Liang Zhu Together in the Cold of Winter: A Collection of Pure Melodies

One day in midwinter.

After finishing his breakfast, Liang Shanbo, as usual, went to Songzha in the back mountain with Wang Shu and Gu Jun.

The bamboo wind chimes under the pine eaves tinkled in the cold wind, their sound even clearer than in spring and summer. However, the vines on the pine fence in front of the house had withered, and the little white flowers had long since disappeared, leaving only a few withered stems swaying slightly in the wind.

The three people pushed open the door and entered.

Meng Wenlang remained seated on the bamboo mat by the window.

The mountain stream outside the window was not frozen, and the water flowed much more slowly than in summer, its sound as soft as if it were whispering. The orchids by the stream had withered, leaving only a few clumps of fallen leaves, which, shrouded in the mist, still retained a touch of green.

The three knelt opposite Meng Wenlang.

Meng Wenlang's gaze swept over the three faces, then he took out a letter from his sleeve and placed it on the low table in front of him.

The letter was written on vermilion paper with subtle patterns, in running script, with elegant handwriting.

"This is an invitation sent by Chen Mao, the magistrate of Qiantang County," Meng Wenlang said. "On the 23rd of the middle of winter, Magistrate Chen is hosting a gathering at Zhuyun Pavilion on the shore of Qiantang Lake, called 'Gathering of Pure Sounds in the Cold Winter,' inviting heads of prominent families and local celebrities from all over the county. I was also invited."

Wang Shu's gaze fell on the note, and he said, "A Collection of Pure Sounds in the Cold of Winter. What a good name."

Meng Wenlang nodded slightly: "The two characters '岁寒' (suì hán) come from the Analects of Confucius, Book 19, Chapter 20: 'Only when the year grows cold do we know that the pine and cypress are the last to wither.' In the cold of midwinter, the pine and cypress are used as a metaphor for a virtuous person, which is both timely and embodies noble character. Magistrate Chen's choice of these two characters was deliberate."

As for the term "pure sound," it is a common expression in pure conversation since the Wei and Jin dynasties. Pure conversation practitioners often used "pure sound" and "subtle words" to refer to their insightful and profound discussions.

The collection of "Pure Sounds in the Cold of Winter" (岁寒清音集) refers not only to the cold of the year but also metaphorically to the hardships of the times. By combining "cold of winter" and "pure sounds" into one title, Magistrate Chen subtly conveys the idea that scholars, amidst difficult times, cultivate their integrity through refined conversation.

He unfolded the invitation, glanced at it, and said, "The invitation contains the words, 'The winter solstice is approaching, and the cold of winter deepens. I long to gather with you all to hear your pure music and cleanse our minds.' It is quite elegantly written. The invitation also states that I may bring my disciples. The gathering will include a section for young scholars to engage in refined conversation and compose poetry, and a reward of ten thousand coins will be given to encourage future generations."

A reward of ten thousand.

These four words touched Liang Shanbo's ears and stirred something within him. For him, ten thousand coins was no small sum. If he could obtain this money, he would be financially secure for a long time, and he could even spend the New Year with his mother properly when he returned home this year.

Meng Wenlang put down the invitation, his gaze lingered on the three faces for a moment, and then said slowly, "This gathering is not just about refined conversation. Several prominent families in Qiantang County will be present, including the Zhu, Fan, and Chu families, as well as the Xiao and Sun families."

Chen Mao organized this gathering, ostensibly for refined tastes, but in reality, it was intended to observe social trends, examine scholars, and balance different schools of thought. The three of you will come with me. Once there, observe and listen carefully, and when it's time to speak, speak with tact.

His gaze fell on Wang Shu.

Wang Shu's talent is like a sharp sword being drawn from its sheath.

Liang Shanbo, Wang Shu, and Gu Jun bowed almost simultaneously: "Yes, sir."

Next is today's lecture.

After the lecture, Meng Wenlang picked up the ceramic cup on the low table and took a sip of tea.

Wang Shu and Gu Jun stood up, bowed to Meng Wenlang, and were about to leave Songzha.

Liang Shanbo remained kneeling on the bamboo mat, without moving.

Wang Shu walked to the door, glanced back at him, raised an eyebrow slightly, and remained silent. Gu Jun also glanced at him, his gaze calm, and said nothing. The two pushed open the door and gently closed it behind them.

Only Meng Wenlang and Liang Shanbo remained in the pine fence.

Liang Shanbo said earnestly, "I have a request to make of you, sir."

Meng Wenlang didn't say anything, he just looked at him.

Liang Shanbo, with a calm gaze, slowly said, "This disciple humbly requests that you, sir, take Zhu Jiuling with you to the Collection of Pure Sounds in the Cold Winter."

Meng Wenlang remained silent.

Liang Shanbo continued, "As you know, sir, my brother Zhu and I became sworn brothers at the Grass Bridge Pavilion. For the past six months, we have been together every day, and our relationship is like that of brothers. My brother Zhu is intelligent and knowledgeable, and he has also gained some insights into philosophical discussions."

I know that my brother Zhu is quite interested in such gatherings. Usually, when he is at the academy, he either reads and listens to lectures or discusses his studies with me, so he rarely has the opportunity to witness such a grand event.

This gathering of refined scholars at the "Winter Solstice Music Festival" brings together several prominent families from Qiantang, creating a rare and memorable occasion for intellectual discussions and poetry recitations. If I could take him along and let him experience this firsthand, it would undoubtedly benefit his academic progress.

After he finished speaking, he respectfully lowered his head.

It was extremely quiet in the pine forest.

Meng Wenlang remained silent, not answering immediately. He looked at Liang Shanbo for a long while before speaking, "Originally, it was inconvenient to bring too many people. However, considering your deep friendship with Zhu Jiuling, and the fact that you pleaded for him today, it shows your sincerity towards him, so I will grant your request."

Liang Shanbo bowed respectfully to Meng Wenlang, saying, "This disciple thanks you, sir!"

A slight smile appeared on Meng Wenlang's lips: "Get up."

Liang Shanbo straightened up.

Meng Wenlang waved his hand: "Go."

Liang Shanbo bowed again before standing up and leaving the pine fence.

Back at the school dormitory, he pushed open the door and entered.

Zhu Yingtai was sitting on a wooden couch in the inner room, engrossed in reading a book she had borrowed from the library.

When she saw Liang Shanbo come in, she put down her book and smiled at him.

Liang Shanbo sat down on the wooden couch opposite her and recounted in detail how Meng Wenlang received Chen Mao's invitation and the elegant gathering at Zhuyun Pavilion on the 23rd day of the 11th lunar month.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yingtai's eyes flashed with longing, but she quickly concealed it and smiled, "This 'Collection of Pure Sounds in the Cold Winter' sounds extremely elegant. Brother Liang, Brother Wang, and Brother Gu, if you accompany the master, you will surely broaden your horizons."

Liang Shanbo saw the fleeting longing in her eyes and smiled slightly: "The master has given his permission; I will take you with me."

Zhu Yingtai was stunned.

"Take me...with you?" Her voice rose slightly. "Why would you take me with you, sir?"

Liang Shanbo said, "I know you are quite interested in such elegant gatherings and must want to go, so I begged you, sir, to go."

Zhu Yingtai looked at him without speaking for a moment. After regaining her composure, she said softly, "Brother Liang, you are so good to me."

She has said this countless times.

Liang Shanbo laughed and said, "Brother, why bother with such formalities? We are sworn brothers, so your affairs are my affairs."

Zhu Yingtai didn't say "thank you," she just looked at him and smiled with her eyes crinkling.

After a moment, she looked up at the window, then at Liang Shanbo, and said with a smile, "On the twenty-third of the winter, by the Qiantang Lake, at the Zhuyun Pavilion. If it snows that day, the scenery will be even more beautiful."

Liang Shanbo smiled knowingly: "My brother is right. We both love snow, and we both love the snow scene of Qiantang Lake. If it snows that day, not only will we have a beautiful view, but it will also better reflect the phrase 'the clear sound of winter'."