Princess, something terrible has happened! The prince consort has attempted suicide again!

"So you are the Light of Nanzhao, I have long admired your name."

Dongling and Nanzhao were friendly states, and the two countries had maintained relations for many years, exchanging culture with each other.

However, Dongling Kingdom was slightly better than Nanzhao Kingdom in the literary world. Nanzhao literati were never convinced of this and often engaged in cultural exchanges with Dongling.

Tang Wan had long heard of Liu Qingrou, the radiant beauty of Nanzhao.

She is said to be the most talented woman in the Nanzhao Kingdom, proficient in poetry, lyrics and songs. The emperor of Nanzhao personally bestowed upon her the title of "Light of Nanzhao," making her a model and example for women.

Liu Qingrou's visit to Dongling was not only to attend Princess Changning's wedding, but also to make a name for herself in Dongling and bring glory to the country.

Tang Wan, as one of the two beauties of Dongling, naturally became her stepping stone.

"It is all due to Your Majesty's favor; I am unworthy of such kindness."

Liu Qingrou appeared very modest, and her voice was as gentle as her name.

"Since you feel ashamed, why not ask your emperor to rescind his decree? Otherwise, you will be unworthy of your position and become a laughingstock."

Tang Wan knew that the other party had ill intentions, so she immediately retorted sharply.

The atmosphere froze instantly, Liu Qingrou's smile vanished in an instant, her beautiful eyes stared straight at Tang Wan, and her tone became sharp.

"Your Majesty's grace is boundless, and I dare not disobey. As for whether I am worthy or not, Miss Tang will know the answer after you have experienced it for yourself."

"How do you want to compete?" Tang Wan asked directly.

Chen Wenxuan interjected, "Since this is a gathering of friends through poetry, the competition will naturally be on poetry and lyrics. I will set the topic, and the two of you will improvise, with a time limit of one incense stick's time. As for who is better, that will be judged by everyone present. What do you two think?"

"I'm fine with it," Liu Qingrou agreed first.

"Tang Wan, what about you?"

Chen Wenxuan looked at Tang Wan, having already made his plans.

Previously, Chen Jinlin suffered a setback at the Tang family's home, not only losing his position as dean but also being jilted at the altar.

Chen Wenxuan harbored a grudge and deliberately set up a trap today.

Tang Wan knew that Chen Wenxuan had ill intentions, but this matter not only concerned her personal reputation, but also represented the literary world of Dongling.

Even though she knew it was a trap, she couldn't back down.

"A poetry contest is fine, but you can't set the topic," Tang Wan said warily.

"You don't trust me?"

"right."

Tang Wan spoke frankly.

Chen Wenxuan chuckled awkwardly, "It seems Tang Wan has quite a misunderstanding about me. So, tell me, who should set the topic?"

Tang Wan glanced around and recognized many of the literati and scholars in the restaurant, but since this gathering was organized by Chen Wenxuan, she guessed that he had bribed them all and they were all untrustworthy.

Finally, she turned her gaze to the waiter and pointed at him, saying, "Let him come."

The waiter was taken aback upon hearing this, and quickly waved his hand, "Sir, I am illiterate and cannot ask questions."

Tang Wan said, "No need to worry, just name any scenery, people, or any scene you are familiar with."

"this……"

The waiter looked troubled.

Chen Wenxuan hadn't expected Tang Wan to be so cautious. He said calmly, "Just do as I say!"

He had a stern face and looked very unhappy.

Seeing this, Tang Wan felt somewhat relieved.

The waiter could only bite the bullet and timidly say, "Then, I'll use this restaurant as the theme."

Liu Qingrou remained calm and composed, smiling slightly. "I excel at composing poems based on scenery. I wonder if Miss Tang has any difficulties with that?"

Tang Wan retorted, not to be outdone, "Coincidentally, I'm good at that too."

"Since neither of you has any objections, let's start the timer now, with a time limit of one incense stick."

Chen Wenxuan ordered someone to hand over the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone to the two men, and then lit the incense that had been prepared beforehand.

The two women immediately fell into deep thought, neither daring to be careless.

Liu Qingrou picked up a pen and wrote a few words on the paper, then felt they were not appropriate and crossed them out and rewrote them.

Tang Wan, on the other hand, remained calm. She sat at the table, had a waiter bring her a cup of tea, and pondered as she sipped it.

This was her habit; tea helped her calm her mind.

The scene was very quiet, with a tense and oppressive atmosphere.

When the incense had burned halfway down, Tang Wan's eyes lit up. She put down her teacup and finally picked up her calligraphy brush.

But just as she was about to start writing, she felt dizzy and her mind became hazy, let alone think.

What happened?

Tang Wan shook her head vigorously, but to no avail.

Got it!

There's something wrong with the tea...

With a thud, Tang Wan closed her eyes and fainted to the ground.

A triumphant smile flashed in Chen Wenxuan's eyes. You thought I would tamper with the topic? My real trump card is that cup of tea.

He knew Tang Wan well; she would drink tea whenever she was thinking, so he had already poisoned her tea.

He didn't bribe these literati, but instead bribed the shop assistant.

Making friends through poetry is just a pretext.

"Why did she faint?"

Liu Qingrou was clearly unaware of Chen Wenxuan's conspiracy and was therefore surprised.

"Miss Tang's health has never been good, this must be due to too much pressure. The competition is suspended, I will take her to her room first."

After giving his prepared reason, Chen Wenxuan immediately tried to carry Tang Wan back to her room.

Once the deed is done, let's see what she can do then.

Liu Qingrou sensed something was amiss and looked at the tea on the table, only to find that the teacup had been taken away by the waiter.

She immediately realized that she had been used.

His gaze turned cold as he glared at Chen Wenxuan, about to expose him, but was stopped by his companion raising his hand.

This person had sharp eyes and a noble demeanor. Although he did not speak, he exuded an undeniable authority.

Liu Qingrou had already realized that this was a scheme orchestrated by him and Chen Wenxuan to destroy Tang Wan, and that she was merely a tool used by the two of them.

Liu Qingrou was extremely indignant about this, but considering the man's identity, she dared not disobey and swallowed back the words that were about to come out.

She glanced at Tang Wan lying on the ground, her delicate hands clenched into fists.

There was resentment, guilt, and even more regret for Tang Wan.

She couldn't help but close her eyes, unable to bear the sight.

Just then, a sharp shout came from the doorway, "Don't you dare touch my young lady!"

Yue'er led Zhang Xiaomeng and hurriedly ran into the restaurant.

She wanted to check on the young lady's condition, but Chen Wenxuan blocked her way.

"What are you doing? Get out of the way!" Yue'er scolded.

"You lowly maidservant, how dare you be so insolent in front of me! You're asking for a beating!"

Chen Wenxuan raised his hand and slapped her. He didn't take a maid seriously at all, and he also calculated that the Tang family would not dare to bring guards because of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

As long as this maid is dealt with, Tang Wan will have no chance of escaping today.

Yue'er's face changed drastically. Just as she was about to be slapped, Zhang Xiaomeng kicked her.

Chen Wenxuan was caught off guard and was kicked to the ground, clutching his stomach in pain.

"Young Master!"

The attendants exclaimed in surprise and quickly helped Chen Wenxuan up.

"You! You dare lay a hand on me? Beat him to death!"

Chen Wenxuan shouted angrily, and several thugs who were already waiting were about to attack Zhang Xiaomeng.

Zhang Xiaomeng was no match for them, but he was not afraid. He declared firmly, "I am the son-in-law of the Tang family. Try and touch me!"

The thugs were taken aback upon hearing this and turned to ask Chen Wenxuan for instructions.

"What a joke! The Tang family has no son-in-law. Do you think I'm that easy to fool?" Chen Wenxuan said disbelievingly.

"Chen Wenxuan, you're about to face a terrible disaster, do you know that?" Zhang Xiaomeng didn't bother to explain his status as a son-in-law, but instead pointed the finger at Chen Wenxuan.

"What do you mean?" Chen Wenxuan asked subconsciously, feeling vaguely uneasy.