How did I, a mere son-in-law lying down, become a "Fenglang Juxu" (a legendary martial art

To Liu Shan's surprise, an old man suddenly appeared beside Princess Changning.

The feeling he got from this old man was very similar to the feeling he got from his master, Xiao Yan.

At the same time, the old man also noticed Liu Shan in the crowd.

After carefully sensing the situation, the old man glared at Liu Shan, his warning evident in his words.

Liu Shan was stunned. Was the head of Princess Changning's bodyguards really that fierce?

But he couldn't explain, so he could only nod to show that he meant no harm.

Princess Changning was unaware of the brief exchange between the old man and Liu Shan. The constant praise around her made her sigh softly.

The old emperor of the Xia Dynasty was nearing seventy years old, yet he still had no children. As time passed, the old emperor's younger brothers began to attract more and more attention.

Although the Prince Kang's residence had no such intention, many people still desperately wanted to get close to her, and she and her father were almost driven crazy by these things.

Princess Changning turned a deaf ear to flattery; she ignored those who flattered her; and she felt nothing for filthy money and goods.

Would a princess lack money?

Stop joking, the entire Cangzhou city is her father's fiefdom.

How could she possibly be short of money?!

At Princess Changning's command, servants brought out round stools and distributed them to the talented men and beautiful women present.

Soon, Liu Shan also got a round stool.

This round stool is heavier than the one in the Li family mansion, and it is covered with a layer of wolf skin.

He roughly calculated that there were at least fifty round stools here.

Wow, that means at least two large wolf packs were wiped out.

At this moment, Princess Changning spoke up: "This is my first time participating in a poetry gathering, so there may be some shortcomings. Please forgive me..."

Princess Changning's voice was as clear and melodious as a babbling brook in spring. Compared to Li Wanqing's voice, it lacked some of the boldness but gained a touch of gentleness.

She then asked, "It just so happens that it's Wanqing's turn to host this year's poetry gathering, so I won't overstep my bounds. Does anyone have any objections?"

Although it was a question, everyone present knew that this year's poetry gathering could only be hosted by Li Wanqing.

Li Wanqing first thanked the princess for her kindness, and then calmly began to host the event, showing no signs of stage fright.

Liu Shan realized that this girl must have prepared beforehand, otherwise she couldn't have hosted so smoothly and comfortably.

After obtaining the princess's permission, Li Wanqing announced loudly: "As is customary, there will be no theme for the poetry gathering this morning. Poets are free to express themselves. The only thing to note is that plagiarism is strictly prohibited."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a talented scholar rose to recite a poem.

After bowing to the princess, he shook his head and said, "My surname is... I will compose a poem on the theme of spring breeze, and I respectfully invite my fellow poets to critique it."

"The spring breeze turns the banks of the Cangjiang River green, and flowers bloom in the garden, filling the air with fragrance."

Willow catkins drift in the wind, swallows return to build their nests.

Liu Shan shook his head; it was just a filler piece, and he couldn't be bothered to comment on it.

However, to his astonishment, people actually applauded such poems, which was truly unbelievable.

Then, another beautiful woman stood up, bowed, and said, "My surname is... I also have a poem, please feel free to comment on it."

"Flowers bloom in the garden, spring is in full bloom, red and yellow flowers are fragrant."

The spring breeze carries fragrance to the heart, bringing endless joy to butterflies and bees.

Liu Shan felt confident that he had secured the poetry competition. If everyone present was of this caliber, he could easily defeat fifty of them!

Unsurprisingly, this poem about flowers also received applause and praise.

Several other participants then eagerly joined in, showcasing their own "masterpieces."

Gradually, Liu Shan realized that those who were composing poems at this time were all people with little talent and learning, while those talented people that Zhang Tienan had mentioned, such as Zhao Bochao, sat arrogantly to the side, seemingly disdainful of participating in such a basic poetry competition.

As the poetry gathering progressed, Li Wanqing demonstrated remarkable ease and composure.

She was a woman of few words, but possessed an exceptional ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and a strong sense of propriety, ensuring that she would not overshadow Princess Changning.

As noon approached, Li Wanqing gestured to Liu Shan with her eyes to begin reciting poetry.

The advantage of reciting poetry at this moment is that as long as Liu Shan's poem is good enough, it can overshadow all the other poets from the morning. She will then end the poetry gathering at the appropriate time, announce Liu Shan as the winner, and suggest having lunch first, and continuing to meet with friends through poetry in the afternoon.

This was a strategy pre-arranged by Li Wanqing, just as Liu Shan was about to showcase his talent...

Huh?

and many more!

Princess Changning, are you about to recite a poem?!

Upon seeing this, everyone quieted down, and Li Wanqing quickly adjusted her mindset, inviting the princess to recite a poem.

Princess Changning parted her lips slightly and slowly recited:

"In the vibrant spring, when flowers bloom, willow branches sway gently as swallows return."

Rippling blue waves reflect the shadows of flowers; a riot of colors always evokes poetry.

Her voice was melodious and graceful, and the poem was full of profound imagery, moving all the poets present.

Liu Shan was secretly astonished. Princess Changning's poem not only had a lofty artistic conception, but also concise language, far surpassing her previous works.

At Li Wanqing's suggestion, enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience.

Then, she symbolically asked her fellow poets for their opinions, "The princess's poem is truly a masterpiece, unmatched by anyone. The princess won first place at this morning's poetry gathering. Does anyone have any objections?"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone shook their heads.

Are you kidding me? Who would object at a time like this? Are you tired of living?!

Even Princess Changning was very happy when she learned that she had won first place.

However, as a princess, it is a basic virtue to remain unmoved by material gains. She quickly regained her composure and said softly, "Thank you for your recognition, fellow poets. Please wait a moment, lunch will begin soon."

No matter how lavish the lunch at the Prince Kang's residence was, Liu Shan didn't care much. He had tasted far more luxurious delicacies in his previous life, and he valued the original flavor more.

Perhaps this is one of the few advantages of traveling to ancient times.

Top-quality ingredients often require only simple cooking methods to release their natural aroma in every bite.

The chefs at the Prince Kang's Mansion clearly knew this well, perfectly preserving the original flavor of the ingredients.

Among the many poets present, each person ate in a different way; some were refined, some were rude, and some smacked their lips.

The maids of the Prince Kang's residence were very polite, moving among the guests and serving food to each poet, while Princess Changning sat in the main seat, observing everything with a smile.

After lunch, the poetry gathering continued, and the tables were not cleared away; instead, brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones were placed directly on them.

Li Wanqing looked at the list in her hand, a look of great surprise on her face.

Every year at the poetry festival, they invite some distinguished scholars to participate in the afternoon poetry judging session.

However, perhaps because they were not well-known, or perhaps because they did not hold official positions, usually only scholars of the level of private tutors were willing to participate, and they also had to pay a certain fee, year after year.

But this year, things have changed!