The Lin residence instantly became lively with everyone's arrival. After the initial round of introductions and greetings, Tan Luhua led Jiang Feiyun and the others into the garden. Qin Shi, noticing Lin Dongqi arriving with her prominent belly, pulled her daughter aside to settle her in the Green Gauze Cabinet, chiding, "You're further along in your pregnancy, and the weather is so hot—why didn't you stay home to rest properly? This is your first child, and it's crucial. How could your husband indulge you like this?"
Lin Dongqi sat on the large heated brick bed, wiping the sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief. "It's fine. The pregnancy is stable now, and moving around more is actually better," she said, taking a sip of warm tea before lowering her voice. "Is Eldest Brother back? With His Majesty newly establishing the Crown Prince, Father-in-law and my husband are both uneasy. I heard Eldest Brother has been in the Imperial Presence these past few days, so we thought to come and sound things out. Besides, I've been missing Mother terribly, so I came along with my husband."
Qin Shi quickly replied, "Since you're here, stay for a few days before returning." She added, "Your Eldest Brother returned last night, and since before dawn today, there's been a constant stream of visitors in the front hall."
Lin Dongqi asked, "With both Jiang Family girls here, is it to arrange a marriage for Eldest Brother?"
Qin Shi said, "This is also Old Master and your father's idea. Which one do you think is better?"
Lin Dongqi replied, "Isn't it obvious? Naturally, it's Fifth Sister Jiang—she's kind-hearted and delightful. Everyone praises her, high and low."
Qin Shi agreed, "Who could deny it? Just her appearance and the way she carries herself—few girls can compare."
While mother and daughter conversed in the room, Tan Luhua bustled about in the garden, attending to the guests. Everyone gathered in the pavilion, which was adorned with brocade curtains and screens. Inside and outside the pavilion, various orchids were displayed—pink, pale yellow, light green, snow-white, and rouge-colored—their blossoms vibrant against lush green leaves, making them all the more exquisite. The table was laden with assorted fruits, preserves, and an array of pastries. Tan Luhua's face glowed with rouge and powder, her hair styled in a gold-thread bun adorned with a large phoenix hairpin dripping with gold pearls and a Gold Ruyi Necklace around her neck. She wore a pink soft silk BeiZi embroidered with gold trims and chrysanthemum patterns, paired with a white skirt featuring embroidered gourds, adding to her striking appearance.
Skilled in hosting, she was aided by Lin Dongwan and Jiang Feiyun, who chatted and joked, creating a harmonious atmosphere. Madam Tan had long heard of Jiang Feiyun's literary reputation and now observed her closely. Though her features were pleasant, they fell short of Jiang Xiyun's beauty. Jiang Feiyun had an oval face, bright and expressive eyes, and thin red lips. Her hair was styled in an extremely dignified married woman's bun, adorned with a gold-inlaid jade pomegranate hairpin, a gold plum blossom hairpin, and various emerald ornaments. She wore a pair of gold and red coral earrings and was dressed in a light green BeiZi embroidered with a hundred butterflies among flowers, paired with a silver-red phoenix-patterned skirt. Holding a palace fan, she exuded an elegant and noble aura, standing out from the crowd.
After some time of conversation and laughter, Tan Luhua noticed that the cups, plates, and dishes were all set. She invited everyone to eat and drink, then instructed Caiping and Cai Ming to post the poetry theme on the pavilion. Everyone went to look and saw the topic: "Using the orchid as the theme, compose a seven-character regulated verse with no restrictions on rhyme."
Tan Luhua smiled and said, "I pondered over this topic for several days. After much thought, I decided not to limit the rhyme. Let's just compose for our own amusement." At that moment, Cai Feng brought over a porcelain bowl containing several paper slips. Tan Luhua announced, "The poetry themes are all in this bowl. Let's draw lots—whatever you pick, you'll write on that theme. How does that sound?"Before the words had fully faded, a young maid named Mengyin came running over and said, "The Concubine Dowager and Taitai are here." Everyone quickly rose to their feet and saw Qin Shi supporting Grandmother Jiang's arm as the two approached, chatting and laughing, surrounded by seven or eight maids. Lin Dongqi followed behind, supported by two young maids, while Aunt Xia assisted Fangfei at the rear.
Tan Luhua, feeling a sense of pride, promptly stood up and said with a smile, "What brings the Concubine Dowager and Taitai here? Such refined interest."
Jiang Xiyun, who already knew Lin Dongqi, smiled and said, "Cousin, take it slow. Let me support you."
Qin Shi laughed and said, "We were just chatting in the room and heard you were all gathered here having fun, so we came to take a look. Don’t feel restrained on our account—enjoy yourselves as you were."
Everyone crowded around to greet and assist them. Outside the pavilion, beneath the dense shade, a Luohan bed carved with gold-inlaid hundred blessings and flowing clouds had been set up. Tan Luhua had already ordered a thick cushion laid over it, covered with a phoenix-tail mat. She first helped Grandmother Jiang sit down, and Grandmother Jiang reached out to take Lin Dongxiu’s hand, saying, "Good child, sit with me." Qin Shi, meanwhile, entered the pavilion, first inspecting the dishes, then reading the poetry themes posted inside. She thought to herself, "Madam Tan does have some talent, no wonder the master chose her. Though somewhat shortsighted, she is still a cut above the other girls." Aloud, she smiled and said, "Back when I was a young lady, I also joined poetry clubs with my sisters. You girls go ahead and enjoy yourselves."
Lin Dongwan, aware that Jiang Xiyun was the one the family favored for a match with Lin Jinlou, was especially attentive. She carefully selected a few pastries and fruits on a small plate and brought it over to Grandmother Jiang, saying with a smile, "Concubine Dowager, please try these." Jiang Feiyun fetched cups and chopsticks, while Jiang Xiyun deftly filled a plate for Qin Shi and personally poured wine, serving each in turn.
Grandmother Jiang, Qin Shi, and the others ate and drank outside the pavilion, chatting and laughing with everyone. After the maids cleared the remnants of the feast and replaced them with delicate tea and fruits, Qin Shi urged the young ladies to go and amuse themselves. Shortly after, Hongjian came to report, "Taitai, the Master is here. He intended to pay his respects, but seeing so many ladies gathered, he feared it might be inconvenient. He sends his greetings from afar and is now heading to the front to receive guests."
Qin Shi, greatly pleased, laughed and said, "Quick, ask him to come over. We’re all family here—what is there to fear?" She then said to the others with a smile, "He’s the wealthy one; if he’s joining us, he’ll have to cover the cost of this wine."
Before she finished speaking, Lin Jinlou arrived, paying his respects to Grandmother Jiang and Qin Shi. Jiang Feiyun, seated inside the pavilion, looked him over from head to toe, left and right, and seeing his heroic and imposing stature, nodded inwardly in approval.
Jiang Xiyun attentively poured a cup of tea for Jiang Feiyun, handing it over and saying, "It’s hot weather, elder sister. Have a cup of cool tea to relieve the summer heat."
Jiang Feiyun covered her mouth with her fan, winked at Jiang Xiyun, and whispered, "So this is your future husband? He’s quite impressive."
Jiang Xiyun immediately lowered her head in shyness and said, "Elder sister, what are you saying!" She stole a glance at Lin Jinlou out of the corner of her eye before looking away. This marriage arrangement was filled with Grandeur from all sides; if not for Chen Xianglan, it would truly be perfect in every way.Jiang Feiyun gazed at Jiang Xiyun’s flower-like delicate and rosy face, her eyes flickering as she said, “Among us sisters, you are the most beautiful and have the best temperament, always knowing how to be modest and yielding in everything. Though we are not born of the same mother, I have always regarded you as my own younger sister. I used to think that with your looks and disposition, if you didn’t marry well, it would be a sign that Heaven was blind.” She pursed her lips into a smile. “Now I realize Heaven is fair after all.”
Jiang Xiyun’s face remained flushed, and she replied somewhat flustered, “What are you saying, elder sister? What fairness or unfairness? Nothing is settled yet.”
Seeing her adorable red cheeks, Jiang Feiyun couldn’t resist pinching them gently. She lowered her voice and chuckled, “You’re just too honest and obedient. I came today to help you out—your brother-in-law will be here shortly.”
Jiang Danyun, noticing the two whispering intimately, felt a pang of resentment. She snorted softly, then glanced at Lin Jinlou, her eyes misting over as she turned her face away.
Lin Dongxiu, having received guidance from Aunt Xia these past few days, had become more observant than before. She took note of the Jiang family girls’ behavior and couldn’t help but smirk disdainfully. Instead, she handed a cup of tea to Jiang Danyun.
At that moment, Tan Luhua produced a blue-and-white porcelain jar and said with a smile, “The poetry themes are all rolled into paper lots inside this jar. Let’s draw lots to decide.”
Lin Dongqi laughed and said, “You all go ahead and play. I won’t trouble myself with thinking too hard—I’ll wait for you to write your poems and then act as the judge.”
Lin Dongwan also smiled and added, “Since Second Sister isn’t writing, I’ll take it easy too. In recent years, I’ve been bogged down with mundane affairs, and now I can barely manage to pick up a brush to write a few characters. Besides, with the talented Miss Jiang here, where is there room for us to shine? Better to hide my clumsiness than to embarrass myself.”
Everyone laughed and said, “If that’s the case, then there’s no place for any of us either.”
Jiang Feiyun smiled and replied, “If you all say that, I won’t have the face to sit here any longer. I only came because I missed Grandmother and my sisters, shamelessly hoping to join you for a meal. Who knew we’d have to write poetry? Since the Lin sisters aren’t writing, what’s the point if I write alone? How about I paint a picture to accompany the poetry themes? Later, everyone can inscribe their poems beside the painting—wouldn’t that be fresh and interesting?”
Everyone praised the idea. Tan Luhua, hearing this, laughed and said, “That’s perfect! Coincidentally, Eldest Brother has a remarkable person in his quarters who is also skilled in painting. We can ask her for the pigments and brushes.” She stood up and said to Lin Jinlou with a smile, “Eldest Brother, you’re being rather stingy, keeping Sister Xianglan locked away in your room and not letting her out. Otherwise, it would be wonderful to invite her to join our fun. Now we need to borrow some painting supplies from you—you can’t keep them to yourself anymore.”
Lin Jinlou was taken aback. At the mention of Xianglan, more than half of those present felt uncomfortable. Jiang Feiyun whispered, “Is this Xianglan the highly favored concubine of Lin Jinlou?”
Jiang Xiyun frowned slightly and nodded.
Then they heard Lin Jinlou laugh and say, “She’s just reserved by nature. This morning, Sister-in-Law even sent someone personally to deliver an invitation. I wanted her to come, but she claimed she wasn’t feeling well. Since Sister-in-Law is showing her such favor, she can’t refuse again.” He then turned to Hongjian and said, “Then I’ll trouble you to go and have her personally bring the painting supplies.”
Hongjian didn’t dare move without permission and glanced at Qin Shi. Seeing Qin Shi nod slightly, she finally smiled and said, “I’ll make sure to bring her here.” With that, she turned and left.Xianglan was in her room watching De Ge'er practice calligraphy when she noticed several pieces of clothing haphazardly piled in the corner of the heated brick bed. She asked Hua Shan, "What's the matter with these clothes?"
Hua Shan pursed her lips and said, "These need ironing. It was originally Chun Ling's task, but these days she's been spending all her time with the Jiang Family young ladies' maids, neglecting her duties and constantly running out. I'm afraid she's aiming for a higher branch." Seeing Xianglan's stunned expression and Xiao Juan standing behind her making warning gestures, Hua Shan regretted being so blunt.
Xiao Juan quickly interjected, "But I think she's just 'lighting a lamp for a blind man'—a complete waste. Why should you bother with her, Mistress?"
Just then, Hongjian arrived to invite Xianglan to the pavilion, which troubled her. Recently, Tan Luhua had frequently come to chat and laugh with her. Though Xianglan was reluctant to entertain her, she couldn't refuse outright. So she had used the "Poetry Club" as an excuse, and indeed, Tan Luhua became fully occupied with it, rarely visiting Chun Tang Hall, allowing Xianglan a few days of peace. Now that the noble ladies and young misses were holding their poetry gathering, what place was there for her? Naturally, she wanted to stay as far away as possible.
Hongjian discerned Xianglan's thoughts and persuaded her, "The Master personally invited you in front of the Concubine Dowager and Taitai. If you don't go, wouldn't that make the Master lose face? Just make an appearance to honor his dignity, then you can return."
Having no choice, Xianglan settled De Ge'er, prepared writing materials, and went to the pavilion.
By then, everyone had already drawn their poetry themes. Tan Luhua appeared confident, thinking briefly before writing swiftly. Lin Dongxiu wrote a few lines, found them unsatisfactory, crumpled the paper, and started over—soon, seven or eight paper balls lay at her feet. Jiang Danyun stared intently at an orchid, lost in thought. Jiang Feiyun craned her neck to see Jiang Xiyun's assigned theme. She knew her younger sister, though diligent in reading and writing, was weak in poetry and ashamed of her penmanship. She wanted to help her cheat, but with so many people around, she couldn't manage it.
Seeing Jiang Xiyun staring blankly at her poetry theme, Jiang Feiyun thought anxiously, "This is bad. The Lin Family's Taitai and Lin Jinlou are both here. Although composing poetry isn't crucial, showing incompetence in this would still be embarrassing." Fanning herself, she suddenly noticed a girl approaching in the distance, wearing a lotus-root-colored glossy silk dress embroidered with blue orchids, carrying a tray with various paint cups and dishes. The girl's radiant beauty and serene grace made Jiang Feiyun pause. Glancing at Hongjian, she realized who the newcomer was. Then, looking from Xianglan to Jiang Xiyun, she frowned deeply.
Tan Luhua had just finished her poem when she looked up and saw Xianglan arriving. She immediately set down her brush and greeted her warmly, "Finally, you're here!" She then smiled at Jiang Feiyun and said, "This is the hidden pearl in Big Brother's chamber." She proceeded to introduce Xianglan to Jiang Feiyun.
Lin Dongxiu also stood up and said with a smile, "Xianglan, sit here with me and tell me if I've written well."
Jiang Feiyun had long known that Lin Dongxiu and Tan Luhua were both sharp-tongued troublemakers. Seeing them so affectionate toward Xianglan surprised her. She exchanged a meaningful glance with Jiang Xiyun.
Not wanting to stay long, Xianglan excused herself, saying, "I'll go pay respects to Taitai and the others," and went over to Grandmother Jiang and Qin Shi. Grandmother Jiang wore a faint smile, while Qin Shi asked a few questions about De Ge'er.
Lin Jinlou looked at Xianglan and said, "They're composing poetry. Go join them for some fun."
Xianglan replied, "De Ge'er is alone in the room. I'm worried about him, so I'd better return."Lin Jinlou said, "The maids and old women are all here, what is there to worry about? Come and have some fun." After speaking, he stood up and ordered Xianglan to follow him to the pavilion. He said to Tan Luhua, "Sister-in-law, where is that urn for drawing lots? Let Xianglan draw one."
Tan Luhua immediately ordered someone to bring out the urn. Xianglan was extremely unwilling, but when she looked up and saw that although Lin Jinlou was smiling, there was a faint displeasure in his expression, she dared not defy his wishes. She had no choice but to draw one. Unfolding it, she saw two words written on it: "Fragrant Orchid."
Lin Jinlou laughed and said, "Since this is a poetry club, we should still determine who is best. I have a little trinket here as a prize for the winner." With that, he took out a jade pendant from his bosom—a delicate and warm magnolia blossom.
(Xiao He’s Weibo: Search for ‘He Yanshan’ on Weibo.)
Thank you to Qianniuyang for the He's Jade Disc, Qianniuyang for two Peach Blossom Fans, yalleo for the Peach Blossom Fan, FF Dianxia, I Hate Raw Fish Slices, flora9999, and Tuoba Wan'er for the sachets, Ming Zixi, Grimm's Fairy Tales 1, kmtk11011101, Tomato Beef, tangxiao818 (two), Xisuo's Cards, Book Friend 140130113933130, The Yoga-Loving Fatty, Sun Huijie, Love Orchid 2014, The Flower-Loving Cat, Wu Tong Ting Xi Yu, chai281, m Denominator, Rong Yu 8163 (two), flora9999, molly**m, Jane and Rose for the Peace Talismans, and also thank you all for the pink votes ^_^
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This month will be very busy, but I will try my best to maintain the update schedule. I'm sorry, everyone—if there are any delays, please wait a little longer. Once again, I bow in gratitude.
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