Chapter 331: Nine Questions

The capital city of Tai’an has become increasingly difficult to live in. Not only do merchants from other provinces lament this, but even the local officials find themselves worrying enough to pull out several strands of their beards in frustration. Twenty years ago, an acre of land in Tai’an cost no more than six hundred taels of silver; now, despite the depreciation of copper coins, the price has skyrocketed to an astonishing two thousand five hundred taels per acre. No wonder Sun Xiji, the Left Vice Chancellor of the Menxia Province, once remarked that land and soil are now worth their weight in gold. Even a small courtyard, located at the very edge of the capital, costs nearly a thousand taels. Scholars coming to the capital for the imperial examinations complain bitterly, but fortunately, the rise of hometown guildhalls, which have become popular in response to the times, has prevented most financially strapped scholars from becoming homeless. Moreover, temples and monasteries are available for rent at prices most can afford, so complaints are not widespread. Only those famed literati who are rich in reputation but poor in coin find themselves unable to afford a home in the capital their entire lives. They often write self-deprecating poems to vent their feelings, which not only express their emotions but also resonate with the impoverished scholars, achieving two goals with one effort.

Some guildhalls that have produced officials of the Yellow Gate or Hanlin Academy often display signs advertising their “auspicious grounds for jinshi candidates” with daily rental rates of a thousand copper coins. These so-called fengshui “blessed lands” are indeed in high demand.

There are a total of six hundred guildhalls in the capital, most of them clustered in the southeast of Tai’an. During the examination periods, the area is bustling with activity. “If a man does not indulge in youth, he has wasted his youth.” In this guildhall district, food and pleasure are both readily available, with wine houses and brothels equally numerous. Initially, scholars arriving for the exams worry about being strangers in a strange land, their accents drawing scorn from the locals. Yet upon entering Tai’an and settling into their guildhall, they find themselves surrounded by fellow townsfolk. The poor rejoice, while those from slightly wealthier backgrounds, with money in their pockets, are eager to indulge in extravagant revelry. Do these young men really seem like fools with more money than sense? Not at all. Most of these scholars have spent years in impoverished study, just one breakthrough away from success. Once they pass the imperial examination and rise to prominence, they will always remember the kindness of those who shared a few coins for a pancake or a few taels for a hearty meal during their hardship. When they achieve success, they will naturally be eager to repay those who helped them. Thus, the business in this district, known as Yulong Pian, is exceptionally good compared to other parts of the city. Moreover, many officials from other provinces who have already gained power in the capital enjoy gathering here with old friends and encouraging the younger generation from their hometowns, offering them advice and support.

This scene is but a small reflection of the four major political factions vying for power in the Liyang Dynasty. Unfortunately, with the gradual decline of one of the factions, the Qing Party, the previously wealthy and influential scholars from Qingzhou have become rootless wanderers, their voices growing quieter and quieter in the Yulong Pian district.

The Baishi Building was not originally called by that name; it was once known as Tianxiang Building, where business was mediocre. However, over the past year, it has enjoyed a surge in prosperity, making substantial profits. This is thanks to the arrival of the renowned courtesan Li Baishi, who has taken up residence in a nearby brothel. This beauty, whose name needs no further introduction, is the only courtesan featured on the “Lipstick List.” For the men of the capital, this alone is more than enough. Li Baishi is hailed as the “Double Champion of Voice and Beauty,” with an excellent reputation. Several of the current court’s rising stars and upright officials have even received her financial support. Her background as a daughter of an official family from the Eastern Yue adds to her allure. Not only has the Baishi Building benefited greatly, but many nearby restaurants have also seen a surge in business, filled with wealthy young men eager to catch a glimpse of her.

The Baishi Building also has several signature dishes, known for their intense spiciness. For diners who prefer bold flavors, it is an excellent place to indulge without breaking the bank. Today, a group of three guests arrived, not many in number, but their presence was treated with utmost respect by the restaurant owner, who personally went to the kitchen to prepare their meal. The reason was simple: the leader of the group, Master Zhao, was a well-known figure, and the two men accompanying him were clearly no ordinary individuals. Master Zhao and the restaurant owner, Master Lu, had been friends for many years, often chatting and sharing jokes. Master Lu, far from being dull, not only cooked the food himself but also personally served it. Beyond their long-standing friendship, he had also noticed that the two companions of Master Zhao were far from ordinary. One of them, a woman disguised as a man, was clumsy in her attempt, but not enough to escape Master Lu’s sharp eyes. He immediately recognized her as a noble lady of high status. Could it be that Master Zhao had caught the eye of a daughter of a noble family? Well, that would be a good thing indeed. If he could one day attend their wedding banquet and meet some of the capital’s elite, it would be even better. As for the other man, a pale-faced individual with no beard, Master Lu dared not look too closely. Dressed in unfamiliar silk of uncertain quality, he seemed to outshine all the wealthy men Master Lu had previously encountered, making them appear like petty nouveau riche by comparison.

After Master Zhao settled into a private room reserved for him, he smiled at the poorly disguised woman and asked, “My Lord Sui, how do you like this place?”

She huffed coldly, “It’s absolutely shabby!”

Master Zhao was not surprised by her answer and smiled cheerfully, “The food here isn’t much to look at, but it has one special feature—it’s spicy. But you always say you can handle spicy food. Just try not to drink a single drop of water when you taste it.”

She rolled her eyes and retorted, “What if I get thirsty and want to drink water? What can you do about it, Zhao Kai?”

The young man called Zhao Kai leaned back in his chair and gave a thumbs-up. “Princess Sui, your sincerity is admirable. I salute you.”

The woman’s eyebrows furrowed in anger, and she slammed the table, furious. “Zhao, call me Lord Sui!”

Zhao Kai sighed helplessly, “Alright, alright. Who made you my little sister? Lord Sui it is, then.”

The woman, whether in anger or sincerity, added cruelly, “I don’t consider you my brother, so what you think is your own business.”

Zhao Kai looked sorrowful, but she added insult to injury with a mocking sneer, “And don’t try to pretend!”

Zhao Kai was unfazed and burst into laughter, clearly delighted.

The third man, who looked most like a noble official, stood respectfully with his hands clasped together, watching the young man and woman bicker with a blank expression.

Zhao Kai turned and smiled, saying, “Master, come sit down. This isn’t the palace, where there are strict rules. Let’s be as comfortable as we like.”

The man with two strands of white hair dangling to his chest shook his head. “It is already comfortable enough that I don’t have to kneel.”

In this dynasty, the term “zán” is a respectful self-reference used by eunuchs of high status and authority. Considering that the young man is Zhao Kai, the emperor’s illegitimate son, and the woman is Princess Sui Zhu, the emperor’s beloved daughter, the identity of the eunuch addressed respectfully as “Master” by Zhao Kai becomes clear. This is none other than Han Diaosi, the most powerful eunuch in the empire. Known as the “Cat-Man,” Han Diaosi is the unshakable pillar of the imperial palace, having repeatedly thwarted the attempts of Cao Changqing of the Western Chu to assassinate the emperor. His mastery of the “Fingered Mystery” cultivation technique is so profound that he was able to tear apart the legendary warrior of the previous generation, Fu Jiang Hong Jia, alive. This fearsome figure, who commands dread from all the court officials, is treated with utmost caution by Master Lu. Each time he brings food to the table, he apologizes profusely, tastes a bite himself, and only then allows the two young masters to begin eating.

After finishing two dishes, Princess Sui Zhu suddenly put down her chopsticks, sulking. “Eating like this is no different from being in the palace. Zhao Kai, let’s go downstairs and find a lively table!”

Zhao Kai smiled, “Fine by me. Master, today Lord Sui has the final say. We’ll all follow her lead, okay?”

To everyone’s surprise, Han Diaosi actually cracked a faint smile, nodding slightly. The “Cat-Man” was not mocking the princess’s childishness but expressing gratitude for the young master’s deliberate arrangement to allow him to dine with them. In this world, Han Diaosi had seen too many people who did good deeds but did not remember them. When Han Diaosi was just an ordinary eunuch, accompanying the young master on an incognito outing, he met a humble woman who sincerely invited him to sit and eat with her, even after learning of his status as a eunuch. Those simple meals of coarse food and plain rice were etched in his memory forever.

“If a person shows me an inch of respect, I will repay them with a hundred feet. If someone wrongs me for a moment, I will torment them for a lifetime.” Countless officials and generals, who were brutally slaughtered by this “Cat-Man,” often felt fortunate in their final moments that there was no next life to suffer again.

Since this is the Yulong Pian district, the Baishi Building naturally attracts a mix of people—scholars and students, wealthy merchants, and even ruffians who work as bouncers in brothels. Master Lu had no objection to the table change. After all, for wealthy patrons, the more enjoyable the experience, the better.

With the restaurant bustling and the dinner hour approaching, Master Lu managed to free up a table, quickly having his staff clean it. Zhao Kai and his companions sat down and overheard a burly man at the neighboring table, his chest exposed, resting one foot on a bench and picking his teeth as he cursed, “Damn it, the other day some pretty boy came to our brothel, ‘Ding Fengbo,’ looking for a woman but had no money to act like a lord. He tried to impress us with some worthless poetry, neither poem nor song. It was so annoying that I wanted to beat the little bastard with a stick right then and there.”

At the same table were a few less affluent scholars from the provinces, who had frequented the brothel for some time. The one who usually paid for their indulgences was growing increasingly worried about his dwindling funds, while the prices of the courtesans remained high. Thinking long-term, he considered whether he could cultivate a good relationship with the head of the brothel’s guards. At the very least, he hoped to avoid unnecessary tips before getting into bed. Brothels and entertainment houses are full of hidden costs. Maintaining appearances is expensive, and the extra expenses for servants and performers add up to a daunting amount of money.

One scholar, with a stern and unassuming face, hesitated before speaking bluntly, “I’ve heard of him. He recited three poems, and now everyone in Yulong Pian knows about it. They’re actually quite good. Lines like ‘My solitary light shines on its own, my heart as pure as ice and snow,’ and ‘The spring breeze of the east brings the first blossoms to the peach branches’ are truly excellent.”

The guard’s face darkened, and he spat contemptuously, rising to leave. The leading scholar, experienced in worldly matters, managed to coax him back to his seat with flattery and damage control. “Even if the poems are well-written, they’re still trivial. Xu Wei Xiong of the Shangyin Academy once said that ci poetry is merely ‘poetry’s leftovers.’ Most contemporary ci poets are just scavenging through the old works of their predecessors, unable to establish their own schools or demonstrate true talent. As for that line about ‘ice and snow,’ if he were truly as pure as ice and snow, would he be shouting in a brothel? That’s just a cheap gimmick. In terms of character, he’s far inferior to someone like Hong Jiaotou, who is straightforward and bold!”

The burly man liked this line of reasoning. He tore into a fatty, spicy chicken leg, and out of the corner of his eye, noticed a young man at a nearby table smiling. He glared and barked, “What are you laughing at, you little brat?!”

Zhao Kai, with a sincere expression, replied, “Brother, you’re absolutely right. Those fame-seeking scholars deserve a good thrashing.”

The man saw no trace of mockery in his expression and laughed, “You’re a decent guy. If you ever come to Ding Fengbo, just mention my name, Hong Sanlong, and the girls will give you a fair price!”

Zhao Kai bowed in gratitude.

Princess Sui Zhu rolled her eyes under the table.

The man must have had some influence in the area, and as the conversation continued, his words became increasingly unrestrained, crude, and offensive. “Ever since I came out of my mother’s womb, I’ve lived a hard life. And now you expect me to speak well of those rich kids? Whether they’re good or bad, the fact that they were born into better circumstances than me makes me want to kill them. I can’t stand to see them prosper.”

“If those rich kids study hard and are kind to others, they deserve to die even more. Where does that leave us common folk?”

“Ha ha, Master Liu, don’t take offense. I’m not talking about you. You’re a decent fellow, and you don’t hold back when it comes to spending. You’re one of the good ones. If a bowl of porridge can have a fly in it, then even a pile of shit might have a few grains of rice.”

The scholar surnamed Liu, who had just been slapped hard on the shoulder, wore an awkward smile, finding the praise even more uncomfortable than the insults.

Han Diaosi narrowed his eyes and murmured softly, “Commoners dare to carry the word ‘dragon’ in their names.”

Zhao Kai, well aware of his master’s temperament, quickly interjected with a smile, “Let’s not dwell on small matters. Come on, once Princess Sui has finished her tea and is no longer thirsty, let’s go see Li Baishi.”

Princess Sui Zhu, her mouth burning from the spiciness, stomped on Zhao Kai’s shoe under the table and twisted her foot cruelly.

Zhao Kai’s face fell into a grimace.

After settling the bill and leaving the Baishi Building, Zhao Kai carefully reminded her, “Once we get there, there will definitely be waiting. Don’t get angry. Since we’re sneaking out of the palace, you can’t just act on impulse. Otherwise, you might as well hang a sign around your neck declaring yourself the princess.”

Sui Zhu retorted, “Then why don’t you hang a sign saying you’re a prince? Wouldn’t that be more effective?”

Zhao Kai grinned, “How many people outside the palace even know about me? Even if I shouted it until I was hoarse, no one would believe me.”

She hesitated for a moment and then turned her head away, muttering, “And you still have the nerve to smile.”

Zhao Kai, hands clasped behind his head, strolled down the street, saying, “Master said that standing is better than kneeling, and not thinking about sitting is contentment. So I think it’s better to smile than to cry. It’s more cheerful and less annoying, don’t you think?”

She hesitated again before asking, “Then how about when Xu Fengnian took those Fu Jiang Hong Jia from you? Did you laugh or cry?”

Zhao Kai smiled, “After all, he’s my brother-in-law. It’s all the same family. It doesn’t matter who keeps the items.”

She sneered, “You two, one the brother-in-law and one the younger brother-in-law, and yet in the end, you still end up trying to kill each other. It’s so amusing that I can’t even bring myself to cry.”

Zhao Kai suddenly said, “The Northern Liang is going to be in chaos.”

Princess Sui Zhu’s words dripped with sharper sarcasm, “That fellow was a disgrace as the heir apparent, and later his saber practice was equally shameful. When Beiliang falls into chaos, he will only hide like a coward. Hmph, he’s even worse than you.”

Zhao Kai sighed, “If only you hadn’t added that last sentence.”

She said carelessly, “Father is quite satisfied with the Red Sect female Bodhisattva you recommended for the court. He’s also very interested in the Red-Yellow Sect rivalry and your proposal of the silver urn drawing lots to decide the Living Buddha. Perhaps in the future, he will send you and her together to the Western Regions.”

Zhao Kai responded casually, “Oh.”

※※※

Xu Fengnian followed Helian Wwei to many places. Although he wasn’t involved in military affairs, he observed everything else—whether significant matters concerning the people’s livelihood or trivial minutiae. Even some military and administrative documents were freely available for Xu Fengnian to peruse by the old Jie Shi Ling. After five days of traveling, Xu had a rough understanding of Xihé Prefecture. Finally, the old and the young found a moment of respite today and went to the roadside near where they first met to sell watermelons. Xu Fengnian, not hiding his thoughts, directly said while sitting on a small stool waiting for customers, “From what I’ve seen of the speed of information transmission regarding the monk Longshu in Daode Sect through your side’s postal relay stations, it’s clear that Northern Man’s emphasis on postal stations rivals that of Xu Xiao’s creation of the postal relay system during the Spring and Autumn Periods. Especially along this eastern line in Xihé Prefecture, it can already rival the western front facing Liang and Man. During my travels, I’ve noticed many seemingly insignificant details, but they all indicate that Northern Man is gradually building up its military strength.”

Helian Wwei smiled with satisfaction, “Observing the minute to understand the whole—very good indeed.”

Noticing Xu Fengnian’s solemn expression, the Jie Shi Ling handed him half a watermelon with a faint smile, “Actually, any court—even those that perished during the Spring and Autumn Period—has many insightful and far-sighted individuals. However, whether their ideas can reach the Emperor’s ears and please him enough to implement their policies and laws is the real difficulty. Your Liyang Dynasty has produced many capable leaders, especially with Zhang Julu orchestrating affairs from the center. Strategically, they are far superior. Honestly speaking, I—a general by birth—always feel as anxious as you do now when thinking about this. Regarding military strength and equipment, the twelve great generals’ troops are formidable, but even Tuoba Boshi dares not claim invincibility against the Beiliang army. Fortunately, Northern Man learned from its humiliation and bitter defeats, realizing that not all men in the south are weak scholars. There are butchers like Xu Xiao and Gu Jiantang who kill without blinking. Over the years, Northern Man has gradually grown stronger. Now, thinking it over, there’s one thing I regret deeply, Fengnian. Can you guess what it is?”

Xu Fengnian smiled, “Many of the scholars who fled to Northern Man from the Spring and Autumn Periods have the qualifications to advise Jie Shi Lings or great generals, but still lack a top-tier strategist capable of becoming the Emperor’s mentor.”

Helian Wwei took a bite of watermelon, looked up wide-eyed, “Don’t rush to laugh, boy. Northern Man isn’t without such a person—they just haven’t stepped into the spotlight yet.”

Xu Fengnian asked in curiosity, “Li Mibi, who spins the spiderweb?”

Helian Wwei spat sideways onto the ground, scoffing, “That old dog is the best at causing harm, but governing a country? He’s ten thousand miles behind. Even Li knows his own limits and hasn’t meddled with state affairs. Otherwise, I’d have fought him to the death myself.”

Xu Fengnian asked curiously, “If not him, then who?”

Helian Wwei mumbled, “It’s the master of the Chess and Sword Bureau, who disappeared nearly twenty years ago. He was underestimated by the Empress in his middle age and vanished in anger. I suspect he went to your Liyang, but what he’s been doing there is unknown. Even our Emperor probably doesn’t know. I don’t believe such a man would die quietly in the south without a trace.”

Xu Fengnian murmured, “My teacher Li Yishan once told me that this man was quite skilled at chess, nearly matching Huang Longshi’s level.”

The old man sighed, “I’ve seen many people in my life who had great ambitions but little talent. But this master of the Chess and Sword Bureau was different—his ambitions matched his abilities. The Chess Bureau has a cultivation method called ‘A Lifetime of a Million Moves.’ Do you know how many moves this man actually made?”

Xu Fengnian was surprised, “Surely not millions? If so, he must have been playing chess since birth. Such a chess fanatic wouldn’t amount to much. My teacher often said that chess played on a board is dead, and becoming a top-level player isn’t impressive—it’s a different matter from being a good person.”

The old man laughed heartily, “You’re clever but outsmarted yourself this time. That fellow played very few games—only a few dozen at most. I’d estimate he made no more than seven or eight thousand moves.”

Xu Fengnian frowned, “Fewer than a hundred games in total? How could the master of the Chess and Sword Bureau treat each game like a life-or-death struggle?”

The old man slowly said, “Do you know how his last game ended? After losing to Huang Sanjia, he secluded himself to study. When his skills reached perfection, he challenged the old master to a game—a life-or-death match where the loser would die.”

Xu Fengnian clicked his tongue, “Both masters of the Bureau were truly ruthless men.”

Helian Wwei laughed gleefully, “Let’s hope this man never returns alive to Northern Man. Otherwise, if you ever inherit the title of Prince of Beiliang, this man—if still alive—will give you quite a hard time.”

Xu Fengnian said solemnly, “Tomorrow I’ll go to Leiming Temple and curse this old man to death.”

Helian Wwei laughed heartily, “Then remember to curse me too. With me in Xihé Prefecture, even Xu Xiao would have to be a little afraid.”

Xu Fengnian, not bothering with formalities around the old man, joked, “Uncle Helian, your face is even thicker than mine.”

Helian Wwei nodded, “Once people get old, they become like me scolding Li Mibi as a petty thief—actually scolding themselves. We’re all thick-skinned, fearing death and greedy for life. We don’t view life and death as clearly as we did in our passionate youth.”

Xu Fengnian bit into the watermelon, thinking of Xu Xiao and his teacher Li Yishan, who were younger than Helian Wwei.

Helian Wwei slowly said, “I’ve shown you the affairs of this province. Now I can speak plainly. I won’t speak for other generals or Jie Shi Lings, but as for myself, Helian Wwei—I don’t expect every officer or official under my command to be a saint. It’s fine if they take money, just not too much. As for those upright officials who earn popularity through self-righteousness, in my view, they are inferior to capable officials who enrich themselves while benefiting the region. As long as they don’t cross the line, I’m easygoing. But if they do cross it, then I’m sorry—whether you’re my relative or confidant, you’ll be executed or have your property confiscated without mercy. That’s what I call discipline—without rules, nothing can be achieved. Knowing how to recognize people is one difficulty, knowing how to use them is another, and knowing how to make the most of their talents is the hardest of all. It’s a great discipline that can’t be learned from the classics, because scholars care too much about their reputations and lack the courage to write about the deep and dark strategies of governance. Moreover, most scholars lack the ability to write such things. Count how many top scholars of your Liyang Dynasty became first or second-grade officials besides Zhang Julu? It’s usually the ordinary jinshi who rise to prominence.”

Xu Fengnian nodded, silently memorizing his words.

Helian Wwei said, “When that master was young, he wrote a piece called ‘Nine Questions,’ asking the heavens, the earth, ghosts and gods, emperors, Buddhism and Taoism, beauties, past lives, and future lives.”

Xu Fengnian was puzzled, “That’s only eight questions.”

Helian Wwei smiled, “Though it’s called ‘Nine Questions,’ it’s actually eight. Probably that old fellow asked the ninth question for us clueless fools himself.”

Xu Fengnian laughed angrily, “This old man is indeed scheming! No, I must go to Leiming Temple immediately.”

As they spoke, a thirsty customer approached. Xu Fengnian quickly stood up and enthusiastically helped the old Jie Shi Ling sell watermelons.

The customer didn’t know who the young man haggling with him was, nor did he know that the old farmer beside him was the Jie Shi Ling of the province.

Xu Fengnian also didn’t know that two iron cavalry units from Beiliang had launched a lightning-fast attack on Northern Man.

Nor did he know that the Empress of Northern Man had abandoned her plan to personally visit the Southern Court upon hearing news of a certain person’s reappearance.

This old Confucian scholar, who entered the palace carrying a box of books, was followed by the greatest swordsman of Northern Man—the Sword Qi Approaching.