As soon as the guests arrived, the Lin residence immediately buzzed with activity. After everyone had exchanged greetings, Tan Luhua led Jiang Feiyun and the others to the garden. Qin Shi, seeing Lin Dongqi arriving with her swollen belly, pulled her daughter aside to settle her on the Green Gauze Bed, chiding, "Your pregnancy is advancing, 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 heated kang, wiping sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief. "It's fine—the pregnancy is stable now, and moving around actually helps," she said. After taking a sip of warm tea, she lowered her voice. "Has Eldest Brother returned? With the Emperor newly appointing the Crown Prince, Father-in-law and my husband are uneasy. They heard Eldest Brother has been at the imperial court these past few days and wanted to come inquire discreetly. I seized the chance to join him since I missed you dearly."
Qin Shi promptly replied, "Since you're here, stay a few days before returning." She added, "Your eldest brother returned last night, and before dawn today, visitors have been streaming in."
Lin Dongqi asked, "With both Jiang family girls here, is it to arrange a match for Eldest Brother?"
Qin Shi said, "This is also Old Master and your father's intention. Which one do you think is better?"
Lin Dongqi replied, "Need you ask? Naturally, it's Fifth Sister Jiang—she's kind-hearted and delightful, praised by everyone high and low."
Qin Shi agreed, "Who could deny it? In looks and demeanor, few girls can compare to her."
While mother and daughter conversed indoors, Tan Luhua bustled about the garden attending to guests. Everyone gathered in the pavilion, which was adorned with brocade curtains and screens. Inside and out, orchids of every hue bloomed—water-pink, goose-yellow, pale green, snow-white, and rouge—each pot bursting with color against lush green leaves, enhancing their delicate beauty. The table was laden with assorted fruits, preserves, and an array of pastries. Tan Luhua, her face radiant with rouge and powder, wore a gold-thread coiled chignon adorned with a large phoenix hairpin dripping with pearls, a crimson-gold Yingluo neckpiece, a pink silk jacket embroidered with gold-trimmed chrysanthemums over a white skirt patterned with gourd motifs, adding to her elegance.
Skilled in hosting, she kept the atmosphere lively, aided by Lin Dongwan and Jiang Feiyun's banter. Madam Tan, having long heard of Jiang Feiyun's literary reputation, observed her closely: though her features were pleasing, they paled next to Jiang Xiyun's. Jiang Feiyun had an oval face, bright expressive eyes, and thin red lips, her hair styled in a dignified matron's bun adorned with a gold-inlaid pomegranate hairpin, crimson-gold plum blossom pins, and various Kingfisher Feather Inlays, her ears dangling pairs of crimson-gold and red coral earrings. She wore a pale green jacket embroidered with butterflies among flowers over a silver-red phoenix-patterned pleated skirt, waving a palace fan with an air of effortless nobility that set her apart.
After some lively conversation, Tan Luhua, seeing the cups, dishes, and delicacies arranged, invited everyone to dine. She then instructed Caiping and Caiming to post the poetry theme on the pavilion. The group examined it: "Using orchids as the theme, compose a seven-character regulated verse with no fixed rhyme."
Tan Luhua smiled. "I pondered this theme for days and decided against limiting the rhyme—let's just compose for our own amusement." At that moment, Caifeng brought a porcelain bowl containing several paper slips. Tan Luhua announced, "The poetry themes are in this bowl. Let's draw lots—whatever you pick, you'll write on. How does that sound?"Before the words had fully faded, a young maid named Mengyin came running over and said, "Yi Lao Taitai and Madam are here." Everyone hurriedly rose to their feet and saw Qin Shi supporting Jiang Mu by the arm, the two chatting and laughing as they approached, surrounded by seven or eight maids. Lin Dongqi followed behind, supported by two young maids, while Xia Gugu assisted Fangfei at the very rear.
Tan Luhua, feeling a sense of pride, quickly stood up and said with a smile, "Why have Yi Lao Taitai and Madam come as well? What an elegant whim."
Jiang Xiyun, who already knew Lin Dongqi, smiled and said, "Second Cousin, take it slow. Let me support you."
Qin Shi laughed and said, "A few of us were chatting in the room and heard you were all playing together, so we came to take a look. There’s no need to stand on ceremony just because we’re here—enjoy yourselves as you were."
Everyone gathered around to greet and assist them. Under the dense shade outside the pavilion, an Arhat Bed carved with gold-inlaid hundred blessings and flowing clouds had been set up. Tan Luhua had already ordered a thick mattress to be laid over it, covered with a phoenix-tail mat. She first helped Jiang Mu to sit, and Jiang Mu reached out to take Lin Dongxiu’s hand, saying, "Good child, come sit with me." Qin Shi, meanwhile, entered the pavilion, first inspecting the dishes and then reading the poetry themes pasted inside. She thought to herself, "Madam Tan does have some talent after all—no wonder the master chose her. Though she may be 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 formed poetry clubs with my sisters. You young girls should carry on with your fun."
Lin Dongwan, aware that Jiang Xiyun was the one the family favored for a match with Lin Jinlou, naturally showed great attentiveness. She personally selected a few pastries and fruits onto a small plate and carried it over to Jiang Mu, saying with a smile, "Yi Lao Taitai, please try these." Jiang Feiyun brought over cups and chopsticks, while Jiang Xiyun deftly filled a plate for Qin Shi and personally poured wine, presenting it to each in turn.
Jiang Mu, Qin Shi, and the others ate and drank outside the pavilion, chatting and laughing with everyone for a while. After the maids cleared away the remnants of the feast and replaced them with fine tea and fruits, Qin Shi sent the young ladies off to amuse themselves. Soon, Hongjian came to report, "Madam, the Eldest Master has arrived. He said he originally intended to pay his respects to you, but seeing the ladies gathered here, he feared it might be inconvenient. He only bowed to you from a distance and is now going to the front to receive guests."
Qin Shi, overjoyed, laughed and said, "Quickly invite him over. We’re all family here—what is there to fear?" She then smiled at the others and added, "He’s the wealthy one—since he’s come, he must pay for this round of drinks."
Before she had finished speaking, Lin Jinlou arrived, bowing and paying his respects to Jiang Mu and Qin Shi. Jiang Feiyun, sitting inside the pavilion, looked him over from head to toe and side to side. Seeing that Lin Jinlou was handsome and imposing, she nodded inwardly in approval.
Jiang Xiyun diligently poured a cup of tea for Jiang Feiyun and handed it to her, saying, "The weather is hot, Eldest 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 remarkable."
Jiang Xiyun immediately lowered her head in shyness and said, "Eldest Sister, what are you saying!" Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Lin Jinlou and then looked away. This marriage was glorious in every aspect; 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 cheeks, her eyes flickering, and said, “Among us sisters, you are the most beautiful and have the best temperament, always knowing how to yield and accommodate others 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 into a high-ranking family, it would be a sign of heaven’s injustice.” She pursed her lips into a smile and added, “But now I realize that heaven is truly fair.”
Jiang Xiyun’s face remained flushed, and she said somewhat flustered, “What are you talking about, elder sister? What fairness or unfairness? There’s not even a stroke of the pen yet.”
Jiang Feiyun found her crimson little face especially adorable and couldn’t resist pinching it gently. She lowered her voice and chuckled, “You, you’re just too honest and obedient. I came today specifically to give you a hand. Your brother-in-law will be here shortly.”
Jiang Danyun, seeing the two of them whispering intimately, felt wronged again and couldn’t help but let out a soft hum. She glanced at Lin Jinlou, her eyes misting over, and turned her face away.
Lin Dongxiu, having received some guidance from Xia Gugu these past few days, had become more perceptive than before. She observed the Jiang family girls’ various expressions and couldn’t help but reveal a mocking smile. Instead, she handed Jiang Danyun a cup of tea to drink.
At that moment, Tan Luhua took out a blue-and-white porcelain jar and said with a smile, “The poetry topics are all rolled into paper slips inside this jar. Let’s draw lots for them.”
Lin Dongqi laughed and said, “You all play. I won’t trouble my mind with this. When you’ve written your poems, I’ll be the judge.”
Lin Dongwan also smiled and said, “Since Second Sister isn’t writing, I’ll take the chance to be lazy too. In recent years, I’ve been mired in mundane affairs, and now I can only 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 show off? 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 said, “If you all say that, I won’t have the face to sit here any longer. I only came shamelessly to visit because I missed my grandmother and sisters, hoping to get a free 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 based on the poetry topic instead? Later, everyone can inscribe their poems beside the painting. Wouldn’t that be both novel and interesting?”
Everyone praised the idea. Tan Luhua, hearing this, laughed and said, “That’s wonderful! Coincidentally, Eldest Brother has a remarkable person in his quarters who is also skilled in painting. We can ask her for the pigments, brushes, and ink.” She stood up and said to Lin Jinlou with a smile, “Eldest Brother, you’re being rather stingy, keeping Xianglan locked up in your room and not letting her out. Otherwise, it would be so nice to invite her to join our fun. Now we need to borrow the painting supplies from your place—you can’t keep them to yourself anymore.”
Lin Jinlou was taken aback. The mention of Xianglan made more than half of those present feel uncomfortable. Jiang Feiyun whispered, “Is this Xianglan the concubine that Lin Jinlou dotes on so much?”
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 said she wasn’t feeling well. Since Sister-in-Law is showing her such favor, she can’t refuse again.” He then looked at Hongjian and said, “Then I’ll trouble you to go and have her personally bring the painting supplies.”
Hongjian didn’t dare to move, glancing instead 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.It so happened that Xianglan was in her room watching De Ge'er practice his calligraphy when she noticed a small pile of clothes haphazardly stacked in the corner of the kang. She turned to Hua Shan and asked, "What's the story with these clothes?"
Hua Shan pursed her lips and replied, "These clothes need ironing. It was originally Chunling's task, but these days she's been spending all her time with the maidservants of the Jiang family young ladies, neglecting her duties and constantly running out. I'm afraid she's hoping to find a better position elsewhere." Seeing Xianglan's stunned expression and noticing Xiao Juan standing behind Xianglan signaling her with her eyes, Hua Shan immediately regretted being so blunt.
Xiao Juan quickly interjected, "But I think she's just 'lighting a lamp for a blind man'—wasting her effort. Why should you bother with her, Mistress?"
Just then, Hongjian arrived and invited Xianglan to the pavilion. Xianglan couldn't help but feel annoyed. Recently, Tan Luhua had frequently come to chat and laugh with her. Though Xianglan was reluctant to entertain her, she couldn't outright refuse. So, she had used the excuse of a "poetry club" to avoid her. Sure enough, Tan Luhua became fully occupied with the club and rarely visited the Hall of Flourishing Spring, allowing Xianglan a few days of peace. Now, with the noble ladies and young misses gathering for poetry, there was no place for her there—naturally, she wanted to stay as far away as possible.
Hongjian sensed Xianglan's reluctance and persuaded her, "The Eldest Master personally invited you in front of Yi Lao Taitai and the Madam. If you don't go, wouldn't that be disrespectful to him? Just make an appearance, Mistress, to save his face, and then you can return."
Left with no choice, Xianglan settled De Ge'er and prepared her writing materials before heading to the pavilion.
By the time she arrived, the others had already drawn their poetry themes. Tan Luhua appeared confident and, after a moment's thought, began writing swiftly. Lin Dongxiu wrote a few lines, disliked them, crumpled the paper, and started over, soon accumulating seven or eight discarded balls at her feet. Jiang Danyun was lost in thought, staring intently at an orchid. Jiang Feiyun craned her neck to see Jiang Xiyun's assigned theme. She knew that although her younger sister was diligent in reading and writing, she struggled with poetry and was ashamed of her penmanship. Jiang Feiyun wanted to help her cheat, but with so many people around, she had no opportunity.
Seeing Jiang Xiyun staring blankly at her poetry theme, Jiang Feiyun thought to herself, "This is not good. Madam Lin and Lin Jinlou are both here. Although composing poetry isn't a major matter, showing weakness in this would still be unseemly." Fanning herself, she suddenly noticed a girl approaching in the distance, wearing a lotus-colored silk dress embroidered with blue orchids and carrying a tray laden with various paints and cups. The girl's radiant beauty and serene grace caught Jiang Feiyun by surprise. Glancing at Hongjian, she realized who the newcomer was. Then, looking from Xianglan to Jiang Xiyun, she furrowed her brows deeply.
Tan Luhua had just finished her poem and looked up to see Xianglan arriving. She promptly set down her brush and greeted her warmly, "Finally, you're here!" Then, turning to Jiang Feiyun with a smile, she said, "This is the hidden pearl in Eldest Brother's household." She proceeded to introduce Xianglan to Jiang Feiyun.
Lin Dongxiu also stood up and said cheerfully, "Xianglan, sit here with me and tell me if what I've written is any good."
Jiang Feiyun had long known that Lin Dongxiu and Tan Luhua were both sharp-tongued troublemakers. Seeing them act so affectionately toward Xianglan now, she was taken aback. She exchanged a meaningful glance with Jiang Xiyun.
Not wishing to stay long, Xianglan excused herself, saying, "I must go pay my respects to the Madam and the others," and made her way to where Jiang Mu and Qin Shi were seated. Jiang Mu wore a faint smile, while Qin Shi asked after De Ge'er.
Lin Jinlou looked at Xianglan and said, "They're composing poetry. Why don't you join them for some fun?"
Xianglan replied, "De Ge'er is alone in the room. I'm worried about him, so I should head back."Lin Jinlou said, "The maids and matrons are all here, so there's nothing to worry about. Go and have some fun." With that, he stood up and ordered Xianglan to follow him to the pavilion. He then said to Tan Luhua, "Where is the jar for drawing lots, sister-in-law? Let Xianglan draw one."
Tan Luhua immediately instructed someone to bring out the jar. Xianglan was extremely reluctant, but when she looked up and saw that although Lin Jinlou wore a smile, there was already a faint hint of displeasure on his face, 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 ought to judge who is better and who is slightly lacking. I have a little trinket here as a prize for the first-place winner." With that, he took out a Jade Pendant from his sleeve—a delicate and warm magnolia flower carved from jade.
OpenNovel