Everyone then laughed, all remarking that only someone from a prominent and wealthy family like Mrs. Zhuang would say such a thing.
Mrs. Wang's heart instinctively tightened. Seeing Mrs. Zhuang was willing to offer such rare Western perfume as a prize showed her determination to win. She could only hope that Miss Wan would live up to the challenge!
The young ladies proceeded with laughter to draw their flower slips, and each began to ponder and brainstorm in front of the long table, occasionally whispering and joking with those beside them.
Only Sang Wan and Tang Yuzhen did not draw lots. While the ladies were wondering why, they heard Mrs. Zhuang say with a laugh, "It is said there are 'Twelve Masters', 'Twelve Companions', and 'Twelve Maidens' among flowers. The flower slips drawn by the ladies just now are these 'Twelve Masters'. Miss Wan, Miss Tang, please use the 'Twelve Masters' as your topic and compose your poems accordingly!"
