This unexpected development made Empress Wang somewhat startled, but she also kind of wanted to know Luo Qing Luan's intention. She replied smilingly, "When you say novel, how in the world do we make it more novel?"

Once she heard that there's a possibility, Luo Qing Luan smiled faintly while winking at Empress Wang. She looked a bit weird. "Your Highness, how about we issue a topic for the poem on the spot, then take turns, so that no one is excluded. Everyone will be involved, because it's Your Highness who determines the subject matter impromptu. In this way, the poem that's recited can then be a test of a person's talent in composing poetry. True gold doesn't fear fire. Only by choosing the best three in this way can the winner be truly deserving of Western Chu's title of 'girl of talent'."

Drawing up the topics on the spot?

Once this idea was presented, most of the girls who were eager to come forward turned pale.

Even though they had been educated since young, and could occasionally come up with a pretty good poem, tonight wasn't the same. This was a once a year occasion which had to do with being able to shine in front of the empress and may even become the key to becoming the crown prince's consort. How could they genuinely use the poems that they composed themselves?

At the very least, most of these young ladies had their parents find someone to compose something for them ahead of time. Moreover, these poems passed through layer upon layer of consideration. Even if they were not chosen among these countless numbers of people, at least they wouldn't lose face.

Yet now, Luo Qing Laun unexpectedly came up with this idea, to have them compose a poem on the spot. How's that possible! While they focused on giving the empress a good impression, they had to also think of the verses. They were not some literary genius, how could they compose something in such a short time?

Wasn't it the same as taking their life away?

After barely thinking about it, Fang Minghu, who had been glaring at Luo Qing Luan, blurted out, "That won't do! Luo Qing Luan, what are you up to. Why would we need to change the rules of this poetry meeting? Her Highness won't listen to you."

She knew that the majority of people lacked confidence, yet didn't expect that the first to jump out was actually Duke Song's granddaughter, Fang Mingzhu!

Luo Qing Luan took a glance at her, not the least bit pleased. "Why does Miss Fang have to be so keyed up? You're Duke Song's granddaughter, so naturally, your literary skills are notable. I'm merely proposing an idea for Empress Wang to make a fresh change for this year, that's all. I truly bear no malice."

"Moreover......" The corners of her mouth curved up into a knowing smile. That smile which was not a smile made her seem calm and collected, distinguishing her from the countless numbers of young girls present.

Luo Qing Luan bowed towards Empress Wang as she opened her mouth. "In coming up with the topics tonight, Your Highness will naturally know who the most talented girl in the capital is. Real ability and learning is important, but an honest and kind character is equally necessary."

After pondering Luo Qing Luan's suggestion, the more Empress Wang listened, the more she felt it was reasonable. She subconsciously nodded her head.

She did want to see which young lady was creative and quick minded, with a good character and kind heart. Her main objective wasn't to listen to poetry during the feast, but to choose a consort for the crown prince. If the event was held according to what's been done during previous years, then the great majority of poems for tonight had been prepared way ahead of time. As for whether they were original compositions, it was even more difficult to tell. How could this still be considered a test?

It's true that the future consort needed to be both intelligent and talented. However, moral conduct was even more important!

A flash streaked through Empress Wang's eye as she laughed. "Not bad. This is indeed novel and interesting. Let's do it this way then. Tonight, I'll personally come up with the topics. For the top ten winners, I'll ask the emperor to reward double."

Once her voice dropped, a minority of people were inwardly happy, but the majority of young girls turned pale, apprehension filled their hearts.

If they truly had to compose a poem impromptu, and they failed to come up with something, then what? Wouldn't that be too embarrassing? Some of the girls already started to secretly pray that the topic the empress came up with will match the poem that they already prepared!

"Miss Sun......"

Looking at Sun Qiao'Er, who's still standing on stage, Empress Wang smiled and said, "Should you still be the first to start?"

A very ordinary question, yet it immediately made Sun Qiao'Er stammer, unable to formulate words clearly. "Your, Your Highness, this......I, I had better......"

In such a frenzy that she nearly wanted to run away, Sun Qiao'Er lost her head out of fear as she looked at Empress Wang and cast a glance towards Luo Qing Luan. Damn her, it's all her fault. If she didn't come up with the idea of changing tonight's rules, how could she be humiliated like this? Right now, she's neither able to move forward, nor retreat. This was simply the same as asking for her life!

"I should still, still, should still be the first to go......"

Sun Qiao'Er's legs practically turned to mush. After she finished this sentence, she no longer even dare to look at Empress Wang. Her hand hidden inside her sleeve was clenched tightly as she trembled slightly from head to toe.

"No need to be nervous, Miss Sun."

For the first topic, Empress Wang actually didn't want to make it hard for the young girl before her. She also could tell that this daughter of the supervisor of Shanglin Institution, Sun Huidong, was not as confident as before. However, since she dared to be first, then let's just put forth a simple topic.

With some thought, Empress Wang spoke gently. "Today is the Mid-Autumn holiday. Miss Sun should just compose something based on the two words 'Mid-Autumn Festival'."

Mid-Autumn Festival?

Once Sun Qiao'Er heard this, her body relaxed all over. Of the two poems she prepared ahead of time, one just happened to talk about the Mid-Autumn Festival. Her prior worries instantly disappeared, as her face finally recovered some color. She promptly nodded. "Yes, Your Highness."

After speaking, she pretended to appear to be thinking as she recited several times inwardly. When she felt that the duration was about right, she finally recited the poem.

"August the 15th night, wine cup faces the blue sky,

Bright moon gazes upon all, all long to return home.

In the quiet dim of night, autumn geese cry out.

Round fan already left the hand, clear moon came as usual."