The atmosphere in Spring Pavilion Garden changed after the Crown Prince arrived.
What had started as a casual gathering of noble youths had quietly turned into something far more serious.
No one expected Xu Chen himself to appear.
Many guests lowered their voices, suddenly becoming far more careful with their words.
Xu Chen stood near the pavilion table where the two poems rested.
He read them slowly.
First Lin Qingya's.
Then Yue Ning's.
After a moment, he placed the paper down.
"Both poems are elegant," he said calmly.
His tone was neutral.
But those who knew him well could hear the subtle meaning behind his words.
He turned slightly toward Yue Ning.
"However, sincerity often carries more weight than decoration."
Several scholars present nodded quietly.
Lin Qingya's poem was refined and structured.
But Yue Ning's poem carried a deeper meaning.
Xu Chen's words made the comparison clear.
Lin Qingya kept her polite smile, but her fingers tightened slightly within her sleeves.
She had expected the Crown Prince to remain neutral.
Instead, he had openly supported Yue Ning.
The surrounding noble ladies exchanged glances.
No one dared challenge the Crown Prince's opinion.
The host quickly stepped forward.
"It seems both ladies possess admirable talent."
"Why don't we continue the gathering with music and refreshments?"
The servants immediately began preparing tea.
The tension eased slightly.
But everyone knew the true outcome.
The Crown Prince's presence had ended the contest.
---
Yue Ning stood calmly as guests resumed their conversations.
She looked toward Xu Chen.
"You didn't need to come."
Xu Chen replied quietly,
"I heard someone wished to test you."
His gaze briefly flicked toward Lin Qingya.
Yue Ning followed his glance.
Lin Qingya was now speaking politely with several noble ladies.
Her expression remained perfectly composed.
But the earlier confidence in her eyes had faded slightly.
Yue Ning spoke softly.
"It was only poetry."
Xu Chen's expression remained calm.
"In this city, small things often hide larger intentions."
His words carried quiet meaning.
Yue Ning understood immediately.
Lin Qingya's challenge had not been personal.
It was political.
The Lin family had hoped to embarrass her publicly.
Instead, the plan had failed.
---
Nearby, Yue Ning's brothers watched the scene.
Second brother Yue Qiu whispered with a grin,
"The Crown Prince arrived exactly at the right time."
Fourth brother laughed softly.
"He's clearly worried about our sister."
The eldest brother, however, looked thoughtful.
"He's sending a message."
"What message?" another brother asked.
"That Yue Ning is under his protection."
The brothers fell silent.
Because the eldest brother was correct.
Xu Chen had not simply come to watch poetry.
He had come to warn the capital's noble families.
---
On the other side of the pavilion, Lin Qingya stood beside the garden railing.
Her friend approached cautiously.
"Lady Lin… are you alright?"
Lin Qingya smiled calmly.
"Of course."
But inside her mind, emotions churned.
She had spent years perfecting her reputation.
Poetry.
Music.
Etiquette.
Everything a noble lady needed to become a perfect imperial consort.
Yet the Crown Prince had never once shown interest.
And now…
He had publicly defended Yue Ning.
Lin Qingya watched the two of them speaking quietly across the garden.
Her eyes darkened slightly.
"She is not simple," she murmured.
Her friend whispered,
"What will you do?"
Lin Qingya looked toward the cherry blossoms drifting across the pond.
For a moment, she said nothing.
Then she smiled again.
"This was only a gathering."
Her tone remained gentle.
"But the capital has many gatherings."
---
That evening, a messenger hurried into General Lin Zhiyuan's residence.
The general listened carefully as the report was delivered.
"The Crown Prince appeared personally."
Lin Zhiyuan's expression darkened.
"And my daughter?"
"She behaved gracefully… but Lady Yue's poem received greater praise."
The general remained silent for a long moment.
Then he sighed slowly.
"So the girl truly has talent."
He had hoped Yue Ning would embarrass herself.
Instead, the result only increased her reputation.
Lin Zhiyuan walked toward the window, staring at the darkening sky.
"The Crown Prince protects her openly…"
His voice became cold.
"That means removing her will become far more difficult."
The messenger hesitated.
"General… should we continue?"
Lin Zhiyuan's eyes narrowed.
"Yes."
His tone was quiet but dangerous.
"The more the capital admires her…"
"The more carefully we must move."
Because he understood something very clearly.
If Yue Ning became Crown Princess…
Her influence would grow.
And if she ever uncovered the hidden truth behind the Lin family's fortune…
Everything Lin Zhiyuan had built would collapse.
---
That night, the capital slowly returned to its usual calm.
But beneath the surface, tensions had begun to rise.
The first public test of Yue Ning had ended in her favor.
Yet powerful enemies were already watching from the shadows.
And for General Lin Zhiyuan, this was no longer simply about politics.
It was about protecting a secret that could destroy him.
The struggle had only just begun.