The eleventh mistress of the Duan family, the only legitimate daughter of the previous patriarch, and the vice-president of the Wanqian Chamber of Commerce—worth hundreds of millions—stood upon the stage bathed in lamplight. Her bewitching purple eyes, like stars in a spring sky, shimmered with an air of unrestrained elegance and pleasure.
In the eyes of this crowd of most extravagant and noble men and women, her appearance on stage was little more than that of a lowly entertainer, there for them to admire, toy with, and enjoy. Yet, it was this very entertainer-like figure who held the role of host. It was much like an elegant banquet of high officials reciting poetry, where the crucial role of the "Registrar of the Rules" for drinking games was often assigned to the lowliest courtesan; or like the highest palanquin overlooking all of Beijing, which served as the grand procession for a top-ranked courtesan’s outing. To elevate the "plaything of playthings" to the highest position was both a gesture of aristocratic etiquette and a mark of aristocratic contempt.
I did not know if Duan Qimo, standing on high, would think of such things. Surrounded by glazed colored lamps inlaid with glittering gold and jewels, and with countless gazes of amusement, curiosity, expectation, and admiration falling upon her, she could easily brush aside such reflections. For these three days, she could simply be the deity holding the fates of the most noble men and women of the nation and the city in her hands.
As the ladies of the Music Bureau finished their piece, Duan Qimo bowed gracefully amidst the cheers and applause. She finally began her opening remarks, introducing herself and welcoming the guests from all quarters. A few witty remarks instantly heated the atmosphere. Duan Qimo then invited several young men and women with whom she was already on good terms to join her on stage for games of pitch-pot and riddle-solving, as well as impromptu poetry composition, drawing constant cheers from every floor of the building.
Even Lady Lanyue seemed somewhat seduced by her dashing, androgynous charm, her eyes fixed on the stage. She even forgot to stop me from looking at this "beauty of the same type as A-Qing." Of course, this was also because Xinhong had finished his duties at the entrance and was now serving nearby; she likely feared I would tattle on her.
Halfway through the banquet, the guests were mostly sated. According to custom, it was time for the talent showcase. With a casual wave of Duan Qimo’s sleeve, gasps of wonder erupted. Countless pieces of calligraphy, paintings, and embroideries suddenly descended from the ceiling like fluttering snowflakes, circling above the guests' heads like the wings of butterflies—tempting to catch, yet impossible to touch. This was achieved by grinding a precious material called "Floating Crystal" into powder and coating it onto jade-thin replicas. Floating Crystal was a government-controlled substance, essential for long-distance flying carriages and ships; some superior vessels were even constructed entirely from it. To crush such a massive amount of Floating Crystal solely for a single banquet of "wind, flowers, snow, and moon" not only showcased the Duan family’s immense wealth but also demonstrated their formidable influence—even controlled substances could be used at will. As for whether the source of the Floating Crystal was legal... there was no need to ask.
While the crowd was still chasing and playing with these jade slips, pointing and laughing at one another, Duan Qimo smiled and said, "In previous years, appreciating talent was merely a cursory glance. This time, I have a proposal: why not draw lots to have similar skills compete in pairs? The loser shall grant the winner one item, or one promise. What do you say?"
Hua Moli, having obtained my calligraphy, was naturally fearless. She wished for nothing more than such an opportunity, only regretting that Wen Xiang had married early and couldn't be suppressed by this means to deflate Sister-in-law Huang's arrogance. She was the first to stand and cheer. After all, many of these noble children possessed genuine skill, and many had their own rivals. They welcomed the spectacle, and the voice of approval soon became the majority.
Duan Qimo’s gaze constantly roamed the hall, never lingering for a moment. Yet, I understood perfectly that this proposal was aimed at Wen Jiang. Wen Jiang had not provided any ready-made embroidery or calligraphy this time; she was bound to perform on the zither. With her level of skill... the possibility of her winning against others was truly slim. If Duan Qimo placed herself in the pool and used some trickery to match them together, it would be effortless for her to personally force Wen Jiang to lose and make a public promise.
Sure enough, though Wen Jiang was still smiling and clapping along with the others, she finally cast a glance toward the stage. In that look was a flicker of something almost like resentment, yet also a sense of long-held expectation.
Seeing that the momentum was set, Duan Qimo smilingly invited Xue Yishan, Zhao Caibing, and Wu Yin of the Music Bureau to serve as judges for the musical skills. Calligraphy and painting would be judged by public consensus, with the final verdict delivered by Song Zhixian, known as the premier scholar of Pingjing. As for the embroidery, it would be critiqued by the elder ladies of Yun Alley. To deliberately show fairness, the drawing of lots did not pass through Duan Qimo’s hands. Instead, a "Tossing Order" game was played, and a guest was chosen to come on stage and draw. It turned out to be an acquaintance: Miss Zhou Sihui, Wen Xiang’s friend whom I had met at the Chunan Night Banquet.
Miss Zhou was a carefree soul who seemed to exist outside the mundane world. She neither loved nor disliked these idle pastimes; watching a play or attending a banquet was all the same to her—a casual amusement. She walked onto the stage with a beaming smile, receiving a mock-solemn, mischievous bow from Duan Qimo, who pleaded, "I beg of you, I truly beg of you." Miss Zhou returned the gesture playfully, drawing a great burst of laughter from the hall.
Duan Qimo signaled the attendants to bring forward the lot canisters. These, too, were extravagant and exquisite antiques, a rare set of three identical ones, each containing lots for calligraphy/painting, embroidery, and musical arts. Miss Zhou playfully closed her eyes and pressed her palms together, mimicking a devout seeker at a temple praying for a marriage fortune. Amidst the crowd's laughter, she drew the first pair of rivals for calligraphy and painting. It was the third young master of the Lu family (the Censorate Vice-President) and the seventh young lady of the Yao family (the West Capital Transport Commissioner). One presented three pages of a flower-and-butterfly sketch album, while the other presented an eight-foot scroll of "Spring Snow on the Eastern Mountains." Their skill level far exceeded my expectations.
As the crowd discussed the works, Song Zhixian smiled and said, "Brother Lu’s coloring is fresh and elegant, and the spirit is lifelike; it is surely a top-grade work. Alas, he has met Lady Yao. Her 'Spring Snow' is stern and noble, possessing a magnificent aura that should be ranked as a celestial grade. Brother Lu must concede this round."
The two stood up from their distant seats and exchanged humble pleasantries and a toast. The atmosphere was friendly, and when their eyes met, there was a genuine sense of mutual appreciation. Perhaps something might actually come of it!
With such an elegant and warm start, the atmosphere in the hall grew even more fervent, everyone admiring Duan Qimo’s creative touch. Miss Zhou drew two more pairs: one for embroidery, a duel between two ladies; and one for music, featuring a man playing the zither and a woman singing. Both were standard but pleasing to the eye and ear. The excitement arrived soon after. Just as Zhou Sihui drew an embroidery lot and read the name, the lady in question stood up immediately and said heatedly, "Sister Zhou, don't be in such a hurry to draw. May I be allowed to issue a direct challenge?"
The crowd erupted. Duan Qimo, with a smile on her lips, naturally did not refuse. The lady gave a huff of a laugh, turned around with her hands on her hips, and said, "Zhou Jihong, do you dare compete with me?" Hearing the name Zhou Sihui had read earlier, I realized she was called He Huan. Looking closer, it clicked: was she not the younger sister of He Rao, Wen the Sixth's wife? Indeed, she was dressed in her favorite Thunder-Satin velvet...
The one called Zhou Jihong was the daughter of the Vice Minister of Works, her family rank roughly equal to the He family. Hearing the challenge, she stood up with a contemptuous smile. "I wasn't looking for trouble, but trouble has come knocking. Let’s compete! Whoever loses shall not return to their quarters during these three days of banquets; they shall sleep right here in the courtyard amidst the ice and snow!"
"Fine, it’s a deal!" He Huan said boldly. "Bring my embroidery!"
Except for a few close friends who were worried about them losing, everyone else was happy to watch the drama unfold. Thunderous applause and shouting filled the air. He Huan’s embroidery was a classic example of Yue Embroidery, a perfect replica of Emperor Huizong’s flower-and-bird album. It truly gave the impression of brushstrokes on silk, especially the inscriptions embroidered with black silk thread, which looked no different from real calligraphy. The crowd was already struck with awe, but to everyone's surprise, Zhou Jihong’s piece was a Kesi (cut silk) work, replicating Su Shi’s "Withered Pine"! Though it was only a corner of the painting, the selection was exquisite. Furthermore, a piece of Kesi less than a foot long would take at least six months to complete, showing immense dedication.
I truly knew too little of boudoir embroidery to judge their quality, but both works were so exceptionally good that, thinking back to the "masterpieces" Wen Jiang and Hua Moli had submitted, I began to doubt if these were actually embroidered by the ladies themselves...
Generally, the pressure is greater on the challenger. He Huan’s face showed some unease, though she still glared pridefully at Zhou Jihong, who remained calm and stood with a smile. Finally, the judges from Yun Alley reached a decision. Their leader, Shao Guanguan, rose gracefully and pointed lightly at He Huan’s work. "This bird feather is a fraction of an inch longer than the original, and the angle is slightly off. The ink color of the inscription is too heavy, and this stroke should be broken but is connected—quite incorrect." Regarding Zhou Jihong’s: "About five pine needles are drooping too much, losing their vigor and appearing unsightly." After pointing out the five spots, she covered her mouth with her sleeve and said coolly, "If you do not believe me, you are welcome to bring the original for comparison."
Gasps of admiration rose from all sides. Neither He nor Zhou raised any objection. Duan Qimo cupped her hands toward Shao Guanguan and smiled. "In your opinion, Mistress, how should this round be decided?"
Shao Guanguan was a cold and serious beauty. She smiled faintly. "Let them both sleep in the courtyard."
This was actually a sarcastic remark, meaning neither was superior and neither needed to sleep in the snow. Unexpectedly, amidst the roaring crowd, the two protagonists glared at each other, huffed, and left their seats to pack their bedding. They were actually going to sleep in the snow together... wasn't that rather romantic in its own way?
But the two had certainly set a precedent. Soon, drawing lots wasn't strictly necessary. Several pairs of rivals slammed their tables and rose, seizing the opportunity to settle personal grudges. For a time, the stage became a battlefield. Zhou Sihui and Duan Qimo stood to the side, letting everyone express themselves freely. The challenges weren't always between the same gender; many were between men and women over grievances of the heart, trying to force a promise of marriage or a vow to never again see a loathed romantic rival. During this time, Li Zizhuo was drawn for a music duel, but despite repeated calls, he was nowhere to be found. I chuckled inwardly—where else could he be? In his own words, he had performed the "Escape of the Duke of Pei"!
Seeing that it was nearing the second watch (10 PM), I wondered if Duan Qimo would miss the chance to trouble Wen Jiang. She then smiled and pressed her palms down to calm two young masters whose competitive spirits were soaring. She politely asked them to step down and spoke: "The night is deep. Let the personal grudges end here for today; there are still two full days to settle scores. Why the rush? Shall we draw one last lot?"
Zhou Sihui nodded. "There were many competitions for calligraphy, painting, and embroidery just now, but few for music. Let’s add one more for musical skill." The way Miss Zhou followed the cue made me suspect she was Duan Qimo’s shill...
Whether she was a shill or not, Miss Zhou picked up a lot and flipped it over: "Wen Jiang, eighth legitimate grandchild of Wen Ying, Chancellor and Grand Scholar of the Jixian Hall."
Cheers shook the heavens. Wen Jiang gave a playful, bashful look, hiding her face as her friends pushed her to her feet. I thought to myself that surely Duan Qimo’s taste wasn't so wicked as to pit "Red Wen" against "Emerald Zhang" (Zhang Zhuyi). Zhou Sihui had already drawn the second lot: "Zhang Xifei, twelfth legitimate grandchild of Zhang Xunyuan, Chancellor and Overseer of National History."
When she read the first half, I was speechless at Duan Qimo. Fortunately, while both were daughters of Chancellors—one of the Jixian Hall and one of National History—Zhang Zhuyi’s father was the Grand Scholar of the Zhaowen Institute, the head of the three Chancellors. The crowd clearly shared my thoughts, but they were disappointed not to see Zhang Zhuyi take the stage, letting out frustrated boos.
Under such circumstances, Zhang Xifei, also a daughter of a Chancellor’s house, inevitably felt a bit slighted. However, she proved herself a true daughter of a high noble house. Though her looks were plain, her aura was incredibly elegant and composed. She walked onto the stage with unhurried grace, calmly calling for her maid to bring her zither and light incense as she prepared to wash her hands.
Only then did Wen Jiang start toward the stage. Along the way, this young master would tug her sleeve, and that young lady would trip her skirt. She responded with shallow smiles and light rebukes, flirting and playing her way through a journey that took quite a while. When she finally reached the stage, Duan Qimo, who had been restraining herself all night, watched her. Her gaze seemed gentle, but it flickered with an uncontrollable, intense desire for destruction. Her smile held a trace of ruthlessness as she stared at Wen Jiang without blinking.
Wen Jiang, however, fixed her eyes on her and bloomed into a radiant smile. In the interval while the maid was lighting the incense and setting the zither, she spoke softly to her: "This newly purchased zither of mine has tuning pegs that are too tight. It is difficult to adjust, and I simply cannot turn them. I wonder if Miss Duan would be willing... to tune the zither with me?"
***
**Glossary**
Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation
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万骞商会 | Wanqian Chamber of Commerce | A wealthy merchant guild.
浮晶 | Floating Crystal | A rare, controlled material used for levitation/flight.
投壶 | Pitch-pot | A traditional game of throwing arrows into a wine jar.
射覆 | Shefu | A game of guessing hidden objects or solving riddles.
即席联诗 | Impromptu poetry composition | A social game of composing linked verses on the spot.
抛打令 | Tossing Order | A drinking game/selection method involving passing or tossing an object.
宋知闲 | Song Zhixian | A character noted as the premier scholar of Pingjing.
芸巷 | Yun Alley | Likely a district or guild known for high-quality embroidery/crafts.
缂丝 | Kesi | A fine "cut silk" tapestry weaving technique.
琴轸 | Zither tuning pegs | The pegs used to adjust the tension of zither strings.
调琴 | Tuning the zither | Literally adjusting the instrument, but often used as a romantic/flirtatious double entendre.
同中书门下平章事 | Chancellor | A high-ranking government official (Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi).
集贤殿大学士 | Grand Scholar of the Jixian Hall | A prestigious academic and political title.
监修国史 | Overseer of National History | A high-ranking official title.
章夕霏 | Zhang Xifei | A noble lady from the Zhang family, Wen Jiang's competitor.
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