Lin Dongqi exclaimed repeatedly with delight, “This poem is exceptional – you all should concede defeat.”

Lin Dongxiu, knowing her poetic talent was merely average and not worthy of high praise, was happy to flatter Xiang Lan while making others feel uncomfortable. With a slight smile, she said, “Xiang Lan excels at both calligraphy and painting. Who knew she could write such wonderful poetry too? She’s truly surpassed us all.”

The Jiang sisters looked astonished, and their gazes at Xiang Lan grew complex. Seeing everyone’s eyes on her, Xiang Lan felt uncomfortable. She wasn’t naturally one to seek attention; today’s situation was forced upon her. She greatly valued selling paintings under the name “Lan Xiang Scholar.” Only by establishing this reputation could she command higher prices for her future paintings. The same artwork signed “Lan Xiang Scholar” and sold through Lin Jinlou would fetch several times more than if sold secretly under a different name. With Lin Jinlou preparing to take a wife, she knew she would become unwelcome in the Lin household. She needed to prepare thoroughly – if one day she had to leave the Lin residence, or if Lin Jinlou lost interest in her, she could still rely on her skills and established reputation to support herself, standing on her own rather than depending on men for survival.

She wasn’t like these ladies from prominent families who would marry into noble households. They were precious orchids nurtured in embroidered towers and golden halls, while she was just wild grass growing by the stream. For them, competing for fame and glory was an elaborate game of scheming, but her primary concern was how to survive well in the future.

Xiang Lan gave a faint smile and said, “My poem’s theme is rather conventional. Miss Xiyun’s lines ‘Moon plays with light clouds,’ ‘Fragrance beyond western window,’ ‘Brocade flowers plenty,’ and ‘Secluded grass grows’ perfectly capture the essence of ‘appreciation.’ Second Madam’s ‘frost drizzles’ and ‘rain ceases’ are excellently used. Miss Dan’s ‘flavor within’ and ‘no promised time,’ Fourth Miss’s ‘startles with melancholy’ and ‘forbidden courts’ are all deeply evocative. They’re all better than mine – I just used grand themes as a crutch.”

Lin Dongqi laughed, “Good is good – why be so modest?” She nudged Lin Dongwan and said, “Elder Sister, don’t you agree?”

Lin Dongwan hesitated, first glancing at Madam Qin’s expression from afar, then at Lin Jinlou’s, unsure whom to praise. Seeing Madam Qin’s neutral expression and Lin Jinlou sitting on an embroidered stool beside her, watching Xiang Lan with a pleased look, she decided to praise Xiang Lan first. She smiled, “Sister Xiang Lan’s poem is excellent, refreshing to read, but Fifth Cousin’s is also outstanding – they’re both exceptional poems.”

These words might as well have gone unsaid. Lin Dongxiu pursed her lips, thinking, “Elder Sister is always cunning, clearly not wanting to offend either side. If so, why bother judging the poems? Trying not to offend anyone ends up offending everyone.”

Jiang Danyun maintained a smile while drinking tea, her eyes gleaming with schadenfreude as she looked at Jiang Xiyun and Jiang Feiyun. She hadn’t seen Jiang Feiyun secretly pass the note earlier but was quite surprised at how her little sister had suddenly become so skilled at poetry. She felt uncomfortable until Xiang Lan’s poem came out, when she finally breathed a long sigh of relief, secretly laughing, “No matter how well you write poetry, you still can’t match someone’s concubine. How’s that for a slap in the face!” But seeing Xiang Lan’s beauty and talent, she couldn’t help feeling sour.

Jiang Feiyun was greatly shocked, thinking, “What’s the background of Lin Jinlou’s concubine? Such beauty and poetic talent, plus she can maintain composure in formal settings – she’s truly a formidable figure. Though Fifth Sister is clever and quick-witted, she’s still young. With such a beautiful concubine around, I fear she’ll be at a disadvantage!” After carefully examining Xiang Lan’s poem again, pride welled up in her heart as she thought, “This poem isn’t anything special. Later, I’ll compete with her again and surely surpass her!”

Jiang Xiyun just felt uncomfortable. Glancing around, she caught Lin Jinlou watching Xiang Lan with half-closed eyes, not even blinking, which made her chest tighten. She thought about how her future husband liked such talented women – wouldn’t she have to learn arts like music, chess, calligraphy, and painting to please him? But these were precisely the things she despised. What was the point of all this romantic posturing and affected melancholy? It was sickeningly pretentious… Yet looking at Xiang Lan again, her heart felt as if covered by an oilcloth. Though she was only a concubine-born daughter, among her sisters and female relatives, none could match her. Wherever she went, people praised her “beauty,” “dignified bearing,” “kindness,” “charm,” and “grace.” But here at the Lin residence, this servant-born concubine subtly overshadowed her. Being perceptive, she could see this wasn’t Xiang Lan’s intention – simply by standing quietly, she exuded a powerful presence, as if containing years of cultivated elegance and scholarly refinement. Though just a humble concubine, her self-respect and dignity prevented others from looking down on her.

While everyone was lost in their thoughts, Lin Jinlou felt quite pleased, thinking how clever little Xiang Lan was. He considered whether to show her poem to the men outside later to spread her reputation further. Then he worried about what to do if they insisted on meeting Xiang Lan. But he decided he wouldn’t let them see her anyway – those fellows had no way to enter the Lin family’s inner quarters.

Just then, Lady Jiang smiled and said, “What poems have you written that make you all so happy? Let me see them too and share in the joy.” She beckoned her maid Liu Su to fetch the manuscripts.

Madam Qin was also watching nearby. She nodded slightly upon reading Jiang Xiyun’s poem, then paused with furrowed brows when she saw Xiang Lan’s, suddenly sighing and shaking her head gently.

After Lady Jiang finished reading all the poems, she looked up at Madam Qin with meaningful eyes and said with a faint smile, “As expected of someone educated by the Lin family, to be able to write such fine poetry.”

Madam Qin smiled, “If we’re talking about uniqueness, naturally Xiang Lan’s piece stands out, but for refinement and elegance, we must yield to young Xiyun.”

Lady Jiang understood perfectly. Anyone with basic literary knowledge could tell which poem was superior, but ranking them was secondary – what Lady Jiang wanted was Madam Qin’s attitude. She had been feeling heavy-hearted and displeased, but hearing these words, her expression brightened somewhat.

Everyone in the pavilion heard clearly. The quick-witted Lin Dongwan immediately smiled and said, “In my opinion, Xiang Lan and Fifth Cousin are equally matched.”

Lin Dongqi still thought Xiang Lan’s was better, but looking at her mother, she moved her lips but ultimately said nothing and lowered her head.

Tan Luhua was the first to be displeased. She had established the poetry society to show off in front of her in-laws. It was one thing for Chen Xiang Lan to write better than her, but how could Jiang Xiyun, who had helped cheat, also outrank her?

Jiang Xiyun blushed and stammered, “I… I didn’t write that well. Sister Xiang Lan’s is better.”

Lin Jinlou raised his eyebrows slightly without speaking. Lady Jiang smiled lovingly, “Child, your aunt-in-law is praising you.”

As maids came forward to replace the hot tea and fruits, Madam Qin smiled and said, “This is the Tieguanyin tea from Anxi, Fujian, that Xiyun brought – sweet and light on the palate. She’s such a filial and kind child. I heard she only had a few ounces, but knowing I love tea, she gave me more than half. Hearing that I have trouble digesting food in summer, she specially made preserved plums herself. There’s no one more thoughtful.”

Lin Dongwan caught the implied meaning, understanding that since Jiang Xiyun had fallen short in poetry, Madam Qin was deliberately changing the subject to praise her and save face. She quickly followed along, smiling, “Indeed! When I arrived today, Fifth Cousin gave me a five-colored auspicious belly wrap for our Hui’er. She made it herself, stitch by stitch – such fine needlework! You couldn’t find a more considerate person. Such a gentle girl – you couldn’t find another like her even with a lantern!”

Lin Dongqi, who already knew and liked Jiang Xiyun, finding her lovable and kind-hearted, smiled and said, “Fifth Cousin is truly generous – she also made tiger-head caps and little shoes for my child.”

Jiang Feiyun smiled, “My little sister has always been honest, sincere, filial, clever, and understanding. We could talk about her good qualities for a day and night without finishing.”

As Lin Dongwan continued praising Jiang Xiyun’s good judgment, Lady Jiang felt proud and grew even more fond of her. Madam Qin felt satisfied having silenced everyone, her eyes turning to Lin Jinlou, who was lazily playing with the jade orchid pendant, a languid smile on his face.

Lin Dongwan smiled, “I’m here today for some fun – may I ask about Fifth Cousin’s birth date and time? I have an excellent marriage prospect in mind for you! Don’t you all agree?” She glanced meaningfully at Lin Jinlou, and everyone saw it clearly and burst into laughter.

Lin Dongwan then took Jiang Xiyun’s hand, smiling, “How about becoming a daughter-in-law in my natal family?”

Everyone laughed again, except for Jiang Danyun, who stared at Lin Jinlou wistfully before turning away with reddened eyes. Tan Luhua’s expression was also cool as she took Xiang Lan’s hand, saying softly, “Don’t mind those troublemakers, let’s chat together.”

Jiang Xiyun’s face turned bright red, her small hands fidgeting nervously as she lowered her head and said quietly, “Elder Cousin, please don’t talk about this…” Like a frightened bird, she glanced timidly at Lin Jinlou, who seemed completely unaffected, as if the others’ jokes had nothing to do with him, watching her with half-closed eyes. This man was so tall, with sharp eyes and an imposing presence – even sitting, he was like a resting beast.

Jiang Xiyun suddenly felt powerless, feeling that this man could see right through her – an uncomfortable sensation.

Just then, Jiang Feiyun smiled and said, “Fifth Sister, didn’t you have something to give Elder Cousin for helping Second Brother? I’ve seen you busy these past few days – is it ready? Let us all see it!”