< Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | Next Chapter >
Noble Like Brocade
T/N: Translated by Jen on Broken Jinsei! Please do not repost my translations! All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!
“Imperial sister-in-law and second cousin-in-law truly are very blessed nowadays.” In the next moment, Qi Pei appeared still carrying a smile, her voice also gentle and amiable. Just, compared with last time, when meeting at the poetry gathering during her new marriage, it was seemingly somewhat different. Her friendliness this time appeared much more sincere. That stiff attitude of looking down from above already completely vanished. Her words sounded as if she was genuinely very concerned for her relatives of the same generation.
Yu Lingxin curved her lips into a smile, not saying anything. Just, seeing Qi Pei have this kind of change, she somewhat sighed inside. It seems Wu Wang Manor’s backyard has changed her a lot. That Qi Pei that once carried a bit of haughtiness and a bit of pride, even slightly impulsive because of having a sense of superiority and confidence, has now already gotten her sharp edges and corners grinded down by a lot. At the same time becoming a bit more smooth and mellow, there was more or less some faint gloominess.
“Second younger sister-in-law must be joking. In terms of good fortune, one should still look at his Highness Wu Wang.” Ming Jinrou at this time responded with a smile. Her tone as the elder sister-in-law was both affectionate and natural, just like as if the relationship between these brothers and zhoulis[1] of the imperial family really was that close, “The first case is just obtaining second sister-in-law, this kind of talented and virtuous good wife. Unlike me, not only not liking to read books, but also have a big temper, liking to be jealous, unable to stand seeing the side consorts near our wangye.” As she said this, she even swept a glance at the beauties behind Qi Pei, “Side Consort Tan didn’t come today? The liangyuans sure are in high spirits, having such good fortune. Following your manor’s magnanimous wangfei out for a walk together?”
Qi Pei’s smile was very appropriate, even having Side Consort Tan’s personal name called out to show intimacy, “Pingting’s condition is still pretty good, just afraid of the wind. The imperial physician said, it’s better to rest more, so didn’t come out today. These ones are just like little monkeys, and it just so happens that our wangye and the third prince were in the mood to compose poetry, so naturally need to bring out.”
The liangyuans behind Qi Pei also echoed one after another, expressing that their wangfei really was very virtuous, very compassionate, and very magnanimous, us sisters of Wu Wang Manor all as one, truly very blessed, and so on.
In comparison, Wen Ruoqiong who didn’t really speak the whole time just appeared quite cold and bitter, unknown whether it was because her new marriage with Wei Wang wasn’t happy enough, or the wife and concubines of the back manor still haven’t reached sufficient rapport yet. All in all, Wen Ruoqiong and the two liangyuans of Wei Wang Manor behind her, their attire all leaned towards the relatively cold moon white and pale green. The smile on their face was also shallow and faint. Listening to Qi Pei and Ming Jinrou excitedly and amiably chat, she didn’t even have much of a reaction, her gaze just either openly or secretly glancing in Xun Ying’s direction.
Yu Lingxin naturally understood what Wei Wang’s wife and concubines were thinking, and somewhat wanted to block Xun Ying out of instinct. As for Xun Ying, she seemingly didn’t mind that much, her eyes meeting with Wen Ruoqiong and the others’, completely not having the intention of avoiding.
At this time, Wen Ruoqiong suddenly opened her mouth, “In the past, one had already witnessed Miss Xun’s talent a few times before. The Linglong Literature Club can be considered renowned throughout the capital. It just so happens that the princes are currently composing poetry with the students of Maolin Academy and Qingyang Academy. That famous Scholar Qi is also present. How about Miss Xun also come over and write a few lines for the occasion?”
“Wei Wangfei’s good intentions——” Yu Lingxin immediately responded.
However, before she could finish speaking, Xun Ying instead responded, “This is also a good idea.”
Her voice was soft and gentle like usual. Just, in her tone, she faintly carried a trace of determination, making Yu Lingxin’s heart instantly jump.
Ming Jinrou turned her head and raised her brow. Although she was also a bit astonished on the inside, she ultimately was the bright and straightforward type. For all things, there was only the principle of forging ahead in the face of difficulties. Moreover, the matter before them wasn’t considered anything difficult. Looking back, she quickly exchanged a glance with Yu Lingxin, and immediately after, smiled towards Cheng Yanling, “Older sister Cheng, how about we go over together for a look? You probably still haven’t seen the second prince’s and third prince’s works of ink before, right?”
Having said this much, everyone naturally needed to go over together. Just, when Qi Pei, Wen Ruoqiong, and the others turned around, their eyes somewhat avoided one another. Yu Lingxin could make out very clearly, her mind rapidly spinning along with.
Judging from this appearance, could it be that coming over to invite Xun Ying wasn’t a part of Wu Wang’s original plan? Wen Ruoqiong although was frail, her temper wasn’t necessarily weak. In fact, should say that her head was a bit rigid. After all, Wen Ruoqiong was Ming Jincheng’s wife in the past life, even giving birth to a daughter for him before dying of illness. Although in the past life, Yu Lingxin for the most part never really directly interacted with Wen Ruoqiong before, she still heard quite a few things.
In terms of intelligence, Wen Ruoqiong might even be worse than her paternal aunt, Empress Wen, just her appearance was a little prettier. Moreover, her temper further wasn’t flexible enough. The great majority of the times, she was the type to always look at her own shadow and feel sorry for herself, shedding tears when admiring flowers, feeling melancholic when facing the moon, vomiting half a mouthful of blood to write a few verses.
But, a self-pitying person usually also has a bit of self-pride in the bottom of their heart. Think back to the very beginning when Xun Ying first arranged the Linglong Literature Club according to Xun Che’s request, Wen Ruoqiong was precisely conceited because of her talent, thus dissatisfied towards the evaluation at the time. Perhaps, now that Wen Ruoqiong married Wei Wang, yet made out that Wei Wang seemingly was interested in Xun Ying, she wants to compete in talent with Xun Ying in front of Wei Wang?
Thinking to here, Yu Lingxin glanced at Ming Jinrou again. The currently also five months pregnant Ming Jinrou didn’t have a trace of worry. In fact, she even mischievously looked to Yu Lingxin, “Second cousin-in-law, perhaps there will be entertainment to watch to today.”
TN: All translations outside of Broken Jinsei are stolen and reposted without permission!
Her expression truly was extremely relaxed. Yu Lingxin couldn’t help but somewhat laugh in spite of herself. However, thinking it over, she could also understand. In court, Qin Wang’s act of voluntarily requesting to head to the northwest to inspect was very much supported by the Inner Cabinet and Central Secretariat. His worry and concern for the country and the people also made quite a few officials admire from the heart. Xuan Emperor although was weak and soft, he nevertheless wasn’t muddled to the point of not knowing right and wrong. At the same time issuing a decree to permit Qin Wang to head to the northwest, he also bestowed praises.
And at the time, Qin Wang unexpectedly kneeled down on both knees, imploring Xuan Emperor, “This subject is going this time for the grand scheme of the military and country, so certainly will spare no effort, asking imperial father to take care of oneself, and don’t because of fourth younger brother’s condition, damage one’s body. Additionally, there’s one more thing, and that is this subject’s wife is currently five months pregnant. This subject’s wife’s mother had passed away early, having lost one’s mother since childhood, lonesome and helpless, hoping that your Majesty can take pity and protect, letting this subject have no fear in facing death while away.”
Based on the current circumstances in the northwest, Qin Wang’s words weren’t completely baseless either. But, regarding Ming Jinrou being so called ‘lonesome and helpless’, it was just more or less a bit exaggerated. Just, Qin Wang has always been solemn and upright, his words sincere, so for a moment, he still made Xuan Emperor rather moved, also repeatedly agreeing that he absolutely won’t let anyone bully Ming Jinrou, and further won’t let anyone harm the little guy in Ming Jinrou’s stomach.
Although Side Consort Tan announced her pregnancy earlier than Ming Jinrou, but in reality, Ming Jinrou’s pregnancy period was half a month greater than Side Consort Tan’s. That’s why, this child, regardless girl or boy, they will all be Xuan Emperor’s true first grandchild.
Perhaps, some would feel that under this kind of circumstance, Ming Jinrou should stay indoors and not come out, so as to avoid getting schemed against and harming one’s child, but Ming Jinrou’s way of thinking was the complete opposite. Who dares to come scheme for a try? See exactly who will end up consigned to eternal damnation.
Very soon, this large group of womenfolk in fragrant clothes and glistening trinkets just arrived together in the back mountain. Just like as the guard had said previously, this poetry gathering sure enough wasn’t big. Aside from Wu Wang and Wei Wang, as well as the aids from their respective manors, including Qi Ke, there was just around five to six more scholars.
Under the tree’s shade, there was even someone burning incense and playing the zither. Other than the four treasures of the study upon the desk, there was also a chessboard, drawing canvas, tea furnace and desserts. In the surrounding, there were four book boys and servant girls each, completely different from the plum forest poetry gathering’s simple arrangement. This was further like an elegant gathering for the noble young masters.
And the people of this so called poetry gathering, upon seeing the crowd of womenfolk come over, immediately got up to greet one after another, and the one that attracted everyone’s gaze the most was naturally the fair and graceful Xun Ying.
Wei Wang’s eyes practically were about to shoot beams of light, pretty much getting pressed down by Wu Wang who was next to him in order make him follow behind everyone as they went over to talk. And among the crowd, the one that stood the farthest away was just Qi Ke, and also the only one that completely didn’t move his body. And when the Chief Secretary of Wu Wang Manor introduced the two sides, he was further strict in etiquette, lowering his eyes and cupping his hand, completely not casting a single glance in the direction of the womenfolk.
Afterwards, it was just as Yu Lingxin had predicted. Wen Ruoqiong really started asking about the subject of the poetry composition just now, as well as asking Xun Ying if she wanted to compose a poem too, or evaluate everyone’s already completed pieces.
Wu Wang faintly furrowed his brow. Actually, his trip to Jingfu Temple today, it was still under the excuse of praying for the fourth prince. Since he’d previously won a benevolent and filial reputation in front of Xuan Emperor, he naturally still need to continue maintaining it. At the same time, after praying, he can also take the opportunity to continue strengthening his relationship with the scholars he recently roped in through Qi Ke. Towards the womenfolk of Qin Wang Manor and Xun Manor, he really didn’t have any intention of provoking at this time.
However, Wei Wang’s thoughts were just different. Whether it was purchasing songstresses, or putting out all kinds of rumors, it was all considered part of the plan to disrupt the Wen’an Marquis Manor’s thoughts and footsteps, but his fondness towards Xun Ying was also real. At this time, he even felt that even Wen Ruoqiong’s voice was ten times more pleasant sounding, so he naturally agreed, inviting Xun Ying to assess or write with the brush.
Xun Ying didn’t decline either. Just, when speaking, it was completely directed at Wen Ruoqiong, “Since Wei Wangfei has such appreciation, then it’s not good for me to decline. Just, towards the talented scholars’ masterpieces, I may not necessarily dare to call it assessing in any way.”
In terms of poetry, the Linglong Literature Club indeed has some reputation, and previously, during the plum forest poetry gathering, the matter of Xun Ying evaluating poetry verses also had slightly spread around. As such, the scholars present actually really were willing to let her see their works. After a few polite exchanges, Xun Ying really once again started looking through everyone’s works, for the most part praising one by one. Overall, it was nothing more than just praising the usage of words, then praising the usage of the classics, seemingly as if really just an ordinary meeting of friends through literature.
At this time, Qi Pei also voluntarily came over, once again chatting with Ming Jinrou and them. Yu Lingxin although casually responded, her gaze nevertheless was firmly fixed on Xun Ying.
Xun Ying flipped through six to seven pieces in a row, and the last page was finally Qi Ke’s poem.
“Gentleman Qi’s brush strength has somewhat improved.” Xun Ying faintly smiled, her gaze however didn’t leave that sheet of paper, completely not turning towards Qi Ke, just having that verse read over and over again, “Magnificent literary grace, as if inlayed with gold and jade, sure enough extravagant and glorious, noble like brocade, truly good thoughts, good future prospects.”
Every word was like a praise, but when Yu Lingxin heard, she nevertheless needed to press down the itch in her heart in order to not look at Qi Ke’s expression.
Everyone else, however, probably didn’t make out anything, successively echoing in agreement, even praising Qi Ke’s literary talent some more.
Qi Ke was still standing in his original position. After falling silent for a moment, he bowed and replied, “Miss praises wrongly, this one is undeserving of such praise.”
“How are you undeserving?” Xun Ying responded with a smile, “Gentleman Qi has such great talent, paired with this kind of good brush and ink from his Highness Wu Wang, your works certainly will be renowned throughout the world, leaving a mark for generations to come. Just, this bamboo paper is a bit too simple and plain. Those bamboo branches and such merely just have some empty strength of character, how can they match with that kind of illustrious extravagance. It’s best for Gentleman Qi to throw away and separately select some gold dust paper to further match with this kind of beautiful calligraphy.”
“Ying’er sure is talkative today.” Ming Jinrou couldn’t help but move closer to Yu Lingxin, quietly whispering by her ear.
Yu Lingxin actually was also inwardly clenching her teeth. Fortunately, everyone at this time were all following along Xun Ying’s words, practically all very naturally gazing towards Qi Ke, so Yu Lingxin also looked over along with.
Qi Ke’s handsome and elegant face was still calm without any ripples, his slightly lowered gaze still not looking towards Xun Ying. After a moment of silence, he lightly coughed, “Miss Xun’s words are also a bit reasonable. However, miss ultimately isn’t an actual scholar, also not having studied under any great scholars before, so for this kind of evaluation, it’s better for you to not be like your older brother, being overly confident.”
[1] Overall it means sister-in-law, but specifically it refers to the wives of brothers.
T/N: Occasionally, I’m a bit speechless at the author’s wrong usage of terms, but at the same time, it’s almost comical. In this chapter, although I translated it as ‘having lost one’s mother’, but the term the author used was 失怙 (shi hu), which means having lost one’s father, 怙(hu) is a very formal and archaic way of referring to father. Although it’s the author’s problem for using an inappropriate term, but I just imagine Ming Yunji hearing Qin Wang say this in court and want to punch him.
Also forgot to mention previously, but I’ve officially completed the translations of this novel on patreon. All the chapters are there including the last side story. Free free to check it out!
There’s also a post about my next project, though it’s currently only available on patreon until all of RTOM finishes updating.
< Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | Next Chapter >
Discover more from Broken Jinsei
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Thanks for the comment on the author’s misuse of the term! It has lead me both to that term and the term that should have been used! Congrats on finishing the translation!
i don’t know if I’m picking up on what the veiled subtext is, but is QK implying that not only is XY meddling where she shouldn’t, but also XC is overly confident and making mistakes? also idk what XY is trying to accomplish but I support her nonetheless. follow your dreams, etc.
It’s in response to XY mocking him for adhering to Wu Wang, but he acted the same way last time, deliberately saying something mean to get XY to leave and away from Wei Wang. And since he’s on Wu Wang’s side right now, he naturally needs to show Wu Wang that he doesn’t like the Xun family who’s their political enemy.