Xuan Lengyan said, "Little Sister Su, today is your special day. I don't want to spoil the fun, so you should have a lively birthday celebration. I came in a hurry and didn't bring a gift. I hope you won't take offense."
Su Xingchun giggled. "You coming is the greatest gift of all. Everyone knows that Sister Xuan has shed all worldly trappings and entered Golden Core Academy, where she now wields the teaching whip. You're so busy, and yet you still remembered your little sister. I'm deeply grateful. But composing poems from paintings has always been our signature act. Today's my birthday, so we certainly can't miss out on such a splendid occasion."
As soon as Su Xingchun finished speaking, the crowd broke into excited chatter.
No matter how high-class the occasion, there was never any shortage of people who loved watching a scene unfold.
Besides, a poetic contest between two beauties was both elegant and pleasing to the eye. It was just the thing to delight the guests.
"If that's the case, then I'll join in the fun."
Xuan Lengyan had never been one to shy away from trouble. She readily agreed.
Since Xuan Lengyan had made her own choice, Xu Yi had no reason to interfere—and no need to, either.
He summoned some food and wine, found a high spot, climbed up, and sat down to watch the show.
The contest between Xuan Lengyan and Su Xingchun was quite interesting. It wasn't simply a matter of composing poems about objects. First, someone had prepared over a hundred paintings.
The paintings weren't complicated; each depicted a recognizable object. The two women would draw from the pile, then compose poems on the spot based on whatever they picked.
They would choose ten paintings in all and write ten poems