Chapter 153: Qingyue Poetry Society (II)

Li Qingan wandered around the mansion for a long time before finally finding the plum garden at the entrance. This year, the weather was unusually warm, so the plum blossoms, which usually bloom in early spring despite the snow, were in full bloom. Their petals were a blend of red and white, moist and translucent, as if carved from amber or jade, exuding a pure and elegant charm.

The Wei family had thought carefully, laying bluestone slabs among the plum trees to create several paths for enjoying the blossoms. Guests came in large numbers today—some to congratulate the third daughter of the Wei family on her birthday, some to attend the poetry society gathering, and over a dozen renowned poets as well.

Li Qingan strolled along, hands behind his back, admiring the scenery. After walking about a dozen steps, a group of young men and women from the poetry society blocked his path. They all stared up at the plum blossoms, striving to come up with inspired lines.

Suddenly, one of them laughed and said, “I’ve got it! ‘Awake from wine, still slightly drunk; I explore the Wei family’s secluded paths to admire the old plum trees.’ How about these two lines?”
“Not good! Too straightforward. Brother Changsun should use the plum blossoms to express his emotions.”
“Alright, let me think more.”

The group fell silent again. Li Qingan smiled and didn’t disturb them. Gazing at the sea of colorful plum blossoms, he too was filled with poetic inspiration. Having read hundreds of Tang poems, he could recite them even if he couldn’t write them himself. He reached down to pick a plum branch, inhaling its delicate fragrance, while recalling famous verses about plum blossoms from ancient times.

Lu You’s “Bu Suan Zi” was a fine example, but it was a ci poem—something considered secondary to poetry and not worthy of high literary esteem. Suddenly, he remembered a few verses he had memorized in his youth. Vaguely recalling one, though forgetting its author, he recited it aloud, swaying his head: “In February, the east wind blows away the snow; the mountains of Anxi are lush and green. No one hears the sound of the Qiang flute; countless plum blossoms fall on the wild bridge.”

He was filled with pride when suddenly applause came from behind him. “What a wonderful poem!”

Turning around, he saw two people standing not far behind him. In front was a man in his early thirties with bright, lively eyes—it was Cen Shen, whom he had met earlier that morning. Behind him was a middle-aged man in his forties, looking haggard with a gloomy gaze, exuding an indescribable sense of desolation.

Cen Shen stepped forward and said with a smile, “I never thought General Li could also write poetry. Are you feeling melancholic upon seeing the plum blossoms, missing the plum trees in the Tianshan Mountains of Anxi?”

Li Qingan felt ashamed. He certainly couldn’t write poetry. He had only slightly altered that poem and forgotten its author. If it had been written by a poet from the early Tang Dynasty, his mistake would be even more glaring.

He waved his hand and said with a smile, “How dare I claim to be a poet in front of Poet Cen? When will Judge Cen be heading to Beiting?”

Speaking of which, Cen Shen was his subordinate, so he didn’t hold back in front of him. When Cen Shen heard him mention his official position, he quickly bowed and said, “I’m waiting for orders from the Ministry of War. Once they arrive, I’ll prepare to set off.”
“Good, then we can travel together then.”
Li Qing’an’s gaze shifted to the middle-aged man behind Cen Shen, and he smiled, “Judge Cen, who is this?”
“Let me introduce him to Lord Li!”
Cen Shen pulled the middle-aged man over and said with a smile, “This is my good friend, Wang Changling, the county magistrate of Longbiao.”
“Oh! So you are Wang Changling. I’ve long heard of your fame.”
Li Qing’an showed great respect. He had even read his poem “Through countless battles in the yellow sands, my armor remains unbroken; I won’t return until Loulan falls” when he was young. He never expected to meet this poet at Wei Huan’s residence.
Wang Changling was straightforward in character and had offended powerful officials, which led to repeated demotions. A few years ago, he was sent to the remote county of Longbiao as a county magistrate. Li Bai even wrote the famous line, “I entrust my sorrowful heart to the bright moon, to accompany you all the way to the west of Yelang!”
Half a year ago, he resigned from his humble position and returned to the capital in search of opportunities. He asked many people for help, but because he had resigned from his official post, he had a poor reputation among officials, so no one dared to hire him. He faced setbacks everywhere, and his life became increasingly difficult. He could only rely on the help of old friends to get by.
Disheartened, Wang Changling planned to return to his hometown of Bozhou to farm after the Spring Festival. Today, Wei Huan’s brother, Wei Cang, invited famous poets from Chang’an to enjoy the plum blossoms, so Cen Shen brought him along as well.
Wang Changling had also long heard of Li Qing’an’s fame. He quickly bowed and said with a smile, “General Li’s battle in Qinghai was truly astonishing—it shocked heaven and earth and moved even the spirits. I admire you greatly. It’s a great honor to meet you in person today.”
Cen Shen beside him laughed and said, “A few days ago, when I talked about Lord Li with my brother, he even wrote a poem for Lord Li’s Anxi scout camp to praise his lofty aspirations.”
Hearing that Wang Changling had written a poem for his army, Li Qing’an became curious. He quickly bowed and said with a smile, “I’d like to hear Mr. Wang’s poem.”
“After hearing of the general’s heroic deeds, I wrote a poem for the general and the soldiers of his Anxi army.”
Wang Changling smiled slightly, clasped his hands behind his back, and recited, “In the vast desert, dust and wind darken the sky; red flags half-unfurled as troops leave the camp. The vanguard fights by the Tao River at night—Tuyuhun has already been captured!”
Li Qing’an was overjoyed. It turned out this poem was meant for him. He bowed deeply and said, “Thank you, Mr. Wang, for your kind words.”
At that moment, someone from afar called out to them, urging them to go back. Cen Shen said, “Why don’t Lord Li come with us?”
“I need to find someone to travel with first. I’ll join you in a bit.”
“Alright, then we’ll go first.”

Cen Shen and Wang Changling bowed to each other and left first. After taking a few steps, Cen Shen suddenly turned back and whispered to Li Qing’an, “Sir, Wang Changling is in dire straits, with no way to find work. When I mentioned my plan to go to Beiting yesterday, he was filled with longing as well.”
Li Qing’an understood what he meant and smiled, saying, “Give me his address!”
Delighted, Cen Shen quickly took out a letter of introduction from Wang Changling and handed it to Li Qing’an, saying, “His address is on it.”
Li Qing’an took it and asked, “Who else came today?”
“Brother Li Bai might also come. Gao Shi is here too, but since he became a staff member under Ge Shu Han, he seems a bit different from before.”
Cen Shen sighed before thanking him once more and hurried off.
Unexpecting to meet Wang Changling at Wei’s residence, Li Qing’an grew somewhat eager about this visit. Li Bai, Du Fu, Wang Changling, Wang Wei, Cen Shen, Gao Shi, Wang Zhihuan—these were all famous poets of the same era. How many more might he meet today?
Li Qing’an quickened his pace, eager to find Du Gu Mingzhu and let her know so she wouldn’t worry.
After turning a corner, Li Qing’an reached the other side of the plum garden. Ahead was a T-junction, and there, a woman in a pink dress was walking gracefully from the other end. The plum blossoms covered her face, but her graceful figure and flowing dress exuded a beauty akin to that of a celestial maiden. Li Qing’an suddenly felt as if he had seen her before—she seemed very familiar. Before he could think further, the woman stepped out from behind the plum branches, revealing a delicate face even more beautiful than the blossoms.
“Du Gu Mingyue!”
Li Qing’an blurted out. It was indeed Du Gu Mingyue. When she turned around, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, which soon turned calm as she said lightly, “It’s General Li. What a coincidence!”
“Miss Mingyue, how did you end up here? Oh right, your poetry club is having a gathering today! I almost forgot.”
Li Qing’an stepped forward and smiled, “Are you looking for Mingzhu?”
“Mm! Has General Li seen her?”
“I was brought here by her. I just met the host of Wei’s residence and exchanged a few words, after which she left with Cui Liuliu.”
“So she’s with Liuliu. Then I know where she is.”
Du Gu Mingyue knew her sister must have gone to Wei Qi by another route and missed her. Relieved, she smiled and said, “Does General Li also enjoy admiring plum blossoms?”

“I really like it. When I was in Anxi Bahuang City, there were several plum trees near my residence. I remember that in February the year before last, a sudden heavy snowfall came, and many spring flowers withered under the cold. Only the plum blossoms bloomed proudly despite the snow, looking especially gorgeous.”
Mingyue nodded gently and sighed, “Yes! Plum blossoms cherish their own purity and independence, not following the vulgar trends. I admire their character even more, which is why I like them the most too.”
Li Qing’an smiled slightly and murmured, “By the broken bridge outside the post station, they bloom in solitude, without a master. Already in dusk, they grieve alone, with wind and rain adding to their sorrow. Unwilling to strive in spring, they let other flowers envy them. Though crushed to dust, their fragrance remains the same. Mingyue, is this the feeling?”
Mingyue was stunned. She looked at Li Qing’an in disbelief, “You…”
A hint of melancholy arose in her deep, pool-like eyes. “Unwilling to strive in spring, they let other flowers envy them. Though crushed to dust, their fragrance remains the same.”
She savored the indescribable meaning behind those words, feeling an inexplicable emotion. When she looked at Li Qing’an again, her gaze was gentle as water.
They walked side by side on the bluestone path. Li Qing’an could smell her faint, delicate fragrance. Surrounded by vibrant flowers and plum blossom petals scattered on the ground, with a beauty like jade by his side, he felt somewhat intoxicated.
“General Li, do you still remember what happened at Lady Yang’s residence the year before last?”
“You mean playing pot-throwing?”
“No! By the small bridge, you told me about the beauty of Anxi.”
Mingyue looked up at the few white clouds in the sky and said softly, “It’s vast and magnificent, with grasslands that stretch as far as the eye can see. By the river, flocks of snow-white sheep graze leisurely. White clouds resemble hats atop the icy peaks, which shine like sapphires—like cities in the sky. I still remember that vividly.”
Seeing that she remembered what he had said, Li Qing’an felt moved and smiled, “Then do you want to go to Anxi?”
“Of course I do, but I can only dream about it.” Mingyue sighed, a hint of sadness in her eyes.
Suddenly, Li Qing’an felt brave. He gazed into her beautiful eyes and said, “Then come with me! I’ll take you to Anxi.”
“General Li, you!”
Mingyue’s face flushed suddenly. Her eyes showed panic. “General Li, I need to find Mingzhu. I’ll be leaving first.”
She lowered her head and turned to walk away. “Mingyue!” Li Qing’an called out. She stopped in her tracks. Suddenly, she turned back and gave him a gentle look, her eyes filled with tenderness. She lowered her head again and walked away faster.
Li Qing’an watched her go until she was far away. That last glance from her left him intoxicated.
…

Moonlight hurried toward the inner courtyard, her steps light and the ornaments on her body tinkling softly. The gloom that had surrounded her for over a year was gone now; her gaze became bright and affectionate, her heart filled with sweetness. She understood the meaning of Li Qing’an’s words—they were a confession of love to her.

At noon, her father had told her to invite Li Qing’an to dinner at home. She hadn’t understood what he meant then, but now she realized he intended to arrange a marriage between her and Li Qing’an.

She remembered how Li Qing’an had come to her family’s house for a matchmaking meeting before. Back then, she had been cold toward him, but he hadn’t held grudges. When her sister was in danger, he stepped forward to help. Compared to Li Chu’s indifference, literary talent really didn’t matter—character was what truly counted.

Moonlight sighed. Li Qing’an had saved her sister last time, yet she hadn’t even thanked him yet! When should she express her gratitude to him in person?

Lost in thought, she passed through a semicircular flower gate, and ahead was Wei Qi’s embroidery pavilion. Suddenly, she heard someone calling her, “Sister Moonlight!”

Turning around, she saw three young ladies sitting in front of a rockery. She recognized them all—one was Cui Liuliu, another was Changsun Yun, and the third, slightly thinner, was Cui Ningbi, the daughter of Lady Han.

“What are the three of you doing here? Where’s Mingzhu?”

“Mingzhu is in Wei Qi’s embroidery pavilion.”

Cui Liuliu pointed at Cui Ningbi and laughed, “Yun and I are forcing her to treat us! We want her to host a wedding feast for us.”

“A wedding feast?” Moonlight laughed. “Which young prince is marrying our Ningbi?”

“Although he also goes by the surname Li, he’s not from the royal family.”

Changsun Yun laughed beside her, “Ningbi is going to marry the admired Li Qing’an.”

Moonlight felt as though a heavy hammer had struck her chest; her face turned pale instantly. Her mind went blank. Then she heard Changsun Yun say, “It was the Imperial Concubine who acted as the matchmaker. She specially summoned Li Qing’an to the palace, with Lady Qin and Lady Guo serving as witnesses for the marriage.”

“Sister Moonlight, what’s wrong?” Liuliu noticed Du Gu Moonlight’s unusual state.

“Nothing!” Moonlight suppressed her sorrow and forced a smile at Cui Ningbi. “Ningbi, congratulations.”

“Mm! Thank you, Sister Moonlight. My mother has agreed too. I’ll go discuss it with the Imperial Concubine tonight.”

A hint of shyness appeared in Cui Ningbi’s eyes. Over a year ago, Li Qing’an and Shi Siming had competed in archery at her third aunt’s house. Back then, Li Qing’an had left a deep impression on her. She had even practiced throwing darts at home because of him. Who would have thought that the Imperial Concubine would arrange her marriage to him?

“Sis!” Mingzhu ran over, out of breath, and complained, “Why are you here? I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

“Mingzhu, your sister doesn’t seem to be feeling well,” Cui Liuliu whispered to her.

Mingzhu also noticed her sister’s pale face and quickly asked, “Sis, what’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing. I suddenly feel a bit unwell. Mingzhu, help me go inside and sit down.”
“Okay!” Mingzhu supported her sister and walked a dozen steps before suddenly whispering with a smile, “Sis, guess who I brought? Li Qing’an. I brought him here.”
“Stop talking!” Mingyue interrupted her in a low voice. “He has nothing to do with me!”
Mingyue could hold back any longer. She looked up at the white clouds in the sky, thinking of the Sky City in Anxi. Happiness came so suddenly, yet it left just as quickly, like the clouds in the sky—coming with the wind and disappearing with it. Two crystal tears rolled down from her beautiful eyes.