Imperial Consort Song smiled and said, "Elder Sister is right. If the Duchess of Yiyang is a man, I'm afraid she would not be so different from the crown prince. In that case, our Western Chu will gain another gifted scholar."

Empress Wang laughed. Light laughter also burst forth in agreement all around. Countless praises for Yuchi Lianqing sounded. All of them stated that her fame had already spread far and wide earlier on. Her talent was not in name only and was a reality. Otherwise, how would she be capable of besting all of the other talents and distinguish herself?

"The moment I saw Yiyang today, I felt delighted. I heard that the country of Dongyuan's princess, Xiao Ningyu, is famous for being the number one beauty among four countries, but I have not met her before. In terms of talent and learning, she surely can't compare to you. Even if we were to only compare appearances......"

Speaking to this point, Empress Wang deliberately earnestly sized up Yuchi Lianqing and appraised her bashful face, which couldn't help but be lowered.

"Yiyang's appearance is also dignified and imposing, a rare beauty. Her temperament is even more outstanding, truly deserving of being Marquis Xuan Ping's granddaughter. I'm thinking, since you're not married yet, Yiyang, and my crown prince also still hasn't married an imperial concubine, if you're willing, Yiyang, how about......"

"Your Highness......"

Yuchi Lianqing face turned red as she bashfully turned her head. Her voice was as soft as a mosquito. "Marriage is decided by one's parents. Why is Your Highness asking Lianqing?"

How could Imperial Consort Song not tell that she consented a thousand times and was willing ten thousand times in her heart. She was merely displaying a young lady's reservation, that's all. She smilingly said, "Elder Sister, hurry and stop speaking. The Duchess of Yiyang is a modest young lady. How can she shamelessly talk about her own marriage? Since Elder Sister is interested, then later on, send Yiyang together with her poem to His Majesty before having a separate discussion with him. At that time, just directly issue an imperial decree and it'll be fine, right?"

Once the crowd of young ladies heard this, they realized that as it turned out, the empress indeed favored Yuchi Lianqing. She intended to choose her to be the crown prince's consort. Sourness birthed in each and every one of their hearts, totally envious and jealous. But no matter what, be it Yuchi Lianqing's status or talent, family background, or appearance, none of these were anything that they could compare with. Losing to her, practically not a single one of them could feel unconvinced or unresigned.

Luo Qing Luan totally let out a breath in relief!

Thank the heavens she didn't put herself in the limelight tonight. This was indeed a wise decision. In her opinion, the poem that Yuchi Lianqing composed just now, even though it was barely acceptable, compared to those masterpieces that she'd memorized, it simply wasn't something special.

If she deliberately wanted to stand out and threw caution to the wind shamelessly, she could plagiarize those masterpieces written by the great masters. Don't mention stunning Western Chu, very likely, it's not impossible to spread throughout the four countries.

Last time, she became entangled with Nangong Qing, who appeared to be totally smitten with her. Luo Qing Luan felt extremely annoyed. So what if he was the crown prince? They merely met for the first time. They simply couldn't even considered to be acquaintances, much less talk about having feelings. Could it be just because of his identity, she would have to be fond of him and marry him?

Moreover, once she thought of how Nanong Qing will become emperor, not to mention a harem of countless women, at least it's impossible for him to have only her. All kinds of consorts and imperial concubines, talented and beautiful women would want to share her man with her. She absolutely could not bear that!

One pair for a lifetime. If this was impossible, she'd rather not marry at all!

Finally freed of worries, Luo Qing Luan didn't mind this outcome in the slightest. On the contrary, Yuchi Lianqing looked somewhat even more pleasing to her eyes. If it wasn't for Yuchi Lianqing showing off talent tonight and attracting Empress Wang's attention, how could she have escaped?

Leaving aside how Luo Qing Luan's mood was terrific, Empress Wang was also seldom so happy. She promptly ordered the palace maids to fetch brush, ink and paper, so that someone could write down this newly composed poem. Thereafter, she prepared to send it to the emperor while discussing the matter of crown prince's consort at the same time.

Imperial Consort Song stood up and walked to the center of the room while saying, "Elder Sister, I also like this poem praising our Western Chu. How about you allow me to be the one to write it down, what do you think?"

"That's good. I'll trouble Younger Sister, then."

Once she saw that Imperial Consort Song will be the recorder, Yuchi Lianqing was even more pleased.

Imperial Consort Song was Third Prince and Fifth Prince's birth mother. Even though Fifth Prince, Nangong Chen did not win His Majesty's favor at all, Third Prince, Nangong Jie was someone His Majesty was greatly fond of. Next to the crown prince, the third prince was the one His Majesty most favored.

With masterfull strokes, very quickly, Imperial Consort Song finished putting the composition on paper and named it 'Moon Shines on Prosperity'. She brought her writing to Empress Wang for her to appraise it. "Look, Elder Sister, how is this?"

"Mm, not bad. Younger Sister's calligraphy has improved again. This writing is bold and flowing, clearly quite skillful. There's even a bit of His Majesty's charm!" Empress Wang praised and nodded continually.

"Really? Elder Sister could also tell?" Imperial Consort Song couldn't conceal her pride and smiled widely. "I felt that His Majesty's writing looked good, so I deliberately modelled my calligraphy after His Majesty's style. So I really learned a little from His Majesty."

As she continued to speak, she couldn't hold back her joy and simply couldn't stop herself from laughing out loud. Who knew, Imperial Consort Song merely starting laughing when her complexion changed. She suddenly covered her throat while her face suddenly was filled with alarm and horror.

"Younger Sister, what's happening?" Empress Wang saw that something was wrong and was immediately startled.

"I.....air......" In but an instant, Imperial Consort Song's complexion had already turned bright red from choking, in such a panic that her eyeballs seemed to pop out. As she coughed, strange sounds emitted from her throat, but she was still unable to from words.

The personal maids by her side seemed to understand something as she screamed in panic, "Your Highness, Imperial Concubine seems to be suffocating. Please quickly save our Imperial Concubine!"