Spring in the Hall of Paintings - Chapter 35

The Western Flower Hall was a warm room with a covered veranda, specifically designed for the young ladies to enjoy the snow scene. Several redwood chairs and a redwood tea table were arranged in an aesthetically pleasing way, while two scroll paintings hung on the snow-covered walls on either side.

While the maids were preparing the chessboard, Qing’e looked up at one of the poems hanging on the wall and softly recited:

“Wind and rain send spring away, flying snow welcomes it back. The cliffs are covered in a hundred-foot thick ice, yet there are still blossoms on the branches. The blossoms do not compete for spring, they merely announce its arrival. When the mountain flowers are in full bloom, she will smile amidst the bushes.”

“Prince, please have some tea,” Jing Yi, unwilling to give up, took the tea cup from the maid and handed it to Qing’e. She slightly lowered her soft, delicate face, her smooth forehead facing Qing’e, and in her watery eyes, there was a trace of shy affection. Her melodious voice diverted Qing’e’s attention from his previous question: “The tea water is collected from the snow falling on the plum trees, gathered in a jar. Prince, please try it. It might taste a little different from the spring water at the palace.”

“So, it was Jing Yi who personally collected the snow despite being ill for a while. Auntie was quite worried about her. Now that a distinguished guest has arrived, Jing Yi is finally willing to share this treasure. Combined with the finest tea leaves, we owe our good fortune to Prince Qing’e.”

Yun Lan smiled gracefully, not minding Jing Yi stealing the spotlight. Yun Lan felt somewhat dismissive of the traditional methods young ladies like Jing Yi used to capture the attention of a favored man, but she was still entertained. Seeing that Qing’e remained unaffected, she casually glanced over at Yun Wei, who was sitting quietly, enjoying her tea. Yun Lan’s eyes shifted with a hint of realization—Jing Yi had misread the situation.

In terms of family background, talent, beauty, and temperament, what could Jing Yi possibly have that could surpass Yun Wei? Even though Jing Yi’s brother, Jing Hui, held a title as a lightly-ranked official, his father had passed away early, and Jinghui had little interest in pursuing a career in government, preferring a life of indulgence. While he wasn’t a completely degenerate son, his future in politics would hardly be smooth.

Yun Wei’s family was vastly different. Yun Lan, who knew a thing or two about the world outside, had a broader perspective than most young ladies. She was quite wary of the dignified Fucha clan, especially the matriarch, whose piercing gaze always seemed like it could see right through her. Yun Lan also knew to never underestimate Cheng Wu’s upbringing. Though Cheng Wu didn’t have as wide a circle of friends as Yun Lan’s elder brother, when his name was mentioned among their peers, everyone would give a thumbs-up, praising his impressive horsemanship. With such a good reputation, he was unlikely to be looked down upon or excluded by those in power. Cheng Wu would never be as simple and honest as he appeared.

Not to mention Yun Wei’s father and Yun Lan’s second uncle, the Deputy Commander of the Fengtai Military Camp. Although he couldn’t compare to the prestige of the second-class Imperial Guard, Rongzhi’s real power was far beyond that of Yun Lan’s father. Yun Wei’s mother came from the Fucha clan, the family of the influential Kangxi-era official Maqi. In the Qing Dynasty, marriage alliances were highly valued, and Yun Lan realized, with a sudden sharp intake of breath, that without noticing, Yun Wei had not only become more beautiful but had also advanced in her scholarly accomplishments. Though she still lagged behind Yun Lan in calligraphy, Yun Wei had surpassed her in Go, painting, and the guqin. Furthermore, Yun Wei’s status, when considered carefully, was not low.

No wonder the Concubine of the Prince Gong frequently visited the Tong family, allowing her son Qing’e to roam freely. It was clear she was interested in Yun Wei and was looking for a daughter-in-law. Yun Lan furrowed her brows, thinking of Prince Gong Chang Ning. She didn’t know much about him, but she did recall that Chang Ning wasn’t particularly favored by Kangxi and couldn’t compare to Prince Yu, Fukuan, in terms of imperial favor. Moreover, their branch of the family had not left much of a historical record, so it seemed they would soon fade into obscurity.

Is it a good choice for Yun Wei to marry into the Prince Gong’s residence? Yun Lan, who grew up alongside Yun Wei, holds a deep affection for her and had promised to take care of her when they were younger. Will Yun Wei be happy marrying Qing’e?

“Prince, the poem you just recited was written by Fourth Sister last year. Third Aunt had it framed and hung here. Our Tong family not only has a long history of military service, but we also have rare and talented women.”

Yun Wei’s pure eyes showed clear admiration as she sighed, “Fourth Sister’s skill in poetry is unmatched. Take this poem ‘Bu Suan Zi’ about the plum blossoms; I could never write something like that in my lifetime. I remember Fourth Sister also wrote wonderful lines like ‘Eagles soaring through the skies, and all ships competing to sail’—and let’s not forget that unfinished ‘Qin Yuan Chun Xue’.”

“I think Fourth Sister’s creativity has run dry, which is why she couldn’t finish the second half,” Jing Yi’s comment came at an ill-timed moment. Yun Wei furrowed her brows, then smiled faintly, “I don’t believe that. Fourth Sister will definitely finish it.”

“‘Qin Yuan Chun Xue’? May I have a look at it?” Qing’e spoke, his tone carrying interest. He greatly valued Yun Wei’s composed, unhurried, and non-jealous demeanor. Although he admired Yun Lan, he knew she wasn’t someone he could easily control. He liked Yun Lan but had no ill intentions. A wife who was sensible, virtuous, and shared his interests was the one he should seek, especially someone like Yun Wei, who was highly suitable in every way. Given his background in a royal household, Qing’e was acutely aware of his own status and family background, which is why he allowed his favorable feelings toward Yun Wei to grow.

“I will show it to you once I’ve written the full poem, Prince.”

Yun Lan, lost in thought, was startled by the conversation. She felt regretful, realizing that in her moment of excitement, she had written ‘Qin Yuan Chun Xue’. Luckily, she hadn’t written the second half. If she had completed it, writing a poem by Mao Zedong as a young girl from a noble family would be seen as rebellious. The matriarch would likely send her to the family estate, never to return to the capital, and she would never have a chance to meet and fall in love with Yinzhen.

Qing’e looked slightly regretful, and Yun Lan smiled, saying, “Let’s set the poetry and painting aside for now. Our sixth sister is the best at Go, I wonder how many great games and endgames she has played.”

“Tong girl, please,” Qing’e gestured in a gentlemanly manner, inviting her to play. Yun Wei smiled sweetly and said softly, “Please give me your guidance, Prince.”

Her voice was soft and pleasant, like feathers brushing across one’s heart. Qing’e stared at Yun Wei, sitting opposite him, and found himself lost in thought for a moment. Jing Yi, fiddling with her handkerchief, seemed ready to step forward, but Yun Lan smiled and pulled her back, speaking softly in a low voice, “Sixth Sister is thinking of the reputation of the Tong girls. Even if you don’t care for yourself, don’t forget about Third Sister Yun Xin. She will be chosen for the selection next year.”

Jing Yi bit her lip. Though Yun Xin was a concubine’s daughter, she had been raised by the eldest wife, Jueluo, and was treated almost as well as a legitimate daughter. Jueluo was kind to her, and Yun Xin was well-mannered and sensible. Even her maternal grandmother held her in high regard.

Jing Yi turned her face away and muttered, “You don’t need to pretend to be kind. I haven’t seen you care for Second Sister Yun Jing. She’s also your third uncle’s daughter. I heard you didn’t want her to join the selection and even convinced Third Aunt to go to the palace to beg for special treatment.”

Yun Lan was slightly taken aback, but then she calmly reminded her, “Jing Yi, a true gentleman remains silent while watching a game of chess, and a true man never regrets his actions. My decisions don’t need your judgment.”

Ignoring Jing Yi, Yun Lan sat next to Yun Wei, focusing on the chessboard, her mind racing with thoughts. Yun Jing was her half-sister, always having a weak presence. On the surface, Yun Jing appeared sincere and honest, but in reality, she was very calculating. If compared, Yun Jing was like Xirren from ‘Dream of the Red Chamber’—someone with aspirations to climb higher. If she were chosen in the next selection to marry a prince or royal son as a noblewoman, wouldn’t her biological mother, Guoluo, be shaken? To protect Guoluo, Yun Lan would have to suppress Yun Jing. Furthermore, when it came time for Yun Lan to participate in the selection, Emperor Kangxi would never allow two sisters to marry royal sons. For the sake of her own future with Yinzhen, Yun Jing’s chance at the selection would definitely be blocked.

Yun Wei appeared delicate and soft, but her strategy in chess was steady, showing a noble air. Each move contained a subtle yet piercing sharpness. Her eyes, as clear as autumn water, now held a hint of sharpness. Whether frowning, smiling faintly, or placing a piece on the board with a crisp sound, every gesture of hers was full of change. Qing’e was mesmerized. By the time he snapped out of his trance, he realized the game had slipped beyond his control. Just as he was about to concede defeat, Yun Wei spoke.

“Prince, we don’t yet know who will win. Don’t give up so easily. True, legendary games are born from the process of battle.”

Qing’e looked at Yun Wei, who was focused on the chessboard, and smiled lightly, refocusing himself and pushing aside distractions to save the game. Yun Wei let out a quiet sigh of relief. She couldn’t win against Qing’e. Her strategy was to play subtly, neither winning nor losing, leaving him with no way to analyze her moves. That would be the best outcome. This way, Qing’e would stop looking at her so intently.

Yun Wei placed a piece on the board, a slow, deliberate move. Qing’e immediately seized the opportunity. Yun Wei’s expression remained serious, but her lips curled up slightly. She had never considered marrying into a branch of the royal family, let alone a prince’s residence. She would never forget what Fucha had said to her: true happiness comes from controlling everything. The more noble the status, the more troublesome things would become.