Chapter 165: Literary Talent

Chapter 165: Literary Talent

"The aunt by marriage of the elder lord of the Western Lin Mansion is celebrating her birthday, and since they've separated households, she's rented a garden on Qijian Mountain for the celebration."

"I've heard the young ladies from the Xi Lin Mansion will be attending. Don’t restrain Yunwan and Yunjiao; let Zheng take them along."

Lin Huabin bowed and replied, "Your son understands."

The old lady glanced at the time and said, "It's getting late. It would be best if you take Yunwan back with you."

"Yes."

Lin Yunwan rose and left with Lin Huabin.

Back at the secondary branch of the mansion, Lin Huabin said to Lin Yunwan, "The old lady treats you quite well."

He usually only visited to pay respects once a month, and the old lady rarely chatted with him. This time, she had actually spoken to him because of Yunwan.

It was evident she favored his 'daughter.'

Lin Yunwan wasn’t sure what to make of Lin Huabin’s words and simply said, "The old lady is kind-hearted..."

Lin Huabin gave a faint smile.

The old lady was not known for her kindness; she could be quite severe, and even his elder brother feared her.

Nonetheless, her favor towards Yunwan wasn't a bad thing.

"I'll go see Madam Zheng. You don't need to come. Did you hear what the old lady said? Go and prepare your outfit for the visit."

"Yes."

Lin Yunwan returned to Bi Xi Tang, while Lin Huabin went to find Zheng.

The relationship between the couple was delicate; although Lin Huabin was displeased with some of Zheng's actions, he still hoped she would occasionally be like she was in their earlier days.

But Zheng no longer dared to.

"Master, you're back?"

Zheng, observing her husband's mild expression and assuming he wouldn't be angry, smiled and said, "It's so hot today. You should freshen up and change your clothes."

Lin Huabin, already undressing, listened as Zheng offered to help him, then said, "There's a birthday celebration at Xi Lin Mansion, for the aunt-in-law of the old master. Our old lady wants you to take both daughters there."

The family connection was complex, and it took Zheng a moment to understand before responding, "Alright. But Yunjiao is still ill. She's half sick, half throwing tantrums. Master, could you personally persuade her?"

Lin Huabin agreed.

He then said to Zheng, "By the way, ask — ask — to write an article for me."

He was referring to a relative from Zheng's side of the family, whose name he still didn't know.

Zheng, sensing something good, eagerly asked, "What do you need Wenhai's article for?"

Lin Huabin thought for a moment, then explained, "There's a scholarly society in Ji Mountain. Many scholars with notable achievements are members there."

"Wenhai is new here, unknown and without any reputation. How can I speak of him to others?"

How could he introduce this prospective son-in-law to Zhao Jingyi?

Lin Huabin continued, "I'll review his article first. If it’s good, I’ll find someone to invite him to join the society."

A scholar from Ji Mountain Society, especially a talented one, would surely please Zhao Jingyi. Being related to such a man would bring prestige when mentioned.

"That’s wonderful!"

Zheng was even happier than Lin Huabin, as this was her family relative!

The Lin family had previously looked down on her Zheng family for lacking heritage. Having an outstanding scholar in the family would add to her prestige.

After Lin Huabin left, Zheng immediately instructed Nanny Fan, "Get Wenhai to write a top-quality article. Tell him it's for a very important purpose."

Nanny Fan was about to go and relay the message.

Zheng suddenly thought of something and called Nanny Fan back, adding, "It’s best if we have it by tomorrow!"

Nanny Fan remarked, "Madam, it's hard to write a good eight-legged essay overnight!"

"Use your head! Can’t he just submit an old one?"

"…Yes."

Nanny Fan wasn't sure what was going through her mistress’s mind, feeling the request was overly rushed.

Isn't it said that good writing is a laborious process?

Zheng couldn’t hold back her plans any longer, "If his essay catches my husband’s eye, I’ll take him to the birthday banquet at the Xi Lin Mansion. He can showcase his talent in front of the relatives."

Nanny Fan thought this was a good idea.

Perhaps the young miss would take a liking to Wenhai, and then Madam wouldn’t have any worries.

"I’ll go right away."

When Nanny Fan returned, she brought an essay with her.

Zheng handed the essay to Lin Huabin, "Master, please take a look."

"So soon?"

Lin Huabin, smelling of soap, carefully read the essay while pacing the room.

"It’s well written."

He set down the essay and took up his pen to write a letter to a junior, asking him to introduce Wenhai to the Ji Mountain Society.

Seeing things settled, Zheng curiously asked, "Master, why don’t you join the Ji Mountain Society?"

Lin Huabin straightened his back, maintaining his dignity, "…Why should I join a group of juniors?"

He already held an official position, and though he admired the younger generation’s talent and wished to make their acquaintance, it wasn't fitting for him to mingle among them.

"You're right."

Zheng felt slightly embarrassed.

\\

On the day of the banquet at Ji Mountain Garden, the young wives and daughters of the Donglin Mansion all went out together.

The first wife and Zheng also went, while the third wife, unwell, conveniently stayed home to watch over the house.

"Miss, even the second young miss has agreed to go out."

Xi Ruo, helping Lin Yunwan into the carriage, turned her head to see Lin Yunjiao also boarding a carriage.

She stood beside the carriage, lifting the curtain.

Lin Yunwan looked over and saw Lin Yunjiao pulling a face, still looking unhappy. Her maid accidentally failed to support her properly, earning a glare from Lin Yunjiao... if it weren't for the crowd, the maid might have received a slap.

"It's not just the second young miss; the madam’s relatives are also going."

Lin Yunwan noticed another carriage.

Zheng's elder sister-in-law had already returned home, but Wenhai and his mother stayed behind.

Zheng instructed the household, "They're staying to keep the master and me company. Ensure they're well attended to. Master Wenhai is a man, so instruct the maids in the inner courtyard to keep their distance."

The mother and son settled down comfortably in the Lin Mansion.

Xi Ruo also noticed Master Wenhai, studying him intently before Lin Yunwan urged her onto the carriage.

"Stop staring."

Xi Ruo nodded, climbing into the carriage and said, "Miss, did you notice? Master Wenhai’s chest was bulging. I wonder what he stuffed inside."

What could it be? Perhaps a stack of papers.

Lin Yunwan spoke softly, "Unfamiliar scholars get to know each other by reading each other’s works. He must have brought many excellent writings, seemingly well-prepared to stand out."

Xi Ruo frowned, "It must be Madam’s idea."

Lin Yunwan didn't dwell on it.

This visit to the Ji Mountain Garden was to observe other scholars in the Ji Mountain Society. She had a good impression of several and was curious to see them in person.

"What a unique garden!"

Upon reaching Ji Mountain and entering the garden, the maids and servants were captivated by the scenery.

Servants from the Xi Lin Mansion had already arrived to greet them.

"Ladies and Madams, the floral hall is this way."

After guiding the people from Donglin Mansion into the floral hall and paying her respects to the elders of the Xi Lin Mansion, Lin Yunwan spotted Dong Shuangshuang.

Dong Shuangshuang smiled at her and handed over a slip of paper.

It bore three characters.

— Xiao Xiang Pavilion.