Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life Chapter 1454 - 1443: The Lady Who Doesn’t Seek Power

A group of ladies passed through the corridor, only to see many madams and young ladies already seated ahead. Duan Yinyin was sitting there, surrounded by two sisters.

"The one in goose yellow clothes by her side is Chen Xi, whose father works under Uncle Duan. The one in cyan clothes is Chang Miao, whose father is the Minister of the Ministry of Justice. Both have always followed Duan Yinyin’s lead, so be careful," Zhang Yanjing and the Little Commandery Princess explained to Ye Qiu amidst their conversation with Jiang Rong and others.

Ye Qiu nodded, "Cousin, I understand. I’ll be careful."

"Rong’er, quickly bring your ladies over to taste this chrysanthemum tea. Though simple, its flavor served in this Ru kiln white porcelain is quite unique," said Jiang Rong’s mother, Madam Jiang of the Jiang Residence.

Everyone took their seats one by one, as maids served the chrysanthemum tea. In the clean white porcelain cups, the clear yellow tea bounced with chrysanthemum petals, indeed creating a different taste as Madam Jiang mentioned.

"Truly wonderful. The chrysanthemum tea paired with the full garden of chrysanthemums is simply perfect," a noblewoman praised.

Madam Jiang laughed, "There are even more wonders to come. Today, it’s a rare gathering of so many noble ladies. Later, we’ll have the maids present pen and ink, and everyone can engage in poetry, painting, and playing music. Wouldn’t that be delightful?"

"Later, you mustn’t despise me for being poor at literature. Even if my paintings are ugly, you must frame them for me."

"You really are spoiled. Even if we frame them, would you dare hang them out for everyone to see?"

"Why wouldn’t I? Making everyone laugh is worth it."

"You little rascal."

The noblewomen showed no restraint, while the noble ladies were rather impatient. After all, who wouldn’t want their reputation to grow? Today is a prime opportunity, and if one’s name is spread, it would even aid in matchmaking.

At this moment, Ye Qiu felt a malicious gaze from Duan Yinyin. She looked down arrogantly, even more so than the Little Commandery Princess. Yet, with everyone engaged in chatter, no one paid her any mind.

After tea, the maids brought out paper, pens, and instruments, and the noble ladies began laughing and chatting.

Some said, "I’m not skilled at painting, but let me play a tune for everyone."

Others said, "I shall not embarrass myself before you, sisters. Today, I’ll just be an observer."

Someone else said, "Writing and painting on our own is a bit dull. Why don’t we evaluate each other’s works afterward?"

This was proposed by the young woman in goose yellow next to Duan Yinyin, Chen Xi. Her father is a second-rank general currently guarding the border with meritorious service to the court, making it hard for anyone not to give her face. Besides, everyone already had competing intentions today, so after a brief discussion, they decided on it.

"In that case," Madam Jiang stood up, "why don’t we select the top ten paintings and poems first, and then send them to the next courtyard for my little brother-in-law to choose the top three? Coincidentally, I acquired a South Pearl a few months ago, which I’ll offer as the top prize."

No sooner had she finished speaking, a flurry of excited chattering erupted, for being praised by Mr. Lv Zhu himself would truly be a lifelong fulfillment.

Madam Jiang listened with some resignation. Her brother-in-law was unrestrained, unable to be controlled by anyone at home, yet he had an excellent reputation outside. Anyone who acquired his artwork or calligraphy treasured it, not knowing he often burned more than he created. Outsiders would likely be pained to see it.

However, though her brother-in-law was not an official, the intangible benefits he brought the family were significant, which was why the Jiang Family indulged him.

"Madam Jiang is so generous, I can’t just sit by idly. I’m in the ’master of none’ category, so I’ll offer this bracelet as a prize."

"Oh my, Mrs. Liu is so generous today? I can’t be left behind then. Though this gold hairpin might be slightly vulgar, its craftsmanship is good enough, so I’ll offer it as a prize too."

"With so many top prizes, I’ll use this bag of golden peanuts as the reward for the second and third place."

Madam Jiang laughed again, "Then doesn’t it seem like the remaining participants get nothing? I’ll ensure everyone who participates today can take a pot of chrysanthemums from my courtyard."

Everyone gasped, "Madam Jiang isn’t joking?"

"Though I’m a woman, I know that a word once spoken cannot be taken back."

"Truly generous of Madam Jiang."

No wonder they said so. During the past decades of post-war recovery, literati and artists became active again, loving chrysanthemums, plum blossoms, and orchids. Selling a well-cultivated pot for a hundred gold wasn’t uncommon, and naturally, what the Jiang Residence presented at today’s autumn banquet wasn’t a mortal item, leaving everyone amazed.

After astonishment, everyone picked up paper and pens, even those not skilled at poetry or painting did not fall behind. The courtyard suddenly quieted, and distant sounds from the male guests could be faintly heard.

"Zhang Wu, the female guests have started writing already. Apologizing now might save you from embarrassment later."

"I won’t lose face. You’ll be the one apologizing," Zhang Yanwei snorted coldly.

Jiang Yunchi saw his genuine confidence and curiosity stirred further. Can a young lady truly produce such grand calligraphy?

"They’ve been working for a while. Shall we go have a look?" Madam Jiang invited the other women.

"Why not."

"I’ve heard much about the legitimate eldest daughter of the Zhongyong Marquis Mansion. I wonder if she’ll paint or write poetry today?"

"Apparently, the Duan Family excels in painting."

"Little Commandery Princess, why aren’t you writing?"

"Me? I’m better at horseback riding and archery. Spare me from this," said the Little Commandery Princess, without a hint of insecurity, even laughing brightly, charming everyone despite her pride due to her status and genuine personality.

"Look at Sister Rong and Sister Jing’s works, one painted and the other wrote poetry. I can’t quite distinguish between them."

With that said by the Little Commandery Princess, everyone eagerly gathered around. Indeed, the two were renowned talents in the capital, each garnering nods of approval.

"Miss Zhang’s ink chrysanthemum painting stands out, portrayed with the chrysanthemum’s spirit in its branches and leaves."

Zhang Yanjing smiled shyly, "Everyone praises too much. I personally prefer Sister Rong’s calligraphy and poem, especially how she beautifully depicts the chrysanthemum’s blossoming posture."

The women nodded unanimously, "Miss Jiang’s poetry is indeed extraordinary, hard to distinguish from Miss Zhang’s painting."

"Why argue with us? Just take it to Mr. Lv Zhu for evaluation."

"Quite right."

"Oh, everyone come look, Lady Duan not only painted a cluster of chrysanthemums in this short time but also composed a remarkable poem. After today, the two talents of the capital might become known as the three heroes of the capital."

At the sound of the exclamation, everyone gathered curiously, eager to see Duan Yinyin’s masterpiece.