Chapter 110: The Master's Gate
Translator: NullTranslationGroup
Having encountered Wang Wei, Xue Bai guessed that Princess Yuzhen had returned to Chang'an City, as she had palaces and temples in Luoyang, Wangwu Mountain, and other places.
Presumably, Master Qixuan had also returned from his travels with her.
Leaving the tavern and arriving in front of Yu Zhen Temple, the scene was indeed different from usual, with many more carriages, horses, and guards at the entrance.
Xue Bai still went to the side door to knock, and the one who came to receive him was a Taoist nun he had never seen before.
"I have seen the real person, I am here to visit Tengkongzi."
"Well, you little gentleman, dare to come to Yu Zhen Temple to flirt."
"The real person is mistaken, Tengkongzi and I are good friends."
The Taoist nun beckoned him to come in and personally led him to the guest courtyard, smiling and saying, "Don't deceive me, who isn't a "good friend'? I thought Tengkongzi was devoted to her Taoist practice, but she has a good friend like you?"
As they walked, her tone was natural and friendly, with a hint of teasing. When they reached the guest courtyard, she drifted away.
Xue Bai waited for a while, and Li Tengkong arrived.
Not having seen her for many days, she had lost some weight and looked somewhat thin.
"You've come to seek Master to diagnose Miss Yan's illness, right? Master is not staying here; he just returned to Chang'an yesterday and went to Zhongnan Mountain again. He left a prescription to nourish the heart and replenish blood and Qi, which can be taken first. Follow me."
After saying this, Li Tengkong turned and led Xue Bai to the alchemy room, with an attitude of handling official matters impartially.
"May I go to Zhongnan Mountain to visit Master Qixuan?"
"Do you want to go?" Li Tengkong's eyes seemed to light up with surprise for a moment, then she calmly said, "If you want to go, find a time, and I will take you there."
"In that case, thank you."
"I heard you were imprisoned again?"
Xue Bai said, "Today, I also came to thank you, thank you for..."
Li Tengkong was somewhat flustered, secretly annoyed that Jiao Nu had spoken out of turn again.
She turned her back, pushed open the door to the alchemy room, and said, "I just went back because of some family matters, found out about your situation, and asked a couple of questions, but I couldn't help at all."
As she spoke, she walked to the medicine stove and quickly changed the topic.
"This prescription can be made into pills, I'm almost done making them, wait a bit longer, okay?"
"Okay." Xue Bai said, "Regardless of whether you helped or not, you asked for help on my behalf and were ridiculed in return, I should thank you."
Li Tengkong, after all, had the heart of a young girl. Recently, she had been scolded by the eleventh lady every day, envied the fourteenth lady, and upon returning to the Taoist temple, was teased about associating with men... In short, her Taoist heart was in turmoil.
All of this was because of Xue Bai, and she couldn't help but feel annoyed with him. Finally, she chided him. It wasn't to blame him, but rather it seemed like flirting between a man and a woman.
But after reacting, she felt it was inappropriate and quickly stabilized her Taoist heart.
"Cough, cough, I am a practitioner, not disturbed by idle talk."
Li Tengkong glanced at him stealthily, couldn't help herself, and asked, "Have you heard? About my fourteenth sister's matter."
"I have heard, I have a few mutual friends with Du Wei."
"Really? What do you think?"
"Everyone has their own aspirations."
In Xue Bai's view, Du Wei's bright future would surely be dragged down by the Li family, and he certainly wouldn't do such a foolish thing.
Li Tengkong pouted in dissatisfaction and cursed in her heart.
"Ah? I didn't say anything..."
After taking the elixir and walking under the corridor, he happened to hear melodious music coming from the direction of the gate.
Under the peach tree by the gate, a Taoist nun was playing the zither, her figure graceful.
"I should also learn music." Xue Bai muttered to himself.
Now that this Emperor was fond of music, having this skill would greatly aid his future prospects, such as Genu who was skilled in music.
Just as Li Tengkong was about to speak, a child of five or six years old ran over from the small corridor, followed by four maids.
"Senior sister, can I go play in the alchemy room?"
The child laughed and crawled over the threshold, tilting his head up, trying hard to smell the scent of the medicinal herbs.
He was as finely carved as if from jade, surely both his parents were of excellent appearance.
It was rumored that although Princess Yuzhen was unmarried, she had a son. Xue Bai then very softly asked, "Is that Princess Yuzhen's son?"
Li Tengkong was asked this question close to her ear and was somewhat nervous, nodding in response.
At this moment, the Taoist nun playing the zither heard the commotion, stood up with her zither, and walked over.
Xue Bai had originally thought it was Princess Yuzhen, but now realized this Taoist nun was a girl of fifteen or sixteen, with a beautiful appearance, as charming as peach blossoms.
Li Jilan responded, somewhat curious about the relationship between the two, and couldn't help but ask, "Who is this?"
"So it's Mr. Xue in person."
Li Jilan's eyes lit up, and she performed a graceful salute, saying, "I also love to read Mr. Xue's poems. The gentleman used "Qing Jade Case' as the title of his poem, could it have the meaning of "a beauty gave me a brocade, how can I repay it with a Qing Jade Case'?"
As she spoke, she took two steps forward, her eyes filled with emotion as she stared at Xue Bai, as if she was interested in him, but in fact, she purely loved poetry. It's just that she was born with peach blossom eyes, and every smile and frown made her seem charming.
Although she was still an innocent and simple young girl, she had the appearance of a femme fatale.
Xue Bai did not understand the poem she mentioned and replied, "It was just a random name."
"Truly the demeanor of a great master. Mr. Xue's random naming has such artistic conception. Today, I am fortunate to meet you. Could the gentleman instruct me in poetry?"
"Cough, cough." Li Tengkong hurriedly said, "He has matters to attend to and must leave now."
As she spoke, she somewhat vigilantly pulled Xue Bai to leave.
Li Jilan followed for two steps, wanting to talk to them, but Li Tengkong was walking too fast, so she had to give up.
Li Tengkong saw the guests off and returned to the alchemy room. Princess Yuzhen was playing with her son, and Li Jilan was standing by talking.
"Truly a romantic figure of Chang'an, no wonder even the Emperor appreciates him."
"What? Have you developed worldly desires?"
"Your disciple only admires his talent."
As they spoke, Li Jilan turned around and saw Li Tengkong coming, saying, "Tengkongzi, we were just talking about your good friend, "Li Bai in heaven, Mr. Xue on earth'."
Hearing this, Li Tengkong was stunned, and when she looked, Li Jilan's cheeks were slightly flushed, her apricot eyes filled with emotion, truly as if her heart was stirring.
She knew she looked like that, but she was still worried that her Xue Bai would be taken away, and for a moment forgot to answer.
Princess Yuzhen looked over, seeing these two disciples, one like a lotus, the other like a peach blossom, complementing each other interestingly, and couldn't help but smile.
"Ji Lan, go organize your poetry manuscripts. When I have time, I will invite Xue Bai to comment on them for you."
"Really? Thank you, Supreme Real Person."
Li Jilan's face showed joy, and she saluted before leaving.
Princess Yuzhen put down the mischievous child in her arms, letting him play by himself, and beckoned Li Tengkong to come forward and talk.
"Don't be harsh on Ji Lan, she has no schemes, she just looks seductive."
Recently, Princess Yuzhen had brought Li Jilan back from Wangwu Mountain, knowing that the disciples were not yet familiar with each other, she sighed and spoke of Li Jilan's background.
"She is the daughter of Li Hua, the overseer of the Ministry of Works. Although Li Hua's official position is not high, his literary works are renowned throughout the world, and he is a man of integrity and seriousness. When Ji Lan was six years old, playing in the courtyard, she composed a poem about roses, "Not yet arranged in time, the heart is in chaos horizontally and vertically'. Li Hua believed that his daughter, at such a young age, already knew the emotions of "marriage', fearing she would disgrace the family, so he sent her to this Taoist temple."
Li Tengkong listened and sighed, "Ji Lanzi is a pitiful person."
"And you, guarding against your fellow disciples, yet you are also hesitant, simply letting that little gentleman be taken by outsiders."
"Just tell me, do you really want to marry him? If you are willing, nod your head, and I will make the decision for you. If you continue to be coy, don't blame others in the future."
Li Tengkong looked up, Princess Yuzhen had already placed her hands on her shoulders, her expression free and easy, her eyes filled with encouragement.
She was flustered, at a loss, secretly asking herself, what kind of Tao was she practicing now.
Xue Bai left Yu Zhen Temple, thought for a moment, did not go to Yan's Residence, but went to Chang'an County Office to find Yan Zhenqing.
"Teacher, these are the pills given by Master Qixuan, let San Niang replenish her heart and blood first."
Yan Zhenqing took the porcelain bottle, was silent for a while, then turned around and pulled out a stack of old manuscripts, handing them to Xue Bai.
"My examination papers from when I was young, take a look."
"How is the preparation for the Annual Examination going?"
"This student feels that both his essays and calligraphy have improved."
"Delusion." Yan Zhenqing ruthlessly evaluated.
He stroked his beard and pondered, "Tomorrow afternoon, after the Imperial Academy's classes are over, follow me to meet someone."
Xue Bai was somewhat curious, waited for a while, but Yan Zhenqing did not say anything, instead asked, "Have you been causing any trouble recently?"
"No." Xue Bai said, "If there is anything, I will definitely inform teacher in advance."
Yan Zhenqing was still nodding when he heard this brat ask another question.
"Teacher, do you know that Wang Zhongsi of the Four Garrison Military Governors has returned to court?"
"Do you want to meddle again?"
"I will definitely not cause trouble, this matter has nothing to do with me." Xue Bai emphasized again before continuing to ask, "Is it for Shibao City?"
Yan Zhenqing asked in return, "Where did you get this news?"
"It's being talked about in the teahouses and taverns, it's said that the Emperor has decided to take Shibao City and has issued an edict to seek strategies."
This matter was indeed no longer a secret, but it was irrelevant to many people in Chang'an City, so only a few who paid attention to current affairs were discussing it.
Yan Zhenqing could tell at a glance that Xue Bai's inquiry was not without purpose, and snorted, "What are you planning to do?"
"Dare to ask teacher, is it possible to avoid a battle at Shibao City?"
"I'm afraid even Wang Zhongsi's return to court cannot stop this matter."
"Since it must be fought, this student has a military supply he wishes to present to Wang Zhongsi, what does teacher think?"
"Bold." Yan Zhenqing immediately scolded.
He understood at once, if this military supply was useful, Xue Bai did not say to present it to the Emperor, which would mean sharing part of the imperial favor that could have been gained with Wang Zhongsi.
What was this for? To befriend a border general.
Xue Bai was also testing the waters, seeing his teacher's reaction, he knew this move was too risky, and replied, "This student was mistaken, it should be presented to the Emperor."
"What military supply is it?"
Yan Zhenqing asked out of concern, but soon realized he should not compete with his student for credit, and waved his hand, "You always have strange ideas, no need to show me..."
Xue Bai had already unrolled a scroll in front of him, catching him off guard.
"This student speculates that the current catapult can still be improved. This counterweight-type heavy catapult could increase its range and power several times. I've named it "Giant Stone Cannon', what does teacher think?"
"The name is good, but the drawing is too rough. If we only rely on this draft, it cannot be built."
"This student only has a rough idea, currently only a preliminary concept. Whether it's useful, can be built, and how to build it, still needs to be discussed with craftsmen."
"So you know to consult with me beforehand?"
"Exactly so. Teacher instructed this student to be well-behaved, and this student listened, hence I came to ask, is this feasible?"
Yan Zhenqing stood up, stroking his beard and pondering, pacing back and forth.
Presenting military supplies sounds simple, but in the current political climate, it would inevitably involve power struggles. But if what this kid said was true, and the range and power could be increased several times, it might save many lives of the Great Tang Dynasty's soldiers.
Finally, Yan Zhenqing made up his mind and replied, "Feasible."
"This student is not causing trouble?"
"Do you have any skilled craftsmen you know?"
The next day, the sound of reading echoed in Tai Xue Guan.
Du Wu Lang leaned over and whispered to Xue Bai, "Are you going to Fengwei Tower today? Madam Daxi wants to thank you."
Xue Bai focused on his studies, not turning his head, he reached out and pushed Du Wu Lang's head away.
Du Wu Lang thought about how all his relatives and friends had been assigned official positions, while he and Xue Bai hadn't even obtained the Jinshi degree, which was indeed inappropriate, and decided to study hard.
"The affairs of a gentleman in serving his parents with filial piety, thus loyalty can be transferred to the sovereign..."
At some point, he fell asleep again.
When he woke up, the classes were over, everyone else had left, Yang Xuan, sitting in front, was sound asleep, and Xue Bai was packing up his writing tools.
"There's a literary banquet today, want to go together?"
"Sure, how can there be a literary banquet without me, who's going?"
As they were about to leave the gate, Du Wu Lang suddenly reminded Xue Bai to look at someone outside the gate, whispering.
"See that old man? The President of the Imperial Academy, Wei Gong, with the taboo name "Shu', from the Jingzhao Wei Clan. He holds the positions of Crown Prince's Tutor, Silver-Robe Guanglu Doctor, and Scholar of the Jixian Hall, compiling national history for over ten years. It's your first time seeing him, right?"
Xue Bai looked over, Wei Shu was in his sixties, with a long, white beard, leading a donkey, placing book scrolls into the donkey's saddlebag.
After placing the book scrolls, Wei Shu lifted his foot but couldn't mount the donkey. He was old, quite fat, and his movements were clumsy. Turning around, he saw the two students and beckoned them.
"Come, help this old man up."
Xue Bai and Du Wu Lang then went forward, helping the President onto the donkey.
Wei Shu sat down, looked at Xue Bai, and asked, "You are that Xue Bai whose literary talent fluctuates?"
"This student is indeed."
"Haha, Your Honor Yan has invited us, we are heading to the same place, let's go."
Du Wu Lang couldn't help but widen his eyes again.
Previously, accompanying the doctor and the secretary to drink had already caused a major Imperial Examination case, which had just calmed down a few days ago, and now they were to accompany the President to drink again.
If another major Autumn Examination case were to arise, what then?
As the prestigious President of the Imperial Academy and a titan of literature and history of the time, Wei Shu's residence was large, befitting the Jingzhao Wei Clan's status.
But inside, Wei's residence was as sparsely furnished and simple as Xue's Residence.
Wei Shu was not into gambling, but because he had a collection of over twenty thousand volumes of books, all bought and personally proofread and published by him.
There were also hundreds of volumes of authentic calligraphy from the Wei and Jin dynasties, ancient steles, ancient artifacts, prescriptions, formats, coin catalogs, seal catalogs, and the like, as well as inscriptions by contemporary famous officials, all meticulously collected.
The old man boasted all the way, entered the main hall, and called for the old servant to buy wine.
Not long after, four middle-aged men arrived together, two of whom were Yan Zhenqing and Zheng Qian, the other two were in their thirties.
"Haha, Xue Bai is already here. Since Your Honor has arrived, we can consider the "Han Yu' complete." Wei Shu clapped his hands and laughed, "Introduce the two young ones to pay their respects."
Yan Zhenqing, being the oldest, did not stand on ceremony and introduced his two good friends.
"Xiao Yingshi, courtesy name Maoting, known as "Xiao Fuzi' and "Wenyuan Xiansheng', from the Lanling Xiao Clan, a descendant of the Southern Liang imperial family, the seventh-generation grandson of the Prince of Poyang. He composed poetry at four, entered the Imperial Academy at ten, and became a Top Scholar at nineteen. He started his career as a secretary editor and is now a proofreader at the Jixian Hall."
"Li Hua, courtesy name Xiashu, from the Li Clan of Zhao Commandery, became a Jinshi at twenty. He lived in seclusion for many years, passed the special examination for broad learning and great literary talent, and was promoted to Secretary Provincial Corrector of Books, now serving as an overseer at the Ministry of Works. The two of them are collectively known as "Xiao Li', their literary fame spread far and wide."
"This is my unworthy disciple Xue Bai, of mediocre talent, pay your respects to the two masters."
"Student Xue Bai, pays respects to the masters."
"No need for formalities." Li Hua said, "Xiao Fuzi and I greatly admire your essays, contemporary prose is too verbose..."
Previously, Du Xuan had told Xue Bai how to climb the ladder of success in eight steps, but without examples, it was hard to understand.
And these people before him were the examples.
The earliest among them became a Jinshi at nineteen, the latest was Yan Zhenqing who only achieved it at twenty-five, all started as proofreaders, editors, then county lieutenants... all climbing towards high-ranking official positions.
Wei Shu was already a titan of literature and history of the time; Yan Zhenqing's future achievements need not be mentioned; Zheng Qian was favored by the Emperor, who praised him as "three excellences'; "Xiao Li' advocated for ancient prose, paving the way for the Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song dynasties.
Unfortunately, Li Linfu held the position of Prime Minister, firmly blocking their path to becoming Prime Minister, and then the world was plunged into chaos.
But they were all geniuses, and they all walked the most stable path that only geniuses could walk.
This was Yan Zhenqing showing his network to Xue Bai, truly acknowledging him as a disciple.
"This unworthy disciple's talent is not bad. If Wei Gong doesn't believe me, you can test him."
"Since Your Honor has spoken, how could I not believe? Today, we are fortunate to gather, let's drink a cup before discussing essays."
Being among a group of geniuses, Xue Bai also felt the pressure.
However, he had even persuaded the Poet Buddha, today he would not forget to befriend officials and climb the ladder of success together.
After a round of drinks, he set his sights on Li Hua.
"Is Master Li serving in the Ministry of Works?"
"This student has a military supply he wishes to present to the Emperor, is Master Li interested?"
Li Hua, although he became a Jinshi at twenty, had bad luck, waiting many years for an official position without success, only starting his career after thirty, and now still at the ninth-rank official level.
He recently heard that this year's Imperial Examination had three people directly assigned as county lieutenants and secretaries after the Ministry of Personnel's selection.
"If the Ministry of Works can be of any help, Mr. Xue, just speak."
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