Reborn：Substitute Lover of the Prince

Chapter Four: Talent Competition

Lucy was quick to respond with polite and flattering words, expressing gratitude and humility. She returned the compliments by praising the empress and the concubine, highlighting their exceptional beauty and grace beyond ordinary standards.

Privately, she sneered, "Isn't it just necessary, sister? I bear a striking resemblance to your ex-boyfriend's ex-girlfriend, almost seventy percent, oh, what a complicated relationship!"

The courteous exchange finally concluded, and the "Create a Supporting Female Character" competition began with a talent showdown consisting of three rounds: painting, poetry, and playing the piano. The empress would determine the winner based on the overall performance in two out of three rounds.

With ink, paper, brush, and inkstone ready, the first round of painting commenced. The empress set the theme: "As it is a spring banquet, paint freely on the theme of spring flowers and scenery." Lucy, feigning composure but secretly flustered, faced a challenge as an architecture major who only had basic sketching skills.

While she could draw architectural plans, elevations, sections, and axonometric projections, painting flowers and spring scenes posed a daunting task. Diana, the concubine, effortlessly depicted the imperial garden with vivid details, earning praise from the onlookers who mocked Lucy's lack of skill and suitability.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Lucy seized the opportunity. Unattended and unnoticed, she instructed the palace servants to move her setup to a quiet spot near the palace walls.

After an hour, both contestants presented their artworks. Diana's "Imperial Garden in Spring" portrayed a blossoming scene that captivated everyone, while Lucy's "Palace Wall in Spring" appeared somewhat perplexing with intricate details of the wall's every groove and c***k but devoid of flowers and trees.

Explaining her work, Lucy confidently said, "Your Majesty, the tall palace wall obstructs the view of spring flowers. I employed a method of leaving empty spaces to allow for more imagination. Though there are no flowers in the painting, it is filled with floral sentiments."

Although the explanation seemed strained, it carried some truth. However, the empress, appreciating the effort and skill but finding it inconsistent with the theme, decided not to adopt Lucy's creation.

The first round went to Diana.

The second round involved poetry, with the empress assigning the topic "Ode to Begonia Flowers." Lucy, inwardly amused, had a trick up her sleeve. While she didn't have an extensive repertoire of memorized poems, her accumulation of novel materials allowed her to recite several verses praising begonia flowers.

With a flourish, Lucy transcribed the verses of Diana's "Ode to White Begonias."

"Cherishing beauty during the day behind closed doors, she personally waters the plants in her courtyard.

Blush fades as if washed by rain, and frost invites the soul to the dewy terrace.

Delicate to the extreme, now one realizes the flowers are even more beautiful.

Sorrow multiplies as jade remains without a trace; the mind lingers, half hidden in the twilight."

Diana, about to start her own poem, was astounded by Lucy's seemingly divine inspiration. The verses she presented not only showcased elegant expressions but also subtly portrayed her serene and dignified image.

Lucy, however, wasn't finished. She paused briefly, then picked up her brush once more. Her new creation left everyone in awe, and the room fell into silence. It was Lucy's brilliant and genuine adaptation of Yi Anju's "Like a Dream":

"Last night, the rain was sparse, the wind abrupt; deep sleep did not dispel the remaining fragrance of wine.

Asking the curtain bearer, one learns the begonias are still there.

Do you know? Do you know? It should be lush and green while you grow thin and pale."

The unexpected choice left everyone stunned. The empress, impressed by the quality of both poems, praised Lucy's exceptional talent. Diana gracefully conceded, acknowledging Lucy's superior performance in this round.

The decisive round, playing the piano, required no specific theme. A traditional instrument was placed between them, and they took turns playing. The melodious notes filled the air as the contest went on for over ten rounds without a clear winner.

Lucy, realizing her limited repertoire of modern songs and her focus on "life-saving skills" during her years in this world, felt a bit anxious. Diana, a young prodigy known since the age of eight, had dominated the cultural scene in the capital. Although Lucy had previously dismissed her, today she had to reevaluate her skills.

Diana's performance was extraordinary, with an array of unfamiliar tunes, each one unique and enchanting. Lucy, feeling the pressure, decided to take advantage of her trump card. She improvised, playing the theme song of her favorite TV drama, "Do You Know?" She had purchased the piano sheet music for "Do You Know?" on an online marketplace and diligently practiced it over the summer.

As Lucy played the melody and lightly sang the lyrics, the audience erupted in applause. The empress was delighted, remarking, "Lucy, with her exquisite talent, has truly surpassed all expectations. My royal child is fortunate!"

Diana, silent for a moment, smiled and said, "Mother, both of these performances are exquisite. Miss Mu's artistry and skill are truly admirable. I concede this round."

With the competition concluded, Lucy's talent shone through, and the noble ladies of the capital, following the empress's praise, commended Lucy's abilities. The previous mockery from Princess seemed like a distant memory.

"Your Majesty is overly generous. I, as a humble servant, overstepped my abilities and ventured into areas where I am not well-versed. If not for the gracious concession of Concubine Diana, I would have undoubtedly made a fool of myself today," Lucy humbly remarked as she bowed and returned the ancient piano.

The empress, observing Diana's expression, noted that if she harbored any personal feelings for Prince Charles, she would surely find it difficult to accept the defeat.