Chapter Six, the graceful and ethereal silhouette

This truly seems never-ending, as Chen Cao's thoughts shifted, he deliberately asked: "Mother, is the Feng family girl and Seventh Sister's sister-in-law as good as my wife?"

Chen Caozhi smiled and said, "Alright, when the weather clears up, I will take you both. For now, the two of you go to my study to practice calligraphy, and let me read quietly here. Also, do not be mischievous with Ying Gu."

On the third floor of the west side of the dock fortress, there are twelve spacious large rooms, each of which is further divided into an inner and an outer room. In this enormous semi-arc building, only the family of Chen Cao, consisting of four members, and an old maid named Ying Gu reside. Ying Gu came to the Chen family compound with Chen's mother, Li, over thirty years ago.

Chen Caozhi began a close reading of the first volume of "Analects Explained". He is familiar with the original text and focuses on Wang Bi's annotations and elaborations. Wang Bi's commentary is rich in speculative thought, featuring novel imagery and concise expression. This young genius, who passed away prematurely, truly bridged the two schools of Confucianism and Daoism.

Chen Caozhi gazed at the enchanting Han stele script "Nü Xun," straining to recall the image of his sister-in-law Ding Youwei. However, in the hazy memories of his youth, there remained only a faint and gentle silhouette, graceful yet distant

Engagement? Whom does mother want the child to be engaged to?

The mother and son sat facing each other across the table, with Chen Chao slightly leaning to the left, occupying the lower position to show respect for his mother

Chen Cao was deeply engrossed when he suddenly heard a sound of a string being plucked, which came from the inner room. He couldn't help but feel a surge of joy, realizing that there were musical instruments in the house.

Chen Caozhi's bedroom and study are located on the right side of the staircase, while Chen's mother, Li, and her eldest son, Run'er, reside in the large room on the left side of the staircase, which used to be Ying Gu's room. Further along is Chen Qingzhi's study, followed by the bedroom of Chen Qingzhi and Ding Youwei. Adjacent to it are the quarters of four accompanying maids. After Ding Youwei was forcibly taken back to the Ding residence in Qiantang, those four maids were also taken away by the people from the Ding family, leaving the west wing desolate and empty.

My mother said: "Qian Tang Feng Mengxiong is an old friend of your father, a clerk at the county office. He has a daughter, aged fourteen, who is said to be beautiful and well-educated. If you are interested, I can ask your fourth uncle to inquire about it; it should be feasible."

Chen Cao furrowed his brows slightly and spoke gently, "Mother, this marriage is a lifelong matter and should not be taken lightly. We do not know the Feng family daughter well; if we marry her and her temperament is not good, wouldn't that lead to a lifetime of troubles?"

Madam Li, Chen's mother, then got up and left the study, allowing her son to concentrate on his reading

Mother Chen, of the Li family, sighed and said: "In her youth, she was known as the foremost beauty of Qiantang, graceful and gentle, skilled in calligraphy and painting. She shared a deep bond with your elder brother, but unfortunately, Qing passed away young, which truly was a hardship for her. Today is already the fifteenth of April; if the weather is fine, the Ding family will likely come to take Zongzhi and Run'er away. When you see your sister-in-law, please convey my regards to her. It has been nearly three years since I last saw her."

This large study consists of two rooms, separated by a large bookshelf, and the inner room has not yet been entered by Chen Caozhi

On an afternoon in mid-April, after Chen Caozhi had copied Ouyang Xun's "Zhang Han Si Lu Tie," he cleaned his brush and looked out the window. The sky was overcast, and a continuous fine rain fell, indicating that it would not be possible to ascend Jiuyao Mountain in the evening. Suddenly, he remembered that he had yet to enter the study of his deceased brother, Chen Qingzhi, which should contain some readable books.

Chen Cao was delighted to see hundreds of scrolls on the bookshelf here. He took out a nearby silk scroll and, upon unfolding it, found the first line from the right reading: "The heart is like the face, adorned with utmost care." This is from "Nü Xun," written by the great Confucian scholar Cai Yong at the end of the Han Dynasty, intended for his daughter Cai Wenji. Naturally, this cannot be the authentic work of Cai Yong, but the clerical script on the silk scroll differs from the calligraphic style of Chen Qingzhi. Chen Qingzhi learned from the Han clerical script of the "Zhang Qian Stele," characterized by a square and thick brushwork, robust and vigorous. In contrast, this scroll of "Nü Xun" clearly follows the style of the "Cao Quan Stele," with its characters being delicate and graceful, exuding an elegant charm.

Runer pouted her small mouth, resembling a rose petal, and said: "Runer will walk by herself, absolutely no one is to carry her."

Zong's Way: "Chou Shu, Ru'er and I have already practiced writing, each with a large sheet."

Mother Chen, Li, said: "It is not necessary for you to get married right now; you can get engaged first."

Runer shook her fine, soft bangs and sweetly said: "Ugly Uncle, Runer won't disturb you. I'll go play in the inner room for a while"

Run'er said: "Ugly Uncle, you climb Mount Jiuyou every day, why don't you take Run'er and Brother along with you?"

In addition to this work "On the Analects Explained", Chen Qingzhi's study also houses another renowned masterpiece by Wang Bi, "Commentary on the Book of Changes", which consists of twelve extensive volumes. Although the "Book of Changes" is profound, Chen is still prepared to delve into it, unaware that mastery of the "Changes" does not necessarily make one a distinguished scholar

Although Chen Caozhi can be considered a disciple of the Heavenly Master Dao and a student of literature, due to his minority, he is not required to perform the morning and evening rituals. On this drizzly afternoon, he entered his deceased brother's study.

Mother Chen, Li, suddenly said: "Ugly child, your mother is thinking that it is time to arrange a marriage for you."

Mother Chen, of the Li family, stood behind Chen Cao at an unknown time, her aged face displaying a faint smile

"Young Wei," Mother Chen, Li Shi, said with a shake of her head and a smile, "We cannot expect that; your sister-in-law is the foremost socialite of Qiantang, both beautiful and of good character."

Zongzhi and Run'er have both gone in, and Yinggu waited at the door for a while before leaving. The two little ones are also unaware of what they are playing inside, silent and without a sound

Thinking of his mother worrying about his marriage, Chen Chaozhi shook his head and smiled bitterly to himself. He set aside his distractions, took out the book labeled "Jiazi" from the bookshelf, and upon opening it, he could not help but feel delighted. This was indeed the "Explanations of the Analects" by the metaphysical genius Wang Bi. Excellent, he would read it from now on. The Analects, which is less than twenty thousand words, Chen Chaozhi had already memorized thoroughly, and he was also well-versed in Ma Rong's annotations. What he needed now was to understand the different interpretations and expansions of this classic text by renowned scholars throughout history, especially the unique explanations provided by the masters of metaphysics regarding this Confucian classic. This was precisely the "Explanations of the Analects" by the metaphysical genius Wang Bi. Excellent, he would read it from now on. The Analects, which is less than twenty thousand words, Chen Chaozhi had already memorized thoroughly, and he was also well-versed in Ma Rong's annotations. What he needed now was to understand the different interpretations and expansions of this classic text by renowned scholars throughout history, especially the unique explanations provided by the masters of metaphysics regarding this Confucian classic.

Chen Cao lightly tapped Run'er’s adorable little face and said: "It is raining now. If the weather is clear tomorrow, I will take both of you to climb the mountain. Remember, you must walk on your own and not act spoiled by asking to be carried."

Madam Chen, of the Li family, is in such a hurry to arrange a marriage for her son because she feels that her vitality has significantly declined over the past two years. Her eyesight and hearing are not what they used to be, and the deaths of her husband, Chen Su, and her eldest son, Qing Zhi, have dealt her a heavy blow. If it were not for Cao Zhi, Zong Zhi, and Run Er, she would have almost been unable to hold on. Therefore, she wishes to see Cao Zhi marry a virtuous wife as soon as possible, so that she can die in peace. However, now that she hears Cao Zhi say this, she feels that it cannot be rushed. Although marrying a noble lady like You Wei is impossible, given the Chen family's status, there are still suitable choices among the families of commoners.

Ah! Chen Cao exclaimed in surprise: "Mother, my son is not yet fifteen years old."

Ying Gu smiled and replied: "Yes"

Additionally, there is a copy of "The Zuo Tradition of the Spring and Autumn Annals" and half a volume of "Zhuangzi" in the study. This half volume of "Zhuangzi" contains only six chapters: "Xiaoyao You," "Qi Wu Lun," "Yang Sheng Zhu," "Zhi Bei You," "Qiu Shui," and "Yu Fu." Judging by the elegant handwriting, it is undoubtedly the work of Sister-in-law Ding Youwei, and it must have been copied from the collection of the Ding family.

Zong Zhi and Run Er, the two siblings, walked in. A nearly fifty-year-old maid, Ying Gu, stood at the door with a smile. Usually, it is Ying Gu who helps Chen Mu, Li Shi, take care of Zong Zhi and Run Er.

This is your sister-in-law's handwritten note

Zong said: "I am eight years old, I can walk by myself, that little delicate Ru must be carried by someone."

Oh, this is written by my sister-in-law. Her calligraphy is truly beautiful, " Chen expressed his heartfelt admiration

Run'er and A-Xiong are both very well-behaved, aren't they, Ying Gu?

Alright, let us not discuss this for now. Your mother will gradually seek out a young lady from a good family for you, one whose qualities and appearance are not inferior to your sister-in-law's. You should focus on your studies and practice your writing. Every year on the ninth day of the ninth month, there is a refined gathering by the riverbank in Qiantang County, where participants ascend to express their aspirations. At that time, the official responsible for the selection of the ninth rank from the prefecture will also be present. If you wish to gain a reputation, that is the best opportunity. Ten years ago, your brother gained remarkable recognition at the riverbank gathering by his brilliant interpretation of the "Analects." However, you are still young this year; it will not be too late to attend next year.

Chen Cao's words: "Mother, in the future, I will marry a lady from a noble family, someone gentle in nature, who can show filial piety to you."

Mother Chen, Li, nodded repeatedly, expressing her admiration for her son's foresight. However, she remarked, "Although the Feng family is not a gentry family, they are still a scholarly household. The daughters of the Feng family should not be unruly—by the way, your seventh sister mentioned during her last visit that her sister-in-law is intelligent and beautiful, and she wishes for you to marry her sister-in-law. What do you think?"

The large room located at the innermost left side on the third floor is known as "He Ming Tang." Every morning and evening, Chen's mother, Li, goes to "He Ming Tang" to recite the "Dao De Jing" consisting of five thousand characters. There, the Taoist ancestor Laozi and the "Three Officials" of heaven, earth, and water are enshrined.

Mother Chen, Li, smiled faintly, secretly lamenting: "Cao is truly proud and arrogant, but it was merely a stroke of luck for Qing to marry into a noble family. Moreover, the Ding family soon regretted it; didn't they take back Youwei? With this precedent, which noble family would marry their daughter to a humble household?"

Chen Cao's head is quite large; he is renowned for his filial piety. If his mother decides that a certain young lady should perform the marriage proposal and name inquiry rites for him, he would find it difficult to go against her wishes. This arranged marriage is indeed quite troublesome

Madam Chen, née Li, smiled and gestured for Chen Cao to take a seat

The arrangement of this study is the same as that of Chen Caozhi's study. Every day, Zhao, the wife of Lai Gui, comes to clean it. The tables and mats in the study are spotless, as if Chen Qingzhi were still reading here as usual