73: Fan Xian makes a fool of himself! Lin Wan'er makes a splash!

Chapter 73: Fan Xian Makes a Fool of Himself! Lin Wan'er Shines Brilliantly! (33, Please Subscribe!)

If Ye Ling'er's Moves were common, Fan Xian could have easily repelled her with a single punch.

However, Ye Ling'er's Moves were exquisitely precise, forcing Fan Xian to unleash his Overbearing True Qi and respond to each Move as it came.

Xie Bi'an's figure flickered, and he appeared between the two of them. "The poetry gathering is for literary competition, not martial arts. Please stop."

This man was the Second Young Master's bodyguard, so Ye Ling'er had no choice but to stop.

Unable to beat up Fan Xian, Ye Ling'er snorted coldly, then looked at Lin Wan'er with concern, only to see Lin Wan'er looking back at her gratefully.

Only then did Ye Ling'er realize that exposing Fan Xian's feigned injury was even better than beating him up!

Fan Xian's deception was revealed, and he noticed the changed expressions of the people around him, who were pointing and whispering about him.

"His right hand is perfectly fine, so why pretend it's injured?"

"What in the world is this Fan Xian up to?"

"He's being sneaky and not at all straightforward..."

"Princess Yichen, she's not really going to marry him, is she..."

Young Master Guo was overwhelmed. "Brother Fan, since your hand is fine, you should write it yourself."

"Everyone is watching. Your poetic inspiration hasn't run out, has it? Hurry up and compose a poem!"

Young Master Guo was so anxious he was almost sweating. "Compose a poem! Compose a poem!"

Behind the curtain, Li Chengze said doubtfully, "What's Fan Xian playing at? Is he really that afraid of writing?"

"A poetry competition isn't about handwriting. Decent handwriting is enough. He can't possibly be illiterate, can he?"

At this moment, Fan Xian subconsciously glanced at Lin Wan'er, only to find her looking indifferent, not even sparing him a glance.

Everyone was pointing and whispering about Fan Xian. At this moment, Fan Xian truly wished he could plagiarize a famous masterpiece!

If he plagiarized a famous masterpiece, even if his handwriting was ugly, it wouldn't matter.

Plagiarizing a famous masterpiece would allow him to hold his head high!

However, he quickly calmed down. Li Chang'an was right there.

The Transmigration suspicion chain flashed through Fan Xian's mind again, and he forcefully suppressed the idea of plagiarizing a poem.

"Looking east at the cloud-kissed sky, a white-robed figure treads on frosty cold. Do not say he journeys far alone, for green mountains accompany his way."

Fan Xian finished reciting the poem, then tried his best to write neatly.

After writing, he turned and sat back next to Young Master Guo, who quickly exclaimed, "Good poem, what a good poem!"

Then, he eagerly told everyone, "It has Concept, ambition, and talent. A good poem!"

"Brother Fan indeed has grand aspirations. One day he will achieve great success and his name will spread throughout the land!"

Following this, a round of applause erupted.

Fan Xian noticed that Li Hongcheng had even had a maid take his handwritten poem and pass it around among the talented scholars and beauties.

Li Hongcheng also said, "This poem is indeed good. Everyone should take a look and copy it if they like it."

"It turns out Young Master Fan has grand aspirations, and a small setback is nothing to him..."

The Fan Manor and Jing Wang Manor were old family friends, and Li Hongcheng still needed to win over Fan Xian for the Second Young Master, so his lines of praise were already prepared.

However, after speaking half of his lines intended to win over Fan Xian, he couldn't continue.

Because Fan Xian's handwriting happened to be passed to him, and this handwriting... Li Hongcheng really couldn't bring himself to praise it.

Li Chengze took a distant glance, then covered his eyes in shame and anger.

"If only your handwriting was above average, this Prince could have spoken up for you..."

Li Chang'an, having already prepared himself mentally, began to comfort Li Chengze.

"Fan Xian's handwriting has returned to its original simplicity. Most people can't write like that."

Xing Yusen bared his teeth. "Good heavens, is this really the handwriting of a scholar? It's worse than a waiter's."

Indeed, the talented scholars and beauties who saw the handwriting were all suppressing their laughter, wanting to laugh but not daring to.

After all, Fan Xian was Young Master Guo's good friend, so who would dare to openly mock him?

Young Master Guo, with a bitter expression, patted Fan Xian's shoulder. "Brother Fan, with me here, they won't dare to laugh at you!"

Fan Xian secretly glanced at Lin Wan'er, who looked completely unconcerned, clearly not taking it seriously at all.

Lin Wan'er didn't care about Fan Xian's poetry or handwriting. Compared to Li Chang'an's, it must be far inferior.

She had no intention of marrying Fan Xian, so naturally, she couldn't be bothered to pay too much attention.

The poetry gathering continued, and the next poem to shine was written by Fan Ruoruo.

"Melons float in cool jar water, dispelling summer heat; lotus roots pile on icy plates, crisp to chew in the cold. Slanting stones near the steps, dense with emerging bamboo shoots; small ponds spread leaves, clusters of lotus appearing."

Fan Ruoruo was a true 'poet in ten steps,' and as soon as her poem was finished, Li Chengze praised it repeatedly.

"Good poem, good poem! As expected of the Kyoto's top female scholar!"

Coupled with Fan Ruoruo's delicate and elegant handwriting, the scholars and talented women present all applauded.

Li Chengze said to Li Chang'an, "Today's best poem will surely go to Young Miss Ruo Ruo."

Li Chang'an smiled faintly. Ruo Ruo had been personally tutored by her, so she expected nothing less.

But at this moment, Lin Wan'er suddenly spoke.

"Everyone, I have recently been studying poetry and prose and have gained some insights. I would like to try as well."

Only then did Li Chang'an remember that Lin Wan'er had a talent for poetry and prose, with a literary ability rating of nine.

However, Lin Wan'er had always kept a low profile, and no one had ever seen her poetry.

She said to Fan Ruoruo beside her, "Ruo Ruo, please give me your guidance."

Fan Ruoruo quickly replied politely, "Sister Wan'er, you're too kind. I also want to hear your poem."

Fan Ruoruo always felt that there was a strong sense of competitiveness in Lin Wan'er's eyes.

This expression had never been seen in the eyes of the previously ailing Lin Wan'er.

Lin Wan'er, in a white dress, with a slender waist, bright eyes, and white teeth, was truly radiant and captivating.

"Coolness returns to the emerald pond, ice chills the teeth; teeth chilled by clear springs, dew says 'cold'. Fragrance plucked by ethereal wind, clear as a thread; paper window, bright moon, listening to cicadas sing."

When she spoke the words "paper window," Lin Wan'er looked intently at Li Chang'an behind the curtain.

This poem was both chilling to the teeth and to the heart. It sounded as if it carried a hint of resentment.

"Good poem!"

The Second Young Master was the first to applaud, followed by Li Hongcheng, and finally Fan Xian also shouted a few times.

"Princess's poem is excellent! Much better than mine!"

As Lin Wan'er's handwritten poem was passed around, the applause never ceased.

"As expected of the Prime Minister's daughter, her literary talent is truly astonishing!"

"A poem in ten steps, on par with Young Miss Ruo Ruo's!"

"The Princess suffered a serious illness in childhood, but fortunately, her will was firm, and she finally saw the light after the clouds parted!"

"Such a talented and beautiful extraordinary woman is actually going to marry Fan Xian, that good-for-nothing. Alas!"

"Shh! Shh! Young Master Guo is glaring at you. Be quiet!"

Then followed the discussion of rankings, and under Li Hongcheng's moderation, the poems of Fan Ruoruo, Lin Wan'er, and Guo Baokun were deemed the best of the day.

Fan Xian's poem was also good, but it didn't surpass Guo Baokun's due to his subpar handwriting.

Young Master Guo was on the verge of tears. "Brother Fan, I, Guo, have read widely in military strategy and possess considerable cunning. I thought I had victory in my grasp today!"

"But I, Guo, never expected that your handwriting would also be subpar!"

He Zongwei was even more exasperated. He had offered up one of his excellent old works, only for Fan Xian to squander it.

The two of them had hoped to get Fan Xian into the top three and make his poetry famous, but that plan had now fallen through.

Everyone present had clearly remembered Fan Xian's feigned injury and his terribly ugly handwriting.

It was likely that after today, Fan Xian's reputation would only worsen.

As the poetry gathering concluded, Li Chang'an and Li Chengze walked slowly out of Jing Wang Manor, trailing behind the crowd.

Li Chengze chuckled, "Uncle, help me. How do I win over Fan Xian?"

Li Chang'an completely ignored the question. "Don't always try to get me to help you. You and the Crown Prince are both my good nephews."

"You both grew up together. Both sides are equally dear to me, and I can't show favoritism just because you like poetry, can I?"

"You can invite me for hotpot and talk about poetry, but don't talk to me about court affairs. I'm not interested."

As they spoke, they reached the entrance of the manor and saw Fan Xian politely greeting Lin Wan'er.

Emperor Qing's imperial marriage decree was still a strong intention and had not yet been formally issued, so there was nothing wrong with them meeting.

"Princess Yichen, I am Fan Xian. It is our first meeting, and I've caused much amusement."

The two had already seen each other at the poetry gathering. If they pretended not to see each other and left without a greeting, it would be somewhat impolite.

However, given the circumstances today, with Fan Xian having just made a huge fool of himself, it was truly not a good time for them to get to know each other.

Fortunately, Lin Wan'er was extremely well-mannered. She curtsied slightly in return. "Young Master Fan, greetings."

Fan Xian saw Ye Ling'er beside Lin Wan'er, whose eyes were spitting fire, and knew there was nothing more he could explain.

He planned to exchange a few pleasantries and then leave. To reverse his image in Lin Wan'er's heart, he would need to plan for the long term.

"Today, seeing the Princess's grace, I am greatly admired..."

He had only spoken half a sentence when Fan Xian saw a dark figure dart from a nearby carriage.

Immediately after, a sharp longsword was placed against his neck.

"You scoundrel, get lost!"

A man's furious roar left Fan Xian somewhat bewildered.

Li Chang'an glanced at the man. It was another overprotective brother, none other than Lin Gong, the Lin family's Second Young Master.

Speaking of which, this person was one of The Eldest Princess's people, and he was well aware of Fan Xian's ruined reputation.

He opposed Lin Wan'er marrying Fan Xian, partly because he didn't want Fan Xian to take control of the Imperial Treasury, and partly because of Lin Wan'er's wishes.

Lin Wan'er was unwilling to marry Fan Xian, and Lin Gong would never allow Fan Xian to get close to Lin Wan'er.

At this moment, Young Master Guo rushed over in a panic. "Second Young Master, let's talk this over. Why resort to swords?"

Lin Gong and Guo Baokun were both on the Crown Prince's side, yet Guo Baokun was desperately trying to restore Fan Xian's reputation, which was indeed somewhat amusing.

"Hmph! Fan Xian, I warn you, if you try to get close to Wan'er again, I will kill you!"

After speaking, Lin Gong and Ye Ling'er escorted Lin Wan'er away. Ye Ling'er's gaze at Fan Xian was no different from looking at a criminal.

Watching Lin Wan'er leave, Fan Xian could only sigh inwardly. He felt a very distant gap between himself and Lin Wan'er.

Guo Baokun patted his shoulder. "Brother Fan, it's getting late. Let me treat you to a drink at Drunken Immortal Tavern."

Young Master Guo had messed up the Crown Prince's task and was feeling dejected, which was why he wanted to go out and clear his head.

Fan Xian had heard of Drunken Immortal Tavern. "Bro... Bro... Brothel?"

Guo Baokun curled his lip and said, "Don't worry, my Guo family has very strict rules. I must be back at the manor before midnight."

"So, I, Guo, merely wish to have a drink with Brother Fan to relieve boredom, and incidentally, to discuss military and literary strategies to see how we can help Young Master restore his reputation."

Fan Xian nervously waved his hand. "No, no. I, Fan, have never been to such a place, and I won't go in the future."

Young Master Guo saw Fan Xian looking in the direction Lin Wan'er had left, so he patted his shoulder and said, "Don't worry, I, this Young Master, will take you through the back door and directly to the most popular courtesan."

Guo Baokun was sincere. He wanted to have a good talk with Fan Xian. How could he restore his reputation without understanding him?

Today's failure was largely because Guo Baokun didn't understand Fan Xian and didn't know his handwriting was a weakness.

Fan Xian was also eager to restore his reputation, and according to Fan Jian's information, the Crown Prince had to help him restore it, so he agreed to Guo Baokun's offer.

Lin Gong took Lin Wan'er into the carriage and immediately comforted his sister.

"Wan'er, don't worry, your second brother will never let you marry that uncouth fellow!"

"If you ask me, this is also Father's fault. As a dignified Prime Minister, why can't he be a bit more assertive!"

Lin Wan'er frowned and said, "Father has already submitted a memorial, but His Majesty still keeps it in abeyance and has not changed his mind."

"His Majesty said that the Kyoto Prefecture handled Fan Xian's case very well, that Fan Xian is innocent, and that the Crown Prince will also help Fan Xian restore his reputation."

Lin Gong glared angrily at Fan Xian's retreating back outside the window. "Restore what? The more you explain, the worse it gets!"

"I saw everything today from the shadows. Fan Xian is fundamentally ill-intentioned and loves to play petty tricks."

Lin Wan'er quickly said, "Second Brother, don't be anxious. After all, I am not truly a Lin family member, so Father can't be too forceful."

"If I had grown up in the Lin family like Dabao and you, Father would certainly have advised His Majesty directly."

Lin Gong corrected her, "Who says you're not a Lin family member? You are my, Lin Gong's, sister. You've been wronged long enough. Your marriage must not cause you any distress!"

"If Father doesn't handle your affairs, I, your brother, will! Didn't you say you want to marry someone you like? As long as you like him, I'll even tie him up and bring him to you!"

Ye Ling'er was shocked by Lin Gong's bold statement. "Second Young Master, the Princess's marriage was designated by His Majesty. It cannot be so casual."

Lin Gong's expression darkened. He cupped his hands towards the direction of the Imperial Palace. "My Lin family is loyal to His Majesty, but we never said we'd sacrifice our womenfolk. At worst, we'll defy the imperial decree!"

Ye Ling'er dared not speak again. The Lin family's Second Young Master certainly had a big mouth.

Night fell.

Lin Wan'er looked at the half-open window and closed her eyes in disappointment. Tonight was destined to be a sleepless one.

"That hateful Uncle Prince Yong, he promised to visit me but never came. He must have completely forgotten!"

"Today, Ling'er received a paper ball, which is why she went to expose Fan Xian. Was that paper ball arranged by Uncle Prince Yong?"

While she was lost in thought, worrying and wondering, a slight sound suddenly came from the window.

There was an eighth-grade expert in the Prime Minister's Residence, so the only one who could enter was Uncle Prince Yong, after all, Uncle Prince Yong even dared to climb over the walls of the Imperial Villa.

Lin Wan'er felt a bit annoyed, so she closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep.

Li Chang'an walked over, took a look, then shook his head. "Alas! Asleep again!"

"Since I, this Prince, returned to Kyoto, I've been here many times."

"Every time I come, Wan'er is asleep, and she still blames me for not visiting her."

"Since that's the case, I, this Prince, should leave first."

Li Chang'an sighed and truly turned to walk towards the window.

Lin Wan'er suddenly opened her eyes on the bed, then sat up and leaped onto Li Chang'an's back!

Li Chang'an cried out in surprise, "Assassin!"

Then he slipped his feet, his figure flashed, and he dodged Lin Wan'er's sudden attack.

Lin Wan'er was now headfirst, about to fall to the ground!

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