Qian Er Guniang's face turned pale as she listened to Li Man'er's poem, her body swaying slightly. If not for the maid beside her reaching out to support her, she might have fallen to the ground.
She had expected a powerful strike, but instead, she was hit by Man'er's punch to her vital spot, losing both face and dignity.
Madam Qian's face felt as if it had been slapped hard. She was also knowledgeable in literature and understood the quality of Li Man'er's poem.
Seeing their expressions, Li Man'er knew she had shocked them. After all, not everyone could withstand the poetry of Li Taibai. Moreover, this particular poem was written for Yang Guifei, clearly intended for a great beauty.
The young lady Huang, who had written for Li Man'er, was very excited. "May I ask, Miss Li, what is the title of this poem?"
"Qing Ping Diao."
"Qing Ping Diao?" Miss Huang reacted, "What a wonderful poem! I am truly honored to have been able to transcribe this poem for you today."
Princess Wuyou was already impatient. "Quickly, let me see it."
Miss Huang then remembered that the Princess had not yet seen the poem. She hurried to hand over the manuscript she had written.
"Clouds suggest her attire, flowers her countenance; the spring breeze brushes the balustrade, dew glistens rich. If not seen on the peaks of Mount Yu, she would be met beneath the moon on terrace of Yao." What a poem, truly a magnificent poem.
Miss Huang said, "Your Highness, if this poem were further adorned with Miss Li's Slim Gold style calligraphy, it would be unparalleled. My own calligraphy, I fear, disgraces it."
Princess Wuyou replied, "Do not be so modest. One can tell from your calligraphy that you have put in great effort. As the saying goes, 'character reflects the person,' and your elegant demeanor is also outstanding."
Miss Huang nodded shyly upon hearing Princess Wuyou's praise. She knew her own limitations and understood that she was benefiting from Li Man'er's poem. Otherwise, Princess Wuyou would not have praised her so highly.
"Miss Qian Er, how do you see this round? Did I win?"
The slap in the face was swift, accurate, and fierce. Miss Qian Er could barely stand. She felt eyes mocking her from all directions and wished she could disappear into a crack in the ground.
Li Man'er did not care about her predicament. If one has the ability to provoke, one must accept the consequences of failure. It's not as if you can initiate the challenge and then refuse to honor your word when you lose!
"I lost." After saying these words, Miss Qian Er felt so ashamed she could die.
"Miss Qian Er, just remember what you said."
"I..."
Before Miss Qian Er could speak, Madam Qian suddenly said, "Miss Li, do not press your advantage." Her tone was icy cold, as if threatening Li Man'er.
"Madam Qian's words are truly strange!" Li Man'er stood proudly opposite Madam Qian, looking directly into her eyes, devoid of any smiles. "I did not want to participate. I only wished to watch the excitement. It was Madam Qian and Miss Qian who were aggressive, even using taunts to force me out. If I hadn't come out to accept the challenge, you would have assumed I was afraid, and I fear rumors would spread that Li Man'er is an ignoramus."
"You..." Madam Qian was so angry her face trembled.
"Miss Qian, one must be trustworthy in their words."
Miss Qian Er said stubbornly, "Miss Li, rest assured, I will remember my words. I shall compose no more poems henceforth."
"Good, then I shall await your promise."
Miss Qian Er immediately requested permission to withdraw from Princess Wuyou. "Since I will no longer compose poems, there is no use for me to stay. I shall take my leave."
Princess Wuyou, however, admired her forthrightness. "Keeping one's word is also a virtue. Perhaps today's events are not entirely a bad thing for you."
"Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness." Miss Qian Er curtsied slightly. When she rose, she had calmed down. "Miss Li, until we meet again."
Her words implied that their paths would cross again, and she would have her chance.
Li Man'er merely smiled, too lazy to pay her any mind.
Madam Qian, though angry, was helpless. She could only lead her daughter away.
Li Man'er had successfully won the prize for the second round, the Flowing Glaze Gauze, and even wet nurse Du's lips curved upwards.
The poetry gathering had three rounds, but Li Man'er did not participate in the third.
If Miss Qian Er had not provoked her, she would not have resorted to plagiarism. Now that the sarcastic woman was gone, she had no need to use her cheat to dominate. She would cede the third round to others.
The topic for the third round was not difficult. In the end, a very slender young lady won first place. The prize was a string of agate beads, which the young lady cherished, holding them in her hands.
Normally, a poetry gathering would be followed by a banquet. However, today's gathering had been filled with unpleasantness, and Princess Wuyou's primary interest was not the poetry itself, so it concluded hastily.
Princess Wuyou did not hide her admiration for Li Man'er at all. She specifically kept Li Man'er to speak with her for a while. To others, it seemed like the Princess simply favored Li Man'er's poetry. In reality, Princess Wuyou was merely confirming Li Man'er's availability to 'cure her illness,' nothing more.
"Your Highness, rest assured, I will prepare well."
Princess Wuyou nodded and had wet nurse Min present a brocade box.
"This is neither consultation fee nor a thank you gift. Consider it a return for your two poems and your Slim Gold calligraphy!" Princess Wuyou smiled. "I intend to treasure the poem manuscripts."
Li Man'er curtsied, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Princess Wuyou nodded and had Li Man'er and her servants escorted out.
Along the way, Muyun was so excited she was practically dancing. "Miss, you should have seen Madam Qian's face! Oh my, it was as dark as charcoal. And that Miss Qian Er, what a joke! She really thinks she's a talented lady and wants to step on you, without even considering if she has the ability."
"Alright, you're still going on about it. What will people think if they hear you? They'll say we're arrogant."
Muyun smiled obsequiously, "Sister Ziyan, there's no one else here, is there!" Wet nurse Du was in the carriage behind them. Currently, only the three of them were in this carriage.
"There might be more such occasions in the future. You need to control yourself so you don't cause trouble for Miss."
"Yes, I understand."
Ziyan was somewhat worried. "Miss, we have offended Mrs. Qin and Madam Qian. Will Old Madam blame us? Will there be trouble in the future?"
"Why are you thinking so much?" Li Man'er closed her eyes. "There's a saying, 'When armies clash, we will resist; when floods rise, we will build dams.' And another, 'In the face of absolute strength, all schemes and tricks are paper tigers.'"
Ziyan frowned. Although she didn't fully understand, she felt that what Miss said made a lot of sense.
Muyun's eyes gleamed. Anyway, whatever Miss said was right, especially now that Miss had become so capable. It was more than right.
The carriage stopped at the side gate of the Iron Gallant Marquis's estate. Li Man'er and her party alighted and entered the residence.
"The eldest young lady is back?" The old woman at the side gate smiled from ear to ear. Her attitude was vastly different from before. These people were like grass on a wall, always swayed by self-interest. When Li Man'er had caused trouble everywhere and was not favored by her family, they had not treated her this way.