The male contestant, the King of Beijin, slowly stood up. Whether it was due to haste or genuine poor health, he began to cough, clearing his throat several times before stopping.
He looked up again, his complexion transparently white, as if he were about to pass away at any moment.
Li Xiaowan was incredibly anxious, wishing she could immediately retract her question. However, the King of Beijin spoke with a gentle, faint smile.
"My health is not good. As long as someone sincerely wishes to be the Queen of Beijin, I have no objections."
He then smiled at Li Xiaowan. The smile was weak and feeble. Looking at him, Li Xiaowan felt as if she were seeing a ghost. She truly couldn't bear it. Was she really going to marry such a man, who seemed on the verge of death at any moment?
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress. I have finished my questions."
Mu Qingyao then posed the third question: "The cycle of life and death, guess an idiom this time."
The response was quick this time. It was Ximen Xinyue. Ximen Xinyue grabbed the chance to answer but hesitated, her coy expression, as if she had something to say but couldn't, evoking a desire to protect her in many men.
They say women are made of water, and this was perfectly embodied by Ximen Xinyue. She was truly as soft as a pool of water, capable of melting even the hardest ice.
However, Mu Qingyao knew her intentions well, a smile playing on her lips as she gazed tenderly at the man beside her.
Everything Ximen Xinyue was doing was likely to attract the attention of the man beside her.
Mu Rong Liuzun frowned slightly, his eyes deepening, making it impossible to fathom their meaning.
Ximen Xinyue, however, spoke softly, "Reporting to Your Majesty the Empress, Xinyue was too hasty and pressed the bell too soon. In truth, Xinyue has not yet thought of an answer."
Since she said so, Mu Qingyao rephrased the question, "Has anyone else thought of an answer to this question?"
As soon as she spoke, someone pressed the bell. A gentle and lovely young lady stood up. Although Mu Qingyao didn't recognize whose daughter this lady was, the Emperor spoke softly, "She is the daughter of Ye Guangzhao, the Grand Scholar of the Imperial Academy."
Mu Qingyao's sharp gaze meticulously examined this woman. She always felt that beneath her lovely appearance, something else was hidden, but when she tried to explore it, nothing could be seen.
"Very well, you may answer," Mu Qingyao said calmly. Miss Ye immediately replied, "Birth and death."
"Whom would Miss Ye like to ask?"
Mu Qingyao was curious about whom this woman wanted to question. The entire flower appreciation banquet was silent. Even if the men disliked this woman, they hoped she would question them, as it would indicate their popularity.
"Xianxian would like to ask the King of Beijin if he minds about matching social status."
As soon as Ye Xianxian finished speaking, her entire face turned as red as a shrimp. Her question was too blunt. It was obvious that she wanted to marry the King of Beijin.
A sigh arose from the flower appreciation banquet.
Many men inwardly disdained Ye Xianxian. Seeing her put-together appearance and seemingly demure demeanor, they realized she was a woman who coveted wealth and status.
The King of Beijin was sickly, and yet she wanted to marry him. Wasn't it obvious she was after his power?
Upon hearing the widespread sighs, Ye Xianxian trembled with shyness. Even many women beside her stared at her with surprise.
At this moment, the King of Beijin stood up, his gentle voice ringing out, "Matching social status is too archaic."
His concise answer indicated that the King of Beijin did not mind the so-called matching of social status.
If he truly minded matching social status, then Ye Xianxian would have no chance, as she was the daughter of a Grand Scholar of the Imperial Academy, a mere fourth-rank official. To be matched with the King of Beijin was indeed not appropriate; at best, she could only be a secondary consort.
By asking so boldly, this woman also indicated her desire to be the principal consort.
Her Majesty the Empress Dowager coldly observed everything before her, showing disdain for Ye Xianxian's actions.
Merely the daughter of a minor fourth-rank scholar, yet she dared to dream of becoming the Queen of Beijin. A pipe dream! That Grand Scholar possessed no power at all. How could he possibly help her Mo'er?
Even as a secondary consort, Mo'er would not want her.
The King of Beijin extricated Ye Xianxian from her predicament. The two sat down, and all eyes shifted to Ximen Xinyue at the far end of the female contestants.
"Does Miss Ximen wish to perform a talent herself, or will she ask for assistance?"
Mu Qingyao's indifferent voice sounded. Ximen Xinyue's expressive eyes shone brightly as she gazed directly at the Emperor seated on the high platform. However, the Emperor's handsome face remained expressionless, indicating a lack of any chivalrous tenderness.
Ximen Xinyue was disappointed and naturally did not want to seek displeasure for herself. Her gaze casually swept over the male contestants. Many men displayed eagerness, but Ximen Xinyue had always considered herself proud and aloof, thus she would not entertain such worldly men. She slowly began to speak.
"Xinyue willingly offers a song."
Upon hearing this, many men were disappointed. However, they quickly remembered that Ximen Xinyue was one of the imperial concubine candidates. Who knew, perhaps one day she might be favored and become the Emperor's consort. As such, she was still within their reach. Therefore, they restrained their inappropriate thoughts.
Since they could not have her, it would be good to hear her play a song. It was rumored that Ximen Xinyue's zither music was exceptionally skillful.
"Granted," Mu Qingyao stated calmly. Immediately, a maid carried the zither forward.
Several eunuchs brought a zither stand to the center and set it up. The maid gracefully placed the zither on the stand, turned, and walked to Ximen Xinyue's side, extending her hand to help her to the center position.
Mu Qingyao had heard Ximen Xinyue play the zither before. She played very well indeed, with deep charm and delicate intricacy.
A gentle breeze blew, carrying waves of fragrant flowers. The zither music began, melodious and clear, drifting throughout the flower appreciation banquet. Many people closed their eyes slightly, immersed in the ethereal and moving melody.
Under the blue sky and white clouds, appreciating such beautiful and moving music, this scene was truly captivating, as if one were drifting in a clear lake, peacefully entering a dream, unwilling to wake.
However, good wine is easily drunk, and good music is quickly finished. The song ended.
Everyone remained immersed in the melodious atmosphere until Ximen Xinyue's pleasant voice rang out, "You have been too kind."
As everyone came back to their senses, thunderous applause erupted.
Ximen Xinyue possessed an innate elegance and a touch of inherent confidence. Her gaze seemed to intentionally or unintentionally sweep across the Emperor seated on the high platform. The Emperor appeared to be listening intently, and her heart couldn't help but fill with joy.
As long as the Emperor noticed her, her objective for today would be achieved. She was not in a hurry for the rest; there would be plenty of time in the future.
Ximen Xinyue retreated, and the eunuchs cleared away the zither stand.
The game continued.
There were questions and answers, penalties of drinking, and performances of talent. Everyone was very enthusiastic and excited.
They had never played such an interesting game before. It allowed them to enjoy song and dance, speak with the person they cared about, and also take the opportunity to admire the grace of others. Everyone displayed an unprecedented level of enthusiasm.