PFC Chapter 144 Poetry Competition
Chapter 144 Poetry Competition
Liu Kun's intention was particularly clear—to use Liu Lianyue as a bargaining chip, keeping her in Jiankang City as a solid defense against Liu Yixuan's possible rebellion.
Liu Lianyue said softly, "If Your Majesty has nothing else to say, I will take my leave."
However, Liu Kun did not let them pass immediately. His gaze was as sharp as a hawk's, fixed on Liu Lianyue.
"Wait a minute," he said slowly, a hint of amusement in his voice, "Beauty, where are you going?"
Liu Lianyue's heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to remain calm and bowed again, saying, "Your Majesty, is there anything else you require?"
A meaningful smile appeared on Liu Kun's lips. He stood up and slowly walked down from the dragon throne.
"Princess Yiyang, I have decided to hold a grand palace banquet in Zhaohua Palace tonight to entertain you, my distinguished guest who has come from afar."
Upon hearing this, Liu Lianyue felt a mix of emotions. She knew all too well that once she stepped into the Zhaohua Palace, it was very likely to be a trap.
So she tried to end the conversation as quickly as possible: "Your Majesty, I think there is no need for such formality."
Liu Kun's eyes sharpened, his tone carrying an undeniable authority: "Do you intend to defy the imperial decree?"
Faced with this irresistible imperial decree, Liu Lianyue could only grit her teeth, suppress the turmoil in her heart, and whisper, "This subject obeys."
Two hours later, at Zhaohua Palace.
On a moonlit night, Liu Kun meticulously planned a grand banquet. In the magnificent Zhaohua Palace, he summoned a group of high-ranking officials from the court, all to entertain the legendary Princess Yiyang, Liu Lianyue, who was said to be as beautiful as a fairy and aloof and proud.
The hall was brightly lit by candles, and its golden splendor exuded an indescribable luxury. The air was filled with the mouthwatering aromas of fine wine and exquisite dishes, creating a feast for the senses.
During the banquet, musicians gently plucked the strings, producing melodious tunes that sounded like heavenly music. Meanwhile, on the dance floor, a group of palace maids dressed in light gauze danced gracefully, their figures as ethereal as spirits of the night.
However, as the dance progressed, a jaw-dropping scene quietly unfolded—the palace maids all removed their veils, and with their near-perfect bodies, they continued their unfinished dance in the magnificent hall, every inch of their skin shimmering with an alluring luster, yet retaining a sense of purity.
This scene left many ministers present mesmerized, including Liu Kun, whose eyes gleamed with an indescribable burning desire.
Liu Lianyue sat upright at the table, witnessing this scene, and couldn't help but feel a surge of disgust. A faint sorrow was furrowed between her brows, and she silently thought to herself: This is utterly disgusting.
Just as the atmosphere reached its boiling point, Liu Kun finally couldn't suppress his inner impulse. He slowly got up, walked through the crowd, and stopped in front of Liu Lianyue.
With a meaningful smile on his face, Liu Kun raised the jade cup in his hand and said, "Princess Yiyang, I toast you."
Liu Lianyue gently shook her head: "This humble woman is not a strong drinker and I am afraid I cannot comply."
Liu Kun's smile remained unchanged: "Just one cup, surely the princess wouldn't refuse me such a small favor?"
Faced with the emperor's majesty, Liu Lianyue had no choice but to reluctantly pick up the wine cup in front of her and take a small sip.
The wine was sweet on the palate, but had a strong aftereffect, as if a raging fire was burning in her throat, instantly eroding her reason and making her feel an unprecedented dizziness, mental confusion, and even difficulty standing.
Seeing this, a triumphant glint flashed in Liu Kun's eyes, and he said softly, "Princess, how come you're drunk after just one cup? Come, let me help you to your palace to rest."
Liu Lianyue was taken aback. She knew all too well what fate awaited her once she stepped into that palace.
In this critical moment, she had to stay conscious and find a chance to escape. However, a feeling of weakness was rapidly spreading through her body, and every movement felt so strenuous. Liu Lianyue then realized that Liu Kun had drugged her drink.
Liu Lianyue's face was pale, and she struggled to support herself, her voice barely a whisper: "Your Majesty, please wait."
Liu Kun frowned slightly: "What does Princess Yiyang mean?"
Liu Lianyue gently bit her lower lip, as if gathering her last bit of strength: "Your Majesty, at today's grand gathering, why not have a poetry contest? If any of you can compose a fine poem on the spot, I will gladly accompany him to his bedchamber and let him do as he pleases; otherwise, if no one can compose a fine poem, I will take my leave so as not to disturb Your Majesty's refined enjoyment."
Liu Lianyue secretly pondered: Liu Kun, besides indulging in wine and women, what do you know about poetry and literature? Although I, Liu Lianyue, am confined to my boudoir, I have been well-versed in poetry and literature since childhood. How could I let a frivolous person like you get away with it so easily? As long as you can't come up with that amazing poem, it will be the best time for me to escape this calamity.
Upon hearing this, Liu Kun felt a mix of emotions. He knew he wasn't known for his literary talent, but as an emperor, how could he easily reveal his weakness in front of others?
A playful smile curled at the corner of his lips as he thought to himself: This princess is indeed cunning, but I have a plan. In a moment, I will simply recite a poem on the spot, then order my ministers to echo and praise it. I doubt she would dare to question it. At that time, Liu Lianyue will naturally have to obediently follow me back to my palace. Hmph, let's see how she can escape my grasp now.
So, Liu Kun smiled slightly and said, "Alright, as the princess wishes."
After speaking, he slowly turned around, his deep eyes sweeping over the ministers in the hall: "My dear ministers, listen carefully. Today, whoever can compose a wonderful poem that wins the heart of the princess will be rewarded with his body, thus creating a beautiful story."
These words immediately caused an uproar in the hall, with discussions surging like a tide. Everyone's face was filled with surprise, anticipation, and eagerness.
Liu Kun's gaze quietly shifted to Wei Wuji, who was standing silently to the side. This Duke of Qin was known for his exceptional talent and was naturally an indispensable figure in this contest.
He said softly to Wei Wuji, "Duke of Qin, you are renowned for your talent. How about we trouble you to be a judge today?"
After saying this, a hint of cunning flashed in Liu Kun's eyes. He blinked lightly and gave Wei Wuji a subtle look, as if he was hinting at something.
Wei Wuji understood immediately and nodded slightly: "Yes, Your Majesty."
Immediately afterwards, Liu Kun's gaze swept across the entire room again, his tone carrying a hint of encouragement: "My dear ministers, who is willing to be the first to try and demonstrate their talents?"
As he spoke, his gaze swept through the crowd, finally settling on Yu Jin. They exchanged another subtle glance, as if to say, "Let's throw out a brick to start a fire!"
Yu Jin understood immediately and stood up: "Your Majesty, I would like to give it a try first."
Upon hearing this, Liu Kun smiled with satisfaction and praised, "Excellent! The Duke of Chu is truly vigorous in his old age, young at heart. His courage and passion are a model for us all."
Yu Jin smiled slightly, his gaze shifting to the beautiful princess, his eyes sparkling with admiration and longing.
He took a deep breath and slowly said, "The princess's beauty is like that of a goddess descended from the heavens, inspiring awe in me and giving me a greater desire to compose poetry."
Liu Kun flicked his sleeve lightly, his voice carrying a hint of impatience and anticipation: "Old man, stop talking nonsense and hurry up and compose a poem! I want to see what kind of good poem you can come up with."
Yu Jin's gaze inadvertently swept to the side, where he saw a group of palace maids who had taken off their clothes, their graceful figures dancing slowly to melodious music, like fairies descending to earth.
Yu Jin's heart stirred, and a playful smile appeared on his lips. He slowly stepped forward, his voice low and rhythmic: "One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, countless, all enter the palace and belong to His Majesty."
These words immediately caused an uproar in the hall. The officials whispered among themselves, discussing the matter, and the air was filled with surprise and confusion.
Liu Kun frowned slightly, his gaze sharp as he stared directly at Yu Jin: "Duke of Chu, what is this called? Is this considered poetry? It's far too straightforward and lacks any poetic quality."
Upon hearing this, Yu Jin's smile widened. He bowed respectfully, his tone a mixture of humility and slyness: "Your Majesty, this humble servant's poem is indeed poorly written; I have made a fool of myself. However, since Your Majesty is in such a refined mood, why not compose a poem yourself, so that we may broaden our horizons?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Kun smiled confidently. He slowly stood up, looked around, and finally his gaze fell on the dancing palace maids again, as if he wanted to find inspiration from their graceful dance steps.
The hall was completely silent; everyone held their breath, and even the air seemed to freeze.
After a moment, Liu Kun spoke, his voice loud and magnetic: "A group of beauties, as graceful as orchids, with two boutons of cotton on their chests. Jade belts lightly wrap around their willow waists, their dancing elegance reflecting the emperor's countenance."
Upon hearing this, there was a brief silence in the hall, followed by thunderous applause and exclamations of admiration...
"What a poem!"
"Wonderful! Absolutely brilliant!"
"Your Majesty is a man of great learning; you have composed a fine poem!"
Liu Kun's gaze sharpened, and with a hint of amusement, he turned to Wei Wuji, a meaningful smile playing on his lips: "Duke of Qin, tell me, what do you think of my poem?"
Wei Wuji gently stroked his beard, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes: "Your Majesty's poem is profound in its imagery and exquisite in its word choice; it is truly a masterpiece. In my humble opinion, it is excellent."
However, this conversation caused Liu Lianyue's heart to tighten suddenly, and her face instantly turned ashen. She inwardly cried out in alarm, thinking: This time, I'm truly doomed.
Liu Lianyue unconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes, so nervous that she could almost hear her own heartbeat.
Wei Wuji seemed oblivious to Liu Lianyue's panic. He then turned to Liu Kun and suggested, "Your Majesty, I wonder if there are any other ministers at today's banquet who would like to compose a poem to share with Your Majesty?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Kun scanned the entire hall with his gaze, a playful smile playing on his lips: "My beloved ministers, is there anyone else willing to compose a poem? If no one responds, then Princess Liu Lianyue will truly belong to me."
The ministers exchanged glances, none daring to speak rashly. They all knew that vying with the emperor for a woman was tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock. So, one by one, they shook their heads and whispered, "Your humble servants are incompetent; how could our poems compare to Your Majesty's? We dare not, we dare not!"
Just then, Yu Jin stepped forward and respectfully said to Liu Kun, "Your Majesty, the exquisiteness of this poem is truly unparalleled in the world. Who would dare to show off their skills in front of Lu Ban? In my opinion, no one can surpass it."
Upon hearing this, Liu Kun's lips curled into a smug smile. His gaze fell once more on Liu Lianyue, carrying a hint of provocation and possessiveness: "Since that's the case, it seems I have undoubtedly won today's poetry contest. So, Princess, shall we go to the palace and share a bed?"