Chapter Twenty-Seven: Spring Has Arrived

Zhou Yu's fingers were long and refined, delicate as those of a young maiden despite his manhood. The lingering notes of the zither seemed to swirl in the air, inviting a sigh from deep within and drawing all present into its mesmerizing embrace.

Jiang Wen and Sun Ce applauded, “This melody is truly exquisite, its brilliance fills the ear; even when the zither stops, the music still lingers.”

“You flatter me,” Zhou Yu replied, abandoning the instrument and bowing with grace. “It has been some time since I last played—I fear my fingers are not as nimble.”

“Your playing was indeed beautiful, sir. It stirred something within me as well,” Lu Min responded with a gentle smile, her lowered gaze and modest demeanor lending her the air of a virtuous and wise lady. Her eyes shone with an unusual brilliance as she looked upon Zhou Yu. Meanwhile, Lü Meng, feeling somewhat uncomfortable, picked up his cup, “Bofu, pour me more wine!”

The three exchanged glances, shook their heads, and struggled not to laugh, “Always so concerned with appearances.”

Zhou Yu leaned toward Jiang Wen. “I have long heard of Changsu's insight and talent, unmatched by ordinary men. Today, your remarks in court amazed me. Tell me, are you also versed in music theory?”

“I am fond of music, but my knowledge is shallow compared to yours, Gongjin,” Jiang Wen rose from his seat, for true exchange among scholars is best through displays of literary talent—be it poetry or music. He stepped to the center and bowed to each guest. “But tonight, after drinking Du Kang, and witnessing your successes in court, I am moved. Allow me to compose a poem, titled ‘Ode to the Mountain,’ for your enjoyment.”

“How grand is Mount Tai—its green stretches endlessly across Qi and Lu.
Nature’s marvels concentrate here, divine and wondrous,
Where clouds stir the heart and birds return to the gaze.
I must ascend to the summit, to survey all the mountains below.”

Jiang Wen bowed to Sun Ce, Zhou Gongjin, and Lü Meng in turn. “In these turbulent times, I am inspired to dedicate this poem to Bofu, Gongjin, and Ziming!”

“Magnificent! The poem resounds with grandeur and the ambition to stand atop the highest peak, surveying all beneath. Changsu, you are truly a model for us!” Zhou Gongjin applauded him, and Sun Ce and Lü Meng echoed his praise.

Lu Min poured another cup for Lü Meng, “Ziming, do you understand its meaning?”

“No, but it sounds impressive.”

Sun Ce raised his bowl. “Well said! Today, and every day to come, the four of us shall climb to the summit and look down upon all the mountains—cheers!”

“Second Brother, is the strategist whom even Father admires—the one sitting beside Elder Brother, that scholarly-looking gentleman?”

“I believe so. Father told me to respect him as a teacher and seek his advice. Uncle Youtai also spoke highly of him, saying that, despite his youth, his wisdom and strategies are extraordinary. He called him ‘a talent fit to assist a king.’”

“Is such a talent impressive?”

“Someone who can help others become kings is certainly remarkable!”

“Could he defeat Elder Brother in combat?”

“He looks thin and frail, so surely Elder Brother, being so strong, would win in a fight.”

“Then this talent fit for kings isn’t so amazing after all. I still want to be like Father—no one can best him!”

“Shangxiang, you’re a girl; you should learn music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Fighting isn’t for you.”

Behind the jade screen, two small heads peeked out. One belonged to a plump and lively child, eyes sparkling with wit. The other was a petite and adorable girl, her face as delicately carved as jade, hair tied in two small braids, skin soft and fair, exceedingly beautiful.

Jiang Wen took a sip—Du Kang, the finest wine of the era, though not particularly strong, limited by grain and technique. Still, he enjoyed it greatly, and after several cups, felt the onset of drunkenness. As the night wore on, Jiang Wen collapsed onto the table.

Lü Meng had long since passed out, surrounded by three jars of wine. Sun Ce, tipsy, said, “It’s late, and the city is under curfew. Ziming, Changsu, and Gongjin, stay at my mansion tonight. Prepare a room for Ziming and his wife, and another each for Changsu and Gongjin!”

With a thud, Sun Ce fell onto the table, Zhou Yu had already succumbed to sleep. Lu Min smiled wryly, gazing at these spirited young scholars, and sighed. Soon, she brought a basin of hot water and lovingly wiped Lü Meng’s face with a damp cloth.

The servants helped Jiang Wen and his companions wash up, then carried them to their rooms.

The next morning, when the sun stood high in the sky, Jiang Wen was in the courtyard, slowly practicing Tai Chi. Zhou Yu and Sun Ce approached, bowed to him, and said, “The servants told us Changsu rose early, but we did not expect to find you practicing here. What kind of martial art is this? It seems rather subdued.”

Jiang Wen withdrew his stance and returned the bow. “This is Tai Chi. Unlike martial arts focused on combat, it is gentle and continuous, good for stretching the body, cultivating the mind, tempering impatience, and even prolonging life.”

“Prolonging life?” Sun Ce and Zhou Yu’s interest was piqued. “Could you teach us?”

“If you are interested, it would be my pleasure,” Jiang Wen replied.

The three practiced Tai Chi in the courtyard.

“The sun is high, yet Ziming hasn’t risen,” Zhou Yu remarked.

“How could he wake so soon after a night spent with two lovely ladies?” Sun Ce smiled, moving his limbs slowly and patiently.

Zhou Yu gently pressed his arm forward with a touch of elegance, “Could Changsu desire the same? With your new residence, surely you need a wife to help manage your affairs. I’ve heard that General Huang, during the campaign against Dong Zhuo, acquired a beauty of unmatched grace—her name is Diao Chan, famed for her beauty and innocence.”

“Bofu has spent several days sneaking glances at her, his heart stirred—if you wish, speak to him, and the Minister will surely grant her to you. That way, Bofu won’t be haunted by her day and night.”

“Gongjin, don’t tease!” Sun Ce blushed, clearly uncomfortable. “Ziming dragged me into it.”

Jiang Wen laughed, “If you admire her so much, why not ask the Minister?”

“She is Wang Yun’s daughter. Wang Yun betrayed the Han by offering her to Dong Zhuo to curry favor. For that reason, the Minister would never consent.”

The groundwork of Wang Yun’s scheme, in others’ eyes, was simply currying favor with Dong Zhuo. Only after the plot succeeded was his reputation cleared. Now that Dong Zhuo had been slain by Sun Jian, the stigma could never be erased.

Unexpectedly, another innocent was caught in the web.

“Without serenity, one cannot clarify one’s resolve; without tranquility, one cannot reach far,” Jiang Wen stepped forward. “As for managing the household, I already have a scribe to handle affairs. I am not inclined toward such desires... and now, we finish.”

He let out a slow breath. “Gongjin, when will you depart?”

“In two hours. This time, Bofu will accompany me. Will you join us, Changsu?”

“My new residence requires much attention, so I cannot accompany you,” Jiang Wen replied. “There are rumors in the city of the Two Qiaos of Jiangdong, daughters of Master Qiao, famed for their talent and beauty. Will you seek wives among them?”

Sun Ce answered without hesitation, “Gongjin and I intend to do just that. First, to recruit talented men, and second, to pursue these two beauties.”

“Then I wish you both success in winning their hearts!”

Jiang Wen left Sun Ce’s mansion, watching the two ride off at speed. He sighed, “It is indeed spring—restlessness stirs in every heart.”