Sold immediately after wearing it? I took my family and fled the famine.

Today is the day of the literary gathering. Chen Sumei used kind words to coax Xu Yun into agreeing to take her to Su Yan's literary gathering. She even dragged Chen Xiaoxiao along as a cover, so Chen Xiaoxiao is also going with them today.

She quickly put on her clothes, got out of bed, and went to the closet to rummage through her clothes to wash and groom herself.

Madam Hu carried Tianci past the doorway and, seeing the light on inside, poked her head in: "Sumei, why are you up so early? Didn't you just iron these clothes yesterday? Why are you doing this again?"

Chen Sumei didn't turn her head: "Today I'm going to the county town to attend a literary gathering, so naturally I need to dress up nicely and not embarrass myself. That's a banquet that only scholars can attend."

Upon hearing the words "literary gathering," Madam Hu perked up and, carrying the child, went inside: "What's so exciting about the literary gathering? Did Young Master Xu take you? That's great! You'd better dress smartly so you don't let others outshine you."

As she spoke, she began to tie Chen Sumei's hair, muttering that Xu Yun was a good girl, knowing how to take her out to see the world. Chen Sumei didn't reply, only staring at her face in the mirror, feeling that it was still lacking in color.

After washing up, she went to call Chen Xiaoxiao, who was still huddled under the covers, with only half of the back of her head showing.

Chen Sumei pulled back her blanket and whispered, "Get up quickly, you'll be late for the literary gathering." Chen Xiaoxiao turned over, buried her face in the pillow, and mumbled, "Sister, can I not go? I don't feel comfortable in those kinds of places."

Chen Sumei sat down directly on the edge of her bed and practically dragged her up: "No way. Young Master Xu is already at the door, what would it look like if you didn't go? Besides, he meant well, taking you out for a walk. What if you get sick from staying cooped up in the room all the time?"

Chen Xiaoxiao said with a bitter face, "I'll get sick from boredom if I go there. There are so many scholars, I won't even be able to join the conversation." Chen Sumei pushed her to sit down in front of the dressing table and laughed, "Who asked you to join the conversation? Just sit quietly, eat something, and watch the fun. I'm here." Chen Xiaoxiao couldn't argue with her, so she had no choice but to let her do as she pleased.

After Chen Xiaoxiao was made to sit in front of the dressing table and have her hair combed, Chen Sumei went to rummage through her jewelry box, found a pair of small silver lilacs for her to wear, and then picked out a very light rouge to apply to her lips.

Chen Xiaoxiao was naturally pretty and didn't usually dress up, but now, with a little effort, she looked completely transformed. She stared at herself in the mirror, amazed by the girl with her bright eyes, red lips, and white teeth.

Chen Sumei circled around her, clapping her hands and saying, "If you sit at that literary gathering today, someone might ask about you." Chen Xiaoxiao stomped her feet in embarrassment, "Sister, don't talk nonsense. What do you mean by asking about us?"

The sound of a carriage came from outside. Xu Yun had arrived. Chen Sumei hurriedly pulled Chen Xiaoxiao outside and straightened her skirt.

As soon as the two women stepped out of the hospital gate, they saw Xu Yun standing by the car. He was wearing a dark blue robe with a gray squirrel fur jacket over it, looking more refined than usual. He looked up and saw the two sisters, paused for a moment, his gaze lingering on Chen Xiaoxiao's face, and then smiled: "Xiaoxiao, you really are a sight to behold today." Chen Xiaoxiao lowered her head, her voice as soft as a mosquito's hum: "Brother Xu, you flatter me."

Xu Yun then looked at Chen Sumei with a smile in his eyes, but didn't say anything. He simply gestured for the two of them to get in the car, saying, "Let's get in; it'll be a while before we arrive."

The carriage was lined with soft cushions and had a small charcoal brazier, making it warm and cozy. Chen Sumei sat next to Chen Xiaoxiao, while Xu Yun sat opposite her.

As soon as the car started moving, Chen Sumei asked, "Is the literary gathering going to involve composing poems? Neither of us knows anything about poetry; won't we make a fool of ourselves if we go?"

Xu Yun said, "Don't be afraid. Not everyone going today is a student; many young ladies are going too. Everyone can just look around and chat casually. Not everyone needs to compose a poem. If it's your turn, just decline if you don't know how."

Chen Sumei said, "That's not good, people are watching."

"Look how nervous you all are. I'll talk to Brother Su and arrange a more secluded spot for you. You can listen whenever you want, and leave whenever you want."

Chen Xiaoxiao whispered, "Thank you, Brother Xu."

"You're welcome. Speaking of which, Brother Su asked me about this literary gathering. I told you last time, so I thought I'd take advantage of today to show your sister and Xiaoxiao something new."

The carriage was quiet for a short while, and Chen Xiaoxiao lowered her head and fiddled with her cuffs, seemingly lost in thought.

Xu Yun looked at this one, then at that one, and said, "You two sisters shouldn't be too reserved today. Most of the people at the literary gathering are actually quite easy to talk to, they just tend to talk a lot when discussing books and poetry. If you find it boring, just follow me, and I'll tell you about the scenery of this villa."

Upon arriving at Lanting Villa, Chen Sumei felt a little dizzy as soon as she got out of the car.

Before us stood a large villa, with many carriages parked at the entrance, and servants busily carrying charcoal braziers and handing out heaters.

Several young women, wearing hoods and lifting their skirts, walked in, their laughter soft and fragmented. Chen Sumei instinctively grabbed Chen Xiaoxiao's hand.

Chen Xiaoxiao shook her hand back and whispered, "Sister, there are so many people." Chen Sumei said, "Don't be afraid, there's Young Master Xu here." Xu Yun walked over and said, "Stay close to me." The two sisters followed him through a series of covered walkways and arrived at the back garden.

The backyard was more lively than the front. The male guests were on the east side, and the female guests were on the west side, separated by a shallow stream with a small stone bridge over it.

The female guests were already quite a few seated, their elegant clothes and jeweled ornaments creating a dazzling display. Chen Sumei pulled Chen Xiaoxiao to sit down in a seat towards the back, whereupon a maid brought over hot tea and snacks.

She picked up her teacup, but her eyes darted toward the stone bridge. Male guests were scattered about in twos and threes. Chen Sumei's gaze swept over them, and she immediately spotted Su Yan. He stood among several young students, wearing a moon-white robe without a thick overcoat, making him appear thinner than the others.

He held a plum blossom in his hand, looking down as he spoke to the person next to him, a slight smile on his lips.

Chen Sumei's heart skipped a beat. She hurriedly looked away and pretended to look at the pastries on the table.

Chen Xiaoxiao leaned closer and whispered, "Sister, why is your face red again? Did you catch a cold?" Chen Sumei said, "No, it's just that this tea is a bit hot." She picked up the tea and put it down again, her palms were sweaty.

The female guests' group gradually became lively. A young lady in a light green dress said with a smile, "Have you heard? Young Master Su composed a new poem about plum blossoms the other day, and he's going to recite it to everyone before the literary gathering begins today. I'm waiting for it."

Another young lady hurriedly asked, "Do you know what he wrote?"

"How would I know? I only heard my brother say it's great."

Chen Sumei held her teacup, her ears perked up. She could almost picture Su Yan holding his pen. She wished she understood poetry too, so she could at least say "good" after he finished reading it.

But she couldn't. She couldn't even understand the tones and rhythms they were using.

Xu Yun walked over at some point, sat down next to the two sisters, and said in a low voice, "Can you two still sit still?"

Chen Sumei said softly, "It's alright, after a while I find it quite fun."

"That's good. I'll go and chat with some classmates for a while. You and Xiaoxiao stay here. Just tell the maid if you need anything."

Xu Yun's thoughtfulness was always just right. Chen Sumei nodded, but when she thought about what she was going to do today, she felt guilty towards Xu Yun and dared not look him in the eye.

"Is Young Master Su really going to recite poetry today?" Xu Yun said, "Most likely. He's always the most prominent at literary gatherings. What, you want to hear it?" Chen Sumei forced herself to remain calm: "Xiaoxiao said she wants to hear it." Xu Yun glanced at Chen Xiaoxiao, then at Chen Sumei, and said nothing, only humming in agreement.

After a while, someone at the host's table clapped their hands, and everyone quieted down. Su Yan was indeed invited to the bridge, where he had a newly composed poem about plum blossoms to read aloud to everyone.

Chen Sumei's heart was pounding, and she even held her breath. Chen Xiaoxiao couldn't help but look over there as well. Su Yan stood under the old plum tree, still holding a sprig of plum in his hand.

He didn't even look at the manuscript; he simply spoke calmly, his voice clear and melodious.

Chen Sumei didn't quite understand the meaning of the poem, but she felt as if every word was drilling into her ears. It wasn't until applause broke out all around her that she snapped back to reality and joined in the clapping, her hands already numb from clapping.

Chen Xiaoxiao nudged her arm: "Sister, I feel a little dizzy. It's too noisy in here." Chen Sumei quickly turned to look at her, and Chen Xiaoxiao's complexion was indeed not good.

"Then I'll go out with you for some fresh air." They left through the side corridor.

The two walked through a moon gate, outside which was a small plum grove. There were far fewer people there, with only a few maids standing at a distance.

Chen Xiaoxiao took a breath of the crisp, cool air, and only then did she feel a little better. She looked at Chen Sumei and said, "Sister, you seem distracted today too."

Chen Sumei was taken aback: "I didn't."

"You were completely mesmerized when you saw Young Master Su reciting poetry."

Chen Sumei's face flushed, and she quickly said, "Don't talk nonsense."

The two sisters looked at each other, and neither of them said anything more.

Over there, the poetry gathering had started with a new theme, and laughter could be heard faintly. Chen Sumei watched Xu Yun and Su Yan talking from afar, a series of thoughts rising in her mind. She then looked at Xiaoxiao beside her, who was dressed in a style that was eight parts similar to her own.

I comforted myself, thinking that although doing this would hurt Xiaoxiao's feelings, she would thank me in time.

She turned around and smiled at Chen Xiaoxiao: "Come on, let's go sit over there." Chen Xiaoxiao nodded.