Chapter 299: Then and Now
Jianle City.
Zhou Shennian rested his hands on the table, leaning his head back against the chair back, staring blankly at the exquisitely painted ceiling with unfocused eyes.
In front of him, between his hands, lay a memorial written in tiny characters. It was received the day before yesterday, concerning shady dealings involving Mr. Dongxi, Song Yun, and it came from He Chengzhe.
Next to the memorial was a slender copper tube, which had been unscrewed. A few lines were written on a piece of bamboo shadow paper: Mr. Dongxi’s condition had slightly improved, and Wu Jie had left Dongxi for Hangcheng. This was sent from the Prince’s Estate villa.
Beside the copper tube was a thick letter, densely written. It was a letter from Wu Jie to him, just received.
He was very sad.
A sorrow and frustration filled him that he could neither articulate nor understand.
The three letters laid out before him clearly pointed to what he should do, what action he should take.
But he did not want to, did not wish to.
His unwillingness and lack of desire were without any reason.
Zhou Shennian looked at the neatly folded memorial.
Ten years ago, to unify the literary circles of Jiangnan, Dongxi had someone poison another great scholar who was his rival.
When he poisoned others, did he not think that he himself would be poisoned?
When he had people watch the government office and the villa, did he not think that he himself would be watched?
When he sent them away, he repeatedly said, “Please, sir, rest and recuperate for the rest of your life, and do not concern yourself with worldly affairs.”
He felt he had made himself clear enough!
Alas. When the mantis stalks the cicada, it never looks behind itself.
Zhou Shennian picked up Wu Jie’s letter.
He had asked Wu Jie to persuade Mr. Dongxi well; had Wu Jie persuaded him?
Perhaps he had, but Mr. Dongxi had said that the reason for his great academic achievements was his unwavering resolve. Those with unwavering resolve were also stubborn and unyielding.
Wu Jie had written him a letter, detailing Mr. Dongxi’s instructions, his worries about Mr. Dongxi, his own confusion, and asking for his advice.
This was not seeking advice from Zhou Shennian; this was seeking instructions from the Young Lord.
Zhou Shennian pinched the letter and chuckled. If Mr. Dongxi knew Wu Jie had written such a letter, what would his expression be?
Zhou Shennian slowly folded Wu Jie’s letter, put it into an envelope, then into a larger envelope, sealed it with a lacquer seal, and wrote “To the Young Lord” on it. He then took out a sheet of letter paper and began to write, slowly at first, then faster. After finishing the letter, he paused for a moment, lit a flint, and burned the letter. He then called out for his attendant and instructed, “You must set off immediately. Go to Pingjiang City, or Hangcheng, to see Mr. Wu Jie. Tell him to follow his teacher’s teachings and prioritize the nation and family.”
The attendant repeated the instructions. Seeing Zhou Shennian nod, he bowed and withdrew, heading towards Pingjiang City to deliver the message.
……………………
Hangcheng.
Outside the city, Wu Jie and Zong Sili walked ahead, talking, while Second Master Zhu and the newly appointed President of the Jiangnan Silk General Store, Chairman Tao, followed behind, ascending the mountain.
A tea set was already laid out in the pavilion halfway up the mountain.
Wu Jie walked to the edge of the pavilion, gazed into the distance, and said to Second Master Zhu with a smile, “Second Master, this villa of yours truly captures all the spiritual essence of Jiangnan.”
“I dare not accept such praise. If we are to speak of capturing all the spiritual essence of Jiangnan, that would be the Prince’s Estate villa,” Second Master Zhu quickly waved his hand and said with a smile.
“Have any of you visited that villa?” Zong Sili asked with a smile.
“We haven’t had the chance,” the three shook their heads.
“I went in once,” Zong Sili said, fanning himself with his folding fan. “After Minister Wang was appointed, he returned home for ancestral worship and was ordered to pay respects at the back of the villa’s mountain. Fortunately, my elder brother accompanied me inside.”
Zong Sili’s elder brother, Zong Simo, was Minister Wang’s most trusted staff member.
“I heard there are two Lingyan Pavilions in the world, and the other is at the back of the villa’s mountain. Is this true?” Chairman Tao asked in surprise.
“Of course it’s true. Haven’t you heard the ‘Marshal Sang’s Tale’?” Zong Sili said with a smile.
“A piece of storytelling can’t be taken seriously,” Chairman Tao said.
“I used to think ‘Marshal Sang’s Tale’ couldn’t be taken seriously, but now…” Wu Jie paused, sighed, and said, “After meeting that Miss Li, I realized how astonishing truly gifted individuals can be. Even seeing it with my own eyes, I can hardly believe it.”
“Is that Miss Li truly…?” Second Master Zhu looked at Wu Jie, his words trailing off.
“Mr. Dongxi is completely overshadowed in her presence,” Wu Jie said with a dejected expression.
“Right, how is Mr. Dongxi’s condition?” Zong Sili asked.
“It fluctuates. When it’s good, it’s very good, but when it’s bad, it’s frightening. Alas, it’s been going back and forth,” Wu Jie said worriedly.
“With Mr. Dongxi’s condition, he still worries about us worldly matters,” Zong Sili sighed.
“Do you truly believe Miss Li’s elder brother is someone worth supporting?” Second Master Zhu asked in a low voice.
Neither Wu Jie nor Zong Sili spoke.
Chairman Tao frowned and said, “In the hearts of the scholars of Jiangnan, Mr. Dongxi is the esteemed teacher. Let alone the scholars who have entered Mr. Dongxi’s tutelage, even those who haven’t, as long as Mr. Dongxi is alive, it’s one thing. Even if Li Xuedong were fully talented and virtuous, he could not replace Mr. Dongxi.”
“Alas, the worry is not there. Mr. Dongxi’s intention in supporting Li Xuedong is not there either,” Second Master Zhu said, gently patting Chairman Tao.
“Second Master Zhu is right. Mr. Dongxi’s intention in supporting Li Xuedong is to find another path to survival for the guild,” Zong Sili said vaguely.
Chairman Tao frowned for a moment, then softly hummed.
“With such scenery, let’s not discuss these bothersome matters,” Wu Jie interrupted the conversation, sighing. “Never mind, I must return. I need to set off for Pingjiang City. Regardless, I must do my best.”
Wu Jie turned and walked down, Zong Sili following.
The four of them descended the mountain. After seeing Wu Jie off, Zong Sili looked at Chairman Tao and Second Master Zhu. “I advised Mr. Wu, but he refuses to disobey his teacher’s orders. What do you two think should be done?”
“What are your thoughts?” Chairman Tao looked at Second Master Zhu, who then asked Zong Sili.
“My elder brother said that Mr. Dongxi’s foresight and methods are top-notch, but his ego is too strong. Elevating Li Xuedong is indeed a good move, but it needs to be played well,” Zong Sili said, looking at Second Master Zhu and Chairman Tao, leaving the rest unsaid.
Second Master Zhu and Chairman Tao looked at Zong Sili, remaining silent.
“I will take my leave now. Alas, Mr. Dongxi’s fluctuating illness is truly worrying,” Zong Sili said, cupping his hands in farewell.
Watching Zong Sili walk away, Second Master Zhu turned to Chairman Tao. “What are Chairman Tao’s thoughts?”
“We are merely doing business,” Chairman Tao avoided Second Master Zhu’s gaze.
“This matter is entirely up to the Chairman’s decision,” Second Master Zhu said.
“Alas, we are merely doing business, but Mr. Dongxi is always making plans, and yet we are always entangled with them. We can’t afford to stir things up now, can we, Second Master?” Chairman Tao turned back and said.
“Let’s find a doctor to give Mr. Dongxi a proper diagnosis. Once Mr. Dongxi’s illness is cured, he will be able to think clearly,” Second Master Zhu said indifferently.
“Mm,” Chairman Tao sighed.
……………………
The news of Mr. Dongxi’s passing was brought to Li Xiaonan by Li Xuedong.
“Mr. Shao came to find me, saying that his student, Mr. Wu Jie, had found him and said that in terms of academic achievement, only you in all of Jiangnan could surpass Mr. Dongxi. However, it would be inappropriate for you to preside over Mr. Dongxi’s funeral, so he asked if Mr. Shao could step in to assist,” Li Xuedong explained the cause and effect.
Li Xiaonan thought for a moment and asked, “If it weren’t for our engagement to Prince Rui, do you think Mr. Dongxi’s funeral would have asked you to preside?”
“Certainly not. I wouldn’t even have the right to offer incense,” Li Xuedong replied very quickly.
He was self-aware enough for that.
“Then I think when you encounter such a situation, you should first consider: if it weren’t for the engagement with the Prince’s Estate, you would be an ordinary Xiucai scholar. What would happen then? Based on that, slightly higher, for example, attending Mr. Dongxi’s funeral to offer incense, would be appropriate. Anything higher, or if you are unsure, then don’t do it,” Li Xiaonan instructed.
“Okay!” Li Xuedong readily agreed. He was not someone who enjoyed social engagements or being in the spotlight. He felt uncomfortable flattering others, and he felt equally uncomfortable watching others flatter him.
“There’s something else,” Li Xuedong continued. “I won’t take the exams anymore. I told Mr. Dongxi that the reason I was able to pass the Xiucai exam was because you helped me, taught me Investigation of Things, and wrote essays for me to memorize. It wasn’t my own ability. I don’t want to take the exams anymore. Mr. Dongxi said my temperament is like his, and I’m not suited for an official career. He said if I don’t want to take them, then so be it. He said even if I were a commoner, with you, if our descendants were intelligent, they wouldn’t face the same hardships we did.”
Li Xiaonan smiled and nodded.
“Mr. Dongxi said that since I’m not taking the exams anymore, he wants me to help him run a school. He said we won’t run those fancy academies; we’ll run a primary school, like the school in Gaojiaji now.”
“Our school in Gaojiaji has too many people now, it’s incredibly crowded. Also, Mr. Dongxi said that after things settle down, we’ll go to Dangtu County and invite people from the Zhong family of Dangtu to be our Headmaster.”
“Mr. Dongxi said that with you, we’ll definitely be able to invite people from the Zhong family of Dangtu, and… it’s all trivial matters, A Nan. I think this is fine, you don’t think I’m useless, do you?”
Li Xuedong looked at Li Xiaonan cautiously.
“These are all important matters. How could you be useless? Even if you didn’t want to do anything and just read books every day, that would be fine too. As long as you think it’s good, that’s what matters,” Li Xiaonan said with a smile.
“That won’t do. Mr. Dongxi said one cannot be idle.”
Li Xuedong and Li Xiaonan talked for the entire morning. After lunch, they came out, first went to find Mr. Shao to inform him to meet Li Xiaonan, and then hurried back to Gaojiaji.
The Gao Family School was undergoing expansion, and it was very busy.
The next morning, Mr. Shao arrived at the He Family Villa.
Mr. Shao entered with Wan Jing and saw Li Xiaonan waiting at the threshold of the hall. He quickly strode forward and bowed deeply, “I dare not accept.”
“From now on, my Second Sister and Second Brother-in-law will rely entirely on your care,” Li Xiaonan curtsied in return.
Upon hearing “Second Sister and Second Brother-in-law,” Mr. Shao’s heart stirred slightly. First Second Sister, then Second Brother-in-law…
“I dare not accept,” Mr. Shao bowed deeply again and followed Li Xiaonan into the main hall.
“My Second Sister said that you think it would be best for my Second Brother-in-law to travel for a few years before considering the Autumn Imperial Examination,” Li Xiaonan said, yielding to Mr. Shao and sitting down with a smile.
Mr. Shao listened intently.
The suggestion for Ni Rush to travel for a few years before taking the Autumn Imperial Examination came from the Prince’s Estate villa…
“I also think this is for the best. My Second Sister and Second Brother-in-law are both people who haven’t seen much of the world. I will trouble you, Mr. Shao, on this journey,” Li Xiaonan said, bowing.
“I dare not, I dare not. Fourth Mistress, please rest assured,” Mr. Shao quickly bowed in return.
“My Second Sister mentioned that your expenses have always been covered by the Hong Family. It might be inappropriate to continue drawing from the Hong Family in the future. Eldest Sister and Tang Weng Weng have discussed this matter. Starting tomorrow, your expenses will be covered by Tang Weng Weng. Do you think this is suitable, Mr. Shao?” Li Xiaonan asked with a smile.
“Old Master Hong and Old Master Li have both spoken to me about this matter. There is nothing unsuitable about it,” Mr. Shao replied with a smile.
“Mr. Zhou Shennian, who is by the Young Lord’s side, is also a talented scholar from our Liangzhe Circuit. Are you familiar with him, Mr. Shao?” Li Xiaonan asked.
“Mr. Zhou is a great talent,” Mr. Shao said vaguely.
Mr. Zhou Shennian is a great talent; he is not.
“My Second Sister and Second Brother-in-law are my Second Sister and Second Brother-in-law. While traveling abroad, this connection cannot be severed. My Second Brother-in-law will also be an official in the future. If you and Mr. Zhou can correspond frequently, many matters can be greatly facilitated. What do you think, Mr. Shao?” Li Xiaonan continued.
Mr. Shao’s eyes lit up, and he quickly bowed and said with a smile, “Yes, I will certainly do my utmost. Please rest assured, Fourth Mistress.”
“I entrust my Second Sister to your care, Mr. Shao,” Li Xiaonan stood up and performed a curtsy.
“I dare not, I dare not!” Mr. Shao quickly stood up and bowed deeply.
