Chapter Seven: Love at First Sight?

As he stepped out of the inn, the streets were already aglow with lanterns, a vibrant scene of prosperity and festivity. People gathered in cheerful crowds, watching the shopkeepers bring out all manner of lanterns and beginning the age-old game of riddle guessing. Those who solved a riddle were met with resounding applause, while those who failed took it in good cheer, treating it all as amusement. The throng was lively and bustling, filled with the shouts of vendors, the playful cries of children, and the occasional shriek—wait, was that a marriage proposal?

Li Yi had left behind the quiet of the inn and plunged into the joyous chaos of the festival, a stark contrast that felt like stepping into another world. He had wondered earlier why the Lantern Festival seemed so subdued, only to realize now that everyone had spilled into the streets to celebrate. Shaking his head with a smile, he took the reins of his horse, Juechen, and the master and servant made their leisurely way toward the Yibin Pavilion. Juechen had been there before and needed no guidance; Li Yi simply sat astride, gazing about, his mind adrift. At times, he felt as though he’d been transported back to the modern age, with its towering buildings and choked avenues; at others, he was firmly rooted in the Tang dynasty, surrounded by carved beams and jade palaces.

Patting Juechen’s neck, Li Yi sighed with sudden melancholy. “I wonder how Master is faring these days? Juechen, do you miss him too? Ah, to be granted a marquisate—how easily said! Master hoped I’d make a name for myself, yet he never knew that those fourteen years spent in the mountain valley were the happiest of my life. No scheming, no deceit—just sleep when tired, eat when hungry, pout and wait for Master or Senior Brother to coax me when I was upset, and leap about joyfully when I was happy, waiting for Senior Brother to give me a playful rap. When bored, I’d make mischief for Senior Brother. Free, unrestrained—what bliss! Now, though the lights blaze and the festivities abound, I feel only a chill that seeps to my bones. Here, if you’re unhappy, someone is delighted; if you’re happy, someone will make you unhappy. The harshness of life is universal, whether in this era or the new century. Perhaps—that is the nature of existence.”

A sudden thought struck him. He felt like an actor: in the play, he was Li Wen-yong of Tang, while outside it, he was Li Lingfeng, scion of the modern world. Which was the true life? Since arriving in the Tang dynasty, he’d always felt out of place, and fifteen years of pent-up frustration now threatened to burst forth...

A sharp whinny broke his reverie—Juechen had sensed his master’s distress and halted, lifting a forehoof and neighing softly.

Startled, Li Yi snapped back to himself. After a brief daze, his mood shifted; he seemed to come to a realization. His bearing grew composed—calm and unruffled by fortune or adversity.

His eyes shone with sudden clarity, a faint smile on his lips. He muttered, “Fate? Reincarnation? Tang dynasty? New century? Does it matter? All I need do is mind my daily meals, earn some money, buy a house, take a wife, and live comfortably! As for the rest, what’s not mine I don’t covet, and what’s mine, no one can take from me. That’s enough! No, wait—it should be, ‘What’s mine, you leave untouched; what’s not mine, you put there too—I’ll keep it for you! Anyone who dares meddle with my things, I’ll make sure they never touch anything again!’ Yes, that’s better!”

With newfound clarity, he felt his spirits lift. He patted Juechen fondly. “Thank you, Juechen! Since leaving the mountains, you’ve been by my side—don’t you dare abandon me, you hear? I have a feeling our good days are just ahead. When the time comes, I’ll find you a fine, high-bred filly, I promise!”

Juechen snorted, lost in his own thoughts.

Half an hour later, Li Yi arrived at the Yibin Pavilion, instructed an attendant to look after Juechen, and was just about to head upstairs when he noticed a figure perched in a hidden spot atop the building opposite. The young man, clad in tight-fitting clothes with a treasured blade at his side, seemed eighteen or nineteen, with a square face, broad brow, thick brows, large eyes, and a sharply defined copper-toned visage—rugged and full of heroic spirit. Clearly a man of the martial world, yet at this moment, his gaze was fixed unblinking upon the Yibin Pavilion as though his entire world lay within.

Li Yi glanced up at the pavilion, a knowing smile touching his lips. He slipped quietly to the concealed spot atop the opposite building and, when no one was watching, vaulted lightly to the rooftop. He crept softly to the young man’s side, who was so absorbed that he failed to notice Li Yi’s approach.

Li Yi frowned. For a martial artist to be caught off guard like this was dangerous—though his own approach had been light, it should not have gone unnoticed.

The Yibin Pavilion had three floors; the third was usually closed, reserved for grand occasions like tonight’s festival. It was a grand hall, now filled with elegant youths and graceful maidens, drinking, composing poetry, and making merry. Following the young man’s line of sight, Li Yi understood at once—the young man was watching a gathering of ladies. It was a festive night, and the young women were lavishly made up. Li Yi could hardly tell them apart, nor did he care for such heavy makeup; he preferred natural beauty.

Seeing that the young man showed no sign of snapping out of his trance, Li Yi gave him a light tap. “Love at first sight?”

Startled out of his wits, the young man sprang to his feet, drew his sword, and slashed in one fluid, dashing move.

Li Yi had no time to admire the display; his own sword was with Li Xueyan, and his cold steel dagger was a hidden ace he would not reveal lightly. He dodged nimbly, calling out, “Calm down! I mean no harm!”

The young man realized his mistake after one swing, saw that Li Yi meant no threat, and refrained from further attack. He simply retreated two steps, eyeing Li Yi warily.

Seeing the matter resolved, Li Yi let out a breath, wiping cold sweat from his brow. “Good heavens! Do you have to be so touchy?”

“How is this my fault? If you hadn’t startled me, I wouldn’t have attacked!” the young man grumbled, clearly embarrassed that someone had gotten so close without his notice.

Li Yi shrugged. “Fine, I won’t argue with you—pointless.” He sat back down and, seeing the young man still standing awkwardly, shot him a glare. “Come on, sit. I told you, it was a misunderstanding. If I’d wanted to harm you, you’d be dead by now. Only now do you think to be wary!”

The young man saw the logic in this—Li Yi had evaded his full-strength strike with ease; clearly, he was no ordinary man. If he’d meant harm, the young man would have been dead a hundred times over during his moment of distraction. So, he sheathed his blade and sat beside Li Yi, somewhat abashed.

With the tension gone, Li Yi extended his hand. “Hello, I’m Li Yi—Li Wen-yong.”

The young man awkwardly extended his hand in return. “Hello, I’m Jiang Lichen.”

Li Yi chuckled, shaking his hand. “It’s a custom from my hometown—shaking hands means I like you and want to be friends.” He did find Jiang Lichen likable—honest, forthright, and most of all, a man who could quietly admire a woman without disturbing her life. Foolish, perhaps, but dependable.

Jiang Lichen laughed heartily. “I like you too, Brother Li. What did you ask me just now?”

Li Yi grinned. “No need for all that ‘Brother Li’ formality—just call me Wen-yong. I was invited to the gathering across the street, but when I saw you lost in thought here, I got curious. You were watching a beauty, weren’t you?”

Jiang Lichen flushed, fidgeting awkwardly. “Well, no—that is, yes—no...”

“Is it or isn’t it? What’s there to be embarrassed about? ‘A fair maiden, a gentleman’s desire’—love and beauty are natural. Be a man about it!” Li Yi was exasperated by Jiang Lichen’s bashfulness. If he couldn’t even court a girl, how would he handle life’s challenges? That had to change.

Chastened by Li Yi’s words, Jiang Lichen’s blush faded. Though still a bit awkward, he steadied himself and pointed. “Yes, that’s her—the one in the yellow dress.”

Li Yi looked closely. The woman was heavily made up and seemed vaguely familiar, but he couldn’t place her. “Love at first sight?”

“Perhaps. But I’ve been watching her for some time.”

“Does she know who you are?”

“I... I’m not sure. I first saw her a month ago. I’d just wiped out a band of mountain bandits, was badly wounded, and staggered to Luoyang. At the pharmacy, I realized I’d lost my purse in the fight. The shopkeeper, seeing I was penniless and injured, tried to throw me out. She happened to pass by and paid for my medicine, instructing the shopkeeper to look after me. I never forgot her. When I’d recovered, I wanted to thank her. As it happened, the pharmacy needed help, so I started working there for meals during the day, coming out at night hoping to run into her. I didn’t expect to see her here tonight...” Jiang Lichen seemed eager to unburden himself and poured out his tale.

“So you just watch her from afar? With that much makeup, how can you even recognize her so quickly? That’s impressive!”

“It’s not—”

“Not what? If it’s not that, why not go in?”

“I have no money!”

“That’s no excuse. With your skills, no one could stop you. The real issue is you don’t know what to say to her, right?”

Jiang Lichen wanted to argue but couldn’t find the words. After a moment, he nodded in reluctant admission.

“Do you like her?”

“I don’t know. I just want to thank her.”

“Fine. I have money. Take it, go to her, repay her kindness, thank her, and then leave. After that, forget about her. Can you do that?”

Jiang Lichen thought for a moment, then shook his head decisively. After a pause, he added uncertainly, “Does that mean I really like her?”

Li Yi smiled and shook his head. “You’re not unsure—you just lack confidence. Why?”

Jiang Lichen was taken aback, then gave a bitter laugh. “She’s obviously from a wealthy family, and I’m just a poor orphan. Since my master passed, all I have is my martial skill. I’m not worthy of her.”

“Nonsense—utter nonsense! I’m alone in this world too, but didn’t I dine yesterday with the prince’s daughter? There’s no such thing as being unworthy. If you like her, pursue her. There may be social hierarchies, but no one is fated to be a nobody. If you think you can’t make her happy, then forge your own fortune with your own hands. A man may lack wealth or power, but he must never lack confidence or ambition. Remember, even in an age where pedigree matters, there are always underdogs who turn the tables!”