Soon, the high writing desk, along with the brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone, were all prepared.

Ye Chutang stood before the desk as Eunuch De stepped forward to grind the ink for her.

The bolder ones immediately crowded around to watch.

Qin Muyun pulled Qi Yanzhou along to join the commotion.

Seeing that even the usually indifferent Prince Chen had come, the crowd quickly made way, offering him the best vantage point.

Ye Chutang glanced at Prince Chen, picked up the wolf-hair brush, dipped it in ink, and began writing swiftly.

A wild, untamed cursive script danced across the paper.

They say handwriting reflects one’s character.

Yet, no one could reconcile the bold, majestic strokes with Ye Chutang’s delicate and elegant demeanor.

Eunuch De lifted the still-drying calligraphy and blew on it gently.

He had intended to recite the poem aloud but, unable to decipher the cursive script, had to abandon the idea.

Someone, noticing his dilemma, promptly read it out instead.

“Fireflies.

By chance, they emerge from rotting grass, daring to fly near the sun.

Too faint to illuminate books, yet they flicker on travelers’ robes.

Dim behind curtains in the wind, faint amidst woods in the rain.

When the tenth month’s frost grows heavy, where shall they drift, homeless?”

(Note: Du Fu’s “Fireflies”)

Eunuch De listened, only half-understanding, and asked, “Why did Miss Ye choose to write about fireflies?”

Of course, it’s to borrow Du Fu’s satire of the eunuch Li Fuguo to mock you, a power-hungry, nation-ruining parasite!

Naturally, Ye Chutang didn’t voice this aloud.

“I saw fireflies last night, so the poem came to mind. Does Eunuch De disapprove?”

“Not at all. This humble servant shall treasure it.”

Qin Muyun, though a playboy, was no stranger to literature.

He sensed deeper meaning in Ye Chutang’s poem but couldn’t quite grasp it.

Summoning his courage, he asked, “Might Miss Ye write one for me as well?”

Ye Chutang glanced at him, noting the faint blush at the tips of his ears, and nodded. “Pay up, and I will.”

Ye Jingchuan, noticing Eunuch De’s displeasure, quickly interjected, “Young Master Qin, my apologies, but the banquet is about to begin.”

Though disappointed, Qin Muyun didn’t press further.

“Very well. I’ll seek Miss Ye’s calligraphy another time.”

As the crowd dispersed and servants began clearing the desk, Qi Yanzhou suddenly spoke.

“Minister Ye, I, too, would like a piece of Miss Ye’s calligraphy.”

He unfastened the jade pendant from his waist and offered it to Ye Chutang.

“Miss Ye, this pendant is worth well over ten taels of gold.”

Ye Jingchuan realized Prince Chen was deliberately provoking Eunuch De.

He couldn’t let Ye Chutang comply, nor could he refuse outright. Beads of sweat formed on his brow in an instant.

“Chu’er, what do you say…?”

Ye Chutang shot a glance at her spineless father, then pushed the pendant away.

Everyone expected her to decline—until she didn’t.

“Your Highness, Prince Chen, your military exploits are legendary. You reclaimed the southern borders and saved countless lives. That you would value this humble girl’s calligraphy is an honor. Please, keep your jade.”

Her words were a blatant slap to Eunuch De’s face.

Ye Jingchuan nearly fainted from rage.

Was this wretched daughter determined to ruin the Ye family?!

Unfazed, Ye Chutang switched to a running script and penned Xin Qiji’s “Breaking Through the Battle Lines.”

What right did a treacherous eunuch have to compare to a hero who defended his homeland?

“Your Highness, please accept this.”

Qi Yanzhou accepted the poem, eyeing her with surprise.

“I never imagined Miss Ye could depict military life so vividly.”

“Though I’ve never set foot on a battlefield, I’ve heard tales. I hope it meets Your Highness’s standards.”

“I am quite satisfied.”

To the listeners, his words carried dual meaning:

First, praise for the poem.

Second, approval of Ye Chutang herself.

Was Prince Chen competing with Eunuch De for her?

Ye Jingchuan had no idea why Prince Chen had inserted himself into this mess. His head throbbed.

Fearing a full-blown confrontation, he hastily ordered the desk removed and announced the banquet.

“Chu’er, return to the rear garden for now. I’ll summon you when the feast is ready.”

Ye Chutang nodded. “Fine.”

Once she left, Eunuch De turned to Qi Yanzhou.

“Who knew a warrior like Prince Chen also dabbled in the arts?”

“Have you forgotten, Eunuch De? Before my ‘usefulness,’ I was quite the prodigal.”

The Qi family, founding generals of Beichen Kingdom, had been enfeoffed as princes under the dynasty’s name—a hereditary title, irrevocable.

But as the empire stabilized, the imperial family grew wary of the Qi’s military power, even resorting to covert attacks.

The family’s lineage dwindled to a single heir per generation.

To survive, Qi Yanzhou’s grandfather voluntarily surrendered military authority.

His father, inheriting the title, embraced debauchery, living as a dissolute prince.

Of Qi Yanzhou’s generation, the eldest son, Qi Shuyan, pursued scholarship, becoming a magistrate in a desolate region.

Meanwhile, Qi Yanzhou, the second son, was raised to be a wastrel—a brash, artsy terror of the capital.

Had he not accidentally revealed his martial prowess at fourteen while saving a life, earning the emperor’s “favor,” his reputation as a rogue might have eclipsed even Qin Muyun’s.

Eunuch De studied the man who should have died long ago, his smile brittle.

“This humble servant recalls a trace of Your Highness’s… colorful past.”

Qi Yanzhou arched a brow. “Rumor says Eunuch De seeks Miss Ye Anling as a companion. Is it true?”

The Crown Prince’s fists clenched at this. He adored Ye Anling—but his ambition outweighed love.

Eunuch De tittered behind a delicate hand, offering no answer.

Ye Jingchuan, sensing the tension, bellowed, “Let the banquet commence!”

Servants scrambled to arrange tables and serve dishes, diffusing the hostility.

Guests seated themselves according to rank and familiarity, eight to a table.

Once settled, Ye Jingchuan presented Ye Chutang formally.

“This is my daughter, Ye Chutang. Due to her frail health—”

Ye Chutang rolled her eyes as her father credited himself for her talents.

Unable to endure his grandstanding, she cut in.

“Father, everyone knows the conditions I endured in the countryside. That I turned out like this has nothing to do with you. Spare us the flattery—it’s embarrassing.”

Ye Jingchuan: “…”

Could he strangle this wretched girl?

Delighted by his grimace, Ye Chutang added,

“Father, Eunuch De praised my candor. Surely you won’t fault me for speaking plainly?”

You love licking that old eunuch’s boots? Then choke on the stench.

Ye Jingchuan swallowed his fury, clearing his throat awkwardly before changing the subject.

“Chu’er, today’s gathering is in your honor. Toast our guests.”

A maid nervously handed Ye Chutang wine.

Without hesitation, she raised her cup.

“I drink to you all!”

Though the wine was safe, she discreetly emptied it into her spatial wastebin.

Relieved she hadn’t caused another scene, Ye Jingchuan pressed on.

“Now, offer individual toasts to His Highness the Crown Prince, Prince Chen, and Eunuch De.”

“Father, I’m no drinker. Unless you want me drunk and causing a spectacle…?”

Ye Jingchuan: “…”

What demon had he sired?

“If the esteemed guests permit, you may use tea instead.”

Ye Chutang promptly passed the buck.

“Your Highness the Crown Prince, Your Highness the Prince of Chen, Eunuch De, my father asked me to inquire—do you mind if I substitute tea for wine?”

The three men looked at Ye Chutang, who was clearly teasing them, and for once, spoke in unison.

“Not at all.”

Ye Chutang walked to the main table and served each of them tea in turn.

Once the gesture was complete, she retreated to the rear garden.

Eunuch De watched her slender figure disappear, his eyes alight with amusement.

When Ye Jingchuan came to offer a toast, the eunuch hinted, “Minister Ye has truly raised an exceptional daughter.”

“Chu’er grew up in the countryside, unrestrained and free-spirited. As long as she hasn’t annoyed Eunuch De, I’m relieved.”

“Most noble ladies in the capital are bound by rigid etiquette. It’s rare to encounter such genuine charm—I’m quite delighted.”

“Your graciousness honors Chu’er. She is fortunate indeed.”

Qin Muyun nearly gagged upon hearing this.

Just as he was about to speak up for Ye Chutang, Qi Yanzhou stuffed a braised pork trotter into his mouth.

“Don’t rush. The real show hasn’t even begun.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep