Chapter 44: Quick Wit Solving a Problem
As dusk settled, the lights within the Duke's mansion gradually illuminated the scene, vying for brilliance with the last rays of sunset. The daytime hustle and bustle, under the cover of night, settled into a more focused and solemn atmosphere. All eyes were fixed on the waterside pavilion.
In the center of the waterside pavilion, the large rosewood desk had been set up. On the desk, the old gardener, Uncle Zhao, was working intently with his two apprentices around a huge celadon porcelain basin. Meanwhile, Granny Chen, along with several skillful maids, was selecting and pruning peonies of various colors that had been hastily moved from the greenhouse, according to the sketches drawn by Su Wanrou.
Su Wanrou stood to the side, holding a sketch in her hand, occasionally offering a few whispered instructions. She had changed out of the dusty clothes she had worn during the day and was now dressed in an elegant moon-white dress. Her hair was simply tied up in a bun, adorned only with a jade hairpin. Her delicate face appeared somewhat pale under the lamplight, but her eyes shone with an astonishing brightness as she stared intently at every step on the table.
As he had predicted, Gu Yangui remained in his study near the waterside pavilion and did not leave. He did not come over to interfere, and rarely even appeared at the waterside pavilion, but his presence itself was like a steady mountain, silently stabilizing the situation and making all the servants involved feel more at ease, daring not to be negligent in the slightest.
"Madam, do you think the placement of this 'Yao Huang' peony is appropriate?" Uncle Zhao carefully planted a golden-yellow peony with an elegant shape into the pre-reserved main spot in the pot, his forehead glistening with fine beads of sweat. He knew that this was not only about the success or failure of the flower show, but also about his own future.
Su Wanrou stepped forward and examined it carefully by the light. The light blue porcelain basin resembled a tranquil lake, with carefully selected moist soil and moss already laid at the bottom. Uncle Zhao's craftsmanship was indeed superb; several uniquely shaped Taihu stones with exquisite holes were arranged in the basin in a well-organized manner, creating the framework of undulating mountains.
"Move it half an inch to the left," Su Wanrou said sharply, "so that its shape echoes the tallest rock, as if welcoming guests."
Uncle Zhao quickly and carefully adjusted the arrangement. Next, a deep purple "Wei Zi" peony was planted to the side and behind "Yao Huang," creating a strong contrast in color and a progression of layers. Following that were the delicate pink "Zhao Fen," the fresh and refined "Dou Lü," and the multicolored "Er Qiao"... Each carefully selected peony, according to the layout in the sketch, was cleverly planted in the pot, blending seamlessly with the rocks and moss.
This is no longer a simple arrangement of flowers, but the creation of a miniature garden landscape within a small space. Su Wanrou has extremely high standards; the angle of every flower, the orientation of every stone, and even the placement of every patch of moss must conform to the artistic conception.
Time passed slowly, and the crescent moon quietly climbed onto the willow tips. Inside and outside the waterside pavilion, apart from the occasional whisper and the soft clinking of tools, all was silent. Everyone's hearts were in their throats, wondering what kind of effect the lady's ingenious yet unprecedented "peony bonsai" would ultimately produce.
Inside Songhe Hall, Liu Yiyi was having dinner with the old lady. She was as usual, spoke gently, carefully served the old lady food, and chatted to make the old lady happy.
"Grandmother, I heard that at tomorrow's flower fair, my cousin-in-law has prepared an extremely valuable 'Azure Dragon Lying in the Ink Pond' as the grand finale. It must be stunning." Liu Yiyi mentioned it casually, her tone carrying just the right amount of curiosity and envy.
The old lady slowly sipped her soup and said, "The daughter-in-law who returned home for the banquet put a lot of thought into it. I also took a look at that old woman with the flowery face; she is indeed a rare find."
Liu Yiyi smiled slightly, lowering her eyes to conceal the fleeting coldness in them. A rare treasure? Soon it would become a pile of withered flowers. She wanted to see what Su Wanrou would use to save face tomorrow without this grand finale! The disappointed looks from the distinguished guests, the possible difficulties from Princess An and the others… just thinking about it filled her with a sense of satisfaction. She specifically instructed Chunxing to gently move the flower shears, positioning them at a clever angle on the shelf. When Old Zhao moved the nearby flowerpot, causing a slight vibration, the shears would "just" fall. Even if there was an inspection afterward, it would at most be attributed to Old Zhao's carelessness. With this potted plant ruined, Su Wanrou would inevitably panic, and the embarrassment of the flower would be almost a certainty.
She patiently accompanied the old lady through her meal, chatted for a while, and then took her leave. Back in the east wing, she called Chunxing and whispered, "Is there...any movement over there?" She was referring to the main courtyard and the waterside pavilion.
Chunxing replied softly, "Miss, it seems that the matter at the greenhouse has been suppressed by Madam, and I haven't heard any news of any punishment. However, the waterside pavilion is brightly lit, and it seems... it seems that they are busy with something else, and there are quite a few people gathered around."
"Busy with something else?" Liu Yiyi frowned, a sense of foreboding rising in her heart. Su Wanrou wasn't panicked, nor did she run to the Old Madam or Gu Yan for help or to cry and complain. Instead, she was busy with something else in the waterside pavilion? What was she busy with? Was she trying to find a potted plant to replace it? But a treasure like "Azure Dragon Lying in the Ink Pond" wasn't something that could be obtained casually.
"Go and find out carefully, but be careful not to arouse suspicion," Liu Yiyi instructed, her initial pleasure gradually replaced by a strange anxiety. Su Wanrou's reaction was completely unexpected.
Meanwhile, the construction inside the waterside pavilion was nearing completion. As the last white hydrangea, intended as an embellishment, was planted in the corner, Uncle Zhao sprayed a final mist of water with a fine-spout watering can, and the basic form of the bonsai was finally complete.
Everyone held their breath.
Inside the enormous, shallow, celadon-glazed basin, rugged rocks and lush moss abound. Several peonies of different colors are not simply clustered together, but rather arranged with a pleasing balance of density and height, as if naturally growing among the rocks. The golden "Yao Huang" peony stretches gracefully, like a king in court; the deep purple "Wei Zi" nestles against the rocks, exuding nobility; the pinkish-white "Zhao Fen" adds a touch of delicate charm; and there are also "Dou Lü" and "Er Qiao," each with its own unique style, yet harmoniously unified. The opulent beauty of the peonies and the serene strength of the rocks are skillfully combined, creating a unique aesthetic that is both imposingly rich and profoundly evocative.
This has transcended a potted plant; it's more like a three-dimensional, vibrant painting.
"Madam...this..." Granny Chen was so excited that she was almost incoherent. "In all my years, I have never seen peonies arranged like this! This, this is simply a masterpiece!"
Old Zhao looked at his "work," his face flushed with excitement, and murmured, "It's alive! The flower and the stone are alive..."
The surrounding maids and servants gasped in amazement, their gazes towards Su Wanrou filled with admiration. In such a short time, the lady had come up with such a brilliant idea, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary!
Su Wanrou carefully examined every detail, her tense nerves finally relaxing slightly. The effect was even better than she had expected. She said softly, "It's not enough. We need more lighting."
She immediately directed her servants to skillfully arrange lamps and candlesticks around the waterside pavilion, adjusting the angle of the light to ensure that it could maximize the three-dimensionality and color layers of the bonsai. The warm yellow halo of light spilled onto the peony petals and the damp moss on the rocks, as if draping the entire bonsai in a dreamy veil, making it even more magnificent and mysterious.
“Gather some fresh petals, and tomorrow morning, scatter some around the edge of the basin and on the water’s surface, in that almost-fallen state,” Su Wanrou added, adding the final details. She wanted to create a sense of wonder, like “accidentally stumbling into a fairy garden and witnessing a riot of colors,” rather than a contrived, artificial arrangement.
By the time everything was arranged, it was already late at night. Su Wanrou finally felt a wave of intense fatigue wash over her. She forced herself to check the other preparations for tomorrow's banquet one last time, making sure there were no oversights, before returning to the main courtyard to rest at Yunbin's repeated urging.
Unbeknownst to her, after she left, Gu Yangui came to the waterside pavilion alone. He stood with his hands behind his back before the breathtaking peony bonsai, gazing at it silently for a long time. Moonlight and lamplight intertwined, illuminating his cold, handsome profile. After a long while, a faint smile flickered in his deep eyes, then he turned and left, leaving only a barely audible command to the guards in the shadows: "Tonight, guard this place well."
The next day, the weather was perfect, with clear skies and sunshine.
The area in front of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion was bustling with carriages and people, filled with the fragrance of fine clothes and the elegance of women's hair. The most prominent ladies and young women of noble birth in the capital had been invited to attend this highly anticipated peony festival.
Princess An, supported by her maid, gracefully alighted from her carriage. Her gaze swept over the imposing gates of the Duke's mansion, a cryptic smile playing on her lips. She had come specifically to watch the spectacle. Yesterday, her spy within the Duke's mansion had secretly delivered a message: the prized peony, the highlight of the flower festival, had encountered an accident. While the details were unclear, it was enough to delight her. She wanted to see how this young girl, Su Wanrou, would clean up this mess.
Liu Yiyi had also dressed up carefully today, wearing a light blue dress that made her look elegant and refined. She followed the old lady, playing the role of a well-behaved and sensible granddaughter, but her eyes kept glancing towards the entrance, a mixture of anticipation and unease in her heart. What exactly was Su Wanrou up to at the waterside pavilion last night?
Guests entered the garden one after another, and guided by maids, they strolled along the flower-lined paths, admiring the peonies of various colors in full bloom. The garden was indeed meticulously arranged, a riot of flowers, filled with laughter and chatter, and the ladies praised the Duchess for her thoughtfulness.
However, many people secretly coveted the legendary "Azure Dragon Lying in the Ink Pond." In particular, several royal princesses and elderly ladies who were passionate about peonies had been eagerly anticipating it.
"Madam Gu, I heard that your household has acquired an extremely rare 'Azure Dragon Lying in Ink Pond' pot. Would you be so kind as to let us see it today?" an old princess who was on good terms with the old lady asked with a smile.
Today, Su Wanrou was dressed in a bright red silk robe with peony patterns, adorned with a pearl crown, her makeup impeccable, and her demeanor composed. Upon hearing this, she revealed a perfectly timed, slightly mysterious smile: "Princess Consort, please don't be impatient. The grand finale is arranged in the waterside pavilion. Please follow me there. I'll keep you in suspense for now."
Seeing her so calm, everyone's curiosity grew even stronger, and they all followed her toward the waterside pavilion.
Princess An and Liu Yiyi exchanged a glance, both seeing confusion in each other's eyes. Su Wanrou's reaction didn't seem like that of someone whose grand finale had been ruined.
As the group walked around the artificial hill and into the waterside pavilion, the laughter and chatter suddenly subsided, followed by bursts of uncontrollable exclamations!
"My God! This is..."
"How...how did they do that?"
"It's so beautiful! This is simply a fairyland!"
In the center of the waterside pavilion, a huge celadon basin gleamed warmly in the sunlight. Within it stood towering rocks and lush moss. Several peonies of varying colors and graceful forms were not displayed in isolation, but rather cleverly integrated with the rocks and moss, creating a vibrant and profound three-dimensional painting. The morning dew had not yet completely evaporated, rolling on the petals and moss, reflecting the dazzling sunlight. A few deliberately scattered pink petals floated on the clear water, adding a touch of ethereal beauty and poetic charm.
This completely transcends the ordinary realm of flower appreciation, elevating the appreciation of peonies to the level of art! The visual impact and novelty it brings are far beyond what a single "Azure Dragon Lying in the Ink Pond" can achieve!
"Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!" The old princess exclaimed excitedly, clapping her hands. "Madam Gu, the ingenious idea behind this 'peony bonsai' is truly amazing! In my seventy years of life, this is the first time I've ever seen such a unique way of appreciating flowers! This is no ordinary flower, but a scene from a painting, the soul of the scene!"
The other ladies and young women also gathered around, marveling and showering the viewer with praise. The initial disappointment at the absence of the "Azure Dragon Lying in the Ink Pond" had been replaced by an even greater surprise. Everyone's attention was drawn to this exquisitely crafted bonsai; who would still be thinking about the missing flower?
Princess An stood on the outskirts of the crowd, her smile almost faltering. She never expected Su Wanrou to pull such a stunt! Not only had she perfectly resolved the crisis, but she had also created something amazing, stealing the spotlight! The few sarcastic remarks she had carefully prepared were now impossible to utter. Instead, she had to force a smile and echo the crowd's praise, feeling so stifled that she almost wanted to vomit blood.
Liu Yiyi's face turned deathly pale, her nails digging deep into her palms. She looked at Su Wanrou, surrounded by the crowd, smiling and laughing, receiving countless praises, and felt an intense sting! How could this be? She had clearly ruined that potted plant, so why wasn't Su Wanrou embarrassed, but instead even more glamorous? That strange "bonsai"... it must have been Cousin Yan Gui! It must have been Cousin Yan Gui's idea for her! Yes, that must be it! Liu Yiyi frantically searched for reasons for herself in her mind, but she couldn't ignore the gnawing jealousy and frustration that gnawed at her soul.
Su Wanrou calmly responded to the praise from everyone, her tone humble: "Ladies, you flatter me. It was just a sudden inspiration, and I thought that sharing joy is worse than enjoying it alone, so I gathered the spring scenery of the garden into one pot for everyone to enjoy. It is Wanrou's honor to have caught your eye." Her gaze swept over the unpleasant-looking Princess An and the forced smile of Liu Yiyi, her mind clear.
She got through that hurdle. And she got through it beautifully.
The subsequent flower party proceeded smoothly. Guests and hosts alike enjoyed themselves immensely, and the atmosphere was harmonious. Su Wanrou moved gracefully among the noble ladies, her manners impeccable and her speech refined, completely solidifying the impression that she was capable of being the mistress of the Duke's mansion.
As the sun set and the guests departed in high spirits, many were still reminiscing about the unique peony bonsai and praising the young wife of the Duke of Zhenguo.
After seeing off the last guest, Su Wanrou stood in the gradually quieting courtyard and let out a long sigh of relief. The tension that had gripped her all day finally eased, and a wave of intense fatigue washed over her.
A cloak, still warm from her body, gently fell onto her shoulders.
She turned around and met Gu Yangui's deep eyes.
“Well done,” he said softly, his tone gentle to the point that he himself was unaware of.
Su Wanrou looked at him, and all the emotions she had felt throughout the day—grievances, tension, effort, and success—surged in her heart, turning into a slight moisture in her eyes and a smile of dependence and relief blooming on her lips.
“My husband,” she whispered, “let’s go home.”
End of Chapter 44
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