Behind the beaded curtain and tulle.
A red dress, looming.
As soon as Nangong Yang finished speaking, the eldest princess's calm voice came: "No need."
Everyone in the hall glanced over cautiously.
Prince Gray of the Great Mongol Empire looked inside with fiery eyes and said in a rough voice, "Your Majesty, why don't you let the princess come out to see us? I heard that the princess grew up on the battlefield and is as brave as men. Why does she have to hide in there like a little woman now?"
Nangong Yang smiled and said, "Prince Gray, please be patient. When the time comes, the royal sister will come out naturally."
Then, his eyes flashed again, and he said, "Well, in the next poetry competition, if the most talented person in your country can win three games in a row, I will let my sister come out to meet all the distinguished guests. How do you think?"
The prince of the Great Mongol Empire immediately raised his fist and said, "It's a deal!"
Then he turned to the burly young man behind him and said, "Su Tu, it's up to you!"
The burly young man smiled confidently and said, "Fifth Prince, rest assured, I will make sure you get what you want!"
When Gray heard this, he immediately burst into laughter without any restraint.
The members of the Great Yan royal family and those meritorious ministers sitting opposite all frowned slightly, and some of them showed anger in their eyes.
Behind the bead curtain, a cold light flashed in the eyes of the red shadow.
Upon hearing this, the Queen Mother frowned, as if she wanted to say something to the outside world, but she held herself back.
She looked at the girl beside her, reached out and held the cold little hand in the red sleeve, and whispered: "Huoyue, born in an imperial family, you have no choice. The emperor can't refuse, and they came here with full sincerity today, don't be angry..."
Nangong Huoyue's face remained calm. She looked outside without saying a word, and her other hand in her red sleeve slowly clenched.
Nangong Yang looked at the audience, picked up his wine glass, and said with a smile: "Well, let me toast to you all first. After we finish this glass of wine, we will begin."
At this time, the third prince of Badan, Lamore, suddenly said, "Your Majesty, the competition you are talking about is a competition between the scholars of our five countries? Whoever wins three games in a row can meet with the princess alone, right?"
Nangong Yang smiled and said, "Of course, this includes our Great Yan. No matter who wins three games in a row, even if it is our Great Yan genius who wins, he can meet the princess alone."
The second prince of Beicang Kingdom howled like a wolf, and said with a cupped hand: "Your Majesty, is it just a one-time meeting? How long will it be? Can the winner have a few drinks with the eldest princess?"
As soon as these words came out, the Queen Mother immediately said from behind: "My Huoyue doesn't know how to drink."
Gray of the Great Mongols said with a smile, "Queen Mother, I heard that in your Great Yan, men, women, old and young, all know how to drink. The eldest princess has been fighting on the battlefield for many years, and even men are ashamed of themselves. How could she not know how to drink? Queen Mother, don't worry. If my Great Mongols win, the eldest princess only needs to drink three cups with this prince."
Lang Xiao from Beicang Kingdom also laughed and said, "If we, Beicang, win, the princess only needs to drink three cups."
Lamore of Badan also bowed and said, "It is indeed inappropriate to meet without drinking. We will not embarrass the princess. We just want to talk to her. Drinking a few glasses of wine is reasonable."
The Queen Mother wanted to speak, but the Emperor Nangong Yang said with a smile on his face: "Since the princes all say so, I don't want to spoil the princes' interest, so let's decide it this way."
After saying this, he looked at the royal family members and ministers below the stage and said with a smile: "My dear uncles and aunts, my dear ministers, what do you think?"
The hall suddenly fell into silence.
Princess Nangong was about to speak, but Prince Nangong suddenly pulled her sleeve, and she ended up not saying a word.
The other princes, dukes, and ministers all lowered their heads and remained silent.
Many people showed hesitation on their faces. This was an insult to the princess, but at this moment they all knew that this matter was not only related to diplomacy, but also to...
Your Majesty is asking them to make a choice in front of so many people.
One of the gray-haired ministers hesitated for a moment and was about to stand up when the red figure behind the beaded curtain suddenly said, "Let's get started."
Nangong Yang turned his head, looked inside, and said with a smile: "Royal sister, do you agree?"
Nangong Huoyue said calmly: "Didn't you already make the decision for me?"
Nangong Yang smiled and said, "Don't say that, sister. The princes are really too enthusiastic and I can't refuse. But if sister doesn't want to, then forget it. I will naturally obey your wishes."
The inner room was quiet for a few breaths.
Nangong Huoyue said calmly: "Let's get started."
Nangong Yang smiled and said, "Okay, then I'll listen to my sister and start."
Then he looked at the talented scholars of Dayan in the corner and said, "Come here and stand under me. You represent the talented scholars of Dayan, so you must perform well this time."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The three talented men from Jiangnan and the two talented men and women from Yujing immediately came out from their corners, lowered their heads, and stood respectfully at the bottom of the steps.
Nangong Yang looked at the five people again, then raised his glass and smiled at the princes, "Come, I'll toast to you all first."
The princes immediately picked up their glasses and drank them all.
Nangong Yang finished his drink, pondered for a moment, looked at the wine glass in his hand, and said: "I am not very talented and learned, and I can't compare with you talented people. For this first question, let's talk about wine. Poems, songs, and essays are all fine."
"On the subject of wine?"
When everyone heard this, they immediately began to think about it.
Prince Gray of the Great Mongol Empire looked sharply at the burly man named Sutu behind him and ordered, "Think carefully and make the best one possible!"
At this time, Liu Sansi, the first talented scholar in Dayanjiangnan, seemed to have already had an idea in mind.
But at this time, distinguished guests must be given priority.
At this time, Su Tu, the most talented scholar in the Mongol Empire, immediately looked determined and said, "Got it!"
Gray's eyes lit up, and he immediately urged, "Read it! Read it quickly!"
Everyone's eyes turned to him.
Su Tu raised his head slightly and recited aloud: "A straw raincoat, a straw hat, a small boat, a ten-foot silk line and an inch-long hook. A song, a bottle of wine, and a man fishing alone in the autumn river."
"Good poem! Good poem!"
As soon as he finished reading, Gray clapped his hands in praise before he even understood the meaning.
Although he was a warrior and didn't know much about poetry, he was naturally extremely confident in his literary talent as the most talented scholar in the world.
After listening to this, the others pondered for a moment and nodded secretly.
Nangong Yang looked at the chief academician of the Hanlin Academy and asked, "Lord Li, what do you think of this poem?"
This academician of the Hanlin Academy was named Li Zhao. He was talented and famous since he was young. He was known as the number one talent in Yujing. Later, he passed the imperial examination and became the top scholar. He has been working in the Hanlin Academy ever since. Naturally, he has a deep attainment in poetry.
Upon hearing this, Li Zhao immediately stood up and said, "Your Majesty, this poem by Su Shi can be called an excellent poem. The first two lines of the poem are almost plain and simple, but once the last two lines come out, it immediately becomes full of meaning and amazing. Looking at the whole poem again, nine ones are cleverly embedded in it, expressing the artistic conception of the poem and the picture exactly. If you savor it carefully, you will find that these ones are used very appropriately and interestingly. The last line, "One man fishing alone in the river in autumn", is not only about fishing fish, nor is it just about autumn, but also about a free and easy life, an unrestrained mood, and it can also include many things. So this poem, although seemingly simple, is actually profound and meaningful, and the more you chew on it, the more amazing it is."
Upon hearing this, Prince Gray of the Great Mongol Empire immediately smiled and gave a thumbs up, saying, "Master Li is indeed knowledgeable. After this explanation, it suddenly became clear to me. Hahahaha..."
At this time, the third prince of Badan, Lamore, said in a cold voice: "Prince Grey, don't be complacent yet, we haven't read it yet."
Gray sneered, looked at him, and bowed, "Then please."
Larmore looked at a blond young man behind him and said, "Boer, read it."
The young man named Bol paused for a moment, then began to recite with deep affection: "Only when you are drunk do you know how strong the wine is, and only when you are in love do you know how deep the love is. You cannot drink my wine, just like I cannot dream your dreams..."
After reading the poem, Gray sneered again and said sarcastically: "The poetry style of your country of Badan is quite unique."
Lamer's face suddenly darkened, and he said, "Why, Gray, do you want to try my fist?"
Gray immediately clenched his fists and said defiantly, "Will this prince be afraid of you?"
Seeing that the two sides were on the verge of a fight, Nangong Yang immediately smiled and said, "Alright, alright, we are all honored guests of Da Yan, why are you so angry? If you two want to fight, there will be plenty of opportunities later."
After that, he looked at Li Zhao again and asked, "Lord Li, what do you think of this poem by the talented scholar Boer?"
Li Zhao bowed and said, "This poem by Boer is also excellent. It fits the characteristics of Badan folk songs. In just a few words, he expresses his feelings about love vividly. But compared to Su's poem, it is still a little worse in terms of artistic conception."
Lamer was a little unconvinced, and when he was about to speak again, the talented scholar in the Beicang State also said: "It is indeed Mr. Su's poem, which is better."
The Crown Prince of Gaoqi and the Prince of Loulan both nodded.
This time, Lamore snorted coldly and stepped back.
Gray saw this and was very proud of himself. He thought he had won the game. He glanced at the other princes and said, "It's your turn now!"
The prince of Beicang Kingdom howled, turned around and whispered a few words to a scholar behind him, then said coldly: "We give up this game."
The princes of Gaoqi and Loulan had never expected to marry the eldest princess, so they naturally gave up the idea.
Gray was even more proud when he saw this, and asked the five Great Yan Talents standing at the bottom of the stairs: "What about you? Are you also going to admit defeat directly?"
As the most talented scholar in Jiangnan, Liu Sansi had already composed many poems on the theme of "wine". So when the emperor told him the topic, he immediately thought of it. It was only because of the host that he let the other party write first.
He was furious when the prince of the Mongol Empire was disrespectful to the princess at the beginning. Now he was even more angry when he saw the other party was so smug and looked like the only one in the world. He immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I will show you my ugliness first."
Nangong Yang smiled, looked at him and said, "I think this poem by Su Shi is indeed very artistic. Just like what Li Aiqing said, it is a very good poem with a profound artistic conception. Mr. Liu, do you think your poem can surpass his? I think it is unlikely. If you are not sure, try the second game."
As soon as these words were spoken, the other talented scholars looked at each other, and the eagerness to give it a try just now was immediately suppressed.
Changsun Wan'er also lowered her head.
In this first round, Your Majesty wants this talented man from the Mongol Empire to win.
But Liu Sansi has always been known as a madman, so he could not stand such humiliation. He immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I dare not say that my poem is better than his, but at least it is not inferior to his. As for who wins and who loses, I believe that Lord Li and others will judge."
After saying this, Nangong Yang still kept a smile on his face. He paused and said, "Okay, since you are so confident, then go ahead and read it."
Liu Sansi saluted, stood up, and looked at the prince of the Great Mongol Empire with a defiant look, reciting aloud: "The waves are full of the snow, and the peach blossoms are silent in the spring. With a pot of wine and a fishing rod, how many people are as happy as farmers?"
There was silence in the hall for a moment.
The other scholars behind the princes all nodded secretly.
Prince Gray of the Great Mongol Empire sneered and said, "This is plagiarism! Your poem also has three ones, and it is far worse than ours."
Liu Sansi did not refute.
Nangong Yang smiled, looked at Li Zhao, and said, "Lord Li, please give your opinion."
Li Zhao saluted and said, "This poem expresses the feelings of the painter and uses the scenery to convey the meaning. Although the interest is not high, the leisurely and relaxed artistic conception is elegant and elegant. It can also be regarded as a masterpiece among the poems and lyrics inscribed on paintings."
Nangong Yang narrowed his eyes and said, "Which one is better, this ci or the poem by Su Caizi, as Li Aiqing said?"
Li Zhao knew what he meant and knew that he should give the Mongol Empire some face. He bowed his head and said, "After careful consideration, Su Shi's poem is still better."
As soon as these words came out, Gray burst into laughter, and then he looked at the red shadow behind the beaded curtain unscrupulously, his eyes fiery and he said: "Princess, this first game, but I won. If I win two more games, I can drink and chat happily with you, Princess, hahahaha..."
Nangong Yang was also smiling, and just as he was about to announce that the Great Mongolian Empire won the first round, a voice suddenly came from below: "Your Majesty, can I try it?"
The smile on Nangong Yang's face froze for a moment, and then he looked at him.
Everyone in the hall looked over there.
A sharp light flashed in Gray's eyes.
Behind the bead curtain, the red shadow also looked at him.
Luo Qingzhou, dressed in a Confucian robe, stood alone in a corner, keeping some distance from the people in Prince Nangong's Mansion. At this time, he bowed his head and took the initiative to ask for a fight.
There was a brief silence in the hall.
Nangong Yang suddenly laughed and said, "Who asked you to come in? I don't think I invited you in, did I?"
At this time, the Queen Mother's voice suddenly came from the inner room: "Your Majesty, I asked Luo Qing to come in. Luo Qing is good at poetry, so he is indispensable for this exchange with the distinguished guests. Didn't Your Majesty agree before that he would come to the palace?"
Nangong Yang paused, then turned around and said with a smile: "So it was the Queen Mother who let him in, then forget it. I just think he is too young, and it is enough to have the top talents in Jiangnan and the top two talents in Yujing."
The Queen Mother said, "Luo Qing's talent may not be comparable to those of the others."
Nangong Yang smiled, looked at the young man in the corner of the stage, and said: "Luo Qing, I have already told all the distinguished guests in advance that I have only chosen these five people to compete with them, so I can't go back on my word."
Luo Qingzhou raised his head, looked at him and said, "Your Majesty just said that Your Majesty must obey the wishes of the eldest princess and listen to the eldest princess, right?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the faces of the royal family members and ministers below the stage, and even the empress dowager behind the pearl curtain, all changed.
Nangong Meijiao's face suddenly turned pale.
Nangong Xueyi, who was standing aside, turned her head and looked at him with sparkling eyes.
The people from the five major sects also looked at him with different expressions.
Nangong Yang, who was sitting on the dragon throne, remained smiling after a brief silence and said, "Yes, I did say that."
Luo Qingzhou met his gaze, cupped his hands and said, "In that case, I, Luo Qingzhou, will fight on behalf of the princess!"
Then he turned his head and looked behind the beaded curtain, and said, "Your Highness, is this possible?"
Behind the beaded curtain, a figure in a red dress looked at him quietly for a while, nodded slightly and said, "Okay."