Courtyard of Frozen Verses
The plum-scented air crystallized as all breath stilled in the garden. This was no longer a literary game—it was a duel with poetry as our blades.
Mo Xuanli stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tension like winter wind:
"If His Highness wishes to test literary merit, let this humble official compose paired verses with the lady—that all may witness true talent."
The Crown Prince's smile grew lethally sweet. "How... devoted of you, Commander Mo."
"Merely upholding imperial standards for nurturing talent." His retort carried the sharpness of an unsheathed sword.
A hush fell as the Prince gestured mockingly. "Then enlighten us with your theme."
Mo Xuanli turned to me, his gaze an unspoken promise in the moonlight. "Red plum blossoms," he murmured.
My pulse steadied.
His voice rang clear as temple bells across the frozen garden:
"Crimson petals dare the snow's bite,174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFH9hEWs7M
Lone branch scorns spring's gaudy throng."
The Prince's scoff dripped venom. "Scholar's platitudes. Unremarkable."
I clenched my fists, then let the words flow like thawing ice:
"Who claims weak willows lack resolve?174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4NWfL9sx4
A single petal frost-gilt defies kings."
The courtiers' gasps rippled through the night. Even the plum blossoms seemed to tremble at the treasonous metaphor.
The Crown Prince's fingers whitened around his untouched wine cup. Mo Xuanli's shoulder brushed mine—a fleeting touch that whispered well done.
"Clever verses." The Prince's voice had turned silken with menace. "But unchecked boldness... needs powerful patronage to survive its consequences."
His gaze slid to Mo Xuanli, the threat hanging like an executioner's blade.
Undeterred, Mo Xuanli bowed with perfect courtesy: "This official serves both throne and talent with equal devotion."
The garden held its breath until the Prince finally turned away, his golden robes sweeping through petals like a retreating storm.
And I—I stood amidst the shattered silence, realizing two irrevocable truths:
This was but the first move in a deadlier game.
And for the first time in this labyrinth of power... I no longer felt alone.
174Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dOK5VOslE
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