Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 4 First Show of Strength

At a small family gathering for the matriarch, Su Jinxiu showcased her exquisite musical skills and outstanding literary talent, winning praise from the matriarch and other elders, who all looked at her with new respect.

Dressed in a pale purple gown, Su Jinxiu slowly walked to the center of the stage. She gently sat down, her jade-like fingers lightly brushing the strings, and melodious music instantly flowed forth. The music was plaintive and poignant, as if telling a moving story, captivating everyone present. When the piece ended, thunderous applause erupted.

Immediately afterwards, Su Jinxiu displayed her outstanding literary talent. She composed a poem on the spot, the verses of which were beautiful and moving, and the meaning was profound, which made the old lady nod repeatedly, her eyes full of admiration.

"Jinxiu is becoming more and more outstanding!" the old lady said with a smile.

Other elders echoed this sentiment, praising Su Jinxiu highly.

However, this aroused Su Yue's extreme dissatisfaction and jealousy.

After the party ended, Su Yue threw a tantrum in her room.

"Why should Su Jinxiu steal the spotlight? I should be the center of attention!" Su Yue swept everything off the table.

Her personal maidservant cautiously advised, "Miss, please don't be angry. There will be other opportunities in the future."

"An opportunity? I can't wait that long!" Su Yue said through gritted teeth.

Therefore, Su Yue decided to secretly ruin Su Jinxiu's reputation.

She first spread rumors in the mansion that Su Jinxiu's musical skills and literary talent were all done by paid people. Then, she deliberately belittled Su Jinxiu's talent in conversations with the other sisters.

But Su Jinxiu had already noticed this.

One day, several young ladies from the Marquis's mansion were admiring the flowers in the garden. Su Yue started talking badly about Su Jinxiu again.

"Sisters, don't be fooled by Su Jinxiu's outward appearance; she doesn't actually have any real skills," Su Yue said.

Su Jinxiu happened to be passing by and overheard these words.

She smiled slightly and walked over: "Sister, what are your intentions in slandering me like this?"

Su Yue's expression changed, but she quickly regained her composure: "Sister, I didn't slander you, I was just telling the truth."

The other women looked at each other, unsure of whom to believe.

Su Jinxiu said calmly, "Since you think I don't have any real skills, why don't we have a competition right here and let the older sisters judge for us?"

Su Yue felt a pang of panic, but she couldn't refuse, so she had no choice but to bite the bullet and agree.

The competition began, and Su Jinxiu first showcased her even more superb piano skills, leaving everyone in awe. When it was Su Yue's turn, however, she made numerous mistakes due to nervousness.

Next came the literary contest. Su Jinxiu spoke eloquently, while Su Yue stammered and couldn't utter a complete sentence for a long time.

The outcome of the competition was self-evident, and Su Yue was so ashamed she wanted to disappear.

The other ladies finally saw through Su Yue's true colors and expressed their dissatisfaction with her.

“Su Yue, I never expected you to be so narrow-minded and jealous of Jinxiu’s talent,” a young lady said.

Su Yue slunk back to her room.

After this incident, Su Jinxiu's position in the Marquis's mansion became even more secure, while Su Yue became the laughing stock of everyone.

But Su Jinxiu knew that this was just a small victory, and her road to revenge was still long.

Not long after, the Marquis's mansion received an invitation from a prominent family in the capital, inviting the young ladies of the mansion to a grand poetry gathering.

Su Jinxiu decided to showcase her talent once again at this poetry gathering, so that more people could recognize her abilities.

She carefully prepared several poems and also learned about the rules of the poetry gathering and the situation of other participants in advance.

On the day of the poetry gathering, Su Jinxiu attracted the attention of many people as soon as she appeared.

During the poetry competition, Su Jinxiu's poem amazed the audience, not only with its beautiful words and phrases but also with its profound artistic conception.

Even the renowned scholars present praised her work highly.

“This woman is exceptionally talented and will surely achieve great things in the future,” said a renowned scholar.

Su Jinxiu's fame spread throughout the capital, making her the object of admiration for many young men from prominent families.

Meanwhile, Su Yue could only hide in a corner, secretly filled with resentment.