Reputation and Notoriety Are Both Fleeting

"Grand Heir, you overestimate me."

Seeing William Wang Jinling's earnest and resolute expression, Serena Feng suddenly felt a heavy pressure.

Do these people really think so highly of her?

Ninth Royal Uncle, William Wang Jinling—one after another, they’re making exceptions for her. Is today some kind of lucky day? If you didn’t know better, you’d think this poetry salon was being held just for Serena Feng.

William Wang Jinling smiled faintly, saying nothing, his grip on the brush unusually firm.

He couldn't do much for Serena Feng, so even if there was the slightest chance, he wouldn't give up.

The two exchanged silent glances, but the others were growing impatient.

"Miss Feng, the Grand Heir is holding the brush for you. Such an honor is unheard of in the world—what are you waiting for? Or do you think the Grand Heir isn't worthy to be your scribe?" Miss Wynn of the Wen family lifted her chin arrogantly, looking down at everyone.

She wasn't afraid of Serena Feng; she had no shameful secrets, no chronic illnesses.

Serena Feng's face instantly darkened. Her narrowed eyes snapped open, sharp as knives.

"Miss Wynn, I really can't make sense of what you're saying. If this honor is truly unique, then how could it possibly be unworthy?"

She was fiercely protective of her own.

If someone insulted her, she could tolerate it for a while. But if they targeted those close to her, she wouldn't stand for it.

"If that's the case, what are you waiting for, Miss Feng? Look—not only is the Grand Heir waiting, but all of us are standing here just for you. Miss Feng, don't you think it's a bit much to make so many people wait on you alone?" Miss Wynn pressed on, stirring up everyone’s anger toward Serena Feng.

Sure enough, as soon as she finished speaking, several matrons were already looking displeased.

They weren't standing outside the garden just to wait for Serena Feng—she wasn't that important. But leaving now would be too embarrassing.

For a moment, everyone was caught between pride and embarrassment, and complaints about Serena Feng began to rise.

"Miss Wynn, you're just making accusations out of nothing. The presence of the ladies and gentlemen here has nothing to do with me—it's just a coincidence. Miss Wynn, remember: you can eat carelessly, but you can't speak carelessly. Watch your mouth, or trouble will follow." Serena warned sharply.

"Don't worry, Miss Feng. This is the Hundred-Herb Garden Poetry Salon, not some back alley. You don't have to worry about us spreading rumors. Just compose your poem and show us your talent. Not everyone can pass off fake pearls as real ones." Miss Wynn said with contempt.

She didn't believe Serena Feng could compose a poem. Even if she'd found someone to write one in advance, Miss Wynn was sure she could expose her.

The Wang family’s young master isn’t someone Serena Feng can aspire to. Just because she cured his blindness doesn’t mean she’s climbed into the Wang family’s ranks.

The Wang clan, leader of all noble families, would never accept a woman like Serena Feng.

Letting Serena Feng appear at this poetry salon was its one big flaw.

"Exactly. If you can’t write poetry, you’d best leave now. Don’t think you’re special just because Ninth Royal Uncle brought you here. Even if he came himself, if he couldn’t compose a poem on flowers, he wouldn’t get into Hundred-Herb Garden either."

"Serena Feng, if you don’t have the talent, leave early. This is a poetry salon, not a princess’s Peach Blossom Banquet where anyone can walk in."

The gossip from the Peach Blossom Banquet quickly spread, becoming prime material for noble daughters to mock the new official families.

Especially with Lady Bianca of Wu’an’s reckless behavior and miscarriage scandal, the noble girls looked down on the official daughters, calling them all show and no substance—vulgar, ignorant of etiquette.

Although it was Serena Feng who exposed the truth, she was still lumped in with that group. And with all the attention she drew today, how could anyone like her?

The chorus of criticism from the young women grew louder and louder; Caleb Wang shook his head.

Serena Feng really did have skill—she could stir up public outrage without even trying, even making the noble girls lose their composure.

He quietly shot Serena Feng a look, asking if she needed help. It might be embarrassing, but it was better than being thrown out of the salon…

Serena Feng gently shook her head, signaling that she was fine.

Of everyone present, probably only William Wang Jinling believed she could compose a flower poem.

She really didn’t understand why William Wang Jinling had such faith in her.

Even so, Serena Feng couldn’t let him down. If she couldn’t compose a flower poem, she’d recite one from memory. She couldn’t afford to disappoint William Wang Jinling…

"Grand Heir, listen carefully."

Serena Feng spoke out clearly. Amid the noisy crowd, her voice wasn’t loud, but somehow it made all the young women fall silent, each one straining to hear, eager to see her fail.

Serena Feng closed her eyes, paced a few steps to steady herself, then began: “Before the hall, peonies flaunt their wild beauty; by the pond, lotuses bloom in pure silence. Only the peony is the true national treasure—when it blossoms, it stuns the capital.”

William Wang Jinling was stunned at first, but quickly recovered and began to write, recording each word.

As Serena Feng finished the last word, William Wang Jinling completed the final stroke of his brush.

"Excellent!" William Wang Jinling tossed down the brush, picked up his writing, and declared three times, "Good! Good! Good!"

Good!

It really was good—if the Grand Heir said so, how could it not be?

The young lords looked at Serena Feng with new meaning in their eyes, while the noble ladies turned pale and green by turns.

With William Wang Jinling praising it first, could anyone else dare say it wasn’t good?

But the ladies refused to play along; they all kept their mouths shut, unwilling to agree.

This was the price of provoking public anger.

Ethan Hsieh quickly stepped forward, joking, "Grand Heir, are you praising the poem, or your own calligraphy?"

Ethan Hsieh was genuinely happy for Serena Feng—he hadn’t expected that the woman leaning against the doorpost with no regard for etiquette could actually produce such elegant verse.

Faced with the sincere admiration of Ethan Hsieh, Caleb Wang, and the others, Serena Feng’s ears reddened slightly.

She’d only recited a poem from memory, so she felt a little guilty.

"Of course the poem is good, but the calligraphy is even better." Caleb Wang stepped forward, displaying William Wang Jinling’s writing to the crowd and skillfully shifting their attention back to him.

Maybe it was the emotion behind it, but William Wang Jinling’s calligraphy far surpassed his usual level—those two lines of cursive script danced across the page like dragons.

"Beautiful writing." Serena Feng didn’t know much about calligraphy, but she could see the vitality in those strokes—they drew the eye again and again.

"Beautiful, truly beautiful. They say the Yun clan heir’s writing is worth a thousand gold, but I think the Grand Heir’s calligraphy surpasses even his." Madam Hayes, as host of the salon, spoke up decisively, secretly relieved.

The focus of the salon returned to William Wang Jinling—just as it should.

If Serena Feng had stolen all the attention today, the salon truly would have been a failure, and as host, Madam Hayes would have lost face.

Every young lord present understood the situation; they crowded around William Wang Jinling, showering him with praise, while Serena Feng quietly slipped to the edge of the crowd.

She’d made her point—there was no need to outshine the host. That always led to resentment.

"Serena Feng, you really do look beautiful today." Caleb Wang drifted over, tugging her aside and whispering.

"Are you saying I’m usually ugly?" Serena Feng shot Caleb Wang a glare.

Caleb quickly explained, "Not at all! It’s just that today’s outfit really shows off all your best features. Normally you wear plain cotton, so you blend in."

"It’s just more convenient. But for the salon, I couldn’t show up looking sloppy." Serena didn’t bother telling Caleb the real reason—she’d realized she didn’t have enough jewelry, and her only good set had already been worn at the Peach Blossom Festival.

She knew the basics of attending banquets: never wear the same outfit or jewelry twice. Noble ladies only wore a dress once before retiring it.

She didn’t care much about such things, but for events like this, repeating clothes or jewelry was frowned upon.

If people noticed, they wouldn’t call you frugal—they’d say you lacked proper upbringing.

Caleb Wang nodded, "Exactly. You really made a splash today. My brother and I were worried you’d be late and upset Madam Hayes, but then you showed up with Ninth Royal Uncle. Serena, you’re something else. If I hadn’t seen it myself, I’d never believe it. I bet after today, every noble lady will wish her carriage would break down—just for a chance to ride with Ninth Royal Uncle."

"Why’s that?"

"Isn’t it obvious? They’re hoping to meet Ninth Royal Uncle and ride with him. You’re so clueless sometimes." Caleb gave her a look.

Huh?

"Is that even possible? Ninth Royal Uncle isn’t that approachable, and this was pure coincidence." Serena didn’t believe he was so kind.

Besides, things like that are just luck—you can’t plan for them.

"It might be unlikely, but there’s no harm in trying. You have no idea how crazy these noble girls can get. Just wait—when my brother gets home, our house will be buried in gifts." Caleb shook his head, but couldn’t hide his pride.

"That’s a good thing." Serena looked at William Wang Jinling surrounded by admirers, sharing in his glory.

She’d known that once William Wang Jinling’s eyesight was restored, he’d shine like the moon. She’d been right.

Thinking about how she’d cured William’s eyes filled her with pride.

"Stop staring—my brother isn’t yours. Come on, let’s go into the garden. Hundred-Herb Garden is built against the mountain and filled with famous flowers from all over the world. It’s worth a look.

You made too big a splash today—that’s taboo at a poetry salon. If you had a powerful family behind you, it’d be fine, but you’re alone. You’ll be ostracized. Once we’re inside, don’t mingle with those people. I’ll show you around. There may not be peonies this season, but the other flowers are nice."

"Alright." Serena Feng agreed happily.

"But don’t worry too much. With my brother’s calligraphy as your witness, your poem will spread. If the Wang family helps, your reputation as a talented woman will echo through the capital. Let’s see who dares bring up your past after that." Caleb gestured for Serena to follow him.

"Talented woman? I’m not worthy." Serena felt guilty.

"Doesn’t matter if you deserve it—‘talented’ is better than your previous reputation, isn’t it?" Caleb retorted.

Serena treated William’s good intentions like they were worthless.

"So what if I’m talented, so what if I’m infamous? It’s all fleeting—why care so much?" Serena smiled indifferently and entered the Hundred-Herb Garden with Caleb.

The two were just about to slip away from the crowd, when—

—something unexpected happened.