Chapter 29: Literary Gathering

Chapter 29 The Literary Gathering

Those eager to admire the paintings, those hoping to forge connections, and those simply seeking excitement… Though the appointed hour had not yet arrived, the estate’s entrance was already a bustling scene of carriages and horses, surrounded by an impenetrable crowd.

It had rained the previous night, but fortunately, the moisture had evaporated before sunrise. The sky, freshly washed, was as clear and transparent as a sapphire.

Word had spread that the Earl of Guangcheng’s estate had recently acquired a painting by Cang Yunzi, making invitations to this literary gathering highly sought after. Those eager to admire the paintings, those hoping to forge connections, and those simply seeking excitement… Though the appointed hour had not yet arrived, the estate’s entrance was already a bustling scene of carriages and horses, surrounded by an impenetrable crowd.

Although it was a gathering organized by the younger generation, since they had come to the Earl of Guangcheng’s estate, it was only proper to pay their respects to the elders. Zhou Zeshan, the Earl of Guangcheng, had long anticipated the day's lively atmosphere and chosen this "auspicious date" to deliver lectures at the academy. Fortunately, the Old Madam had a fondness for lively occasions and had been receiving guests in the main hall since early morning.

Mao Ningqin had naturally received an invitation as well. She arrived neither early nor late. By the time she entered the main hall, many guests were already engaged in casual conversation with the Old Madam.

A maid whispered something into the ear of Madame Sun, the eldest daughter-in-law. Upon hearing it, Madame Sun looked up and noticed Mao Ningqin, then beckoned her over. Turning to the Old Madam with a smile, she said, "Mother, look, Ningqin has also come today."

The invitations had been sent by Zhou Ying and Zhou Ling. Mao Ningqin had initially been somewhat reluctant to attend, but upon hearing that the young master of the Fanyang Lu clan intended to come and admire the paintings, she changed her mind and decided to grace the event with her presence.

Though she inwardly looked down on this literary gathering, Mao Ningqin knew well enough to show restraint in front of her elders. She bowed gracefully and said, "Greetings, Old Madam."

The Countess of Guangcheng also nodded with a smile. "It's true how much a young woman can change in a year. It's only been a year since I last saw Ningqin, and she has grown even more beautiful. She will surely find a good family in the future."

As soon as these words were spoken, many turned to look at Mao Ningqin. She was wearing a crimson damask dress embroidered with peony patterns, a twin-heng twin-fish jade pendant of the same color at her waist, and her hair was adorned with a rare treasure—a vermillion sun-and-phoenix hairpin. It added a touch of brilliance to her appearance.

Since the flower appreciation banquet where she had seen Li Ci, Mao Ningqin had prepared meticulously for this day, determined to outshine her at the literary gathering. Now, she held her chin slightly higher, allowing everyone to scrutinize her.

As the legitimate granddaughter of the Marquis of Jingde’s household and related by marriage to the Earl of Guangcheng’s family, her dazzling and noble attire drew endless praises.

Mao Ningqin covered her face with a timely laugh, appearing gentle and dignified—quite the picture of elegance.

Madame Sun added, "Ningqin is practically one of us, so there's no need for formalities. Why didn’t Sister Chun come with you today?"

A hint of regret appeared on Mao Ningqin’s face. "My sister-in-law originally intended to come with me, but our grandmother has been unwell recently, so she stayed home to attend to her. That’s why she couldn’t make it."

"That is only right," Madame Sun said with concern. "How is the health of the Marquis of Jingde’s Old Madam?"

"It’s nothing serious, just minor ailments," Mao Ningqin replied. "Thank you for your concern."

"That’s good to hear," Madame Sun said, relieved. "Since Ningqin is here today, why not go and have fun with the other sisters? I will pay a visit another day."

Mao Ningqin nodded and took a seat beside Zhou Ying and Zhou Ling.

Soon, maids brought tea and pastries. Most were nothing special, but one dish in the center was particularly novel.

In a delicate glass bowl was a "shaved ice mountain" made of fine shaved ice, topped with a crystal-clear, fresh lychee fruit, like a pearl crowning a snowy peak. The glass bowl and the lychee shaved ice mountain shimmered brilliantly, emitting faint wisps of cool mist in the scorching summer heat—a sight that whetted the appetite.

Mao Ningqin couldn’t resist taking a bite and found herself unable to stop. She quickly devoured most of the lychee shaved ice mountain, leaving only a token amount at the bottom to save face.

Forcing herself to look away from the glass bowl, she turned and asked, "So, what painting are we admiring today?"

Just as Zhou Ying was about to speak, Zhou Ling tugged at her sleeve and whispered, "You’ll find out soon enough, Sister Ningqin."

Hmph, so secretive.

Mao Ningqin scoffed dismissively, her tone carrying a hint of arrogance. "And where is your dear Ah Ci today?"

Her vermillion sun-and-phoenix hairpin was a piece crafted in the palace. She had begged her grandmother for a long time to borrow it. Dressed so splendidly, how could she do without the envy of that merchant’s daughter?

Zhou Ying remained silent. She knew Li Ci was still sleeping in. The Old Madam, fearing she might eat indiscriminately during the reception, had allowed it, though the reason was not something to be shared openly.

Zhou Ling covered for Li Ci, saying, "She must be busy with matters related to the literary gathering. After all, the painting by Cang Yunzi today was brought by her."

What could a merchant’s daughter possibly have of value?

Mao Ningqin chuckled lightly. "Then the Earl of Guangcheng’s estate should be careful. If something unrefined, or even a forgery, is presented at the gathering, it would be a great embarrassment."

Zhou Ying said smugly, "The lychee shaved ice mountain you nearly licked clean just now was brought by Ah Ci. It seems you quite enjoyed it."

"You!"

Seeing that the two were being uncooperative, Mao Ningqin lost interest in further small talk. Just as she was about to leave, a maid came to announce, "Old Madam, Young Master Lu Sheng of the Fanyang Lu clan is here to pay his respects."

She immediately stopped in her tracks, smoothing her hair slightly, a look of anticipation on her face.

Zhou Ling’s heart also stirred. She tilted her head slightly, observing the young man about to enter from the corner of her eye.

Soon, a young man in a long robe with silver-threaded subtle-patterned designs entered. He first bowed to the Old Madam, his voice as warm and smooth as jade: "Your humble junior Lu Sheng pays respects to the Old Madam. May you enjoy happiness, longevity, and good health."

The Old Madam beamed, repeatedly saying, "Good, good, good. Young Master Lu is too kind. Please, take a seat."

She even pointed to the empty seat beside her.

Lu Sheng nodded with a smile, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the young ladies seated opposite. He smiled and nodded in greeting.

Zhou Ling had little interaction with men outside her family. Meeting his eyes, her cheeks flushed red. For some reason, she found herself comparing him to Master Xie, who was staying at the estate.

He was tall and evidently, like Master Xie, hailed from the north. His features were dignified and handsome, though compared to Master Xie, he fell far short.

But the Lu clan was, after all, a great family with a century of history. The flawless jade crown on his head alone—even if Master Xie topped the imperial examinations three times, without connections in the capital, it would take him who knows how long to afford even a corner of it.

Zhou Ying discreetly nudged Zhou Ling, signaling her to look at Mao Ningqin.

If Zhou Ling could read minds, she would have known that Mao Ningqin’s thoughts were not far from her own.

Mao Ningqin had put great effort into her appearance today, not only to outshine Li Ci but also to make Master Xie regret his choices. However, upon seeing Lu Sheng of Fanyang and recalling her mother’s words from last time, she already considered this young master her destined match.

After taking his seat, Lu Sheng exchanged a few pleasantries with the Old Madam and the other elders present. The conversation naturally turned to the painting by Cang Yunzi.

His knowledge and demeanor impressed everyone present. Even Zhou Ling had to admit that this young master lived up to his reputation.

The Old Madam was well aware of the younger generation’s thoughts. Seeing that it was about time, she excused herself and allowed the guests to mingle freely.

Zhou Ling and Mao Ningqin rose almost simultaneously, but the young master Lu was quicker than both of them. In the blink of an eye, he had already disappeared from sight.

-

Although the estate was hosting a literary gathering today, Li Ci had no desire to play the role of an ornament in the reception hall. She had asked her grandmother for permission to skip it and slept comfortably until the sun was high in the sky.

Xiuchun, having heard that Master Xie had rejected the proposal of marrying into their family, was both disappointed and furious at his lack of vision.

The young mistress had never been fond of elaborate hairstyles, so Xiuchun wasn’t very skilled at styling hair. But today, channeling her frustration into determination, she meticulously crafted an elegant side-swept bun for Li Ci, adorned with a pomegranate blossom hairpin set with bright pearls. Even without powder or lip color, her snow-white skin and flower-like beauty shone through, making her appear even more ethereally lovely.

Li Ci, however, was only thinking about the lychee shaved ice mountain at the literary gathering. She let Xiuchun dress her up and, when the time was right, happily set out.

But she had only taken a few steps when she heard footsteps behind her. When she walked, they followed; when she stopped, they stopped.

Curious, Li Ci turned around to see a young man in a moon-white robe, holding a folding fan. He had a pair of charming, alluring peach-blossom eyes. Caught in the act, he simply smiled leisurely without a hint of panic.

Chen Ting had heard so many anecdotes about Li Ci from Xie Zhenchuan lately that he had long been eager to meet her. If not for his desire to avoid the legitimate granddaughter of the Marquis of Jingde’s household, he could have seen her at the last flower appreciation banquet.

Seizing the chance to openly observe the Earl of Guangcheng’s cousin, he saw her wearing a lotus-green cloud-patterned brocade dress and a rain-blue gauzy silk wide-sleeved overcoat. She looked like a goddess formed from mountain mists and clouds—one glance, and he felt as if lost in a sea of smoke.

No wonder Xie Zhenchuan always gave her one pass after another. If it were him, he would have long packed his bags ready to marry into her family.

He cupped his hands respectfully and said, "I did not mean to disturb you, miss. It is only that I have always admired Cang Yunzi and came to your esteemed residence for the Literary Gathering. Unfortunately, I have lost my way. Might you know where Huamao Garden is?"

Li Ci blinked. "I think I’ve seen you before."

Though this young master was handsome and refined, his looks were not so striking as to be unforgettable. She felt he looked familiar but couldn’t quite place him.

Thanks to Xie Zhenchuan, Chen Ting had already figured out this young lady’s temperament and understood why she had been so dismissive of him back at the Earl of Guangcheng’s residence. Naturally, he immediately denied it. "You must have me confused with someone else, miss. I come from an insignificant family—how would I have gotten into the Earl’s mansion?"

Li Ci looked him over again. His robes were made of ordinary silk, his folding fan bore no jade pendant, and his hair crown was neither gold nor jade. It did seem he came from humble origins.

She immediately became more friendly. "I’m heading to Huamao Garden as well. We can go together."

Author's Note:

I’ve been pulling all-nighters for three days in a row [laugh cry]. I promise to go to bed early tomorrow night (Friday) and will post double updates on Saturday!