Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Original Male Protagonist

“Mother, please wait a moment. I’ll go find out what’s happening,” Wei Yichen replied. He promptly dismounted and entered the crowd.

After a short while, he returned, visibly more excited than when he left. “Mother, it’s a newly opened shop holding a competition.”

“What kind of shop? What sort of competition?” Lady Yun’s curiosity grew at her son’s enthusiasm, for it was rare to see him so animated about anything.

“It’s the Four Treasures Pavilion. They’ve opened a branch here in Xing Shan County and are hosting a contest of calligraphy and essay writing. The winner will receive a treasured ink work from Scholar of the Hidden Grove.”

“Four Treasures Pavilion? I believe the paper your father brought home last time was from there,” Lady Yun recalled.

“Yes, that very Four Treasures Pavilion!” Wei Yichen confirmed eagerly.

“And this Scholar of the Hidden Grove—isn’t he a renowned gentleman from Huzhou Prefecture? I remember your father mentioning him. He writes beautifully, was once a scholar at the Hanlin Academy, and after retiring, secluded himself in Huzhou, planting bamboo in front of his residence and taking the name Scholar of the Hidden Grove,” she mused.

“That’s him!” Wei Yichen affirmed, his excitement now understandable. Both the Pavilion’s paper and the scholar’s ink treasures had always fascinated him.

Seeing her son’s longing, Lady Yun encouraged him, “What are you waiting for? In Xing Shan County, your calligraphy and essays are second to none.”

Wei Yichen glanced at his father.

Wei Mingtin nodded in approval, “Go on. I’d like to see your talents shine.”

“I’ll go, then,” Wei Yichen said, and, brimming with excitement, plunged into the crowd.

Wei Mingtin then addressed the others inside the carriage, “Why don’t you all get out and stretch your legs?”

With Wei Mingtin’s suggestion, Lady Yun allowed the three children to step out. She had Wei Qingwan and Wei Ruo put on veiled hats and reminded their maids to stay close. As for Wei Yilin, she watched him herself, lest he wander off somewhere wild.

Once off the carriage, Wei Ruo, accompanied by Xiumei, squeezed into the throng, observing the competition for the Scholar’s prized ink treasures. Both wore expressions of excitement, not quite matching Wei Yichen’s fervor but clearly more invested than usual—especially Wei Ruo.

The contest was simple: participants composed a short essay on a given topic, writing it on paper then judged for both content and calligraphy.

The master of ceremonies was the Four Treasures Pavilion’s manager, a portly middle-aged man with a beard and a genial smile.

He warmly greeted each student who approached, explaining the rules and inviting them to take part. All writing materials—brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones—were provided by the Pavilion.

Wei Yichen squeezed into the crowd. The manager, beaming, gave him an introduction. “Young sir, just write your thoughts on the topic. We’re judging calligraphy, not essay content.”

“Alright, I’ll try. Please give me paper and brush,” he replied.

The manager quickly had an assistant prepare fresh paper and brush for Wei Yichen.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Wei Yichen wrote a hundred or so characters with a strong, vigorous brushstroke and full, rounded characters, immediately drawing applause from those watching.

When he finished, the manager refrained from comment, merely instructing the assistant to carefully hang Wei Yichen’s work with the others.

By now, the display rack held many pieces, all written by today’s contestants, hung side by side for passersby to admire and judge.

In the distance, a lavishly decorated carriage had paused for some time, its occupants observing the scene.

“Are you interested as well, Brother Yu?” Chu Lan asked Lu Yuhong, who had been watching with keen interest.

Lu Yuhong shook his head quickly, “Your Highness, don’t tease me. I’m suited to martial competitions, horse-riding, archery, and even battle, but as for calligraphy and literary talent, I’m utterly hopeless. I just find this shop amusing—they’ve come up with such novel tricks for their opening, and even offered the Scholar’s ink as a prize. Who knows if it’s real?”

“It’s certainly more inventive than most shops,” Chu Lan commented coolly, less enthused than Lu Yuhong.

“By the way, isn’t that man on horseback from the Loyal and Righteous Earl’s household? He looks quite familiar,” Lu Yuhong inquired, pointing.

Following his gesture, Chu Lan saw Wei Mingtin.

“Yes, that’s him. The third son of the Loyal and Righteous Earl, Wei Mingtin, currently a sixth-rank Loyal and Eminent Captain,” Chu Lan replied.

“You remember these things so well, Your Highness. I can barely recall those who stayed in the capital, let alone those outside it.”

“The Loyal and Righteous Earl’s household, including the Earl himself, are all spineless, save for Wei Mingtin. He’s the sole exception, though sadly only blessed with brute strength and little adaptability. Otherwise, he’d have left this place long ago,” Chu Lan mused.

“No wonder the household has declined over the years—no successors to carry the legacy. What a pity! My father told me the Earl’s ancestors were famous founding generals,” Lu Yuhong remarked.

Though born to a scholarly family, Lu Yuhong inexplicably admired martial men, especially those with legendary deeds.

“Let’s go,” Chu Lan suddenly lifted the carriage curtain and stood.

“Where to?”

“To the competition.”

Lu Yuhong followed curiously.

The contest continued; nearly all had participated, and their works were now hung for all to see.

Among them, Wei Yichen’s was by far the most striking and drew the largest crowd. Lady Yun’s words proved true—when it came to calligraphy and essays, Wei Yichen was unmatched in Xing Shan County. After his entry, others were overshadowed.

Victory seemed assured, and Wei Qingwan cheered for Wei Yichen.

Just then, a gentleman in sumptuous attire stepped forward. “I’d like to try as well,” he announced.

The crowd instinctively parted for him. His dress and the entourage behind him made it clear he was no ordinary man.

Wei Mingtin glanced over, startled. He couldn’t confirm the man’s identity, but the insignia worn by his attendants betrayed their status.

Wei Ruo recognized him instantly—Seventh Prince Chu Lan.

He was the main protagonist of the original tale, and the very one who, in that story, sentenced her to death.

At that thought, Wei Ruo instinctively moved toward the edge of the crowd, increasing her distance from the two men. She didn’t know if it would help, but her instincts urged her to keep away from what she saw as a potential threat.

She glanced at Wei Qingwan, who was watching Chu Lan.

Originally, Chu Lan should have met Wei Qingwan at the Fahua Temple, but her absence as a supporting character had altered the timing.

Could it be that their delayed encounter would finally happen today?