Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Outcome of the Contest

Wei Qingwan’s gaze, veiled beneath her hat, remained fixed on Chu Lan for a long while.

He stood tall and slender, exuding nobility and bearing an extraordinary presence that naturally drew every eye. Wei Qingwan was certain this man was not a native of Xingshan County—his attire and manner were far from those of a commoner. If he were a local aristocrat, she would have known him.

“This way, sir, please,” the shopkeeper said pleasantly, instructing an attendant to bring out fresh paper.

Chu Lan stepped forward, and at the sight of the paper before him, a hint of surprise flickered across his cold, handsome face. He reached out, running his fingers lightly over the sheet, and his astonishment deepened.

This paper was unlike any he had ever used—how could such fine quality, not seen even in the capital, be found in such a remote place?

“Where did this paper come from?” Chu Lan asked the shopkeeper.

With a broad smile, the shopkeeper replied, “This is exclusive to our Four Treasures Studio. If you like it, sir, you may purchase some once our shop officially opens after today’s contest. When the competition concludes, we’ll be open for business.”

Chu Lan glanced at the signboard behind the shopkeeper, where the three bold characters for “Four Treasures Studio” were displayed.

“How interesting,” Chu Lan remarked, then picked up the brush and began to write.

The shopkeeper’s theme was “The People Regard Food as Their Heaven.”

Chu Lan composed about a hundred characters as well. His calligraphy was grand and forceful, with sweeping strokes full of power and dominance.

The onlookers cheered at once, exclaiming their praise repeatedly. The attendant then hung Chu Lan’s work beside Wei Yichen’s.

Side by side, the contrast was clear—Wei Yichen’s script was far gentler in comparison.

The shopkeeper asked the crowd thrice if anyone else wished to compete. When no one stepped forward, he handed everyone present a wooden token.

On each token was carved the simple inscription “Four Treasures Studio,” threaded with a red string.

“The judges today are all of you. Whoever you think wrote the best will receive your token, hung on the hook above their work. The one whose hook holds the most tokens wins the day’s prize.”

Lu Yuhong examined his token, grinning. He said quietly to Chu Lan, “How amusing—they’re letting the audience decide the outcome.”

“It’s a clever choice,” Chu Lan replied. “This way, the organizers offend no one. Especially for a new shop, it’s best not to make enemies.”

Lu Yuhong chuckled, then asked, “If I don’t vote for you, will I still be allowed home tonight?”

Chu Lan replied, “You’d best choose wisely.”

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Lu Yuhong protested, “Surely not! I thought you were just having fun—since when did you become so competitive?”

Chu Lan smiled. “It is rather more interesting than I expected.”

“I told you this shop was something special!” Lu Yuhong said.

The voting began.

Those with tokens went forward to cast their votes. As expected, the majority of the tokens clustered above Wei Yichen’s and Chu Lan’s works, far outnumbering the others.

Wei Qingwan, too, had a token. She knew she would give hers to her elder brother, but before hanging it, she couldn’t help glancing twice at Chu Lan.

She wondered which of the two would emerge victorious.

Unfortunately, Chu Lan was engaged in conversation with Lu Yuhong and failed to notice the beauty’s attentive gaze.

Wei Ruo also had a token and promptly hung it above Wei Yichen’s work before darting away.

When voting ended, the shopkeeper counted the tokens in front of everyone.

Most works had only three or five votes—not worth much attention. All eyes were on the hooks above Wei Yichen’s and Chu Lan’s pieces.

Chu Lan’s hook held twenty tokens.

Wei Yichen’s hook held twenty-one.

A single vote made the difference; Wei Yichen narrowly won.

The shopkeeper smiled at Chu Lan. “My apologies, sir—since you’re short by one, I must declare you the loser. Do you have any objection?”

“None,” Chu Lan replied. “Having entered your contest, I abide by your rules. The process was fair.”

“Very well, then I announce that today’s champion is this gentleman in white.”

Shopkeeper Jia smiled at Wei Yichen.

Wei Yichen stepped before Chu Lan and bowed. “Thank you, sir. That I managed to win today is likely because both my sisters also received tokens. Otherwise, the victory would have been yours.”

“A loss is a loss. You have sisters; I have a friend here. There’s nothing more to say,” Chu Lan said, not at all displeased. In fact, he seemed in good spirits, a faint smile at his lips.

Compared to the calligraphy of Master Canglin, he found something else far more interesting.

Wei Yichen nodded in understanding and said no more.

The shopkeeper placed Master Canglin’s painting, rolled into a scroll, into a wooden box and handed it to Wei Yichen.

He then announced, “The paper you just used is available in our shop. If you want to buy some, please come in—each person is limited to fifty sheets per day. Supplies are limited; when it’s gone, it’s gone.”

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The scholars who had just competed were already familiar with the Four Treasures Studio’s paper and brushes. The ink and brushes were ordinary, little different from those elsewhere, but the paper was another matter entirely.

Though more expensive than others, its quality was far superior, and for families with means, the price was acceptable.

The moment they heard there was a limit per customer, people hurried into the shop, afraid to miss out.

Soon, a long line formed at the door, and the scene grew lively—an unusual sight in Xingshan County, where times were not especially prosperous.

Clearly, it was still the common folk who struggled most, but families able to support a scholar could afford good writing materials.

Wei Yichen sent his servant to queue and buy some more for himself.

Before long, Shopkeeper Jia announced that the day’s supply of paper was sold out; those still in need would have to wait until tomorrow.

Disappointed, those who missed out looked crestfallen.

As the crowd dispersed, Wei Qingwan lingered, glancing around as if searching for the distinguished gentleman from before.

Wei Yichen caught her by the arm. “Wanwan, what are you looking for?”

“I… I’m looking for my sister…”

Wei Yichen looked around and, indeed, did not see Wei Ruo.

Wei Ruo had already left when the contest ended, wandering off to browse other shops nearby.

Wei Yichen found her at a candied fruit stall.

Wei Ruo had just bought several large bags of candied fruit and was about to return.

Noting the quantity, Wei Yichen glanced at her purchase. It seemed a bit much, but he did not scold her. Instead, he said, “So you like candied fruit, little sister? Next time I’ll bring some for you—there’s no need to buy so much at once; it won’t stay fresh.”

He assumed that since Wei Ruo rarely went out, she was making the most of today’s opportunity, buying extra in case she couldn’t come again soon.

Wei Ruo only smiled, neither agreeing nor arguing, and followed Wei Yichen back to join the family.

Wei Yichen then asked Wei Mingtin, “Father, that gentleman just now seemed quite exceptional. Do you know who he is?”