Chapter 33: A Gathering of Scholars, Unrivaled Among Their Peers

Chapter 33: Gathering of Scholars, Unparalleled Brilliance

Lin Shiya changed into a simple, elegant azure robe, binding her long hair to conceal her identity as a woman. Pushing open the door, she strode with purpose toward the gathering of literati—held at “Listening Rain Pavilion” on the outskirts of the city.

As its name suggested, Listening Rain Pavilion was a refined courtyard. Inside, artificial hills and flowing streams wound among pavilions and towers, bamboo casting shifting shadows, the tranquil setting holding an air beloved by scholars and poets.

Today, the pavilion was livelier than ever. Scholars and men of letters filled the courtyard, laughing, conversing, composing poetry, and exchanging witticisms. Lin Shiya’s arrival stirred a commotion. All eyes turned to the newly appointed top scholar, their gazes a mixture of curiosity, respect, and envy.

She felt the weight of their attention and a flicker of nervousness, but quickly composed herself, greeting them with a serene smile. She knew this gathering was not merely a meeting of minds, but also a chance to seek clues about her family’s unjust case.

Moving slowly through the courtyard, Lin Shiya scanned the crowd for a familiar face. At that moment, a shrill voice shattered the peace.

“Well, isn’t this our top scholar Lin? What brings you here to indulge in such refined pursuits?”

Following the voice, Lin Shiya saw the Speaker—arms crossed, eyes disdainful, standing nearby with a mocking expression fixed upon her. The surrounding scholars, hearing the challenge, looked on with anticipation. The Speaker was a famed woman of letters in the capital, proud of her own vast learning, and had always been jealous of Lin Shiya’s recent success. In previous gatherings, she had tried in every way to belittle Lin Shiya and damage her reputation.

But Lin Shiya was undisturbed by the provocation. Her lips curved in a faint, composed smile.

“It’s been a while, Speaker,” Lin Shiya replied calmly, as if the taunt had not touched her in the slightest.

The Speaker grew even more displeased at Lin Shiya’s composure. She snorted coldly. “Don’t think winning the top scholar’s prize makes you so remarkable. The world of the literati isn’t something for those who merely recite books by rote.”

Lin Shiya’s smile did not fade. She chose not to argue, responding mildly, “That’s not quite right. Reading and creating are inseparable. Without a deep foundation of learning, how could one write truly great works?”

The Speaker was silenced by Lin Shiya’s words, momentarily at a loss for a retort. She glared furiously. “Fine! Since you say that, let’s have a contest and see who the real woman of talent is!”

Hardly had her words fallen when a man approached—the leader of the capital’s scholars, Scholar Su. Stroking his beard, he looked at Lin Shiya. “Since the Speaker wishes to compare abilities, what do you say, Top Scholar Lin?” he asked.

Lin Shiya smiled, her gaze unwavering. “Why not?”

Seeing her accept the challenge, Scholar Su stroked his beard. “Very well, then allow me to set the topic.”

The Speaker snorted again, secretly triumphant. She had been preparing a difficult question for just such an opportunity, eager to see Lin Shiya humiliated.

The surrounding scholars fell silent, eager for the contest of talent to begin.

Scholar Su cleared his throat. “The topic is ‘Autumn.’ Compose a poem.”

Autumn had always been a favorite theme among poets, but precisely for that reason, it was not easy to find fresh inspiration or create a masterpiece.

The Speaker, confident in her own abilities, had long prepared an ode to autumn, hoping today would be her chance to shine. She cast Lin Shiya a provocative, self-assured glance.

Lin Shiya, unruffled, paused to reflect, then recited:

“The golden wind stirs, wutong leaves fall,
A single leaf drifts, painting the blue sky.
Osmanthus fragrance carries for a thousand miles,
Chrysanthemums bloom proud against the frost.
Wild geese return beneath a hazy moon,
Cicadas cry with a mournful, heartrending sound.
Autumn waters and endless sky merge as one,
Sunset and lonely wild ducks blend together.”

Her voice was clear and melodious, the verses elegant and fluid, the imagery vivid, capturing autumn’s essence while weaving in a subtle thread of wistful longing. All fell silent, entranced by the poem’s beauty.

The Speaker’s confident smile froze, her face blanching. The poem she had so carefully prepared paled in comparison, utterly eclipsed.

A flash of admiration appeared in Scholar Su’s eyes. He applauded in delight. “Marvelous! Marvelous! Top Scholar Lin’s poem is profound and evocative—a true masterpiece!”

The other scholars echoed his praise, their admiration unceasing.

The Speaker’s face darkened. “It’s just poetry and wordplay—hardly a real test of skill!”

Scholar Su glanced at her, about to respond, but Lin Shiya smiled and spoke first. “The Speaker is right—poetry is but a minor art. Scholar Su, why not set another question to test my knowledge?”

Scholar Su stroked his beard, pondering for a moment. “Very well, let me ask you this: Do you know the meaning of ‘The people are most precious, the state comes next, the ruler is least important’?”

Lin Shiya remained calm, her eyes bright as she gazed around the crowd before speaking. “‘The Mencius’ says, ‘The people are most precious, the state comes next, the ruler is least important.’ These are the words of the sages, expressing the foundation of governance. The people are the root of the nation; only when they are at peace can a country flourish. ‘The state comes next’—it is the symbol of the nation, second only to the people. ‘The ruler is least important’ does not mean the ruler is insignificant, but that he should put the people first and bear the nation’s welfare as his own. If the ruler loses virtue and forsakes the people, he will be rejected by all under heaven.” She paused, her voice ringing out, “Though these words come from the sages, they serve as a constant reminder for rulers to remember the suffering of the people and practice benevolent government to win their hearts and ensure the nation’s prosperity.”

Her explanation, rooted in classical texts, was forceful and articulate, not only elucidating the phrase’s deep meaning but also demonstrating her unique understanding of statecraft.

All present were impressed by her talent and courage, breaking into enthusiastic applause.

Scholar Su’s eyes brimmed with admiration. He nodded. “Top Scholar Lin’s words are lofty and enlightening. I am truly impressed!”

The Speaker’s face was livid. Her fists clenched so tightly that her nails bit into her flesh, jealousy burning within her. She had hoped to see Lin Shiya humiliated, only to see her shine brilliantly instead, making herself a laughingstock.

She glared at Lin Shiya, wishing she could devour her whole.

The gathering’s atmosphere grew even more animated thanks to Lin Shiya’s dazzling performance. Many scholars approached her to converse, expressing their admiration for her learning and character. They discussed poetry and governance, a spirit of mutual appreciation filling the air.

Lin Shiya felt their warmth and kindness, her heart swelling with gratitude. Conversing with these scholars, she felt as though she belonged to a family of kindred spirits.

Amid the laughter and conversation, Lin Shiya’s gaze drifted unconsciously to a corner of the courtyard—and suddenly froze.

Her heart skipped a beat. An indescribable feeling surged within her, a powerful unease that made it hard to breathe, as if she had overlooked something crucial.

“What are you looking at, Brother Lin?” asked a nearby scholar, noticing her odd expression.

Lin Shiya did not answer directly. She slowly drew her gaze away, a trace of puzzlement on her face. Shaking her head to mask her turmoil, she smiled, gentle as a spring breeze. “It’s nothing—just that the potted plant over there seemed a bit special.” As she spoke, she forced herself to look away, though her mind was in tumult.

Feigning composure, she continued her conversation, but her mind replayed that moment again and again.

In that corner sat a seemingly ordinary pot of orchids. At the base of the pot was an almost imperceptible mark—her family’s secret emblem.

Only members of her family could recognize this mark. It should not have been here; this was no coincidence.

Lin Shiya’s heart pounded with excitement—she had finally found a clue in her family’s wrongful case. She was one step closer to the truth!

She forced herself to remain calm, outwardly chatting and laughing as before, as if her discovery had been nothing but a dream.

Discreetly, she observed the crowd, trying to identify the owner of the orchid. But with so many scholars present, it was impossible to tell who had placed it there.

A sense of caution grew within her. This could easily be a trap, a conspiracy aimed at her.

Time slipped by unnoticed as the gathering drew to a close. Lin Shiya knew she could not linger. She needed to leave quickly, to take this clue back for careful study.

Rising, she bid the scholars farewell, her smile graceful, every gesture befitting the new top scholar.

“My friends, I have learned much from our discussions today. I thank you all. As night falls, I must take my leave.”

The scholars all stood to see her off, their admiration for her talent and virtue sincere.

Lin Shiya smiled in response, her gaze sweeping past the Speaker—whose face was still ashen. Lin Shiya gave a faint, cold smile. That woman was nothing but a petty clown, unworthy of concern.

With light steps, she left Listening Rain Pavilion, her figure soon swallowed by the night.

Yet the slight upward curve of her lips betrayed her inner tumult. She knew that today, she had not only outshone all others with her talent, but had also stumbled upon a vital clue to her family’s case. She was the true victor.

In the carriage on her way home, Lin Shiya took out the silk handkerchief hidden in her sleeve, upon which she had carefully copied the secret mark from the orchid pot’s base.

Fingertips gently tracing the emblem, her gaze grew resolute. A clue was in hand, but she knew the road ahead would only become more perilous.

She had no idea what earth-shattering secret hid behind this mark, nor how the powerful courtiers would try to thwart her search for the truth.

She would have to be even more cautious, more vigilant—never allowing anyone to hinder her progress.

Closing her eyes, long lashes casting a shadow on her cheeks, she murmured in the swaying carriage, “I must uncover the truth…”