Chapter Thirty-Three: So What If You're Good-Looking?

"My Lord, are you awake?"

Before the words had even faded, Taohua and several other pretty maids filed in, carrying washing basins and brand-new robes. They looked at Xie Ning with a trace of undisguised adoration and curiosity. The events that had taken place in the ancestral hall yesterday had already spread throughout the Grand Princess's estate. Everyone knew that this heir to the Marquis of Dingyuan was a man of extraordinary talent who possessed god-like abilities.

"Mm." Xie Ning nodded, allowing them to attend to his washing and dressing. One had to admit, this life of having one’s every need catered to was truly decadent, yet undeniably enjoyable.

He changed into a moon-white silk robe, cinched his waist with a jade belt, and tied back his long hair with a simple hairpin. Xie Ning was already handsome by nature, and after this grooming, he appeared even more elegant and ethereal.

"Wow, my Lord, you look truly magnificent," a bolder young maid couldn't help but whisper in awe.

"Is that so?" Xie Ning checked himself in the bronze mirror, admiring his reflection. "I think so too."

His lack of modesty amused the maids, drawing ripples of laughter.

At that moment, Li Qingning walked in. She was dressed in a pale purple court gown, with phoenixes embroidered on the hem, as if about to take flight. Her face was lightly powdered, making her skin appear fairer than snow, her features as delicate as a painting. Her beautiful eyes sparkled with a natural, inherent nobility and authority. Seeing the man in front of the mirror preening himself, she couldn't help but let her lips curl upward.

"Are you ready?" she asked softly.

"Ready to depart at any time." Xie Ning turned to face her and offered a bow that he considered quite dashing. "My dear Princess, today I shall let you witness the peerless grace of your future husband."

"Smooth talker." Li Qingning chided him, though the smile in her beautiful eyes could not be hidden. She walked up to Xie Ning and reached out with her slender fingers to straighten his slightly crooked collar. Her movements were light and gentle. Her fingertips inadvertently brushed against his neck, and a warm scent, carrying a faint, delicate fragrance, wafted toward him.

Xie Ning’s heart skipped a beat. Looking at the exquisite face so close to his own, and those eyes that shone like stars, he was momentarily struck dumb. Li Qingning also sensed the subtle change in the atmosphere. A charming flush of red quietly bloomed on her cheeks.

She quickly withdrew her hand and turned her head away in an unnatural manner. "It is getting late; we should head to the palace."

"Oh, yes, yes, you're right, it is getting late." Xie Ning regained his composure, rubbed his nose, and gave a sheepish grin.

The two walked out of the room side-by-side. Outside, the carriage to the imperial palace had already been prepared.

***

Imperial Palace, Imperial Garden.

Although a light rain had just fallen, the garden was crowded and bustling with activity. Amidst the exotic flowers and rare plants, tables covered in silk brocade had been set up, and they were filled with guests.

On the left were the princes, nobles, and imperial relatives of the current court, led by Prince Xian. Prince Xian sat in the front row, wearing a gentle smile, appearing as he always did: detached from worldly disputes, virtuous, and polite.

On the right sat all the notable civil officials and venerable scholars of the Great Qi Dynasty. There were Grand Academicians from the Hanlin Academy, the Libationer of the Imperial Academy, and several retired literary giants of immense reputation. These men sat with their beards stroked, projecting an image of profound dignity and prestige. They were the judges of today’s poetry gala.

At the very head, a magnificent colored canopy had been erected. Beneath it stood two dragon thrones—one, naturally, for the young Emperor Li Qingzhi, and the other for the Empress Dowager. Currently, the young Emperor sat upright with a stern expression; though his features were still youthful, the dignity of an emperor was already beginning to show. In contrast, the Empress Dowager looked serene and composed, her sharp eyes sweeping across the assembly, capturing every person's expression.

Yuwen Yue sat at the very front of the civil officials' section. He wore a dark green robe, a scholar's cap on his head, and held a folding fan, adopting the look of a romantic, talented scholar. A confident, reserved smile played on his lips. He basked in the gazes of envy and admiration from his fellow scholars. He knew that today was his home turf. He was going to wash away his past humiliations here. He was going to use the most magnificent poetry to trample that good-for-nothing Xie Ning beneath his feet.

"Young Master Yuwen, today depends on you," a veteran scholar sitting beside him said with a smile. "You must let that arrogant, ignorant brat see what true literary integrity is."

"Master Wang is correct," Yuwen Yue replied, smiling humbly and cupping his hands. "This junior will certainly do his utmost, and will not let the high expectations of you seniors go unfulfilled."

Though his words were modest, his slightly lifted chin betrayed his inner pride and disdain. Literary integrity? In the face of absolute talent, that Xie Ning didn't even have the qualifications to discuss literature.

Just then, a sharp, shrill voice echoed through the entire Imperial Garden.

"Her Highness, the Grand Princess, has arrived!"

"The Heir to the Marquis of Dingyuan has arrived!"

In an instant, everyone's gaze turned toward the entrance of the garden. Li Qingning and Xie Ning were walking in together. The man was handsome, the woman beautiful; the two looked like a perfect match, a pair made in heaven. Many could not help but sigh in silent admiration at the sight.

But for many others, especially the scholars, their gazes toward Xie Ning remained filled with contempt and disdain. So what if he was dressed well? So what if he was handsome? Without any ink in his belly, he was ultimately nothing but a hollow shell—gilded on the outside but rotten within.

Xie Ning ignored the unfriendly glares. He held Li Qingning's hand and, under the spotlight of everyone's attention, walked slowly to the front of the canopy.

"Your subject pays respects to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor."

"Xie Ning pays respects to the Empress Dowager and the Emperor."

The two bowed in unison.

"Rise," the Empress Dowager's voice gave no hint of her mood. Her gaze lingered on Xie Ning for a moment before shifting to Li Qingning. "Qingning, you are here. Since everyone has arrived, let the poetry gala begin."

She seemed unwilling to waste even a single unnecessary word.

"Yes." Li Qingning nodded, pulled Xie Ning along, and sat down at the seats prepared for them.

The moment they were seated, Yuwen Yue stood up. Holding his folding fan, he cupped his hands toward Xie Ning from a distance, a provocative smile on his face.

"Heir Xie, I have long heard of your reputation. Today, let us two meet as friends through poetry here in the Imperial Garden and see who is better. I wonder, Heir Xie, do you dare to place a wager with me?"

He was raising the stakes.