Regent, please maintain your aloof image.

Qin Zhenzhen looked at her, a hint of jealousy flashing in his eyes, but he quickly composed himself and said, "Miss Su can compose poetry."

"He only knows a little bit; compared to Miss Qin, he's nothing."

"Is that so? Why don't we have a competition so that everyone can see Miss Su's strength."

Just as Su Qianrou was about to refuse, she heard the Empress Dowager say, "Well, since Miss Su knows how, why not give it a try?" Then she added, "If you win, I will reward you."

Chang Le looked at Su Qianrou, and after thinking it over, she was still a little worried, so she gave a few instructions to the maid beside her.

Immediately afterwards, the maid was seen leaving in a hurry.

Helpless, Su Qianrou had no choice but to stand up. "This humble woman is of limited talent and learning, and I am afraid she cannot compare to Miss Qin's outstanding talent."

"It's alright, just do your best."

"Yes".

"Miss Su, please."

"I have made a fool of myself... The camellia possesses a unique quality, with deep and rich green leaves, often blooming with red flowers, especially amidst the white snow. Although it has a noble appearance, it is not seductive. It does not wither in the cold of winter and will naturally be welcomed by the spring breeze. I will determine the flower's quality and compare it with the three nobles. The plum is special and pure, and is on par with Yi Shu."

After she finished speaking, everyone was stunned before they could react.

Chang Le was the first to react, clapping her hands and shouting, "What a wonderful poem!"

The others then came to their senses and began to applaud.

Yang Shanshan was so excited that she wanted to clap her hands until they were raw.

However, Qin Zhenzhen, Su Wanshan, and Su Huaizhu did not look very good. Qin Zhenzhen, in particular, could no longer maintain her smile, and her expression became even more somber after hearing Mu Jinchen's voice.

"Indeed excellent," Mu Jinchen's voice reached everyone's ears, and then he and Mu Zexuan appeared before them.

Everyone rose and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty; greetings, Regent."

"I have met the Empress Dowager."

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

"Why are you here?"

"I heard someone is composing poetry here, so my uncle and I have come to take a look," he said, glancing furtively at Su Qianrou and making a playful gesture.

Su Qianrou was amused by him.

Chang Le then looked at Mu Jinchen with a meaningful smile.

Soon, palace servants brought over two tables and chairs, and Mu Jinchen and Mu Zexuan sat down.

Chang Le deliberately asked, "Your Majesty, did you hear the poem that Qian Rou just composed?"

"I don't know who you are talking about."

"Keep pretending, keep pretending," Chang Le thought to herself.

Su Qianrou was initially worried that he would reveal their acquaintance, but she was relieved to hear him say this. She then stepped forward, knelt down, and said, "Your subject Su Qianrou greets Your Majesty and the Regent."

"Miss Su... there's no need for such formalities," Mu Zexuan almost called her "Sister Su," but luckily he reacted quickly, or he would have been exposed.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Su Qianrou stood up.

Then, Mu Jinchen asked in a feigned manner, "Your surname is Su, so you are the daughter of Su Jing'an, the prefect of Yangzhou."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

No wonder.

The Empress Dowager asked in confusion, "No wonder what?"

"His father was the top scholar in the imperial examination of the first year of the Chongzhen reign of the Ming Dynasty, and his elder brother was the last disciple of the Grand Tutor Song."

"I see," he said, then realized something was wrong and asked, "Wait, how did you know that?"

Chang Le couldn't help but chuckle to herself.

"That's what Lord Song said."

Although the Empress Dowager had doubts, she did not ask any further questions.

Qin Zhenzhen didn't believe his explanation. Her intuition told her that things weren't that simple, so she looked at Su Qianrou with a more scrutinizing gaze.

"Since Your Majesty also thinks Qianrou's poem is good, then Qianrou has won this competition. What do you think, Mother?"

"Miss Su's poem is indeed superior. I wonder if Miss Qin has any objections?"

"Your Majesty, I have no objection."

"Since that's the case, then Miss Su wins... Go and bring me my set of red jade and gemstone jewelry as a reward for Miss Su."

"Thank you for the Empress Dowager's gift."

Then, Su Qianrou and Qin Zhenzhen returned to their respective seats.

The Empress Dowager looked at Mu Jinchen and asked, "Have you taken a liking to anyone?"

Mu Jinchen said calmly, "No."

"There are so many, but I don't like any of them."

Mu Jinchen remained silent.

"If that's the case, then I'll have to arrange your marriage. I'll make Nanyi your princess consort, and Hong Ranran and He Jiahui your concubines. As for the other concubines, you can choose them yourself."

Mu Jinchen remained silent, but his expression clearly changed, becoming somewhat gloomy.

Chang Le strongly disagreed with her approach, saying, "Mother, my brother has his own ideas and plans, so please don't interfere."

"If he had any plans, he wouldn't have waited until now to get married."

"That shouldn't be taken advantage of either."

"I was considering things for him."

"To make a decision for him, the Empress Dowager has decided to make the daughter of the Duke his queen, and the daughters of the Minister of Works and the Vice Minister of Rites his concubines. She really has a good plan."

"Chang Le, you're getting more and more outrageous."

"Grandmother, let Uncle make his own decision about his marriage."

"Whom am I going to all this trouble for? Isn't it all for you?"

"My marriage is none of your concern, Mother."

"You... don't think you're all that now that you've become regent. Don't forget, I am your mother."

"I hope not."

"Your Majesty."

"Royal Uncle".

Chang Le and Mu Zexuan couldn't help but shout.

The Empress Dowager was furious. "You..."

Fearing a commotion might break out, Chang Le hurriedly said, "Mother, it's quite cold here. Why don't I accompany you back first?"

The Empress Dowager knew that this was not the right time to say such things, so she stood up and left without looking back.

Chang Le glanced at Mu Jinchen, then quickly followed.

Seeing this, the crowd below was somewhat bewildered, wondering what had happened and wondering why the Empress Dowager had left.

Qin Zhenzhen, who had been paying attention to Mu Jinchen, saw them arguing, but she didn't know why.

Immediately afterwards, Mu Jinchen also got up and left.

Mu Zexuan had no choice but to say, "Everyone, disperse," and then he left.

Qin Zhenzhen followed without saying a word.

Su Qianrou stood up, preparing to leave.

Seeing this, Yang Shanshan also stood up, saying, "Cousin, are you going back?"

"Ok".

Yang Shanshan was a little disappointed. "I wanted to talk to my cousin some more. I've always heard my mother mention my cousin, and I've always wanted to meet you. Now that I've met you, my cousin is indeed a stunning beauty, and also incredibly intelligent."

“Your aunt often mentions me to you.”

"Yes, Mother and Aunt have been corresponding, so although she has never met you, she knows you very well."

Su Qianrou understood.

At this moment, Su Wanshan and Su Huaizhu walked over.

Su Wanshan said sarcastically, "Sister, congratulations! You've not only won Princess Chang Le's favor, but also received a reward from the Empress Dowager. It's truly a cause for celebration."

"I have to thank my sister. If she hadn't pushed me forward, I wouldn't have received this honor."

Su Wanshan's expression froze, and she was instantly speechless.

"Third sister has kept her talents well hidden. If it weren't for this, I probably wouldn't have known that she is so talented, even surpassing Miss Qin."

"Second sister, you don't know this, but I've always been a low-key person and don't like to show off." As she spoke, she glanced at Su Wanshan and then said meaningfully, "Unfortunately, fourth sister doesn't think that way. Otherwise, I wouldn't always be the center of attention. To be honest, it's quite a headache for me... Fourth sister, please don't do this again next time. It's better for us to keep a low profile."

Upon hearing this, Su Wanshan's expression turned even more unpleasant, and Su Huaizhu's expression wasn't much better.

Yang Shanshan chuckled to herself, thinking, "It seems my cousin is not only beautiful and talented, but also quick-witted. I like her so much, what should I do?"