novelaction Chapter 294 (19 words added)
Chapter 294 (19 words added)
The Regent's sudden arrival silenced the once bustling mansion. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned their gazes toward the entrance. The Regent stood there, dressed in a black robe and wearing a black jade crown. His face was like jade, his eyes deep and unfathomable, and he exuded an aura of quiet authority. The women in the mansion were initially taken aback, but then quickly bowed, not daring to be the slightest bit disrespectful.
The matriarch of the manor, feigning composure, stepped forward and respectfully said, "I was unaware of the Regent's presence. I apologize for not welcoming you sooner." The Regent nodded slightly and said calmly, "I was just passing by when I came in to take a look." His voice was deep and magnetic, yet carried an undeniable air of authority.
The matriarch was puzzled. The Regent never visited without a reason; his sudden arrival must mean something important. She quickly ordered tea to be served and arranged for the young men of the household to come and pay their respects. The Regent sat in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over everyone, his mind racing. Just as everyone was feeling uneasy, the Regent suddenly spoke: "I've heard that you have a talented young lady in your household." The Regent's words startled everyone. The matriarch forced a smile and said, "Your Highness, are you referring to my daughter, Wan Niang? She has some knowledge of poetry, calligraphy, and painting; she can hardly be considered a talented woman." The Regent's lips curled slightly, but he said nothing more. At this moment, Wan Niang, led by a maid, walked over with graceful steps and knelt down. The Regent looked her up and down; Wan Niang had eyebrows like distant mountains, eyes like stars, and a gentle and refined demeanor. "I've long heard of your talent; I'd like to see it for myself today." "Having said that, he gestured for a servant to bring paper and pen. "I've heard that you, a talented woman, are skilled in poetry. How about composing a poem on the theme of this spring scene?" Wan Niang was nervous, but she calmly took the paper and pen, thought for a moment, and then began to write. A moment later, a fresh and elegant poem appeared on the paper. The Regent read it carefully, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes. Just when everyone thought the matter was settled, a concubine in the mansion who was jealous of Wan Niang suddenly spoke up in a sarcastic tone: "This poem might have been written by someone else." The atmosphere froze instantly upon hearing this, and everyone turned their gaze to the Regent and Wan Niang. "I'd like to see for myself," the Regent said coldly. The crowd exchanged bewildered glances. Wan Niang, the talented woman, paled and was about to defend herself when the Regent spoke first, his voice cold: "How dare you! To slander someone without evidence is utterly disgraceful!" The concubine trembled in fear but still stubbornly insisted, "Your Highness, I'm merely stating the truth. Who can prove that she wrote this poem?"
The Regent sneered, "Then I will test you again. Use the jade pendant in my hand as the topic, and compose a poem within the time limit of one incense stick. If you cannot compose one, you will be punished for slander." After saying that, he ordered someone to light an incense stick.
Wan Niang took a deep breath, calmed herself, and picked up her pen again. Her mind raced, and she incorporated the warm and translucent qualities of the jade pendant into her poem. Before long, a beautiful poem was completed.
At this moment, the incense had only burned halfway. The Regent took the poem, his eyes full of praise, "What a quick-witted woman!" The concubine, seeing this, turned pale and knelt down, begging for forgiveness. The mistress also hurriedly stepped forward to apologize. The Regent waved his hand, "I'll spare her this time, but if there's a next time, I won't be so lenient." With that, he rose and left. As for Wan Niang, after this incident, her reputation as a talented woman spread throughout the capital. Who was she referring to? A storm of undercurrents was about to unfold.