You were asked to impersonate the King of Qin, not to become emperor!

Chapter 69 Let's Go for a Meal

"Ugh!"

Lu Yan sighed inwardly.

Seeing that Chen Xuan had not given an answer for a long time, Zhen Zihua stroked his beard and said:

"This couplet is a masterpiece of the ages, and there is absolutely no way to match it. It is understandable that Your Highness cannot match it either, so there is no need to force it."

Chen Xuan glanced at Zhen Zihua with a half-smile and sneered, "Who says I can't match it?"

"The second line reads: In a quiet room, ink falls on plain paper, the ancient zither plays a mournful tune, and a heart full of sorrow has been accompanied only by the evening breeze for years."

These words immediately shocked the entire audience.

Absolutely perfect, a flawless match, absolutely brilliant.

Originally, Zhen Zihua still held a hint of arrogance towards Chen Xuan, but seeing that Chen Xuan had actually come up with the perfect match for this timeless couplet, his opinion of him completely changed.

"Your Highness's literary talent is unparalleled; I truly admire it."

After Zhen Zihua finished speaking, he cupped his hands in greeting to Lu Yan and said:

"Madam, the Prince is a literary genius descended from heaven. Even the most timeless verses are no challenge for him. Moreover, he composed the matching line in an instant. Such literary talent is unparalleled in the world."

Lu Yan was secretly delighted.

After lunch, Lu Yan called Chen Xuan to her bedroom.

"Why did my mother-in-law summon me?" Chen Xuan asked.

Lu Yan, dressed in a red dress, glanced at Chen Xuan and said, "Your Highness, I am hosting a poetry gathering in three days. Most of the ladies of the third rank and above in the Great Jin Dynasty will be attending. This is a literary and artistic hobby among noblewomen. Would Your Highness be willing to participate?"

Chen Xuan had heard these rumors.

I heard that these noblewomen spend all their time together, either comparing their family backgrounds or their poetry and prose.

Games between women are indeed interesting.

They don't participate in politics, but they have a small circle of friends.

Moreover, many of these noblewomen were likely wives of officials in the Prince of Jin's camp. When discussing poetry and chatting with them, they were very likely to learn about the Prince of Jin's activities.

Lu Yan simply wanted to use Chen Xuan's poems and essays as a way to show off in high society circles.

But Chen Xuan saw an excellent opportunity for political intelligence.

Integrating into this circle would be extremely meaningful for him.

As Chen Xuan hesitated, Lu Yan sized him up, thinking to herself, "Your Highness, you don't know how much these noblewomen disregard me because they have so many scholars under their command. As the matriarch of the Zhen family in Jizhou, I also have my pride. If you don't help me, no one else will."

Chen Xuan smiled and said, "Since my mother-in-law has spoken, how could I refuse?"

Upon hearing Chen Xuan's agreement, Lu Yan was overjoyed: "Great! I'll send someone to pick you up in three days. I'm determined to regain my dignity this time."

After leaving the house, Lu Yan's attitude towards Chen Xuan changed drastically.

He kept praising Chen Xuan.

Even Zhen Zihua and others were puzzled as to why Lu Yan had changed so much.

On the way back, Zhen Mi looked at Chen Xuan with her beautiful eyes: "Husband, what did Mother say to you when she called you over? Why does she suddenly seem to have changed her mind?"

Chen Xuan felt awkward and quickly said, "It was just some exchange about poetry and literature. Maybe my mother-in-law thinks I'm good at poetry, so her attitude changed."

After all, it was indeed disgraceful for a prince to mingle with noblewomen.

"Hmm, I heard that the Royal Hunting Tournament is in ten days. All members of the royal family must participate, and His Majesty will reward those who rank highly in the tournament. Husband, are you making any preparations?"

After Zhen Mi said that, Chen Xuan finally realized what was going on.

The Hunting Festival is held annually in the Great Jin Dynasty.

At that time, princes and talented members of the royal family from all over the country will return.

The Jin Dynasty was a kingdom ruled by horsemen, so hunting culture was very strong.

"We need to prepare properly."

Chen Xuan secretly felt that this hunting tournament was bound to cause some waves.

This is a golden opportunity to vie for the throne, and the Prince of Jin and the Seventh Prince will surely make their moves.

"However, I've heard that those border vassal kings are all skilled in riding and archery. My husband now holds the reins of government and is in charge of training the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry. As for the hunting competition, he should just do what he can," Zhen Mi said gently.

A smile appeared on Chen Xuan's lips. Ten days later was the hunting competition, and three days later was a poetry gathering for ladies of high society.

This poetry gathering among the wealthy ladies is a perfect opportunity to try and extract some information from Prince Jin's side.

The third night.

Lu Yan's sedan chair arrived outside the Prince of Qin's residence.

Chen Xuan got into the sedan chair and found that Lu Yan was dressed very elegantly.

These clothes were all bestowed by the Jin Emperor, and included various top-grade jewels, hairpins, and the attire of noblewomen.

"The poetry gathering is scheduled for Qinghe Garden this time, so we'll be counting on you later."

After speaking, Lu Yan glanced at Chen Xuan and noticed that he was only wearing a simple, elegant robe, which made her somewhat disappointed.

"Your Highness, why aren't you wearing your imperial robes for such a grand event? That would make me look good in front of those noble ladies. Show some respect! Quickly change out of these clothes."

Lu Yan had her own plans.

Chen Xuan also had his own plans.

If he went under the guise of being the King of Qin.

It seems unlikely that you'll be able to extract any useful information.

Besides, he, the King of Qin, was mingling with noblewomen.

When the news reached the ears of the Jin Emperor, it was not pleasant at all.

Thinking it over, he took out a mask from his body and put it on his face.

Lu Yan looked puzzled. It was one thing not to wear a python robe, but why was she wearing a mask?

"Oh, Your Highness, a bowl of noodles, a bowl of noodles, please!"

Chen Xuan looked at Lu Yan and said:

"Mother-in-law, I am a prince. If word gets out that I am attending a poetry gathering for noblewomen late at night with you, what will people think? Won't they think our circle is impure? What will my father-in-law think? What will the officials of the court think?"

Although Lu Yan liked to compare herself with wealthy women.

However, it is also known that the circle of wealthy women is not clean to begin with. Some wealthy women may be depressed in their daily lives and may have very promiscuous behavior in private.

Although the circle she belongs to is clean.

But if this gets out, even eight mouths wouldn't be able to explain it.

"So, what identity will you appear in later?" Lu Yan asked.

Chen Xuan looked at Lu Yan and smiled, "Just say I'm your page. If you win over those talented young men from noble families as their page, wouldn't you, Mother-in-law, have more face?"

Lu Yan found this increasingly reasonable and nodded in agreement.

However, when Chen Xuan turned his head, he found that Lu Yan's clothes were extremely expensive, and his own clothes did look a bit out of place.

He wondered if the ladies of the court would laugh at him for his behavior at the poetry gathering.

"Damn, did I scare you?" Chen Xuan was shocked and tentatively asked, "Mother-in-law, I want to ask you something."

"What is it?"

"Will the ladies at the poetry gathering pry into the backgrounds of strangers?" Chen Xuan asked tentatively.

"Why are you asking this?" Lu Yan asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Of course, it was to discuss poetry and literature with those noblewomen in Qinghe Garden. It's just a pity I lost face that night!"

Chen Xuan observed Lu Yan's expression and gave a helpless, bitter smile.

Am I overthinking things?

Judging from Lu Yan's expression, she had been worrying too much.

After a long while, the carriage stopped.