Elder Qin took a long, searching look at Li Feng, realizing that this Second Imperial Highness was far from the "good-for-nothing" rumors suggested. On the contrary, he had dismantled Wang Peng’s offensive with nothing more than a hypothetical scenario.
In the realm of poetry, unless there is a vast disparity in skill, it is often difficult to distinguish a clear winner; public opinion usually plays a significant role. Beyond the fact that Li Feng’s poem was superlative, his mental agility was truly impressive, forcing everyone to reconsider their assessment of this unfavored Second Imperial Highness.
Elder Qin, a man of rigid principles, stepped forward to solidify his stance. "Young Master Wang, let us set aside the matter of your cheating for a moment! On the merits of the poetry alone, this *Qingyun Chronicles* is superior to Elder Kong’s work. I stake my reputation on this judgment. Stop causing a scene here!"
With these words, the matter was effectively settled. The guests present had no objections, and as a renowned Confucian scholar and the chief judge of this competition, Elder Qin held the final authority on the quality of the poems.
"Everyone, let us talk this over calmly; there is no need to ruin the atmosphere!" The madam of the house, well aware that such a masterpiece would bring great prestige to the Plucking Stars Pavilion—perhaps even securing its position as the top establishment for years to come—saw that Wang Peng had backed down. She immediately stepped forward, beaming. "If no one else wishes to challenge the Second Imperial Highness's *Qingyun Chronicles*, then tonight’s victory belongs to him!"
At this declaration, the guests exchanged bewildered glances. If no one present could produce a poem that surpassed *Qingyun Chronicles*, the case was closed. According to the rules of the competition, Yunzhu would belong to Li Feng.
Outside the Plucking Stars Pavilion, a man on horseback was galloping through the night, seemingly desperate to seize Yunzhu at the very last moment.
"We concede defeat!" The guests exchanged looks before bowing out one by one. The *Qingyun Chronicles* not only expressed a grand ambition but also possessed an ethereal quality that their own works—mere displays of feigned emotion or empty platitudes—could never hope to match. They had never held high expectations to begin with, especially with Wang Peng, son of Chancellor Wang, as their primary rival. Now that even Wang Peng’s entry—a work by Elder Kong—had lost, they were utterly convinced. Furthermore, they would much rather lose to the Second Imperial Highness, Li Feng, than to the notorious young master Wang.
Liu Zheng had been observing everything from the sidelines. He had originally believed that his sister, Liu Ruyan, would find a better future married to Li Xian, but now, a subtle sense of unease began to stir within him. Regardless of how virtuous or favored Li Xian might be, he was, in the end, only an adopted son. Only Li Feng was the biological heir of His Majesty.
Seeing that no one else stepped forward, the madam gestured toward Li Feng and announced with a beaming smile, "Since there are no more challengers, the victory of this poetry competition goes to the Second Imperial Highness!"
As her voice faded, the matter was final. Li Feng’s heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled. Winning this competition was not only meant to broadcast the news of Li Xian and Liu Ruyan’s tryst but also to prepare for his next steps and to intercept an opportunity that should have belonged to Li Xian.
The guests looked toward the beauty on the stage with deep sighs. According to rumors, Yunzhu had already made an agreement with the Plucking Stars Pavilion to leave the establishment after this event.
"The world knows the First Prince is a man of great learning, and the Second Prince is not without his own studies. But... was this poem truly written by you?" Though the result could no longer be changed, Wang Peng still raised his challenge.
At this, everyone curiously turned their eyes toward Li Feng. It was no surprise they doubted him; his reputation had been poor, and no one had expected him to shine so brightly tonight, emerging as a peerless talent of Great Xia.
Yunzhu, the top courtesan, had seen enough from Li Feng’s demeanor to deduce many things, and she now watched the young man who would be hers tonight with curiosity.
Li Feng’s lips curled into a subtle, arrogant smile. "Li Xian is merely an adopted son, and even he is known throughout the capital. I am the direct descendant of the Grand Ancestor; even without the tutelage of famous scholars, my talent can stir the world!"
Elder Qin and the others offered a helpless smile at this explanation. When it came to bloodline, no one could compare to Li Feng, and they certainly dared not challenge him on it. To question the descendants of the Grand Ancestor would be an act of treason.
"But you have never been known in the capital before, nor have you been praised by any renowned scholars!" Wang Peng, still unsatisfied, attempted to expose Li Feng’s past.
In this era, renowned scholars held immense influence. Much of Li Xian’s reputation as the top talent of the Xia State was not due to the brilliance of his poetry, but rather the endorsements he had garnered from these scholars.
Li Feng knew he needed an explanation that would truly silence them. He adopted an aloof expression. "A youth should hold the ambition of a swan, riding a fine horse across the Central Plains! As for the fame you speak of, I have no interest in it. What I seek is the future of this nation!"
"I am in awe of your breadth of spirit, Your Highness!" Elder Qin stood up once more and bowed respectfully to Li Feng.
The others present cast aside their final doubts. The world might pursue literary fame, but the man before them was, after all, the heir to the empire—why would he bother with such trivial displays of talent? By comparison, the First Prince, Li Xian, who constantly sought to flaunt his own intellect, seemed far less impressive.
"Your Highness, please follow me," said the young woman in green who had been responsible for the recitations, bowing respectfully.
Li Feng returned the bow to Elder Qin and followed her. Innumerable guests cast envious gazes his way, while Wang Peng, gnashing his teeth, wished he could tear Li Feng to pieces.
On this Mid-Autumn night, many poetry gatherings were held throughout the capital, but the *Qingyun Chronicles* ensured that the Plucking Stars Pavilion would be the most dazzling of them all. In fact, by the time Li Feng left, the poem had already begun to spread across the city, along with the news that the peerless Yunzhu had been won by the Second Imperial Highness.
"Is it over?" A guard representing the First Prince, Li Xian, arrived clutching a poem, only to be told that the competition had just concluded. He was left completely stunned.
With its layout of front halls and rear courtyards, the place was boisterous in the front, while the back offered a sense of tranquility. Li Feng navigated the winding corridors to reach Yunzhu’s quarters. Although it was not large, it featured an elegant courtyard with a row of green bamboo by a small pond.
"This is nothing compared to the Imperial Palace. I hope Your Highness will forgive the humble surroundings," said Yunzhu. She was slightly older than Li Feng and, having navigated the complexities of the world, greeted him with graceful poise.
Li Feng followed the woman in green into the room. The air was filled with the scent of sandalwood, and a bitter smile tugged at his lips. Who would have thought the residence of a courtesan would be more refined than his own quarters as a prince?