Chapter 183: Has the marriage proposal between Zhang Fang and Liu Wan'er been made?
“You are too modest, young lady. This poem could not have been composed on the spot; it is evident that you possess profound knowledge and talent. May I ask if you are from the capital or are you here for a visit? I also have some knowledge of poetry; if you do not mind, we may exchange ideas and discuss them in the future.”
Jiang Ling felt a little flustered, after all, she had copied the poem. Being praised in such a public manner was already a bit overwhelming.
If we want to exchange ideas again in the future, wouldn't we have to copy lines from other masters' poems again?
She had no idea how far poetry had developed in this era; if she copied something else, wouldn't she be walking into a trap?!
Before Jiang Ling could answer, Cheng Fang stepped forward and took over the conversation.
“Young Master Su, Miss Jiang is a guest of the Cheng family. She has just arrived in the capital and has been traveling a long way. She needs to rest well. Let’s discuss the sparring later.”
Su Wenxuan looked somewhat embarrassed, realizing that his sudden invitation from a strange woman was rather impolite.
He then pulled an invitation card from his sleeve.
He smiled slightly and bowed to Jiang Ling again, saying:
"I apologize for my abruptness. In five days, there will be an Autumn Poetry Gathering in the capital, jointly organized by various literary circles, where talented men and beautiful women will gather. You are exceptionally talented and insightful. If you would be so kind as to attend, you would surely enhance the gathering. We can then discuss poetry in detail. What do you think, young lady?"
Cheng Jiaojiao leaned forward to take a look at the gold-embossed invitation.
"I know about this poetry gathering; Pei Xixi mentioned it to me. Sister Jiang, are you going too?"
Xiao Ran and Xiao Yi also came over; they had never seen such beautiful paper before.
This was an invitation to Jiang Ling, and Cheng Fang couldn't make the decision for her. So he stood silently to the side.
Jiang Ling hesitated for a moment, then smiled and said:
"Thank you for your kind invitation, Young Master Su. However, I already have a trip to the capital, and I am afraid I will be unable to attend this poetry gathering. I hope you will understand."
She came to the capital just to witness the prosperity of this era, so she decided not to join in the hustle and bustle.
A hint of disappointment flashed in Su Wenxuan's eyes.
"I apologize for my intrusion. Miss Jiang's talent is truly captivating. I look forward to meeting you again someday and hearing your elegant voice once more. Farewell."
After Su Wenxuan left, Cheng Jiaojiao snuggled up to Jiang Ling affectionately and said:
"It's good that Sister Jiang isn't going. What's so fun about writing poetry? It's better to eat and drink, go see a play, and I'll keep you company for the next few days. I'll make sure you have a great time!"
"Okay, whatever you say." Jiang Ling reached out and pinched her cheek.
Xiao Ran chimed in, "Sister Jiang is amazing! This poem is so well written, it's in no way inferior to those literary scholars!"
He has recently been taking classes with Mr. Fu and can already understand the poems.
He always knew that Sister Jiang was literate, but he didn't know she could also compose poetry. And she did it so well.
When will he reach that level?
Xiao Yi chimed in, "Sister's poem is so beautiful! It's better than everyone else's!"
He can't even recognize all the characters, so naturally he doesn't know what constitutes a good one.
However, anything my sister makes is the best in the world!
As the sun gradually sets in the west, it turns the red leaves into a warm gold.
Everyone packed their things and prepared to descend the mountain.
Xiao Yi watched the red mountain gradually disappear into the distance and whispered:
"Sister Jiang, shall we come here again next autumn to see the maple leaves?"
Jiang Ling smiled and ruffled his hair: "Okay, come again next year."
As dusk fell, the autumn wind, carrying a chill, caused the carriage curtains to flutter.
Fortunately, they were dressed warmly enough that they didn't feel cold.
Cheng Jiaojiao snuggled closer to Jiang Ling, her cheek pressed against Jiang Ling's cloak, a faint fragrance lingering around her nose.
"Sister Jiang, you are warm and fragrant, even more comfortable than my mother's heater."
Jiang Ling smiled and patted her back, then closed the car window tighter: "Just bear with it a little longer, we'll be there soon."
Now, only she and Jiang Ling are in the carriage. Even Xiao Yi has been sent over to ride in the same carriage with Xiao Ran and Cheng Fang.
Cheng Jiaojiao nodded, her eyes lighting up as she recalled what had happened during the day.
"Sister Jiang, you really stood up for me today! That Liu Wan'er always mocked me for being illiterate and a boorish person who only knew how to wield swords and spears. Today, she finally met her match! Just thinking about the look on her face makes me so happy!"
After speaking, she suddenly remembered something, looked up, and her tone carried a hint of barely perceptible unease:
"Sister Jiang, you...you write such good poems and essays, could it be that...you actually look down on someone like me?"
Jiang Ling chuckled upon hearing this.
He reached out and put his arm around her shoulder, his tone gentle yet firm:
"How could that be? There is more than one way to live in this world. Some people are fond of poetry and songs, while others yearn for war and battle. If you force someone who loves martial arts to study the classics and historical texts that they are not interested in, even if they put in a hundred times the effort, they may not achieve anything. Instead, they will delay what they are truly good at and love."
Life is short. Being able to do what you love and are good at well is already a great achievement; there's no need to care too much about what others think.
These words were like a warm current, warming Cheng Jiaojiao's heart.
She hugged Jiang Ling tighter and said in a muffled voice, "Sister Jiang is the best! That Liu Wan'er is like she was born to be my enemy! Luckily, her marriage to my brother didn't happen! Otherwise, I don't know how much more difficult my life would have been!"
"Huh?" Jiang Ling was startled.
"Cheng Fang and Liu Wan'er...have they been engaged?"
She suddenly remembered that she had just teased Cheng Fang, telling him to sort out his "romantic entanglements."
It turns out that Liu Wan'er isn't involved in any romantic entanglements!
Perhaps the two are actually in love, a pair of star-crossed lovers whose relationship is thwarted by their parents.
Then weren't my words and actions just now touching on people's sore spots?
She immediately felt remorseful, wondering why she had said those words.
Judging from their behavior, it seems that the Cheng family has rejected the marriage proposal.
It's understandable that the woman would be angry after being rejected and would throw a little tantrum at Cheng Fang.
This could only be considered a quarrel between young lovers at most. Jiang Ling could only say that she was unlucky to have encountered such a thing.
At this moment, Cheng Jiaojiao seemed to realize that she had said the wrong thing. She quickly corrected herself:
"No, no! It wasn't a formal engagement! It was just... just that the two families mentioned it in private. But! It was Liu Wan'er who refused first! My brother was just thinking about how to politely decline, and before he could even open his mouth, she brought it up first, and my brother actually breathed a sigh of relief."
Jiang Ling was even more puzzled: "If Liu Wan'er refused first, why is she targeting us and your brother today?"
Cheng Jiaojiao pouted, looking completely bewildered.
"Who knows what she's thinking! She's the kind of person who likes people to fawn over her and flatter her. Maybe she's unhappy because my brother isn't begging her and is living a carefree life. Anyway, she's unpredictable, and nobody can figure out what she's thinking."
As they talked, the carriage had already entered the city.
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