Chapter 55: Awe (Part Two)

Chapter Fifty-Five: Awe (Part Two)

“…If you don’t understand poetry, then don’t pretend you do. If this poem gets out, it’s your own reputation you’ll embarrass—but people will also think Miss Tang has poor judgment…”

“That’s right, Miss Tang. It’s best not to pay any more attention to someone so ignorant. I say this from the heart. My companions and I have long admired you, and we can’t bear to see you insulted like this…”

At the head of Wenmo Tower, the raucous crowd jeered at the few who were at a disadvantage, mocking them with their own brand of ridicule. Such quarrels never arise out of nowhere; in fact, Su Wenfang and Su Wendin had longstanding grievances with their opponents. But being caught in such a moment left them truly embarrassed.

Their words seemed considerate of Tang Jing’s dignity, but she knew full well they were spouting nonsense, using her as a pretext to humiliate Su Wendin and his ilk. She herself had little fame, while the other side had status and background. As a lowly entertainer, she could not afford to offend such people, nor could she openly side with Su Wenfang. Since their sole aim was to disgrace the Su family brothers, she had neither the standing nor the skill to smooth things over. The few words she managed to say were quickly countered, leaving her helpless.

The scene was crowded not just with the two sides in dispute but with many onlookers as well. At such a time, anyone who truly lost their temper would lose face for good. Thus, even though Su Wendin’s face was flushed and words failed him, one of his companions managed to retort, “In literature, there is no true first; in martial arts, no true second. Do you really think your poetry is so much better?”

“Skill is plain to see. So many are present—shall we ask each in turn? Or perhaps repeat the assessment just given by Shen Miao and the others?”

“Lin Ziyi, for you to say such things proves you’re grasping at straws, making a fool of yourself. Well, let it be. When this gets out, everyone will see what kind of people mix with the likes of Su Wenfang and Su Wendin.”

“If you’re unconvinced, let’s continue the contest! Come, let’s all write, and let others judge. Su Wendin, have you nothing to say? Or are you still brooding, waiting to produce a masterpiece? Very well, Brother Jiwen, let’s begin. I’ll help you grind the ink when you’re done, how about that?”

The chaotic scene, with both sides arguing, the curious watching, some gossiping, some indifferent, others laughing, made the entire second floor of Wenmo Tower lively. Gu Yanzhen watched this tiresome spectacle, then looked toward the stairs. There, Li Pin and the young man with a maid, whom he’d seen earlier, were coming up as well. He wondered how to greet Li Pin, only to realize that, after a brief pause, Li Pin and the young man headed straight toward the quarrel.

It seemed the young man with the maid knew the beleaguered Su brothers. He looked barely over twenty but carried himself with a certain poise. Gu wondered about his learning; at such an age, and having never seen him before, surely his knowledge was limited. Still, with Li Pin nearby, things were bound to get complicated.

A few others recognized Li Pin and began discussing him with those around them. Then Gu Yanzhen remembered something: “Dexin is now at the little-known Yushan Academy, isn’t he? Isn’t that the school run by the Su family that owns the cloth trade?”

Someone thought, then nodded. “If so, Dexin must know the Su brothers. Perhaps he’ll even stand up for them now?”

“We’re in for a show,” someone laughed.

Li Pin’s scholarship was as renowned as Cao Guan’s and Gu Yanzhen’s; everyone present respected him. But Chen Jiwen was also quite famous; he had often exchanged verses with men like Cao Guan and Gu Yanzhen, and though his reputation might not match theirs, his literary skill was formidable. What’s more, both sides now seemed thoroughly provoked—neither would want to lose face before such a crowd. Even if Li Pin tried to resolve things gently, it would be difficult. A literary battle seemed inevitable, and the onlookers waited with excitement.

Gu Yanzhen watched with a smile. He no longer held any affection for Li Pin, considering his association with such men beneath him. Still, he respected Li Pin’s talent. He figured there was little suspense in the impending contest between Li Pin and Chen Jiwen: both sides would gain a bit of fame, and perhaps only the courtesan would benefit most. He found it all rather dull, though he hid this behind polite conversation as he watched.

But just as everyone steeled themselves for the spectacle—both sides’ tempers at their peak—the following developments were entirely unexpected, almost beyond comprehension…

Ning Yi and Xiao Chan had wandered about the event for half an hour, watching the performances.

They had entered with Li Pin and the others, but soon split up to find their preferred entertainments. Ning Yi had some interest in the shows, but lacking any real experience, left the choices to Xiao Chan, who led him from one act to the next. After a while, they ran into Li Pin, who was alone, and after a brief conversation, decided together to rest upstairs at Wenmo Tower and have some tea.

From downstairs, they had already heard the commotion above. As they ascended, Ning Yi had no expectation of running into Wenfang and Wendin. They had barely exchanged greetings at the entrance, so even now, a nod might have sufficed. But things were different: as soon as he reached the second floor, Xiao Chan was searching for a free table, while Ning Yi immediately spotted Su Wendin nearby—mainly because Wendin was also looking at him, first in surprise, then with a complicated expression, as if wanting to greet him.

Sensing something odd, though unable to discern much, Ning Yi thought it best to keep out of it. Yet, since the other’s reaction was so obvious and they were so close, it felt awkward to ignore them. So he nodded casually, “Wendin, Wenfang, you’re here too.” Behind him, Xiao Chan said with some distress, “Young Master, it seems there are no seats left.”

“Ah, cousin…” Su Wenfang responded, nodding awkwardly from nearby. He and Su Wendin were only a little younger than Ning Yi, hence called him “brother.” There was no easy way to just turn and leave, so Ning Yi and Li Pin joined them, with Xiao Chan greeting them as well: “Master Wenfang, Master Wendin.” Ning Yi glanced at the tables, noticing writing materials and what seemed to be freshly written verses. He assumed they were composing poetry to impress a courtesan, as he noticed a young woman who looked like an entertainer nearby. He smiled, making small talk.

“We wandered downstairs for a while and got tired, so we came up here to rest. What a coincidence. Oh…” He gestured to Li Pin, introducing him, “Perhaps you’ve met—Wenfang, Wendin, this is Li Pin… Don’t mind us…”

A gathering of scholars around a courtesan, naturally eager to show off. Li Pin quickly assessed the situation and smiled, “Don’t mind us, we’ll just…” Before he could finish, someone called out, “Li Pin! Brother Dexin, I’m Chen Jiwen—long have I heard of you.”

Li Pin and Chen Jiwen had never met formally, though they’d crossed paths at poetry gatherings and knew of each other. Smiling, Li Pin replied, “So Brother Jiwen is here too—what a coincidence.” Though tensions had run high moments before, everyone paused, and it now seemed as if Wenfang and Wendin were on Li Pin’s side. Someone at Chen Jiwen’s table, upon hearing Li Pin’s name, greeted him, and more pleasantries followed. Li Pin offered polite remarks about their refined gathering, while Chen Jiwen, after a moment’s thought, smiled and said, “We were just composing verses for Miss Tang. Since you know Wenfang and Wendin, why not join us?”

To others, this was a clear challenge. Though Chen Jiwen knew his fame didn’t match Li Pin’s, he considered his talent equal and so issued the invitation. Li Pin, like Ning Yi, sensed the tension but didn’t understand the full situation, so he declined. Meanwhile, another man, who had yet to write, smiled and asked, “And who might this gentleman be? Su Wendin, aren’t you going to introduce us?” With Chen Jiwen challenging Li Pin, the rest hardly mattered.

“He is…” Su Wendin began to give his name, then decided to place the family first, “He is my second cousin’s husband…”

The man across the table smiled, “Oh…”

At that moment, Ning Yi seemed to recall something, frowned slightly, and glanced back at the staircase, lost in thought. When addressed, he turned, cupped his hands, and greeted Wenfang and Wendin’s friends politely, “Ah, I am…”

Laughter echoed from across the table, “So you are…”

But the words died away as the speaker froze.

Shortly after, the two men and the maid took seats by the window beside the standoff. The young man with the maid gazed downstairs, his expression thoughtful. On this side, the confrontation resumed: writing implements were ready, those who had planned to teach the Su brothers a lesson with their poetry lifted their brushes—but Chen Jiwen, brush poised, hesitated, his expression complex, unable to write.

Whispers spread throughout the crowd. Moments ago, everyone had watched the spectacle with abandon, many understanding what was happening. But now, the mood had grown strangely secretive, as if everyone were in on some hidden matter.

Gu Yanzhen stared for a long time, chewing his food slowly, unable to make sense of what he saw.

“What on earth just happened?”

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