Lo Ning smiled like a blossoming flower, a completely different demeanor from the previously melancholic moment.
Lin Wanrong saw her lively appearance again, secretly chuckled, wondering why these young girls always like to confide in me? Miss Lin is like that, and Lo Ning is the same. If I ever leave the Xiao family, I might as well open a psychological clinic specifically for diagnosing women's troubles, hehe.
Suddenly, Lo Ning extended her small hand, placing it on his hand and said, "Big Brother Lin, feel it, do I feel different from before?" Her small hand was warm, soft, and seemed to tremble ever so slightly.
Lin Wanrong's heart stirred. This girl is not simple; she quickly learned to take advantage of me.
Lo Ning's thoughts were pure, and although her small hand trembled slightly, there was no hint of impurity. Lin Wanrong casually touched her small hand, feeling the smoothness like condensed fat. This girl's small hand is really soft; who knows what it will take advantage of in the future. He sighed in his heart, pulled Lo Ning's hand, and said in a seemingly sacred manner, "Miss Lo, under my radiant presence, you have gained a new life. I wish you well. Now, let's proceed with a pure embrace."
Lo Ning giggled, danced lightly, took a few steps, then suddenly turned around and said, "Big Brother Lin, although you are a bit naughty, I really enjoy talking to you." After saying that, she giggled and ran away, leaving Lin Wanrong standing alone.
You're delighted, but I'm depressed. Spent so much time comforting a young lady, and didn't gain any advantage. Today's business is a big loss.
In the garden, most flowers had withered. Lin Wanrong picked up a small petal, gently pinched it, thinking about Lo Ning's words. He felt a bit confused, not knowing what this girl really wanted to do, giving him a feeling of being deceived.
Feeling dissatisfied, Lin Wanrong strolled back to the hall, only to see Lo Ning already standing beside Zhao Kangning, smiling at him.
When Miss saw him return, she whispered, "Where did you go just now? I looked for you several times but couldn't find you."
Lin Wanrong, feeling bewildered by Lo Ning, looked at her and chuckled, "I went to pee. Miss, you probably didn't find the direction to the toilet."
Miss spat lightly, her face blushing, glared at him, and stopped talking.
At this time, Luo Min had already invited Zhao Kangning to sit in the main seat, smiling and saying, "Young Master Zhao, your visit to our humble abode today has brought glory to the Luo family. I am sincerely grateful."
Zhao Kangning smiled and said, "Where, where. Lord Luo is often mentioned by my father in front of me. He praises Lord Luo for governing the province of Jiangsu diligently, loving the people, and everyone speaks highly of you. My father has also suggested that I seek advice from Lord Luo."
"Lord Zhao is too kind. I am truly undeserving of such praise," Luo Min humbly replied.
Zhao Kangning looked around and suddenly said, "By the way, Lord Luo, just now, outside the mansion, I heard cheers and applause. I wonder what was happening. I'm quite curious."
Luo Min smiled and said, "Earlier? My mother wrote a few birthday couplets, and the talented young men are matching couplets. They are having a joyful time."
"Matching couplets?" Zhao Kangning seemed interested. "I also have a penchant for this. I have a skilled couplet master by my side. Today, while the old birthday star is in high spirits, why don't I, Wangye, present a humble offering? How about a friendly competition with this master and the talented young men here? What do you all think?"
Upon hearing that the Crown Prince was interested in couplet matching, the crowd began to cheer. Luo Min hesitated, but seeing everyone enthusiastic, she couldn't easily refuse.
Zhao Kangning smiled and said, "If we are to compare couplets, there should be some stakes. How about this: if I lose, I will present a painting by Master Xu Wenchang, 'Wind and Snow Returning Home.' If Lord Luo's side unfortunately loses, I hope to receive a piece as well."
This condition seemed like Zhao Kangning would lose no matter what. However, in reality, it was not so simple. Lo Ning had already overtly refused the Crown Prince, and Zhao Kangning seized this opportunity to give away the painting again, making it difficult for Lo Ning to refuse without offending him openly. Lo Ning snorted but remained silent.
Xu Wei's paintings were invaluable, and the crowd, hearing about the painting stakes, erupted in even more cheers. Lin Wanrong remembered that he still had Xu Lao's painting, "West Lake Misty Rain," which was a new work with Xu Wei's seal, probably more valuable than "Wind and Snow Returning Home."
Luo Min felt somewhat embarrassed. Zhao Kangning proposed this couplet contest as a subtle challenge, and losing would mean losing face for her daughter.
Zhao Kangning waved his hand, and among his entourage, a middle-aged man dressed like a scholar in white stepped forward. He bowed and said, "I am Shen Banshan, the chief poet of the Northern Seven Provinces Literary Alliance."
I swear, what's with these names? The Northern Seven Provinces Literary Alliance? Is this some kind of literary gang or a high school student council? Damn, they sound like a group of bandits.
Seeing Lin San looking puzzled, Miss Luo explained softly, "The Northern Seven Provinces Literary Alliance is an organization spontaneously formed by scholars and intellectuals in the northern provinces. It's quite extensive. Every imperial examination, as long as the top scholar is from the north, he is invariably a member of this alliance, so it's also called the Top Scholar Alliance. Shen Banshan is the leader of this alliance, and despite not achieving the top position in the exams for many years, he is considered the king of poetry, well-known throughout the north, and his skill in couplets is unparalleled."
Damn, what's with this Top Scholar Alliance? Isn't it just a student council? A high school student council at that. Damn it, they're using bandit-like names.
Shen Banshan saluted everyone, proudly saying, "I am Shen Banshan, representing the talents of the Northern Seven Provinces, here to greet my colleagues from the south. Today's match is not restricted to the number of participants. As long as you can match up, you're welcome to respond."
This Shen Banshan was proud and arrogant. With just a sentence, he provoked the scholars from the south. Hou Yuebai, who had just suffered a setback, stood up angrily, saluting, "I am Hou Yuebai from Jinling. I have met Mr. Shen. Please enlighten me, Mr. Shen."
Shen Banshan nodded and asked, "Have I met you before?"
Hou Yuebai replied, "I am expecting to be listed in the upcoming autumn examination."
Shen Banshan smiled, "If Brother Hou enters the court, what official position would you like to take?"
After a moment of contemplation, Hou Yuebai said,
"I wish to become a county magistrate and fulfill my duties to ensure that the people live and work in peace."
Shen Banshan chuckled, "A county magistrate, hmm. In my opinion, that's too low. Brother Hou is a talented scholar, so why aim for such a lowly position? I think you should set your sights higher. How about a minister or even a prime minister? Aim high, and the sky's the limit."
Hou Yuebai, hearing Shen Banshan's lofty words, felt a surge of excitement. He nodded solemnly and said, "Mr. Shen's words are profound. I will follow your advice and strive for a higher position."
Shen Banshan smiled and nodded, "Good, good. Brothers from the south, don't be too modest. We are all scholars. In this match, I hope to see everyone's best. If you don't have the confidence, you can also abstain. There is no shame in admitting defeat, but keep in mind that only by striving for higher goals can you achieve greatness."
This Shen Banshan was quite skilled at talking, instantly turning the atmosphere. The scholars from the south no longer felt as irritated and instead pondered his words. As long as they had the talent, why settle for a low position?
Under the crowd's gaze, Luo Min glanced at her daughter Lo Ning and hesitated for a moment. Finally, she said, "Since Prince Zhao has shown such sincerity, I will not refuse. Let's proceed with the couplet contest. However, I am just a mere governor's wife, and my talents are limited. I hope everyone can overlook my shortcomings."
Zhao Kangning smiled and said, "Lord Luo, you are being too modest. I believe that talent knows no boundaries. Let's enjoy the match and appreciate the beauty of words."
The crowd applauded, and everyone's gaze turned towards Lin Wanrong. Lin Wanrong, feeling the pressure, nodded and said, "Since it's a friendly match, let's keep it lighthearted. We are all here to have a good time. How about this: we'll each take turns presenting a couplet, and the opposing side will respond. If the opponent cannot respond within a short time, they lose. How does that sound?"
The crowd agreed, and the atmosphere became lively. The scholars were ready to showcase their talents, and the air was filled with excitement.
Zhao Kangning said with a smile, "Since Lord Luo is the host, why don't you start first? Let's hear your couplet."
Luo Min nodded, pondered for a moment, and then said, "A thousand miles of rivers and mountains, a land of prosperity and peace."
Zhao Kangning smiled and responded immediately, "The bright moon rises over the vast sky, casting its glow on the earth."
The crowd applauded, and Lin Wanrong secretly praised Zhao Kangning's quick wit. Luo Min nodded and said, "Good response. My turn."
She thought for a moment and then said, "Majestic mountains and flowing rivers, a nation blessed with endless grace."
Zhao Kangning smiled and replied, "Gentle breeze and clear waters, a people with noble traits."
The crowd burst into applause again. Luo Min's eyes flickered slightly, realizing that Zhao Kangning was indeed a formidable opponent. Shen Banshan, who was on Zhao Kangning's side, also nodded in approval.
It was Lin Wanrong's turn, and he thought for a moment before saying, "A wise ruler governs with virtue, leading the people to a bright future."
Zhao Kangning chuckled and responded, "A loyal subject serves with dedication, sharing the burden in times of trouble."
The crowd was once again impressed. Lin Wanrong's eyes narrowed slightly. This Zhao Kangning is indeed a crafty one, able to match couplets effortlessly. If this continues, it won't be easy to defeat him.
As the couplet contest continued, the scholars from both sides showcased their talents. Hou Yuebai, who had initially been upset, also regained his composure and participated actively. The atmosphere in the hall became increasingly lively.
At this moment, Lo Ning, who had been standing quietly, suddenly spoke, "A butterfly dances among the flowers, spreading its wings in the sunlight."
The crowd fell silent for a moment, and even Shen Banshan raised his eyebrows. Lo Ning's couplet was simple yet elegant, and the imagery it portrayed was vivid. Lin Wanrong couldn't help but nod in approval. This girl's talent is not bad.
Zhao Kangning smiled and responded, "A gentle breeze carries the fragrance, enchanting the hearts of those who witness."
The crowd erupted in applause. Lo Ning's couplet was charming, but Zhao Kangning's response was equally enchanting. The friendly match continued, and the atmosphere reached its peak.
In the midst of the competition, Lo Ning's gaze occasionally met Lin Wanrong's. There was a mysterious smile on her face, as if she had a hidden plan.
Lin Wanrong felt a sense of uncertainty, wondering what this girl was up to. However, he maintained a calm expression and continued to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the couplet contest. Little did he know that this seemingly friendly match would take an unexpected turn.