FID – Chapter 268

But everyone didn’t think that Liu Yusheng would just meekly tolerate such an insult.

Didn’t they also shoot ridicules and despise just now? Liu Yusheng gave them a backhanded slap.

It hurt until now.

In order, Zuo Xuan came last.

No one present was ignorant of Zuo Xuan’s real intention for specially inviting Ruyi County Lady, Liu Yusheng to the party. 

She just wanted to take her out and humiliate her, teach her a lesson to calm the jealousy in her heart.

Over the years, the engagement of the prime minister’s daughter has not been finalized many times, so it has been delayed until now that she was 19 years old.

They stated outside that there was no suitable candidate yet, and the prime minister’s daughter was not worried about marriage, so there was no hurry.

But the reality was, how many people didn’t know that Zuo Xuan was pining for the King of Nanling, Feng Qingbai?

However, no one dared to say it to maintain the dignity of the young lady.

Zuo Xuan drank a cup of wine, pondered for a moment, and also began to read out the seven-character poem she made, “This pipa is not loquat, blame only my poor literacy back then. If pipa can bear fruit, all the panpipes in the city will have bloomed.”

It was also easy to understand.

Zuo Xuan’s status was placed there. This poem was clearly ridiculing Liu Yusheng’s low birth and shoddy knowledge, which made her unworthy of the King of Nanling.

It was almost pointing out that Liu Yusheng was delusional, and there wouldn’t be any results.

Now, the atmosphere in the pavilion was even more tense.

Everyone was waiting for Liu Yusheng’s response.

Although the crowd of ladies were contemptuous, there was vague hidden excitement in their hearts as well.

Zuo Xuan’s status could be regarded as the highest among the noble ladies, and even the princesses (daughters of the princes) have to bow their heads in front of her. They were all awed by the power of the Prime Minister Zuo.

Although they played together, they could only praise and flatter Zuo Xuan. They never dared to offend her.

They’ve suffered a lot, but they could only forcibly grit their teeth and smile.

If someone could hit Zuo Xuan’s face, they’d be over the moon.

This was human nature.

Fu Yuzheng also raised her eyes and glanced at Liu Yusheng.

She came along and could only accompany her, standing at the back like the two maids Zuo Xuan brought.

Even if she wanted to help, there was no way to do so.

Worse, she was poor at poetry and songs.

Since her mother was kicked out of the Fu mansion when she was young, she left in dire straits. So how could she didn’t receive much good instruction?

And then in order to survive, all the lessons she learned were the art of combat, which was of no use at this time.

Looking around the circle, Liu Yusheng showed no rush nor agitation.

“I grew up in the countryside since I was a child and have not seen much. When it comes to poetry, I think…What I have seen most since childhood is my grandmother sewing clothes and the soles of my shoes at home, so I will use the embroidery needle as the subject.”

After a pause, she grinned, inexplicably making their hearts tremble.

“A needle is hammered through a thousand exercises, going up and down a cloth one by one. The eyes grow long in the buttocks, recognizing only the clothes, not the person.” 

(**This is not accurate, but the you can search the poem 《咏针》. In any case, this poem mocks someone’s bad personality.**)

The pavilion turned deathly still.

Another slap was served, slapping everyone in the face.

But they still couldn’t get angry because she used an embroidery needle in the poem!

Liu Yusheng blinked, as if sensing the strange atmosphere, and explained quite innocently, “My poor knowledge makes you laugh.  I’m from the countryside. My knowledge is too shallow, and I really don’t know much about the four forms of poetry. You’ll just have to make do with it. A garden party is just for fun, isn’t it?”

“Miss Liu’s poem is very imaginative. Listening to it, I feel that I can picture a grandma sewing the soles of your shoes. The end is a vivid image.” Fu Yuzheng was suffocating to death.

If it weren’t for the inappropriate occasion, she would have died laughing despite her image.

This girl, Miss Liu, was simply magnificent!

Liu Yusheng turned around and winked at her. “I’m flattered. If you like it, I’ll teach you later.  I can still find a large wicker basket of poems of this level in my belly.”

Fu Yuzheng nodded, “Okay.”

Ladies, “…”

They’ve only had fun for a short time, but no one was in the mood to continue.

Another round? Who knew what other crazy poems would come out of Liu Yusheng’s mouth?

On this occasion, the faces of Miss Zuo and Miss Fu were already black and purple.

They were no longer in the mood to rest in the pavilion, so the group got up and continued their tour along the path in the grove.

In the ten miles of osmanthus grove, the landscape was not only a large area of sweet osmanthus, but there was also a number of small scenery built along the path.

There were wonderfully carved stone animals and huge flat inscribed stone monuments. After walking a mile, they even saw a waterfall.

The water rumbled and cascaded down.

In the air with floating fragrance, there was moist water vapor. The breeze from the waterfall was fresh and comfortable.

They’ve walked a long way to the place. These pampered young ladies usually traveled in sedans and carriages. Since they personally walked along the way, they were all exhibiting fatigue.

They took out small hankies and spread them on the stones next to the waterfall, then sat to rest their feet.

Liu Yusheng looked around and saw that there was a pavilion for people to rest not far from the waterfall. These people didn’t even want to leave for a few more steps.

“Miss Liu, would you like to take a break in the pavilion?” Fu Yuzheng asked.

“No, just stay here.” Liu Yusheng shook her head. There were shadows of people in the pavilion, and she didn’t want to crowd with them. Besides, she did not feel much tired.

She took out a handkerchief to wipe off the thin sweat on her forehead and observed the group of tired noble ladies. This party should be almost over.

Liu Yusheng laughed at the thought of the guy who never made an appearance. “Shi Xianrou said that she will come here today, but I haven’t seen anyone. I don’t know whether she slept in or was delayed by something. I’m afraid that when she comes, we are ready to go back.”

“The garden party will probably be over in a few minutes. It doesn’t matter if Miss Shi doesn’t come. We will return directly when we go back later. Perhaps we can meet her on the way,” Fu Yuzheng said in a low voice.

These noble ladies looked exhausted. If they continue to walk, few of them probably could persist. They might rest for a while, and then someone would propose to go back.

Fu Yuzheng’s eyes lingered on Zuo Xuan, who was facing the waterfall nearby, for a moment and said, “Miss Liu, follow me closely later.”

Liu Yusheng was slightly startled and nodded.

They couldn’t relax too early as long as they weren’t back to the royal residence.

This garden party was a Hongmen Banquet designed specifically for her.

The person who designed it wouldn’t let her off the hook so easily. There must still be tricks left.

Those verbal battles just now were but an appetizer.

At this time, Zuo Xuan, who was sitting facing the waterfall, inclined her head at Fu Yuxian. Fu Yuxian nodded towards her. The two exchanged glances and immediately separated.

Nobody noticed their subtle exchange.

After sitting near the waterfall for a long time, the moisture was heavy, and their skin felt sticky and uncomfortable. Then one lady got up and proposed to go back.

The crowd had just gotten up when they saw a group of people coming down from the pavilion on the fork in the road.

They were dressed as commoners in the city with their heads tied with nondescript  scholars’ buns. 

Moreover, they were staggering and swaying as if drunk.

Seeing the ladies standing at the water’s edge, they did not circumvent but walked straight toward them.