Chapter 1463: Her Highness the Princess (9)

“Good Guo’er, that question is still rather difficult for him.”

Tang Zhi laughed helplessly.

“It’s only moderately difficult. Even if he cannot solve such problems completely, someone who is truly knowledgeable and worthy of being called talented should at least be able to offer some key points, shouldn’t he?”

Tang Zhi nodded. “That’s true. Your reasoning makes sense, Guo’er. Focusing only on poetry, books, and painting really doesn’t amount to much.”

“Earlier, Imperial Brother said Lu Qing can compose poetry and that his verses are excellent, making him a rare talent. Fine, then let me ask you this—have you discovered any profound meaning hidden in his poems?”

Tang Zhi thought for a moment, recalling several of Lu Qing’s works as his brows gradually furrowed.

At first glance, those poems were beautiful and well-crafted. Upon first reading, they were indeed quite astonishing.

Most of Lu Qing’s poems described landscapes and beauties. After reading them a second time, they still seemed to be nothing more than landscapes and beauties.

Yet the poems that had been passed down for generations used mountains, rivers, and beauties to convey deeper meanings. Some reflected the prosperity of the current age, some expressed the sorrow of a fallen nation, and others revealed the hardships suffered by common people.

Thinking of it that way, Lu Qing’s poems were incredibly shallow. He could hardly be considered a true talent. At best, they looked pleasing and sounded beautiful.

As the newly appointed top scholar, he spent his days indulging in landscapes and beauties. It really did seem somewhat improper.

“Recently, his poems have mostly been praising a beauty. Many people have been guessing who she is. Some believe it’s you, Guo’er, while others think it’s your second younger sister.”

Tang Zhi was no fool. He had already understood.

Then he laughed. “You really are clever, Guo’er. No wonder you look down on someone like him. A few poems were enough to blind me and make me think he was some extraordinary talent. Looking back now, with how flamboyant he’s been and how he’s deliberately written poems praising beauties while making the whole capital speculate, he must have some ulterior motive.”

Tang Zhi had already figured it out.

As a result, he became thoroughly disdainful of Lu Qing.

That fellow actually dared to set his sights on his most beloved younger sister. Why didn’t he go look at himself in a mirror first?

A newly appointed top scholar who should have been thinking about serving the country and the people was instead dreaming of becoming a prince consort. What a lack of ambition.

Tang Guo could understand Lu Qing’s thoughts. He had no desire to be posted elsewhere. What he longed for was wealth and glory.

Becoming an official in some distant place and achieving noteworthy accomplishments was no easy matter. Compared to that, being a prince consort was far more comfortable. He simply didn’t wish to take that road. Perhaps he had suffered through poverty for too long.

Clinging to a princess meant ascending to the heavens in a single step. As long as things were managed properly, his future would certainly not be bad.

Without Tang Guo, wouldn’t he have succeeded?

Tang Guo’s destination this time was Lingshan Temple. It was not only a place to burn incense and worship Buddha, but also a place famous for flower viewing.

The road leading to Lingshan Temple was lined with blooming flowers of every vivid color, and talented scholars and beautiful ladies came and went in endless streams.

Women of status mostly traveled in carriages, lifting a corner of the curtains to peek outside.

Tang Xi naturally would not miss such a lively occasion.

There were only a few days each year when the flowers bloomed at their most beautiful.

Those who loved landscapes and poetry would certainly not be absent.

By the time they arrived at Lingshan Temple, Tang Guo could already hear Lu Qing’s voice while still seated in her carriage.

After she stepped out, his voice became even louder.

Tang Guo paid him no attention whatsoever. Having already come to his own realization, Tang Zhi walked straight into the temple as well, not even sparing Lu Qing a glance.

Lu Qing could only stare after the two of them longingly. He absolutely did not dare chase after them.

Only Juanzhu turned back to take one more look, her eyes full of reluctance.