Ning Xueyan was surprised that Heng Yuqing was invited as well.

The poetry exchange at Wu Manor was a bigger event than she thought, and the guests more influential than she expected. These people formed what felt like a politically-neutral faction of people and leaders who dared to criticize the monarchy. Some noble families and off-shoot imperial families sent their daughters as guests as well.

Unlike the typical guest list full of rich, honorable, and beautiful ...