24. Composing a Poem for the Birthday Celebration

The birthday banquet at Prince Jun’s residence was set to continue well into the evening. Following the midday meal, the guests engaged in the recitation of poetry. The members of the Prince’s household occupied the place of honor at the head of the hall; the Dowager Princess sat in the center, cradling Siyuan, with Zhao Chengxian and Princess Sirou seated at her right and left, respectively. Hui Qinghui and the three secondary consorts sat in the row behind them, while the maids and servants stood at the far end. The guests were separated by rank, with civil officials on the left and military generals on the right, leaving the center of the hall as a stage for dancing and musical performances.

Shang Zhixia, the Minister of Justice, had been introduced by Zhao Chengxian. Having abandoned the former faction to support the legitimate cause, he was no longer associated with the Cheng faction but was instead a loyal minister to Xuanyuan Ren, which had earned him his recent promotion. Since the banquet was being hosted by Zhao Chengxian, Shang Zhixia could not possibly be absent. As the music ceased, he was the first to rise and announce, "Your Highnesses, I have composed a poem to celebrate the Dowager Princess’s fiftieth birthday." Under the gaze of the assembly, he recited:

"Though time transforms, your grace remains ageless;
May blessings guard your descendants in perpetual peace.
In this domestic harmony, joy abounds for all;
I wish that every year may be as bright as this day."

It was a passable effort, sufficient to convey the necessary sentiments. The assembly nodded, deeming it acceptable. Zhao Chengxian smiled and replied, "I thank you, Minister." As Shang Zhixia resumed his seat, Zhao Chengxian added with a smile, "My sister, Princess Sirou, has also written a birthday poem for our mother. I invite her to recite it for everyone." Although Sirou had originally intended for Zhao Chengxian to read it on her behalf, he had insisted that she recite it herself.

Sirou appeared slightly startled, but she stood and began:

"As thunder rolls, the cuckoo flies toward the southern lands,
I love to sit amidst the emerald hills of the south.
Like Kong Rong, you are fit to govern with wisdom,
Like Wei Yu, you know the path of virtue by age.
The moon reflects upon the three trees in the painted hall,
Fragrance drifts from the colorful robes at the banquet.
We envy the peace of Xiangping, his duties set aside,
To wander the mountains and waters, forgetting the way home."

The assembly responded with enthusiastic applause.

A young, heroic-looking general, a member of the Rui faction, sought to test the new top scholar. He stood, cupped his hands, and declared, "I have heard of the exceptional literary talent of our new top scholar. I would like to witness it for myself. May I propose a couplet for the scholar to complete?" It was a classic case of fame inviting scrutiny; Moon, the top scholar, felt quite helpless.

Zhao Chengxian attempted to decline on her behalf, believing Moon would prefer to avoid such a contest. "This is a private family banquet, not an examination hall," he said, offering a look of hesitation. "I fear it would be inappropriate."

Moon shot Zhao Chengxian a grateful look; she had no desire to be the center of attention. She stood and smiled, saying, "Today’s guest of honor is the Dowager Princess. Let us not overshadow her." After all, this was her future mother-in-law; if she caused a scene over such a trivial matter, it would only make it harder to be accepted, provided there was even a future to speak of. Despite the uncertainty, caution was required.

However, the Dowager Princess spoke up with gentle warmth, "It is no matter, no matter. Today is meant to be lively, and I, too, would like to see the talent of our top scholar." She was unaware that this encouragement might harm her son; for Moon to gain too much fame would be detrimental to the restoration of her true identity.

With the Dowager Princess’s word, neither Moon nor Zhao Chengxian could object. The general smiled and said, "Let us take this birthday banquet as our theme. My opening line is: 'May blessings protect the merciful mother, keeping her ageless!'"

Moon stepped to the center of the room. Without a moment's hesitation, she replied, "May joy fill the tree of longevity, keeping the years in eternal spring." Her response was perfectly matched.

The general, refusing to be outdone, offered another: "May the orchids and laurels flourish in this realm of longevity!" He waited to see how she would respond.

Moon glanced at Zhao Chengxian before delivering the second line: "May the descendants be heroic and carry on the family name!" Zhao Chengxian smiled with satisfaction. He didn't care for the praise of others, but praise from Moon brought him genuine joy. Had he been able to see the blush on her face, he would have been even happier.

The general, seemingly intent on challenging her, immediately followed with, "As clear as ice, as pure as jade!" This was a difficult line. In truth, the general was both a scholar and a warrior, possessing literary talent that surpassed many of the civil officials.

A hush fell over the room, and the assembly broke into a cold sweat, fearing Moon would be unable to provide a suitable response. The general wore a smug expression. After a few seconds, Moon spoke: "As enduring as the mountains, as verdant as the pines!" She then smartly performed a bow toward the Dowager Princess and added, "I wish the Dowager Princess a life as vast as the Eastern Sea and as enduring as the Southern Mountains." The entire assembly rose and echoed her words, "We wish the Dowager Princess a life as vast as the Eastern Sea and as enduring as the Southern Mountains!"

The Dowager Princess was delighted, and the general was spared any embarrassment. Moon had handled the situation with grace, yet she felt a pair of sinister eyes fixed upon her. She knew who it was—but who exactly was that person? Please listen for the next installment.