In my previous life, I was the most downtrodden legitimate daughter of the Prime Minister's residence. My birth mother died young, and my stepmother, under the guise of "it's for your o...
"My name is Li Xiuyuan," the young man bowed slightly, with curiosity and inquiry in his eyes, "I have heard of Miss Su's talent for a long time, and I have come here today to ask for your advice." His voice was gentle and polite, like a spring breeze, gently blowing past.
Su Jinli bowed gracefully. As she did so, she noticed the orchid pattern embroidered on Li Xiuyuan's sleeves. The orchid was intricately crafted, its stitches meticulously detailed, clearly the work of a renowned artist, a testament to the master's taste and status. "Mr. Li, you're welcome. What advice do you have for me?" Su Jinli replied with a smile as fresh and moving as a spring flower.
Li Xiuyuan gently unfolded the scroll in his hand. On the plain white rice paper, there was a five-character quatrain written: "The spring water of Qujiang is green, and the painted boats are carrying poems. I want to ask the tourists' opinions, and the peach blossoms fill the cup." The handwriting was clear and elegant, but there was a sense of deliberate carving in the strokes. It can be seen that the author spent a lot of thought when writing.
Su Jinli pondered for a moment, her fingertips lightly tracing the line "Peach blossoms fill the cup," her thoughts surging like a tide. In her past life at the palace, she had copied Tang and Song poetry countless times, her rumination on the phrasing ingrained in her bones. After a moment, she looked up, a confident smile on her face. "Young Master Li's poem is elegant and refined," she said slowly. "Only the last line, 'Peach blossoms fill the cup,' would seem to add a touch of ethereal meaning if it were changed to 'Spring breeze fills the cup.'" Her voice was soft, yet as powerful as a bell, each word resonating deeply with the crowd.
Li Xiuyuan was stunned for a moment, a hint of surprise on his face, but then his eyes suddenly lit up, as if he had found light in the darkness. He couldn't help but clap his hands in praise, "Brilliant! Brilliant! With Miss Su's revision, the whole poem suddenly comes alive!" He looked at Su Jinli with a look filled with admiration and praise, as if this woman before him was the soulmate he had long sought. "Miss Su is truly a quick thinker. I admire you!" He bowed again, his attitude becoming even more respectful.
Master Li stroked his beard beside him, a subtle flicker of relief in his eyes. Young Marquis Su, like a cheerful fawn, hurried to his sister's side, whispering, "Sister, how did you know to change that character? You're even better than a storyteller!" His eyes gleamed with admiration, as if Su Jinli were his all-powerful hero.
Li Xiuyuan looked at Su Jinli with a sincere and genuine tone: "Miss Su is very talented and learned. I wonder if you would like to join the 'Linchi Poetry Society' that I and several friends have established? In the future, we can discuss knowledge together and make friends through literature." His eyes were full of expectation, as if waiting for Su Jinli to give him a positive answer.
Su Jinli's heart trembled slightly, recalling the various deceitful interactions she'd endured at those noble ladies' poetry gatherings in her past life. She hesitated. However, when she saw the sincerity in Li Xiuyuan's eyes, and thought this might be a great opportunity to expand her network and improve herself, she nodded slightly and said softly, "If you don't mind, Jinli will be there." Her voice, though soft, radiated determination and confidence.
Li Xiuyuan was overjoyed, his face beaming with joy. He exchanged a few more pleasantries with Su Jinli before taking his leave. Watching him walk away, Master Li couldn't help but sigh, "Miss Su, I truly underestimated you." His tone was a mixture of apology and admiration for Su Jinli.
Su Jinli smiled modestly, a smile like the warm spring sun, warm but not dazzling. In her heart, she was secretly thinking that the poetry club was not just a place for her to recite poems and compose couplets, but also her first step in breaking free from the constraints of her inner boudoir and entering a broader world.
Young Marquis Su didn't care about all this. He held his sister's hand with great joy, his face full of admiration: "Sister, you were so awesome just now! Please teach me how to write poetry in the future. I want to be like you!" His eyes were sparkling, as if they contained countless little stars. His innocent look made people love him.
Su Jinli looked into her brother's expectant eyes and couldn't help but smile. Sunlight filtered through the branches of the courtyard trees, casting dappled light and shadows on the two of them, stretching their shadows very long. She knew that now, with her brother's undisguised admiration, her father's steadfast support, and her eldest sister's gradually warming care, she was no longer the isolated and helpless Su Jinli of her previous life. All the grievances she had suffered in her previous life now seemed to have transformed into sweet honey, seeping into her future bit by bit, filling her future with hope and beauty.