Chapter 44: Literary Gathering

The crimson invitation, bound with bright yellow silk cord and adorned within by auspicious cloud patterns rendered in gold leaf, exuded an air of heroic spirit, yet lacked the subtle elegance of a true scholar.

This scion of the World, it seemed, possessed a boundless enthusiasm for hosting gatherings. Scarce had the literary assembly of yesterday concluded, and yet another was already upon them today.

Chen Ji returned to the medical hall with the invitation in hand. Liu Qu Xing approached him. "A rather beautiful invitation... But perhaps it would be best if you did not attend the gathering to which Chun Hua has invited you."

As he spoke, he instinctively glanced at She Deng Ke, muttering softly, "I harbor no ill intentions, merely offering a word of caution regarding potential danger for Chen Ji."

She Deng Ke lowered his head, silent.

At this moment, Liang Gou Er also drew near, a faint scent of alcohol clinging to him. "Is this afternoon's literary gathering... Why would they only send the invitation this morning?"

She Deng Ke's voice was muffled as he asked, "Is there a problem with that?"

Liang Gou Er, with an air of pride, explained, "Of course there is a problem. Hosting a banquet adheres to the custom of 'three invitations'. The first invitation is sent three days prior to the banquet, the second on the morning of the banquet itself, and the final invitation an hour before the festivities commence. Sending the invitation three days in advance is known as 'inviting guests', while sending it on the day is 'snatching guests'. It signifies that you are merely an afterthought, a mere backdrop for this literary gathering!"

"Oh," Chen Ji nodded, though the information held no great concern for him.

Liang Gou Er immediately added, "Attending such a hastily assembled 'snatching guests' banquet will only cause others to look down upon you. It would be better if I went in your stead!"

Chen Ji's lips twitched. "Your abacus beads are practically rattling against my face."

He turned to Liu Qu Xing and She Deng Ke. "As Senior Brother Liu mentioned, I inadvertently offended the Quiet Concubine during my consultation at Late Star Garden. This time, I intend to go and resolve that misunderstanding. There is no need for you both to attend; I can go alone."

A stillness settled over the backyard. Liu Qu Xing appeared to waver, but She Deng Ke stepped forward. "I will accompany you. If there is truly trouble, it will be easier to offer assistance."

Speaking thus, She Deng Ke turned his gaze towards Liu Qu Xing. "Are you going or not?"

Liu Qu Xing's eyes shifted restlessly. "Why are you looking at me like that... Of course I'm going. It's not as if only you are righteous. It's just that we don't possess suitable attire for attending a banquet. Those present will all be literati, scholars, officials, and nobles. How awkward it would be to arrive as we are... I'm not making excuses; I'm suggesting we first acquire proper attire this morning. If we are to go, we must go in a dignified manner."

She Deng Ke's voice was low and sullen. "I have no money."

Liu Qu Xing gritted his teeth. "I will lend it to you first; you can repay me next month!"

Liang Gou Er, at the side, tsked and exclaimed, "Three brothers advancing and retreating together, I truly see the spirit of the Jianghu in you all. Rare indeed."

Liang Mao Er, his heart still fearful that Chen Ji would refuse to learn the blade, hastily added, "Diligent practice with my brother's knife, and perhaps legends of you will also spread throughout the Jianghu afterward."

However, Liang Gou Er laughed and teased, "Mao Er, your words may not be auspicious. Where in the Jianghu are there living legends? Only the departed become legends. Young men, the chivalric spirit of the Jianghu has already been broken. You should not heed my brother's nonsense."

Liang Mao Er pushed and shoved Liang Gou Er into the room. "Brother, please say less for now!"

***

As the sun reached its peak in the afternoon, Liu Qu Xing presented a figure of refinement in a proper blue long robe, his hair neatly secured with a net towel, a cherry tile hat perched upon his head, and Chen Bridge shoes adorning his feet.

Chen Ji appraised him. This ensemble, surprisingly, lent the thief-browed, rat-eyed Liu Qu Xing an air of officialdom, especially the black gauze headwear which seemed to complement him perfectly.

She Deng Ke's attire was simpler, much like Chen Ji's. He wore only a single hairpin and clothes made from newly purchased cloth.

The three arrived at the Prince's Mansion's side gate and presented their invitation. The sturdy gatekeeper, upon seeing the post, immediately led them respectfully towards the Flying White Pool in the back garden.

Along the way, the gatekeeper instructed, "Guests are requested to remain solely within the back garden and not to arbitrarily enter the female quarters."

Liu Qu Xing hastily replied, "Rest assured, good sir, we will not."

As they ventured further into the garden, the three could already hear the high-spirited discussions of the literati and guests amidst the strains of silk and bamboo music.

One voice boomed, "In my opinion, the Jing Dynasty's cavalry are nothing to fear. With autumn already upon us, their failure to breach Chong Li's pass until now suggests their soldiers are weary and their horses spent. Their retreat is imminent. If they truly intend to break through, our Great Ning's cannons and firearms will surely ensure they cannot escape unscathed."

"Indeed! The greatest harm to the nation and society is not the Jing Dynasty, but the eunuch faction! If I pass the imperial examination this time, I will stand before His Majesty and elucidate the evils of the eunuch faction's interference in politics!"

"With Brother Lin's immense talent, this year's provincial exam is surely a foregone conclusion, and the palace exam will then see him emerge as the top scholar!"

The previously booming voice quickly responded with feigned humility, "This year's provincial scholar is none other than Chen Wen Zong. In the three years he spent at the East Forest Academy, he has been the teachers' cherished treasure."

Liu Qu Xing softly muttered, "Truly, his mother's ability to boast is remarkable. One after another, either provincial scholars or top scholars. Is there enough for you all to share?"

They saw that dozens of tables had been set up beside the Flying White Pool, with bamboo mats laid out on the ground. The literati and scholars were all seated upon these mats.

Not far away, six small wooden pavilions had also been erected, draped with curtains to shield those within from curious gazes. It was clear these were intended for female relatives.

Liu Qu Xing softly inquired of the leading gatekeeper, "Dare I ask, good sir, which families' young ladies may be present today?"

The gatekeeper replied, "Allow me to inform you, esteemed guest, there are seven or eight noble young ladies present."

Liu Qu Xing, having been addressed as 'esteemed guest', immediately straightened his posture and adjusted his attire before seating himself at an empty table.

He said in a low voice, "My mother told me that during these kinds of literary gatherings, the adults of each family will often bring their wives and daughters of suitable age to observe from behind the curtains, hoping to find a favorable match. If one is truly chosen, it saves ten years of struggle."

Chen Ji sighed. "Senior Brother Liu, you truly wish to avoid even a single detour, do you not?"

The tables were arranged in three rows, seemingly signifying status, with the higher-ranking individuals seated in the middle and the lower-ranking in the back.

The three sat side by side in the last row. She Deng Ke scanned his surroundings, searching for Chun Hua's figure, while Liu Qu Xing quietly nudged Chen Ji with his finger. "Look at the first row opposite, your two direct elder brothers."

Chen Ji followed his gaze and indeed saw Chen Wen Zong seated upright, earnestly discussing his views with the crowd, advocating for the court to widely open channels for dissent and revitalize official administration.

Seated amidst the throng of literary talents, he shone like a bright pearl, instantly discernible.

Looking towards the pavilions, it seemed several young ladies were peering through the curtains towards Chen Wen Zong.

He then observed his other direct elder brother, Chen Wen Xiao, who sat sprawled, his gaze lost somewhere in the distance. While riding on horseback earlier, his indolence was not as apparent, but at this moment, he was clearly outshone by Chen Wen Zong.

As he observed them, Chen Ji's gaze met that of Chen Wen Zong. The latter offered a polite smile and nod, treating him merely as an ordinary guest attending the literary gathering, without any further regard.