Chapter 62: The Poetry Society - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

 Chapter 62: The Poetry Society

Xiao Tingyi raised an eyebrow and glanced at Elder Xu, who at over seventy years old still had a childlike demeanor and didn't seem to understand what it meant to be serious.

Too lazy to argue with him, Xiao Tingyi took a piece of fish from the box and waved it in front of the large orange cat. The cat couldn't resist the temptation and sprang from Elder Xu's arms to curry favor with Xiao Tingyi.

"All you know is to eat, eat, eat. Look at what you've turned into!" Elder Xu scolded as he threw the fish. The seemingly plump cat agilely leaped and caught the fish mid-air, then dragged it aside to eat it with gusto.

Xiao Tingyi's lips curled into a faint smile, but his whole demeanor exuded a natural loneliness, as if no one could ever reach his heart.

"The weather hasn't been good this year. I had the Imperial Astronomers calculate, and next year there might be constant rainfall. I'm worried that grain prices will rise. So, Elder Xu, if you have nothing else to do, it's best to make preparations." Xiao Tingyi said, revealing the true reason he invited Elder Xu to the secluded courtyard for a game of chess.

Hearing this, Elder Xu's playful demeanor vanished. His aged face shone with a sharpness, like an old fox who had seen it all.

"Your Highness, you're right. The grain stores are already filled to the brim. Even if Jin faced three years of drought, we'd still have enough to cope." he replied, thinking of his recent inspection of the granaries.

Xiao Tingyi's long, black hair was tied with a light blue jade band, adorned with a luminous pearl, enhancing his already striking appearance. Elder Xu looked at him as if he were his own descendant, lamenting that none of his own sons or grandsons could match Xiao Tingyi's demeanor.

"Your Highness, the city is abuzz with talk about the broken and renewed engagements. I'm worried that all the gossip will upset Mingyue. So, I was wondering if I could borrow this courtyard for a few days?"

"Mm." Xiao Tingyi agreed.

He couldn't help but think of the direct nature of Xu Mingyue, though another face, that of Feng Jinyao, also came to mind. Despite being just a young girl, she had eyes that seemed to see through people. For a moment, he suspected that the troubles involving the Xu family, the broken engagement, and the Liang family's proposal might all be connected to her.

The fleeting expression of warmth on his usually cold face didn't go unnoticed by his attendants Yang Zhao and Elder Xu, who exchanged surprised glances. Was this the legendary 'iron tree blooming'?

Xiao Tingyi quickly resumed his usual composed demeanor, continuing the chess game with Elder Xu.

The Jin dynasty had been established for over a century and placed great importance on the imperial examinations. It was decreed by the ancestors that corruption would result in execution and cheating would lead to the extermination of the offender's entire family. Therefore, the triennial imperial examination always garnered the most attention.

Since the previous emperor's reign, a 'Spring Poetry Society' was held in the twelfth month, gathering talented individuals from all over, regardless of background, to showcase their skills in poetry. Each year, notable scholars from various academies were invited to judge, making it a prestigious event.

Aspiring scholars flocked to participate, and the renowned Changchun Tower even built a side pavilion named 'Dengyun Pavilion' for the event, embodying an elegant literary style. Consequently, the Spring Poetry Society had been held there for many years.

The half-month-long event became a barometer for the spring imperial exams. Those who excelled at the society often did well in the exams, and the society's top performers were favored by bookmakers predicting the top three exam candidates.

This year, Bai Chaohai from Yunqi Academy, who was replacing an ailing scholar, was one of the judges. Bai Siruo, hearing the news, insisted on disguising herself as a bookboy to join her father and witness the excitement. Her doting father had no choice but to agree.

Naturally, she couldn't leave out Feng Jinyao. When she approached her with the idea, Feng Jinyao was both amused and exasperated.

"Fourth Uncle is too indulgent. If Fourth Aunt finds out he's taking you to such an event, she'll have a fit."

"Hmph! I even brought you a bookboy outfit. Are you coming or not? I heard Second Cousin will be there too." Bai Siruo coaxed while shaking Feng Jinyao's arm.

"You care most about Second Cousin's performance, don't you? This will give us a good idea of his standing among the current candidates. Knowing this, we can better encourage him to improve, right?"

Faced with Bai Siruo's mix of threats and persuasion, Feng Jinyao had no choice but to agree.

"Fine, but no seeking attention. If anyone finds out our true identities, we'll be in big trouble."

Bai Siruo nodded vigorously, knowing full well that her father's future was at stake.

Seeing her sincerity, Feng Jinyao finally relaxed. The next morning, the Bai family's carriage was waiting at the Feng residence. Feng Jinyao had already dressed as a bookboy, with her hair tied up, a cloak over her outfit, and a felt hat, making her disguise almost perfect.

The beautiful lady now looked like a handsome young bookboy. Yunxu, while adjusting her mistress's attire, worriedly advised her to be careful.

"I know. Just take good care of Chilin and make sure it gets some exercise. It's getting fat." Feng Jinyao said.

The fox, Chilin, barely opened its eyes upon hearing its name, then went back to sleep.

Since arriving at Ning'an Courtyard, the fox had become inseparable from Shouqiu, making everyone think it was just lazy. Feng Jinyao, frustrated by its inactivity, hoped to exercise it more, if not for the cold weather and its young age.

"Don't worry, Miss. Just be careful not to give anyone any reason to talk."

As Feng Jinyao was approaching a crucial age for marriage, her maid Yunxu was especially concerned about her reputation.

Feng Jinyao laughed, amused by her maid's serious demeanor.

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