The white plum blossoms are just as good as the red ones, to Yun Jinnian, they are all the same.
Her heart was troubled.
Enjoying flowers, such a leisurely pastime, was not something she did well.
Only when reading books did her heart become calm, fearless and unafraid.
"Sister Jinnian, how about these plum blossoms?"
"Quite good!"
Ruan Wanrong was not pleased with such a perfunctory response from Yun Jinnian, "Sister Jinnian, we have all written poems about these plum blossoms, why don't you write one too?"
"Jinnian has limited talent and learning, I didn't start learning to read until later in life!" Yun Jinnian said lightly.
Upon hearing this, everyone concluded she indeed had been treated harshly. Only the main lady of a household would treat a concubine daughter so harshly, right?
But this was a legitimate daughter, treated harshly by her own legitimate grandmother!
"However, I have studied diligently over the past year, so if it's not well done, I hope my sisters will not laugh at me!"
"Not at all, not at all, Sister Jinnian, just say anything you wish!"
"The buds are dusted with early snow, their singular beauty is hard to capture. Hidden in their fragrance is a unique rhythm; their purity makes one unaware of the cold. The transverse flute accompanies sorrowful listening; the slanted branches support one's view in sickness. As if understanding, the north wind should be gentle, lest they be easily broken!" Yun Jinnian recited softly.
The roomful of young ladies suddenly fell silent.
Was this the result of one year of diligent study?
Then what was the point of their years of eager learning?
They were being slapped in the face, smack smack smack!
"Excellent, 'As if understanding, the north wind should be gentle, lest they be easily broken!' What a wonderful line!" A loud voice rang out.
Proud, confident, and gracefully appropriate.
The women looked over and saw it was Princess Jinfeng; they quickly curtsied and greeted her, "We've met the Princess!"
Previously, Dai Hanmi had said she went to greet an important guest, and they thought it was a Commandery Princess, but it turned out to be Princess Jinfeng.
"You may all dispense with the formalities, who was that, your poem was not bad, come here, I want to reward you!"
The women immediately looked at Yun Jinnian with envy.
Princess Jinfeng was famously tricky and domineering; not only did the young ladies dare not provoke her, even the several princesses in the palace didn't dare, not to mention the Empress and Empress Dowager had to show her face.
Yet, she looked at Yun Jinnian with new respect.
Yun Jinnian approached with eyes downcast and curtsied respectfully, "Yun Jinnian meets the Princess!"
"Hmm, look at you, young as you are, yet so knowledgeable and reasonable!" said Princess Jinfeng as she pulled a hairpin from her head and inserted it into Yun Jinnian's hair, "You are quite attractive, and now with this hairpin, you look even prettier!"
"Thank you for the Princess's reward!"
"All right, all right, I just came to see the twin blossoms on this tree. You need not be too formal, go play!" Princess Jinfeng waved her hand.
Dai Hanmi's eyes were brimming with laughter as she accompanied Princess Jinfeng to admire the plum blossoms, unavoidably giving Yun Jinnian an extra look.
Indeed, she was quite attractive and had received praise from Princess Jinfeng, her family background wasn't bad either, only a bit young.
Otherwise, she would be a good match for the third brother...
Princess Jinfeng looked at the plum blossoms for a while, but couldn't discern anything special, then remembered that the old lady Dai at the Zhuangyong Marquis Residence was ill, and it seemed there was an intention for the third son, Dai Hanbo, to marry and bring joy.
She suddenly understood the reason behind this flower-viewing banquet.
She also understood why the Zhuangyong Marquis Residence was so eager to invite guests over to admire the flowers on the third day of the new year.
Princess Jinfeng momentarily sympathized with Dai Hanbo.
However, the Zhuangyong Marquis Residence was also in a panic, now that Han Xuzi had returned to the Capital City, they could simply ask Han Xuzi to come and treat the old lady.
Moreover, Yun Jinnian was an excellent choice herself.
But, all this had nothing to do with her; whether the old Madame Dai lived or died was none of her concern!
While they were admiring the flowers and chatting, Yun Muyou, along with Yun Zihan, Xu Xinmo, Yun Musi, and Yun Mulan, also arrived.
It was Xu Xinmo's first time visiting the Zhuangyong Marquis Residence, and as soon as she entered the main gate, she thought highly of the Marquis Residence, finding it wonderful in every way.
Her eyes were searching everywhere, darting around!
The wet nurse welcoming guests at the entrance was a top-tier butler from the Marchioness's side, with exceedingly sharp eyes; how could Xu Xinmo's expressions escape her perceptive gaze?
She thought to herself how the treasure cherished by the old Yun family turned out to be such an item?