Hanlin Trains Troops

"Have you heard? Qiu Yan is compiling a military treatise."

Within a few days, Qiu Yan's conversation with the emperor in the palace spread throughout the officialdom. Those officials with real power did not care about it. Even if they heard about it, they mostly just smiled indifferently and said that he was young and impetuous.

However, many who held sinecure positions, or were newly appointed scholars, officials, or newly appointed officials, paid special attention to the matter, spreading the word and discussing it extensively.

Among them, the probationary officials of the Hanlin Academy were the most representative. This position was nominally under the Hanlin Academy, but they were often summoned to the palace to record events and await imperial orders, making them most sensitive to news coming from the palace.

Most of these junior scholars had only been in office for half a year. In terms of seniority, they were similar to Qiu Yan, but in terms of their ranking in the Imperial Examinations, there was a significant difference.

After the Imperial Examinations, Qiu Yan, Ye Yun, and Li Le were granted official titles with ranks, while the remaining Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examination) had to pass an examination before they could obtain the position of Shujishi (probationary official).

Now, six months later, the scholars who passed the imperial examinations together have begun to show differences.

Ye Yun, relying on his connections in officialdom, stayed in the Hanlin Academy for three months and gained seniority before moving to other departments. Li Le, on the other hand, resigned gracefully, leaving only Qiu Yan, who was favored by the emperor and took charge of the Military Pavilion, making him the most powerful of the three.

It was rumored that he intended to compile a military treatise based on the Military Pavilion classics. Those most affected by this news were the Jinshi graduates of the same year, with the Hanlin Academy bearing the brunt of the impact.

After Ye Yun and Li Le left, Di Ai became the leader among the newly appointed probationary officials.

Speaking of Di Ai, he also has some background. A few months ago, his adoptive father took over the position of Vice Minister of Ministry of Works, which is considered a high-ranking official with considerable influence. His authority is rich in lucrative positions, involving local projects and military equipment, so he naturally wields power. As a result, Di Ai, the adopted son, has also risen in status and is often flattered by others.

However, Di Ai was competitive and had often competed with Qiao Qi's biological son and his sworn brother. He won more often than he lost, and was proud and arrogant. Even though his ranking in the Imperial Examinations was not as good as Qiu Yan's, and he knew that Qiu Yan's writing showed extraordinary signs, he still wanted to compete with him. After becoming a junior scholar, he often compared himself with Qiu Yan.

However, he was also exceptionally talented. In just half a year, he had already gained Han Bian's appreciation for his efficient work and had written a letter of recommendation. He would soon be granted an official position, and whether he stayed in the Hanlin Academy or went elsewhere, he would be one step ahead of others.

Now, after listening to the discussion, Di Ai narrowed his eyes. "Qiu Yan wants to compile a military treatise. Is it simply to organize and copy excerpts, or does he intend to use Military Pavilion classics as references and compile it himself?"

Someone immediately replied, "I'm not sure about that. Although Qiu Yan is the top scholar and caused unusual phenomena when the results were announced, given his age and experience, he certainly wouldn't easily fabricate something himself, would he? Wouldn't that be the same as writing a book?"

"Indeed, to presume to write books and establish doctrines when one's position is insufficient is a waste of one's Fortune. It's a sign of ignorance and arrogance. Even a top scholar would not achieve anything," Di Ai thought to himself, and gently shook his head.

"Brother Di, you're here! I've been looking for you everywhere."

Just then, a voice came from outside the door. Looking in the direction of the voice, he saw a colleague. In a little over an hour, Di Ai was supposed to go to the palace to take up his post and hand over duties to him. He never expected that the colleague would show up ahead of time.

"Brother Xiang, what's wrong? Has something changed?" Although he found it strange, Di Ai didn't show it and greeted him as usual.

"No," the man shook his head, "I just saw Yang Shijiang in the palace. He asked me to come back early, saying he needs to see you and asked you to wait for him in the Book Repository."

"Yang Shijiang?" Di Ai's expression shifted slightly upon hearing this, and he nodded, saying, "I see, I understand now. Thank you, Brother Xiang. But the duties in the palace..."

The man replied, "Lord Yang has already made arrangements for your duties in the palace, so you don't need to worry."

"Thank you for your trouble." Nodding, Di Ai bid farewell to the group and went straight into the Book Repository.

The Book Repository was filled with books, and each floor was filled with the fragrance of books and ink, but the room of Yang She, the Academician Lecturer-in-Attendance, was on the third floor.

To be honest, even those who served in the Hanlin Academy could not easily enter this library; they needed the approval of Yang She and others. Of course, there were always a few days each month when the Book Repository would be open to the probationary scholars, allowing them to enter and broaden their knowledge.

In comparison, Meng Sanyi's treatment already surpassed that of many officials. However, officials with official seals naturally wouldn't care about a servant, just as people wouldn't get angry because an ant went to a place they couldn't go.

Upon entering the pavilion, Di Ai took a deep breath and sighed, "This is truly a place of books, a gathering place of Literary Thought. If one could read here every day, even someone of average talent would surely achieve something. Unfortunately, only Qiu Yan can enjoy this place now, while I, lacking connections and unable to curry favor, am not valued and can only move forward step by step!"

As he walked, bathed in the Literary Thought his thoughts, his mind became increasingly clear. The feeling of Literary Thought flowing through him was like a clear spring flowing through his chest, bringing a sense of comfort and coolness.

High mountains and flowing water, Netherworld Realm.

This place where books are stored suddenly radiates a unique brilliance.

Collision!

But suddenly, an unpleasant aura rushed in from the side, causing Di Ai's sense of comfort to vanish abruptly!

This felt like falling from the clouds, naturally causing frustration.

"Hmm?" Di Ai frowned, following her intuition. What came into view was a plaque with two characters written on it—

Military Pavilion!

"So this is the Military Pavilion, Qiu Yan's residence. This sense of chaos must originate from my thoughts and ideas. It seems that the confusion in my thinking has affected the surrounding Literary Thought atmosphere!"

For some reason, Di Ai felt contempt and disgust, but instead of leaving, she took a few steps forward and came to the front of the Military Pavilion. As she got closer, she could feel the chaotic thoughts emanating from inside becoming more and more obvious.

Squinting, Di Ai raised his hand, his fingers forming a sword shape, and touched his forehead. A glint flashed in his eyes, and the scene in his vision changed rapidly!

"Let's see what kind of problem you, the top scholar, have encountered. Is it because you're compiling a military treatise? Don't take on a task you're not qualified for..."

Before the thought could even finish, it abruptly stopped. In Di Ai's vision, Literary Thoughts manifested and images appeared one after another, with strong and muscular figures emerging in rows, clad in armor, wielding knives and swords, their battle cries shaking the heavens!

"Is this... a scene of military training?"

To his surprise, he saw that among the rows of soldiers, a few defiant individuals charged out, trying to break free of the ranks. A sense of chaos arose, and their incongruity with the surroundings brought forth a touch of Human Path Order, making them seem out of place!

But immediately a force akin to the Sage Spirit pressed down, trapping the person and forcibly pulling them back!

Soldiers drilled, the scene changed, and battle formations were performed. Military rules and regulations were clearly defined. In the chaotic camp, killing intent and Order slowly emerged!

Then, soldiers, armor, and weapons appeared, showcasing their combat capabilities in an unpredictable and ever-changing manner, gradually giving rise to cultural significance!

Whoosh!

Suddenly, a long arrow flew towards Di Ai, aiming straight for his face. It stung his face, startled him, and he instinctively stepped back, about to cry out!

But a voice came from behind--

"Settle your mind and don't be misled by the sparks of inspiration when writing a book, otherwise you will inevitably get too caught up in it, affecting your Literary Heart and even posing a hidden danger when your thoughts run Order in the future."

The sound slowly drew closer, calming Di Ai's restless mind and dissipating much of her surprise. She ultimately didn't scream, but the shock still lingered in her heart.

"Writing books and establishing theories? Could it be that Qiu Yan really...?"

Following the sound, what appeared before Di Ai was Yang She's serious face, which immediately instilled a sense of oppression.

However, at this moment, Yang She's face did not appear particularly solemn in his eyes; instead, it gave him a sense of relief.

"Don't be surprised, you've also noticed the changes in the Military Pavilion," Yang She glanced at Di Ai, then turned his gaze to the Military Pavilion. "This Qiu Yan is truly a remarkable person. At such a young age, he is already about to write a book. No wonder the Emperor, knowing that he has cultivated extraordinary methods, still entrusted him with such an important task."

"A transcendent method..." Di Ai's heart skipped a beat. He realized that there had been rumors about this matter in official circles, but no one had spoken of it openly. Now that Yang She had said it, it was of extraordinary significance, giving Di Ai a feeling of being trusted.

"Your Excellency, this..." He composed himself, bowed respectfully, and then pointed to the Military Pavilion.

"Do you know what those scenes of military training manifesting as Literary Thought inspiration actually mean? It's not that his thinking is chaotic," Yang She withdrew his gaze, "But rather that Qiu Yan's gradually forming academic thoughts while writing his books influenced the Hanlin Literary Thought's literary inspiration, projecting the scenes from those books onto the screen. Only with your discerning mind and eyes can you see them. Come with me..."

"A projection of Literary Thoughts?" Di Ai asked in surprise and doubt. As Yang She moved around, she recalled the past, but a question arose. "But there was an aura in that scene that was out of place with the surroundings. Could it be the Dao that Qiu Yan was going to convey in his next book?"

Writing books and establishing doctrines, literature as a vehicle for conveying the Way, if such established doctrines did not exist before, will naturally reveal their uniqueness, even before they are written down.

"It's hard to say, but one thing is certain: Qiu Yan has read through all the books in the Military Pavilion. He has a wealth of knowledge in his mind, which is why his Literary Thought are so comprehensive and vivid." At this point, Yang She turned to Di Ai and changed the subject, "This man is a treacherous villain disguised as a loyal one. He is a spy planted in the court by the Daoist Sect. He has deceived the emperor, but we cannot let our guard down."

"A spy?" Di Ai showed no surprise, as if he had expected this statement. He then smiled and asked, "So, what is the purpose of your summons, sir?" As he spoke, a thought flashed through his mind, and he sensed that someone was hiding at the end of the corridor. However, his train of thought was interrupted by Yang She's next words.

"His Majesty intends to send Qiu Yan as an envoy to the Hu Lands. Such a matter, concerning the safety of the nation, is far too dangerous to entrust to a traitor. However, I am of lowly status and cannot change His Majesty's mind. I can only try to remedy the situation in other ways..."

As they talked, the two arrived at the center of the Book Repository. Yang She went inside, took a book from a shelf, and found several bamboo sticks tucked inside. He turned back to look at Di Ai and said—

"Therefore, I will recommend one more person to accompany me on this mission, and that person is..."

"It's you!"

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