Poetry Society Secret Affairs
The "chance encounter" at the racecourse didn't cause much of a stir within the Lu residence. Lu Wenyuan nodded briefly upon hearing the news, believing his daughter's friendship with the Seventh Prince, the current Prime Minister, and the sister of the General Zhenbei would be a boon for both the Lu family and the Seventh Prince. Wang, however, was more concerned with Lu Qinglan's dowry and had specially assigned two calculating, reliable, and tight-lipped maids to assist her in managing the farm and shops.
Lu Qinglan, content with her quiet time, devoted her energy to organizing the "Jinxiu Poetry Society." She didn't make a big announcement, but she spread the word through Wei Linlang and several other similarly disposed young ladies from official families she'd met at the flower-viewing banquet, suggesting a gathering for elegant conversation. Regardless of the quality of the poets, they would simply discuss shared interests and skills, and exchange ideas on music, chess, calligraphy, and painting to alleviate the loneliness of their boudoirs.
Only a dozen or so invitations were sent out, but all were carefully selected. Besides Wei Linlang, there was Liu Ruyan, the daughter of the Minister of Rites, gentle and versed in music; Zhao Wanyi, the younger sister of the Junior Minister of the Imperial Household, skilled in painting, particularly flowers and birds; and two princesses from the imperial clan, both proud and uncomfortably curious about Lu Qinglan's performance at the flower viewing banquet. Naturally, there was also Lin Wanru, with whom she had been entangled for half her life in her previous life.
When the invitation arrived at the Lin residence, Lin Wanru was lost in thought, contemplating an unfinished painting of a galloping horse. The steed in the painting, its hooves raised, looked exuberant, yet it seemed to lack a certain strength. Upon hearing that Lu Qinglan had invited her to join the poetry club, she grasped the elegant and delicate invitation, her fingertips exerting a slight pressure.
"Lu Qinglan..." She murmured, chewing on the name. Her composure in rescuing Old Madam Gu at the flower viewing banquet, her aloofness in facing the Seventh Prince at the racecourse... all of it made her feel an inexplicable pressure, and a hint of envy she wouldn't even admit. Envy of that seemingly innate calmness and confidence.
"Go and tell them I'll definitely be there." Lin Wanru put down the invitation, a hint of stubbornness in her eyes. She wanted to see what kind of person this future Seventh Prince's Consort was.
The poetry society's first gathering was held at the "Tingyu Pavilion" in the Lu Mansion Garden. Built by the water, the pavilion has windows on all four sides, bamboo curtains half-rolled up, and outside the windows, banana trees spread green, lotus leaves float in the water, creating a quiet and elegant atmosphere.
As the hostess, Lu Qinglan still wore a plain dress, only adding a pair of small pearl earrings in her hair to show respect. She arrived at Tingyu Pavilion early and personally checked the tea, incense burner, and the prepared writing brushes, inkstones, jade zither, and chessboard.
Wei Linlang arrived first, still full of energy. She held Lu Qinglan's hand and chattered, "Sister, you chose a great place! It's cool and elegant! It's much better than those parties in the stuffy flower hall!"
Liu Ruyan, Zhao Wanyi, and the others followed suit, greeting each other and exchanging pleasantries, creating a harmonious atmosphere. The two princesses of the imperial clan arrived last, appearing somewhat reserved, but the elegant setting and the host's respectful demeanor softened their airs a bit.
When Lin Wanru arrived, she was wearing a lake green riding and archery casual outfit, which made her look out of place among the other women. She swept her eyes over the crowd, finally landing on Lu Qinglan, who was in the main seat. She clasped her fists and gave an awkward greeting: "Miss Lu, Wanru is late."
Everyone's eyes were on her, with curiosity, surprise, and a bit of a sense of watching a show.
Lu Qinglan seemed unconcerned. She stood up to greet them with a warm smile: "Sister Lin, please take a seat. Your attire makes us seem too restrained. This is just a casual gathering, so we should be more relaxed." She personally led Lin Wanru to her seat, just below Wei Linlang.
Wei Linlang was a very outgoing person. Seeing Lin Wanru's stylish outfit, she immediately took a liking to her and started a conversation: "Sister Lin, you look so smart in this outfit! Can we go horse racing together someday?"
Lin Wanru didn't expect Wei Linlang to take the initiative to talk to her. She was slightly startled, then nodded: "Okay."
Just one simple word eased the tense atmosphere a lot.
Seeing that everyone had arrived, Lu Qinglan smiled and said, "I invited all of you here today for no other reason than that the years of living in the boudoir are long, and if you can find a close friend, brewing tea, listening to the rain, and exchanging skills, it is also a joy in life. Regardless of status, we can just chat about leisure. We can play the zither, paint, play a game of chess, or even just sit and chat about interesting things. If anyone has written a new poem, you may also bring it out and let everyone appreciate it. It's just for fun, not to compete for the best."
Her words, with their extremely humble attitude and the emphasis on "regardless of status" and "not striving for victory," hit the spot for these noble ladies. They were usually bound by rules and regulations, and it was rare for them to have such a relaxed and comfortable occasion.
Liu Ruyan was the first to respond, ordering her maid to fetch her zither and play "High Mountains and Flowing Water," the melodious sound conveying a profound artistic conception. Zhao Wanyi, on the other hand, spread out rice paper and improvised a painting titled "A Small Scene from the Listening to the Rain Pavilion," her brushstrokes delicate and vivid.
When it was Lin Wanru's turn, she hesitated for a moment. Having practiced martial arts since childhood, she wasn't particularly proficient in poetry, calligraphy, or painting. Lu Qinglan, noticing her embarrassment, spoke up at the right moment, "I've heard that Miss Lin is skilled in horseback riding and archery, and well-versed in military tactics. I've been reading Sun Tzu's Art of War lately, and I'm a little confused about the 'Realm and Falsehood' chapter. Could you offer some guidance?"
Lin Wanru's eyes lit up. She hadn't expected Lu Qinglan to discuss military strategy with her! This was much easier than asking her to compose poetry. She immediately began to talk. Although her words were a bit blunt, typical of a military commander, her insights were unique, and her understanding of military strategy far surpassed that of an ordinary woman.
Wei Linlang listened with rapt interest, occasionally interjecting into the discussion. Although the two princesses didn't understand military tactics, seeing Lin Wanru's insightful words and impressive demeanor, they somewhat softened their disdain.
Lu Qinglan listened quietly, occasionally directing the conversation or, when the two of them were locked in a debate, citing classics and gently remarking on their understanding. Her precise words always hit the nail on the head, earning her not only admiration from Lin Wanru and Wei Linlang but also from Liu Ruyan, Zhao Wanyi, and others who were listening in, secretly astonished by the erudition and acumen of this future prince's consort.
The poetry club's first gathering unfolded in this seemingly relaxed yet turbulent atmosphere. Lu Qinglan successfully played the role of a gentle, knowledgeable, and conciliatory host. She subtly observed everyone: Liu Ruyan's delicate sensitivity, Zhao Wanyi's indifferent and reserved demeanor, the pride and hidden loneliness of the two princesses, Lin Wanru's stubborn desire for recognition, and Wei Linlang's unfettered sincerity...
These are all information, which may be connected in the future and may also be points that need to be guarded against.
After three rounds of tea, everyone's spirits grew. A princess suddenly smiled and said, "Come to think of it, Sister Lu is now the future consort of the Seventh Prince. Doesn't that mean our poetry club should be renamed 'The Princess' Gathering'?"
These words were a bit joking, but also contained a hint of temptation.
Lu Qinglan held the kettle to refill her tea, his movements graceful and his tone calm, "My Lady, you're joking. Qinglan invited you sisters because we value similar personalities and interests, not status. Even in the future... this place will still be the 'Jinxiu Poetry Society', a small paradise where sisters can chat and relax."
Her words were flawless. She neither denied the change in her status nor emphasized the poetry society's position as being above power. It was impossible to find fault with her. Instead, people felt that she was not ungrateful and valued friendship.
The gathering didn't end until 3 p.m. Everyone left with smiles on their faces, clearly quite satisfied with the gathering. Lin Wanru walked last, hesitated for a moment, and then said to Lu Qinglan, "Thank you so much for today... Sister Lu."
What was she thanking him for? For rescuing her? For respecting her? She herself probably couldn't quite articulate it.
Lu Qinglan smiled and nodded: "You're welcome, sister. Come often in the future."
After everyone left, Tingyuxuan fell silent. Fu Yu directed the maid to clean up the mess and whispered, "Miss, it seems this poetry club has finally taken hold."
Lu Qinglan stood by the window, gazing at the banana leaves outside, rimmed in gold by the setting sun. Her gaze was profound. "Stand still? It's still early. Today is just the beginning." She turned and said, "Fuyu, carefully record everything they've said today about their preferences, family situations, and interpersonal relationships."
"Also," she paused, "pay attention to whether anyone is paying special attention to the news from the Seventh Prince's Mansion, or... Minister Gu and General Wei's Mansions today."
Fu Yu's expression was stern: "Yes."
Lu Qinglan walked to the piano table and gently plucked the strings with his fingertips, making a series of sporadic clear sounds.
The Jinxiu Poetry Society was the first network she had woven. Through it, she aimed to infiltrate the inner chambers of these noble ladies, thereby swaying the positions of their fathers and brothers. It was also a perfect window for her to observe future rivals and allies.
She could clearly see the complex emotions that flashed across Lin Wanru's eyes today. This woman's character was still undetermined, and there was still a chance of fighting for her, but she also had to guard against her family and her circumstances completely twisting her.
And Su Yueming, who did not appear on today's list but may be inquiring about the poetry society's news through various channels... should also be given a "chance".
As the night deepened, Lu Qinglan returned to his study and wrote the three words "Yunshang Pavilion" on a blank piece of floral paper.
Both the overt and covert lines have been laid.
Next, it’s time to make this pool of water move.
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