The next day was as long as Lingxi expected.
She had barely gotten ready for the day when a maid came running to her to inform her of the eunuch's arrival. She went to receive the edict with Qin Yan.
Everyone knelt down as the eunuch read the decree:
"By the Mandate of Heaven, under the blessing of our ancestors, this decree is proclaimed to all beneath the skies:
"The Grand Prince, He Yu, has long conducted himself with dignity, loyalty and restraint, carrying the responsibilities of the imperial clan with unwavering devotion. As the stability of the royal household concerns the harmony of the realm, the matter of principal consort must be carefully regarded.
"We have observed that Mo Lingxi possesses a gentle temperament, proper virtue, refined conduct, and a respectful heart. Her character is composed and modest, and her bearing accords within the imperial household. Furthermore, she has earned favor through sincerity rather than display, demonstrating wisdom and grace in her actions.
"In accordance with the wishes of the late emperor and upon my consideration, I hereby confer upon Mo Lingxi the title of Principal Consort of the Grand Prince.
"From this day forth, she shall preside over the Grand Prince's household, uphold harmony within the inner court, honor the imperial clan, and serve as an example of virtue and propriety.
"The Ministry of Rites shall select an auspicious date for the formal ceremony and record this decree accordingly.
"Respect this", the eunuch read aloud.
"Miss Mo, please accept the decree"
Lingxi accepted it calmly and bowed, "I thank His Majesty for his grace".
"Congratulations", the eunuch bowed and turned to an attendant next to him who handed him an invitation.
The eunuch handed it to Lingxi, "Noble Consort has invited you along with other noble ladies for a flower viewing banquet. Please do well to attend"
Lingxi accepted the invitation and the eunuch left.
"Congratulations", Mo Qinshan said.
"Father, don't tease me", Lingxi said with a smile but she knew, he knew and they both knew that while everyone else in the residence were excited and happy, that this was the beginning of a big battle.
[Lingxi's Courtyard]
"You've got the title. What is our next course of action?" Qin Yan asked.
"You mean your next course of action", Lingxi corrected, "I am nearly done achieving my goal. Today, I'll undoubtedly be the center of attention. This so-called flower viewing banquet is meant to test me to see if I am truly worthy of being with the grand prince and if I have no ulterior motives", Lingxi deduced.
She turned to Qin Yan, "you won't be following me to the banquet today. You will go to do something much more important"
Their eyes met and Qin Yan understood what she meant.
[The palace]
[Fengyin Hall]
Within the walls of this hall were seated eight noble ladies each of noble standing. Among the noble ladies present, Lingxi chose to sit at the last seat on the left with Liu Ying next to her.
Gu Wenlan walked in, and everyone stood up to pay their respects. "Greetings, Noble Consort."
She took her seat in the center.
"Rise."
"Thank you, Noble Consort," they said before taking their seats.
A set of maids entered carrying trays of various desserts and set them on the table beside each lady.
"Today, I am hosting this flower-viewing event on behalf of the empress. I hope you all do not restrain yourselves and enjoy the desserts and talk freely," Gu Wenlan said.
A girl who sat at the front seat to the right stood up and curtsied. "Aunt, since you said so, how about we have a little competition?"she suggested.
She was the daughter of the Minister of Personnel, Minister Gu—Gu Zi, who was also the younger brother of Gu Wenlan, Gu Zhi.
"What do you suggest?" Gu Wenlan asked.
"Since this is a flower-viewing banquet, how about each of us paint a picture of a flower scenery?"
"That sounds like a good idea," Gu Wenlan agreed.
She turned to her maid and ordered her to bring some paper, brushes, and ink.
Gu Zhi turned to Lingxi.
"This must be your first time at a flower-viewing banquet. I hope to see your skills"
Lingxi stood up and smiled.
"Then I'll have to embarrass myself"
Li Min, who sat opposite Gu Zhi, stood up and curtsied.
"I know you have been out exploring around cities for a very long time and might not be as good so I'll go easy on you"
"Then, I'll have to thank you for that," Lingxi gave a curtsy in return.
"Miss Li might go easy on you but rest assured, I won't," Gu Zhi warned with a smile.
Lingxi smiled in return, "Then I guess I have to do my best."
The required items were set before them and they all started painting. Everyone was focused on their work, as the time limit was only thirty minutes. Liu Ying, on the other hand, was crumpling and changing papers every second. She was not well-versed in the art of painting.
The time reached the hour of Wu and the time was up. Everyone laid down their brush while the attendants beside them rolled up their paintings.
The paintings were brought before Gu Wenlan who looked through them. She picked one after another, complimented and commented on each one.
When it got to Liu ying's, she had no words. With the expression on her face, Liu ying knew without a doubt that the painting in Gu Wenlan's hands had to be hers.
She stood up and curtsied, "your highness, I was young and playful hence, I didn't pick the art of painting"
"It is very obvious", Gu Wenlan couldn't help smiling.
The painting was an ordinary rose flower with two broad leaves. Of course, she could only tell it was a rose flower because of the red paint.
"She is always out trying to solve cases. It's no wonder she doesn't know how to paint", Rong Xuan said.
Gu Wenlan picked up Li Min's painting. It was an orchid painting, "very good", she complimented Li Min "I thank your highness for the praise", she bowed.
The next painting was that of a half-bloomed flower with a shroud of long green leaves surrounding it like a veil. The painting was done by Gu Zhi.
Gu Wenlan looked very impressed, "nice work".
Gu Zhi nodded in acknowledgement.
The last painting belonged to Lingxi. It was a green pond with white lotus. It was painted in reference to the pond in her courtyard.
Gu Wenlan looked at Lingxi, "impressive. I didn't know you had such remarkable talent", she said.
Her words shot Li Min's ears like a bomb, "You know how to paint?"
Lingxi stood up with a smile and gave a slight bow, "you flatter me your highness"
"Where did you learn to paint like this?" Gu Wenlan asked.
"My father taught me the fundamentals of painting and I was fortunate enough to meet a master on one of my journeys", Lingxi answered.
Gu Wenlan nodded in satisfaction. "Truly worthy of the grand prince's consort", she said, "I hope we can take good care of each other in the future".
Lingxi smiled but couldn't help but recall He Rui using the exact same words.
'Like mother, like son', she thought.