Chapter Twenty-Six: An Invitation

As for the other scholars, after reading Yi An’s poem, their expressions were almost identical to Huang Zhongping’s, as if a consensus had been reached—no one made a fuss. At this moment, even a fool could see that Yi An was clearly feigning weakness to hide his strength, lying low only to astonish when he finally spoke.

The literary gathering concluded; everyone had arrived in high spirits but left disheartened, unable to meet the Red Sakura Maiden whom they had longed for. They felt a deep sense of regret, but none voiced their disappointment—after all, they had only themselves to blame for their failure.

As for Yi An, after receiving a reward of one hundred taels of silver, he was asked to stay behind, as the Red Sakura Maiden had extended an invitation. Yi An did not refuse; he was genuinely curious to see what kind of extraordinary person this Red Sakura Maiden might be.

Li Zhihe wished to accompany him, but as soon as he took a step forward, He Ting stopped him. “I’m sorry, Young Master Li. The Red Sakura Maiden wishes to see Young Master Yi alone,” He Ting said apologetically, his expression helpless.

In Li Zhihe’s mind, an image of a stunningly beautiful woman flashed, but after seeing the guarded look in He Ting’s eyes, he had to let it go. He Ting gave a rueful smile. The Red Sakura Maiden was the most celebrated courtesan in Hangzhou, unrivaled in fame. If she were poorly treated in his establishment, he would surely become the target of all the passionate young scholars.

...

Yi An entered the rear courtyard of He’s residence, and had barely set foot inside when a young maid hurried over. “Are you Young Master Yi?” she asked, cautious and timid.

Yi An replied with some confusion, “Yes, I am Yi An. Did the Red Sakura Maiden send you?”

The maid quickly said, “Yes, yes, she did. She asked me to pass on a message: she suddenly felt unwell just now and is not able to receive guests today. Perhaps she could meet Young Master Yi another time.”

“I happen to know a bit of the healing arts. If the Red Sakura Maiden doesn’t mind, I would be willing to offer my help,” Yi An said, observing the maid. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but something about her seemed strange—a feeling, a hunch.

Moreover, the Red Sakura Maiden’s behavior was odd. Why did she suddenly fall ill now, of all times, just as he arrived? To him, this was clearly an attempt to avoid him.

Thinking of the mysterious gaze from earlier outside the manor, Yi An felt there was something peculiar about the whole affair.

“No… no need. The Red Sakura Maiden is probably just tired. She’ll be fine after a bit of rest. It wouldn’t do to trouble Young Master Yi,” the maid stammered.

...

“All right then. Please pass on a message for me: I will surely visit her another time if the opportunity arises,” Yi An said, having tested the situation and not insisting further. With a polite farewell, he left.

The maid watched as Yi An’s figure faded into the distance. Only then did her tightly furrowed brow relax.

...

When Yi An emerged, Li Zhihe hurried up to him, full of curiosity. “Brother Yi, you just went in—why are you out so quickly? Did the Red Sakura Maiden take a dislike to you and throw you out?”

He Ting was also curious, but since Li Zhihe had already asked, he simply waited for Yi An’s reply.

Yi An waved his hand and briefly recounted what had happened.

“That’s truly a pity,” Li Zhihe said with regret.

As they walked away, He Ting muttered to himself, “She seemed fine just a moment ago…”

But since the Red Sakura Maiden was his guest, he could not afford to be negligent. He hurried toward the rear courtyard. This literary gathering had earned him considerable prestige, especially after acquiring Yi An’s calligraphy.

Most importantly, that poem had received unanimous praise from the judges; he knew its value well. In just a few days, the name Yi An would surely be known throughout Hangzhou.

...

Yi An’s unexpected triumph was something Wei Liang had never anticipated. His original intention had been to use this gathering to teach Yi An that there is always someone better, that the world is vast. Though Yi An’s scholarship was not lacking, he still had room for improvement. Only by letting him face setbacks could he be truly motivated.

Yet when Wei Liang read the poem Yi An composed, he paused in astonishment, then read it over and over with growing admiration. Its imagery was exquisite. Wei Liang himself was fond of composing poetry, and had written many verses, but reading this poem made him feel something was missing in his own work.

Soon, Wei Liang shook off the thought and asked, “Did you really write this poem yourself?”

It wasn’t that he doubted Yi An, but rather that it seemed almost unbelievable.

Perhaps Yi An possessed some extraordinary talent for poetry?

At this moment, that explanation seemed plausible.

Yi An replied, “It was merely a moment of inspiration—pure luck, really.”

...

“At times, it’s good to let your brilliance show. What young man isn’t a little proud?” Wei Liang tried to keep his composure. That so-called ‘luck’ would make countless scholars across the land blush with envy.

Not to mention others—even he felt a bit envious of such ‘luck.’

Why hadn’t he been ‘lucky’ enough to compose such a dazzling poem himself?

Yi An smiled. Had he known the impact would be so great, he would have held back. He had no intention of becoming famous; all he wanted was to quietly cultivate his spiritual practice, and perhaps pass the imperial examination.

In the days that followed, Yi An resumed his usual routine, preparing diligently for the upcoming provincial examination.

One day, the weather was pleasant. Yi An was reading when the door opened and sunlight spilled into the room.

Li Zhihe followed, saying, “Brother Yi, just now Master Chen sent someone over to invite you to his residence.”

Yi An asked, “Did he say what it was about?”

During the previous literary gathering, Master Chen had mentioned that he would invite Yi An over when he had time to discuss poetry and literature.

“He didn’t say. The servant only passed on that message and left. If you don’t wish to go, I can go and decline for you,” Li Zhihe said, thinking Yi An might not want to accept the invitation. He was about to chase after the servant, who hadn’t gone far.

“Wait, I’ll go,” Yi An said.

He recalled that he had promised Master Chen during the gathering, and to refuse now would seem discourteous.

Moreover, whether it was cultivating or studying, one must balance exertion and relaxation. It was not wise to be tense all the time; occasional leisure was necessary.

“Do you want me to accompany you?” Li Zhihe asked.

“No need, Brother Li. I’m quite familiar with Hangzhou now. I’ll go alone,” Yi An replied.

Li Zhihe nodded, not insisting. After all, apart from cultivating, he had little else to do all day.