Pointing out flaws

Wang Yang also noticed something was amiss and was about to casually change the subject when Liu Zhao said, "Zhi Yan, you're from Yixing, aren't you? I've heard that in Yixing, people tap the table with their fingers at banquets to enliven the conversation and signal for everyone to listen quietly."

There was an explanation like that, too?!

Wang Yang smiled without confirming or denying it and said casually, "You truly are learned, sir, with knowledge spanning many fields. Since I've left home, let's leave family matters aside. Discussing the Book of Documents is much more enjoyable." Then he continued talking about the Book of Documents.

The first half of Wang Yang's remark was merely a casual compliment of the sort offered over drinks. But because Liu Zhao already knew of the custom of "tapping the table," he had formed the preconceived notion that Wang Yang must have some connection to Yixing. Thus, to his ears, Wang Yang's compliment became a tacit admission.

As for why Wang Yang avoided the subject, that was easy enough to understand.

Most members of the main Langya Wang lineage lived in Jiankang, the Capital. This young gentleman's family lived in Yixing, so he was clearly from a declining collateral branch. Otherwise, he should have gone to Jiankang to pursue his studies. Why come to Jingzhou? Perhaps the great clan in the Capital had no room for him, or perhaps he was unwilling to seek their patronage and live at the mercy of their moods.

There was no time to think it through. Hearing Wang Yang reach another crucial point, Liu Zhao immediately bent his ear to listen.

As Wang Yang continued his discussion, he saw Black Han peeking in from outside the door and knew it was time. He shifted the conversation:

"Ancient books were written on bamboo slips. When the cords binding them rotted and broke, the order of the slips could be reversed, or individual slips could go missing altogether. This was perfectly normal. The Book of Han says, 'The classics may lose slips; the commentaries may have their bindings disordered.' Lost slips meant missing text, while disordered bindings meant passages placed in the wrong sequence. People today do not understand the study of bamboo and wooden slips. Once the text has been copied onto paper, they regard it as definitive, never realizing that what was originally copied might already have been wrong."

He set down his chopsticks and looked at the master and disciple, who were listening with wide eyes, before saying slowly:

"Take the 'Counsels of Gaoyao' in the Book of Documents, for example. The preceding passage says, 'He faithfully practiced his virtue; his counsels were enlightened, his assistance harmonious.' This was the historian's account, not something Gaoyao said. Below it, Yu the Great says, 'Yes.' 'Yes' means agreement. But what was he agreeing with? There must be missing text between those two passages! First Gaoyao spoke, and then Yu the Great agreed with him and asked him a question. Only then does it make sense."

Liu Zhao and Yu Yuling nodded together as they listened, feeling that Wang Yang was a true scholarly genius. He could actually "find doubts where none were suspected"! Such an ability could not be learned merely by reading more books; it depended far more on innate talent.

Seeing how thoroughly the two were won over, Wang Yang knew that Su Shi's remarkable theory had captured two more "fans." He drained his cup and continued:

"There are many such examples in the Book of Documents. Misplaced slips and mistaken characters are far from isolated cases. Unfortunately, most scholars today remain blind to these errors and lose sight of the Book of Documents' true meaning."

Then he rose and cupped his hands. "Thank you for your hospitality. It's getting late, and the city gates will soon close. I should take my leave."

This man had actually pointed out that the current text of the Book of Documents might contain errors! And not just one!

What a momentous matter this was for scholars!

Liu Zhao and his disciple had been holding their breath in concentration, ears pricked for what came next. Instead of more explanation, they heard that Wang Yang was leaving-and promptly erupted!

Both hurried to their feet to stop him, insisting that he stay the night. They all but laid hands on him and pressed him straight back into his seat.

Wang Yang feigned difficulty. "But I still have to settle my bill at the tailor shop. Well..."

"I'll go!" Yu Yuling volunteered.

"There's no need for that. My attendant can go." Wang Yang looked toward the door and called, "Black Han!"

Black Han hurried over and bowed with his hands clasped, making a convincing show of it. "Young master."

"Was it two thousand coins we owed the tailor shop, or three thousand?"

Wang Yang would have liked to say ten thousand outright, but borrowing so much from someone he had just met could easily arouse suspicion. Besides, ten thousand coins was a large sum. Asking for that much so soon might cause complications. Wang Yang wanted to keep the amount to a "small sum" that was "not much" to an aristocratic family, so Liu Zhao would lend it to him without thinking too hard.

In a flash of inspiration, Black Han answered, "Three thousand coins."

Had Black Han followed his own wishes, he would have said three thousand eight hundred. But he dared not take matters into his own hands for fear of displeasing Wang Yang, so he "honestly" chose the larger figure offered.

Fortified by the wine, Wang Yang steeled himself and began his awkward performance. "Oh dear, would there still be time to go outside the city, fetch the money, and come back?"

Yu Yuling asked in all earnestness, "Where are you staying?"

Liu Zhao told Yu Yuling directly, "Go find Steward He and have him draw three thousand coins from my personal account for this young fellow."

Wang Yang said sincerely, "Thank you, sir. I will certainly repay you!"

Liu Zhao took hold of Wang Yang. "Never mind that! Come! Let us continue discussing scholarship!"

Wang Yang asked, "Do you have any sweets here?"

"Of course. Would you like something sweet, Zhi Yan? Do you prefer sugar crab, sugarcane, or honey cakes?"

Wang Yang considered it, then shamelessly said, "All of them, I suppose. And could you have a few of the dishes I ate earlier made again for my attendant to take back to a friend of mine? Would that be too much trouble?"

"No trouble at all, no trouble at all." Liu Zhao thought nothing of it. "Zijie, draw the money first, then inform the kitchen. Tonight, Zhi Yan and I shall drink through the long night!"

Black Han knew Young Master Wang had asked for sweets because he had promised A-Wu some before leaving. The thought that he still remembered even such a small matter moved Black Han deeply.

Although Black Han's meal that evening could not compare with Wang Yang's, the Commandery Academy had served him quite well for Wang Yang's sake. He dared not jeopardize Wang Yang's plans, so he had restrained his urge to "pack up leftovers," only secretly tucking away a sesame cake to take home to his daughter. Now it seemed his daughter was in for a real treat tonight...

Wispy clouds drifted beneath sparse stars, and the breeze of dawn swept past the moon.

While little A-Wu tore into a large chicken leg with tears in her eyes, Wang Yang was discussing the Book of Documents...

While little A-Wu bit her tongue because the food was so delicious, Wang Yang was discussing the Book of Documents...

While little A-Wu stood on a small stool, stacking the remaining wrapped fermented fish piece by piece inside an earthenware jar, Wang Yang was still discussing the Book of Documents...

The night was quiet, and the drinking was drawing to a close. Fired with excitement by what he had heard, Liu Zhao slapped the table. "Such insights open a new path and bestow a blessing upon the forest of scholarship! It would be a terrible pity not to write them down! Someone! Bring brush and ink! Zhi Yan, you speak, and I'll write. We'll call the book... call it..."

Wang Yang said, "How about Pointing out flaws in the Book of Documents?"

The errors in the Book of Documents were like tiny blemishes in white jade. To point out flaws was to identify those blemishes.

"That title won't do!" Liu Zhao corrected him immediately. "The Book of Documents has no flaws, nor can it have any. The flaws lie in the versions of the Book of Documents handed down by later generations. So we cannot call it Pointing out flaws in the Book of Documents. It should be Pointing out flaws in the modern- and ancient-script versions of the Book of Documents."

Master Liu really knew how to play it safe!

That works.

Wang Yang readily accepted the sound advice. "All right, Pointing out flaws in the modern- and ancient-script versions of the Book of Documents it is!"