Xianglan sat down beside De Ge'er and asked, "Why are you suddenly asking this?"
De Ge'er swung his little legs, glanced toward the door, then quickly looked down and said, "It's nothing..."
Noticing De Ge'er's gaze, Xianglan followed it to the doorway. Lin Jinlou, hiding behind the curtain, muttered, "Tsk, this foolish boy has already given himself away. He doesn't have any of Lao Yuan's cunning and slyness." Clearing his throat, he lifted the curtain and entered. Everyone immediately stood up to greet him, but Lin Jinlou waved his hand with a smile and said, "Please, sit." Though his presence made everyone somewhat uneasy, Lin Jinlou seemed not to notice and simply took a seat in the official's armchair behind the desk. "Sisters, stay for a meal before you leave. What were you all talking about just now?"
De Ge'er said, "I asked Aunt Lan what use there is in learning music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and verse."
Lin Jinlou turned to Xianglan and said, "Oh, then why don't you explain it to him."
Xianglan glanced at Lin Jinlou and hesitated for a moment. But when she lowered her head and saw De Ge'er's eyes, so strikingly similar to her late sister's, her heart softened with waves of sorrow. She thought to herself, "My sister passed away early, and this child is the only remaining trace of our family's bloodline. Who knows how long he'll be able to stay in the Lin household? As long as I can see him, I must cherish him and teach him well." After a moment of contemplation, she smiled and said, "To regard poetry, verse, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting as things that can't fill your stomach or quench your thirst is a rather shallow and utilitarian way of thinking. A beautiful melody can ease weariness and sorrow, or bring tears to one's eyes. A fine painting can clear the mind of distractions, cleanse the soul, and gradually elevate one's spirit. Music, chess, calligraphy, and painting are the culmination of the wisdom of sages throughout history. Learning them isn't about showing off one's talents or glorifying oneself, but rather about cultivating one's temperament and nurturing virtue. For example, playing chess can temper one's character and patience. Song dynasty scholar Pan Shenxiu compared the game of Go to the teachings of Confucius and Mencius, saying, 'The Way of Go lies in tranquility and silence, yet the choices made are urgent. Benevolence enables one to preserve, righteousness enables one to uphold, propriety enables one to adapt, wisdom enables one to integrate, and trustworthiness enables one to overcome.' This means that playing Go can cultivate the virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness. As for calligraphy, Emperor Taizong of the Tang dynasty wrote in his 'Discourse on Brush Techniques,' 'When one intends to write, one must withdraw one's gaze and turn inward, eliminating distractions and concentrating the spirit. With a righteous heart and harmonious energy, one attains mastery.' This means letting go of all attachments, forgetting honor and disgrace, and focusing one's mind entirely. By immersing oneself in such elegance, one's heart and mind broaden, and this becomes a lifelong treasure."
De Ge'er widened his big, round eyes and asked, "What is 'realm'?"
Xianglan smiled again and said, "'Realm' is something extremely subtle. Let me tell you a story. Buddhist scriptures record that the same river is seen as pus and blood by beings in hell, as a dry riverbed by hungry ghosts, as shimmering water by humans, and as exquisite golden water and lapis lazuli by celestial beings. The same thing appears differently to them—this is because their realms differ. Similarly, when it comes to poetry, verse, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, some people's realm only allows them to see these things as useless because they can't fill their stomachs or quench their thirst. Others, however, can perceive their profound elegance and boundless beauty. Music, chess, calligraphy, and painting all contain a Zen-like quality that speaks directly to the heart, opening the mind and bringing tranquility and subtlety. With eyes that can see beauty, life becomes more vibrant. If one only focuses on whether something can fill their stomach or quench their thirst, then their pursuits in life would be rather dull."Lin Dongxiu laughed and said, “You’re truly remarkable. When discussing the four arts of the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, you even cite classics and allusions, even Buddhist scriptures. If you were a man, you’d probably come home with the top scholar title after stepping out.”
Xianglan smiled faintly, pursing her lips. De Ge’er nodded his little head, though it was unclear whether he understood or not. Lin Jinlou, however, chuckled softly and cast his gaze toward Jiang Xiyun. Jiang Xiyun looked up just as their eyes met. Seeing the playful glint in his gaze, she froze momentarily. Being exceptionally clever, she immediately realized that Lin Jinlou must have overheard her earlier remarks in the courtyard.
Jiang Xiyun’s heart churned with mixed emotions. No matter how critical she was, she understood that marriage was a matter of parental authority and matchmaker’s arrangements. Her father placed great importance on the alliance with the Lin family, her grandmother had lavished praise on Lin Jinlou, and Qin Shi held her in particularly high regard. The marriage was all but settled, with only a thin layer of window paper left unbroken. Lin Jinlou held a high position and wielded considerable power, exuding an aura of heroic vigor. Initially, she hadn’t understood why a family of the Lin’s stature and heritage would single her out—until she saw Xianglan. Only then did it dawn on her that this marriage was indeed a step up for her. Without Chen Xianglan, how could it ever have been her turn? Xianglan possessed both beauty and talent, which left Jiang Xiyun somewhat unsettled. Yet, she did not regard her as a rival. Lin Jinlou had a flirtatious nature, and as a scion of an official family, wasn’t it common for such men to be fickle? Only family standing, future prospects, and heirs were the true foundations of one’s life. No matter how favored a concubine was, affection would inevitably fade over time. With the backing of propriety, her mother-in-law’s support, and her own beauty, wit, and tactics, she had no fear that Chen Xianglan would not fall from grace. Besides, Chen Xianglan had an aloof, almost ethereal demeanor—the kind of woman Jiang Xiyun had always looked down upon.
Yet, Lin Jinlou remained an enigma to her. She was beautiful, sweet-tongued, and clever—countless sons of nobles and princes had fallen for her charms. Among them were those with illustrious family backgrounds, impeccable character and looks, and extraordinary talent, all of whom she handled with ease. Only Lin Jinlou made her inexplicably fearful, even as he sat there quietly.
Lin Jinlou suddenly spoke, “Fifth Cousin, what are your thoughts on this matter?”
Jiang Xiyun was taken aback but quickly responded with a sweet smile, “Why ask me, Eldest Cousin? Sister Xianglan speaks with such eloquence. I can’t match her words. With such a gem beside you, if you’re trying to tease me, I won’t stand for it.”
Jiang Danyun curled her lips and was about to speak when Jiang Xiyun interjected, “Although Sister Xianglan makes a valid point, it’s not quite that simple.”
Xianglan looked up and saw Jiang Xiyun seated on an embroidered stool, holding a cup of tea, her face adorned with a gentle smile as she said, “Even if one finds enjoyment in such pursuits, what use is it? Aren’t there countless impoverished scholars in this world, well-versed in the classics, zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, yet struggling in poverty? When one can’t even fill their belly or is trapped in the struggles of officialdom and livelihood, indulging in poetry, song, and the appreciation of wind and moon—isn’t that putting the cart before the horse? ‘The noble man stands firm in poverty’—such pedantry is utterly tiresome.”Xianglan said, "The destitution of impoverished scholars is a matter of their life circumstances—what does it have to do with their mastery of poetry, calligraphy, painting, and music? On the contrary, many literati, when driven to desperation, rely on selling their calligraphy and paintings to make a living and support their families." Not wishing to engage in a verbal dispute with Jiang Xiyun, she lowered her head and gently patted De Ge'er's head, saying, "When Su Dongpo was demoted to Huangzhou and passed by Pingshan Hall by the river, he saw 'the misty rain over the Jiangnan landscape, where solitary wild geese vanish into the distance,' and then sighed, 'With a heart full of noble spirit, one can ride the wind for a thousand li.' A person who has fallen from the clouds into the mud, demoted from the bustling capital to a remote place, still had the heart to gaze at the sky and observe the rain, preserving a noble spirit within. Nowadays, people’s eyes are fixed on the ground, focused on practical gains and losses, observing the scheming and conflicts between individuals, and pondering cunning tactics. Few can gaze at the misty rain, sit and watch the sunset, and live life from the heart. We are preoccupied with worldly gains, always considering whether something benefits us first, which is why poetry, calligraphy, painting, and music seem useless. Most people’s hearts are clouded with dust, filled with burdens and desires."
These words struck the listeners differently: some felt as if a great bell had tolled, its echoes lingering; others felt as if a stone had been thrown into a lake, stirring ripples; while some remained indifferent, their faces showing scorn.
Everyone fell silent.
Lin Jinlou looked at Xianglan, who was bending down to fasten the loose button on De Ge'er's jacket. A stray lock of hair fell by her cheek, adding a touch of gentleness to her demeanor.
Xia Gugu raised her teacup to her lips, blew away the steam, and took a slow sip.
Tan Luhua stood up and said, "I'm leaving." She went in to bid farewell to Lin Jinlou, but Xianglan earnestly urged her to stay, saying, "Second Madam, please wait a moment. I still have something to discuss with you."
Following Tan Luhua's departure, Jiang Xiyun also rose to take her leave. Jiang Danyun, however, was reluctant to go. Earlier, when Lin Jinlou entered, she had seized every opportunity to speak with him, but he hadn't even glanced her way. Since Jiang Xiyun had already spoken up, she couldn't linger any longer. Remembering that her profile was her most flattering angle, she deliberately turned that side toward Lin Jinlou, wearing a delicate, charming smile.
Xianglan and Tan Luhua returned to the adjacent room, where Xianglan pointed to the selected embroidery patterns and two or three pieces of clothing on the bed, saying, "These clothes are all brand new. If Second Madam doesn’t mind, please choose one."
Tan Luhua had been admiring Xianglan's extensive wardrobe, and upon hearing this, she beamed with delight, though she demurred, "I’m afraid that wouldn’t be appropriate..."
Xianglan laughed and said, "What’s inappropriate about it? They were cut a bit too large for me anyway, and they might not fit me well. Someone with your figure would wear them perfectly."
Lin Dongxiu, who had followed them into the room, saw Xianglan giving clothes to Tan Luhua and repeatedly signaled with her eyes, but Xianglan gently shook her head.
Tan Luhua was overjoyed. She selected a garment and picked up two of Xianglan’s embroidery patterns, thanking her profusely before leaving. As soon as she was gone, Lin Dongxiu scolded Xianglan, "I said you were foolish, and you truly prove it! Madam Tan just humiliated you in the room, and yet you still give her things. Have you lost your mind?"Xianglan said, "I'm forming good karma with her, so we can coexist peacefully in the future." Seeing that Lin Dongxiu still wore an indignant expression, she pulled her to sit down and said slowly, "Fourth Miss, you've always been clever and quick-witted, and as a young lady from a noble family, your conduct should be different from ordinary people." After praising Lin Dongxiu twice and noticing her expression soften slightly, Xianglan continued, "Since you come from a family like the Lins, you should know how difficult it is to get along with sisters-in-law, sisters, mothers-in-law, and aunts, not to mention managing the household affairs and overseeing hundreds of people above and below in the future. If you confront everyone who displeases you head-on, refusing to suffer even a single word of loss, always speaking harshly—if you scold me today and harm me tomorrow, how can there be peace? Not to mention getting along with your mother-in-law and sisters-in-law, even the maids and servants under your command would not submit."
Lin Dongxiu asked, "Then what should I do?"
Xianglan said, "First, form good karma—say pleasant words often, even to the maids and servants. When you have some extra money, be generous and frequently bestow favors upon others. When others are pleased, they will treat you warmly in return."
Lin Dongxiu said, "But what if they are the kind of ungrateful wretches who can't be tamed?"
Xianglan laughed and said, "Though ungrateful wretches do exist, they are very few. In the future, you can distinguish the good from the bad and keep your distance from them. Second, be willing to suffer losses. As the saying goes, 'Suffering a loss is a blessing.' If others take advantage of you or offend you, it's best to be tolerant and magnanimous. Avoid engaging in arguments and simply ignore them."
Just as they were speaking, they heard Lin Jinlou calling Lin Dongxiu's name from outside, so Lin Dongxiu went out.
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