Chapter 21 I need to hurry and find a strong, reliable person to cling to...
The ninth day of the ninth lunar month is the Double Ninth Festival.
Lin Yan stared blankly at the newly made camphor wood chest in the room for a long time.
The box contained the fine silks and satins that Xiao Che had gifted him, so dazzling and beautiful they could blind anyone.
He lingered his finger on a dark blue brocade robe with cloud patterns for a long time before finally withdrawing it.
never mind.
The clothes are nice, but they're too nice. For someone of his family background, it would be inappropriate for him to wear something like this to the Marquis of Changping's residence.
He finally pulled out a light blue robe that was neither new nor old. The material was decent, and the style was understated. It was made by his mother last year, with only a few bamboo stalks embroidered in the same dark thread on the cuffs and collar. It was presentable without being too flashy.
That's good; it fits his persona as a low-ranking official.
My father went to visit his sick old colleague at the Ministry of Works early in the morning with medicine and tonics, and my mother went to the estate outside the city to take care of things after the autumn harvest, so neither of them could go.
Well, I'm fighting this battle alone.
Lin Yan had Old Zhang hitch up the cart, and carrying a gift that his mother had prepared in advance—neither too extravagant nor too meager—he set off alone on the road to the Marquis of Changping's residence.
The Changping Earl's residence is in the west of the city, and the Lin family's residence is in the east. This trip through the city is not a short journey.
The carriage rumbled along, and Lin Yan leaned against the carriage wall, his mind wandering.
A high society banquet... I've seen it on TV in my past life. The clinking of glasses, the elegant attire, and everyone there is a shrewd and sophisticated person.
Having transmigrated into this world, I've fallen into the trap of the Ministry of Rites, dealing with scapegoats every day, and I've never even witnessed a real ancient high-society party.
I have no idea what the situation is like.
The carriage traveled for about half an hour before finally slowing down.
Lin Yan lifted a corner of the carriage curtain, and outside, there was a bustling scene of carriages and horses. Various gorgeous carriages were lined up, and well-dressed servants escorted their masters out of the carriages, creating an atmosphere of wealth and luxury.
The entrance to the Changping Earl's Mansion was quite impressive, with vermilion gates and imposing stone lions, though the paint on the lintel seemed a bit old.
Lin Yan got out of the car, straightened his clothes, stepped forward with the gifts, introduced himself, and handed over the invitation.
The gatekeeper was an old man with droopy eyelids. He took the invitation, glanced at it, and then looked Lin Yan up and down. His gaze was not respectful, but rather like he was assessing the value of an item. He snorted an "hmm" and casually beckoned a servant in blue.
"Take this Lord Lin to the back garden." The tone was as indifferent as if he were dismissing someone who had wandered into the wrong house.
Lin Yan didn't mind and followed the servant inside.
Lin Yan's eyes were opened during this journey.
Everyone says that the Changping Marquis's mansion has declined in recent years, with its descendants being good-for-nothings and living off their ancestors' wealth. However, the mansion is still decorated with carved beams and painted rafters, winding streams and covered corridors that stretch as far as the eye can see, exuding the rich heritage of "our ancestors were once wealthy".
The back garden was even more lively.
Chrysanthemums of all colors were displayed in full bloom, filling the air with their fragrance, while osmanthus blossoms filled the air with gentle breezes.
However, as soon as Lin Yan stepped into the garden, he felt a wave of heat hit him. It wasn't because of the crowds or the lively atmosphere, but because of the physical heat.
Lin Yan looked closely, and wow—
Around each pot of chrysanthemums in full bloom, there were four small silver wire charcoal pots neatly arranged!
The charcoal fire was burning brightly, its red glow making the delicate petals appear even more vibrant.
Lin Yan was stunned on the spot.
Chrysanthemums, brother! These are chrysanthemums that bloom in autumn!
Chrysanthemums are flowers for this kind of weather; they don't need to be kept warm!
This operation was too advanced for its time, and Lin Yan's limited knowledge of modern science and ancient knowledge both exploded in disbelief.
He looked around and saw a young man in a brocade robe standing next to him, waving a folding fan and looking like a "very charming" gentleman. He was nodding and gesturing at several pots of green chrysanthemums, as if he knew a lot about them.
Although Lin Yan found it odd that this person was fanning himself in the freezing cold, he approached and, in a spirit of inquiry, politely cupped his hands and asked, "Brother, may I ask what the significance is of placing charcoal braziers around each pot of chrysanthemums? I am truly ignorant and have never seen anything like it before."
Upon hearing the sound, the young master slowly turned around, snapped his folding fan shut, and used the fan ribs to slowly scan Lin Yan from head to toe, the contempt in his eyes almost tangible.
"Heh." He snorted and laughed, his chin raised so high it seemed to pierce the sky. "What's there to ask? Of course, it's to prevent the frost from damaging the beauty of these delicate guests. We're lighting some charcoal to ward off the chill. What? My Changping Marquis's mansion can't afford a little bit of charcoal?"
The tone and the manner clearly indicated that Lin Yan had asked a very low-class and simplistic question.
Lin Yan was so choked by these words that she almost couldn't catch her breath.
Charcoal fee? Is this about the charcoal fee?
This is basic common sense!
Chrysanthemums don't need this!
He felt his anger surge up instantly, even more so than when he was writing the auspicious omens test at the Ministry of Rites.
But since they were on someone else's turf, Lin Yan took a deep breath and swallowed back the words "Are you guys crazy?" that were about to come out of his mouth. He forced a smile and said, "I see. I was just ignorant. Please forgive me, brother."
The young master snorted and, too lazy to pay any more attention to Lin Yan, turned around to admire his "roasted chrysanthemums" again.
Lin Yan, seething with anger, silently retreated to the side and watched coldly.
He finally understood what this so-called high society circle was all about.
They gathered in twos and threes, talking about which family played polo well, which family had acquired some novelties from overseas, or subtly comparing the value of their jade pendants and sachets.
While their conversation may seem polite, every word they utter is actually loaded with veiled barbs, subtly comparing family backgrounds, flaunting wealth, and belittling others.
Occasionally, someone would notice his unfamiliar face and come over to exchange a few words. But once they heard that he was only a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Rites and that his father was only a fourth-rank official in the Ministry of Works, their enthusiasm would immediately vanish like charcoal fire doused with cold water, and they would politely but distantly walk away.
You could even hear a few hushed sarcastic remarks.
"The Ministry of Rites? Tsk, a powerless government office."
"I don't know what good fortune I had, but I actually gained His Majesty's favor."
"It's just a flash in the pan. Do you really think you can squeeze into our circle?"
Lin Yan listened without any emotional fluctuation, and even felt a little amused.
Who wants to be in the same circle as them? No matter what, he passed the imperial examination on his own merit, and he's not in the same circle as these ignorant and incompetent people.
These people, blessed by their ancestors, lie on their laurels, indulging in a life of pleasure and squandering the people's hard-earned money, yet they still have an overwhelming sense of superiority.
Xiao Che had just mentioned in court the need to guard against the cold wave and prepare for winter, which showed his concern for the country and its people. But these people were doing the opposite of Xiao Che.
I have no idea what's going on in my head.
In Lin Yan's eyes, each of these burning charcoal pots was like the burning blood and sweat of the people.
Especially when he saw the heir of the Marquis of Changping appear surrounded by a group of people, his manner and the extravagance in his speech made him even more pretentious than Xiao Che on the dragon throne.
Lin Yan silently memorized the attire of the Marquis of Changping.
The heir of the Marquis of Changping laughed loudly, "On such a fine day and in such a beautiful setting, with the fragrance of chrysanthemums, how can we not have poetry? You are all refined people, why don't you compose a poem on the theme of chrysanthemums to add to the festivities? The best poem will be presented by the Marquis of Changping's mansion as a prize: a scepter of ancient pine soot ink made by Chen Tingyuan, a famous ink maker from the previous dynasty!"
The crowd immediately cheered and applauded, eager to show off their talents.
Lin Yan stood on the periphery of the crowd, watching this grand display of arrogance, feeling no poetry in his heart, only numbness.
When it was his turn, the words praising chrysanthemums in his mind had long been replaced by two words—
Idiot.
When it was his turn, he looked at the chrysanthemums being roasted by charcoal fire and remembered that today was the Double Ninth Festival, a day for climbing mountains to appreciate chrysanthemums and showing concern for the people. A surge of resentment welled up in his heart, so he picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote on the gold-flecked paper.
The Double Ninth Festival is a day for climbing mountains, but instead, we look towards the red gates to see the chrysanthemums in full bloom.
The golden cup bears the name of frost and dew in vain, while the silver charcoal burns in vain, its fragrance like brocade.
Chrysanthemum pickers in the southern mountains are glistening with dew, while those admiring flowers in the western prefecture drink wine to their hearts' content.
Who cares about the hunger and cold under the stove, while the warm smoke only protects the frost-covered branches?
After finishing the poem, he put down his pen, too lazy to look at the mixed red and blue faces of the people around him, and even less interested in knowing who would ultimately win the prize for that damned ancient ink. He simply cupped his hands in the direction of the prince and said in a hurried tone, "Prince, gentlemen, I suddenly feel unwell and fear that I may have disturbed your enjoyment. I will take my leave now. Please forgive any rudeness."
After saying that, without waiting for a response, he turned and left, his steps so fast it was as if a dog was chasing him.
As soon as Lin Yan stepped out of the vermilion gate of the Marquis of Changping's mansion, a cold wind blew, and he felt the turbid air in his chest dissipate slightly.
He glanced back at the magnificent mansion, then climbed into his own carriage without hesitation.
"Old Zhang, go straight to the palace gate," Lin Yan instructed.
He wrote that satirical poem in a fit of anger.
That poem was practically a direct accusation against the Changping Earl's Mansion for its extravagance and disregard for the people's welfare.
Offending a noble family like the Marquis of Changping is something a lowly fifth-rank official like him cannot afford.
I need to find a strong, muscular man to cling to right away!
And the one with the thickest thigh in the whole world is the one in the palace.
He didn't believe Xiao Che could tolerate these people's behavior.
The carriage stopped at the east side gate of the palace. Lin Yan showed the token that was neither gold nor wood. After the imperial guards checked it, they immediately let him through. A young eunuch appeared silently and led him inside.
Lin Yan felt a little uneasy. He had used the secret guard token without permission to go and complain to Xiao Che. He didn't know how Xiao Che would view him.
What should I say when we meet?
Should we directly accuse the Marquis of Changping of roasting chrysanthemums in a charcoal brazier? Wouldn't that be making a mountain out of a molehill?
To say that those scions of wealthy families look down on me? That's not appropriate.
Just as he was lost in thought, the eunuch leading the way stopped and whispered, "Lord Lin, His Majesty is at the Linshui Pavilion by the pond."
Lin Yan straightened his clothes, took a deep breath, and stepped inside.
The pavilion was brightly lit. Xiao Che was standing by the window, looking at the deep pool outside. He was only wearing a black casual robe. Hearing footsteps, he turned around.
"Your Majesty, this humble subject pays his respects." Lin Yan quickly bowed.
Xiao Che frowned slightly when he saw that Lin Yan was not wearing the new clothes he had bestowed upon him, but rather a set of clothes that were neither new nor old.
"Rise." Xiao Che's voice was unreadable. "What urgent matter brings you to the palace at this hour?"
Lin Yan stood up and quickly glanced at Xiao Che's expression, which seemed relatively calm.
He made up his mind and decided to tell the truth, but he had to polish his tone.
"Your Majesty, I have been invited to the chrysanthemum appreciation banquet at the Marquis of Changping today." Lin Yan tried his best to make his voice sound like a statement rather than a complaint. "The banquet was extravagant, far beyond my imagination. In particular, I noticed that every pot of chrysanthemums in the garden was surrounded by silver wire charcoal braziers for heating, which was euphemistically called 'keeping warm and protecting the flowers.'"
He paused here, carefully observing Xiao Che's reaction.
Xiao Che's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly, but he didn't speak, signaling him to continue.
"Your humble servant is ignorant and astonished. When I inquired about the reason, I was met with ridicule, told that his household was not short of money for such a small amount of charcoal." Lin Yan's tone was tinged with resentment as he said this. "When I left the banquet, the Crown Prince invited everyone to compose poems. Moved by the moment, I wrote a poem entitled 'Viewing Chrysanthemums on the Ninth Day'..."
Xiao Che finally reacted. He turned around and looked at Lin Yan: "Read 'Chrysanthemum Viewing on the Ninth Day'? Recite it for me."
Lin Yan had no choice but to bite the bullet and recite the poem he had just written.
A note from the author:
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This chapter has been revised. [Heart emoji]
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