MYSIOAMEWTMMAlTWOAM: Chapter 89

 Glossary

·Qin Yuan (秦鸢): The female protagonist, Marquise of the household.

·Qin Siyuan (秦思远): Qin Yuan's cousin.

·Qin Heng (秦恒): Qin Yuan's brother.

·Old Madame Gu (顾老夫人): Gu Jinghui's mother.

·Rong Mama (容嬷嬷): Old Madame Gu's trusted attendant.

·Hongye (红叶): Qin Yuan's loyal maidservant.

·Cuiming (翠茗): Qin Yuan's other maidservant.

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Chapter 89: I Couldn't Help But Worry

Qin Yuan said with a smile, "Otherwise, why would I have asked Brother Heng to bring you here?"

Seeing her confident manner, Qin Siyuan understood immediately. He stood up and bowed deeply. "If you, dear cousin, have a method to help me seize this opportunity, I will surely repay you properly."

Qin Yuan quickly stood and stepped aside, not accepting the bow. "Cousin, you are too courteous. We are both of the Qin family. If there is an opportunity, wouldn't I help my own cousin rather than an outsider?"

With her guidance, both Qin Siyuan and Qin Heng should fare better than in their previous lives, and they would become her support in the future.

As for Lin Ziqi...

Qin Yuan concealed the shadow in her eyes and said, "Cousin, please sit."

After Qin Siyuan sat down, Qin Yuan gently waved her round fan and said softly, "There is naturally a method. I've thought about it for a long time. Cousin, you are well-read in poetry and literature, but are slightly less adept at improvisation and creativity."

Qin Siyuan nodded. He had passed the provincial exams, so of course he was well-read.

Qin Yuan continued, "In poetry composition, as long as the tonal patterns are correct, the emphasis is on word choice. Choosing the right words lends a work its spirit. After all, truly excellent lines are hard to find. Many people compose thousands of poems, yet only a few become widely known and praised."

Qin Siyuan nodded again.

Qin Yuan smiled. "There is also another clever method: to elevate the conception or theme. If the theme is lofty, even ordinary word choice and phrasing matter less. Perhaps you could focus your efforts here."

Qin Siyuan sighed and frowned. "But my conceptions are either not novel enough or not lofty enough. Even Uncle says my diction and phrasing are clichéd. If you could go yourself, dear cousin, what would there be to worry about?"

If it were policy essays, he wouldn't be afraid.

But this dynasty particularly valued poetic talent. The most important subject in the highest imperial examination was poetry composition.

Excelling in poetry could earn one a reputation for literary talent, making high-placed persons remember one's name, leading to many more opportunities.

This was already common knowledge.

Qin Yuan laughed. "Cousin, how can you say such discouraging things? I already told you I have a method. Think of it this way: during this season, the poetic themes suitable for Jade Abyss Lake are limited. You might not be able to produce good work under pressure, but with ample preparation, you can surely write one or two good poems."

Hearing this, Qin Siyuan's eyes lit up as he looked at Qin Yuan.

(read @cherrybombbertranslations.blogspot)

Qin Yuan added, "I have some small techniques for poetry composition. Cousin, why not first consider what themes could be used for chanting about scenery and expressing ideals? Though not talented, I am willing to lend you a hand."

Qin Siyuan pondered for a long moment and understood. To leave a deep impression on a highly-placed person, aside from exquisite lines, it would naturally be what she said—elevating the theme and expressing ideals through objects. He couldn't help but say joyfully, "Thank you, dear cousin, for imparting your knowledge so fully. With a teacher as clever as you, I will surely be able to compose good poetry."

He stood up and bowed again. "Since you are my teacher, I should perform the disciple's bow."

Qin Yuan couldn't help but laugh but didn't move, accepting the bow. "Then, cousin, you must seize the moment. Send the draft poems early. This teacher of yours is very strict."

"Understood, understood. 'Jade must be carved to become a treasure' (meaning: talent must be honed)."

Qin Siyuan wasn't a rigid person and had always admired Qin Yuan's poetic talent, so he didn't feel slighted at all.

Seeing him so forthright and at ease, Qin Yuan thought of her previous life, polishing Lin Ziqi's writings—having to carefully protect his pride while tactfully joining others in praising his poetic talent. It made her feel exhausted just thinking about it.

Qin Siyuan was eager to return and organize themes to compose poems. He said, "Dear cousin, I won't pay respects to the elders this time. Please convey my regards for me."

Qin Yuan said, "Alright. Returning quickly to focus on poetry is most important. I will also write some. Once you've finished, come find me. Don't delay."

She also had a young maid bring out prepared fabric. "As the saying goes, 'Clothes make the man, and the saddle makes the horse.' Cousin, your appearance is upright and handsome, making people easily feel goodwill. That day, dress well to more easily catch the eye of that highly-placed person. Please do not decline."

She knew her cousin was in straitened circumstances, wearing old clothes given by her father. So she simply prepared several sets of fabric, hoping he could dress well and make a stunning impression.

A hint of moisture spread in Qin Siyuan's eyes, but he immediately smiled and accepted it. "Thank you for your help, dear cousin. I will certainly not disappoint this kind intention."

Qin Yuan nodded. "It's getting late. Cousin, hurry back. I won't keep you for a meal."

---

Qin Siyuan didn't stand on ceremony. He took the package and returned home. Upon seeing his mother, he first said, "Mother, this is fabric sent by our cousin. She said to make two good outfits, as she will help introduce me to a highly-placed person."

Second Aunt took the fabric, felt it, and exclaimed, "The eldest young mistress has truly fallen into a nest of good fortune! This fabric... I'm afraid even your uncle only has one or two pieces of this quality, and she's already sent some to you."

Qin Siyuan felt even more grateful to Qin Yuan. Worried his mother might talk carelessly and cause trouble for Qin Yuan, he said, "This isn't something to boast about. But our cousin has always been thoughtful and prudent. Brother Heng just returned from the Marquis's household today and probably received no fewer things."

(read @cherrybombbertranslations.blogspot)

"Naturally! Would I go and upset your aunt?"

Second Aunt was overjoyed. Upon opening the package to look carefully, she found it wasn't just enough for one outfit; there was even enough for shoe uppers. She pointed this out to her son. "She is truly generous. Last time for the homecoming visit, the gifts from the Marquis's household pleased your aunt for days. I truly didn't misjudge Yuan'er. She is thoughtful. You must remember her kindness in the future."

Qin Siyuan agreed absentmindedly. "I still need to quickly do some preparatory work. Mother, please attend to your affairs."

"Good, good, good."

Second Aunt hugged the fabric, pressing it against her face repeatedly. Without looking up, she was already calculating how to make the clothes, shoes, and socks.

---

Old Madame Gu already knew that another brother from Qin Yuan's maiden family had come. She had thought Qin Yuan would bring him to pay respects again and had prepared another greeting gift. Unexpectedly, the person came, sat for only a short while, and left hurriedly without the gift being presented.

Old Madame Gu asked Rong Mama, "What is Yuan'er busy with?"

Rong Mama said, "If you are concerned, Old Madame, this old servant can go sit in Wutong Yuan for a while."

"Never mind. I was just asking casually. Yuan'er understands propriety. Her cousin came; there must be something important that kept him from visiting me. Hui Ge'er just left and instructed me last night to look after his wife. I couldn't help but worry."

Rong Mama said with a smile, "The Madam has her plans. She will probably send a message over in a little while."

As they spoke, Hongye arrived, delivering some soft, easily digestible food. She also said, "A cousin from the Madam's maiden family came for a visit and discussed some matters. He originally intended to pay respects to you, Old Madame, but the matter was somewhat urgent, so he couldn't manage it. He will come again in a few days and will pay his respects to you then."

Old Madame Gu said with a laugh, "You predicted it correctly."

Rong Mama also smiled. "The Madam is too mindful of propriety. Just take Xiao Hong's matter. Luckily, she thought of a solution but didn't claim credit herself. She just had Xiao Hong listen to this old servant's instructions, teaching those two children to understand things. How could someone like her ever act impolitely?"

Hongye, having received a reward from the Old Madame, couldn't contain her joy and showed it off to Qin Yuan and Cuiming.

Cuiming smiled, pursing her lips. "Now you don't have to covet my bracelet anymore."

Hongye's was also a bracelet, of similar quality, just with a different pattern—clearly purchased in batches specifically for giving as rewards.

Hongye sighed. "I really hope to receive rewards a few more times."

(read @cherrybombbertranslations.blogspot)

Qin Yuan didn't speak, just sat in a daze under the lamplight, thinking about how Marquis Gu had said he would have Gu Shiliu investigate the pepper matter... Why was there still no word back...

(End of Chapter)

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