Passing the Flower Game
In April, the spring breeze swept through Chang'an, coaxing the city's peonies into full bloom. The peony garden of the Prince of Yongning's Mansion became famous throughout the capital. Invitations to appreciate spring tea were sent to the Wen family, specifically requesting that Madam Wen bring her daughter and female disciple to the gathering.
On the day of the gathering, Madam Wen specially chose clothes for the two women. Wen Xiang'er wore a delicate primrose-colored, high-waisted ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), the hem embroidered with fluttering butterflies playing with crabapple blossoms, lively and spirited; Xuanji wore a light green ruqun, her whole being like a newly sprouted willow bud in early spring, elegant and serene. Madam Wen personally styled Xuanji's hair into a hanging bun, inserting a jade hairpin at an angle, and said softly, "Youwei, Xiang'er, today's gathering is secondary to admiring the flowers; observing the people is the main event. Everyone in the garden is a member of a noble family, so you must be extra careful in your words and actions, lest you tarnish the Wen family's reputation. But if... if anyone provokes you for no reason, don't be overly timid. The daughters of the Wen family do not cause trouble, but they are not afraid of trouble either."
Xuanji felt a warmth in his heart and nodded solemnly: "Don't worry, Master's wife, Youwei understands."
The Prince's mansion was a grand complex of tiered terraces and pavilions. In the peony garden, the purple and yellow peonies vied for attention. The noble ladies, adorned in flowing robes and elegant attire, chatted and laughed merrily.
As soon as Madam Wen arrived, she was invited by several familiar ladies to have tea and chat. Wen Xiang'er was initially reserved, but she was quickly attracted by the thousand peonies and pulled Xuanji to admire them. Xuanji, however, was more attentive and quietly observed.
Just as Wen Xiang'er was admiring the sights, several beautifully dressed young women escorted a girl in a brocade dress embroidered with gold butterflies, blocking her way in front of the "Azure Dragon Lying in the Ink Pond" that Wen Xiang'er wanted to examine closely. The girl being escorted was Zheng Wan, the legitimate daughter of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.
Wen Xiang'er was so engrossed in watching that she didn't notice anyone behind her. As she took a slight step back, the hem of her skirt gently brushed against the embroidered shoes of a girl in a pale yellow dress beside her.
The girl immediately frowned: "Why aren't you more careful? What if these gold-embroidered shoes get dusty?"
Wen Xiang'er was startled, her cheeks flushed, and she stammered, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."
Zheng Wan then slowly turned her head, her gaze sweeping over Xuanji: "So it's you, young lady from the Wen family. Mr. Wen is a man of refined character and excellent scholarship, but in managing his household... he's a bit too lenient. Bringing people of all backgrounds out to socialize only spoils the enjoyment of the flowers." Her words were barbed, her gaze disdainful.
Several noble ladies around them covered their mouths with round fans and chuckled softly.
Wen Xiang'er's eyes reddened, and she bit her lip, saying, "You're not allowed to talk about Sister Youwei like that."
Xuanji, who had been standing quietly to the side, gently shielded Wen Xiang'er behind her, calmly meeting Zheng Wan's gaze without saying a word. She tugged at the pouting Wen Xiang'er and said softly, "Xiang'er, there seems to be a 'Zhao Fen' plant blooming exceptionally well over there. Let's go take a look." With that, she subtly led her away from this troublesome place.
Wen Xiang'er was pulled aside by Xuanji, her little mouth still pouting, her eyes red and sullen. Seeing her appearance, Xuanji gently advised, "To be angry over those irrelevant people, wouldn't that be a waste of the beautiful spring scenery and the tea and snacks that the host has carefully prepared? I think that plate of golden milk pastries looks freshly baked."
Wen Xiang'er followed her gaze and indeed saw a plate of golden-fried pastries sprinkled with honey, the aroma seemingly wafting over. She swallowed hard, still stubbornly saying, "Who, who's angry!" But her feet involuntarily followed Xuanji over.
Xuanji took a small piece of golden milk pastry and a peony-shaped flower cake, and handed them to Wen Xiang'er. Wen Xiang'er took them, her cheeks puffing out, her brows gradually relaxing, and she muttered, "Hmm... this cake is delicious... Sister Youwei, you should have some too!" As she spoke, she also picked up a piece and stuffed it into Xuanji's hand.
After lunch, the ladies moved to the open pavilion by the water to enjoy tea and chat.
At the head of the pavilion, a kind-faced old lady who had been observing everyone quietly—the retired wife of the Imperial Academy Chancellor—smiled and set down her teacup. Her gentle yet clear voice reached everyone's ears: "Today, we have a perfect day, beautiful scenery, delightful atmosphere, and joyful events, all four of which are present, but the garden full of national treasures is the most captivating. I see that 'Azure Dragon Lying on Ink' tree standing out with its unique elegance. It would be a waste for us to sit here and chat idly. How about we play a simple 'flower-passing game'? Each of us will compose a line of poetry on the theme of this flower, without being bound by strict rules, just seeking interest and fitting the occasion. What do you all think?"
The old lady was highly respected, and her words immediately drew smiles and agreement from all the ladies.
A newly picked peony was passed to Zheng Wan first. After a moment's thought, she raised her head and recited: "Ink clouds pile up like brocade, crowning all the flowers." Although the poem was elegant, it was a little stiff.
The flower was passed to the girl in the rose-red dress beside him, who replied, "The fragrance of heaven and the beauty of the nation move the capital." Although well-crafted, it was somewhat cliché.
Several more noble ladies followed, and their responses were nothing more than "Leaning against the jade balustrade in new makeup" and "Golden-threaded robes reflecting the long sun," with ornate language but no originality.
At that moment, the peony was passed to Xuanji. All eyes immediately turned to it, some with curiosity, some with scrutiny, and some waiting to see a joke.
Xuanji glanced quietly at the "Azure Dragon Reclining in Ink" plant swaying gently in the wind, and after a moment, slowly recited: "Why envy the beauty of ordinary flowers?"
The poem's cool and aloof tone seems to contradict the peony's elegant and luxurious nature, yet it subtly reflects the mysterious and unconventional qualities of this flower.
The poem paused briefly in mid-air, awaiting the next line. But everyone was momentarily speechless, unable to immediately come up with a line that was both rhyming and powerful.
In this subtle moment of silence, the old lady in the waterside pavilion continued with a smile, her voice warm yet powerful: "Maintaining my celestial dignity as I face the setting sun."
This line is like the finishing touch on a painting. It not only perfectly connects with the rhyme and imagery of the previous line, but also elevates the "non-contention" of the previous line to the transcendent level of "immortal," endowing it with the calm power to face the passage of time with equanimity.
The old lady looked at Xuanji, her eyes full of admiration: "What a wonderful line, 'Why envy the beauty of common flowers?' The idea is superior. Back then, when Empress Wu Zetian was enjoying the snow in the imperial garden, she ordered all the flowers to bloom. Only the peony defied the order and was banished to Luoyang. This only enhanced its unyielding spirit and captivating beauty. Miss Yu is so young, yet she has been able to see the soul and spirit of the flower, rather than just showing off its appearance. It is truly rare."
The ladies all nodded in approval, and their gazes toward Xuanji immediately changed.
On the return journey in the carriage, Wen Xiang'er was still excitedly talking non-stop. Madam Wen gently held Xuanji's hand and said softly, "Good child, you've been wronged today. But it's also hard on you... you handled things very well."
Xuanji shook his head slightly and looked out the window. Spring was in full bloom in Chang'an.
As dusk settled, Du Mubai and Wen Jue whispered about what they had heard that day under the corridor of the academy.
Du Mubai raised an eyebrow: "Just one sentence?... That makes it even more tricky. This junior sister, tsk."
Wen Jue nodded: "One sentence is enough. In that kind of situation, saying more would be unseemly."
Li Yi did not look up, but his pen paused very slightly. He said in a calm voice, "Words are valued for their substance, not for their quantity." His tone was still as cold as usual, but there seemed to be something more subtle than usual in his voice.
Du Mubai gave him a half-smile, but ultimately said nothing more.
Yu Youwei's initial brilliance at the Peony Festival made her name familiar to the aristocratic circles of Chang'an. Although there were still some criticisms, there was more curiosity and admiration for her poetic talent. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Lady Wen more frequently brought Xuanji and Xiang'er to elegant yet dignified gatherings, intending to help her gradually integrate into the social scene.
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