One day, Su Jinli was discussing the next activity with her sisters in the poetry club when she suddenly received news from the palace. The Queen Mother invited her to the palace again, saying that she was going to hold a small poetry banquet and had invited several princesses in the palace and some talented women in the capital, hoping that Su Jinli could come to join in the fun.
Su Jinli was both excited and nervous when she received the news. She was excited to be able to reunite with the Queen Mother in the palace and exchange poetry with so many talented women. She was also nervous because the banquet was in the palace after all, and she was worried that she might be impolite.
Upon returning to the Prime Minister's residence, Su Jinli immediately began preparing for her entry into the palace. She carefully selected a light blue brocade robe embroidered with elegant plum blossom patterns, symbolizing purity and perseverance. She also chose appropriate jewelry, striving to appear both dignified and elegant.
On the day of her arrival, Su Jinli arrived early. Following the eunuchs to the banquet venue, she saw the palace was beautifully decorated, showcasing the opulence of the royal family. The queen mother sat in the main seat, while several princesses and talented women had already taken their seats.
Everyone looked at Su Jinli as she arrived. Some were friendly and curious, while others hinted at a hint of jealousy. Su Jinli bowed to everyone and, at the Queen Mother's signal, sat in an empty seat.
After the banquet began, the Queen Mother smiled and said, "I've brought everyone together today to host a relaxed and enjoyable poetry banquet. Don't be shy, just show off your talents."
Afterwards, everyone began to recite poems and compose lyrics. Su Jinli was a quick thinker, and her poems and lyrics were beautiful in conception and exquisite in word choice, drawing widespread praise. The Queen Mother was even more beaming, extremely satisfied with Su Jinli's performance.
However, just as Su Jinli was immersed in the joy of poetry, a princess suddenly challenged her: "Miss Su, I heard that you are not only good at writing poetry, but also quite brilliant in writing vernacular novels. However, vernacular novels are ultimately just commonplace writings, how can they be considered elegant works? Miss Su, with such talent, why don't you focus your energy on writing orthodox poetry?"
Su Jinli's heart tightened, knowing someone was deliberately trying to provoke her. But she remained calm. Instead, she smiled and replied, "Your Highness is absolutely right. Poetry is a treasure of literature, and naturally deserves careful study. While vernacular novels may be commonplace, they can also reflect the world and convey the warmth and coldness of human nature. Different literary forms all have their own unique charm and value, and are not necessarily unworthy of the highest art."
The Queen Mother listened to Su Jinli's answer and nodded slightly. "Miss Su is right. There is no distinction between high and low literary forms. As long as it can bring enlightenment and pleasure to people, it is good."
When the princess saw that the Queen Mother supported Su Jinli, although she was dissatisfied, she did not dare to say anything more.
After the banquet, the Queen Mother left Su Jinli alone and said to her, "Child, you handled the situation very well today. People in the palace are bound to be jealous. You need to be more careful in your future actions."
Su Jinli said gratefully, "Thank you, Queen Mother, for your teachings. I will definitely keep them in mind."
The Queen Mother chatted with Su Jinli for a while before letting her leave the palace.
Back at the Prime Minister's residence, Su Jinli carefully pondered the Queen Mother's words. She knew her path within the palace might not be smooth, but she wasn't afraid. With the Queen Mother's support, her family's encouragement, and Jiang Yan's companionship, she was confident she could face any challenge and shine her own light in this complex palace and on the stage of the capital.
Over time, Su Jinli's reputation within the palace grew. The Empress Dowager frequently invited her to participate in various cultural events. Her relationships with the princesses and talented women gradually became more complex. Some, impressed by her talent and character, became close friends; others, however, remained jealous and would occasionally try to sabotage her.
But Su Jinli did not take these things to heart. She continued to focus on her poetry creation, writing novels and the affairs of the poetry society. She used her talent and wisdom to resolve crises and challenges in the palace time and time again, and at the same time made more people recognize her strength.
Jiang Yan, through his talent and integrity, gradually rose to prominence in the court. He and Su Jinli encouraged and supported each other, becoming a beloved couple envied by the capital. Although they had yet to formalize their relationship, their affection for each other grew deeper with the passage of time, like a fine wine that becomes increasingly mellow with age.
In this capital city brimming with opportunities and challenges, Su Jinli is writing her own legendary story, step by step. Every experience she encounters, from the Empress Dowager's favor to the turmoil within the palace, becomes a stepping stone for her growth. And the sincere love between her and Jiang Yan, like a beacon in the darkness, illuminates her path forward and gives her the conviction that, as long as she stays true to her original aspiration, she can carve out a glorious path of her own in this bustling capital.
At a large-scale event hosted by a poetry club, numerous scholars and distinguished ladies from prominent families in Beijing gathered. As a key figure in the club, Su Jinli naturally became the center of attention. The event featured a vibrant display of poetry recitations, calligraphy, and paintings, immersing everyone in the rich cultural atmosphere.
Just as the event reached its climax, Jiang Yan suddenly appeared. He was dressed in a moon-white robe, his posture erect and his demeanor refined. He held a meticulously crafted painting in his hands and slowly walked towards Su Jinli.
Seeing this, everyone cast curious glances at him. Jiang Yan walked up to Su Jinli and said with a smile, "Jinli, I made this painting for you. I hope you like it."
Su Jinli gently took the painting and unfolded it. It depicted her reciting poetry in a poetry club. She looked focused and elegant, as if she had leaped out of the painting. Su Jinli was deeply moved, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Thank you, Jiang Yan."
Jiang Yan looked at her, his eyes full of affection: "Jinli, ever since I met you, my life has been filled with sunshine and hope. You are the most unique and talented woman I have ever met. I want to tell you that my feelings for you have never changed."
Su Jinli looked up at him, tears in her eyes: "Jiang Yan, actually I..."
Before Su Jinli finished speaking, the people around her started to applaud and cheer. They were all happy for the beautiful relationship between them.
Amidst the blessings of the crowd, Jiang Yan and Su Jinli's relationship finally became clear. Hand in hand, they walked through the poetry club's garden, along the flower-filled path, looking forward to a better life in the future.
Su Jinli's life, thanks to the Empress Dowager's favor, Jiang Yan's companionship, and her own talent, has become even more enriching. Her story has become a legendary legend in the capital, inspiring countless young women to pursue their dreams and bravely demonstrate their talents. In this era full of hope and challenges, Su Jinli, like the brightest star in the night sky, shines with her own unique brilliance, writing one brilliant chapter after another.
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