Chapter 61 Lotus Viewing
The Zhao brothers came back to participate in the Lotus Viewing Festival on June 24. It is said that this day is the birthday of the Lotus Fairy, the goddess of flowers in June, and it is also the performance competition between unmarried men and women. days.
In the early morning, white lotuses bloomed in the pond in the Lotus Garden, which looked particularly fresh and refined among the green lotus leaves.
The melodious sound of music came, it was the musicians from the Palace Music Square playing "Ode to the Lotus".
“There are no people who leave early, there are still people who leave early.” Yang Hao sighed.
When we arrived at the pond, there were two roads. There was a chamberlain standing on the left and a palace maid on the right. At this point, the men and women would be separated.
Entering the waterside pavilion, Zhao Wangshu saw many acquaintances, including Lu Wenqiu, Qin Youzi, Sun Miaoying, and Sun Miaoyu, girls from the Yongguo Palace
Zhao Wangshu smiled and nodded in courtesy, and did not go over to chat.
Zhao Shuqing said: "Sister Shu, if you don't know them, why don't you go over and say hello?"
"You also know them, and if you want to say hello, just go by yourself. Don't bother me." The more Zhao Wangshu came into contact with her, the more he realized that this person was not someone to be deeply friends with.
"I'm just afraid that someone will shamelessly get in touch with her and others will ignore her." Zhao Jiahua said in a weird manner.
Zhao Shuqing looked stern, lowered her head and said nothing more. She knew that Zhao Wangshu and the others didn't want to see her now.
After a while, several more girls came.
Lin Qianyi and Zhu Siyun also came, both dressed in bright and beautiful costumes.
At three o'clock, Princess Liao, who was hosting the Lotus Viewing Banquet, came, followed by several girls.
Zhao Wangshu only knew Yao Shanzhi, and it was Zhao Shuangzhi who told them, "The one wearing the red palace dress is the eldest princess, the one wearing the blue skirt is Princess Jiahe of the Liao Palace, and the one wearing the pink skirt She is the new county head of Prince Guangyu's palace."
After saying this, she glanced sideways at Zhao Jiahua with a smug look on her face. These people were all noble ladies she knew when she entered the palace.
Zhao Jiahua snorted coldly and turned his head to the other side, not looking at her.
Princess Liao sat down, and the girls saluted: "I have met the princess, and I hope you are safe."
"No need to be polite, please get up." Princess Liao She is a beautiful woman in her thirties, wearing a purple palace dress, wearing a high bun, and her hair is full of pearls.
"Today is the Lotus Festival. I wonder which girl is willing to compose a poem to promote elegance?" Princess Liao did not hesitate and went directly to the topic.
As soon as she finished speaking, Qin Youzi said: "My little girl would like to write a poem to inspire others."
Princess Liao nodded slightly, and Qin Youzi slowly recited: "The lotuses bloom leisurely in the blue pond, and the fairy dances in the clouds with fragrance. The dewdrops roll among the green leaves, and the breeze blows the heartstrings."
"Good poetry, good poetry. Miss Qin is worthy of being the niece of the great scholar of Qin, and her family is very knowledgeable." The Princess of Liao praised her openly and sarcastically, saying that Qin Youzi's father, Qiao Guogong, could not succeed in writing or martial arts.
"The princess is so complimentary." Qin Youzi said happily.
"Well-written poems should be rewarded." As soon as Princess Liao raised her hand, a palace maid came over with a tray with a small brocade box on it. Princess Liao picked up the brocade box and opened it. Inside was A pair of lotus flower earrings.
"Thank you, Princess." Qin Youzi took the little brocade box and was very happy. She turned around and picked it up at Fang Jingshu, smiling proudly.
Fang Jingshu twitched the corner of her mouth and gently shook the fan in her hand.
Princess Liao asked again: "Is there any other girl who is willing to compose poems?"
Zhao Shuqing was very excited. If she became famous, would she marry Chen Xiao? Just easier? She stood up and said, "My little daughter would like to compose a poem."
"Who is this?" Princess Liao looked at her strangely.
"Aunt, she is Zhao Shuqing, the Queen's niece." Yao Shanzhi took a step forward and said.
"It's Miss Zhao. Look closely, she looks a bit like the Queen. Then I'll invite Miss Zhao." Princess Liao had a smile on her lips and a cold look in her eyes.
Zhao Shuqing thought for a moment and then recited: "The rippling green waves reflect the shadow of the lotus, and the flowers bloom and fall, recalling the passing years. Drops of dew moisten the lotus heart, and the wind carries the fragrance into the painting screen.""
“Good poetry, appreciate it. "Princess Liao rewarded Zhao Shuqing with a gilt hairpin with a lotus head.
Zhao Shuqing held the hairpin, returned to his original position and sat down.
Princess Liao smiled and asked: "Which other girl is interested in composing poetry? Stop hiding your clumsiness. "
The girls hesitated. The poems they wrote may not be as good as those written by Qin Youzi and Zhao Shuqing, and they did not want to be reduced to foils.
At this time, they stood By the pond, the palace maid who had been looking across the pond turned around and reported: "Princess, the young master and the others have rowed over. "
Princess Liao smiled and glanced at the girls, "Since the gentlemen are here, let us appreciate their poetic talents. ”
The girls rushed to look over there, and not long after, they saw a lotus leaf boat carrying several young men appeared.
The young man at the front, He was the third prince, Lin Da, with a long body and flying robes.
Behind him, several young masters were also elegant and majestic. Zhao Wangshu knew one of them, the Minister of Rites.Ling Hao, the youngest son of Shangshu.
The lotus leaf boat docked on the shore, Lin Da bowed his hands and saluted, "My nephew, please send my regards to Aunt Wang."
"I have met the princess, and I hope you are safe." The young master saluted.
"Third prince, you don't need to be polite, gentlemen, you don't need to be polite." Princess Liao raised her hand to support her, "In previous years, the host of the banquet would set the topic. This year, we will change the pattern. People, bring the lottery tube."
The palace maid held out the lottery tube, and Princess Liao continued: "The third prince and several young masters will draw lots. Whatever word is drawn, use whatever word is used as the title, regardless of the poem. , no matter the rhyme or rhyme.”
During the Lotus Festival, I have been writing poems and lyrics with lotus as the title for many years, but I can no longer come up with new ideas. The most important thing is that some young men with no talent and learning have hired people to write for them. He deceived the girl who wanted to marry a talented man.
You must know that the most important part of the Lotus Festival is not to worship the flower god, nor to recite poems, but to court a mate.
Princess Liao’s move made the young master who had prepared in advance a mistake, and also made it easier to select the truly talented young master.
She would go to such trouble to get her daughter Jia and princess Lin Hanyan. Lin Hanyan will be pregnant next year.
Lin Da took the lead in drawing lots, and he drew the word "Qing".
He pondered for a moment and then said loudly: "The sun is shining in the clear lotus pond, and the green moss is reflected in front of the fish playing in the boat.
Sit quietly on the shore and watch the beautiful scenery, and follow the lake with your heart. Go and enjoy yourself."
Princess Liao smiled and praised: "The three princes are all talented and talented. This poem is fresh and natural, without any sense of elaboration."
"Thank you for the compliment, Aunt Wang. ." Lin Da smiled slightly and said, "I wonder which girl is willing to sing a poem with you?"
Liu Qiangwei frowned when she heard this. She was not good at poetry, but she knew that during the Lotus Festival, He Shi, she asked someone to catch the knife.
But Princess Liao’s approach made her efforts in vain, and now she can’t deal with the third prince’s poems.
"My little girl is not talented, so I want to try singing together." A girl said.
Zhao Wangshu turned around and saw a beautiful girl wearing a pink skirt, a bun with a bun, and an oval face. She didn't recognize her, and she didn't know which house she was from.
Princess Liao obviously didn’t recognize her either. Princess Jiahe reminded her mother, “Concubine, she is Wang Danya, the concubine of Uncle Zhongqin’s family.”
“It turns out to be Wang Danya. Miss Wang, please invite me." Princess Liao said with a smile.