The well-lit rooms were filled with boisterous laughter. Young men in their silk apparels and fresh faces fluttered around like angry bees and flustered butterflies.
The children were in their own worlds. The youngsters in theirs. Neither the youngsters nor the women inside the separate inner compounds took notice or heard the voices ringing aloud in the main hall, announcing the arrival of auspicious time.
Some servants, though, were running around to bring the fastest news inside each occupied corner, for everyone's pleasure. As such, no one was completely unaware of ceremony preparations or when it began - solemn, rigorous – and quite separated from all the festivity when it did.
In the Main Hall itself, all the elderly members of the Wei clan had taken their places quite early, with their distinguished guests by their side, entertaining them with tea and carefully crafted delicacies, looking stately in their well-organized apparels and aged, wise looks. The visitors equally humored the host's family with auspicious words and congratulations on the coming of age of the eldest son, the new heir of Wei Clan.
Since it was a grand celebration, the plans for that day's banquet were quite long. The lunch, and dinner too were to be held in the Wei premises.
Some faraway guests were still on their way, and the procession of gifts never stopped entering inside the manor with all its pomp and show; while the main gate was surrounded by a crowd of spectators - children and elderly alike - who stood and watched as various treasure boxes were carried in inside the towering gate. "Is a certain big miss getting married today-?" seemed to become the most asked question.
"Of course not! It's just the coming-of-age ceremony –," but many just heard it and let it pass unheeded. They enjoyed the cheer, and then danced around staring at any new big carriage joining in the line of grandly ensembled carriage trains. Even the cold downpour falling in short intervals could stop them from joining in the apparent festivity.
As for the hall where the ceremony was to take place – by noon, it had become a well-lit place filled with plenty of warm light wafting off in wisps from exquisitely crafted paper lamps embossed in their wooden frames. Some delicately carved palace lamps hung from over the roof. On such a gloomy day, with sunlight seldom creeping through its gray cloudy curtains – these lamps were flourishingly lit and welcome.
Four wooden pillars supported the beam inside the main Hall, reaching a considerable height enlarging the space inside – so much that its opulence was all the more pronounced, even exaggerated. Few plinths supported a raised platform at its northern side, supporting a jade statue of the clan deity of the Wei clan; an assortment of delicacies was served around it.
That was but a small corner, the rest of the hall was arranged with seats for guests facing a space opening up in the middle which was left as a stage. Although these small seats were at quite a distance from the inner circle of the deity placed in the north, all the guests had no difficulty in appreciating that towering Clan-god of this old family. Some even recalled its name – "Isn't that the incarnation of fire, God of fiery spirit, Chongli?"
"He is, indeed."
Only the head of the house could have a seat in close proximity with the clan god though, a well-recognized fact in Jinghai or most of the east of Dajin. Many reputed clans practiced this custom of honouring the guest by placing them at closest proximity with the clan's deity.
If you were to go off into more outer parts of Dajin, your nearness with the central capital growing farther and distant, the most commonplace practices and traditions becoming all the scanter, it wasn't hard to spot a few heretic traditions like these. Although not many had a clan god of their own, the Wei's were amongst the oldest families which had kept this primitive practice alive.
"Master Huo this way! Here, all the guests are awaiting your arrival." The caretaker carefully worded his greeting as he showed a certain personage into the hall.
"Good, good! Great ambience! I am fortunate to have been remembered by Lord Wei on such a grave occasion. You'll let him know of my gratitude, won't you?" The man didn't forget to hold onto the old caretakers' hands and shook them happily as he moved hastily to join the rest of the company.
The caretaker looked at his fat figure fading away and turned towards the next guest.
In the hall, sliding wooden doors opened on all sides but the north, creating an almost open chamber, aired by chilling breeze and softer showers spraying at moments whenever the wind blew or the gate opened, which wasn't as infrequent as one would have liked in that kind of gloomy weather. But since some young servants were specially reserved to oversee that no door remained open longer than needed, not much inconvenience was caused to the guest.
Majestic silver candelabras were placed at close intervals, luminously dampening the darkness, while a rich, woodenly scent diffused in the air, filling it with various emotions tied to languor– from comfort of taste to comfort of eyes, the details suited to every sensibility was provided for. Such was the great care taken by the host in making this manor's luxuries affable to general eyes, that on close notice even the sultry nature of the soft shower couldn't hamper the celebration. It was to be fully enjoyed with wines and people, every subject to be prodded and every new development in Jinghai to be shared about.
The hall was full by noon. Maids sauntered around, carrying delicacies on silver platters balanced on their delicate arms; goblets of wine and their refill were to be provided at right times, pastries served at right places. At the center stage, elderly looking courtesans held a pipa, or a flute or zithers. There was no Suona in their hands - an absence that would have made many onlookers finally concede – "Alas! It really is not a marriage ceremony!"
The courtesan's masterfully twisted strings to create magnificent waves in their listener's mind; while younger courtesans danced gracefully twisting their swan-like necks, waving scarves made of silk.
Qianyuan dynasty, like its predecessors of Xian dynasty, still supported the coming-of-age ceremony to be held at the twentieth year of a youth's life —only after this night, will he be counted amongst gentlemen.
A farmer might celebrate such an occasion by adding an extra egg into his son's plate, while a merchant called the most reputable scholar to hold their son's coming of age ceremony. And as part of noble aristocratic lineage, whose forefathers had once even helped the current ruling family to get the hold of such a vast land as Dajin – the Wei's weren't going to let this opportunity slide without showing their standing and prestige in Jinghai.
On such a cheerful occasion, everyone of repute and status, accorded by their noble position or wealth were gathered therein sipping wine and toasting blessings.
Master Wei was also sitting in the hall, hosting the event with appropriate smiles and gestures, receiving glad tidings and regards from all sides. He would show the appropriate amount of happiness, never holding his guest a while longer than needed.
At this moment, inside the Hall sat Master Wei representing his father. The representatives from Magistrate, a couple of foreign dignitaries and some principal members of Jinghai Yamen, as well as highly reputed merchants were all resting close by, as did the chief members of four major families and nine famous clans of the town. They had just appreciated the sprawling manor's peach orchards and had finally returned with daunted spirits, when another bout of rain prevailed over them. It was quite a small company in there, studded with alacrity to pleasing and being in turn pleased.
"And so, we are once again in the grace of Lord Wei. No, don't stand young lad. There is no need for such a heavy salutation here – is there?" An old man, in his textured silks and finely combed hair, toasted master Wei who was sitting with his friend.
Old Master Yu had just come to perform the ceremonious greeting with the host and found him engrossed in a private conversation. He himself, quite weary of taking more time than an appropriate nod and small talk would take, didn't take the spare seat besides Master Wei and his friend when offered. Instead, he immediately started saying, "The manor was quite a delight to see after such a lapse of time – his lordship's reputation of gracing his guests with his one true heart still rings as true as it had a few decades back. It quite reminds me of those times when he was still the Left prime minister in our majesty's court! Ah! What days. Your father, young friend Wei, was once famed as the most delightful host to ever grace the high society of the Capital. A personal loss which is still felt with great resolve on their part. But what a great occasion today seems to be for you? Good news from all sides! Just delight, great fortune has found your doors one after other, and aptly as it should! I don't see your son here though, that young lad seems to have slipped away? The time for the ceremony is coming closer, if I am not wrong?"
"Yes, he did go away for that purpose, Old Master Yu." Master Wei replied while chugging the toast in acceptance. His lips showed the most solemn smile, his eyes empty of any merry affectations. "My father will be here shortly, if you find it difficult to wait for him, I can ask the maid to lead you to a guest room. You can just take a break for some time." An answer was given without being questioned.
"Good, no thank you for the offer. Although, as old as I am, I should gladly take you up on your words, but Jinghai doesn't occasion such a festive atmosphere frequently, does it? While he isn't here, there is no harm in enjoying such pleasurable company as we can find. Look there - did I spot the eldest son of the Minister of Rite?"
"Oh yes. Should I lead you over there?" he stretched his neck to see a group of people sitting and chatting at a distance.
"Don't fret my dear. I will go ask him about his father in just a while - but how are you enjoying the company, Su Ruhui?" Old Master Yu turned to master Wei's friend. "Not that I can find you anywhere else other than these festive occasions! Do come to Pingyuan, my dear. Its just a forty miles distance…a day on your fiery horse and you'll spend a fortnight of the best time of your life! I have recently added this amazing garden in my collection – as I wrote to your father, Huoyu – it has been constructed in my old clan house. A book brought by some barbarians from over the Great Ocean mentioned these hanging gardens - a mesmerizing collection of herbs and flowers were portrayed in one of their written accounts. I couldn't do it justice but I imagine that it does have some of the likeness as told in those stories. But a great traveler like you, Ruhui, must have seen wonders greater than that – do come and tell me, how much worse I fare or is it worse than I had imagined it to be?"
"It's always a great pleasure to see such amazing things like fantasy coming out of prints - I will come to Pingyuan just to see your garden's Old Master Yu – one day when the day is agreeable to my sensitive nerves. I think much more than me, you like such gatherings more. Alas! They seldom occur in Jinghai, particularly in these times of the year – it is always the rain! The devil!" The speaker was a slightly slovenly looking man, his countenance all agreeable, purporting fox-like glinting eyes. He raised his cup of wine toasting the man sitting beside him as well as the old gentleman.
"Oh, do you think so - I will wait, and hold on to this promise of yours. Looks like many friends have gathered today, is that person Qinan county magistrate? Yes, the one in green brocade- yes?! Let me greet them first, then. Once again, great day to you Huoyu. May many future days be like this for you." saying this, he soon made himself scarce, having spotted an acquaintance and said his parting greetings. Master Wei received another toast.
Master Su RuHui remained silent for a while and then once again broached a similar topic, engaging his preoccupied host, who was sitting with his back as straight as pine, looking deliberately down into his glass of wine.
"The rain turned out to be the worst one from over these years. Many counties complained of flooding, but Jinghai was spared much trouble fortunately. The rain seems a little softer today…hopefully the next few days will be graced with some more sun. Not that it might be the case. But by gods! One should see some of the sun in these times each day! The cold is chilling the bones. I feel almost starved of its presence!"
By the end, he was even clenching his teeth.
"Ah…but I bet you will make yourself scarce the very next day crying about how hot the day is. I know you; you cannot persuade me otherwise." Master Wei Houyu narrowed his eyes. "If anything, if we were to go by your standards, we will still be having seasons fluctuate like moods. Thank god, we don't. Too much of this, too much of that – all day long all you do is cry about something or other. And when it gets too bad, you pack your things and are on your way to lands only gods know of. For a person who had difficulty rising from his bed when asked to accompany to a nearby county – claiming you are too bed-ridden to ride a horse - you do make long journeys across the world when in the right 'spirit' don't you? Tell me exactly, how can you behave so extremely -? You travel to such far off lands and spend so much money over these worthless adventures, but when I have a small request, you are too good to rouse yourself from your bed? Or are those travel tales of yours a lie too? With a temper like yours, I can expect that. I don't know how you have managed to save the small amount of money that you have left in your purses. And no, I am not listening to your excuses. I heard Shijiazhuang reported a loss of over a thousand lives –We agreed to go and look at the situation in nearby towns. But the day changed into night, and you were still languishing in your beauty's arms. By god! Woe be me if I ever ask you to travel another day!"
Master Su RuHui started laughing outright, genuinely looking surprised. He took a round grape and started peeling its skin off. "It seems this time I have finally worn out your endless patience – I cannot recall another occasion you had so much to say to me. The sweet-tempered playboy of Jinghai also knows anger? Which one of your endless secret lovers will believe the truth of this face of yours?"
"A feat unmatched. And for the last question - I can tell you the answer is none." Master Wei turned his head away, his eyes a little colder.
"By gods! Yes! For the likes of me who will never step into a battlefield - unmistakably a feat unmatched! To make the always calm Master Wei show his claws...? Having made you speak to me in this tone is like seeing the sun rise in the west. When we were teenagers, I used to think that nothing could happen to make you smile less, and then when something did actually happen, I thought nothing could ever make you rise from that grave again. To see you like this is as if I have earned a medal of honor…alas…" Su RuHui half-jokingly said, gulping the peeled grape. It was sour.
"Did you hear of Shijiazhuang?" Wei Houyu turned again and asked, his voice softer than before. "What does your information channel say?"
"Yes, nothing nice." Su Ruhui replied. "Rice ruined, no harvest in this season. Not counting the casualty of cattle and other crops, what do you think are the chances of that county approaching a famine? I think it's just a few months away from outright catastrophe falling on their heads! With an example of Anshui, it can only be worse if nothing is done now. But the court is in such a bad state - what can we expect? If not this year, next year will truly push Shijiazhuang to that. Can they be saved? – hard to say that. But since the second prince is already overseeing Jinghai, with his recent arrival here, at least such misappropriation of aid that happened in Anshui from the court can be averted, right? What a loss though. We won't be seeing any good harvest until next year."
"I heard something similar. The Magistrate just told me he was thinking of asking his majesty to lower the taxes for this winter, for both Jinghai and Shijiazhuang but then," Master Wei lowered his voice further to a whisper, "there happens to be a situation at present. Any tax reduction seems improbable in near future."
"Is there…? Doesn't sound like a good situation to me." A slightly softer voice replied.
"Does it not? You got the inkling, brother – ah." Master Wei shrugged.
A small moment of silence interrupted their exchange.
"In fact, the court might as well be pushing for an increase in coming taxes, this February." Wei Houyu looked towards where the magistrate's party was seated. "It bodes no good news for the general populace by the looks of it. I don't know how your merchant friends are faring? Some must have started preparing for this loss? And don't tell me, something that can fall into my ears is still unknown to them! I cannot believe such lies."
"They know. They might be unaware of the gravity of the …situation, if they do know about this oncoming calamity. In fact, I cannot be sure. What is commonplace in such times are merchants hoarding their goods. Who knows whether they fear a drought in Shijiazhuang or have heard a very similar kind of news from the court? It doesn't make much of a difference in my eyes – the south suffered such calamity, how can east remain untouched? The traces are already unfolding in the west, as well as north…it's a drought year all over the place. Its just that the rain wouldn't stop somewhere, while some places have hardly seen any rain at all. However," Master Su Ruhui looked up, whispering, reaching towards Master Wei's ears, "that one over there seems to have done something last week."
They both abruptly looked in one direction.
"If you hadn't told me all this, I would still be struggling to guess why Li Mu had sold so many of his shares in the Local bank and hoarded all the barley in Jinghai. His stocks in the local mercantile communes were also liquidated. It made a great fuss - many shops were crying and counting their silver. One even got bankrupt - many people in the know are claiming that he is preparing a great gift for the second prince. For a while, I was even ready to believe that he was preparing to open a brewery! Is that improbable for such a sort of man? Whatever you tell me I think it is hard to grasp that he is preparing a gift- do such thick-headed men care for diplomacy? What gift for the Second prince-? But I now know, he is still far better than I give him credit for! He is definitely preparing a caravan to go to the south and to other places to trade. Barley is better than rice and wheat. People will trade that more readily. And I remember a year ago, people had too much of that in nearby places. Pity! - A brewery would have really suited his ways! Sleazy as he is, his wines would have been amorous. Heavenly. Tsch." Su Ruhui's disgruntled face tilted towards the grape plate as he picked another to gobble up the whole.
He then looked pointedly at the small clique nearer to the entrance door, animatedly discussing today's fiasco of the horses, horsemen and the carriage owner. Boisterous laughter rang all around. "Look at him, not a care in the world! Who could ever guess that just recently his wife died in childbirth? The least one can ask of him is to maintain a straight face for a while, not much to ask in my opinion. But you do know, the Li's generally treat their women lower than their mares. Pity, she was a beauty too– even I once dwelled over taking her hands myself. But she wedded this brute the next year. What does he have other than his money?"
"Some more of that? A good number of lands and mines? I heard another old paper making industry fell into his hands. With so many links in the south and southern mines – he will earn every buck he is spending right now. He never was a simpleton that you usually make out of him."
"Touché. But look at that face! Just those horse-like features will stop a woman from looking at him a second longer! But he has money. Forget it."
"Ah ha! You look under pressure." Wei Houyu looked up and chuckled. "You still haven't sorted out your debts to him, have you? The treasurer of the Town bank was asking me about your health a few days ago, and no Li Mu was not there. But the treasurer did look pretty strung up – he will be killed, I assure you, if you delay any longer - Li Mu was never famous for his compassion and great heart. It was only that poor man who agreed to give you such a huge loan, and now you will have no one to borrow from all over Jinghai."
Master Wei shrugged away his amused smile. He took up the empty goblet and filled it up with some more wine from the jade gourd.
"You know…this thing really exasperates me. That man never does anything right apart from causing trouble at the most ingenious moments. What else could you expect from this wretch? I will see what I can do. But you look like you will not help me, will you? I see it in your eyes."
"If I can help, no! – I will most likely not overexert my nerves. Your proportion of what constitutes a help is always awry. What I will spend on you might as well have entered the belly of a Whale. Wei Jia doesn't do such loss-making businesses." As soon as Master Wei had started dwelling over this, he was abruptly stopped.
A group of people, all looking well dressed and blithely pompous approached him. Heading this group was a man who wore a purple brocade and looked younger than both master Houyu and Su Ruhui.
"But where is the main character of our play? Your son Master Wei, I don't see him around here? Or does he, too, shy away from the company of the likes of you? What a shame, doesn't he see you as his father? But I am not too surprised – I heard you earned yourself another title downtown - what was it again? Yes, the 'Richest Flower boy of Jinghai'? Whoring all day long tends to make people renowned like you - does it not Master Wei?" he spoke flushed, his voice tilting into lisps.
This grating voice roused both their attention as it continued to say. "Here, here. Lord Wei has finally secured a worthy successor, people."
A peal of laughter came from a group following the man. Huang Dan proudly bowed to accept their amusement, and then raised a toast to the host of the banquet. "You laugh, but it's no laughing matter here in Weijia. But fortunately, as late as it might be, at last - we can all say that the apple hasn't fallen too far from its tree. But some people don't share such sentiments, do they?"
His eyes were animated with a mischievous glint.
Another person joined the ensemble, this time an ill looking, pale faced master Fu Anan. He looked at the surrounding crowd of men, and then the strange tone of voice of the speaker. He heard the crass exchange and then came forward to deescalate the situation.
"No, it's not a laughing matter indeed. That drought-ridden small town near Anshui benefited greatly from Young Master Wei's benevolent service. We know that he is a hero, nothing short of a warrior of Dajin! With his heart in the right place and with such keen appreciation for his duties to the crown, we can expect great things from such a youngster! What a sensible young man! Worthy of his grandfather's high regard in all senses. To such a new addition to our Dajin's industrious halls of mighty, courageous and well-meaning fellows, let me raise this toast, everyone, so that we reckon his moral superiority, his courage that wanes in us. I will be glad if you will accept it on his behalf, Master Wei."
"You overpraise." Master Wei replied succinctly, yet the smile didn't fade from his lip. No one could tell what he was thinking. But his companion seemed to have become a silent spectator, looking coldly at the exchange.
"No, I am only telling the truth."
A ceremonious exchange followed, yet was abruptly stopped again.
"Although," Huang Dan said, "I have complaints of you being an unworthy son to your liege, Master Wei, but I expect that you do cheer on for the general prosperity of your offspring in the unaltered corners of your heart?"
Master Fu Anan rolled his eyes in his mind, then stopped talking altogether. This particular style of seeking a fight was no new thing for the people present there.
Huang Dan, the son of Old Master Huang, a well reputed courtier, unlike his gentle father would always dirty anyone's reputation as he deemed fit. He saw no date, no time – for him, a good brawl was good on any occasion. And to scratch healed wounds of his adversary -? How dare he not enjoy such a feast!
Only Old Master Huang could stop him from his death seeking adventures.
Many eyes lingered over him, fully expecting a scuffle. A few people tried to interrupt the embarrassing exchange, but couldn't stop master Huang Dan from saying all his displeasures, or utter profanity in such a company.
Fu Anan, having seen that he was of not much use, decided to make himself scarce so that he wouldn't hear more than he should, but before he left, he gently whispered a few words in Master Wei's ears.
"Don't take him too seriously - and the people sent have replied. The old man held a meeting in the abandoned courtyards. Send Hong Tao. A man will receive the letter, a southerner." It was a puzzling statement, but he didn't explain much and ran away.
Master Wei didn't seem surprised. He ignored other people, and turned to his friend. A shared sense of understanding flashed between them, and then they quickly looked away.
He then turned to Huang Dan and said, "That is only natural, master Huang. Whatever my shortcomings may be, a love borne for one's offspring is a gift of nature – even my failures cannot dampen that spirit. I haven't suddenly become a brute with a stone for a heart."
"I doubt it, Wei Houyu."
"However," Master Wei looked up and continued as if he hadn't been interrupted, still smiling softly, "I am saddened at your singling me out like this. Who doesn't look for some pleasure in their small lives? It is in nature for us base humans to seek pleasure and avert from pain. Just like the time you went against the wishes of your mother and married a courtesan? The love might be there, but propriety was not - was it?"
He straightened his sleeves.
"At least a marriage is a sacred ceremony - after worshiping before my clansmen, nothing is wrong in my actions. It's you who should explain to your clansmen and father – have you ever observed propriety? Of the many lovers, how many have passed the ceremonial acceptance in your Wei house? I seem to recall there has been no new concubine included in your family, but that beauty in the 'Pomegranate pavilion' is definitely yours!"
"But these have never troubled a soul other than mine," Master Wei replied. "What I do behind closed walls, remain mostly behind it if there are no other wandering snoopers."
Huang Dans colored and spoke more forcefully, "What a great reply! No decent noblemen should be expected to be righteous by your standards and no sound mind should ever judge their wrongs? Snoopers…is that what you call your lord father when he asks and chastises you for your whereabouts? I wouldn't be surprised if you did master Wei."
"Many in this hall claim that they are righteous noblemen. As you do – master Huang." Master Wei started, his deep voice overriding other voices in the hall. "Not many can stand tall on your scrutiny master Huang, if you were to apply these same harsh principles as you do over my own actions to others in this small hall, yourself or even your companions. I cannot help but recount many familiar faces here, who were also enjoying a joyful night in the arms of a courtesan – some quite blatantly, some shyly – being in those brothels you so despise. Many here will agree, as they share similar experiences as mine, of what constitutes a human failing. If not in front of others, but they will do it in secluded, veiled parts of their hidden selves – where the toughest kind of criticism dwells and assess one's own worth. Will you, then, have us all condemned as no longer human? As I am not the only one with such failing, you must forgive us all, or talk no more of me alone. I don't accept your one-sided study of my principles."
"Now, now master Houyu. He is just a…a simpleton! Please don't say so many harsh words…!" Someone tried to interrupt looking red faced. He looked as if an insult had been personally thrown at him.
Many other voices tried to interrupt Wei Houyu, but he still went on saying coldly –
"When you mourn my dead reason, you should recall the pain your mother suffered through in all those years owing to your selfishness, or when you drove her crazy with your indifference. When you say of my unfilial self, you should ask of the graying hairs on your father's head! My mother never said a word against me, nor have I caused her tears, to tell you the truth."
"How dare you bring my mother into this!?" Master Huang Dan reached out for master Wei's lapels, raising him to his eye level, peering into his eyes with deep hatred. If not for the hands pulling him back, he would have succeeded in pulling off Master Wei or giving him a punch on his face.
Master Wei clenched the hands holding his clothes and twisted it around, arousing a shriek in return. He stood up, with his hands reaching out towards his sword laying at his waist.
"Master Huang Dan should hold the courage to hear the truth when he speaks so overbearingly. It appears to me that you are still unaware of rights and wrongs. When you so righteously break out in protest of my friend's debauchery, please do the same for the men here who have done worse to their slaves and commoners. Now, no one is purer than others. If you go pointing finger's one is certainly going to come pointing at you – But I hear no just criticism of that kind? When the great sages in the past talked of human nature, they never only talked of promiscuous sons, but also failures of masters in dealing with their servants, of dealings of husbands with their wives and of the kindness that froths from human nature that should be maintained between a slave and a liege! Who speaks with kindness to a servant? Forget being kind to slaves, who of us treat them more than a beast?"
"Well pointed out." Someone couldn't help but agree with Master Su RuHui, "Just recently, wasn't it your young nephew, Master Huang Dan, who kidnapped a village maiden? The whole family died as a result of such blatant plundering in clear daylight – I wouldn't say more but please, don't play this hypocritical charade over here. This is a company of learned men."
Finally, this new revelation seemed to have sucked away all color from Master Huang Dan and some of the people following behind him. Deciding to not make things worse for himself, he turned to Master Wei and said spitefully -
"I will see how long you can support that face, Master Wei! You don't dissuade me. You will always be the same bug crawling in the lowest rungs of society as you were years before, a lunatic on the loose, eating dirt and whatnots. Everyone tells me you have healed, recovered, but look – what does he have in his eyes? Does he look sane? Do sane people talk like this after being insulted? Do you see any change over his face– no color, no blushing. Doesn't that remind you of stones? And he says he hasn't turned into one- what a farce!" Huang Dan pointed his fingers at Master Wei, then cleverly fell back on his feet. He wrestled his arms away from his captives and straightened his ruffled shirt.
"Literate people do happen to talk like me, Master Huang, if you excuse me. I am a scholar, even a stained one."
"Unlike an imbecile like you, he does know words. Take my words if not his." Master Su RuHui said as he took another peeled grape into his mouth.
"You-!" He once again lunged at them.
There was much persuading done on both sides. For a moment it looked like it would end up in an outright brawl, but some sane people held both the parties down. Finally, under the coercion of having his father angered, one of the parties conceded a truce.
As soon as the inflamed man had found his way out, persuaded by his company, the spectators all started moving away. "What a character! He will die in some corner some of these days - if that hot temper doesn't come flattening down, I tell you."
"Indeed."
At this moment there was bustling outside and then the screens opened to let in a crowd of curious looking young boys.
Young men in their silk apparels and fresh faces had sauntered inside the hall. As if they knew that a while later this Hall would welcome all the great men in town to hold the most renowned capping ceremony to ever take place in Jinghai's history - they appeared excited to behold such a spectacle! There was much to talk of at length here! What about those mighty wooden pillars, those gilded roof with exquisitely painted motifs in bright blues and reds and goldens, all those panels showing Buddhist motifs: there was the banyan tree, the otherworldly apsaras, the lotus blooms and the flying fishes all floating over the roof and the wooden walls, so ingeniously crafted that it made it look like it floated on its own! And that devious looking deity at the north? Of its huge glinting emerald body, its pot belly and huge ruby jewels in place of his eyes – the clan god of Wei was not a common sight that anyone could glimpse on a normal day. Only occasions like this opened this hall and its various wonders.
The arrival of auspicious time had long been announced. The ceremony preparations had long begun behind closed walls, someplace inside Young Master Wei's chamber.
Soon, the voices inside the hall jolted a notch higher, abruptly becoming akin to noise – finally all the great faces in Jinghai had appeared on stage! The Old Master Wei walked briskly along with his companions, all looking somber and grave, as they took to their seats at the highest table over the northern part of the hall. For a while there was only silence, till the old men were settled appropriately and then began another round of greetings and congratulations.
Master Wei gracefully sat down once more. His friend had risen up to greet the elders, and another occupant had overtaken a seat on his left.
It was Master Huo Yuxun, the newly arrived Chancellor, appointed to the county's Yamen. The Magistrate had been quite smitten with this new addition to the town and had but good things to say about him. Of course! With a father as the Head of the Imperial Academy of Capital, his prospects are anything but successful. In fact, being sent to Jinghai was a sign of his lack of any favor thereof. Or perhaps, there were other intentions.
Master Wei squinted his eyes thoughtfully while caressing the ring on his left hand.
"My lord, there should be no doubt about the auspiciousness of this year for your clan! From being promoted to a formal member of the Imperial consulate to having an official position in the county, and now earning the Second prince's favor for your daughter - Such joyful news one after another - ha ha ha!" followed a well-natured laugh.
"Your son too, I might say. I heard he had been accepted by Master Rong? The Head Teacher at Imperial Academy who had once taught the second prince in his early years? Congratulations to him and also you. Such a bright future you have in your children." Master Wei saluted Master Huo.
"Where, where, he tries to follow in the precedents of those of his senior brothers, like that of your son. Yes, my son has just joined the academy, by the recommendation of his grace, his lordship Duke of Weizhou. Hopefully there will be such happy opportunities for him to celebrate further down in life." There was much silence between them, but looking at his face, always ready to say something but refraining, master Wei couldn't help but finally ask him to confide in him.
The confidence that was given was of such nature – "It might appear abrupt, but for the cheer in the air– what do you say, my lordship, could I have the grace to accept one of your daughter's hands for this son of mine? Again, quite an abrupt preposition, with nothing proper about it! There is no official gift, or words from the elders. But hear my reasons for this daring!" Here he tried to hide his blush, he looked around to see if any ears were at hearing distance. "I have heard of their reputation spread as far as the capital. No doubt, such noble houses as of yours can guide but only such talented and capable youngsters! This is indeed abrupt, but a word from you will go a long way. Rather than a pompous show of elaborate rituals that will make all of it public, for both our privacy's sake and my deep hopes that you will agree and allow me to follow this proposal with all the legitimate ceremonies without the worry of dishonoring you; I finally decided over this crass method. I hope I haven't offended you too deeply?"
Master Huo said this, in a melodious trill and a single breath, quite characteristic of himself; swiftly replacing another wet handkerchief in his hand-pockets. The heat of the moment had started to touch up to him. What else could be hoped of with all the braziers burning, and young and boisterous energy wafting from all around in the air? Deep inside he regretted his choice of place, as he began to feel the increasing need of fresh air! But…he did need this marriage!
"No, you haven't. In fact, I like this approach of yours - as it keeps many things under cover. After all, it's a matter of my daughter's reputation." Master Wei assured as he looked on, bewildered. Never in his life had he seen such a…straightforward proposal. He really had to look afresh at the man who had uttered such madness.
Apart from his stout figure one wouldn't notice anything cordial about the man, or anything affable. His face, though round, didn't give the feeling of being agreeable to any extent, while his jumping brows always peered with strained tolerance. The calculation could be seen flickering, sparkling in his round eyes - quite deep, but it was definitely there.
Master Wei who was observing him with decided air, now felt completely speechless. How should he define such a man? Straightforward? Even that couldn't justifiably capture his image.
"As for the proposal – I think you are mistaken on some accounts. There will come a time, of course, when your son himself can find his names recounted among those well-known people of Dajin, he can truly ask for any hand in marriage around the world. It's not commonplace to enter the Imperial Academy. But I might add, regretfully as I do so, that the youngsters in my family are still too young. Marriage? I have never thought of that, I confess. You haven't spent much time in Jinghai I fear. I think you must be under some misapprehension about their ages. The oldest after Wei Ziya, the one engaged to the second prince is only a child of twelve. She doesn't enter society for two or three more years – it's inappropriate to think of a future so far away from them. I fear I cannot betroth her before she is appropriately old. Jinghai has never favored child marriage - especially in recent years they have become much of a past relic. My father was a great proponent himself against such practices at his time at court."
"Master Wei Houyu, there is no need to go so deep into this matter as thus, is there? I find it completely irrelevant as of what your father had previously thought regarding such noble and traditional practices of early engagement! You must realize, I come with the knowledge that one of your sisters did actually have a prior engagement settled at birth."
The man continued, saying, "I am sorry to dampen your spirit with recollection of departed ones, but I have definitely heard, your sister was just ten when she was engaged to our emperor, wasn't she? Although the most unfortunate things happened to the maiden, don't tell me there is no precedent in your house! Because that would be a blatant lie! If it can be done once, why not twice - a promise suffices, I demand but a word of you. A little freedom for the young man and maiden to know each other…yes, is it difficult to grant even that? But the look in your eyes tells me you don't agree for even that somehow! I say, Master Wei. Let them be and decide who to love now. And such love as in their age, allows them to form a noble attachment for life! Far from impure alloys added in adulthood. I have personal experience, having grown up together with my wife. You must agree to this." There was much beseeching in his voice as he looked into Master Wei's eyes.
"I hear you." Wei Houyu replied softly, pronouncing each word clearly. "I, to tell you the actual truth, am very insecure about my children's future. What with the death and disappearances of quite a few relatives of mine now, I can't but be meddlesome for their security. You deem it all well and fine, but I see it as letting a child be separated from her home earlier than she needs to be! As a father of a daughter, what I send to you is a piece of my flesh. Any amount of time spent in their company is less, and just suddenly sending them away –? Don't tell me you don't have such plans of taking her away to the capital. Because I will be the first to refute you. You come here asking them to be allowed to form a bond - but a bond can only be forged on constant contacts between them. If one remains here in Jinghai and another in the capital - what makes this relationship different from that of a cold contract? To inculcate this building relationship, you do have to bring them together or your whole belief behind early marriage lies null and void – and inexcusable. You alluded right. My sister did eventually fall into a quagmire of her own making – which, in my opinion, would have been completely averted had she been allowed to follow her heart. Engaged as she was as a child, she had no opportunity to grow and love her betrothed. For her perhaps, it was not more than a cold piece of dictate. I see it as an unfit folly. When she ran away from home, we only know the cause of it being a warm love she held from another gentleman. Imagine – What a fierce struggle must have reigned over her conscience – on one hand the dictates of morality, while on the other a deep human feeling that is never in our own control. No one seems to think of that. It's been years but there is no news, no leads whatsoever. Though we know she was lost, we have taken her as dead, for all that matters! But can you imagine the pain it caused us all? And all this folly, just because of a prior engagement!"
After a moment of silence, he turned and asked.
"Have your men in the capital found any leads in the case? About the one who kidnapped her? What about my youngest sister Hua'er…" Master Wei took a sharp breath and ceased to complete his sentence. He just looked down into his palm and awaited a cold sentence.
'Tch, pretentious as ever.' Master Huo's eyes flashed with sarcasm but he soon melted it into a sympathetic face looking as the most empathetic well-wisher.
"My deepest condolences for such grave loss! As for leads in the lost case, hope is all but futile alas! The previous six years stand too cruel for all the victims. No sign, and no leads about who did such heinous crime and now roams so free. But sometimes, such sadness is the affair of the world, isn't it? Everyone must suffer something or other in their lives to some extent, albeit varying by degrees. Such misfortune as falling over your sister is not common at all. But what with this much worry in your breast, one expects you will cease to let your sons out of the threshold for their safety altogether! I don't see you doing that, do I?! Why not give these young people a chance? Wei Lina, your daughter of whom I speak of in-kind regard is of noble birthright, with your Weijia's good nurturing. She will grow up to be a good matron, and I ask for her hands for my equally well-situated son! Is there any implausibility in this affair?"
"Only that they are young. A few more years, perhaps, then they will have their own fate. I promise you that, when such a time comes in three years, I will remember your request and beseech my daughter to look all the kindlier at one of her suitors – your son." He succinctly summed his refusal.
"Alas! Such is the sad affair of worldly life then, we cannot expect everything to go aligned with our own wishes, however legitimate they may be. I am quite saddened now, Master Wei. You disappoint me. With my only son already in the academy, such happy relations escape my hands completely now. I tell myself, though, that I can live with this little disappointment and not over-exert on your sympathies, ha, ha."
Master Huo looked a little perturbed and soon shifted his embarrassment in looking out the hall. "But there must be something happening with such noise coming from the garden, what do you say my Lord? You must know, all the young blood of the four major clans and nine families have joined tonight! Let me entertain myself by taking a look at what they are up to. Or you might want to join me in my simple pursuit?"
Seeing no lead in the marriage talk, Master Huo ceased to be as enthusiastic as at the beginning. After hearing a certain denial, he stood up on his own. With a few more ceremonious exchanges, he emphatically showed his intention to exit the closed hall. The stout figure skidded off towards the open garden, without looking back at Master Wei even once, who seemed to be still lost in his ponderings.
"What a conniving man!" Master Su RuHui slowly found his previous seat while shaking his head. "Sure enough - a fox father will only give birth to a fox-like son."
"Ha…true. He is playing a long game, though. We have to see if we can spare some time to play along."