Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 660 - 496 Passing the Flower While Beating the Drum

Chapter 660: Chapter 496 Passing the Flower While Beating the Drum

Min Feng naturally sat at the front, as his teacher was the Grand Secretary Xia Qing, and he himself was an official of the court.

Once everyone was seated in order, the courtyard opposite also quieted down; in fact, it was never really noisy. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

"I won’t say much more. Today’s gathering is for a literary competition, and the prizes are ready. Three rare editions by famous authors, along with a set of fine scholar’s four jewels, among others, which I won’t list in detail here."

For these noble sons, the prizes were not the most important thing—demonstrating talent was the priority.

Of course, participation was voluntary, and Gu Chengyu had no intention of taking part.

Most importantly, if the women couldn’t decide a winner in their poetry and essays, they would sometimes ask the male guests to judge.

Once it was announced to the male guests, the women naturally began as well.

"Everyone has played passing the flower to the drumbeat before. Whoever has the flower must showcase their talent. Does anyone have any objections?" The Eldest Princess announced the usual rules from past years.

Those young ladies were eager to showcase their talents as well, given that those young men were seated just beyond the Hanging Flower Gate. Moreover, aristocratic ladies were present. If they caught someone’s eye, a marriage proposal might very well follow.

The seating for the ladies was different from that for the men; they sat in a circle, as the game required passing the flower, so naturally, they couldn’t be too far apart.

"Mother, how about I join the fun?" Princess Rong Jia glanced at the Hanging Flower Gate. From her vantage point, it was much clearer to see there than from the other side, being closer.

She naturally recognized the few seated in front. The first was her eldest brother, and the second—wasn’t that Gu Chengyu?

It’s a pity that Gu Chengyu only focused on drinking tea, not once glancing in this direction.

From here, she could even see Gu Chengyu’s jade-like profile; his pale cyan robe suited him well, adding to his graceful and charming demeanor, truly a gentleman.

Participating in the game of passing the flower to the drumbeat was voluntary; naturally, some chose not to participate. Some ladies lacked talent or felt their skills unworthy, so they naturally didn’t join.

The Eldest Princess thought her daughter wanted to join in the fun and asked with a smile, "If the flower ends up with you, you’ll have to showcase your talent. Are you sure about this?"

Princess Rong Jia promptly pouted, "Mother, are you underestimating me? I’ve been ready for a long time, be it playing the zither or dancing. Which of these am I not good at?"

Princess Rong Jia’s maiden name was Qin Yingyuan, tutored in manners by palace nannies since childhood. She learned music, chess, calligraphy, and painting from famous teachers, and even excelled in needlework.

The Eldest Princess loved her daughter dearly, but she never allowed leniency in manners or the arts.

Daughters of noble families like hers were indeed precious, but women couldn’t stay with their natal families forever. When the time came, they would marry out, serve their parents-in-law, and attend to their husbands.

If they lacked skills, they would surely be criticized by their mothers-in-law. The Royal Family’s bloodline should never be looked down upon.

The Eldest Princess glanced at the noble women around her, face stern, "I think your manners are not yet strict enough. You’ll need additional lessons from Nanny Jin in the future."

Though she didn’t find her daughter’s words conceited, others might perceive them as arrogant. With marriage proposals underway, they couldn’t let such rumors spread.

"Oh! The Princess only said so because she’s confident. The Princess has been taught by great masters since childhood; her words are not boastful. Your Highness is just a bit too strict. It’s better for young ladies to be lively." Mrs. Zhao quickly intervened, offering the pair an out.

"Yes! The Princess is clever and not overly rigid. Her manners are already very proper," Mrs. Qu also chimed in.

Everyone knew how much the Eldest Princess doted on this precious Commandery Princess. This scolding was just for show; she wouldn’t actually reprimand her daughter.

Seeing this, the other ladies also expressed that the Princess’s manners were impeccable, and the Eldest Princess’s expression immediately softened.

"Since these ladies have pleaded on your behalf, I won’t punish you for now. If you wish to join the game, go ahead. Just don’t lose your nerve if the flower ends up with you."

The Eldest Princess patted her daughter and turned her gaze to the gauze curtain covering the Hanging Flower Gate.

At first glance, she saw Gu Chengyu. With his upright stature and face like jade, his imposing appearance was indeed pleasing to see.

It’s a pity that such an exceptional person was born into a farming family, truly regrettable.

Yao Mengxian initially did not want to participate, but then she thought of changing her past image, and this was a good opportunity.

Rumors outside claimed she was dull; although a legitimate daughter, she was timid and reserved, attracting a lot of attention. Since she was appearing in public, she should change her previous image.

"Third Sister, are you also joining the game of passing the flower to the drumbeat?" Yao Mengdie chirped as she came over, as if she hadn’t been angry earlier.

Yao Mengxian felt a bit helpless; this was Yao Mengdie’s usual tactic. No matter how angry she was, she wouldn’t take long to act as if nothing had happened, interacting as they had before.

But thinking she bore no grudges was wrong; she kept everything in her heart and would trip you up unexpectedly.

Moreover, since she quickly came to speak with her, she definitely wanted to probe her talent!

"What talent could I have, Sister? Only my zither playing is presentable, but even this can’t compare to Second Sister. As for poetry and essays, I can barely manage one! How about you, Sister? Have you prepared any talents?" Yao Mengxian asked casually.

Yao Mengdie forced a laugh, "I’m just like you, Sister, not prepared. The flower might not end up with me anyway."

After speaking, she walked toward the Hanging Flower Gate, as the seats near the curtain allowed a view of the figures opposite.

Yao Mengxian glanced in that direction but didn’t head that way.

Her purpose was to change the aristocratic wives’ impression of her, so there was no need to go in that direction and risk being seen as frivolous by the ladies.

Glancing at that pale cyan figure, Yao Mengxian walked toward the right front, where there was a Jade Flower Tree.

"The women are playing passing the flower to the drumbeat and showcasing their talents there, but alas, we can’t see them," Zhu Pang whispered to Gu Chengyu, longing to gaze through the curtain to see his fiancée.

Zhu Pang’s frequent glances toward the curtain were noticed by Yu Ting and others, and even by the women across the way.

Gu Chengyu gave Zhu Pang a gentle push, "Stop looking, lest others think you’re frivolous. There are more women than just your fiancée over there, and if others see you, they’ll surely be displeased, thinking you a lecher!"

Gu Chengyu felt a bit helpless, thinking Zhu Pang was overly eager.