Chapter 657: Frost Kills All Grass (II)

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Common PursuitsBearing the Heavenly Dao 15

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Bearing the Heavenly Dao 15

Common Pursuits

Author: Feng Huo Xi Zhu Hou [Read Full Text]Update Time: 2014-07-26 22:36:00 Word Count: 4380

Qi Jizhu made a comment, and Crown Prince Zhao Zhuan, Jin Lanting, and the others simply smiled without speaking. They were not yet in a position, or old enough, to engage in casual banter with Qi Yanglong. Zhao Zhuan, as the heir apparent of Liyang, had the most confidence, but paradoxically, he held the deepest reverence for Qi Yanglong. This was because a great mountain, Yuan Benxi, stood between him and the Grand Sacrificial Libationer of Shangyin Academy. Among the group, only he knew of the master-disciple relationship between Qi Yanglong and Half-Inch Tongue. Furthermore, given Qi Yanglong's knowledge and seniority, Wu Shizhen and Wang Yuanran would likely interpret even a casual remark from the old man about the weather as a profound comment on the political climate of the capital and the nation's destiny. Qi Jizhu surveyed the room, and seeing that none of the "youngsters," as he called them, responded, he smiled with resignation. At that moment, Yuan Tingshan stepped forward and chuckled, "Living to your age, Master Qi, that's what's truly good."

Qi Yanglong glanced at the young military man, famous throughout the capital. Far from blaming Yuan Tingshan for his bluntness, he openly expressed his admiration in his eyes. Meeting Yuan Tingshan's gaze, he nodded and said, "Indeed, it's better to live poorly than to die well. Especially for a battlefield commander like General Yuan, who constantly maintains his sharp edge on the frontier. A few less military achievements don't matter; as long as you're alive, everything is possible."

Yuan Tingshan paused, then grinned, "Master Qi, you're certainly more straightforward than those haughty old men who used to be in the capital. If you ever have the chance to visit Jizhou, I, Yuan, will certainly bring out the finest wine. A libationer must drink, after all!"

Zhao Zhuan's smile was warm and slightly helpless. "Mr. Qi, please don't take this rough man seriously."

Qi Yanglong waved his hand and chuckled, "Long years living on the desert frontier can indeed cultivate a heroic spirit; what you said is not false. I'll probably travel along the border next year, from Liangliao all the way to Jixi. My only fear then will be that General Yuan won't have enough wine."

Yuan Tingshan chuckled, "This year, I've done a lot of 'robbing the rich to help the poor' on the Jizhou frontier, but not a single penny has fallen into my own pocket. However, to invite Master Qi for a few jars of fine wine, I imagine my salary should be enough."

Jin Lanting, who had been cautiously smiling all along, paused his smile and glanced at the Crown Prince. Seeing Zhao Zhuan's serene expression, he seemed not to think Yuan Tingshan's words would cause trouble. Wang Yuanran and the others inwardly admired the audacity of this "Mad Dog Yuan." This old man before them was a pillar of the state, secretly invited by the imperial court to counterbalance Grand Councilor Zhang. When speaking with him, everyone else desperately tried to conceal their flaws, fearing even a slight negative impression from Qi Yanglong, which would ruin any hope of advancement in court for the next decade or two. Even someone like Wang Yuanran, who was supposedly able to "strut freely" in the capital, would have to meekly act humble and respectful, not to mention when facing Tantang Weng, but also when encountering the generation of Yonghui magnates like Yin Maochun and Yuan Guo, whom he would address as uncles.

Qi Yanglong looked at Yuan Tingshan, who seemed to be carefree. This young, unconventional hero had so stirred up the stagnant officialdom of Jizhou that it nearly fell apart. Yuan Tingshan's journey to the capital was an act of humble apology. If he hadn't come, even his adoptive father Gu Jiantang might not have been able to protect his official title and military power. Yuan Tingshan had gone on a rampage in the Jibei region, executing many powerful families that had been entrenched there for centuries under the charge of treason and collusion with barbarians. He beheaded them first and reported later, not waiting for Qin Huchen, the Jizhou Governor, to report to the Ministry of War and Ministry of Justice. If there had only been one or two such incidents, Qin Huchen might have turned a blind eye, perhaps even covering up for Yuan Tingshan, Gu Jiantang's adopted son. However, after autumn, Yuan Tingshan's tyrannical actions escalated. The marital ties in Jibei were already close, with the powers of various surnames intertwined. The so-called Twelve Clans of Jibei were all interconnected through marriage, with family heads almost all being in-laws. Yuan Tingshan, in one go, annihilated four of them. As a result, the Jizhou frontier fell into turmoil, and censors began to impeach. Both the Jizhou General and the Deputy General in charge of Jibei military affairs were implicated, not only severely reprimanded by the Ministry of War, but it was also rumored that even His Majesty the Emperor had begun to pay attention to the matter, finally shifting some of his intense focus from Guangling Dao to Jizhou. Grand Pillar General Gu Jiantang remained silent on the matter, showing no sign of wanting to support his adopted son. Then, Yuan Tingshan quietly arrived in Taian City and, somehow, managed to board the "large ship" of the Crown Prince, arriving at the Qi residence. Yuan Tingshan, nicknamed "Mad Dog Yuan," surely knew that speaking with Qi Yanglong was no different from speaking directly with His Majesty the Emperor, and in some ways, it was even more subtle and beneficial.

The old man seemed to sense the heavy atmosphere around them. He laughed heartily, patted Yuan Tingshan's shoulder, and without mincing words with this frontier hero who was several generations his junior, he stated directly, "Since you praised me, Qi Yanglong, as a straightforward man, General Yuan, you might as well act straightforwardly. On this trip to the capital, you brought the entire dowry from Yanbao's daughter's wedding, and before it even warmed up, you used it to grease connections. I hear it hasn't been very effective, and few dare to accept it. As for me, my official position isn't high, and I'm not afraid of losing it. I can certainly say a few words for you. It's not entirely for your sake; ultimately, it's about going with the flow and helping you solve your pressing issue. That should be fine. However, General Yuan, you still need to thoroughly consider the root of this problem yourself, otherwise, if it happens again and again, no one will be willing to waste their reputation and goodwill. On this point, you could learn from the former King of Beiliang."

Yuan Tingshan couldn't help but feel a surge of sarcasm, but only when facing this enigmatic Grand Sacrificial Libationer did he manage to restrain his multitude of complaints. Otherwise, even when facing Grand General Gu Jiantang, renowned for "destroying two nations," Yuan Tingshan was always direct.

Qi Yanglong had naturally heard about Yuan Tingshan's entanglement with the Xu family. He said earnestly, "To emulate the wise means one must already be wise oneself; that is a realm only achieved by a truly wise person. However, the desire to catch up to an enemy's power and status is a fundamental human inclination, and the latter is easier to achieve. Just as you, Yuan Tingshan, are displeased with Mi Fu, who commands nine thousand troops in Jibei, and displeased with Qin Huchen, the governor of a province, you must be constantly thinking of adding a few thousand more men or replacing Qin Huchen to become the powerful frontier governor yourself. You have indeed been building momentum for this during this period. So, by the same logic, General Yuan, why can't you learn from 'The Butcher's' way of life and carefully study the rise of this martial arts champion of the Spring and Autumn period? Could it be that what you truly desire in your heart is..."

At this point, the old man narrowed his eyes. Yuan Tingshan quickly interrupted Qi Yanglong, saying with a strained expression, "Stop, stop! I'm afraid of you, old Mr. Qi. Rest assured, I've understood your meaning. As long as you, old sir, are in the imperial court, I will follow your instructions. How does that sound? As for what position I'll eventually reach, or what I'll do then, if you have already retired by that time, I can't promise to obey your every word, but I will certainly still heed your advice."

Others listening were utterly bewildered. The playboy Wang Yuanran simply stopped listening when he didn't understand, distractedly admiring the exotic plants and strange stones in the Qi residence. Jin Lanting, however, meticulously pondered. From the few words exchanged between the old man and the young one, Jin Lanting, who was already half-stepping into the core of the dynasty as the second-in-command of the Imperial Academy, had gleaned too much inside information. Firstly, Master Qi said he was merely "pushing the boat along with the current," which meant His Majesty the Emperor was not enraged by the turmoil in Jibei but rather welcomed it. Jin Lanting was not surprised by this; the complete annihilation of the Han family back then was just the first "weeding" of Jizhou, a crucial borderland, and the second wave was likely to follow. Secondly, Master Qi revealed news of an upcoming inspection of the entire eastern border. Perhaps Liangliao was dissatisfied and reacting to the court's proposal for a Ministry of War Vice Minister to "patrol on behalf of the Emperor." A figure with more authority and power than a third-rank Vice Minister was urgently needed to appease and pacify, to first establish the rules, so that the act of "Vice Ministers patrolling the borders and overseeing local military affairs" would have a precedent. Jin Lanting even thought further ahead: if Vice Ministers were to patrol the borders, currently only in Liangliao, could he take a larger step and, in court discussions, extend "the border" to Beiliang in the west and Nantang Dao in the far south? Thirdly, the old man wanting Yuan Tingshan to learn from "The Butcher" Xu Xiao, did this mean that the imperial court, which had previously bestowed the posthumous title "Wu Li," was beginning to change its stance during the Northern Mang invasion, intending to add more positive historical renown to Xu Xiao? If so, Jin Lanting could not continue to contradict the imperial court at such a time.

Jin Lanting subconsciously stared at the pile of geomantic stones, which he found incredibly ugly. Suddenly, he felt he was truly no longer the naive newcomer he had been when he first arrived in the capital. He dared not claim his wings were fully grown, but he had roughly grasped the underlying currents of the Liyang dynasty. From now on, as long as he "went with the flow," as Qi Yanglong suggested, how could he not leave his name in history? And why would he remain dormant in a small Imperial Academy his entire life? The "Yonghui Spring" was a peaceful and prosperous era of over two decades jointly created by Grand Councilor Zhang and Tantang Weng. Could he, then, forge an even grander "Xiangfu Spring" in his own hands? He was still young, only in his early thirties. As long as he focused on self-preservation, he could certainly live another forty years. Serving two or three emperors was not wishful thinking. When he reached Qi Yanglong's age, would this scene replay itself? A group of the dynasty's most promising young talents, standing outside his residence, treating him with divine reverence?

Perhaps feeling he had been overly partial to Yuan Tingshan, the old man turned and began chatting with Wu Shizhen. "Young Master Wu, your father, the Great Master Wu, has been traveling and working hard this past year. When your father visited my residence recently, I saw him, and he looked even thinner than an old man like me. Young Master, you should tell your father that his health is more important than anything else."

Wu Shizhen was instantly overwhelmed with flattery. He quickly bowed deeply, both fearful and delighted, saying excitedly, "My father has admired Mr. Qi for a long time. He has privately said that it would be his greatest honor to serve alongside Mr. Qi in the same court. I, your humble son, believe that if my father loses a few pounds but can accumulate more goodwill for the imperial court, it is a duty he should not shirk."

The Song family in the capital once had scholars who dominated the literary world, but now it was the highly influential Wu family's masters who took charge, overseeing Daoist affairs in the northern regions, matching the Celestial Master's Residence of Longhu Mountain name for name. Taian City was always like this: when the old generation departed, newcomers would quickly rise to fill their places.

Qi Yanglong dismissed it with a smile, nodded, and then looked at Wang Yuanran. The young man instantly became as quiet as a cicada in winter just from the old man's gaze, losing all the arrogance and self-importance he usually displayed when carousing with his cronies. The old man sighed, "A newborn calf fears no tiger, which is a good thing for someone with nothing to lose; wealth is found in danger, after all. But if young men of your esteemed background are still fearless, then it harms the state. Yuanran, Minister Wang's official career hasn't been easy. Although you are not the eldest son and don't need to bear the family's heavy burdens, you are your father's favorite. It's a good thing that you fear an old man like me. It seems the rumors in the capital about Tantang Weng specifically monitoring your conduct at the Imperial Academy are not unfounded. Yuanran, don't let Privy Councillor Huan's painstaking efforts be in vain."

Wang Yuanran was so consumed by his trepidation that he didn't actually grasp what the old man said; he just nodded vigorously, his face flushed.

Crown Prince Zhao Zhuan watched Wang Yuanran's discomfort, a subtle curve appearing at the corner of his lips.

Qi Yanglong then exchanged pleasantries with the other two military scions, who were no better than Wang Yuanran, before turning to Zhao Zhuan and smiling, "Your Highness, how about we take a stroll around the residence?"

Zhao Zhuan and the old man walked along a quiet stone path still shaded by greenery. Qi Yanglong quipped, "Your Highness, your father-in-law just left, and you followed right behind him. Did the two of you arrange this beforehand? What, are you planning to use your numbers to give this old man a hard time?"

Zhao Zhuan replied with an innocent expression, "Mr. Qi, if I were to tell my father-in-law that, wouldn't our Grand Academician of Dongyuan Pavilion be unable to eat or sleep in peace? And if my wife got angry then, it would be my turn to be unable to eat or sleep."

The old man laughed heartily, "Your Highness loves both the empire and beautiful women; that is a blessing for the nation."

The two walked for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, when Song Tanglu, the young Chief Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, suddenly appeared before them. Zhao Zhuan said nothing more, simply returning the way he came, leading his like-minded Eastern Palace guests away from the Qi residence. They all seemed to have arrived enthusiastically and departed contentedly.

Before each boarded their respective carriages, Jin Lanting, whose carriage was closer to Wu Shizhen, stepped forward and whispered, "Shizhen, remember to tell your father that Grand Sacrificial Libationer Qi said health is more important than anything!"

Wu Shizhen was bewildered and asked doubtfully, "Huh? What do you mean, Sanlang?"

Jin Lanting did not elaborate, saying calmly, "Just relay the message; your father will understand."

After being prompted, Wu Shizhen belatedly grasped the underlying meaning. His expression became serious, and he said in a low voice, "Sanlang, Wu Shizhen will remember this favor!"

Jin Lanting waved his hand and entered his carriage.

Sitting cross-legged in the carriage, which he had deliberately swapped for a simpler one, Jin Lanting, now respectfully called "Sanlang" by the capital's dignitaries, extended both palms and lightly tapped his fingers together, a deep smile on his face.

Some wise sage, keenly aware of worldly affairs, once said that if the entire world were compared to a vast net, and all its roads were the threads of that net, then Taian City, the center of the dynasty, would be the starting point of that net. To be considered a crucial minister at the core was not about one's official rank, but rather about one's ability to spin threads and weave the net. Jin Lanting felt he now possessed this ability, for he could influence many powerful figures of the dynasty and thereby affect the trajectory of Liyang. Although his current influence might still be insignificant, this widely recognized potential should not be underestimated by anyone.

Yuan Tingshan's trip to the capital was not ostentatious. Just like this visit to the Qi residence, he "conveniently" hitched a ride in the Crown Prince's carriage. The two sat together in the carriage, Zhao Zhuan and Yuan Tingshan leaning lazily against the carriage walls, one on each side. Clearly, among this group, they were the most congenial.

Zhao Zhuan smiled, "Tingshan, why didn't you let Mr. Qi finish his sentence?"

Yuan Tingshan touched the famous saber "Jiaojin," which he had not worn when entering the residence, his gaze complex.

Zhao Zhuan closed his eyes, his smile unwavering. "Actually, whether you become a Xu Xiao or a Gu Jiantang in the future, I don't care. Compared to my brilliant and martial father, I fall far short. However, in the matter of tolerating others, I am just a little bit better."

Yuan Tingshan sat upright, sweating profusely.

Zhao Zhuan muttered to himself, "Thick frost is more potent than scorching sun. It's a simple truth even old farmers in the countryside understand, yet so many clever people in the capital do not."

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