Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life Chapter 1457 - 1446: The Lady Who Doesn’t Seek Favor

"Since everyone has no objections, this piece will be awarded first place." Jian Yunchi looked at Ye Qiu’s work, longing to keep it, but under the scrutiny of all the guests, he had to send it back to the ladies’ side. Regulations were strict, and for the sake of the young lady’s reputation, he couldn’t see it again.

"Mr. Lv Zhu’s judgment is undoubtedly trustworthy."

Although the poem was not her own creation, the calligraphy alone was enough to impress. It’s uncertain which renowned teacher taught her.

When the servants returned with the poems and paintings of the ladies, each of the female guests was thrilled beyond words.

"How is it?" Madam Jiang asked with a smile.

The servant respectfully raised a tray containing four paintings: "Fifth Young Master said Miss Ye Qiu’s calligraphy should occupy the first place, showing the style of a master."

"Just as I expected." Madam Jiang had a look of certainty, "Miss Ye, congratulations."

"Thank you, Lady." Ye Qiu gave a small bow, then spoke to the servant, "Please convey my thanks to Mr. Lv Zhu."

"Impossible!" Just as everyone was joyfully congratulating Ye Qiu, Duan Yinyin suddenly shouted, "She only wrote a piece of calligraphy, not even her own poem, how can she be first?"

The scene became awkward immediately, and many looked upon Duan Yinyin with sympathy. If Ye Qiu wasn’t present today, Yinyin would have undoubtedly basked in the spotlight. Unfortunately, comparisons are unavoidable, and while Miss Duan’s discontent is understandable, her persistent nitpicking seemed to lack grace. Even the womenfolk could see the extraordinary quality of Miss Ye’s calligraphy.

The servant continued, "Fifth Young Master said that even though Miss Duan’s painting and poem are good, they are somewhat mechanical and only worthy of second place. He added that even his own calligraphy is slightly inferior to Miss Ye’s."

At this, the crowd was not just impressed but astonished. For the renowned Mr. Lv Zhu to publicly admit that his work was outdone by a young lady of the inner chambers? This was an exceptionally high praise. Looking at Ye Qiu, their gaze now held admiration.

Duan Yinyin could no longer speak, her face turned an angry shade of iron gray, and the two ladies from official families beside her looked embarrassed.

"Fifth Young Master said the third place was unfairly attributed to either the Eldest Lady or Miss Zhang Yanjing, so they were ranked equally."

Jiang Rong and Zhang Yanjing exchanged smiles, both appearing indifferent. Both were long established in reputation in the capital city and were engaged to suitable families, hence they were not overly concerned with winning or losing.

Seeing Madam Jiang giving the prizes to Ye Qiu, Duan Yinyin was infuriated. She wasn’t greedy for those gifts, but she had prepared for a long time, only to unexpectedly lose to Ye Qiu, the orphaned girl.

"Hmph!" On the way back, Duan Yinyin was visibly upset, if looks could kill, Ye Qiu would have been dismembered Hahn by thousand cuts.

Ye Qiu pretended not to notice, continuing her conversation with Zhang Yanjing, who was also displeased by Duan Yinyin’s attitude, thus deliberately neglecting her, leaving Duan Yinyin feeling isolated. During the return to the mansion, Zhang Yanwei only helped down Zhang Yanjing and Ye Qiu without assisting her, prompting Yinyin to tearfully run into the Marquis Mansion.

"It’s utterly unreasonable, throwing such a tantrum as if someone bullied her." Zhang Yanwei muttered under his breath. He understood his mother’s intentions but marrying someone as ill-tempered as Duan Yinyin was unacceptable to him.

His cousin seemed much more adorable in contrast. Not only did she reflect well on him with her talents, but she was also not troublesome. Although he always regarded his cousin as a younger sister, if she were willing to marry him, he would certainly consent.

But he couldn’t understand why his mother harbored such hostility towards his cousin. Being an orphan should make them more compassionate, shouldn’t it?

"Aunt..." Duan Yinyin ran into the Duan family’s courtyard sobbing, immediately commencing her tale of grievances, "Ye Qiu bullied me, cousin Yan Jing ignored me on purpose, even cousin protected Ye Qiu. I don’t want to live anymore, boo hoo..."

"You’re still a child, talking about life and death." The Duan family aunt was deeply distressed by her niece, "I knew Ye Qiu was trouble, daring to bully you? Tell me, and I’ll stand up for you."

"Boo hoo..." Duan Yinyin was merely bitter, after crying she went to pack her belongings, "I can’t stay in this mansion any longer, I want to go home."

"Nonsense, your aunt just brought you back, promising you’ll stay for a month. If you leave now, won’t your parents blame me to death? Be good, Zhang Yanjing too, how could she not protect you as the mansion’s Eldest Lady? And your fifth cousin, I’ll go reprimand him later."

"What good will reprimanding do? Cousin has already been enchanted by that Ye Qiu."

The Duan family aunt gritted her teeth, "I knew that orphaned girl was trouble, and yet everyone insists she’s sensible. With her looks, can she possibly be reasonable and sensible?"

"Never mind, aunt. I’m the one who isn’t sensible, I’m not as skilled as her, you shouldn’t reprimand cousin anymore."

"And you’re still speaking on his behalf, how could he not care for you? What do you mean ’not as skilled,’ it’s probably Ye Qiu’s tricks."

"Aunt~" Duan Yinyin whined, "Let it be, if Ye Qiu takes advantage of the situation, the mansion might say I’m troublemaking as a relative. After all, she’s the grandniece of your mother-in-law. If you end up getting criticized by the Old Lady of the mansion, how could I, as a younger generation, bear it?"

Upon hearing this, the Duan family aunt was even more compassionate, "You child, how are you so sensible? Aunt truly hopes you’ll marry in and become my daughter-in-law one day."

Hearing this, Duan Yinyin lightly stomped her foot, bashfully saying, "Aunt, cousin doesn’t have feelings for me, how would he agree to such a marriage?"

"Marriage is a matter of parental decision and matchmaker arrangements. Does he think he can defy heaven?"

"But I’m afraid cousin would blame me in the future."

"He won’t, marriage is like that. He may sulk for a while, but over time he’ll appreciate you. Listen to aunt, get along well with your cousin, and when the time is right, your aunt and uncle will propose the marriage to your parents."

"But I’m still afraid."

"What are you afraid of with aunt around?"

Duan Yinyin sighed, "With Ye Qiu in the mansion, I’m afraid of unexpected incidents. If she uses her skills, what if cousin makes a mistake? At that point, even if you disagree, it’ll be too late."

"She’s still in mourning, so for her own reputation’s sake, she shouldn’t do anything too outrageous, right?"

"Who knows, after all, she’s an orphan with nothing. Having seen the wealth of this mansion, who knows if she won’t try every way to cling on?" After speaking, Duan Yinyin shrugged, "Maybe I’m overthinking it, aunt shouldn’t worry too much either."