“Brother has such fine things,” Lin Dongwan laughed. “What’s the story behind this pendant?”

Lin Jinlou replied, “The other day while accompanying the Imperial Procession to Xiantong Temple, the abbot brought out a tray of items. The Crown Prince bestowed several on me, both gold and jade pieces. This pendant was among them.”

“Oh my! So it’s from the Eastern Palace! How extraordinary,” Lin Dongwan exclaimed. “I’m already inspired to compose a poem.”

Lin Dongqi gently nudged her, smiling, “Then write quickly, and I’ll judge the poems later. I’ll make sure to award sister first place.”

“Amitabha Buddha!” Lin Dongwan responded. “Second Sister, you should have told me that privately. How can I face everyone now that they all know?”

Everyone burst into laughing.

Jiang Xiyun looked at the jade piece, then at Lin Jinlou, and finally at Xiang Lan, thinking to herself: “For Lin Jinlou to deliberately include Chen Xiang Lan in this poetry gathering, he’s trying to elevate her status. Otherwise, as a concubine, no matter how favored, how could she have any place here? She’s indeed a rival. Lin Jinlou is doing this both for my benefit and for the Jiang family to see!” The thought made her feel stifled, and she took a deep breath.

Meanwhile, Jiang Feiyun was thinking: “I didn’t participate in the poetry society earlier because writing too well would overshadow Fifth Sister while writing mediocrely would damage my reputation. Better to help Fifth Sister compose one instead, and put that concubine in her place. In historical romance novels, talented scholars and beauties often form connections through objects, be they jade pendants, handkerchiefs, sachets, bracelets, or earrings. If I help Fifth Sister win, and word spreads that ‘the Jiang family’s fifth daughter won Lin Jinlou’s jade pendant through her poetic talent,’ it would make a romantic tale and secure this marriage arrangement by seventy or eighty percent.” She lowered her head and quietly began composing regulated verse.

Lin Dongwan maintained a smile, alternating glances between Lin Jinlou, Xiang Lan, and Jiang Xiyun. Covering her mouth with a fan, she whispered to Lin Dongqi, “Second Sister, who do you think Brother wants to give this pendant to?”

Lin Dongqi whispered back, “Naturally, whoever writes the best poem gets it.”

“Tsk,” Lin Dongwan replied, “when we judge the poems later, we should certainly consider Brother’s intentions. Do you think… he favors Jiang Xiyun, or does he want to elevate Xiang Lan?”

Lin Dongqi had to admire her sister’s skill at reading situations and currying favor. After some thought, she shook her fan and said, “I can’t tell.”

By now, Cai Feng had posted everyone’s assigned poetry topics on the wall: Jiang Danyun drew “Thinking of Orchids,” Jiang Xiyun “Appreciating Orchids,” Tan Luhua “Solitary Orchid,” Lin Dongxiu “Abandoned Orchid,” and finally Xiang Lan’s “Fragrant Orchid.”

Tan Luhua handed Xiang Lan a brush, saying, “Hurry up, we need to submit when this incense stick burns out.”

Xiang Lan had no choice. She hadn’t wanted to come in the first place, and now with Lin Jinlou pushing her to stand here, she felt awkward from head to toe. She knew Lin Jinlou was intentionally elevating her status, but such a situation only made her more uncomfortable. Though the Jiang sisters treated her politely, they remained distant with an undercurrent of arrogance. If not for the Lin sisters and Tan Luhua treating her somewhat warmly, she might have appeared composed but would have been sitting on pins and needles.

The stone table in the pavilion was already fully occupied, so Xiang Lan had to stand outside holding her brush. The maid Mengyin cleared a small table and laid out the paper. Xiang Lan thought to herself: “If I write too well and outshine everyone, it would be inappropriate. Not only would those present be displeased, but the Madam would think I lack discretion. Better to write something mediocre that’s passable without losing face.” She carelessly wrote the line “Pure form holds fragrance, emanating subtle beauty” on the paper. Lin Jinlou, standing behind her, saw this mediocre opening line and slightly furrowed his brow.

He had intended to give this jade orchid pendant to Xiang Lan. Knowing her talent and learning, he wanted her to shine before everyone today, and then enhance her prestige with the Crown Prince’s gift. When word of her excellence spread, she would command respect wherever she went.

But frustratingly, little Xiang Lan failed to grasp his intentions, writing such a subpar first line. Lin Jinlou said quietly, “What nonsense are you writing?”

Xiang Lan startled, turned to see Lin Jinlou, and felt annoyed. She said, “If Master doesn’t like it, why don’t you write one yourself?” She turned back to continue writing the next line.

Lin Jinlou said, “Write a good one, understand? You can explain the Analects to Young Master De, and your usual poems on paintings aren’t this crude.”

Xiang Lan still ignored him.

Lin Jinlou was somewhat annoyed, but seeing her stubborn little expression made him find her endearing. He said, “Fine, write a good poem and I’ll reward you generously. If it’s not good…” He stroked his chin and continued, “If it’s not good, you can forget about selling that painting of yours. I mean what I say, understand?”

Xiang Lan’s eyes grew round, her face flushing red with anger. She exclaimed, “How can Master be so unfair!”

Seeing her little face all red, Lin Jinlou felt a tickling sensation inside. He thought to himself that if others weren’t present, he would pinch those cheeks. Smiling, he said, “Why can’t Master be this way? Master has always done as he pleases. Write well, understand?” With that, he turned and walked away elegantly.

Xiang Lan was so angry tears welled in her eyes. She quickly fought them back, feeling wronged for a moment before having to start over with a new poem.

By now, Tan Luhua had finished writing, and Jiang Danyun and Lin Dongxiu had also completed theirs and were making fair copies. Jiang Feiyun secretly glanced at Jiang Xiyun’s work, seeing that while the poem had taken shape, it lacked refinement and had only mediocre imagery. Jiang Xiyun, already stout and sensitive to heat, was now covered in sweat. She lamented inwardly: “What’s the use of writing this pretentious stuff? No matter how well it’s written, can it compare to Li Bai or Du Fu? It’s just idle entertainment for ladies, yet we can’t leave. It’s truly tedious – better to go fishing, at least you might catch something for a meal.”

As she was grumbling to herself, she heard Jiang Feiyun whisper behind her: “The final couplet isn’t good. ‘People today don’t know the East Lord’s heart, Expressing secret grievance to the morning’s rosy glow’ – it’s too low-grade. The second couplet ‘Moon plays with light clouds’ paired with ‘Curtains roll in the western wind’ may be structured well, but Li Qingzhao’s allusion has been overused, making it commonplace.”

Jiang Xiyun whispered back, “What should I do? I really can’t think of anything else now.”

Jiang Feiyun said, “Don’t worry about it. Copy the other parts first and leave those lines blank.”

Delighted at this stroke of luck, Jiang Xiyun cozied up to Jiang Feiyun with a beaming face, saying sweetly, “Dearest sister, I love you the most. I’ll make another pair of tiger-head shoes for your little one tomorrow.”

Jiang Feiyun tapped her nose saying, “You little sweet-talker, you’re the best at flattery.” She secretly passed over a note. When Jiang Xiyun opened it, she saw that Jiang Feiyun’s composition was indeed more sophisticated than her own. Overjoyed, she hurriedly copied it down.

Lin Dongxiu caught this in her peripheral vision and wanted to mock them, but noticed Lady Xia sitting nearby watching her and giving an almost imperceptible shake of her head. Lin Dongxiu had to hold her tongue. Turning her head, she saw Tan Luhua also coldly observing the two Jiang sisters with a look of derision, clearly having noticed as well. The two exchanged knowing glances before lowering their heads.

Lin Dongwan saw it too but pretended not to notice, continuing to chat and laugh with Lin Dongqi.

Lady Xia took a sip of tea and looked over at Xiang Lan, who was writing swiftly and decisively, finishing in no time.

When the “Sweet Dream” incense in the burner had burned out, Lin Dongqi clapped her hands and said with a smile, “Let’s look at the poems now. Is everyone finished?”

Xiang Yun collected the poems, and everyone gathered to look. The first was Jiang Danyun’s:

“Thinking of Orchids”

Alone atop the western tower harboring deep thoughts,

In Chu’s marshlands, orchid meadows fail their fragrant time.

Dense shade, chirping cicadas, clouds show no interest,

Deep courtyard, high walls, summer already wanes.

Ten thousand pulses of feeling follow pure fragrance far,

One thought strays into the long sickness of the mind.

None can understand the flavor within,

Tears of knowing have no promised time.

After reading, everyone praised: “Every line truly embodies ‘thinking’ – it perfectly matches the theme.” Lin Dongqi said, “Though it’s a bit sad.” Jiang Feiyun replied, “Thinking of orchids naturally involves ‘one thought of longing’ – how could it not be sad?” Moving on, they read Jiang Xiyun’s:

“Appreciating Orchids”

Jade cup, emerald ring dot fragrant form,

On the desk, it stands graceful in lamplight.

Moon plays with light clouds reflecting flower shadows,

A fragrance beyond the western window locks in the pure wind.

All speak of palace walls’ brocade flowers plenty,

Yet Qinhuai’s secluded grass still grows.

After pure souls scattered in Xiang River,

Moth brows hardly match immortal bones.

Lin Dongqi praised: “The last line is best, alluding to Qu Yuan elevates the entire piece.” Everyone nodded in agreement. Next was Tan Luhua’s:

“Solitary Orchid”

Solitary orchid grows pure in ancestral gardens,

Cold courtyard’s wild grass competes to overwhelm.

Transplanted to the grand hall to play in spring light,

Gazing sadly at the empty fence facing the cold moon.

Spring breeze passes secretly as frost drizzles,

Bees and butterflies circle as the rain ceases.

Only fear betraying time’s beautiful meaning,

Falling in spring mud, flowers fail to bloom.

Jiang Feiyun smiled, “Impressive indeed – Second Lady Xuan is truly a talented woman, writing with such natural pride.” Lin Dongqi laughed, “But in terms of artistic conception, Fifth Cousin’s piece takes precedence. Second Sister-in-law, do you agree?” Tan Luhua didn’t agree but maintained a slight smile without responding. Then they saw Lin Dongxiu’s:

“Abandoned Orchid”

Partridges cry and cry over green waters,

Chu’s abandoned orchid blooms in southern mists.

Fine petals love butterflies following waves,

East wind rolls fragrance up to azure clouds.

Sunsets far from where one picks water orchids,

After rain, transplanting to the yellow court’s shade.

Spring’s glory startles with melancholy passing,

Noble son is unreturned, deep in forbidden courts.

Lin Dongwan laughed, “Such melancholy – it doesn’t seem like something written by someone about to celebrate. Later we’ll make you write another one.” Lin Dongxiu blushed, saying, “Elder Sister, what are you saying? This teasing… This one took all my mental effort; I couldn’t write another even if it’s not good.” Lin Dongqi hugged Lin Dongxiu, laughing, “Elder Sister is just joking with you. The topic was difficult, and you wrote well.”

The final piece was Xiang Lan’s. Everyone gathered to look, seeing it written in a beautiful small regular script. Lin Dongqi thought to herself: “Setting aside everything else, none of the others who wrote poems earlier can match this calligraphy. Fifth Cousin’s poem was decent, but her handwriting is ordinary, lacking strength and style.” Then they read:

“Fragrant Orchid”

Graceful secluded orchid springs from the empty valley,

Standing proud alone, leaving common flowers behind.

Rich bones hold beauty containing jade-green essence,

The pure form contains rhythm condensing floating light.

Strong winds fail to break the noble one’s will,

Heavy rains dare challenge the king’s fragrance.

After Qu Yuan and Song Yu’s literary heritage,

Eternal noble spirit in the moonlit hall.