Chapter 58 - Competition

The one who had spoken was Princess Rongya of the Grand Prince’s fu. She was beautiful and gentle. Her eyes carefully drifted toward the black-clad young man aboard the Qing Song Boat.

Another woman echoed, “Exactly, I don’t know who’s going to get the rabbit lantern this year.”

Princess Rongya smilingly replied, “If that’s the case, then I’ll start painting first.”

The noble women surrounding her were in agreement. Maidservants brought Anhui ink[1] and sheets of Xuan paper. Princess Rongya was considered a talented woman. However, as she knew that she would not be able to beat Jiang Su Su today, she took a different approach, as painting a picture only took a moment. Soon after, the maidservant slowly revealed what was painted on the Xuan paper as Princess Rongya put the brush aside, “I’ll embarrass myself.”

[1] Huimo ( 徽墨 ) – Anhui ink (known for its quality). Hui ink sticks have distinct features and unique production techniques. There are many advantages in the use of top quality Hui ink in traditional production; for example, some are “as firm as a jade, distinct in texture and always durable”, some are “full of ink aromas while grinding”. Some are made of pine soot and glue and are very strong, others are as solid as a stone, distinct in texture, and deepest black, which are invaluable. .

She had painted spring plum blossoms. A tree trunk in the snow-covered ground. The trunk was enveloped with dense snow. Two butterflies perched on the trunk – perhaps they were attracted by the fragrance of plum blossoms hidden within the snow.

Her painting skills were not at all special, but the concept was outstanding and the composition ingenious. When the scroll was unfolded, it elicited everyone’s admiration.

There was a flash of triumph on Princess Rongya’s mien. She took a stealthy glance at the black-clad young man on the neighbouring boat but found that the man just bowed his head to drink tea and did not look her way. She felt disappointed again.

On the Qing Song Boat, Fifth Prince rested his chin on his hand and exclaimed to Xuan Li, “Princess Rongya’s painting is interesting, and she also has a very lovely character.” This remark might be subtle and ineffable, but in fact, it was meant as a probe. Princess Rongya was the apple of the Grand Prince’s eye. If one received Princess Rongya’s favour, the Grand Prince was bound to become a helping hand that could not be underestimated.

Xuan Li smiled weakly and shook his head. “Is that so? But I think the painting is a bit superficial.”

Fifth Prince narrowed his eyes and said meaningfully, “Eighth brother’s eyes are always lofty.”

After that, the surroundings fell into silence. In the past, each and every noble woman volunteered to display her skills. Because of Jiang Su Su, they did not strive to be the best, but if they could seize the opportunity to make a name for themselves, it would be a very good deal. This year, however, because of the Eighth Prince and Jinying Wang– one an aristocratic prince that could not be provoked, while the other was a very outstanding yet cold noble- the ladies seemed bashful and nobody took the initiative to speak up.

Jiang Ruan simply sat by and watched. Just then, she heard a delicate and timid voice ring out near her, “Now that Princess Rongya has taken the lead, I’ll go next.”

The person who had just spoken was Xu Ruoxi. All of the people seated at her table were astonished, except for Jiang Ruan. Xu Ruoxi was usually proud and virtuous. She had no interest in jumping around like a clown in these competitions for fame and fortune. Why would she take the initiative to make such a suggestion today?

Only Jiang Ruan’s eyes glimmered with understanding. Xu Ruoxi’s appearance must be motivated by her desperate admiration for Jinying Wang. Women always want to show their best in front of their sweethearts. Xu Ruoxi usually acted noble and virtuous, still, she was an ordinary girl in front of the person she liked. Jiang Ruan admired Xu Ruoxi a little when she thought of this. Not all women have the courage to let go of their pride in front of their sweethearts, only wishing to blossom for him.

Xu Ruoxi’s action was somewhat surprising to the ladies around her. They were all frequent visitors to the Ling Long Boat. Xu Ruoxi had never participated in the previous years. This year’s participation was very sudden. It made people feel odd.

Princess Rongya smiled, “What does Miss Xu want to compete in?”

There were no set rules on talents. The men on Qing Song Boat were not interested in rabbit lanterns so such competitions were held only amongst the women. The noble ladies on the Ling Long Boat performed their best skills. In the end, the one who received the most praise from the people on the Qing Song Boat would win.

Xu Ruoxi blushed and felt somewhat uncomfortable. But, she exerted every effort to maintain her cold and frosty expression. “Since it’s a celebration, I will just pen a few words.”

Xu Ruoxi was the daughter of Hanlin Academy’s Chancellor. She came from a well-known literary family and had been immersed in books since childhood. Her handwriting was quite good. She was still young. When her maidservant came over with the Xuan paper and a writing brush, she started writing without the slightest hesitation.

She wrote without stopping. Her writing style was very natural, like moving clouds and flowing water. Her expression was also very focused. Xu Ruoxi was born delicately beautiful. However, she was usually too proud and aloof, making people overlook her facial features. When she wholeheartedly immersed in her world of writing, her iciness lessened and there was only gentleness in her expression. She looked especially beautiful and gentle.

Many people on the Qing Song Boat had begun to pay some attention to her. Some young noblemen said, “She’s talented and beautiful, coming from a literary family indeed.”

When Xu Ruoxi put down her brush, her maidservant displayed her handwritten work in front of everyone. It was only a simple “luck”[2] character, written in a rounded style. It was simple and neat. Jiang Ruan, suffering a lot in her last life at the Eighth Prince’s hands, didn’t believe in the saying ‘seeing a word was like seeing a person’. But when she saw this one character, she couldn’t help but praise it in her heart. Even though the handwriting was old-fashioned, it was just and magnificent. Xu Ruoxi was just like this character, a person who dared to love and dared to hate.

[2] Fu ( 福 ) – good fortune / happiness / luck

All the people present were literate. Naturally, they understood whether her writing was good or bad. They all applauded and praised her. Zhao Jin spoke, “Ruoxi’s character (writing) has improved again. As far as the eye can see, in the whole capital city, only the Eighth Prince is comparable (in skills).”

“What is this talk?” Dong Yinger was wreathed in smiles, “We are all women, the Eighth Prince is a man. Comparing a man’s writing with a woman, isn’t Eighth Prince getting an unfair advantage?”

People laughed happily. In the midst of these admiring compliments, Xu Ruoxi stealthily glanced at the Qing Song Boat once more. Her brows immediately creased and her eyes turned dull.

Jiang Ruan saw that, similar to her past life, Jinying Wang was the dream man of every female in the Great Jin Dynasty. Unfortunately, Xiao Shao was a romantically insensitive blockhead. Thus, many young women’s hearts were broken.

Xu Ruoxi returned to her seat. Her action had caught the attention of many young noblemen on the Qing Song Boat. However, she had been depressed since she returned to her seat. She ignored those admiring eyes and betrayed their goodwill.

After Xu Ruoxi’s performance, another noble lady smiled happily and asked who should be next. But with the outstanding Princess Rongya and Xu Ruoxi before them, no one dared to follow and be the humiliated person.

In the silence, a cautious and solemn voice rang out. “Second Sister, aren’t you excellent at playing the zither? Dan niang would like to hear you play the guqin.”

Jiang Ruan’s eyes were a bit restrained. She looked at the speaker. Jiang Dan looked at the corner of her clothes anxiously, seeming somewhat afraid. But that’s what she said just now.

Jiang Su Su, sitting beside her, looked at Jiang Dan with some surprise, then blushed slightly. “Dan niang, how can I play the guqin?” Her eyes were uneasy, making people feel moved as if they were seeing a frightened fawn.