103. Jiang Lin’s Mid-Autumn Banquet at the Shen Residence

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The Shen Residence, Harmony Garden.
Harmony Garden lies directly in front of Shen Garden and is the most balanced and elegant garden of moderate size within the estate. Besides the endless pavilions, corridors, and artificial rock formations, the heart of Harmony Garden is the "Jade Pool Orchid Pavilion" located at its center.

The Jade Pool is the largest man-made pond in Harmony Garden, its surface adorned with blooming lotus flowers that fill the air with a delicate fragrance.

At the center of the Jade Pool stands the Orchid Pavilion, comprising a grand main pavilion at the core and several smaller pavilions encircling it at slightly lower elevations. Around the smaller pavilions are spacious floating platforms just above the water’s surface.

Boardwalks extend from these platforms in all four directions, connecting to the Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter pavilions. These four pavilions are further linked by floating bridges to other scenic spots.

The garden’s layout—with its water pavilions and rock gardens—divides Harmony Garden into spaces of varying sizes while maintaining a seamless unity. It serves as the Shen family’s primary venue for large gatherings.

Harmony Garden is uninhabited and functions as the Shen family’s public garden. The main Shen family members reside in Plum Garden. Only Shen Yanxi has her own private garden, a testament to her exceptional favor within the family.

Today, Harmony Garden is bustling with activity as the Shen family’s Mid-Autumn Banquet is to be held here. Since the passing of the Shen family patriarch, such lively occasions have been rare.

From early morning, the Shen family’s servants have been busy. The entire garden is festooned with colorful lanterns of all sizes, including the boardwalks and pavilions, transforming the space into a luminous wonderland.

The servants have begun lighting the lanterns one by one, resetting them—though somewhat early, for if they delayed, the banquet might conclude before all the lights were lit.

Each pavilion in Harmony Garden is furnished with soft seats and tables, atop which incense burners emit faint wisps of smoke to keep away insects. Countless fruits and snacks are laid out for guests to help themselves freely.

Beautiful Shen family maids carry trays of fruits, pastries, and drinks—wine and tea—serving the guests. This is not only the Shen family’s Mid-Autumn Banquet but also the city of Jianglin’s celebration.

From the hour of Shen (approximately 9 AM to 11 AM), guests have been arriving steadily, and by the hour of You (5 PM to 7 PM), the garden is crowded to capacity. Groups of three to five men and women can be seen chatting, playing chess, reciting poetry, or enjoying small games like shooting arrows into pots or water tossing contests.

Typically, the Shen family’s younger generation would only arrive at the beginning of the Xu hour (7 PM to 9 PM), while the elders wait until the start of Xu hour proper for the formal Mid-Autumn Banquet to commence.

“In truth, if it weren’t for the recent city-wide bounty posters seeking the Shen family’s son-in-law, few would have known that the renowned Second Miss Shen actually took in a son-in-law by marriage,” a group of a dozen young men and women chat in one pavilion.

“And I heard the Second Miss was very fond of this son-in-law. When he was kidnapped by river bandits, she was so anxious she fell ill herself. One of my clan uncles is a doctor; he said the Second Miss was barely clinging to life,” a young man nearby adds.

“This son-in-law is truly lucky. I wonder what the Second Miss saw in him,” sighs a youth dressed in white.

“Brothers, you speak so loudly—aren’t you afraid Shen family members might overhear?” a young man in a scarlet robe pushes through curiously.

Everyone turns to look—quite the noble young gentleman. The women present brighten visibly at his arrival. The man himself remains composed; after all, when it comes to handsome and elegant, he still believes he tops the lot.

“Shen family members don’t usually arrive before the start of Xu hour. This is the time for Jiangzhou’s talents to mingle freely,” someone replies.

“Ah, I see. From what you say, it seems you all hold the Second Miss in high regard. Why not compete for her favor? How could you lose to a mere son-in-law?” the scarlet-robed youth inquires.

“You do not understand. The Second Miss is extraordinarily gifted and beautiful; none of us dared to dream of her. Yet, unexpectedly, a son-in-law has managed to slip in,” the youth in white responds.

“Truly detestable. If you all are so resentful, there’s still time. Afraid you can’t outdo a son-in-law?”

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“We scholars have our manners and principles; how could we forcefully take another’s wife?” the white-clad youth replies.

“You have a point; I apologize for my rudeness,” the scarlet-robed youth says.

“But that son-in-law must not be spared. Let’s see just what he’s made of!” the white-clad youth declares.

“Oh? Are you planning to make things difficult for the Second Miss’s husband?” the scarlet-robed youth exclaims.

“Hmph! What kind of person is the Second Miss? If we Jiangzhou talents don’t make a stand, then that son-in-law will be free to roam as he pleases. At least we should let the Shen family see what kind of man their son-in-law really is,” the white-clad youth asserts.

“Aren’t you worried the Shen family will get angry?” the scarlet-robed youth asks.

“You overestimate him. A mere son-in-law is nothing—whether in a prestigious family like the Shens or an ordinary household, he’s like a dog,” another voice nearby comments.

“So, have you all decided how to trouble him?” the scarlet-robed youth inquires.

“We’re still considering... By the way, what’s your name, brother?” The group suddenly realizes they never asked the scarlet-robed youth’s identity.

“Don’t laugh—I've admired the Second Miss for a long time but never expected things to turn out this way. If you don’t mind, I’d like to lend a hand,” the scarlet-robed youth replies. Without elaborating on his identity, no one presses further.

“Oh? Are you skilled in anything in particular?” a youth asks.

“I’ve studied broadly, but it depends on what you need,” the scarlet-robed youth answers confidently.

They eye him skeptically—he doesn’t seem like a frivolous person, yet he speaks so brazenly.

“We’re thinking of composing some poems. Are you good at poetry?” someone asks.

“On what theme?”

“Of course, the Mid-Autumn moon!”

“I think that’s unwise. We want to embarrass the son-in-law, not praise the moon. I heard Lu Jin ranked first in the academy exams—if he has some good poems stored away, wouldn’t we embarrass ourselves?”

“We should declare our feelings directly to the Second Miss. The son-in-law would never expect that. Then let’s see how he responds,” the scarlet-robed youth says, his face alight with excitement.

Everyone is taken aback by such a wicked plan. That son-in-law would never expect tonight to be his downfall—and might soon lose all face within the Shen family.

“Isn’t this going too far? If the Shen family really gets angry, we’ll be in trouble,” someone worries.

“You worry too much. Poetry is a refined art. The Shen family is a scholarly one; they will understand,” the scarlet-robed youth responds.

“But we don’t have suitable poems at the moment!” the white-clad youth objects.

“No problem. Let me go first. Everyone, judge for yourselves,” the scarlet-robed youth says and, without waiting for replies, moves to the table, preparing to write. A nearby woman assists by grinding ink.

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As the scarlet-robed youth’s pen flows, characters appear one by one, stunning everyone into silence. This brother has real talent—though perhaps too blunt. Isn’t this like slapping the Shen family in the face?

When he finishes, he looks up at the group: “What do you all think?”

“I didn’t expect you to be so talented, composing a complete piece in such a short time. But isn’t it a bit too direct? If the Shens get angry, we might be…”

“The arrow’s on the string; it must be released. Don’t worry. When we meet the Second Miss, I’ll lead the reading: I read a line, you all repeat. We want the Second Miss to know our feelings—and to embarrass that son-in-law!”

“Even if the Shen family wants to cause trouble, I’ll take the blame. Like you all, I’ve admired the Second Miss for years. If I don’t express this anger now, I can’t be at peace!” The scarlet-robed youth’s resolve is clear.

No one present expected such decisiveness. Do they take the Shen family for paper tigers? Yet his reasoning is sound—someone shielding them lets them vent their frustrations safely. Even if the Shen family is displeased, the blame falls on this instigator, not on them.

“I never imagined you’d be so gifted and courageous, brother. I…”

“Come, the night grows late. Let’s practice together so we don’t embarrass ourselves later,” the scarlet-robed youth interrupts and quickly organizes a rehearsal.

The men and women in the pavilion rise and follow his lead, and many nearby join in as well.

Few realize that a plot against Lu Jin is brewing within this pavilion. Many who join later are merely there for the excitement.

At the start of the Xu hour, Harmony Garden is fully illuminated. Large lanterns rest on the ground, hang from trees, and dangle from eaves, lighting every corner brightly.

Countless smaller colorful lanterns are strung and hung among the larger ones, painting the garden in vibrant hues, enhancing the splendor of the Mid-Autumn night.

Shen family members arrive gradually, but nearly everyone waits expectantly for one person: Second Miss Shen Yanxi. News of her marriage to a son-in-law spread across the city after the recent river bandit kidnapping incident.

The man on the bounty poster was abstract enough that few recognized Lu Jin when he stepped out, allowing him to come and go unnoticed.

Today, many seize the chance to glimpse the married Miss Shen and naturally do not want to miss the occasion.

More are curious about the kind of husband Second Miss Shen chose—some have heard he topped the academy exams; most have not.

Almost no one knows Lu Jin personally—he is merely a successful scholar who tonight may not even be allowed entrance. Some wonder if he will be permitted in at all. These thoughts range from kindness to malice—human nature is complex.

Meanwhile, in the pavilion where the scarlet-robed youth gathers, the outside world’s changes seem irrelevant. They focus solely on rehearsing their recital, ready to declare their feelings to the Second Miss and shame the son-in-law. The very thought ignites their blood with passion.

“Miss Shen the Eldest has arrived! Second Miss Shen has arrived! Third Miss Shen has arrived! Miss Lu has arrived!”

As Shen Yanxi and her party approach the Jade Pool, servants announce their arrival. This formal procedure serves as a reminder to guests: the host has come, so greet appropriately, socialize properly, and cease any mischief. It is a matter of decorum.

At the sound of the announcement, those in the pavilion can no longer remain calm. They gaze toward the distance and soon see two adults and two young ladies stepping onto the boardwalk.