Chapter 47a: Mid-Autumn Festival
Although Yuchi Lianqing is famous in the world, since she dared to openly send an invitation, that proved that she was already prepared early on. However, when had Luo Qing Luan ever been afraid of conversation?
If nothing happened, so be it, but since someone deliberately picked on her, then she wouldn’t take it sitting down.
In kind, she very politely responded to the invitation, saying that Miss Yuchi was a model female scholar in the present age of Grand Scholar Lin Xian Zhu. She dared not give guidance and even hoped that Miss Yuchi will give some pointers. At that time, they could admire the full moon to their heart’s content……blah blah blah, she wrote a bunch, then sealed the letter and gave it to someone from the Marquis’ mansion in reply.
Leaving aside Yuchi Lianqing’s reaction when she read Luo Qing Luan’s reply, within three quick days, the capital unexpectedly exploded with no small number of rumors, saying the the second Miss Luo from the General’s Mansion came out with some conceited nonsense, making arrogant and conceited declarations. She actually wanted to fight for the title of number one female talent during the Mid-Autumn Feast. This immediately made everyone focus on the originally very ordinary feast.
Every year, the Mid-Autumn Feast was held. Since it’s arranged by the imperial palace, as far as those small families and small officials were concerned, this feast was simply too prestigious and unapproachable. They could only observe from afar with envy. However, as far as those genuinely wealthy and noble daughters were concerned, this was practically the same as an old game, nothing interesting.
If it wasn’t for the fact that this time, there was a possibility of meeting the crown prince and an opportunity to shine in front of Her Highness the Empress, they simply would not have considered the event to be of any importance.
But suddenly, this Luo Qing Luan popped up and surprisingly declared a challenge against all of the female talents within the entire country of Western Chu. For a period of time, events unfolded unrestrainedly sharply, instantly offending everyone.
Naturally, Luo Cheng reprimanded Luo Qing Luan fiercely, saying that she knew nothing about a daughter’s modesty and reservedness, to actually make such unruly statements. Luo Qing Luan was also too lazy to explain. In any case, Luo Cheng wouldn’t believe her anyway.
“I don’t care what happened, since this rumor has already spread, you have to seize the title of number one female talent for me.” Luo Cheng’s expression was solemn along with a bit of strictness. He continued in a heavy tone of voice. “The empress is also attending the Mid-Autumn Feast this time, you have to leave a deep impression on her, and be even more lovable. At today’s morning court, His Majesty mentioned crown prince’s marriage again and even asked all of the officials to have their daughters of marriageable age participate. I’ve already made preparations for you in advance. If you’re unable to seize…..”
“If I’m unable to win the title of number one female talent, can it be that Father will punish me?”
Luo Qing Luan shot this question neither softly nor firmly, with a faint smile. She seemingly didn’t take this matter to heart at all.
“You……”,
Luo Cheng felt more and more that he was incapable of disciplining Luo Qing Luan. She was previously Fifth Prince’s fiancee, yet was unbearably ugly and stupidly love-struck. With difficulty, she’d now recovered her original appearance and became beautiful, as well as clever. Clearly, her reputation suffered from the divorce and was no longer marriage material.
Yet another opportunity came, but she surprisingly didn’t care about it in the least?
In the end, considering that tonight was an important night, Luo Cheng endured. He held back from letting loose the rest of his reproach. “Qing Luan, no matter what, this crown prince consort position is something you have to fight for. Since her Highness the Empress already has a favorable opinion of you, and the crown prince already fell for you, you’re the most hopeful. As long as you make a good showing tonight, it should be fine.”
Luo Qing Luan replied absent-mindedly, saw that the time was about right, and entered the horse carriage, which speedily galloped towards the imperial palace.
Not taking Luo Cheng’s words seriously at all, accepting tonight’s invitation was just something she should do, that’s all. It went without saying that there were many things in life which we’re helpless against, things we didn’t want to do, yet still had to do. She most disliked being restricted by nature, so was even more unwilling to be forced. Fortunately, she merely had to attend a Mid-autumn feast tonight. It’s still something she could still barely accept.
As for Yuchi Lianqing’s provocation?
Just wait and see. It’s already good of her to not provoke others, yet others even came to provoke her? Regardless of whether they’re noble ladies or princesses, she’d still strike back accordingly.
After Luo Qing Luan entered the palace, the day had already started to darken. A clear and bright moon was rising into the sky.
The weather wasn’t bad. There wasn’t a cloud in the grey expanse. The moonlight shone brighter and brighter, like a silver plate hanging in the distant firmament. This time, the feast was held in Phoenix Presence Hall at Morning Sun Palace. This was the coolest place within the entire imperial palace. Each year, the emperor and empress would come here to escape the summer heat.
The imperial garden was huge. There were countless numbers of artificial lakes. An underwater spring bubbled forth incessantly day and night. In addition, the garden was filled with an abundance of flowers, grasses, trees, and was extremely beautiful.
Tonight, not only was Morning Sun Palace not quiet, it was instead filled with laughter and joyous clamour. One after another, lanterns hung packed along the sides of the winding corridors in the palace, lighting up their surroundings like it was daytime. Countless numbers of palace maids dressed in motley attire carried plates of fruits and fragrant tea shuttling back and forth. They offered all kinds of foods and drinks.
When Luo Qing Luan arrived at Phoenix Presence Hall, a great number of high born ladies had already arrived dressed in bright colors. Each and every one of them made up and displaying elegant poses. Some stood along the corridors, some congregated in groups of three or four under the pavilions, even more encircled the open spaces by the lake, admiring the full moon and chatting while seated on woven mats.
Countless numbers of tables had already been set up within the open spaces at an earlier time. Every kind of fruits, pastries, and necessities were displayed on them. Slices of watermelon, enticing grapes, fresh and tasty muskmelon, also iced pickled plum drink……
However, basically, no one was interested in these things. Even though everyone seemed to be chatting while admiring the full moon, from time to time, they were clearly glancing left and right. Apparently, they were waiting for someone to arrive, yet were afraid others would notice them looking around. They appeared extremely ridiculous.
Chapter 47b: Mid-Autumn Festival
No doubt they were waiting for the empress and crown prince?
Luo Qing Luan smiled faintly. If she had a choice, she’d rather play at home, or maybe go visit Immortal Dream Tower to see how Mr. Yu’s business was coming along. Either would be better than wasting time with these hypocritical aristocratic young ladies.
The current time should be between 7-9 pm. There’s still a while before the feast officially starts. Luo Qing Luan found a place with fewer people to sit down. The plate of watermelon in front of her stirred her appetite and she couldn’t help but pick up a piece to enjoy slowly. A cool breeze blew gently, also not bad.
“Sigh, I was wondering who is sitting here sneakily. Turns out it’s the second Miss Luo.” She barely ate two bites before a peculiar voice was heard. Even though it sounded sweet and pleasant, the tone of voice actually caused a person to be less than impressed.
Luo Qing Luan turned her head and saw a young girl about her age standing before her. With a look, it could be ascertained that her light purple redbud flower dress was made from the best ice silk. As a matter of fact, movingly bright and beautiful. It’s just that the sneer on her face destroyed her innocent, pure and virtuous impression.
There were also two fifteen or sixteen year-old young girls by her side, with equally noble auras. With one look, they could be seen to be daughters of distinguished families. Among them, a slender young girl wearing pearl earrings used her thin silk handkerchief to cover her mouth. With a ‘pffft’, she laughed, “As expected, it’s the second Miss Luo. No wonder! Last time, when we saw her, she was like a starving ghost gorging herself with food at the Flower Bestowment Feast. It’s still the same this time. Looks just like General Luo has never allowed her to eat her fill.”
“Mingzhu, is it possible that you haven’t heard. Since birth, Miss Luo jinxed her own mother to death. It goes without saying that she’s never received General Luo’s favor. Whenever she’s able to grasp an opportunity to eat her fill, she naturally wouldn’t let it go to waste.” The other round faced young girl also mocked, while a wisp of envy streaked through her eyes.
Not to mention her, even the most beautiful woman in Western Chu, Marquis of Xuanping’s daughter, Yuchi Lianqing, also couldn’t compare with Luo Qing Luan’s looks! A body of floating white clothes, temperament like an angel untouched by dust, snowy and tender skin like fine porcelain, ten slender fingers like spring onions……in the past, everybody thought that this Luo Qing Luan was utterly ugly. Who could have imagined that she was so stunning?
What a crafty girl. She unexpectedly had always concealed herself until Her Highness the Empress wanted to pick a consort for the crown prince, then she immediately severed the engagement with Fifth Prince, with the intention of climbing an even higher branch?
Even though it’s their second meeting, these three people immediately took Luo Qing Luan to be an ambitious, scheming female and hated her at once.
There was only one crown prince and there was only one position of crown prince consort. If it was taken by Luo Qing Luan, then how would they have a share?
Seeing that Luo Qing Luan simply didn’t pay attention to them, Fang Mingzhu angrily was the first to speak. “What, looking down on us? Disinclined to even speak to us? Luo Qing Luan, don’t you think that because of playing the zither last time, the empress……”
“Where did a noisy stray dog come from in the imperial palace, disturbing a person’s peace?”
Unexpectedly, Luo Qing Luan suddenly spoke. As she spoke, she even looked around everywhere. Once she saw the three girls whose expressions changed drastically, she continued as if having discovered something. “Oh, I thought it was a stray dog. Turns out it’s Miss Fang, Miss Zhuang, and Miss Wen, the three of you……sorry, I spoke without thinking. Please don’t take offense, by all means.”
As the leader, Fang Mingzhu was immediately so angry that she gnashed her teeth, pointed at Luo Qing Luan, and replied furiously. “You. Luo Qing Luan, you actually dare to call us dogs! However, this is Morning Sun Palace, not a place where you can be impudent.”
“Miss Fang, you’re incorrect. I sat here peacefully admiring the full moon. It seems that you’re the ones who came over on your own to come reproach me, right?” Luo Qing Luan smiled slightly then glanced at the three of them before paying no more attention. She then placed her attention again on the pot in front of her and poured herself a cut of pickled plum juice, slowly drinking it.
How could the Fang Mingzhu trio accept such a disdainful attitude? Which one of them wasn’t of a precious, noble identity and also pretty. Ordinarily, anyone meeting them would pay many words of compliments, praising them for being educated and well-balanced, sweet-tempered and pleasant.
Contrarily, Luo Qing Luan mocked them with such abandon. They suddenly felt their faces lost altogether and became enraged.
At the Flower Bestowment Feast last time, the imperial censor’s daughter, Wenwan, already couldn’t stand the slap from Luo Qing Luan. With difficulty, she showed off to the empress for once, yet the result was that her limelight was forcibly snatched away by Luo Qing Luan, she already intended to give the latter a lesson.
Today is the Mid-autumn festival’s moon-viewing feast and is also the once a year poetry recital gathering. They already heard that Luo Qing Luan was totally illiterate. Even if she’d recovered her appearance, she would still be an idiot as before. This was just the right opportunity to shame her.
Wenwan immediately pulled Fang Mingzhu in place and changed to a smiling expression, advancing one step to say, “The second Miss Luo is indeed eloquent. I heard you say a few days ago that you wanted to obtain the title of ‘most talented girl’ during today’s poetry gathering. Since you have this confidence, it may be assumed that the second Miss Luo is erudite and learned, eloquent and poetic?”
Sending a meaningful glance to the other two people for them to watch a good show, she smiled and said, “At tonight’s festival, I wonder if Miss Luo can first recite a poem, and allow us to experience it for ourselves?”
Recite poetry? Luo Qing Luan smiled.
Even though she knew countless poems from later generations and could recite from memory poems of all kinds of subject matter, in all kinds of styles, she had never made it a habit to plagiarize and took other people’s works to be her own. She was originally unable to compose poetry, why would she want to satisfy these people, allowing them to watch her perform, like a monkey?
Putting down the teacup in her hand, Luo Qing Luan smiled lightly. “Sorry, I don’t know how to recite poetry.”
Having already considered a multitude of replies, Wenwan already prepared all kinds of responses to Luo Qing Luan’s reply. Unexpectedly, her words ‘don’t know’ completely threw her prepared responses into disorder.
The trio froze, following which they covered up their mouths and laughed delicately. “Didn’t Miss Luo want to challenge Miss Yuchi and contest over the title of ‘most talented girl’? Surprisingly, you say that you don’t know how to recite poetry? This simply makes people laugh to death!”
Chapter 47a: Mid-Autumn Festival
Although Yuchi Lianqing is famous in the world, since she dared to openly send an invitation, that proved that she was already prepared early on. However, when had Luo Qing Luan ever been afraid of conversation?
If nothing happened, so be it, but since someone deliberately picked on her, then she wouldn’t take it sitting down.
In kind, she very politely responded to the invitation, saying that Miss Yuchi was a model female scholar in the present age of Grand Scholar Lin Xian Zhu. She dared not give guidance and even hoped that Miss Yuchi will give some pointers. At that time, they could admire the full moon to their heart’s content……blah blah blah, she wrote a bunch, then sealed the letter and gave it to someone from the Marquis’ mansion in reply.
Leaving aside Yuchi Lianqing’s reaction when she read Luo Qing Luan’s reply, within three quick days, the capital unexpectedly exploded with no small number of rumors, saying the the second Miss Luo from the General’s Mansion came out with some conceited nonsense, making arrogant and conceited declarations. She actually wanted to fight for the title of number one female talent during the Mid-Autumn Feast. This immediately made everyone focus on the originally very ordinary feast.
Every year, the Mid-Autumn Feast was held. Since it’s arranged by the imperial palace, as far as those small families and small officials were concerned, this feast was simply too prestigious and unapproachable. They could only observe from afar with envy. However, as far as those genuinely wealthy and noble daughters were concerned, this was practically the same as an old game, nothing interesting.
If it wasn’t for the fact that this time, there was a possibility of meeting the crown prince and an opportunity to shine in front of Her Highness the Empress, they simply would not have considered the event to be of any importance.
But suddenly, this Luo Qing Luan popped up and surprisingly declared a challenge against all of the female talents within the entire country of Western Chu. For a period of time, events unfolded unrestrainedly sharply, instantly offending everyone.
Naturally, Luo Cheng reprimanded Luo Qing Luan fiercely, saying that she knew nothing about a daughter’s modesty and reservedness, to actually make such unruly statements. Luo Qing Luan was also too lazy to explain. In any case, Luo Cheng wouldn’t believe her anyway.
“I don’t care what happened, since this rumor has already spread, you have to seize the title of number one female talent for me.” Luo Cheng’s expression was solemn along with a bit of strictness. He continued in a heavy tone of voice. “The empress is also attending the Mid-Autumn Feast this time, you have to leave a deep impression on her, and be even more lovable. At today’s morning court, His Majesty mentioned crown prince’s marriage again and even asked all of the officials to have their daughters of marriageable age participate. I’ve already made preparations for you in advance. If you’re unable to seize…..”
“If I’m unable to win the title of number one female talent, can it be that Father will punish me?”
Luo Qing Luan shot this question neither softly nor firmly, with a faint smile. She seemingly didn’t take this matter to heart at all.
“You……”,
Luo Cheng felt more and more that he was incapable of disciplining Luo Qing Luan. She was previously Fifth Prince’s fiancee, yet was unbearably ugly and stupidly love-struck. With difficulty, she’d now recovered her original appearance and became beautiful, as well as clever. Clearly, her reputation suffered from the divorce and was no longer marriage material.
Yet another opportunity came, but she surprisingly didn’t care about it in the least?
In the end, considering that tonight was an important night, Luo Cheng endured. He held back from letting loose the rest of his reproach. “Qing Luan, no matter what, this crown prince consort position is something you have to fight for. Since her Highness the Empress already has a favorable opinion of you, and the crown prince already fell for you, you’re the most hopeful. As long as you make a good showing tonight, it should be fine.”
Luo Qing Luan replied absent-mindedly, saw that the time was about right, and entered the horse carriage, which speedily galloped towards the imperial palace.
Not taking Luo Cheng’s words seriously at all, accepting tonight’s invitation was just something she should do, that’s all. It went without saying that there were many things in life which we’re helpless against, things we didn’t want to do, yet still had to do. She most disliked being restricted by nature, so was even more unwilling to be forced. Fortunately, she merely had to attend a Mid-autumn feast tonight. It’s still something she could still barely accept.
As for Yuchi Lianqing’s provocation?
Just wait and see. It’s already good of her to not provoke others, yet others even came to provoke her? Regardless of whether they’re noble ladies or princesses, she’d still strike back accordingly.
After Luo Qing Luan entered the palace, the day had already started to darken. A clear and bright moon was rising into the sky.
The weather wasn’t bad. There wasn’t a cloud in the grey expanse. The moonlight shone brighter and brighter, like a silver plate hanging in the distant firmament. This time, the feast was held in Phoenix Presence Hall at Morning Sun Palace. This was the coolest place within the entire imperial palace. Each year, the emperor and empress would come here to escape the summer heat.
The imperial garden was huge. There were countless numbers of artificial lakes. An underwater spring bubbled forth incessantly day and night. In addition, the garden was filled with an abundance of flowers, grasses, trees, and was extremely beautiful.
Tonight, not only was Morning Sun Palace not quiet, it was instead filled with laughter and joyous clamour. One after another, lanterns hung packed along the sides of the winding corridors in the palace, lighting up their surroundings like it was daytime. Countless numbers of palace maids dressed in motley attire carried plates of fruits and fragrant tea shuttling back and forth. They offered all kinds of foods and drinks.
When Luo Qing Luan arrived at Phoenix Presence Hall, a great number of high born ladies had already arrived dressed in bright colors. Each and every one of them made up and displaying elegant poses. Some stood along the corridors, some congregated in groups of three or four under the pavilions, even more encircled the open spaces by the lake, admiring the full moon and chatting while seated on woven mats.
Countless numbers of tables had already been set up within the open spaces at an earlier time. Every kind of fruits, pastries, and necessities were displayed on them. Slices of watermelon, enticing grapes, fresh and tasty muskmelon, also iced pickled plum drink……
However, basically, no one was interested in these things. Even though everyone seemed to be chatting while admiring the full moon, from time to time, they were clearly glancing left and right. Apparently, they were waiting for someone to arrive, yet were afraid others would notice them looking around. They appeared extremely ridiculous.
Chapter 47b: Mid-Autumn Festival
No doubt they were waiting for the empress and crown prince?
Luo Qing Luan smiled faintly. If she had a choice, she’d rather play at home, or maybe go visit Immortal Dream Tower to see how Mr. Yu’s business was coming along. Either would be better than wasting time with these hypocritical aristocratic young ladies.
The current time should be between 7-9 pm. There’s still a while before the feast officially starts. Luo Qing Luan found a place with fewer people to sit down. The plate of watermelon in front of her stirred her appetite and she couldn’t help but pick up a piece to enjoy slowly. A cool breeze blew gently, also not bad.
“Sigh, I was wondering who is sitting here sneakily. Turns out it’s the second Miss Luo.” She barely ate two bites before a peculiar voice was heard. Even though it sounded sweet and pleasant, the tone of voice actually caused a person to be less than impressed.
Luo Qing Luan turned her head and saw a young girl about her age standing before her. With a look, it could be ascertained that her light purple redbud flower dress was made from the best ice silk. As a matter of fact, movingly bright and beautiful. It’s just that the sneer on her face destroyed her innocent, pure and virtuous impression.
There were also two fifteen or sixteen year-old young girls by her side, with equally noble auras. With one look, they could be seen to be daughters of distinguished families. Among them, a slender young girl wearing pearl earrings used her thin silk handkerchief to cover her mouth. With a ‘pffft’, she laughed, “As expected, it’s the second Miss Luo. No wonder! Last time, when we saw her, she was like a starving ghost gorging herself with food at the Flower Bestowment Feast. It’s still the same this time. Looks just like General Luo has never allowed her to eat her fill.”
“Mingzhu, is it possible that you haven’t heard. Since birth, Miss Luo jinxed her own mother to death. It goes without saying that she’s never received General Luo’s favor. Whenever she’s able to grasp an opportunity to eat her fill, she naturally wouldn’t let it go to waste.” The other round faced young girl also mocked, while a wisp of envy streaked through her eyes.
Not to mention her, even the most beautiful woman in Western Chu, Marquis of Xuanping’s daughter, Yuchi Lianqing, also couldn’t compare with Luo Qing Luan’s looks! A body of floating white clothes, temperament like an angel untouched by dust, snowy and tender skin like fine porcelain, ten slender fingers like spring onions……in the past, everybody thought that this Luo Qing Luan was utterly ugly. Who could have imagined that she was so stunning?
What a crafty girl. She unexpectedly had always concealed herself until Her Highness the Empress wanted to pick a consort for the crown prince, then she immediately severed the engagement with Fifth Prince, with the intention of climbing an even higher branch?
Even though it’s their second meeting, these three people immediately took Luo Qing Luan to be an ambitious, scheming female and hated her at once.
There was only one crown prince and there was only one position of crown prince consort. If it was taken by Luo Qing Luan, then how would they have a share?
Seeing that Luo Qing Luan simply didn’t pay attention to them, Fang Mingzhu angrily was the first to speak. “What, looking down on us? Disinclined to even speak to us? Luo Qing Luan, don’t you think that because of playing the zither last time, the empress……”
“Where did a noisy stray dog come from in the imperial palace, disturbing a person’s peace?”
Unexpectedly, Luo Qing Luan suddenly spoke. As she spoke, she even looked around everywhere. Once she saw the three girls whose expressions changed drastically, she continued as if having discovered something. “Oh, I thought it was a stray dog. Turns out it’s Miss Fang, Miss Zhuang, and Miss Wen, the three of you……sorry, I spoke without thinking. Please don’t take offense, by all means.”
As the leader, Fang Mingzhu was immediately so angry that she gnashed her teeth, pointed at Luo Qing Luan, and replied furiously. “You. Luo Qing Luan, you actually dare to call us dogs! However, this is Morning Sun Palace, not a place where you can be impudent.”
“Miss Fang, you’re incorrect. I sat here peacefully admiring the full moon. It seems that you’re the ones who came over on your own to come reproach me, right?” Luo Qing Luan smiled slightly then glanced at the three of them before paying no more attention. She then placed her attention again on the pot in front of her and poured herself a cut of pickled plum juice, slowly drinking it.
How could the Fang Mingzhu trio accept such a disdainful attitude? Which one of them wasn’t of a precious, noble identity and also pretty. Ordinarily, anyone meeting them would pay many words of compliments, praising them for being educated and well-balanced, sweet-tempered and pleasant.
Contrarily, Luo Qing Luan mocked them with such abandon. They suddenly felt their faces lost altogether and became enraged.
At the Flower Bestowment Feast last time, the imperial censor’s daughter, Wenwan, already couldn’t stand the slap from Luo Qing Luan. With difficulty, she showed off to the empress for once, yet the result was that her limelight was forcibly snatched away by Luo Qing Luan, she already intended to give the latter a lesson.
Today is the Mid-autumn festival’s moon-viewing feast and is also the once a year poetry recital gathering. They already heard that Luo Qing Luan was totally illiterate. Even if she’d recovered her appearance, she would still be an idiot as before. This was just the right opportunity to shame her.
Wenwan immediately pulled Fang Mingzhu in place and changed to a smiling expression, advancing one step to say, “The second Miss Luo is indeed eloquent. I heard you say a few days ago that you wanted to obtain the title of ‘most talented girl’ during today’s poetry gathering. Since you have this confidence, it may be assumed that the second Miss Luo is erudite and learned, eloquent and poetic?”
Sending a meaningful glance to the other two people for them to watch a good show, she smiled and said, “At tonight’s festival, I wonder if Miss Luo can first recite a poem, and allow us to experience it for ourselves?”
Recite poetry? Luo Qing Luan smiled.
Even though she knew countless poems from later generations and could recite from memory poems of all kinds of subject matter, in all kinds of styles, she had never made it a habit to plagiarize and took other people’s works to be her own. She was originally unable to compose poetry, why would she want to satisfy these people, allowing them to watch her perform, like a monkey?
Putting down the teacup in her hand, Luo Qing Luan smiled lightly. “Sorry, I don’t know how to recite poetry.”
Having already considered a multitude of replies, Wenwan already prepared all kinds of responses to Luo Qing Luan’s reply. Unexpectedly, her words ‘don’t know’ completely threw her prepared responses into disorder.
The trio froze, following which they covered up their mouths and laughed delicately. “Didn’t Miss Luo want to challenge Miss Yuchi and contest over the title of ‘most talented girl’? Surprisingly, you say that you don’t know how to recite poetry? This simply makes people laugh to death!”
