The Shangsi Festival was almost upon them.
As early as late February, Shanyin City had already become a glorious mess. Many celebrated gentlemen had arrived from neighboring commanderies, and men such as Xie Wan had even come from Jiankang, sporting feather fans, silk headscarves, and Crimson Crane Cloaks. By the first day of March, even Sun Chuo, who was serving as a county magistrate in a neighboring commandery, could no longer resist. He actually abandoned his post and came over by sea.
His conduct drew a thunderous chorus of praise from the celebrated gentlemen in the city. They all declared that Sun Xinggong possessed true elegance and flair, and that they simply had to share a good drink with him. But Sun Chuo slapped the table on the spot and said no-they had to hold out until the afternoon after next, when they would drink during Floating Cups Along the Winding Stream.
The acclaim grew louder still. Everyone praised him, then declared that today they would engage only in pure conversation, without drinking.
In fact, Sun Chuo's arrival proved quite useful. This man, ranked alongside Xu Xun as one of the age's literary masters, had always been impulsive and direct, with a keen eye for social cues and good relations with everyone. He was willing to lower himself and curry favor with the Two Wangs, Xi, and Xie, and he loved passing judgment on this person and drawing comparisons with that one. He dared say what others dared not say and do what others dared not do... Thus, as soon as he arrived, he resolved the greatest and most central issue troubling the celebrated gentlemen over the Shangsi Festival: Wang Shu's attempt to seize control of the purification ceremony-to seize the "Dust-Tail Fan."
After hearing Xie An's explanation at the