Volume One, Chapter 15: The Fall of Changyang

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“Sister! I’ve come to see you again today.”
Nanyang beamed with delight, not for any other reason than that Prince Lin had composed yet another new poem for her.
Even though she didn’t fully grasp the intricacies of poetry, seeing him present a new poem for her every day—and receiving admiration and praise from Changyang—was enough.
What did this signify?
It meant that this princess was unparalleled in beauty, captivating the entire nation, radiating infinite brilliance that inspired Lin Fengxuan’s creativity!
Of course, that was only part of it!
“Sister, don’t be annoyed with me. It’s just that there are so many officials coming with congratulatory gifts at home.” Nanyang sighed, rubbing her forehead.
“The day before yesterday, it was those uncles from the Ministry of Rites and the ministers from the Six Ministries, which I could tolerate. But today, it’s all the lower-ranking officials and nobles from the Six Ministries.
I don’t even recognize half of them and have no time to entertain them.
Ugh, it’s so bothersome.
Since our homes are close, I thought I’d come to you to relieve some boredom.”
“Eh? Why is your residence so lively then?”
Nanyang said angrily, “These officials are so snobbish! Even though Prince Shen has no rank or power and has achieved nothing in the capital, they shouldn’t treat him so differently!
Sister, don’t be sad. When I return, I’ll rebuke them on your behalf to vent your anger!”
Changyang found her blatant boasting amusing but also somewhat lonely inside.
Indeed, apart from a few high-ranking officials who sent modest gifts on the wedding day but did not attend, there had been no congratulations since yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Nanyang Prince’s residence had been bustling with people for three consecutive days.
In contrast, she truly felt as if she had been banished to the cold palace.
Changyang’s expression remained calm as she smiled softly, “No need, sister. I don’t particularly enjoy crowds. Let them be.”
“That won’t do!” Nanyang snorted, displeased that things hadn’t gone as she expected.
“Whether those officials disdain Prince Shen or look down on him, they cannot be so disrespectful to you!
This is an insult to our royal princess!”
“Please, ladies, do not be angry.” In recent days, Lin Fengxuan had been trying every means to please Nanyang, his heart burning with desire to be near her.
Thus, he was quite eager.
He looked apologetic and said, “This is my fault. These are my friends from poetry and my colleagues in office.
I am usually hospitable and fond of composing poems, so they hold me in high regard.
Naturally, they may have caused some disturbances on the wedding day.
Sigh.
I will advise them when I return.”
Changyang’s face remained composed, though she was displeased with Shen Yi and no longer intended to show him any courtesy.
“Sister Yuan, this is a family matter. You need not worry about it. Thank you, Prince Lin, for your kindness.”
“Sister, what are you saying?” Nanyang said unhappily. “We’re like siblings. I’m standing up for you, so why are you so indifferent?”
She spoke with a mix of sadness and anger, “If you’re jealous of me, just say so!
I was only trying to be kind and visit you!
Knowing you love poetry, I even brought you the poems Fengxuan wrote to share!
You really hurt your sister’s feelings!”
Lin Fengxuan felt helpless inside.
Nanyang had clearly overstepped, speaking arrogantly with no artistic grace, revealing her true thoughts.
But it was no big deal; in terms of power and status within the palace, their Nanyang Prince’s residence completely overshadowed Changyang’s.
He tried to smooth things over, “Princess Changyang, don’t overthink it. Nanyang only wishes you well. Let’s drop this matter.
Why don’t you first take a look at this poem I wrote?”

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“I am already preparing for the grand gathering four days from now.
These past days, several scholars from the Hu tribes who advocate peace have arrived, and even a talent from the Jin kingdom might participate.
My three friends, who are as renowned as I am, notified me this morning to be ready. Perhaps the prince will have us temper their arrogance.
Princess Changyang, if you’re interested, you may also join to point out any shortcomings in my work.”
Changyang stirred slightly. So even talents from enemy states were involved? This gathering was rife with undercurrents.
She replied calmly, “As for pointing out flaws, that’s unnecessary. Prince Lin’s poetic talent far surpasses mine.”
Seeing this, Nanyang’s lips curled into a smile, growing more fond of Lin Fengxuan.
With Nanyang’s cue, Lin Fengxuan’s smile deepened into a modest grin as he presented his poem, “Your Highness, please do not underestimate yourself. You may first peruse it.”
“Oh, by the way, where is Prince Shen? I have a fairly good relationship with him and haven’t seen him in a long time. I miss him.”
Without looking up, Changyang said, “If you’re close, then go find him.”
Then she glanced briefly at the poem and shook her head inwardly. It was hardly different from yesterday’s, merely a rephrasing of the same sentiments.
Lin Fengxuan beamed with pride and said, “Your Highness, this poem ‘Seeking Plum Blossoms in the Snow’ expresses my love for Nanyang, undeterred by wind, rain, or snow.
No matter the dangers and hardships, I will press forward, seeking plum blossoms through the snow.
I will not return until I see the Jade Pool!”
Nanyang listened with great pleasure and pride, her face beaming. “Sister, what do you think of Fengxuan’s poem?”
Changyang casually put it aside and said indifferently, “Quite ordinary.”
Nanyang was stunned, her excitement about to explode. “What did you say? Ordinary? Changyang, do you not understand, or are you deliberately disparaging?”
Lin Fengxuan was slightly taken aback but then chuckled lightly, “Please, Your Highness, do instruct me.”
Changyang replied coldly, “I’ve said it’s nothing special. What of it?
Do you think I have insulted you?”
Facing the princess’s coldness and sternness, Lin Fengxuan first refused to believe it.
Seeing Nanyang’s angry expression, he quickly wiped away his smile. If you don’t give me face, why should I give you any?
He straightened his posture, hands behind his back, dropping all pretenses.
With lofty disdain, he said, “Princess Changyang, I regarded you as somewhat talented and only barely engaged with you. I never expected you to be all show and no substance!
It seems the emperor’s choice was not mistaken.
Like a donkey pulling a cart!
You and Shen Yi are alike—both lowly and worthless!
Luckily, I realized this early today!
Otherwise, if Nanyang had taken you to the prince’s poetry gathering, you would have been a laughingstock!
How could I and Nanyang save face?!”
Every word was calm, yet each was an insult.
Changyang’s face turned icy with fury. “Lin Fengxuan! How dare you! To scorn the dignity of the royal family? Guards!”
Inside, Nanyang felt a surge of satisfaction.
She sneered, “Royal dignity? Liu Zhaoqin, what dignity does a powerless and insignificant princess like you possess?
My husband is the heir to the Prince of Pingqing! The court is filled with our clan’s relatives! Even the emperor yields three parts of respect to the Prince of Pingqing!
My mother, Lady Wang, is from a prestigious family in Guanzhong!
And you?
A lowly-born woman who really thinks she’s a phoenix?
As a princess, your husband spends every night with ten concubines, his reputation sullied across the city! And you are powerless to stop it!
The emperor even directly ordered him to the front lines to die!
Ha.
Look at your sorry state.
Is there even a shred of princess dignity left?
It’s utterly disgraceful!
I’m feeling generous for your sake and tried to give you some face!
And you don’t even appreciate it!”
“You—” At this moment, Changyang’s composure shattered. Trembling with rage, she shouted for the imperial guards.
But Lin Fengxuan sneered coldly, “Your Highness, don’t deceive yourself!
If this gets ugly, with your background and influence, I wonder on whose side the emperor and all the officials will stand!”
Changyang thought of her father’s coldness and the court’s exclusion of the Shen family.
Her heart was filled with grief, shame, and humiliation.
Meanwhile, Nanyang was set on humiliating her thoroughly—today was even more satisfying than yesterday.
“Changyang! Just look at your origins!”
Nanyang mocked with glee, “I gave you chances to curry favor with me, but you didn’t cherish them.
Now I won’t pretend anymore!
I intend to trample on your dignity! Make you bow and scrape before me every day from now on!
Haha…”
Her shameless laughter echoed, causing Changyang to grit her teeth. “Please leave!”
Lin Fengxuan now felt triumphant. Just a princess?
I can still dare to humiliate her!
If softness won’t work, then I’ll use force!
“Your Highness, something’s wrong.”
At that moment, Qiuxiang rushed in, panic written all over her face. “Everyone outside is talking about Prince Shen composing a poem last night at Qingliu Pavilion…”
“Enough!” The ever-strong-willed Changyang finally broke down, tears shimmering in her eyes.
Why must they all make me suffer at this moment?
“No! Qiuxiang!” Nanyang suddenly recalled Shen Yi’s comical poem about catching a tiger.
She burst into laughter. “Explain the whole story to me, including Shen Yi’s poem!
Haha, let me see this famous work of his!”
Lin Fengxuan sneered, “Since Princess Changyang thinks my poetry is ordinary, I must take a good look at your family’s useless one!
Heh.
It must be extraordinary, right?”
The two mocked mercilessly.
Changyang was nearly broken inside. She felt she had lived cautiously all her life, walking on thin ice,
Only to end up a complete joke.
Pathetic.
Ridiculous.

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