Daqing Reborn Prince, Intercepting Si Lili at the Beginning

Chapter 34: The Emperor’s Astonishment! Li Chengyuan’s Plan for Ascension!

If nothing unexpected happens, today’s poetry banquet at the Duke of Li’s mansion should be the grandest event in the kingdom of Qing this year!

Not only are the literati of the capital paying attention, but so are all the civil and military officials of the court!

This poetry banquet is not just an ordinary gathering, it is also the first banquet hosted by the Third Prince, Li Chengyuan, since he was bestowed with the title of duke.

Li Chengyuan’s abilities, talents, and power will be fully displayed at this event.

By the end of the day, the ministers of the court will know whether Li Chengyuan is a true hidden dragon or merely a pretender.

That’s why many young masters and ladies, who have no literary talent, were invited today.

Because behind them stand the various officials of the court.

If Li Chengyuan performs well, he can use this banquet to accumulate connections and draw the ministers to his side, greatly expanding his influence.

This is why when Xie Bian lost today, Li Chengze was so furious.

Because Li Chengyuan used this opportunity to step on his face and build his reputation!

’

The events at the Duke of Li’s mansion today are tugging at countless people’s nerves.

Even the Emperor of Qing is not an exception.

After having breakfast in the morning, Emperor Qing instructed Eunuch Hou to pay close attention to the events at the Duke of Li’s mansion and to report any significant developments.

The first report came in about the “confrontation” outside the Shixin Gate.

After hearing it, Emperor Qing’s expression subtly changed, evidently surprised that Li Chengze and Li Chengyuan had clashed.

This was somewhat unfavorable to his plans.

However, the emperor didn’t say much and simply told Eunuch Hou to continue monitoring.

In the meantime, Eunuch Hou presented a few decent poems from the morning session for the emperor’s perusal, but Emperor Qing merely glanced at them and tossed them aside, clearly disinterested.

It wasn’t until noon, when Li Chengyuan deliberately “provoked” Li Chengze by having his maid challenge Xie Bian, that the emperor’s interest was piqued.

When he heard that Qingniao had defeated Xie Bian in one move, Emperor Qing’s expression changed for the first time.

“Are you saying the maid beside Li Chengyuan is a ninth-ranked martial artist?” Emperor Qing asked Eunuch Hou, surprised.

Eunuch Hou bowed and replied, “Your Majesty, the secret report didn’t state she was ninth-ranked!”

“Xie Bian is at the peak of the eighth rank, and if Qingniao could defeat him in one move, she must be a ninth-ranked expert! What’s the story behind this maid?”

“Your Majesty, according to the intelligence from the Investigation Bureau, this Qingniao is also the daughter of a famous figure. Her father was Wang Xiu, the ‘Spear Immortal,’ who was killed years ago. After his death, Qingniao became an orphan. A few years ago, she encountered the Third Prince while he was sneaking out of the palace, and they became friends.

She has been wandering near the capital ever since, and it wasn’t until the Third Prince was bestowed the title of duke that she hurried back to the capital to join him.”

“The Spear Immortal, Wang Xiu?” Emperor Qing thought for a moment, then nodded. “I remember him. No wonder this Qingniao is so skilled—she’s his daughter. Ha, Li Chengyuan does have quite the luck!”

Eunuch Hou chuckled, “The Third Prince certainly knows how to win a girl’s heart. He even wrote a poem for her. It’s said that someone offered ten thousand taels for the original copy, but Qingniao refused.”

Emperor Qing was surprised.

“Oh? Ten thousand taels? What poem is this?”

“Your Majesty, please take a look!” Eunuch Hou handed over a transcribed copy of the poem to the emperor.

This was a copy, not the original. After all, the original was in Qingniao’s hands, and the Investigation Bureau couldn’t get hold of it.

“‘The lake shines bright on a sunny day; mountains are veiled in mist on rainy days. I wish to compare the lake to you, dear Qingniao—both light and heavy makeup suit you well.’ Excellent poem!” Emperor Qing was praised loudly after reading it. “Wonderful, truly wonderful! The lake has been named Qinghu for so many years, yet no poem has ever captured its beauty like this. That has always been my regret, but now it seems old Third has done it. Good! Eunuch Hou!”

“At your service!”

“Have a stone tablet erected by the lake, and inscribe this poem on it. Then have a Grand Scholar from the Wenyan Pavilion write a record of the poem’s background to engrave on the back.”

Eunuch Hou was astonished. “Your Majesty, if we do that, Qingniao will likely be remembered throughout history!”

“Yes, her father once rendered meritorious service to Qing, so she’s the daughter of a hero. Giving her some recognition is only right!”

“Your Majesty is truly generous! I will issue the order immediately!” Eunuch Hou hurriedly bowed and left.

’

After this, the poetry competition continued into the afternoon, and once again, Emperor Qing found himself dozing off.

It wasn’t until Li Chengyuan composed ten more poems in a row that the emperor became interested again.

Looking at the ten poems in front of him, Emperor Qing couldn’t stop reading them.

Despite his mixed feelings about Li Chengyuan, the emperor couldn’t deny his third son’s talent.

If only he were the Crown Prince’s brother by blood, Emperor Qing wouldn’t hesitate to give him a chance.

But unfortunately, he wasn’t.

’

The emperor read the ten poems several times over.

Just when he thought the poetry banquet was about to end, Eunuch Hou brought him Li Chengyuan’s crowning masterpiece.

Upon hearing that this was Li Chengyuan’s proudest work, the emperor immediately read it carefully.

As he read, Emperor Qing became completely captivated.

**”When will the moon be bright and clear? With a cup in hand, I ask the sky. I wonder what year it is tonight in the palaces on high. I long to fly home on the wind, but fear the crystal towers, the jade halls—too high and cold for me. Dancing with my shadow, it doesn’t seem so bad here in the world of men.

The moon rounds the red mansion, stoops to silk-pad doors, and shines upon the sleepless. Bearing no grudge, why does it so often shine when people part? People have sorrow, joy, separation, and reunion; the moon may be dim or bright, round or thin. This has been going on since the beginning of time. May we all be blessed with longevity, though a thousand miles apart, we may share the beauty of the moon.”**

After finishing the poem, Emperor Qing was so shaken that he remained silent for a long time.

After what seemed like an eternity, he finally looked up, his gaze resolute as he instructed Eunuch Hou, “Issue a decree: Publish all twelve of Li Chengyuan’s poems in tomorrow’s newspaper, and ensure unlimited copies are printed!”

Eunuch Hou quickly bowed and accepted the order, hurrying out.

After Eunuch Hou left, Emperor Qing once again looked at the poems in his hand.

A long sigh echoed from the imperial chambers.

’

Deep within the Investigation Bureau.

Chen Pingping looked helplessly at Fan Jian, who was standing before him. “I say, you’ve been here all day. Now that the poetry banquet is over, isn’t it time for you to leave?”

Fan Jian snorted in response, “Hmph if it weren’t for the fast flow of information here, do you think I’d willingly stay?”

“Yes, yes, you’re the esteemed Minister of Revenue, and I’m just a humble director. You’re the mighty one, okay?”

“Hmph! Enough with the nonsense. Let me ask you something. Do you think Chengyuan stands a chance?”

Chen Pingping stared at Fan Jian for a moment before answering in a melancholic tone, “What do you think? You’ve studied history since childhood. Tell me, have you ever seen a talented and brilliant prince ascend the throne?”

Hearing this, Fan Jian fell silent.

Although Chen Pingping’s question was somewhat biased, it pointed to an undeniable truth.

Historically, brilliant and talented princes often met unfortunate ends.

Because in the battle for the throne, political acumen and cunning strategy often mattered far more than talent.

And those princes who were too focused on showcasing their talents often underestimated the importance of political maneuvering, making them vulnerable in the power struggle.

Li Chengyuan was precisely this kind of talented prince.

Yet, his competitors—the Crown Prince and the Second Prince—were both deeply calculating and scheming.

For Li Chengyuan to seize the throne from them was an almost impossible task.

Although Chen Pingping didn’t explicitly say it, he had already conveyed his answer.

Moreover, Chen Pingping knew Emperor Qing very well.

So he was certain: as long as Emperor Qing remained alive, Li Chengyuan had no hope of ascending the throne!

Conversely, if Li Chengyuan wished to become emperor, there was only one path left…

’’