乘兴而来 — “To come on an impulse or whim”

Wang Huizhi was the third son of Wang Xizhi, a great calligrapher of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. He was naturally proud, disliked being restrained, and acted with unrestrained freedom. Although he held an official position, he often wandered around and did not attend to daily government affairs. Later, he simply resigned from his post and lived in seclusion in Shanyin (present-day Shaoxing), spending his days traveling, enjoying nature, drinking wine, and composing poems, thus living a carefree life.

One winter, heavy snow fell continuously for several days. One night, the snow stopped. A bright moon appeared in the sky; its clear light shone on the white snow, making it seem as if dazzling, crystal-clear flowers bloomed everywhere, pure and lovely.

Wang Huizhi pushed open his window and saw the vast expanse of white snow around him. It was truly beautiful, and he was immediately filled with enthusiasm. He asked his family to bring out a table and chairs, along with wine and dishes. He sat alone in the courtyard, slowly pouring and sipping his wine. He drank, admired the scenery, and recited poems, so delighted that he gesticulated wildly.

Suddenly, he felt that this scene and atmosphere would be even more captivating if accompanied by the gentle sound of a zither. This reminded him of his friend Dai Kui, who was skilled in playing the zither and painting. “Hey, why don't I go see him right away?” So, Wang Huizhi immediately ordered his servants to prepare a boat and paddle, setting off that very night. He did not consider that he was in Shanyin and Dai Kui was in Yanxi, two places a considerable distance apart.

Moonlight spilled onto the river, and the water rippled. The boat glided swiftly forward, and the scenery along the way was adorned in silver. Wang Huizhi admired the beautiful night, feeling as if he had entered a fairyland. “Faster! Faster! Row the boat even quicker!” Wang Huizhi urged his servants, eager to see Dai Kui soon and share the beautiful scenery. The boat traveled all night, and at dawn, it finally reached Yanxi.

However, Wang Huizhi suddenly told his servants to turn the boat back. The servants were baffled and asked him why he wasn't going ashore to see Dai Kui. He smiled faintly and said, “I originally came on a sudden impulse. Now that my interest has faded, of course, I should return. Why must I necessarily see Dai Kui?”