The Reborn Princess Has Turned Evil

Chapter 269 Plum Appreciation Rally (1)

Winter came early this year, and even the plum blossoms bloomed early. The plum blossoms stood proudly in the frost and snow, so officials and their families, young masters and ladies, were specially invited to the palace to appreciate the plum blossoms. Naturally, the princes of various countries who lived in the palace were also among them, including Akabane Gen.

Ordinary plum blossom appreciation involves simply strolling under the plum trees, which is nothing new. Therefore, this time, appreciating the winter plum blossoms at night is a unique experience.

Emperor Jing and the Empress Dowager remained seated on the high platform, flanked by Consort Li, Consort Chen, and Consort Lin. Below them, four or five rows were arranged on each side. On the left were Prince Qing, Princess Qing, Jing Rou, Princess Yongping, Princess Laili, and Prince Yingeer. The back rows were occupied by officials and their families according to rank.

On the right sat Jing Fengyao, Jing Anle, Jing Fengyu, four princes of different surnames, and Chi Wenyuan. Behind them, officials and their families were seated according to rank.

On either side, in the middle, sits a pot of elegant plum blossoms. The night is cold, and frost has condensed on the petals. The white snow and red plum blossoms, illuminated by lanterns, create a truly beautiful scene.

"Admiring the plum blossoms at night is indeed a unique experience. I wonder who came up with such an ingenious idea?" Emperor Jing said with great interest.

A smile crossed the Empress Dowager's face. "To receive His Majesty's praise, it seems that Yongping's efforts have not been in vain."

Upon hearing that it was Princess Yongping's idea, Emperor Jing's smile froze on his face, a fact immediately noticed by Jing Anle. Strange, why does Father Emperor always become unhappy whenever Princess Yongping is mentioned?

"Yongping, how did you come up with this idea?" Prince Qing was also quite interested.

Indeed, admiring the plum blossoms at night, with the flickering candlelight, is truly captivating.

Princess Yongping smiled and said, "One night, while I was taking a walk, I suddenly had a brilliant idea. Now it seems to have worked quite well. Ah! I heard that a learned and talented gentleman has come to the palace. Since we have this opportunity, why not ask this gentleman to write a poem?"

For a moment, everyone looked at Chi Wenyuan. Jing Anle also turned his head to look. He was dressed as elegantly and simply as ever, like a graceful bamboo. He had entered the palace as a commoner to teach the princes and princesses. Today, the ministers and their families would see his true face, so everyone looked at him with curiosity.

"In that case, Mr. Chi, why don't you compose a poem on the theme of plum blossoms and broaden our horizons?" Prince Qing suggested.

Chi Wenyuan stood up, neither humble nor arrogant, and said, "This humble subject is of limited knowledge and learning. Since Princess Yongping and the Prince have given the order, this humble subject will make a fool of himself."

"A single red plum blossoms proudly in the snow, lingering amidst the biting cold wind."

"Undeterred by the bone-chilling cold, I cast my shadow on the candlestick."

"A subtle fragrance drifts and permeates the heart; sparse shadows slant across the moonlight."

In an instant, a poem came out of his mouth, and every word was exquisite.

"Excellent! Mr. Chi truly lives up to his reputation. No wonder the Emperor keeps him in the palace to teach." Yongping clapped his hands and cheered.

Emperor Jing, sitting on the high platform, also spoke up: "Mr. Chi's literary talent is outstanding and truly remarkable. I wonder when my sons will be able to match even a fraction of his talent."

"Your Majesty flatters me. My princes, the princess is intelligent, quick-witted, and diligent in her studies. She has made great progress in recent days and each has her own strengths," Chi Wenyuan said respectfully.

Chi Wenyuan did not flatter him intentionally, but Emperor Jing found his words pleasing and rewarded him with a large amount of gold and silver with a wave of his hand.

“Your Majesty, I have something else to say,” Chi Wenyuan continued.

"Oh? Mr. Chi, please go ahead."

Chi Wenyuan bowed, but his spine remained straight. "I came to Jing Kingdom to teach for half a year. Now that the half-year period is coming to an end, I would like to resign."

For a moment, everyone was in an uproar.

Jing Anle was even more surprised. Yes, the six-month period was almost up. If Chi Wenyuan left, then… wouldn't the other princes have no reason to stay in Jing Kingdom? No, Qi Zhi couldn't return to Qi Kingdom yet. If he left, how could the subsequent plans be implemented?

Just as everyone was stunned, Jing Fengyao spoke up: "Mr. Chi is leaving? Although the six-month period is coming to an end, I feel that there are still many things I need to ask you. Why don't you stay and continue to answer my questions?"

Jing Fengyao spoke very sincerely. Although he had many teachers who were also very knowledgeable, Chi Wenyuan was different from those old pedants. He always had many new ideas that made people suddenly realize the truth.

"Yes, Mr. Chi, is there anything you're feeling unwell about in the palace?" Emperor Jing asked. He naturally hoped that Chi Wenyuan would stay, as such a talent would greatly benefit the Jing Kingdom if he could assist Jing Fengyao in the future.