Xiao Jinghong rarely showed such girlishness. Lowering her head slightly, she forced herself to sound composed. "Husband, over a few verses, in future, um... do try to cause less of a stir."
Chen Yi smiled and bowed. "You are right to admonish me, wife."
Not only did Chen Yi find Xiao Jinghong's manner amusing, but Elder Master Xiao and the others beside them also wore knowing expressions.
Elder Master Xiao laughed heartily. "Jinghong, Qingzhou composed a fine lyric."
"Even an old man like me, with no skill in lyric poetry, can see that."
Xiao Shen chimed in beside him. "'West of the painted hall, I glimpsed Jinghong, graceful as a startled swan,' and that line, 'A silver mask cold, a battle robe red.' How beautifully written."
Even Xiao Xuanshuo, usually so solemn and reserved, offered a word of praise.
Xiao Wan'er looked at Chen Yi, then at Xiao Jinghong. Her hands, tucked beneath her sleeves, twisted together before she smiled gently. "Actually, Qingzhou's lyric expresses his longing for Jinghong."
"'The sky stretches long, the waters wide; bitterly we struggle to meet. Evening mists thicken, rain mingles with wind. Twelve peaks rise high-where can I seek the immortal's traces?'"
After reciting those lines, she looked at Xiao Jinghong and smiled. "Jinghong, did Qingzhou write that well?"
Xiao Jinghong's eyes flickered slightly, and her cheeks beneath her Half Armor had already flushed crimson.
Fortunately, the Half Armor concealed them from others.
But she could no longer maintain her composure.
Xiao Jinghong nodded slightly and, before anyone could say more, strode into the Wooden Tower.
Elder Master Xiao watched her leave, his smile unchanged. "Qingzhou, now that your Way of Calligraphy has reached the extreme realm, you are our Great Wei Dynasty's third Sage of Calligraphy."
"I would like to hold a banquet