Sludge suction system

"Many thanks to General Ning and Young Master Ning for saving us. I would like to offer you both a toast." After saying this, she covered her face with her sleeve, raised her wine cup, and drank it all in one gulp.

"Miss Hua, you have a good capacity for alcohol. No wonder you are the daughter of a high-ranking official. You have guts. Hahaha..." General Ning joked.

"Miss Hua, there's no need to be so polite. This is merely my duty, Ning Yuan's." Ning Yuan smiled and raised his wine glass with great gusto, tilting his head back to drink it all in one gulp. The fine wine flowed down his throat, bringing a refreshing and invigorating sensation.

At this moment, Lan Feng, who had just come to his senses, quickly reacted. He immediately raised his wine cup, first gesturing slightly to General Ning, then turning to Ning Yuan and saying loudly, "Uncle, Brother Ning, thank you so much for your help this time! This Miss Hua Yu is the fiancée I mentioned to you in my previous letter, who is not yet engaged. I never expected to be rescued by you. It's truly fate, hahaha..." After speaking, he also drank the wine in his cup without hesitation.

Upon hearing this, Hua Xiang, sitting to the side, instantly turned pale. She thought to herself that she couldn't just stand by and watch Hua Yu steal away the Fourth Prince, whom she had long admired. So, she quickly stood up, swaying her hips with captivating charm as she walked towards Lan Feng. When she reached him, she gave a slight bow and then softly said, "I'd like to offer a toast to the Fourth Prince first, congratulating him and my sister on your upcoming marriage and a long and happy life together!" With that, she parted her lips and delicately sipped her wine. Her appearance was so alluring that Lan Feng's heart skipped a beat. At that moment, he couldn't help but think that after he married Hua Yu, he would definitely find a suitable way to take this charming Hua Xiang as a concubine as well.

At the banquet, the guests toasted and chatted, but soon dispersed. At this moment, Madam Hua parted her lips slightly and suggested with a smile, "Gentlemen, after this meal, why don't we go to our back garden to admire the flowers, compose some poems, and enjoy ourselves after dinner? What do you all think?" Everyone nodded in agreement.

Led by Madam Hua, the group proceeded in a grand procession towards the renowned Hua Mansion's Nine-Bend Pavilion. Before long, they arrived before this uniquely designed pavilion. There, pavilions and waterside terraces were arranged in a harmonious and orderly fashion, interspersed with artificial hills, creating a serene and elegant scene. The group climbed the steps and ascended to a spacious pavilion in the center of the building.

Standing in this pavilion, the view is superb, offering a panoramic vista of the entire Huafu area. A delicate stone bridge spans the gently flowing stream like a rainbow; the garden is a riot of color, each flower vying for attention and releasing its fragrance; in the distance, the artificial hills and strangely shaped rocks are a testament to the wonders of nature. Such beauty is truly captivating, making one linger and reluctant to leave.

Just then, the Fourth Prince, Lan Feng, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up: "I have long heard that the two young ladies of the Hua family are both talented and beautiful, especially in poetry and prose, where they are truly exceptional! Today, with such a beautiful occasion and so many scholars gathered here, why not take advantage of this rare moment of refined pleasure and let us also have the opportunity to appreciate the two young ladies' masterpieces?" As soon as he finished speaking, everyone present echoed his sentiments, and their eyes all turned to the two Hua sisters.

Facing the expectant gazes of the crowd, the younger sister, Hua Xiang, was not intimidated at all. With a smile on her lips, she said confidently, "Since the Fourth Prince has spoken, I will naturally step forward! I just wonder if my elder sister is willing to compete with me?" After saying that, she turned to look at her elder sister beside her, her eyes revealing a hint of provocation.

The elder sister, Hua Yu, gently shook her head and smiled faintly, "My younger sister is exceptionally talented, and I humbly admit defeat. I won't embarrass myself by showing off." The crowd was in an uproar upon hearing this. Everyone knew that the two Hua sisters were always at odds, so it was quite unusual for the elder sister to back down today.

Hua Xiang was secretly delighted, but still pretended to say, "Sister, don't be modest. If you don't take action, everyone will think that I'm bullying the weak." Hua Yu had no choice but to agree.

The servants quickly prepared pen, ink, paper, and inkstone. Hua Xiang thought for a moment, then picked up her pen and wrote: "Flowers bloom in the garden, their fragrance filling my sleeves; butterflies dance and flutter, their beauty unending. A gentle breeze rustles through the bamboo groves; the bright moon invites us to enjoy the autumn together." After finishing, she looked at everyone with a smug expression.

Hua Yu, unhurried and deliberate, dipped her brush in ink and wrote: "Flourishing flowers are like a dream, ultimately fading into nothingness; worldly affairs are as impermanent as a tumbleweed. Do not lament the fleeting beauty of spring and autumn; with a magnanimous heart, one can remain calm and composed." After reading it, everyone murmured their admiration. This poem, seemingly pessimistic, actually reveals a sense of open-mindedness and possesses a deeper meaning than Hua Xiang's work.

A hint of admiration flashed in the eyes of the Fourth Prince, Lan Feng, who smiled and said, "Miss Hua Yu is indeed extraordinary." Hua Xiang bit her lip secretly upon seeing this, her face turning slightly gloomy.

"Little scum, little scum, thanks to the ancient poetry treasure you provided me, otherwise my mediocre skills would definitely have been exposed. I won't call you a stinky little scum next time."

"Host, Lan Feng's favorability towards you has increased by another 10 points. Keep up the good work!"

General Ning clapped his hands with delight and praised loudly, "Oh my, it's a pleasure to meet you today! You truly live up to your reputation! Madam Hua, you are truly a wise mother! Look at these two beautiful young ladies, not only are they beautiful, but they are also exceptionally talented. They are truly admirable and remarkable!"

Upon hearing these words of praise, the Hua sisters quickly stood up and gracefully bowed to General Ning, displaying the demeanor of well-bred ladies.

The unique poetry gathering drew to a close in the blink of an eye. Madam Hua personally led Hua Yu and Hua Xiang to see the guests off from the Hua residence. Just as everyone was reluctant to part, Hua Xiang quietly moved to Lan Feng's side. She parted her lips slightly and said in a low voice, "Fourth Prince, my admiration for you has been growing for quite some time. Even without a title, I would be willing to stay by your side. I hope Your Highness will have mercy on me..." As she spoke, her beautiful eyes gazed at Lan Feng with deep affection, revealing endless tenderness and expectation.

Lan Feng looked closely and saw the beautiful woman before him, so delicate and charming, and so deeply affectionate towards him. A surge of secret joy and immense pride welled up within him. A slight smile played on his lips as he gently stroked Hua Xiang's smooth, delicate hand, softly replying, "Don't worry, my beauty. After I marry your sister, I will immediately bring you into my household as well. I assure you, I will never betray your devoted heart."

Hua Yu watched the two adulterers from the corner, their expressions of reluctance, and thought to herself, "It's time to go and meet this Crown Prince."