Beginning with Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio

After a light rain, several crabapple trees in full bloom graced the Yang family estate in Changqing County, Laizhou Prefecture. The third daughter of the Yang family seized upon the occasion to invite a few close friends to admire the blossoms together.

As they enjoyed the flowers, the third Miss Yang proposed they each compose a poem inspired by the crabapple tree. The young ladies dispersed, wandering among the elegant blossoms, hoping to find inspiration.

Soon, only Lin Baolu remained in the flower pavilion—a local merchant’s daughter, graceful in bearing, with a tiny crimson mole above her right eyebrow. Dressed in robes the color of crabapple petals, she seemed to blend seamlessly with the swaying, luminous blooms.

Lin Baolu, absorbed in her writing, wielded her brush with practiced ease. The hostess, Miss Yang, was the first to return, drifting lightly to Lin Baolu’s side to watch her write.

Lin Baolu’s small script was exquisite: as delicate and striking as the crabapple’s petals, yet imbued with the resilience of pine and cypress—a harmonious blend of strength and grace that caught the eye.

Observing this, Miss Yang pursed her lips in a subtle smile, moved even closer, and whispered with admiration, “Elder Sister Baolu, you truly exemplify ‘unremarkable in youth, outstanding in maturity.’”

From a distance, anyone would have thought Miss Yang was sincerely complimenting Lin Baolu.

Yet Lin Baolu, unfazed by the odd remark, continued writing with perfect composure.

Miss Yang covered her mouth with a dainty hand, lower