Chapter 3

Chapter 3

I was the one who had begged my Imperial Father to hold this poetry gathering.

Over the past three years, thanks to the efforts of Noble Consort Sun and Zhao Mo’er, my reputation both inside and outside the palace had become quite unsightly.

I had endured humiliation and studied hard for three years, hoping that one day I could turn the tide and change the overall situation.

A good reputation would give me a better foothold in Yujing.

Pei Yi’an came from a background of successful candidates in the imperial examinations and belonged to the circle of righteous scholars who valued reputation above all else. I had secretly thought that if I were to be with him one day, a tarnished reputation like mine would surely drag him down.

For his sake, I had to have a good name.

Looking at it now, it seems I was merely flattering myself.

But over these past few years, why did he send me jade hairpins and combs?

Did he not know that a jade hairpin signifies a lifelong commitment, a promise never to part? Or that a comb symbolizes growing old together and having a house full of children and grandchildren?

Or perhaps he knew everything, but simply had no better options before, and now he does?

If that is truly the case, then my feelings were truly misplaced.

In that case, I have all the more reason to go and make things difficult for them.

Thus, as the poetry gathering began and Zhao Mo’er was invited onto the stage, preparing to speak with a face full of smiles, I strolled over, the corners of my lips curling into a mocking arc.

“I have never heard of guests starting the feast before the host has even arrived. Or has my younger sister become so addicted to usurping others’ places that she wants to take the lead in everything? Unfortunately, what is meant to be in your life will be yours, but do not try to force what is not. Sister, you have had fifteen years to learn this lesson; you should have it engraved in your heart by now.”

Zhao Mo’er is fifteen this year and just had a grand coming-of-age ceremony.

Her mother, the Noble Consort, has begged for the position of Empress for fifteen years to no avail. Watching from the sidelines, Zhao Mo’er should understand this principle very well.

The smile on her face nearly crumbled. With reddened eyes, she said, “Sister, why must you be so aggressive? It was only because everyone couldn’t find you that I came out to save the situation. Surely you wouldn’t make so many people wait for you?”

I laughed. “And why not? Is everyone here unwilling to wait?”

A chorus of denials rose from below the stage.

I had neither power nor influence, but I was still the only daughter of the First Empress.

My Imperial Father had already lost his first wife and his legitimate son; his reputation among the common people was not exactly stellar.

He wanted me to live well, if only to prevent the history books from saying he killed his wife and son.

I looked at Zhao Mo’er, my smile bright and pleasant.

“Sister, what should we do? It seems you are the only one unwilling to wait. You really have no sense of decorum. It seems Noble Consort Sun’s teachings amount to nothing more than this. If you want to cry, go cry somewhere else, lest you bring bad luck to my poetry gathering.”

Zhao Mo’er left in tears, looking terrified and pitiful.

I calmly announced the start of the gathering.

Originally, I had intended to use this event to make a name for myself.

But now I had changed my mind. Pei Yi’an was not worth such an effort.

I waited patiently for everyone to write their poems, then waited for the female officials to select the best ones and bring them to me. I personally chose the first, second, and third place winners, allowing those young women to gain recognition.

This was truly beyond everyone’s expectations.

They had all thought they were just here to go through the motions and serve as my foil.

None of them expected that I would actually read their poems seriously, critique them carefully, and provide fair evaluations and positive encouragement.

Having received my praise, they all expressed their gratitude, surrounding me with cheerful chatter and smiles.

I did not write a single poem until the gathering was nearly over.

Pei Yi’an, however, could no longer keep his composure.

He intercepted me while I was going to change my clothes and said in a low voice, “Why aren’t you writing a poem? Your poetic talent is no worse than theirs. Making a name for yourself today would be to your advantage.”