On the night of the Lantern Festival, at the Old Rain Pavilion.
Five months prior, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the poem "Shui Diao Ge Tou" had emerged, astonishing Jiangning. Some claimed that after its release, it would be challenging for anyone to compose another poem for the Mid-Autumn Festival in the following years. Now, the opening lines of "When will the bright moon appear?" were frequently sung at various feasts and gatherings. Five months was insufficient to diminish the impact of this poem; in fact, its fame only grew, spreading to places like Dongjing and Yangzhou, where it was often recited. However, as time passed, discussions about the author within Jiangning began to fade. The lack of news meant that even speculations about plagiarism and negative comments became stale, as no one had the energy to debate further.
Even on this Lantern Festival night, when Pu Yangyi and Su Chonghua mentioned Ning Yi, it was merely a small conversation. Discussing him in a larger context seemed pointless—he was known to be a recluse and a madman, teaching every day without acknowledging others. As the group gathered by the window to look outside, most people remained oblivious to what was happening. Qilan had just performed, and now, as she rested and chatted with a few scholars, she noticed the commotion and quietly inquired of those nearby.
In the gathering, whispers circulated until someone finally commented, "It seems that Ning Yi, or Li Heng, is downstairs."
"The one who wrote 'Shui Diao Ge Tou'?"
"Did the Pu family really invite him?"
"Considering the Su family's fabric business and the Pu family's status as Jiangning's richest, how could they not extend an invitation? But… I've heard he's seeking fame…"
"He really doesn't participate in such gatherings, but I've heard he speaks very eloquently…"
As the murmurs continued, Qilan merely listened with a smile. She had sung "Shui Diao Ge Tou" many times, but in such a gathering, she could not reveal her curiosity, only responding to those around her and occasionally glancing toward Pu Yangyi.
By the window, Su Chonghua and the others had already recognized Ning Yi below. Xue Jin chuckled, "Isn't that Xiao Chan? And right in front of her is Li Heng." Pu Yangyi glanced at Su Chonghua, who then laughed, "Indeed, it's Li Heng and that girl."
Xue Jin peered down, "I wonder what they're doing. Should we call him up?" Wu Qihua replied, "It looks like they have something going on." As they discussed, Pu Yangyi pondered, and after a moment, Su Chonghua remarked, "Since it's such an occasion, why not invite him up? It's the Lantern Festival; there's no better time for wandering around…"
As Su Chonghua was Ning Yi's direct superior, his words prompted Pu Yangyi to decide. Seeing Xue Jin seemed eager to call Ning Yi directly, Pu Yangyi quickly interjected, "That won't do. With Brother Ning's talent, I should be the one to invite him. Please wait here a moment." Wu Qihua added, "I'll go with you."
The two of them took their leave of the group, heading downstairs. In the hall, discussions erupted about what would happen if Ning Yi came, with various speculations about his abilities swirling once more. Xue Jin sneered and exchanged a few words with familiar faces before looking curiously at Su Chonghua, wondering what schemes he was up to. Su Chonghua, not particularly fond of Xue Jin, merely nodded and returned to his seat, chatting with the smiling Li Ping.
"Master is lost! Master can't be found!"
In the courtyard below, Xiao Chan spoke with a sing-song lilt, her tone carrying a hint of mischief but more relief that Ning Yi had not encountered the female thief. As they walked, her bun had become disheveled, so she had pulled down the other side of her silk wrap, letting her hair fall into two lovely braids, swinging gently as she moved, maintaining her image as a diligent and obedient maid.
Ning Yi understood her concerns and smiled as he turned around. Xiao Chan, thinking he was about to ruffle her hair again, stepped back, playfully tugging at her braids and laughing, "Who says I'm lost?"
"Master is definitely lost."
She replied with a giggle, and Ning Yi rolled his eyes, "We'll see about that." He glanced in a certain direction.
In truth, he hadn't lost his way at all; he understood Xiao Chan's worry. Since she was happy believing he was lost, it was best to let her think that way. The atmosphere in the tavern was lively, filled with celebrations and laughter, but many details did not escape Ning Yi's keen observation.
As some members of the Wulie Army tracked the female thief's possible escape route and positioned themselves accordingly, Ning Yi and Xiao Chan stayed close behind, keeping pace. Noticing an unusual collapse of snow along the wall behind an old building, Ning Yi saw two Wulie soldiers negotiating with the tavern's guards at the main entrance. As Ning Yi circled the building with Xiao Chan, they noticed a storeroom door forced open. Ning Yi discreetly informed a servant, who, now visibly alarmed, was reporting it to a supervisor while holding a red cloth, possibly blood-stained.
Concerned about the tavern's reputation, the staff refrained from alarming officials to avoid impacting business, preferring to conduct their own discreet investigation. Moments later, two more soldiers entered, their vigilance obvious. Meanwhile, the tavern's management quietly dispatched a few attendants to conduct unobtrusive checks. Ning Yi saw himself as the proverbial "yellow bird" trailing the Wulie Army, poised to observe rather than interfere.
Since first hearing about internal energy techniques, Ning Yi had been eager to witness them in action. Seizing this opportunity was irresistible, though unpredictable, and he was prepared to adapt on the spot. However, while ascending to the second floor, he unexpectedly encountered two individuals he hadn't accounted for.
"Brother Ning, Xiao Chan—what a coincidence!" It was Wu Qihua, a passing acquaintance, with another young man who introduced himself, "Li Heng, long admired. I am Pu Yangyi." Pu Yangyi was well-known, the heir of the Pu family.
With Wu Qihua's warm introductions, Ning Yi learned there was another poetry gathering upstairs. He politely declined, citing urgent matters. Yet, Wu Qihua jovially insisted, taking Ning Yi by the arm, "Since you're already heading up, why not join us briefly? After all, Su Chonghua, Li Ping, and other esteemed scholars are here—all eager to meet you. Just stop by to greet everyone. Should you truly need to leave, we'll understand," he laughed heartily, his words underlining Pu Yangyi's long-standing wish to meet Ning Yi.
Reluctantly, Ning Yi allowed himself to be led to the gathering. Seeing Xiao Chan's barely contained excitement, he cast her a glance, prompting her to tone down her delight, her innocent eyes blinking in response.
With Xiao Chan's thoughts plain to him, he glanced around the hall, spotting Xue Jin. Having mingled with Master Qin and others in recent months, Ning Yi was less concerned about the event's scale but knew it wasn't the right time. Surveying the positions of Wulie soldiers and attendants, he frowned slightly.
A succession of introductions and greetings followed. Among them were scholars he barely recognized, save for Su Chonghua, Xue Jin, and Li Ping. After a formal introduction by Pu Yangyi, the renowned courtesan Qilan gracefully greeted Ning Yi, "I've long admired your reputation." She was a beauty of eighteen or nineteen, to whom Ning Yi simply nodded, "A pleasure."
"I must apologize," he began, "as I truly have urgent matters that prevent me from staying."
Seizing this brief opening, Ning Yi intended to leave. But before he could finish, someone remarked, "Young Master Ning, your 'Shui Diao Ge Tou' poem astonished us at the Pu Garden Poetry Gathering. Today, on this festive Lantern Night, with the Pu family hosting another gathering, why not leave us with another masterpiece, a memory to cherish?"
Others echoed the request, pressing for a new poem. Ning Yi, brow furrowed, declined, "Another time. Tonight, I have pressing matters."
"What pressing matter?" another persisted. "We'd be happy to assist if needed, Brother Ning."
"Indeed, why not share your concerns?"
A soft voice muttered nearby, "Does he think he's above us…"
"Too arrogant…"
"Perhaps the rumors are true…"
The voice, though low, reached everyone's ears. Sitting nearby, Qilan observed everything. She knew that the Pu family was eager to find talent, and though Ning Yi's reputation had been ambiguous, Pu Yangyi still held out hope. After all, many young aristocrats gained fame through empty gestures, but if Ning Yi truly had talent, bringing him in would be a major asset. However, from the current situation, it seemed unlikely. Glancing at Ning Yi's expression, she sighed slightly, sensing a hint of disappointment.
Ning Yi turned to look out the window, noticing two men in blue robes passing along the corridor outside. Before they could return, Xue Jin leapt up, blocking his view.
"Brother Ning, allow me to be the voice of reason here. This isn't quite right of you," Xue Jin said with a cheerful grin. "That 'Shui Diao Ge Tou' you wrote on Mid-Autumn Night proves your immense talent. When your name came up just now, everyone was genuinely admiring you. Outside, some rumors suggest you were just boasting and that 'Shui Diao Ge Tou' was plagiarized—but I've never believed it. Today, meeting you here is fate itself! I know good poetry doesn't come on demand, but even if it's not as spectacular as 'Shui Diao Ge Tou,' just a short piece would do. If anyone dares slander you again, I'll teach them a lesson—gather my men, bring them to justice, even drag them to court for defaming you. Wouldn't that be satisfying?"
Xue Jin gestured animatedly, drawing a chuckle from Ning Yi as he watched his display.
"After all, we're at an age to live in the moment, with so many esteemed gentlemen here and Qilan as our hostess. What could possibly be more urgent? If there truly is something pressing, I'll take responsibility for any loss! And if an apology is needed, I'll join you in making amends. What do you say?"
His speech ended, and amidst the low murmurs, another voice spoke up, "Li Heng, since everyone has spoken, perhaps you shouldn't decline. A young man can show restraint, but it's good to reveal your edge once in a while. Why not let loose a bit today?"
Ning Yi turned, seeing the composed Su Chonghua smiling warmly as if he was delighted at the emergence of a new talent from Yushan Academy. Ning Yi's gaze met his, and his expression turned cool, then twisted into a faint smile that left Su Chonghua perplexed, his face unable to read the emotion behind it.
Su Chonghua maintained his forced smile, while Xue Jin resumed, "Brother Ning, what's with this reaction? Frankly, there's been a rumor going around lately—that you yourself told the Su family elders that 'Shui Diao Ge Tou' was a poem you once heard from a wandering Daoist. I never believed it, but rumors have become relentless. Brother Ning, if this is true, I'd feel misled by you. And if you truly wish to leave now, you're free to pass by me—I won't stop you. I'll just take it as my mistake in judging you!"
Though flawed in logic, his words sounded righteous, leaving Ning Yi with a choice: leave and risk solidifying the accusation of plagiarism or stay and respond. The hall quieted as all awaited his reaction, while Pu Yangyi, hoping to defuse the tension, hesitated to interject. Ning Yi, without hesitation, turned and walked past Xue Jin with a quiet "Very well."
Xue Jin began to speak, but Ning Yi had already reached a nearby low table, picking up a brush. It was, after all, a poetry gathering, with ink and paper ready at hand. Another man sitting there, wearing a smug grin, stiffened slightly as Ning Yi dipped the brush in ink, pausing briefly.
His gaze traveled across the room to meet Su Chonghua's, where a blue-robed maid was refilling a wine cup. Dressed warmly due to the cold, her silhouette was unmistakable to Ning Yi.
So, I didn't lose her after all…
Xiao Chan, annoyed by Xue Jin and the others' remarks, felt a surge of excitement as she joined him. Li Ping and others approached as Ning Yi's brush, soaked in ink, descended onto the paper. He announced, "Very well. Since tonight is the Lantern Festival and everyone's expectations are so high, I shall not hold back. Here goes nothing!"
His gaze followed the maid's figure as she left, while his brush moved steadily across the paper. Unlike steel-tipped pens, the brush flowed in sweeping cursive, giving each character a graceful but deliberate form. Standing beside him, Li Ping soon began reading aloud the words Ning Yi wrote.
"'Green Jade Table(青玉案)…Lantern Festival…'"
His voice was clear, carrying across the entire hall. As more characters appeared, his posture grew solemn, repeating, "'The east wind opens… a thousand blossoms—'"
The hall grew silent as the grandeur of the opening lines stunned the crowd. Instantly, Xue Jin and Su Chonghua's expressions changed.
"青玉案" (Qing Yu An), particularly the well-known "元夕" (Yuan Xi) version, is a celebrated poem by the Song Dynasty poet 辛弃疾 (Xin Qiji). It captures the beauty and festivity of the Lantern Festival, evoking vivid imagery of the night filled with blooming flowers and the spirit of celebration.
Here's a translation based on the poem's essence:
Green Jade Table: Lantern Festival
On the night of the Lantern Festival, The eastern wind releases blossoms upon the thousand trees— The full moon shines bright, As bright as the lanterns lighting the paths.
In the bustling crowds, A dance of colorful silk and laughter— A moment's bliss to cherish, Where hearts unite under the glowing sky.