Half an hour later, a young maid ran to Jiaxiang House, saying that San Yé and his group had built a dragon in Zhilan Garden and invited San Nainai to come and see it.

Yin Furen was delighted and called for Yan Furen along with Zhao Jiashan, Zhao Jiazhen, and others to join her. They all donned cloaks and headed to Zhilan Garden to have some fun.

Amid lively chatter, the group arrived at the foot of the Plum Ridge. There, they saw Zhao Huanxi, Nie Guocheng, and a few others standing to one side. In the clearing stood a lifelike coiled dragon rising impressively, with sturdy and spirited fine horses standing beside it.

Zhao Jiazhen immediately recognised that the figures represented the zodiac signs of Xu Nian’an and Zhao Huanxi. Seeing her silly younger brother with his nose reddened from the cold, standing to the side with his eyes fixed on Xu Nian’an, looking as if he was eagerly awaiting praise, she stifled a laugh and said loudly, “Aiya, this dragon is marvellously crafted, so lifelike it feels as though it might take flight at any moment. But why is there a dog next to the dragon? Who in the family was born in the Year of Dog?”

Zhao Huanxi was dumbfounded.

Nie Guosheng loudly protested, “That’s clearly a horse!”

Zhao Huanxi hurriedly added, “Exactly!”

Yin Luochen exclaimed, “To me, it looks like a dog.”

Xu Moxiu agreed, “That’s right!”

Zhao Huanxi was so furious he nearly stomped his feet. “It’s clearly a horse! What kind of dog has legs this long and mane on its neck?”

Yin Furen, Xu Nian’an, and the others couldn’t stop laughing as they watched everyone deliberately tease Zhao Huanxi.

Zhao Jiazhen added a few more teasing remarks, but out of the corner of her eye, she noticed someone seemed to be looking at her. Turning to glance in that direction, she saw it was Fu Yunjin. His cheeks were flushed pink from the cold, yet he still maintained that melancholic, silent demeanour. When he noticed her looking, he averted his gaze and lowered his eyes to the snow at his feet.

Zhao Jiazhen withdrew her gaze.

At this time, the plum blossoms on the Plum Ridge were in full bloom. Yin Furen led everyone up the hill to enjoy the scenery. After some time, feeling the chill, they all returned together to Jiaxiang House.

After lunch, they sat together briefly before Yan Furen, Xu Moxiu, and the others took their leave to return home.

Xu Nian’an and Zhao Huanxi, carrying the birthday gifts sent by friends and relatives for Xu Nian’an, made their way back to Shenhui Courtyard.

Once inside the room, Zhao Huanxi took out a delicate embroidered box from his pocket and handed it to Xu Nian’an. “Dong Jiejie, happy birthday.”

Xu Nian’an opened the box to reveal a flawless piece of fine, smooth mutton-fat white jade. The pendant was intricately carved with a peony motif, its craftsmanship exquisite and the design lifelike, truly a stunning piece.

“There’s something on the back,” Zhao Huanxi reminded her.

Turning the jade pendant over, Xu Nian’an saw four beautifully engraved characters on the back: Píng Ān Xī Lè.

“Look, our names are together,” Zhao Huanxi said with a gentle smile.

平安熙乐 (píng'ān xī lè): This is a clever and romantic play on words using their names:
平安 (Píng'ān): Peace and safety. It uses the "An" (安) from Xu Nian'an's name.
熙乐 (Xī lè): Brightness and joy. It uses the "Xi" (熙) from Zhao Huanxi's name.
Combined meaning: "Peace, safety, brightness, and joy." It is a traditional blessing for a happy life.

“You had this custom-made?” Xu Nian’an asked him.

Zhao Huanxi nodded, his gaze shy. “To commemorate our meeting during peony season.”

“It’s beautiful, I really like it. Thank you,” Xu Nian’an said, placing the jade pendant back into the box before giving Zhao Huanxi a hug.

Seeing that there was no one else in the room and nothing pressing to attend to, Zhao Huanxi began contemplating some playful mischief like writitng punishment. However, before he could act, Songyun called from outside, “San Yé, Ling Gelao is here. Guogong Yé has summoned you to Dunyi Hall to meet the guest.”

Zhao Huanxi glanced at Xu Nian’an.

Xu Nian’an turned and took Zhao Huanxi’s silver-trimmed, wide-collared cloak from the coat rack. As she draped it over his shoulders, she said, “It’s probably about that lantern. When I gifted it to him, it was to create an opportunity for you to catch his attention. If luck favoured us, becoming his student would’ve been incredibly beneficial. But since you’re unwilling, we’ll find another way to benefit from it. We can’t just let that gift go to waste.”

“What benefit do you have in mind?” Zhao Huanxi asked.

Xu Nian’an smiled mischievously. “Ling Gelao holds a high position and has extensive connections. Ask him to help you find a painting master. If he agrees, he’s sure to find you a renowned teacher.”

Zhao Huanxi brightened up and nodded enthusiastically. “Alright!”

With thoughts of finding a master filling his mind, Zhao Huanxi no longer felt the cold. Holding an umbrella, he made his way to the study at Dunyi Hall. Handing the umbrella to Xiangzhong, he stepped inside and found Zhao Huanxu already present. The two elders and one youth appeared to be deep in an animated and cheerful conversation.

He approached and respectfully saluted his grandfather and Ling Gelao.

Everyone appreciates beauty. Zhao Huanxi, braving the snow, arrived with his brows and eyes glistening from the cold and his lips a delicate crimson. Complemented by the regal elegance of his silver-trimmed wide-collared cloak, his appearance was truly unparalleled in the world.

Even the well-travelled and experienced Ling Gelao couldn’t help but praise Guogong Yé, saying, “Your grandson is truly exceptional, with the bearing of a dragon and the grace of a phoenix, extraordinary in every way!”

“Gelao has overpraised,” Guogong Yé replied and gestured for Zhao Huanxi to take a seat.

Zhao Huanxu had not realised earlier that Ling Gelao had come specifically for Zhao Huanxi, so when he arrived, he took a seat on Guogong Yé’s side. Now that Zhao Huanxi had entered, the only remaining seat was on Ling Gelao’s side, so Zhao Huanxi went over and sat down.

“Huanxi, I’ve heard that the ‘Phoenix-headed Eight Views of Jinling Panchi Lantern’, which I received on my birthday, was made by you. What made you think of giving me a lantern as a gift?”

Sitting closer now, Ling Gelao turned towards Zhao Huanxi, his demeanour kind and genial as he asked the question.

Zhao Huanxi had already thought about this question on the way here. Telling the truth definitley would not work, so he said, “I heard from Mother that Gelao is from Jinling, and the lantern features a painting of the Eight Views of Jinling. I thought, since Gelao has lived in the capital for so long, one must miss the hometown. I hope this lantern, given as a gift, might offer some comfort for nostalgia. If One is fortunate enough to catch Gelao’s eye, One might have the audacity to ask for a favor.”

Ling Gelao’s expression did not change, and he continued to smile as he asked, “What is it?”

Guogong Yé’s smile faded slightly, and a trace of disdain flashed in Zhao Huanxu’s eyes.

Many scholars wished to become disciples of Ling Gelao, like a flood of fish crossing a river. But even if they had such intentions, they would be more subtle about it. Someone like Zhao Huanxi, who gave a gift and then directly made a request, would risk offending that very person.

"过江之鲫" (guò jiāng zhī jì) is an idiom that refers to how many northern aristocrats moved to the south, with the phrase "过江名士多于鲫" meaning that there were more distinguished scholars crossing the river than there were carp. The idiom is used to describe a situation where something fashionable or popular is very common or abundant.

Since Ling Gelao had already asked, Guogong Yé could not interrupt, and simply looked at Zhao Huanxi.

Zhao Huanxi said, “Wanbei has always wanted to continue learning to paint, but due to limited connections, it is difficult to find a teacher. If Gelao feels that Wanbei’s painting of the Eight Views of Jinling is acceptable, may One ask if Gelao could introduce Wanbei a teacher?”

Hearing that Zhao Huanxi’s request was for this matter, Guogong Yé secretly let out a sigh of relief.

Ling Gelao was surprised. “Oh? You painted the Eight Views of Jinling on that lantern? Have you been to Jinling?”

Zhao Huanxi shook his head. “Wanbei has never been to Jinling. The Eight Views were drawn based on the descriptions provided by my Biao Ge from Jinling.”

Hearing this, Ling Gelao pondered for a moment before asking, “Tell me, among the contemporary painters, who do you admire the most?”

Zhao Huanxi did not hesitate: “Wanbei greatly admire Shang Xiansheng.”

Ling Gelao was surprised. “Shang Huaishan? You’ve chosen the right person.” He turned to Guogong Yé and smiled, “This Shang Huaishan is an old friend of mine, we’ve had decades of friendship.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Huanxi’s eyes immediately lit up, and he looked at Ling Gelao with eager anticipation.

Guogong Yé said to Ling Gelao, “This child doesn’t understand how high the heavens are and how deep the earth is; how could he have the qualifications to be taught by Shang Xiansheng?”

Ling Xiansheng replied, “Eh? He’s so young, yet his painting is already so lively and natural, as if it were born with him. I’m giving Shang Huaishan such a good disciple for free, he should be the one thanking me with gifts.”

Hearing this, Guogong Yé naturally felt pleased and clasped his hands in salute, saying, “Then One will have to trouble Ling Gelao.”

Zhao Huanxi quickly stood up, performed a deep bow, and said loudly, “Thank you, Gelao!”

Ling Gelao looked at him and said, “You can’t just thank me with words. I’ve heard that Qu Gong calls your calligraphy ‘Youlan Style.’ I’ve never seen this Youlan Style before, so why don’t you write a piece for me to have a look?”

Zhao Huanxi became a little shy and said, “Qu Gong mentioned that my calligraphy is only beginning to take shape, and there’s still much to practice.”

Ling Gelao replied, “It’s fine, just write something for me to see.”

Zhao Huanxi then went to his Zufu’s desk, picked up the brush, and hesitated as he muttered to himself, “What should I write?”

Zhao Huanxu, who had been unable to find an opportunity to speak, quickly said, “How about I write a poem about a snow scene, and Tang Di can write it down?”

Zhao Huanxi remained silent.

Ling Gelao turned to him and said, “It’s up to you, write whatever you like.”

Ignoring Zhao Huanxu, Zhao Huanxi picked up the brush and, with a flourish, wrote vigorously for a while before putting the brush down.

Ling Gelao and Guogong Yé walked over to take a look. Ling Gelao then laughed and said, “After all, he is your grandson; as soon as he picks up the brush, he wrote ‘Marching to War’.”

从军行 is a poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Yang Jiong that depicts the entire process of a scholar, who is also a soldier, joining the military at the border and participating in battles.

Guogong Yé, who rarely makes a joke, replied, “I’m afraid this is the only poem he can recite!”

Zhao Huanxi stood beside with a faint blush on his cheeks.

Ling Gelao took a closer look and said, “The strokes are free and graceful, elegant and refined. It truly deserves the three words ‘Youlan Style’.”

He then asked Zhao Huanxi, “How did you come up with this way of writing?”

Zhao Huanxi replied, “At that time, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to practice calligraphy well. My wife said, If I can paint orchids well, how could I not write well? The two have similarities. I was given this suggestion, and that’s when I thought of using the method of painting orchids to practice writing, which led to this result.”

Ling Gelao nodded, “One has the heart of a hibiscus and the nature of an orchid, the other is superlatively brilliant. Truly a perfect match.”

Youlan means orchid.
蕙心兰质 (huì xīn lán zhì): A high compliment for a woman. It literally means "a heart like a hui orchid and the essence of a lan orchid." It describes a woman who is pure, virtuous, and intellectually refined.
颖悟绝伦 (yǐng wù jué lún): "Incomparably brilliant" or "exceptionally gifted." It refers to someone with extraordinary natural intelligence and the ability to understand things quickly.

Zhao Huanxi’s face turned even redder.

Completely ignored, Zhao Huanxu stood aside, secretly clenching his fists in his sleeves.

After chatting for a while, Guogong Yé asked Zhao Huanxi and Zhao Huanxu to leave.

Once they had left, Guogong Yé turned to ask Ling Gelao, “In Gelao opinion, which of my two grandsons is more worthy of being nurtured?”

Ling Gelao sat down, took a sip of tea, and replied, “Can you not see your own grandsons for who they are? Why ask me?”

Guogong Yé sighed, “When you look at your own, it’s always influenced by many factors, and often, it’s not as objective and fair as how outsiders see it.”

Ling Gelao said, “I see your heart is as clear as a bright mirror; it is merely that your affection of the cow licking its cal’ is difficult to let go of.” He stood up and added, “Since it’s still early, I’ll go to the Shang Residence on behalf of your grandson.”

心跟明镜似的 (xīn gēn míng jìng shì de): "Heart is like a bright mirror." An idiom meaning someone understands the situation perfectly and has no delusions about the truth.
舐犊之情 (shì dú zhī qíng): "The affection of a cow licking its calf." This is a classic idiom for parental (or grandparental) love. It implies a deep, protective, and sometimes blinding devotion to one's offspring.

Zhao Huanxi was in a great mood, walking with a spring in his step, eager to return and tell Dong Jiejie the good news that Ling Gelao would be recommending him to Master Shang. Just as he reached the junction leading to the Fifth Branch and Jiaxiang House, Zhao Huanxu grabbed his cloak.

He stopped and turned around, only to see Zhao Huanxu glaring at him with a face full of anger, questioning, “Why did you have to embarrass me in front of Ling Gelao?”

Zhao Huanxi thought for a moment and said, “All these years, you’ve used me as a stepping stone, and it’s hurt. I don’t want to be stepped on anymore. Is that so wrong?”

Zhao Huanxu stared at him in surprise, not expecting to hear such words from him.

Zhao Huanxi brushed his hand off his cloak and said, “People grow up, and the older we get, the clearer some things become. When we were younger, I treated you like a real brother, but you gradually distanced yourself from me. From the moment you plotted and used Wu Cheng to harm my Si Jie, we could no longer be brothers. You don’t need to pretend to be close to me in front of Zufu. He’s sharp, he sees through all your tricks.”

Having said that, he didn’t bother to look at Zhao Huanxu’s expression. He turned and walked towards Shenhui Courtyard at the back of Jiaxiang House, the path heavy with snow.