DDR 62

Chapter 62: Vying for beauty and attention

So this week I got super into the C-drama Under the Power. But uh, here’s chapter 62? Eheh.

---

“Huilan, you also know that I don’t have any strengths. Won’t this just make me lose face?” At any rate, Shen Jingshu was not afraid of losing face in front of her good friends. She opened her hands and looked at Huilan, but the other party just rolled her eyes.

“That’s enough, you!” If she thought Shen Jingshu was just an innocent and silly treasured little miss before, she would not be puzzled by the other party’s surface appearance after being in contact with her over the course of this year.

“Hei hei,[1] all right, Huilan, I will cheer for you, you should just go!” Anyway, Shen Jingshu felt she’d die before she’d participate. She was just responsible for watching the fun.

“That’s right. Huilan, the Hundred Flowers Festival is so lively, if none of the three of us will participate, how could that be good? Just go! How about I cheer for you with Jingshu?”

“Xinhe, Jingshu isn’t going because she’s still young, but you are not too young, why don’t you go?” Although Kong Xinhe looked weak because of her health, and looked younger than her actual age, but she was also older than Shen Jingshu. This year she would be 13.[2] In fact, it was also possible for her to go.

“I should forget about it. Look at me. Others treat me like a child. Not to mention the situation in my family. You don’t know, ai…” She sighed. Kong Xinhe was already engaged. The other party was also from a merchant family, and a long time family friend to the Kong family. It was just that Kong Xinhe didn’t like him.

“Xinhe, are you resigning yourself to your fate like this? How is that guy worthy of you?” Thinking of Kong Xinhe’s fiancé, Yang Huilan couldn’t be happy. He was a typical white silk pants.[3] Now he was only fifteen years old, and was known for going wining, dining, whoring, and gambling. His reputation was absolutely terrible! Unfortunately, he was the only son of the family, and his family was more prominent and wealthier than the Kong family. If one thought about it, Kong Xinhe would be the one marrying up, but that person was really a bit…

Whenever Yang Huilan thought of Kong Xinhe’s engagement, she wished she could tear apart Kong Xinhe’s marriage agreement with that person! Otherwise, in accordance with Kong Xinhe’s temperament, after she married, rather than being infuriated, she would become depressed and unhappy!

“How can I resist my parents’ commands or the matchmaker’s words? What’s more, the two families are long-time friends and have many business dealings with each other. How can I think of retreating from this marriage?” Furthermore, what Kong Xinhe did not say, was that her family’s business depended a lot on her fiancé’s family. The two families were also brought close because of this in-law relationship. In the business world, connecting families through marriage was also normal. The people of the Kong family would not pursue their daughter’s happiness at the expense of family property. What’s more, after marriage, she would be the young madam of the house, and in the future would be the one running the household. From her parents’ perspective, there was nothing wrong with this. And though the other party was a little fickle and not very accomplished, that was just a common failing amongst men. In any case, it would not threaten her status of mistress of the house. Why would they mind about this?

It may be assumed that Kong Xinhe often felt exhausted both physically and mentally, and at night could only shed tears alone, but who could help her? Apart from this path, could she have any other options?

“Xinhe, don’t be sad! You are still young, there will be a way!” Yang Huilan wanted to help, but in the end she was an outsider, not to mention that this involved the arranged betrothal of children that had been agreed upon early on. The two families had been friends for many years and had a lot of business dealings with one another. They were too interrelated. How could one withdraw from this marriage?

Although she understood, Yang Huilan still felt sorry for her friend. She felt that a woman like Kong Xinhe should not be married to such a man. It was really wronging Xinhe.

“Okay, I’m not sad. This matter has already been decided long ago, and I have also accepted this reality long ago, so ah, don’t make me go.” Smiling, Kong Xinhe tried hard to cover up her emotions, but it could still be seen that her mood wasn’t good.

That’s right, no matter who the woman was, one is afraid they wouldn’t want to marry someone with such a reputation.

Kong Xinhe’s fiancé was surnamed Zhang. She had seen him before, when she was very small and ignorant. How could a person like Kong Xinhe be able to handle such a person in the future?

Shen Jingshu sighed to herself. In her past life, she never crossed paths with Kong Xinhe. In addition, she’d gone to the capital after her parents passed away. She didn’t know of Kong Xinhe’s life after marriage. However, at the present time it seemed that this gentleman Zhang was unqualified.

What should she do? Resolve this problem and avert Xinhe’s misfortune?

Shen Jingshu had no way to do it for the time being. The business world was intricate and complex. Did not those in officialdom also use connections through marriage to guarantee benefits to one another? For the same reasons, although these girls from wealthy families appeared to be well-off on the surface, but who knows how much they would have to sacrifice in the future? Fortunately, she had a pair of parents who dearly loved her, so Shen Jingshu didn’t have to worry about these things, and inevitably felt somewhat comforted. Looking at the sadness in Kong Xinhe’s eyes, Shen Jingshu was made a firm determination to help her.

If when the time came, Xinhe really didn’t want to marry, she would help her wholeheartedly! Otherwise, Xinhe would be too sad!

“Xinhe, you can’t say that. Although you’re engaged, that doesn’t prevent you from showing yourself. Go, go, this time you should accompany Huilan, and I will cheer you both on, ok?” If Kong Xinhe would not be with gentleman Zhang in the future, then today Kong Xinhe should make the most of her opportunity. There were many talents in Jiangnan, but the outstanding ones should be searched for carefully. Shen Jingshu didn’t know how much determination Kong Xinhe had. Naturally, she wouldn’t urge Kong Xinhe to make a decision rashly, so this matter had to be taken slowly.

“That’s right, Xinhe, do you have the heart to let me go on stage alone and be bullied by Qi Xueyan and the others?” If Yang Huilan signed up this time, Qi Xueyan would definitely overshadow her accomplishments. Although Yang Huilan was not afraid, it would also be good if she was accompanied by someone.

“This…” In fact, Kong Xinhe also wanted to go as there were not many opportunities to show herself. The Hundred Flowers Festival was just such a hard to come by chance. On this day, there were many things one could do without worries. Kong Xinhe was used to restraining herself, so naturally she also wanted to relax.

“Good, then it’s decided. Xinhe, you’re not allowed to go back on your promise!” After noticing Kong Xinhe’s hesitation and interest, Yang Huilan made the decision, then turned to look at Shen Jingshu. Neither of them wanted Kong Xinhe to be shut indoors and depressed, so this was an opportunity!

“Okay, I will participate. But Jingshu, since Huilan and I are participating, are you still going to refuse?” Smiling, Kong Xinhe saw that Shen Jingshu was dragging her into the water, but of course, she would not let Shen Jingshu slip away.

Shen Jingshu looked at Kong Xinhe’s smiling face and suddenly understood the meaning of “digging your own grave.” “You guys can just ignore me!”

“Out of the question. The three of us will go together. If we both go, then won’t it be ridiculous if you don’t go? What do you say, Huilan?”

“Exactly. Jingshu, participating is important. Although you are still young, but what was your reputation like before, don’t you know? Do you want those people to continue to look down on you?” What Yang Huilan said was not unreasonable. The former Shen Jingshu was mischievous and sometimes comparatively arrogant and willful. Her reputation really wasn’t good. This time the Hundred Flowers Festival was also an opportunity for her!

“Jingshu, in short, are you going?” Attacked from both sides, Shen Jingshu was finally defeated and agreed to go. Yang Huilan and Kong Xinhe suddenly pulled Shen Jingshu along, and the girls laughed happily.

No matter what the outcome was this time, when they looked back many years in the future, they would certainly remember this beautiful memory!

* * * *

Originally, Shen Jingshu was not going to participate in the Hundred Flowers Festival, but she was unable to bear the two-pronged attack of Yang Huilan and Kong Xinhe, resulting in her finally agreeing. After she’d agreed, Yang Huilan and Kong Xinhe were happy, but Shen Jingshu was distressed.

If she really went, she couldn’t allow herself to lose too much face, right? Previously, her reputation was indeed bad. Straightening out her reputation this time would also be good. But she didn’t want to push herself out into the limelight too much. What should she do?

Shen Jingshu thought for several days about how to participate in the Hundred Flowers Festival to get the best result. To her surprise, Qi Xueyan learned that she was going to participate in the Hundred Flowers Festival, and she immediately came to ask, “Jingshu, I heard that you are also participating in the Hundred Flowers Festival this time. Is it true?”

Qi Xueyan’s reputation had always been very good, but after all she was very young and so hadn’t participated before. However, she had been working hard. This past year, she had been studying hard and therefore had a lot of confidence. She really wanted to make everyone remember her at this festival. Naturally, she had prepared enough! However, before she had heard that Shen Jingshu wouldn’t be going, so she had felt at ease. At this time though, Shen Jingshu changed her mind. She didn’t understand what had happened. She was suddenly a little uneasy, so when she heard the news, she came to ask Shen Jingshu.

“That’s right. What’s wrong?” Qi Xueyan looked at her so critically that Shen Jingshu was dumbfounded. Whether she would participate or not, could it be she needed Qi Xueyan’s permission?

“Didn’t you say before that you won’t participate? Why did you suddenly change your mind?” Although she looked down on Shen Jingshu, Qi Xueyan felt that Shen Jingshu was a threat to her. One has to say that Qi Xueyan’s intuition was very accurate!

“I didn’t plan to participate originally, but Huilan and Xinhe are going. They asked me to go, so I’m going to check it out.”

“Jingshu, the Hundred Flowers Festival is not a joke. You aren’t able to do anything. When the time comes, won’t you lose face?” She thought to use this excuse to attack Shen Jingshu and make Shen Jingshu back out, but Shen Jingshu seemed not to care, and shrugged her shoulders. “I’m really not capable of much, so isn’t it okay to take the opportunity to join in the fun? Xueyan, could it be you don’t want me to take part?”

“No, of course not, I’m so happy you’re participating!” Looking at Shen Jingshu’s clear eyes, everything seemed to be marked in her eyes. In Qi Xueyan’s expression suddenly appeared some evasion. She had spoken insincerely, and those with discerning eyes would know her sentiments were false. Nevertheless, Shen Jingshu looked as though she had no suspicions. “Hehe, that’s good then. I thought you didn’t like me participating!”

“No such thing. Jingshu, how could I think that way? You’re thinking too much.”

“Hehe, that’s true. Xueyan, you’re my good friend. How could you wish me ill? You must just be worried about me, right?”

“En, that’s right. Of course that’s it!”

“Rest assured, I’m just going to join in the fun. In any case, it’s all right as long as I don’t take last place, right?”

“That’s impossible. Jingshu, I believe in you!”

Shen Jingshu ah, Shen Jingshu, since you are going, then don’t you regret it! I want you to regret making this decision today. When the time comes, you should wait to lose face. Let’s see how arrogant you will be after that?

* * * *

The next day, everyone was busy preparing for the Hundred Flowers Festival. Master Hui increased the courses for everyone in order to coordinate with the festival. After all, there were many people who attended the academy. If they were to rank well, then the reputation of the academy would also be excellent. Of course, Master Hui naturally prepared wholeheartedly, and was even more attentive to teaching the children. There were some people she even gave personal guidance to. Of course, she wanted to borrow this opportunity to make everyone more aware of her academy. At that time, more and more people would come here to study, and she’d be one step closer to her dreams!

Shen Jingshu had also been studying in earnest these days, and there were many events at the Hundred Flowers Festival from which to choose. For beauty, one had to choose three. Shen Jingshu simply chose painting, calligraphy, and poetry. For this reason, Shen Jingshu was still distressed for a while. Her skills in the feminine arts were too embarrassing to show, so she certainly wouldn’t choose them. She also did not like dancing. Although she was able, it was also not presentable. Therefore she chose the three she did. In any case, she didn’t want to be in first place, she just wanted to rectify her reputation and not let people say she was useless again.

Decided, Shen Jingshu also energetically prepared. Shen Wenhua and Dan Yuerong saw their daughter working to improve herself, and naturally supported her efforts. “Shu’er, Daddy is going to give you a gift, ok?”

“What gift?”

“This is Daddy’s collection of writing brushes. You selected it once. There are many places to use brushes. Is this one good? It really suits you.” This brush’s size was very suitable. It was made of precious weasel hair, and the shaft was made of white jade.[4] When Shen Jingshu saw it, she liked it right away. “Thank you, Daddy!”

“I want to cheer you on. Shu’er, when the time comes, Daddy will go and support you!” This gift was very precious, and it represented Shen Wenhua’s kind intentions. Of course Shen Jingshu liked it!

“Okay, Daddy!”

Having received Shen Wenhua’s gift, Dan Yuerong did not fall behind. “Shu’er, although you have read many poetry collections, you are still young, and you don’t have enough experience. Mom has many excerpts from anthologies here, and I’ve made some annotations along with it. This has compositions by many famous masters. Have a look!” Although Dan Yuerong copied it by herself, many of them were the only existing copy. Dan Yuerong also added many of her own comments. It must be said that it was very helpful to Shen Jingshu.

Shen Jingshu saw her parents’ gifts and was very touched, “Mom, thank you!”

“Silly child, this is what Mom should do. I have many books like this. They were originally intended for you, but you were not interested before. Later if you want to look at them, you can just go to the study and get them.”

“Hehe, Mom, you and Daddy are the best!” Shen Jingshu hugged her mother. Shen Jingshu felt very blessed to have been born into such a family!

Her parents were open-minded and loved her so much. Even if she had to give it her all, she would protect them. She would not hesitate to even give her life!

“Okay, work hard. I and your dad will go together to watch you!”

“Okay!” With the support of her parents, of course Shen Jingshu became even more industrious. Originally she was going to go in order to eliminate her poor reputation, but after seeing her parents’ expressions of anticipation, Shen Jingshu decided to try her best!

She was the eldest official daughter of the Shen family. Her father had passed the three levels of imperial examinations. Dan Yuerong was the eldest official daughter of Scholar Dan.[5] How could she let others belittle her?

* * * *

As Shen Jingshu prepared, the Hundred Flowers Festival finally arrived. On this day, every woman participating was wearing a new dress, wanting to display their most beautiful sides for everyone to see!

On this day, although it cannot be said that Shen Jingshu dressed solemnly, she was dressed in a fresh and natural manner. She was still very young and looked good, so from the start she didn’t need to dress herself up too much, lest she try to be too clever and end up with egg on her face.

The very simple pink and green dress with a layer of light gauze gave her a bit of an ethereal atmosphere. She was born cute and clever. Now in this attire, she resembled a little fairy, standing there peacefully and serenely. One after another, those who saw her began commenting, which family’s daughter is she, who looks just like a fairy? It pleased the eyes of those looking.

“Jingshu, you are so pretty today!” Although Shen Jingshu didn’t dress up much today, but her foundation was good and she came out with a good temperament. In addition to the beautiful pearl in her hair, she was really pretty. Even Yang Huilan and Kong Xinhe, who often saw Shen Jingshu, were a little surprised.

“Both of you are also very beautiful, I am afraid that you’ll cause thousands to become infatuated!” Yang Huilan and Kong Xinhe were both very good-looking, but Yang Huilan was more elegant, while Kong Xinhe was more gentle, which was also in line with their personalities.

“Okay, let’s become the crowd’s sweethearts today!”[6] Yang Huilan was not polite, but she had just said this, when there was a commotion in the crowd. Looking at the source, wasn’t it Qi Xueyan?

Today’s Qi Xueyan seemed to have spent an arm and a leg dressing up, and was very eye-catching. Her brand new dress made of thin pink silk matched the scenery. It was really beautiful. Her hair ornaments were elaborate, and her hair was combed up into a nice looking flowing cloud bun.[7] On her head, the cornelian[8] head ornament was noble and elegant, it was truly stunning!

Qi Xueyan was already beautiful, so dressed up like this, nothing more beautiful could be imagined. Shen Jingshu and others looked at her, and had to admire Qi Xueyan’s beauty. Especially Shen Jingshu, who had always known the beauty of Qi Xueyan, else she’d have no capital,[9] but when she saw Qi Xueyan at this time, Shen Jingshu knew that Qi Xueyan’s beauty was indeed like the red spider lily, it was easy to lose oneself in her beauty!

It is said that beauty is poisonous, so one fears Qi Xueyan was such a person?

“This Qi Xueyan, she’s really showing off today!” Yang Huilan looked at Qi Xueyan’s haughty appearance and really felt unwell, “However, she had to dress up to look good, and isn’t as beautiful as your refined and elegant style!” Truly, Qi Xueyan was beautiful, but she was too stunning and it would make people visually fatigued. Whereas Jingshu, with her down-to-earth personality was unforgettable after merely a glance.

“All right, don’t praise me, I can’t compare to her!” In terms of beauty, Shen Jingshu didn’t believe she would lose. Qi Xueyan was very good looking, but in a very different way from herself.

“I’m not exaggerating, I’m stating facts!” Yang Huilan beamed. Anyway, she couldn’t stand Qi Xueyan. Today, Qi Xueyan was so flamboyant, wanting to suppress their attention. Yang Huilan naturally wouldn’t give up.

“You, ah!” She looked at Yang Huilan helplessly. She knew that Yang Huilan was quibbling with Qi Xueyan again, so she said nothing. Yang Huilan saw Shen Jingshu like this, and knew that Shen Jingshu did not plan to compare strengths with Qi Xueyan at this time, but she could not help grumbling, “Anyway Jingshu, don’t blame me for not reminding you. While you don’t plan to push yourself forward into the spotlight today, others do. When others defeat you and make you miserable, don’t come crying to me!”

“Huilan, what are you saying?” Qi Xueyan was targeting her, and she knew it. She also knew that Qi Xueyan would definitely find a way to put Shen Jingshu in an awkward situation. But she would be careful.

In any case, in this life, she had lived more than ten years longer than Qi Xueyan. Could it be she couldn’t be compared to a child? Qi Xueyan was clever, but before she became successful, she must thoroughly defeat her at this time, so as not to give Qi Xueyan the chance to hurt her!

“I’m not mistaken, look, come here!” She motioned Shen Jingshu to look over. Sure enough, she saw Qi Xueyan coming over, with an impeccable smile on her face. Shen Jingshu thought it looked a little fake, but nevertheless returned a smile.

When Qi Xueyan saw her smile, she stared blankly, but soon came over, “Jingshu, you all came?”

“Yes, we arrived a little before you!”

“I prepared more to go out, which naturally took longer. But Jingshu, today is an important day. Why didn’t you dress up at all?”

“I said I was just coming to join in the fun. What’s the point in dressing up so exquisitely?”

“That’s also true. Like this is good too. Jingshu, I hope you have a good day today!” As she spoke, Qi Xueyan’s eyes were looking all around. She seemed to be looking for something, but didn’t seem to find it, and she finally withdrew her gaze and said goodbye to Shen Jingshu. Then she went to find her place.

“Today I can at last see her clearly. Looking at that haughty appearance really makes me feel ill. Jingshu, you can’t let her defeat you. Stomp on her so she can’t lift her head, and then let’s see if she can still bring out this attitude!” Yang Huilan was angry. Qi Xueyan came over deliberately today just to let everyone see the contrast between them. She believed she wasn’t as beautiful as Qi Xueyan, but she wasn’t afraid.

What use was looking good? It was real abilities that were most useful!

“All right, don’t be angry. Let’s go, let’s first go sit, and later we will draw lots!”

“En!” The girls found their places and sat down. Shen Jingshu found that Qi Xueyan was still looking for something, and her eyes were a little anxious with a little bit of eagerness. Shen Jingshu didn’t quite understand what Qi Xueyan cared about so much.

But very quickly, something flashed through her mind, just that it was too fast for Shen Jingshu to catch it. She could only secretly observe Qi Xueyan to see who Qi Xueyan was looking for!

Very soon, Shen Jingshu had the answer. There was movement in the crowd again, and Yang Huilan who was on the side, spoke again, “Duan Wang shizi really came. I heard that this time Duan Wang shizi was invited. It turned out to be true!” Yang Huilan looked as though it was just as she expected, and Shen Jingshu suddenly understood who Qi Xueyan was looking for just now. “Why did Duan Wang shizi come?” In such a situation, when considering Duan Wang shizi‘s age, Shen Jingshu could only make a guess.

But, was it possible?

“Duan Wang shizi has always been in Jiangnan, and this time the Hundred Flowers Festival is so important. My father naturally invited him. I originally thought that Duan Wang shizi would not come, but he did come. Since I wasn’t sure, I did not inform you all in advance.”

 “So it turns out to be like this!” She nodded. As expected, Qi Xueyan’s eyes were almost sticking to Duan Wang shizi. Shen Jingshu smiled, and Yang Huilan looked at her, puzzled, “What are you smiling about?”

“It’s nothing. Just that there will a good show today.” She was still curious, but it was only a Hundred Flowers Festival. What was Qi Xueyan battling for? Did she want to show off in front of that person, leaving him with a deep impression, and think she would marry into a rich and powerful family in the future?

However, this was just wishful thinking. With Duan Wang shizi’s identity, she would just be a social climber. Not to mention Qi Xueyan, Master Qi was also a useless person. Duan Wang shizi didn’t need these kinds of in-laws!

Yang Huilan looked at Shen Jingshu’s smile and rubbed her own arms. She was really unsettled. “Jingshu, Why does your smile make my hair stand on end? Also, what is the good show you’re talking about? Tell us about it!”

“Won’t today be a good show? So many people are here, it’s sure to be very exciting!” Everyone wanted to obtain a good reputation. At this time, Duan Wang shizi was here, so they would certainly do their best. Coming here himself like this, it was really…

She didn’t want to have anything to do with that person, rather, today she wanted…

Ai, was this fate?

She smiled helplessly. Because they were separated by a long distance, though Shen Jingshu wanted to see Duan Wang shizi, she couldn’t see him clearly. She didn’t know if it was her illusion, but Duan Wang shizi seemed thinner and paler than usual.

That day, was it him?

There was some worry in her eyes. Shen Jingshu still couldn’t be unconcerned, but she and Duan Wang shizi were not related in any way. She could not take the initiative to ask, so she could only place this worry in her heart and seriously prepare for the competition.

* * * *

“Jingshu, have you already decided to choose painting, calligraphy and poetry? Do you want to change it?” Yang Huilan had no doubts about Shen Jingshu’s talents, but what Shen Jingshu could actually do, in fact, she really didn’t know. After all, at school, Shen Jingshu learned a little bit, and although the school had added more courses this semester, the amount of time spent learning was still very short!

“En, I can handle these three things, so I won’t lose too much face.” Comparing abilities, she was certainly no better than those present, so she could only use cheap tricks.

“Don’t worry, Jingshu, you can do it!” The encouragement from her friends warmed Shen Jingshu’s heart. “You two also have to work hard. Don’t let yourselves be defeated!”

“Rest assured!” Smiling, although the three of them did not attach importance to false reputations, but sometimes it was still needed. Today they came to watch a show, but they were also all people involved in the show.

* * * *

The annual Hundred Flowers Festival had begun again. This side of Jiangnan was very lively and many people came. Among them, the ones from Master Hui’s academy numbered the most. One after another, everyone drew lots. Shen Jingshu drew number five, Yang Huilan drew number eight, and Kong Xinhe drew number fifteen.

“The two of you drew pretty well. I’m near the end.” Kong Xinhe looked at her stick, but she didn’t feel anything. Anyway, she was already engaged. Gaining a good reputation sounded good, but some conclusions are already foreordained. She had already let go.

“No matter, It’s good if we just do our best.”

“I wonder which number Qi Xueyan drew?” Seeing Qi Xueyan’s smiling expression, Yang Huilan was really curious.

---

Translator’s Notes

[1] My dictionary says that hei hei is “mischievous laughter.”

[2] So it turns out Kong Xinhe is the oldest child character?! This is the year she’s turning 13, though it’s not clear whether her birthday has already passed.

[3] A white silk pants = son of a rich family; a dandy; a fop; a pretentious little ass.

[4] Brushes made of weasel hair are apparently elastic and especially suitable for painting.

[5] Daru is a word for a great scholar, but it is possible that this is his name…

[6] The word 万人迷 literally means bewitching thousands of people, and it’s used like “heartthrob” or “lady-killer” but here they’re girls, so like, the female version of that?

[7] Wow there are so many hairstyles. It should look something like this?

[8] I wasn’t familiar with this gemstone. It is orange or red-orange in color.

[9] I think Jingshu is saying Qi Xueyan’s only good point is her looks.