Lin Dongwan smiled and said, "Big Brother always has such fine things in his hands. What's the story behind this pendant?"
Lin Jinlou replied, "The other day when I accompanied the Imperial Carriage to Xiantong Temple, the Abbot brought out a tray of trinkets. The crown prince bestowed several upon me—some gold, some jade. This pendant was among them."
Lin Dongwan exclaimed, "Oh my! So it originally came from the Crown Prince's Palace! This is truly remarkable. Even I feel tempted to compose a poem now."
Lin Dongqi gently nudged her and laughed, "Then hurry up and write one. Later, I'll judge the poems and award you first place, sister."
Lin Dongwan said, "Amitabha! You should have whispered that to me, Second Sister. Announcing it so publicly—what will the others think when they find out?"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Jiang Xiyun glanced at the jade, then at Lin Jinlou, and finally at Xianglan, thinking to herself: "Lin Jinlou deliberately brought Chen Xianglan out to write poetry on such an occasion—clearly to elevate her status. Otherwise, as a mere concubine, no matter how favored, how could she have a place here? This shows she is indeed a rival. By doing this, Lin Jinlou is making a statement both to me and to our Jiang Family!" She felt stifled and took a deep breath.
Meanwhile, Jiang Feiyun thought: "Earlier, I didn't join the Poetry club because if I wrote too well, I might overshadow Fifth Sister; if too mediocre, it would tarnish my reputation. Better to help Fifth Sister compose a poem and crush that concubine's pretensions. In unofficial histories and romances, talented scholars and beauties often connect through objects—whether jade pendants, handkerchiefs, sachets, bracelets, or earrings. If I help Fifth Sister win the prize, later it will spread that 'Jiang Family's Fifth Daughter, through exceptional poetic talent, obtained Lin Jinlou's jade pendant.' Not only would it make a romantic tale, but it would also secure this marriage about seventy to eighty percent." She lowered her head and quietly contemplated composing a regulated verse.
Though Lin Dongwan wore a smile, she kept glancing between Lin Jinlou, Xianglan, and Jiang Xiyun. Hiding her mouth behind a fan, she whispered to Lin Dongqi, "Second Sister, who do you think Big Brother wants to win this pendant?"
Lin Dongqi whispered back, "Naturally, whoever writes the best poem will get it."
Lin Dongwan clicked her tongue. "Tsk. When we judge later, we must consider Big Brother's intentions. Tell me—is he interested in Jiang Xiyun, or is he trying to elevate Xianglan?"
Lin Dongqi had to admire her sister's skill in reading subtle cues and currying favor everywhere. After a moment's thought, she fanned herself and said, "I can't figure it out."
By then, Cai Feng had posted everyone's assigned poetry topics on the wall: Jiang Danyun drew "Longing for Orchids," Jiang Xiyun "Appreciating Orchids," Tan Luhua "Lonely Orchid," Lin Dongxiu "Abandoned Orchid," and lastly, Xianglan's topic was "Fragrant Orchid."
Meanwhile, Tan Luhua had thrust a brush into Xianglan's hand, saying, "Hurry up! Once this incense stick burns out, it's time to submit your draft."
Xianglan had no choice. She hadn't wanted to come in the first place, and now, with Lin Jinlou pushing her into the spotlight, she felt utterly awkward from head to toe. She knew he intended to elevate her, but this situation only made her more uncomfortable. Although the Jiang Sisters treated her politely, they were distant and carried a subtle arrogance. If not for the Lin Sisters and Tan Luhua treating her with some warmth, she might have appeared calm on the surface but would have been sitting on pins and needles inside.The pavilion originally had a stone table, which was now completely occupied, forcing Xianglan to stand outside holding her brush. The maid Mengyin cleared a small side table and laid out paper. Xianglan thought to herself, "If I write too well and outshine everyone, it would be asking for trouble. Not only would those present be displeased, but Taitai would also think me tactless. Better to compose an ordinary poem—passable enough without losing dignity." She picked up her brush and casually wrote the line, "The pure form holds fragrance, emitting subtle grace." Lin Jinlou moved behind her and, seeing such a mediocre opening line, faintly furrowed his brows.
This Magnolia pendant was something he had intended to give to Xianglan. Lin Jinlou was well aware of Xianglan's talent and learning, and he had planned for her to shine in front of everyone today, then enhance her prestige with the crown prince's reward, so that her reputation would earn respect wherever she went.
But damn that little Xianglan for failing to grasp his intentions—her very first line was so subpar. Lin Jinlou whispered, "What kind of nonsensical rubbish is this you've written?"
Xianglan jumped in surprise, turned her head to see Lin Jinlou, and couldn't help feeling annoyed. "If Master finds it unsatisfactory, why not compose one yourself?" she retorted, then turned back to write the next line.
Lin Jinlou said, "Write a proper one, hear me? You can even explain the Analects to De Ge'er, and the poems you usually inscribe on paintings aren't this vulgar."
Xianglan still ignored him.
Lin Jinlou was initially irritated, but seeing her stubborn little expression, he found it endearing. So he said, "Fine, write a good one, and I'll reward you handsomely. If it's not good—" He stroked his chin and added, "If it's not good, don't even think about selling that painting of yours. I mean what I say, understand?"
Xianglan's eyes widened, her face flushing red with anger. "How can Master be like this!" she exclaimed furiously.
Lin Jinlou watched her flushed little face, his heart itching again, thinking that if there were no one else around, he'd definitely pinch it. With a smiling face, he said, "Why can't I be like this? I've always done as I pleased. Write properly, understand?" With that, he turned and walked away gracefully.
Xianglan was so angry her eyes welled up with tears. She struggled to hold them back, wallowed in grievance for a moment, then had no choice but to start a new poem.
By then, Tan Luhua had finished composing, and Jiang Danyun and Lin Dongxiu had also completed theirs, taking fresh paper to transcribe. Jiang Feiyun secretly glanced at Jiang Xiyun's work and saw that the poem had a general structure but lacked refinement, with mediocre artistic conception at best. Jiang Xiyun, already plump and heat-sensitive, was now sweating profusely, inwardly lamenting, "What's the use of this tedious nonsense? So pretentiously scholarly—even if written well, can it surpass Li Bai and Du Fu? It's just a boring play in the boudoir, yet I can't even leave. So dull—I'd rather go fishing; at least catching something would make a meal."
While grumbling internally, she heard Jiang Feiyun whisper behind her, "The closing couplet is weak: 'People today don't know the feelings of the East Lord, / Pouring out melancholy to the crimson dawn'—it falls flat. The second couplet's 'The moon plays with light clouds' paired with 'The curtain rolls up the west wind' is structurally sound, but Li Qingzhao's allusions are overused, making it clichéd."
Jiang Xiyun whispered back, "What should I do then? I really can't think of anything right now."
Jiang Feiyun said, "Don't worry about it. Transcribe the rest first and leave those lines blank for now."Jiang Xiyun was delighted to have stumbled upon inspiration, beaming as she clung to Jiang Feiyun, flattering her eagerly: "Dearest sister, I adore you most. Tomorrow I'll make another pair of tiger-head shoes for your little nephew."
Jiang Feiyun tapped her nose and said, "You little smooth-talker, always so sweet with words." She secretly passed a slip of paper to her. Jiang Xiyun unfolded it and saw that Feiyun's composition was indeed more profound in conception than her own, immediately overjoyed, she hurriedly copied it down.
Lin Dongxiu observed this and initially wanted to mock them, but out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Aunt Xia sitting nearby watching her and subtly shaking her head. Lin Dongxiu had no choice but to hold back. Turning her head, she saw Tan Luhua also coldly watching Feiyun and Xiyun with a mocking expression, clearly having noticed as well. Xiu and Hua exchanged a knowing glance before lowering their heads.
Lin Dongwan also saw what happened but pretended not to notice, continuing to chat and laugh with Lin Dongqi.
Aunt Xia took a sip of tea and glanced toward Xianglan, only to see her brush swiftly moving across the paper, completing her work in no time.
Soon the "Sweet Dream" incense in the burner burned out. Lin Dongqi clapped her hands and laughed, "Let's read the poems now. Is everyone finished?"
Xiang Yun collected the poems, and everyone looked them over one by one. The first on the stack was Jiang Danyu's, titled:
Longing for Orchids
Alone I climb the west tower with hidden thoughts,
Orchids in Chu fields miss their fragrant prime.
Thick shade, cicadas' drone—clouds hold no delight,
Deep courtyard, high walls—summer arrives too late.
Countless emotions fade with Qingfen's distance,
A single mistaken thought brings lasting illness.
None can grasp the flavor within,
Tears of shared understanding never come.
After reading, everyone praised: "Every line truly conveys 'longing,' perfectly capturing the theme." Lin Dongqi said, "It's just a bit too sorrowful." Jiang Feiyun added, "Longing for Orchids, longing for orchids—naturally 'a heart full of longing,' how could it not be sad?" Moving on, they read Jiang Xiyun's poem:
Admiring Orchids
Jade cups, emerald rings adorn fragrant skin,
Graceful on the desk in lamplight's glow.
Moon plays with light clouds, casting flower shadows,
Fragrance beyond the west window locks Qingfeng.
All praise the official's city of splendid blooms,
Yet Qinhuai's hidden grasses thrive.
Ethereal soul scattered past the Xiang River,
Moth-eyebrows hardly match immortal bones.
Lin Dongqi praised, "The last couplet is best, alluding to Qu Yuan to elevate the entire poem's conception." Everyone nodded in agreement. Next, they read Tan Luhua's work:
Lonely Orchid
Lonely orchid, pure and bright, grows in old gardens,
Cold courtyard weeds compete to bury it.
Transplanted to splendid halls to bask in spring light,
It gazes wistfully at empty fences under the cold moon.
Spring breezes steal past as frost drizzles down,
Bees and butterflies hover while rain ceases.
Fearing to waste youth's vibrant intent,
It falls to spring mud, blossoms never blooming.
Jiang Feiyun laughed, "Remarkable! After all, she is Second Madam Xuan, a talented woman from the inner chambers—her writing naturally carries pride." Lin Dongqi smiled, "But in terms of realm, Fifth Cousin's poem still stands above. Second Sister-in-law, do you concede?" Tan Luhua naturally refused to yield, merely smiling faintly without responding. Then they saw Lin Dongxiu's poem:
Abandoned Orchid
Partridges cry over green waters,
Chu orchids' last strains bloom in Nanxun.
Tiny stamens cling to butterflies, following flowing waves,
East wind sweeps fragrance up to blue clouds.
At sunset, picking angelica from distant marshes,
After rain, transplanting to Yellow Court's shade.
Spring light fleeting—startled by melancholy,
The Prince does not return to the deep forbidden court.
Lin Dongwan laughed, "So desolate—hardly something written by one about to celebrate a great joy. You'll be penalized to write another later." Lin Dongxiu blushed and said, "Eldest Sister, why tease me like that? I racked my brains to piece this together—there's no way I could write another." Lin Dongqi hugged Lin Dongxiu and said, "Eldest Sister was just joking. The theme was difficult to begin with, and you've written this one well."The last poem was Xianglan's. Everyone gathered to look and saw it was written in exceptionally beautiful "hairpin flower" style small regular script. Lin Dongqi thought to herself: "Setting aside everything else, just this calligraphy alone surpasses all those who wrote poems earlier. Fifth cousin's poem is passable, but her handwriting is ordinary, lacking strength and style." Then she looked at what was written:
Fragrant Orchid
Lush orchids bloom in the empty valley, standing tall above other fragrances.
Their graceful bones contain jade-like elegance, pure forms hold floating light with charm.
Strong winds cannot break the noble will, heavy rains may challenge the kingly fragrance.
After reading the works of Qu Yuan and Song Yu, eternal lofty sentiments fill the moonlit hall.
(Original poem, hinting at character destinies, written rather crudely, please bear with me. Xiao He's Weibo: search 'He Yan Shan' on Sina Weibo)
I meant to update yesterday, but after working overtime and returning home, I lay down to rest after dinner and accidentally fell asleep. cries internally , things might get slightly better next week, will try to speed up TT
Thanks to fat wanghua001 for the Peach Blossom Fan, Rongyu8163 for two Peace Talismans, Mingzixi, yangner, I hate raw fish slices, tangxiao818, kmtk11011101, Sukiishi for the Peace Talismans, and also thank everyone for the pink votes^_^
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