Like Shen and Shang, forever apart

Coiling Dragon Lake · Cloud-Thinking Tower

Under the cover of night, a restaurant some two li from Coiling Dragon Lake was almost filled to capacity. Lights blazed, and the sounds of wind instruments, strings, and singing drifted incessantly from its rooms. The languorous music tempted passersby to linger rather than leave.

The second floor was entirely laid with wooden paneling, and its pillars were carved with tales of immortals. Local gentry and scholars chatted and laughed freely, but most of the people in this private room wore expressions of regret.

After filling his father's wine cup, Fang Xi shook his head. "What a pity. I thought we'd at least get to meet Brother Su and exchange a few words, but in the end, we could only glimpse him from afar. Ah!"

Yu Lü was somewhat disappointed too, but hastened to console him. "No need to sigh, cousin. The fourth floor is reserved for the imperial envoy and governor-general's banquet. Even those accompanying them are prefects and deputy prefects."

"The third floor is for officials."

"We're already fortunate to be on the second floor."

"Officialdom has its own hierarchy, and Brother Su isn't free to do as he pleases either. Once you become a Provincial Graduate next year and head to the capital for the Metropolitan Examination, why worry that you won't see him?"

That was all very well to say, but becoming a Provincial Graduate was difficult. How could passing be so easy?

A Provincial Graduate named Du, who sat at their table, had recently made Fang Wenshao's acquaintance. He was young and accomplished himself, having passed the provincial examination before thirty. Hearing Yu Lü's words, he could not help glancing at him.

Yu Lü, the one offering encouragement, was already confident, yet Fang Xi, the one being encouraged, was