The poem relay became increasingly difficult as it progressed. After another round, there were only eight people present: Hong Yicheng, Fu Meier, Rui Yuhuan, Leng Caiwen, Ouyang Yue, and three young masters and ladies who were quite famous in the capital.
Leng Caiwen raised an eyebrow and smiled: "Instead of the current difficulties, let's add some more and say eight sentences."
Hong Yicheng was seething with resentment. After several rounds, he realized that his initial confidence had dwindled, and he was now sweating profusely. In contrast, Leng Caiwen and Ouyang Yue remained calm and composed, both smiling. Leng Caiwen was now increasing the difficulty, clearly not taking the previous poem-writing challenge seriously. This contrast left Hong Yicheng deeply resentful. Although Leng Caiwen was renowned as one of the three most talented scholars in the capital, he was also known for his philandering. Hong Yicheng had always believed that Leng Caiwen's reputation was merely due to his family's influence. He had never heard of Leng Caiwen's studies or how he had received special praise from his teachers.
Leng Caiwen is just someone who memorizes more poems and books. The Leng family is a prestigious family with a rich cultural heritage in the Great Zhou Dynasty. They have several rare books that are hard to find elsewhere. If he just memorizes them, he can beat him. How can he be convinced?
"Alright, let's continue!"
Ouyang Yue gave Hong Yicheng a strange smile, then looked at Leng Caiwen with an inexplicable expression. Leng Caiwen pretended to turn around, then suddenly raised his head and recited loudly: "This is my poem: Where can I find good news at the ends of the earth? The world is vast and I have no heart for it. A heartless person is not necessarily a hero, and true friends need not share the same roots. Tears fall as we part a thousand miles apart, and we will cherish each other's warmth and coldness in the future. Generosity has always been the color of heroes, and they are willing to shed their blood to write their youth."
As soon as Leng Caiwen finished his poem, everyone present was stunned. The poem was truly exquisite; it blended the poignant farewell of friends with the passionate spirit of a true hero. Only someone with genuine ambition and vision could write a matching poem. While Hong Yicheng and the others possessed some talent, they were all ambitious but lacked practical skills. Having grown up pampered and spoiled, their experience limited them to reciting a few sentimental poems in their spare time, indulging in a bit of affectation. To write a poem as bold and vibrant as Leng Caiwen's required genuine passion and breadth of vision; such a work was simply beyond their capabilities.