Riding in a spacious, opulent carriage, Li Jianhu departed the Ning Mansion for the Fengyu Pavilion in Tangzhou Prefecture. The venue was already packed with distinguished guests. Even though the sky was dim, the entire pavilion was illuminated by countless Ink Stone Case lanterns, making it look from afar like a seven-colored pagoda rising from the riverbank, a sight that seemed beyond any human Creation.
Inside the carriage, Li Jianhu had calmed his mind. He felt no elation at riding in such a luxurious vehicle, nor did he scoff at it or demand that his hosts provide a plain one instead.
Had this been before he began his studies under Zhou Tieyi, Li Jianhu, with his naive temperament, would surely have demanded a change to demonstrate his refusal to be complicit. The Confucianists who extended the invitation would likely have been happy to oblige, perhaps even going as far as to have someone pen a few articles or organize a public scolding to showcase how humble and frugal the new seeds of their sect were.
Chapter 386