Taking a disciple
A deathly silence fell over the Meridian Gate and its surroundings. Hundreds of officials seemed to have collectively fallen silent, the highly ironic poem echoing in their ears.
Only those who are literate can truly understand the sharp satire hidden within this poem.
Scholars are not afraid of being scolded or arguing; some even regard arguing as a form of philosophical discussion and take pride in it. Those of lower status like to pick fights with those of higher status.
Those with a long-standing reputation for liking to pick fights with people of equal rank, even the emperor, are particularly fond of doing so. If the emperor becomes enraged, they'll point at him and say, "He's getting angry! He's getting angry!"
The Censor was the best among them.
However, scholars, especially those in high positions, are afraid of being criticized by three kinds of people.
First, historical records.
Second, the article.
Third, poetry.
Because these three things involve what scholars care about most: reputation.
The reputation one has before and after death.
"Your bodies and names will perish, but the rivers will flow on forever." This is a scathing critique; no scholar could tolerate the sarcasm in this poem—it's too malicious.
At this moment, hundreds of officials in the capital felt their Blood Qi boil and their faces flush with rage, truly experiencing a tremendous humiliation.
It wasn't just the poetry itself, but also because, and also because the one who humiliated them, these scholars, was a crude and vulgar brute.
Only after that tall figure in the short cloak had gone further and further away did an official speak in a trembling voice:
"You madman, you brat, you rude scoundrel! How dare you insult us like this! My lords, this is intolerable! Send troops at once and kill this scoundrel!"
The speaker was Yuan Xiong, the Left Censor-in-Chief. His plans had all failed, and he was in a deep slump, like a powder keg. At this moment, Xu Qi'an's deliberate act of waiting at the Meridian Gate to kick him made him furious and his heart ached.
Yuan Xiong felt that Xu Qi'an's poem was mocking him and meant to nail him to the pillar of shame.
The second to lose his temper was Qin Yuandao, the Vice Minister of War. He rushed forward a few steps in a rage and shouted:
"Guards! Guards! Stop that scoundrel! He has insulted the officials of the court; this is utterly disrespectful! Stop him for me!!"
Unfortunately, the imperial guards only obeyed Emperor Yuanjing's orders, and even princesses and princes had no authority to mobilize them.
Minister Sun's feelings were quite complicated. Anger was inevitable, but for some reason, he felt relieved that Xu Qi'an hadn't named anyone.
He nailed everyone to the pillar of shame, spreading the burden evenly, so that the shame suffered by everyone wasn't so acute.
Minister Sun felt that there was something wrong with his mindset, but he couldn't figure it out. Despite being well-read, Minister Sun had never read any of Lu Shuren's books.
"Duke Wei has truly cultivated a capable subordinate."
The Prime Minister's lips twitched, and he said in a sarcastic tone.
Even the shrewd and unfathomable Chief Minister Wang was angered, demonstrating the destructive power of this poem.
The officials looked at Wei Yuan with exasperation, questioning him with their eyes.
Wei Yuan seemed to have just come to his senses, and calmly asked, "What are you all doing? Have you all taken this personally?"
The officials froze, feeling as if Wei Yuan's casual words had turned the tables on them.
"Then, how should this event be recorded in the history books?" a young lecturer from the Hanlin Academy asked in a deep voice.
As soon as he finished speaking, one official after another turned their heads and looked at him with a cold, brooding gaze, as if to say, "Have you gone stupid from studying too much?"
The lecturer at the Hanlin Academy shrank back and said, "Such a trivial matter is not worth recording in history."
Wei Yuan said calmly, "The court assembly is over. It is not appropriate for you gentlemen to gather at the Meridian Gate. Please disperse as soon as possible."
Having said that, he took the lead and left. After walking a distance, Wei Yuan could no longer hide the smile that appeared on his lips, and he let out a gloating "Heh."
After leaving the palace gates and entering the carriage, Wei Yuan, in high spirits, told Nangong Qianrou, who was driving the carriage, about what had happened at the Meridian Gate.
The effeminate-looking adopted son chuckled and said, "Father, weren't you among those gentlemen at the time?"
The smile on Wei Yuan's face gradually faded.
Outside the Meridian Gate, Huaiqing and Lin'an remained in the same spot, watching the civil and military officials disperse.
"Your bodies and names will perish, but the rivers will flow on forever." Huaiqing murmured to herself. Her pupils reflected the backs of the officials, but her heart held only the tall figure in the Nightwatchers's uniform, sword in hand, as he walked away.
Xu Ningyan was different from ordinary martial artists. He knew how to strike at the enemy's weak point and how to retaliate against the enemy with the sharpest attack without endangering himself.
Using poetry to strike at the heart and wound the vitals of scholars—this is Xu Ningyan's unique ability.
"That lackey is so powerful," Biao Biao muttered.
In her mind, there was only one scene: a mere line of poetry from a lackey was enough to enrage all the civil and military officials, yet they were powerless to do anything about it.
In Biao Biao's heart, this was something even her father, the emperor, couldn't do. Although her father could use his power to oppress people, he couldn't do something as nonchalant as a dog servant.
Her alluring peach blossom eyes sparkled, and she puffed out her chest with a touch of pride, barely managing to project the usual size of Huaiqing.
In his palace, after the morning court session, Emperor Yuanjing, holding a Daoist scripture in his hand, listened silently to the old eunuch's report, learning everything that had happened at the Meridian Gate.
"What courage!"
Emperor Yuanjing smiled, but it was unclear whether it was praise or mockery.
However, the old eunuch was certain of one thing: Emperor Yuanjing, upon learning of this matter and Xu Qi'an's arrogant behavior, had no intention of punishing him.
He could vaguely guess Emperor Yuanjing's thoughts. Xu Qi'an's actions were moving him closer to becoming a loyal minister, following in Wei Yuan's footsteps.
Loyal ministers are often the ones emperors trust the most.
A capable, talented, and gifted young man would certainly be more suited to His Majesty's wishes as a loyal and solitary minister than one who tries to curry favor with everyone and form cliques everywhere.
"Your bodies and names will perish, but the rivers and mountains will flow on forever!"
Emperor Yuanjing laughed heartily, a mocking expression on his face. "Excellent poem, excellent poem indeed! Our Great Feng's poetry champion truly deserves the title. Grand Minister, convey my imperial decree, ordering the Hanlin Academy to record this matter in the annals of history. I wish to review it personally."
These two poems by the Xu Household brothers were His Majesty's revenge against those bookworms in the Hanlin Academy, and they both greatly pleased His Majesty. The old eunuch received his order and withdrew.
Your bodies and names will perish, but the rivers and mountains will flow on forever!
Emperor Yuanjing recited the poem again, the pleasure on his face gradually fading, his desire for immortality growing ever more intense.
During lunch, Chu Yuanzhen listened to his old friend recount the events that had transpired in the court, including the final scene Xu Ningyan single-handedly blocked the path of hundreds of officials with a sword, and used poetry to mock them.
This is how they broke the deadlock—using nobles to fight against civil officials. The idea is good, but it's extremely difficult. How did Xu Ningyan and Number Three manage to do it? Number Three and Xu Ningyan are indeed brothers; their talent in poetry is astonishing.
Unfortunately, Number Three is still young and his rank is too low, far inferior to his cousin Xu Qi'an. Otherwise, Number Three would definitely have been among those who went down into the tomb that day.
Of course, given the long-standing decline of the Confucian School system, it's understandable that the third rank is considered low.
Chu Yuanzhen praised the poem that Number Three had composed in court, but said nothing more. It was a good poem, but unfortunately, the last line did not please him.
On the contrary, Chu Yuanzhen was thrilled by Xu Ningyan's poem mocking the court officials, and immediately drank three cups of wine.
"I've wanted to curse those incompetent officials like this for a long time, but unfortunately, poetry Non-Self my forte. Xu Ningyan truly deserves to be called the top poet of the Great Feng Dynasty; his words are spot on," Chu Yuanzhen laughed loudly.
Feeling completely refreshed, he had an urge to immediately find Xu Ningyan, drink and chat with him, and get thoroughly drunk.
However, considering that the other party had just resolved his cousin's imperial examination cheating case and still had some trivial matters to deal with, he restrained his impulse.
Prince's Mansion.
Wang Simu, who was closely following the case, used his own channels to find out about the fierce confrontation that had taken place in the imperial court that day, as well as the satirical poem at the Meridian Gate.
"I knew it. Xu Huiyuan is exceptionally talented. How could he possibly cheat on the imperial examination? Hmm, his cousin Xu Ningyan is even more remarkable. He mediated between them and managed to get the Duke of Cao and Prince Yu to speak up for Xu Huiyuan, and for the nobles in the court to speak up for them."
"This network of connections is extraordinary. What surprised me most was that Wei Yuan didn't intervene; he remained aloof throughout. This way, Xu Huiyuan won't be branded as a member of the eunuch faction, which is a far-reaching positive development for him."
"Of course, this is good news for me too," Miss Wang smiled sweetly.
The maid Lan'er stood by, pretending to listen attentively, but her mind was completely blank.
"Lan'er, why don't you go to the Xu Residence again and make an appointment with Xu Huiyuan for me? It would seem like you're not being reserved enough, like I'm trying to curry favor." Miss Wang shook her head, abandoning the idea.
He thought to himself, at this moment, silence would actually highlight my composure and vision. If I were to rush to claim credit, it would only make the matriarch of the Xu Household look down on me.
Smart people don't need to make things too obvious; tacit understanding is enough.
Bureau of Astronomy.
As Yang Qianhuan passed by the Alchemy Chamber on the seventh floor, he heard his fellow disciples discussing what had happened at the morning court. He originally disdained these court affairs and was too lazy to listen.
But upon hearing the name "Xu Ningyan," Yang Qianhuan slowed his pace. Instinct told him that this might be another opportunity to increase his knowledge.
"Young Master Xu's poem was absolutely delightful; I think it can be called the first satirical poem in history."
"Look at what you're saying, that's an exaggeration, but it really feels great, especially standing in front of all the civil and military officials, blocking the Meridian Gate, and saying something like that."
Poetry? What poetry?
Yang Qianhuan approached silently and said in a deep voice, "What are you talking about?"
The white-robed Alchemist were startled, staring at the back of his head, and complained, "Senior Brother Yang, you always do this, it's terrifying!"
Yang Qianhuan ignored her and pressed on, "What did Xu Ningyan do this time, blocking all the civil and military officials at the Meridian Gate? And what is this first-ever satirical poem in history?"
The white-robed Alchemist then recounted the events of that day to Yang Qianhuan.
Yang Qianhuan was struck dumb. A scene flashed through his mind: after the court session, civil and military officials slowly walked out of the Meridian Gate. Suddenly, he saw a white-clad figure standing there with his back to the crowd, blocking the path of the officials.
The officials were furious and rebuked the white-robed Warlock for being so arrogant and daring to block their way.
Ignoring the jeers and curses from the sky, the white-robed Warlock suddenly uttered a long, drawn-out chant. "Your bodies and names will perish, but the rivers will flow on forever."
The civil and military officials were stunned and speechless.
Thinking of this, Yang Qianhuan felt as if an electric current was coursing through her body, and she trembled uncontrollably, goosebumps appearing on her neck and arms.
"Why, why is Xu Ningyan always able to do one thing after another that is the envy of everyone? It's so unfair that he single-handedly held off four hundred rebel soldiers in Yunzhou and fought against the Buddhist School sect under the spotlight. It's so unfair."
"When is the next court assembly? I... I must go to the Meridian Gate too."
In the afternoon, at the Imperial Academy of Music).
Xu Qi'an and Fuxiang sat facing each other, drinking tea and chatting. During the conversation, Xu Qi'an told Fuxiang about the events of the day in the court, and also included the patriotic poem that Xu Xinnian "composed", as well as the half-line of his own poem at the Meridian Gate.
Fuxiang was a lover of poetry, and she was deeply moved by what she heard. She was especially filled with admiration for Xu Qi'an's feat of single-handedly holding off a hundred officials, and her beautiful eyes were brimming with tears.
"I have a favor to ask of you: spread the word about what happened in court today." With that, Xu Qi'an made his request.
The Imperial Academy of Music) was the fastest and most convenient transit point for disseminating information.
"So, what kind of reward does Xu Lang plan to offer them?"
Fuxiang wouldn't have refused back then; her bright, clear eyes stared straight at Xu Qi'an.
You can't hide your feelings for someone; Fuxiang's longing for Xu Qi'an was overflowing with emotion.
Half an hour later, Xu Qi'an went to see several courtesans he knew, including Mingyan and Xiaoya, and asked them to spread the news of what had happened in the court that day while they were having tea.
Then he rode the mare back home.
The imperial examination cheating scandal was a fatal blow to Xu Xinnian's reputation, especially after deliberate dissemination, the scholars and common people in the capital all knew that Xu Xinnian had obtained the top score in the provincial examination by cheating.
This impression will gradually solidify over time, and once it becomes a mark, even if the imperial court proves Xu Xinnian's innocence in the future, it will be difficult to reverse his image in a short period of time.
Moreover, the imperial examination fraud case is not over yet, and the palace examination is in five days. Xu Qi'an must guard against Minister Sun and others making a desperate gamble and causing trouble on the eve of the palace examination.
For example, inciting students of the Imperial Academy to riot.
If public opinion can be reversed in a short period of time, then the students of the Imperial Academy will lack a legitimate reason to launch their campaign and will find it difficult to accomplish anything significant.
When everyone knows that Xu Xinnian was wronged, even if you pretend not to see it, you will not gain the public's recognition and support.
Whether it was waging war or planning something, the ancients placed great importance on having a legitimate reason for their actions.
"I've used up my favor with Prince Yu, but it wasn't a complete loss. Fortunately, Prince Yu has long since lost interest in fame and fortune; otherwise, he might not have stood up for me. As for Duke Cao, I haven't yet delivered the benefits I promised. Given the Duke's and the Deputy General of the Prince of Zhenbei's power, if I go back on my word, I'll surely suffer the consequences."
"The Prince of Zhenbei is most likely unaware of this matter; it was a scheme devised by the deputy general and Duke Cao. However, I am merely a minor official, and even if the Prince of Zhenbei knew, he wouldn't blame the deputy general. Moreover, the Vajra Invincible of Buddhist School would tempt even high-ranking martial artists. After all, it can enhance defense, and reaching a high level of mastery could even lead to a breakthrough in combat power. There's no reason for him not to be interested."
"Therefore, the promised benefits must still be given. But I can write the Nine Yin Manual backwards."
As dusk fell, a joyful atmosphere filled the Xu Household's dining table. Auntie enthusiastically served food to Xu Xinnian and Xu Qi'an.
It was as if they were both his own sons.
Although this attitude won't last long, when the aunt gets angry with her nephew again in the future, she will remember the old grudge and the relationship will return to normal.
But at this moment, the aunt's gratitude was as sincere as 24k pure gold.
Xu Lingyue loved this family atmosphere and admired her older brother even more, her bright, beautiful eyes always fixed on Xu Qi'an.
"Um, there's something I want to say."
Lina swallowed her food and looked at Xu Qi'an and Second Uncle Xu with an unusually serious expression.
"What is it?" Xu Qi'an asked while eating.
Second Uncle Xu picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and glanced at the dark-skinned man from Southern Frontier out of the corner of his eye.
Lina looked at Xu Lingyin with a serious expression and said, "I want to take Lingyin as my apprentice."
"Pfft!" Xu Qi'an spat out his food.
"Pfft!" Second Uncle Xu spat out his wine.
The family was caught off guard.
Xu Xinnian shook the rice grains off his clothes with a look of disgust, moved away from his older brother, and then looked at Lina: "Tell me your reasons."