Lin Dongwan laughed and said, "Big Brother always has such fine things in his hands. Where did this pendant come from?"
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 a few upon me—some gold, some jade. This pendant was among them."
Lin Dongwan exclaimed, "Oh my! So it's from the Eastern Palace! That's truly remarkable. Even I'm tempted to compose a poem for it now."
Lin Dongqi gave her a gentle push and chuckled, "Then hurry up and write one. Later, I'll judge the poems and award you first place."
Lin Dongwan said, "Amitabha! You should've whispered that to me privately, Second Sister. Now that everyone knows, what am I to do?"
Everyone laughed.
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? It's evident she's a rival. By doing this, Lin Jinlou is sending a message 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'd overshadow Fifth Sister, but if I wrote poorly, I'd tarnish my own reputation. It's better to help Fifth Sister compose a poem and dampen that concubine's arrogance. In unofficial histories and romances, talented scholars and beauties often form connections through objects—be it jade pendants, handkerchiefs, sachets, bracelets, or earrings. If I help Fifth Sister win the prize, later it'll be said, 'The fifth daughter of the Jiang family, due to her exceptional poetic talent, received Lin Jinlou's jade pendant.' That would make for an elegant tale and solidify this marriage by seventy or eighty percent." She lowered her head and quietly contemplated a regulated verse.
Though Lin Dongwan wore a smile, she kept glancing between Lin Jinlou, Xianglan, and Jiang Xiyun. Covering her mouth with a fan, she whispered to Lin Dongqi, "Second Sister, who do you think Big Brother wants to win the pendant?"
Lin Dongqi whispered back, "Naturally, whoever writes the best poem will get it."
Lin Dongwan clicked her tongue. "When we judge later, we must discern Big Brother's intention. Do you think... he fancies Jiang Xiyun or intends to elevate Xianglan?"
Lin Dongqi had to admire her sister's skill in reading situations and ingratiating herself. After a moment's thought, she fanned herself and said, "I can't tell."
By then, Caifeng had posted everyone's drawn poetry topics on the wall: Jiang Danyun drew "Longing for Orchids," Jiang Xiyun "Appreciating Orchids," Tan Luhua "Lonely Orchids," Lin Dongxiu "Abandoned Orchids," and lastly, Xianglan's topic was "Fragrant Orchids."
Meanwhile, Tan Luhua had already thrust a brush into Xianglan's hand and said, "Hurry up! The incense stick will burn out soon, and it'll be time to submit."
Xianglan had no choice. She hadn't wanted to come in the first place, and now that Lin Jinlou had pushed her into the spotlight, she felt awkward from head to toe. She knew he meant to honor her, but in such circumstances, it only made her more uncomfortable. Though the Jiang sisters treated her politely, they were distant and carried a hint of 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 fully occupied, forcing Xianglan to hold her brush and stand outside. The maid Mengyin cleared a small side table and laid out paper. Xianglan thought to herself, "If I write too well and outshine everyone, I’ll only be asking for trouble. Not only will those present be displeased, but Madam will also think me tactless. Better to compose something average—passable enough without losing face." She raised her brush and casually wrote the line, "The plain form holds fragrance, exuding subtle grace." Lin Jinlou moved behind her and, seeing such a mediocre opening, faintly furrowed his brow.
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 gifts bestowed by the Crown Prince. A reputation like that would earn her respect wherever she went.
But alas, the little Xianglan failed to grasp his intentions, starting off with such a lackluster line. Lin Jinlou whispered, "What kind of nonsensical drivel is this?"
Xianglan jumped in surprise, turned her head to see Lin Jinlou, and couldn’t help feeling irritated. "If Eldest Master finds it unsatisfactory, why not compose one yourself?" She turned back to write the next line.
Lin Jinlou said, "Write a proper one, understand? You’re capable of explaining the Analects to De Ge’er, and the poems you usually inscribe on paintings aren’t this vulgar."
Xianglan continued to ignore him.
Lin Jinlou was initially annoyed, but seeing her stubborn little expression, he found it endearing. He relented, "Fine, write a proper one, and I’ll reward you handsomely. If it’s not good enough…" He stroked his chin and added, "If it’s not good, don’t even think about selling your paintings anymore. I mean what I say, understand?"
Xianglan’s eyes widened, her face flushing red with anger. "How can Eldest Master be like this!"
Seeing her flushed little face, Lin Jinlou felt a tickling sensation in his heart, thinking that if no one else were around, he’d definitely pinch her cheek. With a smile, 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 with elegant steps.
Xianglan was so angry her eyes welled up with tears. She struggled to hold them back, feeling wronged for a moment, but had no choice but to start composing anew.
By then, Tan Luhua had finished her poem, and Jiang Danyun and Lin Dongxiu had also completed theirs, taking fresh paper to make clean copies. Jiang Feiyun stole a glance at Jiang Xiyun’s work and saw that while the poem had taken shape, it lacked refinement and depth, remaining merely average. Jiang Xiyun, already plump and sensitive to heat, was now sweating profusely. She lamented inwardly, "What’s the use of this tedious nonsense? So pretentious! Even if it’s well-written, can it surpass Li Bai or Du Fu? It’s just a boring pastime for women in the inner chambers, and I can’t even leave. How dull! I’d rather go fishing—at least if I catch something, it’ll make a meal."
As she was grumbling to herself, she heard Jiang Feiyun whisper behind her, "The closing couplet is weak: ‘People today don’t understand the feelings of the East Lord, / Pouring out melancholy to the crimson dawn.’ It falls flat. The second couplet, ‘The moon plays with light clouds’ paired with ‘The curtain rolls up the west wind,’ is technically sound, but Li Qingzhao’s allusion is overused—it’s clichéd."
Jiang Xiyun whispered back, "What should I do then? I really can’t think of anything else right now."
Jiang Feiyun said, "Don’t worry about it. Copy the rest first and leave those lines blank for now."Jiang Xiyun cleverly seized an opportunity, pressing close to Jiang Feiyun with a beaming face and fawningly saying, "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 sly-boots, always the sweet talker." She secretly passed a slip of paper over. Jiang Xiyun unfolded it and saw that Jiang Feiyun's composition indeed surpassed her own in conception and depth, immediately delighting her beyond measure. She hastily copied it down.
Lin Dongxiu observed this and initially wanted to make a sarcastic remark, but a sidelong glance revealed Xia Gugu sitting nearby watching her, almost imperceptibly shaking her head. Lin Dongxiu had no choice but to swallow her words. Turning her head, she saw Tan Luhua also coldly watching Feiyun and Xiyun, a mocking expression on her face, clearly having noticed as well. Xiu and Hua exchanged a knowing glance before lowering their heads.
Lin Dongwan also saw what happened but pretended ignorance, continuing to chat and laugh with Lin Dongqi.
Xia Gugu took a sip of tea and glanced toward Xianglan, only to find her brush swiftly dancing across paper—she had already finished in no time.
Soon the "Sweet Dream" incense in the burner burned out. Lin Dongqi clapped her hands and laughed, "Let's look at the poems! Is everyone finished?"
Xiang Yun collected the poems, and everyone examined them one by one. The first on the stack was Jiang Danyun's, titled:
"Longing for Orchids"
Alone I climb the west tower with pensive thoughts,
Orchids in Chu fields miss their fragrant prime.
Dense shade, cicadas' drone—clouds hold no charm,
Deep courtyards, high walls—summer's delayed time.
Countless emotions fade with Qingfen's scent,
A mistaken heart lingers in prolonged malaise.
None can decipher this inner sentiment,
Tears of shared knowing—no end to these days.
After reading, everyone praised, "Every line truly conveys 'longing'—it perfectly captures the theme." Lin Dongqi said, "It's just rather sorrowful." Jiang Feiyun remarked, "'Longing for Orchids,' 'longing for orchids'—naturally it speaks of 'constant yearning,' how could it not be sorrowful?" Reading further, they came to Jiang Xiyun's poem:
"Admiring Orchids"
Jade cups, emerald rings adorn fragrant grace,
Graceful on the desk in lamplight's embrace.
Moon plays with light clouds casting floral traces,
Scent beyond west window locks the cool breeze.
All praise official gardens' brilliant blooms,
Yet Qinhuai's hidden grasses find their rooms.
Ethereal soul scattered past Xiang River's shores,
Moth-eyebrows pale next to immortal cores.
Lin Dongqi praised, "The last couplet is finest—alluding to Qu Yuan elevates the entire poem's conception." Everyone nodded in agreement. Continuing, they saw Tan Luhua's work:
"Lonely Orchid"
Lone orchid, gleaming bright in native ground,
Wild grasses in cold courts strive to confound.
Transplanted to grand halls to bask in spring's light,
Facing bare fence and cold moon with wistful sight.
Spring breeze steals past as frost drips slow,
Bees and butterflies hover though rains cease to flow.
Fearful of wasting youth's fleeting fire,
Falling to spring mud—blossoms expire.
Jiang Feiyun laughed, "Marvelous! After all, Second Young Madam Xuan was a talented maiden in her chambers—her writing naturally carries noble pride." Lin Dongqi chuckled, "But in terms of realm, Fifth Cousin's poem still leads. Do you concede, Second Sister-in-law?" Tan Luhua naturally refused to yield, maintaining only a faint smile without responding. Then they saw Lin Dongxiu's composition:
"Abandoned Orchid"
Partridges cry over emerald streams,
Chu orchids' last strain blooms by southern shores.
Tiny stamens cling to butterflies following currents,
East wind sweeps fragrance up to cloudy doors.
At sunset, plucking zhi herbs from distant marshes,
After rain, transplanting to yellow court's dark spaces.
Spring light slips away with startling haste,
Young lord never returns—deep garden embraces.Lin Dongwan laughed and said, "So desolate, it really doesn't seem like something written by someone about to celebrate a joyous occasion. Later, I'll punish you by making you compose another one." Lin Dongxiu blushed and said, "What are you saying, Eldest Sister? Teasing me like that. I racked my brains to put this one together, and I truly can't come up with another." Lin Dongqi hugged Lin Dongxiu and laughed, "Eldest Sister is just joking with you. The topic itself is difficult, and you've done well with this poem."
The last poem was Xianglan's. Everyone gathered to look and saw it was written in extremely beautiful "Zanhua" small regular script. Lin Dongqi thought to herself, "Putting aside everything else, just this handwriting—none of those who wrote poems earlier can compare. Fifth Cousin's poem is passable, but her handwriting is ordinary, lacking strength and character." Then she looked at what was written:
"Fragrant Orchid"
Elegant orchids bloom in the empty valley,
Proudly standing alone, surpassing all other fragrances.
Their lush bones hold jade-like beauty,
Their pure grace captures the floating light.
Fierce winds cannot break the noble's resolve,
Heavy rains may mock the kingly scent.
After chanting the works of Qu and Song,
Eternal lofty sentiments fill the Moonlit Hall.
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