After appreciating the painting, we moved to the waterside pavilion. The pavilion overlooked the lake, with a brazier burning incense, and brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones were prepared. Shen Zhiwei suggested that everyone take the mood of the painting "Fishing in the Snowy Stream" as their theme, and freely express themselves by writing poems or painting, just to add to the fun.
Upon hearing this suggestion, talented men and women responded enthusiastically. Shen Zhiwei, without hesitation, was the first to step forward. After a moment's thought, she picked up her brush and began to paint. She depicted a snowy stream and a cold forest, with an old man fishing alone. Her brushstrokes were simple yet profound in their meaning. Beside the painting, she inscribed a five-character quatrain: "Birds have vanished from a thousand mountains, human tracks have disappeared from ten thousand paths. An old man in a straw hat and raincoat, alone in a small boat, fishes in the cold river snow." Her calligraphy was elegant and graceful, perfectly complementing the painting and drawing widespread praise.
"Miss Shen is truly talented!"
"This poem and painting deeply capture the essence of Wu Sheng's artistic conception!"
"Sister Zhiwei truly deserves to be called the most talented woman in the capital!"
Amidst the praise, Shen Zhiwei's gaze fell upon Xin Jiuwei again, carrying a hint of barely perceptible provocation: "I have long heard of Miss Xin's diligence and studiousness, her tireless practice of calligraphy. Today is a rare gathering of scholars, why not leave your own calligraphy so that we may appreciate the literary style of Yingzhou?" She deliberately emphasized "Yingzhou literary style," once again linking Xin Jiuwei to the "local" region, implying that she was out of step with the refined tastes of the capital.
All eyes instantly focused on Xin Jiuwei. There was curiosity, scrutiny, and mostly anticipation to see how this "country bumpkin" prefect's daughter would embarrass herself. Everyone knew the Xin family had long since fallen on hard times; how much real knowledge could Xin Jiuwei possibly acquire in Yingzhou? Especially compared to a talented woman like Shen Zhiwei?
Lin Jingshu looked at Xin Jiuwei with some concern. Xin Jiuwei, however, remained calm, met Shen Zhiwei's gaze, and said frankly, "Miss Shen is too kind. I am not very talented and dare not compare myself with you all. But since Miss Shen has given the topic, I will make a fool of myself and offer my humble opinion as a starting point."
She walked to another empty table, spread out the Xuan paper, and instead of painting, picked up a brush. She took a deep breath, and images of the snowstorm when her father was attacked in Yuncheng, of Xiao Xun returning through the snow to shelter her, of his serene profile as he taught her calligraphy in the warm pavilion…
The pen touches the paper.
She lacked Shen Zhiwei's delicate elegance; her calligraphy, modeled after Xiao Xun's style, carried a robust, military spirit, its power penetrating the paper! She wasn't writing poetry, but rather a line from the "Military Formations" chapter of *The Art of War*:
"Those skilled in defense hide deep underground; those skilled in attack move high in the heavens."
The fourteen large characters, as if carved by a knife and axe, leap off the page with an awe-inspiring sharpness and a steadfast, mountain-like composure! They form a stark contrast to her elegant appearance!
The pavilion fell silent instantly.
Everyone was stunned by the powerful and vigorous handwriting, so different from the delicate and graceful style of women in the boudoir! The majestic momentum that was revealed between the lines even had a faint resemblance to Xiao Xun's iron-blooded style!
What's even more shocking is the content! In this elegant and refined setting, she actually wrote a military treatise! A treatise on the art of offense and defense! This is simply...heretical! Yet it carries an indescribable power of shock!
Shen Zhiwei's aloofness and subtle smugness froze instantly. Looking at those fourteen powerful characters, at the overwhelming force of their strokes, and then at her own refined poetry and painting, she inexplicably felt…somewhat weak! Her prized talent and the elegance of the capital seemed to have been torn open before this fierce, military aura! A strong sense of offense and inadequacy surged within her! Her carefully cultivated image as a "talented woman" and her attempt to suppress Xin Jiuwei with "elegance" were completely shattered by this unexpected stroke!
“This… Miss Xin, is it… somewhat inappropriate to write about military strategy and warfare at an elegant gathering?” A noblewoman who was attached to Shen Zhiwei couldn’t help but speak up, her tone accusatory.
Xin Jiuwei put down her brush, her expression still calm, and looked at Shen Zhiwei with clear eyes. She slowly said, "Miss Shen chose 'Fishing in the Snowy Stream' as her title, intending to convey 'seclusion' and 'solitude.' However, I observe that the old man in the painting, fishing alone in the wind and snow, is not afraid of the cold and avoiding the world, but rather embodies unwavering perseverance. Just as military strategy says, hiding in the depths is not cowardice, but preparation for action; striking from the heavens is not ostentation, but a thunderous strike. The old man fishing in the cold river, unaffected by wind and snow, is this not 'good at defense'? And is the steadfastness of his will not the foundation for 'good at offense'? In my humble opinion, the way of elegance is not bound by any single style. The seclusion in the painting and the sharpness in the words are both expressions of the heart. If there is anything abrupt, please forgive me, Miss Shen and everyone else."
Her words, neither humble nor arrogant, seamlessly connected military strategy with the artistic conception of the painting. They not only defused the accusation of being "out of place," but also pointed out the deeper spiritual core of the painting—tenacity and perseverance! This is precisely a reflection of Xin Jiuwei herself, and of the Xin family, who, despite their decline, still stand tall!
Lin Jingshu's eyes gleamed with admiration, and she clapped her hands first: "Wonderful! Sister Xin's words are truly the finishing touch! The imagery and the calligraphy complement each other perfectly, revealing even deeper meaning!"
Some of the previously neutral scholars nodded in agreement, their gazes towards Xin Jiuwei now filled with genuine appreciation. This Miss Xin from Yingzhou was not only courageous but also insightful! She was certainly not as incompetent as the rumors suggested.
Shen Zhiwei's face darkened completely. She had meticulously prepared this gathering, intending to embarrass Xin Jiuwei, this "country bumpkin," and thus highlight her own refined talent. Unexpectedly, Xin Jiuwei had stolen the show with her powerful calligraphy and witty remarks! Especially the subtle connection between Xin Jiuwei's calligraphy and Xiao Xun's style—a style that felt like a thorn in her heart! She had pursued the Sixth Prince, Xiao Xun, for years, believing herself to be a perfect match in terms of talent, looks, and family background, yet she had never received his attention. And this Xin Jiuwei, possessing only beauty and a fallen family, how could she possibly gain his favor, even learning his calligraphy?!
Jealousy and humiliation burned fiercely in Shen Zhiwei's heart. She looked at Xin Jiuwei's calm and beautiful face, a cold hatred flashing in her eyes. Xin Jiuwei… what a hidden Xin family girl! You think that by climbing up to the Sixth Prince, you can rise to the top and integrate into the circle of noble ladies in the capital? Dream on! As long as I, Shen Zhiwei, am here, you'll never have peace!
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