Though Duan Qimo was handsome, seeing her for three days straight had made even me grow weary of her face. Wen Gan, naturally detached from worldly vanities, merely watched with a beaming, appreciative smile. Wen Xiang and Wen Shu, however, were so struck by the beautiful scenery that they momentarily forgot their status as married women, covering their faces and gasping in admiration. The single Hua Moli gave a bold laugh and, as soon as the song ended, strode forward to strike up a conversation.
Only then did Duan Qimo look up with a smile. "I heard my elder brother had arrived with friends," she said with refined courtesy. "I have hastily prepared a banquet; I hope you will not find it lacking."
As the group finally saw the resemblance between her and Duan Milou, Hua Moli had a sudden realization. She snapped her fingers and pointed. "You’re the daughter of the Duan family from the Wanqian Merchant Association—Duan Qimo, aren't you! We met in your shop four years ago."
"Miss Hua has a fine memory. Indeed, it is I." Duan Qimo was in an excellent mood today, her expression devoid of its usual frost. After answering, she cast a lingering glance at Wen Jiang. The two shared a tender look and could not help but smile.
By then, Di Kuan and the other men had caught up with the women. Though Duan Milou’s expression remained stiff and cold, his voice carried a rare hint of a smile. "My younger sister is being playful. Please, do not take offense."
Di Kuan laughed heartily. "Brother Duan, oh Brother Duan! We met only by chance, yet in an instant, you’ve arranged such a unique feast. Your sister is truly capable."
Duan Milou replied dismissively that it was "nothing much," but Hua Lingheng cut in with a smile. "At the last Shaowei Banquet for the new graduates, the host made a major blunder the day before. It was thanks to the Duan siblings’ righteous assistance that a banquet for hundreds was prepared within half a day. Every dish, from the rich to the lean, followed ancient recipes. It truly made one feel as if they had stepped out of the Song and into the Tang."
"To think such a thing happened!" Di Kuan’s boisterous general’s nature emerged as he patted his stomach. "Old Di here can hardly wait!"
While they spoke, servants laid out the meal. Duan Milou, Di Kuan, Xiao Xuelin, and Hua Lingheng shared one table; the Wen sisters and Hua Moli shared another; while Wei Qingming and I sat opposite Wen Jiang and Duan Qimo. Fortunately, as we were the only ones present who knew the truth of their situation, it was convenient for the two of them to exchange longing looks, act like a devoted couple, and perhaps even steal a hand-hold under the table...
Once Wei Qingming and Duan Qimo were seated face-to-face, both Wen Jiang and I couldn't help but glance back and forth, comparing the two. Duan Qimo’s exotic, demonic beauty was stunning at first glance, but after a while, those overly large eyes and vivid lips became a bit cloying. My Wei Daren, on the other hand, had features that were perfectly balanced—nothing too thick, nothing too thin. She was upright and elegant, reserved and profound, like polished jade or a glowing mountain. She was the kind of beauty that only grew better the more millions of times you looked at her!
Wen Jiang obviously reached the opposite conclusion. She winked at me, and I stuck my tongue out at her; the two of us shared a drink before anyone else.
Across from us, Duan Qimo was also studying Wei Qingming with interest, as if her womanly intuition had sensed something fishy—or perhaps the scent of a kindred spirit. Wei Daren sat serenely, offering a faint smile. She raised her hand to pour wine for the two of them, and without a word, offered a silent toast and drank.
"I have heard that Master Wei follows a path of disciplined cultivation, so I have specially prepared a vegetarian spread. I hope it is to your liking."
"It is excellent. Thank you."
After the pleasantries, Duan Qimo used her chopsticks to serve Wen Jiang. Since returning to the capital, Wei Qingming preferred not to feed me like a little girl when we ate out, maintaining a sense of dignity and respect. I propped my chin on my hand and leaned against her elbow, poking her with a giggle, signaling that she should make an exception today so we wouldn't lose to the other couple. She raised an eyebrow, reached her right hand under her left elbow, and—with ghost-like speed—popped a candied cherry into my mouth. I had no idea when she had snatched it from the table...
I bit down on the cherry in shock, my eyes wide as I sat up straight. Having succeeded in her prank, Wei Daren smiled and dropped the cherry stem into the discard dish. The two lovebirds opposite us hadn't noticed a thing.
I chewed the cherry huffily, wishing I could spit the pit at her. Instead, I snatched the bowl of soup meant for her and gulped it down in two breaths.
Hearing the heavy *thud* as I slammed the empty bowl down, Wen Jiang looked back in surprise and covered her smile. "Is Sister Zhenzhen finding the meal too plain? I was thinking the same." Duan Qimo immediately produced a menu and let her order several more dishes, which were added to the table shortly after.
At Wen Xiang’s table, they were already shouting and gambling over drinks. Sister-in-law Ah-Huang and Sister Wu-Hua were refusing to back down, both standing up and rolling up their sleeves...
Wen Jiang, who loved banquets and games most of all, felt her interest piqued. "What’s the fun in dicing? It would be much more interesting to use a set of wine tallies for a formal game."
Hua Moli, who was currently on a losing streak, shouted her approval. The others agreed, and Duan Qimo summoned a servant to bring a specific set of tallies. It turned out to be a silver antique from the Tang Dynasty called the "Analects Jade Candle"—a tortoise-shaped canister containing finely carved tallies. I shook my head inwardly; this thing was worth at least a million. In an ordinary family, it would be enshrined in the ancestral hall, protected from the light of day, let alone brought out for use... However, this type of drinking game was very simple to play: one simply drew a tally with a quote from the *Analects* of Confucius, followed by a command based on that quote.
A formal drinking game required three roles: the Provost to oversee the table, the Registrar of Laws to judge right and wrong, and the Registrar of Cups to run errands and pour the wine. The role of Provost naturally went to Wen Jiang, who had proposed the game. The role of Registrar of Cups was snatched up by the energetic Hua Moli, so she could gleefully pour drinks for her sister-in-law. The seemingly most important role, the Registrar of Laws, was usually reserved for a woman of lower status—which would naturally be me. However, Wen Jiang smiled and smoothed things over. "There aren't many of us; I can handle the duties of Provost myself. There's no need for a Registrar of Laws." With that, she took the canister, shook it, and drew the first tally.
Whether it was pure luck or her expertise in the game, she drew: *"Restrain oneself and return to propriety, and all under heaven will submit to benevolence. All present are urged to drink ten parts."* Everyone laughed and raised their cups, drinking together. The atmosphere at the table instantly turned lively.
I was next. I drew: *"In a hamlet of ten households, there will surely be those as loyal and trustworthy as I. Please invite two others to accompany you."* Wei Qingming stepped up to drink with me, as did Wen Xiang. The three of us shared a smile and drained our cups.
When it was Wei Daren’s turn, her fingers hovered over the canister for a moment before she drew a tally. She looked at it, gave a lingering smile, and read slowly: *"Riding fat horses and wearing light furs. Ten parts for the one with the finest clothes."* Everyone burst into laughter, looking around, judging outfits, and accusing one another.
In truth, everyone was dressed well, but the men hadn't put much effort into their appearance—especially Duan Milou. His fabrics were expensive, but the cut was old-fashioned, not even as stylish as General Di’s rugged military attire. Among the women, I hadn't expected to meet so many people today, so my pale purple and light green outfit was a bit too plain; it certainly wasn't me. While Wei Daren’s clothes were always exquisite, they were elegant and clean with little ornamentation. In terms of sheer magnificence, she couldn't match Duan Qimo, though her taste far exceeded the other's. It came down to Wen Jiang and Hua Moli. In the end, Hua Moli and her sister-in-law both stood up and unanimously pointed at Wen Jiang. Wen Jiang, half-bashful and half-proud, drank a full cup.
Next was Duan Qimo, completing the first round for our table. She drew: *"Death and life are predestined; wealth and honor depend upon Heaven. Drink ten parts yourself."* She smiled and swallowed a cup without a word.
Hua Moli drew *"The young are to be regarded with awe; five parts for the youth,"* which meant I, the youngest at the table, had to drink. Wen Shu drew *"If the Way cannot be followed, I shall board a raft and float out to sea; drink ten parts yourself,"* and drank without complaint. Wen Gan drew *"Only in wine was he without limit, yet he never reached a state of confusion; ten parts for the heavy drinkers,"* and the group collectively decided the Duan siblings, with their deep pockets and high tolerance, should drink. Wen Xiang had good luck, drawing *"He who can put forth his strength takes his place in the ranks; he who cannot, stays behind. Exempt."* No one had to drink, but she felt cheated of the chance to prank someone and drank a cup herself out of annoyance.
At the men's table, the physician Hua drew first: *"The gentleman desires to be hesitant in speech but quick in action; seven parts for the silent one."* He looked apologetically at Xiao Xuelin, the quietest among them, who drank. Xiao Xuelin drew *"That such a man should have such a sickness! Urge the heavy drinkers to drink ten parts,"* making the Duan siblings drink again. Di Kuan drew *"If he has a fault, people are sure to know it; five parts for the one who just put down their cup."* Everyone roared with laughter; it was the Duan siblings again...
Di Kuan laughed, "My sin, my sin! Old Di will join you for a cup!"
Finally, Duan Milou drew *"He who does not hold the office does not plan its policies; five parts for the Registrar."* Since there was no Registrar, Wen Jiang took the penalty for him. The first round ended, and we started again.
After three or four rounds, I was surprised to find that every time it was Wei Qingming’s turn, she drew something mischievous. For instance, *"If one cannot govern a state with propriety and yielding... five parts for those fond of arguing."* This forced Wen Xiang and Hua Moli, who were bickering over who should drink, to take a penalty. Or, *"If the gentleman is not serious, he will not command respect; ten parts for the one with the highest rank,"* which meant Hua Lingheng and Di Kuan had to drink. And whenever it was Duan Qimo’s turn, the penalty always seemed to fall on her own head: *"A single bamboo bowl of rice, a single gourd of a drink; pour five parts for yourself,"* or *"Frequent reproof between friends leads to estrangement; five parts for the host..."*
I finally realized what was happening. Duan Qimo was unfortunate enough to be sitting "downstream" from Wei Daren. Wei Daren was using her tricks to torment this "kindred spirit" simply because I had looked at her a few too many times over the past three days...
Finally, Wen Gan shook out a good tally and slapped the table in excitement. *"I did not think that music could reach such heights. Two skilled musicians shall play together."* This was the famous allusion to Confucius being so moved by music in the State of Qi that he "did not know the taste of meat for three months," forgetting all worldly desires.
There were actually many people present who knew how to play instruments. Wei Daren and Duan Qimo went without saying, and Hua Lingheng was skilled with the zither and cithern. Di Kuan and Xiao Xuelin, being military men, surely knew their way around drums, flutes, or horns. The Wen sisters, as noble ladies, had all been forced to study the zither for years, and Wen Gan was particularly good with the bamboo flute; six years ago, I often saw her sitting in a tree, playing her flute to the moon for her own amusement.
After considering everyone, the decision fell to the Provost. Wen Jiang looked at Duan Qimo with a sweet smile. The latter understood immediately, rising with a graceful bow. "As the host, since I welcomed you all with the sound of the zither, I should see it through to the end." She gestured toward Wei Qingming and said calmly, "I wonder if Master Wei would be willing to join me?"
"Very well," Wei Daren agreed readily. She set down her wine cup and, with a flick of her hand, summoned a long *xiao* flute.
I was shocked. I thought she played the *dizi*! It turned out that years ago, when she refused to play "Ode to the Red Cliff" with Yin Deng, it wasn't because she couldn't play—it was simply to avoid any misunderstanding! Whether in public or private, she guarded her feelings for me so strictly that my heart felt a little sweet.
She didn't forget to look at me with a smile, explaining, "Zhenzhen has not heard this yet. I shall choose the *xiao* today. My skills are rusty; please do not mock me if I perform poorly."
...Hmph. Compared to this, what did serving food or soup matter? This was the real display of affection!
Wei Qingming took the initiative to choose the duet "Ode to a Fine Night." When I heard the title, I had to cover my mouth to hide a laugh. This piece was short and peaceful, a beginner's entry for both zither and flute. It seemed Wei Daren wasn't entirely confident in her own skills... Of course, she was also looking out for Duan Qimo; if she chose something too difficult that the other couldn't play, wouldn't she lose face in front of her beloved? Pranking her during the drinking game was one thing, but she would still help when it mattered.
After washing their hands and lighting incense, the two sat before the ice-carved screen—one in ice-blue, one in raven-black. Both possessed a certain coldness, yet both held a hidden tenderness. Even the moon rose to join the fun, looking like an ice-carved plate set in the sky.
The zither and flute rose together, and the clear, harmonious music instantly washed over the guests. I was captivated by the very first note. Wei Daren’s flute was so tranquil and gentle—light and airy in the high notes, steady and calm in the low. It truly lived up to its name, "Pine Snow," and perfectly suited the scenery. Duan Qimo’s Tang Dynasty guqin, "Solitary Seclusion," had a tone as refined as a frost-covered bell. With its name inscribed in wild cursive on the back and its vermilion lacquer marked by "flowing water" cracks, it looked strikingly vibrant across her cold-toned lap. Though it was a simple piece, it tested one's mastery of subtle nuances; to play it with such clarity and purity, expressing the richest and deepest emotions through the simplest melody, was no easy feat.
There is a description in a zither manual that captures the mood of this piece perfectly: *The first movement is the silence of a vacant window; the second is the longing for a person when the wind is still; the third is the autumn frost upon one's temples.* Perhaps to match the banquet, Wei Qingming’s flute intentionally compressed and dissolved the faint sorrow of the final movement, leaving only the silence of drinking alone under the moon—a hint of loneliness, but more so the joy of solitary freedom, a hidden sense of the vast world being hers to roam. The zither’s tone carried more of the frost’s chill; Duan Qimo gazed at Wen Jiang, as if laying bare all her painstaking efforts for her to see, seeking only the lady’s constant company to banish her solitary isolation.
When the music ended, we remained dazed for a long moment before remembering to clap and cheer. The two bowed to each other in mutual thanks. Duan Qimo’s smile was sincere, finally showing a desire for friendship, while Wei Qingming remained aloof. With a slight nod, she put away her flute and returned to my side.
Finally, the Provost drew the last tally: *"Does Heaven speak? Yet the four seasons pursue their courses. All present shall drink together."* The banquet came to an end.
On the carriage ride back, I was still immersed in the sound of the flute, my soul practically enchanted. I snuggled into Wei Qingming’s arms, begging her to play another song. Without a word, she pulled out "Pine Snow," but after only two notes, I pouted. "I just heard this one. You have to play something new."
She shrugged and gave a rogue-like smile. "To tell you the truth, this is the only song I know."
I nearly choked on my dinner. Recalling our first experience watching Southern Opera together, I had to admit—no one in the world was better at faking expertise than she was.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 松雪 | Songxue (Pine Snow) | The name of Wei Qingming's xiao (vertical flute). |
| 独幽 | Duyou (Solitary Seclusion) | The name of Duan Qimo's guqin (zither). A famous historical guqin. |
| 论语玉烛 | Analects Jade Candle | A Tang Dynasty drinking game set based on the Analects of Confucius. |
| 良宵引 | Ode to a Fine Night | A classic, peaceful musical piece for guqin and xiao. |
| 箫 | Xiao | A vertical end-blown bamboo flute. |
| 古琴 | Guqin | A plucked seven-string Chinese musical instrument of the zither family. |
| 明府 | Provost | The master of ceremonies/judge in a formal drinking game. |
| 律录事 | Registrar of Laws | The official who judges the rules and penalties in a drinking game. |
| 觥录事 | Registrar of Cups | The official who manages the pouring and serving of wine in the game. |
| 烧尾宴 | Shaowei Banquet | A traditional banquet held to celebrate a promotion or passing the imperial exams. |
