Volume One, Chapter Five: The Four Great Poetic Masters of the Capital
Just outside the Eastern Garden, Shen Yi ran into Shen Jianren.
Shen Jianren wore a deeply worried expression as he said, “Of course I’m concerned about you, you reckless boy! I just heard the imperial edict—this is bad news! Your father will definitely take command of the military this time. When that happens, I fear the civil and military officials will seize the opportunity to erode the Shen family’s influence in Muzhou. Alas, it’s a pity—we’re all birds trapped in a cage now, unable to leave this place!”
Shen Yi glanced briefly behind him and replied calmly, “Second Uncle, don’t worry. With me here, I won’t let anything happen to Father.”
“Having you here makes me even less reassured!” Shen Jianren snapped angrily. “If you go to the front lines, your father will surely have to compromise with those despicable noble families because of you….”
“Second Uncle, I’m heading out now,” Shen Yi interrupted him. “We can talk about this another day.”
Shen Jianren’s eyes blazed as he shouted, “At a time like this, you’re not focusing on honing your martial skills, and you want to go out? What do you think you’re doing?”
Shen Yi’s tone turned serious. “I’m going to the Green Willow Pavilion.”
Shen Jianren was stunned.
“Are you crazy? You prodigal son! Not ashamed enough yet?”
As Shen Jianren raged behind him, Shen Yi dashed off like lightning.
Several servants, urged on by Shen Jianren, hurried to follow.
“Shen Liang, quickly follow the heir, bring some guards, and don’t let him cause trouble!”
“Yes, Second Master!”
…
Shen Yi’s first stop, naturally, was the scene of the incident—the Green Willow Pavilion.
Near noon, as he exited the Prince Consort’s residence, he encountered a luxurious carriage.
Outside, snowflakes drifted in the wind, and a young man of about seventeen or eighteen, with the air of a scholarly gentleman, gracefully stepped down from the carriage and went to the other side to assist a woman.
She wore a long robe over a fur-lined coat, beneath which were silks and satins embroidered with pearls and jade, exuding an aura of nobility.
Despite the snowy weather, she was breathtakingly beautiful.
This woman was none other than Princess Nanyang, accompanied by her newlywed husband, Lin Fengxuan.
“Is this... Prince Consort Shen?” Lin Fengxuan stepped forward, cupping his hands in greeting. “Long time no see. How have you been lately?”
“I’d say quite well,” Princess Nanyang sneered disdainfully from the side. “Once a scandal becomes public knowledge, ‘quite well’ indeed.”
Shen Yi glanced indifferently. “Speak plainly, or speak not at all.”
Hearing this, Princess Nanyang scoffed, “How rude!”
Lin Fengxuan smiled politely. “My wife and I heard about what happened last night, and we are deeply concerned. Princess Nanyang and Princess Changyang have been close since childhood, so I brought some specialty treats from Qingzhou as a gesture of goodwill. We thought we might have a meal together and catch up.”
Shen Yi casually said, “She’s inside. You can find her yourself.”
“Ah,” Lin Fengxuan hurriedly added, “Prince Consort Shen, we were married on the same day and travel similar paths. It’s a good opportunity to dine together and discuss your affairs.”
---
Shen Yi looked at the abundant food prepared and, with Shen Liang and the family guards following behind, smiled faintly. “My stomach’s not very good; I can’t handle soft food. Please, enjoy yourselves.”
“Your Highness! Wait for me!” middle-aged steward Shen Liang called out, chasing after them with a wry smile. Upon seeing Princess Nanyang and the others, he bowed hurriedly and kept up the pace.
“Seeing you today confirms it—you’re truly useless!” Princess Nanyang’s eyes brimmed with scorn and satisfaction.
Beside her, Lin Fengxuan, courteous and talented, was quite pleasing to her.
Lin Fengxuan muttered to himself, “My pastries and cooked dishes aren’t soft, though.”
What a pity.
Princess Changyang was both stunning and cultured, fond of poetry and music.
Today, since Princess Nanyang had come to mock, Changyang had dressed more scholarly to create a sharp contrast with Shen Yi, the family disgrace.
But he had backed down. Sigh, at least he knew his limits.
Of course,
It wasn’t that Princess Nanyang was lacking, but Princess Changyang was far more valuable.
He longed to see her grace in person and hoped to earn the admiration—and perhaps even the affection—of such a remarkable lady.
After all, besides her modest background, Princess Changyang was top-tier in every other way, and they might often cross paths in the future.
Thinking this, his steps quickened, the cold day unable to dampen his ardent heart.
At the mansion, Princess Nanyang saw a haggard Princess Changyang and smirked triumphantly.
She spoke with feigned sympathy, “Sister, why do you look so worn out? I’ve come to see you.”
Changyang was surprised by Nanyang’s visit; they had been rivals both openly and covertly since childhood, yet Nanyang’s mother was the favored consort.
Lowering her head, Changyang replied calmly and without arrogance, “Sister, you worry too much. I am fine.”
“How could you be fine? You always pretend to be strong,” Nanyang said helplessly. “Shen Yi, that wasteful rake, caused such a scandal. I’m afraid you might take it badly, so I came to check on you. Oh, and this is Lin Fengxuan, your brother-in-law. He’s a Hanlin Academy scholar and oversees ceremonial receptions for foreign envoys at the Ministry of Rites. I heard he’s one of the Four Great Poets of the capital?”
Feigning forgetfulness, Nanyang loudly asked Lin Fengxuan.
Upon entering, Lin Fengxuan was struck by Princess Changyang’s beauty, which was different from Nanyang’s sharpness.
Changyang possessed a classical elegance, learned and graceful, with expressive eyes and refined manners—every smile and frown radiated charm.
Absolutely stunning!
Yet he concealed his awe and, when both ladies looked at him, he humbly said, “I’m but a humble servant, lightly honored by my peers as one of the Four Great Poets of the capital.”
A Hanlin Academy scholar of the fifth rank!
Though as a prince consort he ranked below the junior minister and could not enter the Secretariat, he held real power as an official in the Ministry of Rites.
But Princess Changyang was still amazed by the title of “Poet King.”
“Brother-in-law, you’re too modest. That title isn’t given to just anyone. The four are second only to the mad poet Wang Fengxi.”
---
Now that’s a true confidant!
She has great taste! Truly a gifted lady who understands me!
Lin Fengxuan privately rejoiced but remained humble, gazing affectionately at Princess Nanyang.
“Princess, you flatter me. As long as it pleases you, I will strive to do anything for you.”
Princess Nanyang basked in the praise. Though she wasn’t fond of poetry, Lin Fengxuan’s reputation pleased her greatly.
She felt proud.
Seeing Princess Changyang’s surprise and “envy,” Nanyang was quite satisfied.
In truth, Changyang was somewhat distracted, only replying politely. She didn’t want to endure the forced false kindness here.
Taking advantage of the moment, Nanyang handed over a piece of poetry written by Lin Fengxuan.
“Sister, this was written by Fengxuan. I don’t understand it either. Could you help me?”
Changyang pursed her lips, internally scoffing, but still glanced at the poem.
Immediately,
Her eyes brightened. Beautiful handwriting, fine poetry, and a handsome gentleman!
Sincerely, she said, “Brother-in-law, your poem is truly excellent. It perfectly captures your sister’s beauty! I envy you both.”
Wonderful! Both Nanyang and Lin Fengxuan exclaimed inwardly.
What a relief!
Lin Fengxuan then seized the opportunity.
“Princess, you need not be so modest. Shen Yi is no worse himself. By the way, five days from now, Prince Jingnan will hold a poetry gathering at his residence. The capital’s Seven Talents and Four Great Poets will attend. Even my prince brother might come. I have a few invitations—would you and Shen Yi honor us with your presence? It would be a good chance to relax.”
“Really?” Changyang was delighted. “Such poetry gatherings aren’t open to just anyone! Brother-in-law, you’re amazing. I’ve long admired Mr. Wang. I hope to see him this time.”
Lin Fengxuan modestly lowered his head. “There might be such an opportunity. Be sure to bring Shen Yi, as we will be family from now on.”
Princess Nanyang nodded approvingly. Not bad; the observation period could be shortened!
“He?” Changyang’s voice turned cold. “That brute? Going there would only make him look even more ridiculous!”
Nanyang smiled slyly. Today’s goal had been achieved—she was thrilled!
…
“Second Master Shen—or rather, Prince Consort Shen—is back at Shui Xiang Stream!”
“My goodness! He’s still alive?”
“Still blushing and panting heavily? What? Did Princess Changyang scold him so badly he’s now seeking revenge on ten women at once?”
“Truly a legend alive! I, Ruan Juji, hereby declare him the strongest!”