Chapter 56: The Banquet of Qionglin

“Report! Lord Gan Sui, you have passed the palace examination with distinction and are to attend the Qionglin Banquet at noon.” The sound of galloping hooves brought the joyous news. Seeing the residence already adorned in red decorations, someone remarked, “Did the top scholar already know he’d be first? The preparations are all set!”

“Not at all. It just so happens that today is also the day of my wedding.”

“Congratulations, congratulations! A double blessing for our top scholar.”

“Thank you. Here’s a token of appreciation.”

Hanshui handed over the silver that had been prepared in advance. The messenger accepted it with thanks and hurried off to deliver the good news to the next household.

The headmaster and Mr. Chuan had no qualms about the peculiar situation of a man, already married, holding a second wedding. Every day, they happily busied themselves with arrangements; most of the mansion’s festive setting was their idea, giving the whole affair the air of parents marrying off their son.

Before the wedding, the bride and groom could not meet. Banxia sat in her boudoir as the matron of honor applied her makeup. Gan Sui wrote a letter and had Anzi deliver it to Banxia. When Banxia opened the note, she read: “After the Qionglin Banquet, I will come to fetch you—wait for me.”

The Qionglin Banquet, named for the imperial garden where it was held, gathered the newly minted scholars and officials from the Ministry of Rites. Occasionally, even the Emperor would make an appearance. The social maneuvering at the banquet was complex, with most attention focused on the second and third place finishers, as both had been admitted directly to the Hanlin Academy—a promising path, as many prime ministers had begun there. As for the top scholar, though acknowledged for his learning, rumor had it that he had offended Lord Wen on his exam essay and was thus dispatched to a remote, disease-ridden region plagued by rebels. How ironic.

Gan Sui was only too happy to be left alone. As soon as the Ministry of Rites declared the banquet ended, he was the first out the door. The top three scholars were to parade on horseback through the city, drums and gongs opening the way, surrounded by cheering crowds.

“That top scholar is so young!”

“Not only young—he’s handsome!”

“Compared to him, the others don’t stand a chance.”

“Top scholar, look at me! Look at me!”

Gan Sui kept his eyes straight ahead, inwardly restless. He had no desire for this parade—he wanted nothing more than to hurry home and embrace his wife.

The parade lasted until dusk.

In ancient times, dusk was considered the most auspicious hour for weddings; the very word for “marriage” originated from “dusk.” Gan Sui changed out of his scholar’s robes into his wedding attire, his smile as bright as the new moon after rain, elegant and debonair.

Dispensing with the usual formalities, Gan Sui escorted Banxia from her chamber to the main hall. Mr. Chuan acted as master of ceremonies; the headmaster, resplendent in new clothes, presided over the event, his smile broad and joyful.

“The wedding ceremony begins! First, bow to Heaven and Earth.”

The couple bowed together.

“Second, bow to the elders.”

Bowing to their teacher, they heard, “Very good, very good! Here, take your red envelope, and may you live in harmony and happiness.”

“Now, husband and wife bow to each other… The ceremony is complete! Escort the bride to the nuptial chamber!”

“Alas, I am late. The wedding is already over.” A figure approached gracefully at the door.

The headmaster looked up. “Your Majesty—”

“No need for ceremony, Teacher. I am here as an elder brother to witness the wedding, though I regret my tardiness.”

Gan Sui signaled the maid to escort Banxia to the bridal chamber.

Gan Sui exchanged a glance with the headmaster, who nodded. “Your humble servant Gan Sui bows before Your Majesty.”

“Rise. The top scholar is as noble in character as in calligraphy, worthy of praise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Do you resent being assigned to the Ink Pool?”

“To serve my sovereign and ease his burdens, any place is a good place.”

“I hear there is plague there. Are you not afraid?”

“There is medicine now; if precautions are taken, there should be no danger.”

“And the bandits? Does that not concern you?”

“I am confident I can restore order.”

“You are Teacher’s final disciple, and I trust your abilities. Only one thing…” Qi Nanxing glanced at Anzi, who was playing nearby. “I entrust my son to you. Please, keep him safe.” These words were spoken as a father, not a sovereign.

“Rest assured, Your Majesty. I will protect my family.”

“Thank you.”

“Would Your Majesty like to see Anzi?”

“May I?”

“Of course… Anzi…”

Anzi ran in and, seeing Qi Nanxing, called out, “Uncle…” He still remembered him. Qi Nanxing was quietly pleased.

Gan Sui knelt down. “Anzi, you’ll be six years old soon—a big boy now, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I’m a man now.”

“And men don’t cry easily. Can you do that?”

“I can.”

“Do you remember the saying, ‘A gentleman’s word is his bond’?”

“As weighty as gold.”

“Good. Now it’s time for men’s talk. No tears allowed. Listen carefully to what your brother-in-law is about to say… This uncle is not a stranger; he is your father.”

Anzi immediately stepped back, eyes wide, on the verge of tears, but recalling his own promise, he stared firmly at Gan Sui. “Is he here to take me away? Does brother-in-law not want me anymore?” Anzi had overheard children in the street say that all children should be with their parents.

Gan Sui hugged him. “Of course not. I told you, Anzi, you are free to choose; no one will take you away. Your father is here only to see you—he’s never seen how you’ve grown. Over the years, your father, along with the headmaster and Mr. Chuan, searched everywhere for you. It was very hard. Will you let him see you?”

Anzi thought for a moment and asked, “Did he not want me anymore?”

Qi Nanxing replied at once, “How could I not want you? When you were still in your mother’s womb, I promised to take care of you forever. I was only too careless and lost you…” His voice choked with emotion.

Anzi reached up to touch his face. “Don’t be sad. I’m doing well. Sister and brother-in-law treat me very well.”

“I know, I know.” But I still feel so guilty, for all the hardships you endured.

“Grandpa Headmaster said you have other children now…”

“I’m sorry…”

“It’s all right. I have other family too. When Grandpa died, if not for my sister, I might not be alive now. So my life belongs to her. The books I read say one must be grateful and repay kindness. I haven’t repaid my sister yet, so I can’t go with you.”

“That’s all right. You can stay with your sister, and when you’re ready, you can come home. May I hug you?”

Anzi hesitated, then reached out. “Just this once—I’m a big boy now, no more hugs after this.”

“All right.” Qi Nanxing held the small, soft child in his arms. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry…” Sorry for the suffering you endured, sorry it took so long to find you.

“It’s okay. From now on, take good care of your other children, and never lose them again.”

“There won’t be any other children. You are my only one.”

“I heard there’s a lantern festival tonight. Would you like to go with your father?”

On the day the results were announced, the city held a lantern festival for all to enjoy. What child could resist? Anzi’s eyes lit up.

“May I?” Anzi looked at Qi Nanxing.

“Of course.”

“Brother-in-law, aren’t you coming?”

“Your brother-in-law needs to stay with your sister. Go with your father—and remember, it’s our little secret. High five.”

“All right. High five.”

“Please bring him back around the hour of the Dog. He’s still young and needs his sleep to grow.”

“Understood.”

Naturally, the headmaster and Mr. Chuan accompanied them. At last, all the third wheels were gone, and Gan Sui could happily take his bride in his arms.

When Gan Sui entered the room, Banxia had just removed her makeup and was sitting on the bed drying her hair. Gan Sui naturally took over the task, and Banxia lay down with her head in his lap, asking,

“Who was that just now?”

“Anzi’s father.”

“What?” Banxia sat up abruptly, but Gan Sui, still holding her hair, tugged accidentally. “Ow.”

Gan Sui quickly let go and gently massaged her scalp. “Why the rush? Does it hurt?”

“How can I not be anxious, with him coming to our doorstep? What does he want? I have to go see.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve sorted everything out. He won’t take Anzi. He promised not to until family matters are resolved. Do you think you’re the only one who cares about Anzi?”

“Of course not…” Seeing Gan Sui displeased, Banxia quickly clung to his arm, coaxing him. “I’m just worried, that’s all. I trust you.”

Suddenly, Gan Sui cupped her face. “What should you call me?”

Banxia replied shyly, “Husband…”

“Say it again.”

“Husband, husband, husband…” Their lips and tongues entwined in a heated, ambiguous kiss. Banxia moaned softly, her nimble tongue venturing forth, capturing his. In the glow of red candles, the bed sheets were tossed in waves of passion. As husband and wife united, love and devotion filled the night—inside the bridal chamber, springtime knew no bounds.

While lovers enjoyed a blissful night, several bachelors strolled through the lantern festival.

Qi Nanxing, finally able to make up for lost time, was generous to a fault—anything Anzi glanced at, he bought; if Anzi showed a particular liking, he bought several.

Anzi, brow furrowed, chided him seriously, “That’s not good. Sister says we must be frugal, not wasteful. I can’t use so many things; that would be wasteful.”

The sovereign, being lectured by his son, took it well, replying kindly, “Yes, Father understands. Since I don’t know what you like, I thought if I bought a little of everything, I’d find something you love.”

“If I really like something, I’ll tell you, and you can buy it then.”

“All right, anything you say.”

“Wow, that rabbit lantern is beautiful! I want to get it for my sister.”

Qi Nanxing went to ask the price, but the shopkeeper replied, “That rabbit lantern is this year’s grand lantern riddle prize. You have to solve the riddle to win it. It took a lot of skill to make, with moving images of beauties on all four sides. Our manager says such a clever lantern must find a worthy owner.”

“Riddles, eh? Father, are you good at these? Too bad brother-in-law isn’t here—he’s really smart. Last year, he won me a beautiful lantern, but it broke.”

No child’s pride could allow for defeat. Qi Nanxing declared, “Let me see the riddle.”

“One try is fifty wen.”

Without hesitation, Qi Nanxing handed over the silver. The attendant presented the riddle, a character puzzle: “One moon after another, two moons share a side. Above, a field to cultivate; below, a river flows. Six mouths under one roof; two mouths never meet.”

After a moment’s thought, Qi Nanxing answered, “The character ‘use.’”

The attendant was momentarily stunned, then exclaimed, “Master, you are truly wise! The lantern is yours.”

Anzi gazed at him with admiration. “Father, you’re amazing!”

Qi Nanxing smiled, satisfied.

After a while, someone appeared behind them. “Master, there is an urgent matter at home.”

Anzi looked up. “Father, do you have to leave?”

“Yes, I must go now.”

“Goodbye, Father.”

“I hear you can read and write now. If you miss me, you can write me a letter and give it to your brother-in-law—he’ll know how to get it to me.”

“All right.”

“Be good. Father… is leaving now.”

Clearly sensing the urgency, Qi Nanxing looked back with every step, only mounting his horse and galloping back to the palace when Anzi was out of sight.

Anzi watched him leave. The headmaster reached for him, but Anzi shook him off. “Brother-in-law said Grandpa Headmaster isn’t well. I can walk myself.”

The headmaster didn’t insist. “Do you miss your father?”

“A little. But it’s all right—I can write to him. I want to go home and show Sister my lantern.”

The headmaster smiled knowingly. He doubted Sister would have time for lanterns tonight.

Qi Nanxing hurried to the palace. “What’s so urgent?”

“Your Majesty, word from the Lin family army—General Lin is missing.”

“Missing? How?”

“When General Lin was heading southwest, a remnant band of pirates ambushed them. General Lin fell off a cliff while trying to escape. His fate is unknown.”

“How could you let this happen? I gave strict orders—General Lin’s safety above all else. Did you ignore my command? Search! Mobilize everyone in the area, search every inch until you find him.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Back home, Anzi declared, “I want to show Sister my lantern.”

The headmaster stopped him. “No, your sister is resting.”

“So early?”

“Rest is important. Don’t you want a little nephew? It won’t be long now. Come on, let’s go rest with Grandpa Headmaster.”

“All right, then.”