A lady dressed in splendid clothes could not help but exclaimed:

"This poem is so beautifully written! The magnolia's emerald green branches are described as full of power, as if they could attract the wind.

The pure white flowers are like silver and jade, and have a delicate fragrance.

Another young lady quickly echoed this, her eyes gleaming with admiration:

"Later, the magnolia flower is compared to a close friend, saying it is considerate.

Gently unbuttoning a white dress in the wind, this metaphor is perfect!"

Everyone nodded, whispered to each other, and praised the poem highly.

Su Niantang's expression became increasingly ugly. She bit her lower lip tightly, and her eyes were filled with resentment and jealousy as she looked at Bai Wanwan.

She couldn't understand why Bai Wanwan could recite such wonderful poems so easily.

The crowd continued to chatter: "Miss Bai's poetic talent is truly beyond compare. Each of her three poems is truly stunning!"

"Yes, with such talent, even many well-read men cannot match it!"

At this time, an elderly official stroked his beard and said slowly:

"Miss Bai comes from a distinguished family. Her family has a collection of tens of thousands of books, and she has been carefully taught by famous teachers. It is not surprising that she has such talent.

But such talent is really rare!"

Everyone agreed, and when they looked at Bai Wanwan, there was not only admiration but also a bit of awe.

Concubine Liu also showed a satisfied smile on her face, clapped her hands gently and said, "Miss Bai's performance today really amazed the whole audience. Her talent is outstanding and admirable!"

Bai Wanwan glanced at Su Niantang and said, "Sister Su promised to give me something, can you give it to me now?"

Su Niantang's face turned pale and red, and her hands, which were clutching the corners of her clothes, were shaking.

The jade pendant was a dowry her mother brought from her parents' home. She passed it to her two days ago, saying that she should keep it as a dowry.

If I take it out now, how can I explain to my mother when I get home?

Her throat was tight and she wanted to say something, but no words came out.

At this time, a distant cousin of the Su family stood up and said with a stern face:

"Miss Bai, you dare to accept such a valuable item?

Do you know how profound the origin of this jade pendant is?"

The tone was full of threats.

Bai Wanwan was not in a hurry and asked with a smile:

"It has nothing to do with me, right? It was your Su family who said that whoever loses will give the jade pendant to the winner.

So many ladies present heard it, could it be that the Su family doesn't keep their word? "

Her voice was clear and every word she spoke was distinct.

The ladies who were watching the fun around also joined in the fun.

Mrs. Zhang pulled her handkerchief and said:

"That's right! Miss Su had a great time gambling at the beginning, and now she wants to refuse to pay after losing?

It won’t sound good if it gets out!”

Madam Li also chimed in: "We are all well-known families. We must keep our word. Otherwise, who would dare to associate with the Su family in the future?"

Su Niantang was so anxious that her eyes turned red and tears welled up in her eyes.

She stole a glance at Concubine Liu, hoping that the noble person from the palace would say something.

But Concubine Liu just drank her tea slowly and showed no intention of helping.

Su's cousin was a little panicked by being stared at by so many people, and he stammered and couldn't speak.

The scene froze and the air almost solidified.

Old Madam Su walked forward slowly with her cane, glanced at Su Niantang, who looked aggrieved, then looked at Bai Wanwan, who looked calm, and said in a deep voice, "The Su family has always valued keeping promises. Since we have already made an agreement, this jade pendant should naturally be given to Miss Bai."

She raised her hand to signal the nanny beside her: "What are you still standing there for? Just bring it here."

As soon as the words fell, the whole place was in an uproar.

Su Niantang cried out "Wow" and turned around and threw herself into her mother's arms.

When Bai Wanwan took the jade pendant wrapped in red silk, her fingertips touched the cold jade.

He caught a glimpse of Su Niantang's red eyes and his smile deepened.

Bai Wanwan had just taken the jade pendant and hadn't seen it clearly when she saw Su Niantang suddenly rushing up and slapping the jade pendant away with a "bang".

The jade pendant hit the blue brick floor and broke into several pieces with a "bang". The crisp sound was particularly harsh in the quiet room.

Everyone present was stunned, their mouths open, speechless.

Bai Wanwan's face flushed red as she pointed at Su Niantang and shouted, "What kind of tricks are you Su family playing?"

Su Niantang wiped the tears from her face and sneered:

"It is better to die in glory than live in dishonor!

I said I would give you the jade pendant, but I didn't say you couldn't break it!"

She stuck her neck out, looking determined.

"Is this the Su family's upbringing?" Bai Wanwan laughed angrily. "You agreed to accept defeat after a bet, so what's the big deal about breaking things now? Aren't you afraid of being laughed at if the news gets out?"

The faces of several relatives of the Su family turned pale and blue. They wanted to ask for help, but were afraid of saying the wrong thing.

The ladies around also began to whisper, some shook their heads and sighed, and some whispered, "It's so embarrassing."

The scene was in chaos, and even the emperor who had just sat down frowned.

Qi Guangheng frowned as he stared at the broken jade on the ground. After listening to Concubine Liu's brief account of what had happened, he suddenly became interested: "Bring over those three poems and have a look!"

He took the manuscript and quickly glanced at it, then he couldn't help but clap his hands and laugh:

"Good! Good! This night is really not easy!

Those scholars who shake their heads all day long probably don't have this ability!"

He waved his hand and shouted, "Reward!"

Concubine Liu smiled and said:

"Award Princess Ning'an a pair of longevity lockets inlaid with gold filigree and gemstones.

Bring out the luminous cups treasured in the palace, each one is a rare item sent as tribute from the Western Regions!

And that set of small bowls and plates made of mutton-fat jade are just right for serving snacks to her!

Oh, and take out the pair of Dongzhu earrings from the storeroom. They’ll look great with the little girl’s red dress!”

The people around were all stunned.

Su Niantang's face turned pale and he almost couldn't stand. Bai Wanwan quickly knelt down to express her gratitude: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for the reward!"

But I was very happy in my heart. These treasures are much better than that broken jade pendant!

Qi Guangheng lowered his eyes and glanced at the Su family members, and said slowly: "Debts should be paid back, and broken jade should be compensated. The Su family can't be so ignorant of this principle, right?"

Before he could finish his words, the old lady of the Su family slammed her cane heavily on the blue brick floor, making the whole room silent.

I saw her taking off a bracelet from her wrist with trembling hands. The bracelet looked dark and inconspicuous at first glance, but upon closer inspection, I found that it was wrapped in gold wire and densely inlaid with various gems.

The rubies looked like crystallized blood beads, the green jades shone with a faint watery light, and the rarest were a few thumb-sized sapphires.

What’s even more amazing is that the bracelet is decorated with tiny pearls, which sway gently with the movement, as if the Milky Way was crushed and inlaid inside.

"This was the birthday gift given by the Empress Dowager herself."

The old lady of the Su family said loudly, "The gold thread was made by melting ten ounces of red gold nine times, and the gemstones are all the first batch of materials tributed from the Western Regions."

She gritted her teeth and pushed the bracelet in front of Bai Wanwan, and the ladies around her gasped one after another.

A knowledgeable lady exclaimed, "Isn't this the legendary Seven Star Moon Bracelet? The Su family is actually willing to take out their treasured treasure!"

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