As the end of the year approached and the New Year was drawing near, various official departments had already begun their holiday breaks.
At this time, most court officials, with the exception of a few with special circumstances, had shed their court robes and gained rare leisure time, inviting friends to gather, discuss ancient and modern times, and enjoy themselves.
Today in Luoyang, the most talked-about topics on the streets and alleys were those several young talents and beautiful ladies.
Their outstanding demeanor and combined talent and virtue were admired, making them a popular topic of conversation.
Early in the morning, Cai Yong's mansion was already bustling with people, so lively that it seemed about to be overrun by visitors.
Guan Ning, Kong Rong, and other good friends rushed over right after finishing their breakfast.
Among them was Xun Yu, who had participated yesterday.
The reason everyone was so eager was that they had all learned that the painting they had collectively created yesterday had been greatly enhanced by Cai Wenji's final inscription.
After Cai Wenji carefully collected it, she brought it back out.
Thus, everyone arrived early, eager to catch a glimpse of this painting's splendor.
Inside the mansion, the fragrance of tea mingled with the scent of ink.
Everyone sat around the painting, their eyes filled with anticipation and admiration.
The painting, enhanced by Cai Wenji's inscription, appeared even more extraordinary, as if it had come to life.
Every stroke and every line contained endless poetic meaning and emotion.
Guan Ning stroked his beard, nodding in approval; Kong Rong's eyes widened, as if he wanted to engrave the painting in his mind; and Xun Yu gazed silently at the painting, seemingly lost in thought.
At this moment, Cai Yong's mansion was filled with a rich artistic atmosphere, and everyone was immersed in the wonderful enjoyment brought by the painting.
Just as everyone was intently appreciating the painting, the doorman rushed in to report that Yuan Shao had arrived with his sons Yuan Tan and Yuan Xi, Yuan Shu with his son Yuan Yao, and Cao Cao with his son Cao Ang, all together to pay a visit.
Yuan Shao, Yuan Shu, and Cao Cao, the previous generation of young talents in Luoyang, naturally became honored guests of many famous scholars and literati, leveraging the Yuan Family's prestigious lineage as a family of four generations and three dukes.
Although Cao Cao came from a family of eunuchs, his early feat of establishing the Five-Colored Rods also earned him praise from the scholarly community.
They brought their children this time, firstly out of curiosity about these individuals, and secondly because these children were of similar age but had already made a name for themselves in Luoyang, naturally hoping their own children could interact with them and build reputation.
After meeting, everyone exchanged warm and polite greetings.
Yuan Shao secretly thought, “Coming here this time, firstly, allows my children to get to know some noble offspring, and secondly, it can also demonstrate the prestige of my Yuan Family.”
Cao Cao, on the other hand, pondered, “How can my son, Cao Ang, be inferior to others? This time, I must let him interact more with these talents to gain knowledge and lay a foundation for future development.”
Yuan Shu hadn't actually thought about boosting his child's reputation, but seeing Yuan Shao bring his children, he couldn't help but think, “Since Yuan Shao brought his children, then I, Yuan Shu, must also bring my son.”
Cao Cao and the others were engrossed in admiring the painting when, inadvertently, they all noticed Cai Wenji standing gracefully beside them.
Yuan Shao looked eagerly at Cai Wenji, who was similar in age to his son, secretly surprised, and a look of admiration appeared on his face.
He couldn't help but whisper, “Truly a good wife for my son.”
Then, after a slight hesitation, he asked Cai Wenji if she was betrothed.
Upon hearing Yuan Shao's question, a blush immediately spread across Cai Wenji's delicate face, like a ripe apple.
She shyly lowered her head, fiddling with the corner of her clothes.
Cai Yong was startled by Yuan Shao's question, showing a hint of awkwardness and appearing somewhat flustered.
At this moment, Cao Cao, being sharp-witted and understanding Cai Yong's family situation, quickly stepped forward to explain.
Cao Cao stepped forward steadily, gently patting Yuan Shao's shoulder, his eyes revealing a sense of intimacy and understanding.
He said in a steady voice, “During the Calamity of the Partisan Prohibitions, the Hedong Wei Clan saved Cai Yong's life, so Cai Wenji was betrothed to the Hedong Wei Clan early on.
That Wei Zhongdao and Wenji are of similar age, and when they reach marriageable age, their union will naturally be fulfilled.”
Upon hearing this, Yuan Shao suddenly understood and said repeatedly, “Oh dear, I truly didn't know about this before, please don't blame me, Brother Cai!”
Regret and apology appeared on his face.
Seeing this, Cai Yong also found it difficult to say anything reproachful, so he smiled slightly and waved his hand tolerantly, indicating that he didn't mind.
Cai Wenji also learned for the first time that her marriage had been arranged by her father long ago.
Her delicate body trembled suddenly, her heart felt as if struck by lightning, instantly blank, and a bitter taste spread in her heart, but her throat felt blocked, making it difficult to speak.
The figures of Lu Wan and Ma Chao reappeared in her mind, and recalling Lu Wan's deep affection for Ma Chao, her mood became even more complex, tangled like a mess.
So, with a pale face, she excused herself to Cai Yong, saying she felt unwell, and then stumbled back to the inner chambers to rest.
Returning to her embroidery room, Cai Wenji seemed to lose all her strength, slowly walked to the bed, and silently lay down with her head covered.
Tears, however, could no longer be controlled, gushing out like a breaking dam, soaking the bedding.
Watching Cai Wenji, the main character, leave claiming to be unwell, everyone's faces showed regret, and they couldn't help but feel that staying there any longer seemed to have little meaning.
Cao Cao's eyes lit up, and the corners of his mouth curved slightly as he suggested, “According to Mr. Xun Yu, Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and others are gathering at Lu Zhi's house today.
It's a good opportunity; why don't we all go to Lord Lu Zhi's mansion together? We can all witness the talents of these young men.”
Everyone enthusiastically agreed and then walked out of Cai Yong's mansion together.
Cao Cao walked at the very front with a dignified bearing, his steps steady, his eyes revealing confidence and anticipation, as if he was greatly looking forward to this gathering.
Yuan Shao followed closely behind, smiling, chatting and laughing with those beside him, seemingly guessing what interesting things would happen at the gathering.
Cai Yong's steps were slightly heavy; he was still worried about his daughter, occasionally looking back, but quickly retracted his gaze and caught up with the others.
The others also had their own characteristics: some walked quickly, eager to meet those young talents; others walked unhurriedly, leisurely enjoying the scenery along the way.
On the street, pedestrians cast curious glances.
The sunlight shone on everyone, casting their silhouettes, like a vivid painting.
They passed through the bustling market, occasionally avoiding the crowded throngs.
The hawkers' cries by the roadside rose and fell, and various aromas wafted through the air, but everyone's gaze remained firmly directed towards Lu Zhi's mansion.
Occasionally, children played and frolicked by the roadside, causing everyone to stop and watch, a knowing smile appearing on their faces.
As they got closer to Lu Zhi's mansion, everyone's excitement grew.
They exchanged their understanding and expectations of Sun Ce, Zhou Yu, and others, as if they could already hear the coming laughter and joy.
Meanwhile, Sun Ce, with his tall and upright figure and heroic demeanor; Zhou Yu, graceful and refined in temperament; and Lu Su, calm, reserved, and with deep eyes, had already arrived at the mansion.
Under Ma Chao's introduction, the three young talents approached Lu Zhi with steady steps to pay their respects.
Lu Zhi sat upright in the main hall, his gaze like a torch, scrutinizing the young men before him.
He nodded slightly, gesturing for everyone to sit down.
As a mythical figure among the Han Dynasty officials, Lu Zhi could govern with the Confucian arts of statecraft, making them flourish; and in military matters, he could implement strategies to govern the country and ensure peace.
Under their admiring and eager gazes, he began to test them.
Sun Ce spoke first, his words impassioned and stirring, showcasing his boldness and decisiveness.
Zhou Yu's thoughts were clear, and his conversation was extraordinary, his words sparkling with the light of wisdom.
Lu Su responded calmly, answering questions in an orderly manner, demonstrating his thoughtfulness.
Lu Zhi listened quietly, a satisfied smile gradually appearing on his face.
He was secretly pleased; these young men were indeed rare talents.
