Chapter 44: Literary Gathering

The red invitation was tied with a bright yellow interlocking cord, and the interior was lined with gold leaf in auspicious cloud patterns. It possessed a touch of grandeur, yet lacked a certain scholarly elegance.

This Prince was truly fond of hosting banquets. He had just held a literary gathering yesterday, and here he was again today.

Chen Ji returned to the medical clinic with the invitation. Liu Quxing leaned in and whispered, "What a beautiful invitation... but regarding the one Chunhua gave you, it might be best if you don't go."

As he spoke, he instinctively glanced at She Dengke and muttered, "I don't mean anything by it, I'm just reminding Chen Ji that there might be danger."

She Dengke kept his head lowered, remaining silent.

At that moment, Liang Gou'er also approached, bringing a scent of alcohol with him as he drew near. "It's for this afternoon's literary gathering... why did you only receive the invitation this morning?"

She Dengke asked in a muffled voice, "Is there a problem?"

Liang Gou'er explained triumphantly, "Of course there's a problem! A proper banquet follows the 'Three Invitations.' The first invitation must be sent three days before the banquet; the second invitation must be sent on the morning of the banquet; and the third and final invitation must be sent one hour before it begins. Sending an invitation three days in advance is called 'inviting guests,' but sending it on the day itself is called 'snatching guests.' It shows you're nothing more than a mere prop for the gathering!"

"Oh," Chen Ji nodded, though he didn't seem to care.

Liang Gou'er immediately added, "If you go to a last-minute 'snatching guests' banquet like this, people will look down on you. Why don't I go in your place!"

Chen Ji: "...Your greed is practically hitting me in the face."

He looked at Liu Quxing and She Dengke. "As Senior Brother Liu said, I offended Consort Jing while consulting at Wanxing Courtyard previously, so I am going this time to clear up the misunderstanding. You two shouldn't go; I'll go alone."

The backyard fell silent. Liu Quxing felt the urge to withdraw, but She Dengke took a step forward. "I'll go with you. If anything happens, I can help out."

Having said that, She Dengke turned to look at Liu Quxing. "Are you coming?"

Liu Quxing's eyes darted around. "Why are you looking at me like that... of course I'm going. You act as if you're the only one being loyal. It's just that we don't have any decent clothes suitable for a banquet. Everyone else will be scholars and high officials; it would be quite pathetic if we went like this... I'm not making excuses, I'm just saying we should go buy some clothes this morning. If we're going, we should go looking respectable."

She Dengke said gloomily, "I have no money."

Liu Quxing gritted his teeth. "I'll lend you some first, and you can pay me back next month!"

Liang Gou'er watched from the side, clicking his tongue in amazement. "Three brothers moving as one... I actually see a sense of chivalry in you all. Rare, truly rare."

Liang Mao'er, whose only concern was that Chen Ji might lose interest in practicing the saber, quickly added, "Practice your saber well with my brother. In the future, there might even be legends about you in the martial world."

However, Liang Gou'er teased her, "Mao'er, that's bad luck. Where are there living legends in the martial world? You only become a legend once you're dead. Young man, the chivalry of this martial world has already had its spine broken; don't listen to my brother's nonsense."

Liang Mao'er pushed Liang Gou'er into the house. "Brother, just shut up already!"

...

...

At the hour of the Shen (3 PM to 5 PM), Liu Quxing was dressed in a well-fitted cyan long robe, his hair neatly gathered with a hairnet, wearing a cherry-wood brimmed hat and Chenqiao cloth shoes.

Chen Ji sized him up. This outfit actually made the shifty-looking Liu Quxing look like a minor official, especially with the black official cap on his head, which suited him remarkably well.

She Dengke's attire was simpler. Like Chen Ji, he only had a hairpin in his hair, and his clothes were merely newly purchased plain cloth garments.

The three arrived at the side gate of the Prince's mansion to present their invitations. Upon seeing them, a sturdy servant respectfully led them toward the Feibai Pond in the rear garden.

Along the way, the servant cautioned, "We hope the guests remain only in the rear garden and do not trespass into the inner quarters of the ladies."

Liu Quxing quickly responded, "Rest assured, Madam, we won't."

As they walked deeper into the garden, the three could hear from a distance the scholars engaged in high-minded discussions amidst the sound of silk and bamboo music.

One man said loudly, "If you ask me, the Jing Dynasty's cavalry is nothing to fear. Autumn has already arrived, and the fact that they haven't broken through the Chongli pass by now means they are exhausted and will retreat soon. If they truly try to force the pass, our Great Ning's cannons and firearms will surely make them pay dearly."

"Exactly! The greatest threat to the state is not the Jing Dynasty, but the eunuch faction! If I pass the imperial examinations this time, I will certainly clarify the evils of eunuch interference before His Majesty at the palace!"

"With Brother Lin's great talent, you will surely be the top scholar in the provincial exam, and then the top scholar in the imperial exam!"

The previous voice hurriedly replied with humility, "This year's top provincial scholar will undoubtedly be Chen Wenzong. During these three years at Donglin Academy, he has been the precious jewel of all the masters."

Liu Quxing muttered under his breath, "What a load of bullshit. One after another, it's always 'top scholar' or 'imperial scholar.' Is there enough for all of you?"

They saw that dozens of tables had been set up by the Feibai Pond, with bamboo mats spread on the ground, and the scholars were all sitting on the floor.

Not far away, six small wooden pavilions had been erected. Curtains hung from the pavilions to shield the occupants from view, presumably where the ladies were seated.

Liu Quxing whispered to the leading servant, "May I ask, Madam, have any young ladies arrived today?"

The servant replied, "To let the gentleman know, seven or eight noble daughters have arrived."

Being addressed as "gentleman," Liu Quxing immediately straightened his back and adjusted his clothes before taking a seat at an empty table.

He whispered, "My mother told me that when these literary gatherings are held, the masters of various households usually have their wives bring their eligible daughters to look through the curtains for a potential match. If one is truly chosen, it saves ten years of wandering in the wrong direction."

Chen Ji remarked with emotion, "Senior Brother Liu, you really don't want to take any detours at all, do you?"

The tables were arranged in three rows, seemingly determined by status—who sat in the middle and who sat in the back.

The three sat side-by-side in the last row. She Dengke looked around, searching for Chunhua's figure, while Liu Quxing quietly poked Chen Ji with his finger. "Look at the first row opposite us. Your two biological brothers."

Chen Ji looked over and saw Chen Wenzong sitting upright, discussing his views with the crowd, hoping the imperial court would broaden its channels of communication and revitalize the civil service.

Even among a crowd of scholars and talents, he sat like a bright pearl that could be picked out at a glance.

Looking toward the pavilions, it seemed several girls were peeking through the curtains toward Chen Wenzong.

Looking at the other biological brother, Chen Wenxiao was sitting askew, his gaze wandering aimlessly. He hadn't seemed out of place when he was on horseback, but now he was completely overshadowed by Chen Wenzong.

As he was observing, Chen Wenzong's eyes met Chen Ji's. The other man gave a slight, smiling nod, treating him merely as an ordinary guest attending the gathering, without paying him much mind.

(End of Chapter)