Chapter 24 A Poem in the Palace
In a blink, it was the Lantern Festival. The Emperor insisted on inviting my whole family to a palace banquet.
Daiyu had not wanted to go, but she gave me face and reluctantly accompanied me into the palace.
At the table, the Emperor grew drunk and held my hand while rambling on.
He suddenly mentioned Daiyu. "I have heard that the Commandery Princess Of Rongyang writes poetry very well."
Daiyu heard this but showed no smile. She looked quite aloof. It seemed a vulgar person like the Emperor was not worthy of reading her poems.
"Since our dynasty has such a good female poet, why do we not see your poems on ordinary days?"
Daiyu frowned slightly. "Is it not because you think it improper for a woman's poems to circulate?"
This girl truly had courage. She dared to roll her eyes at anyone.
The Emperor was not angry. Instead he laughed heartily.
"Who said that! Who said it is improper!"
"Just bring out your poems. I like them, so the people of the whole world will surely like them too!"
Daiyu heard this and finally showed some smile.
"Really?"
"Ask your father. When has the Emperor ever gone back on his word?"
I nodded to show Daiyu she could believe him.
Daiyu stood up before all the imperial relatives and nobles. In her pink dress she looked like a fairy descending.
What she held was no ordinary brush. It was clearly a willow branch that turned stone to gold. With a few strokes she wrote a seven-character quatrain.
She paused briefly at the signature and wrote her real name, Lin Daiyu.
"Your Majesty must keep your word."
The Emperor motioned for her to hand over the poem. After only a glance he shouted.
"Good!"
He passed the poem around. Everyone who saw it was secretly amazed and then looked up at Daiyu with admiration.
As her father I felt honored and straightened my back.
Daiyu had little interest in worldly fame and fortune. Her only wish was for the poetry she had poured her heart into to be shown to others.
The Emperor immediately issued an order. From now on women could promote their poetry. Those with talent should receive even more appreciation.
Daiyu was extremely happy.
On the carriage home, Daiyu counted on her fingers the girls in her poetry society.
"Now that our poems can circulate, they must be very happy."
I nodded, gazing at Daiyu as if admiring a work of art.
"Are you happy in this life?"
Daiyu had been smiling brightly. Hearing my question, she smiled even more.
"Father, are you drunk? What is this talk of this life and that life? Of course I am happy."
As long as she was happy, then my crossing over had not been in vain.