18: Discussing poetry with Su Yunniang

In the afternoon.

Warm sunlight spilled diagonally across the bluestone path, coating the entire courtyard in a hazy, warm gold.

Situ Jun had just finished handling chores at the Stewards Office and dragged his weary body back to his small courtyard. Before he could even drink a mouthful of cold tea, he heard a flurry of hurried footsteps from outside.

"Steward Situ!"

A crisp voice called out, sounding somewhat breathless. Cui Zhu stood at the courtyard gate, her chest heaving and her cheeks flushed red, clearly having run all the way.

"Our Madam is accompanying Madam Su in the courtyard to discuss poetry; Madam has sent for you."

Her tone was full of complaint. To catch him, she had sprinted all the way from the Stewards Office, and her legs were now weak with exhaustion.

"Madam Su?"

Situ Jun's tired eyes instantly lit up, like parched earth suddenly receiving a sweet rainfall.

A smile bloomed on his face as he said respectfully:

"Thank you for the trouble, Miss Cui Zhu. Let's go right away!"

Just as he finished speaking, he suddenly remembered something and hurriedly ran into the side room.

A moment later, he carefully took out some scallion pancakes he had drawn from the System's inventory a few days ago.

The pancakes emitted a rich aroma, their golden color was exceptionally inviting, and miraculously, they had remained perfectly fresh.

"I'll bring some scallion pancakes for Madam. Let's go."

Situ Jun said, ignoring Cui Zhu's confused expression, and took the lead out of the courtyard with light steps... At this time, at the garden entrance, Chun Hua was approaching gracefully with some exquisite pastries.

A summer breeze brushed past her hair, adding a touch of softness to her appearance.

"Sister Chun Hua."

Situ Jun greeted her with a smile, his gaze unconsciously lingering on her.

Chun Hua lowered her head shyly, a blush creeping onto her face, and said softly:

"Come inside quickly; Madam has been waiting for you for quite a while."

Looking at Chun Hua's bashful appearance, a strange emotion welled up in Situ Jun's heart.

Although Chun Hua was still a bit youthful, her features were exquisite, like a painting. In a year or two, when she fully matured, she would surely be a stunning beauty.

His gaze swept over Cui Zhu nearby, and he sighed inwardly. These two girls were like two flower buds about to bloom, each with her own charm.

The three of them walked along the corridor, their footsteps echoing in the quiet courtyard.

"Sister Chun Hua, Sister Cui Zhu, let me ask you something."

Situ Jun broke the silence.

Chun Hua nodded slightly, signaling for him to continue.

"Does Madam Su also like poetry?"

Situ Jun asked.

Chun Hua understood. Situ Jun had been called today precisely because of his talent for poetry, so there was no need to hide anything. She explained softly:

"Madam Su has a tranquil nature. She loves gardening and tending to plants most of the time. However, her attainments in poetry, calligraphy, and painting are also very deep. That's why Madam called you over—she wants you to exchange ideas with her."

"Thank you for clarifying, Sister Chun Hua."

Situ Jun nodded gratefully, quickening his pace.

Passing through the corridor and around the rockery, an elegant garden appeared before them.

At this moment, Liu Xuaner was sitting at a stone table with Su Yunniang. Exquisite tea sets were laid out, and the fragrance of tea curled in the air.

Seeing Situ Jun's arrival, a charming smile curled at the corners of Liu Xuaner's mouth, and a hint of anticipation flashed in her eyes.

"Greetings, Madams!"

Situ Jun bowed in greeting, his posture respectful.

Liu Xuaner waved her jade-white wrist gently and said softly:

"No need for such formalities."

Su Yunniang also nodded slightly, her gaze calm yet somewhat scrutinizing.

"Madam, these are scallion pancakes I made by chance. I brought them specifically for the two of you to taste."

Situ Jun presented the brocade box with both hands, his face wearing just the right amount of humility.

Liu Xuaner said enthusiastically:

"Steward Situ is very thoughtful. The reason I called you here is that Sister praised your poetry highly, so I wanted you to come and discuss and compose poetry together."

There was a hint of slyness in her eyes. Clearly, she was still a bit disgruntled about losing to Situ Jun in poetry last time and wanted to use Su Yunniang's hand to 'teach him a lesson.'

Su Yunniang sat there, her elegant and noble temperament appearing entirely natural.

Time seemed to have left no trace on her face; her fair skin was like that of a young girl. However, the mature charm about her had only grown richer and more profound, making one's heart flutter uncontrollably.

She was simply captivating and provocative!

Seeing Su Yunniang curiously sizing up Situ Jun, Liu Xuaner took the initiative to speak:

"Sister, are you curious about Situ Jun's skill in poetry? Why don't you set a topic and have him write a poem? Then we can appreciate it together."

"Please set a topic, Madam Su."

Situ Jun was secretly excited; this was a fantastic opportunity.

As long as he performed well in front of Su Yunniang and left a deep impression, there would be more opportunities to get close to her in the future.

Moreover, his hundred flowers diagram required him to increase the favorability of these women. Once favorability reached 100, they would provide him with heavenly luck value.

At this thought, a glint of determination flashed in his eyes.

Such a lonely woman in the inner chambers—if he could leave a good impression and conquer her with his charm...

That would be much more interesting!

It would even save him a soul-bewitching pill.

Su Yunniang glanced at Liu Xuaner, shook her head helplessly, and smiled gently, her red lips as delicate as flower petals parting:

"Since you wrote two poems for my sister, why don't you write one for me as well?"

Situ Jun was startled. This topic seemed simple but was actually extremely difficult.

With no limit on the subject matter, to compose a poem that could truly move Su Yunniang, it had to be tailor-made.

He lowered his head, Tang and Song poems flashing through his mind as he pondered deeply.

"Chun Hua, Cui Zhu, help Steward Situ grind the ink and spread out the Xuan paper."

Liu Xuaner ordered with a graceful smile, her eyes full of anticipation. She also wanted to see what kind of verses Situ Jun could compose for Su Yunniang.

A moment later, based on the System's previous evaluation of Su Yunniang, Situ Jun decided on a poem.

He picked up the brush, took a deep breath, and said:

"I shall show my humble work."

Then, he wrote on the Xuan paper:

"Spring Resentment"

Behind the gauze window, the sun sets as dusk approaches,

In the golden chamber, no one sees the traces of tears.

In the lonely, empty courtyard, spring is fading,

Pear blossoms cover the ground, yet the door remains closed.

Liu Xuaner stood up, leaned in to look closely at the verses, and read them aloud softly.

By the time she finished, she couldn't help but look at Su Yunniang.

She saw a flash of resentment in Su Yunniang's eyes, and a faint sadness appeared on her face.

This poem was like a key that unlocked the long-hidden door of her emotions, vividly displaying the bitterness and loneliness in her heart.

Liu Xuaner glared reproachfully at Situ Jun, feeling a bit annoyed that the poem had made the atmosphere so heavy. She said:

"Situ Jun, this poem is not good. Compose another one."

As she spoke, she reached for the poem on the table, intending to have Chun Hua take it away.

"Sister, give this poem to me. After all, it was composed for me by Steward Situ."

Su Yunniang forced a smile, though a trace of sadness still lingered in her eyes.

To her, this poem was written exceptionally well; every word seemed to speak directly to her heart.