The literary gathering was held at Luhu Lake in the imperial city. Pavilions were set up by the lakeside, creating an area that could accommodate hundreds of people.
Though the late summer sun was still scorching, a cool breeze blew across the lake.
Originally, the literary gathering was organized by the Imperial Academy, with most participants being students from there. However, after Pei Man Xilou stirred things up and created such a commotion, the attendees were quite different. Imperial Academy students could still participate but were relegated to the outer areas and couldn’t enter the pavilions.
The gathering was scheduled for noon, allowing court officials to attend during their one-hour break, making their presence entirely appropriate.
As noon approached, heavily armed imperial guards blocked Imperial Academy students in their Confucian robes and hats from entering.
“This is our Imperial Academy’s literary gathering. Why aren’t we allowed in?”
“How can the roles of host and guest be reversed?”
“Not only are there imperial guards controlling the venue, but even astronomers from the Imperial Observatory have come. They’re guarding against those with ill intentions who might infiltrate the gathering. Could it be… could it be that His Majesty will attend the gathering?”
As they spoke, carriages arrived one after another, stopping at the square outside Luhu Lake. From them emerged various nobles and military officials.
They normally wouldn’t have any connection to a literary gathering, but they had come for the “discussion on military strategy.”
Not only did they come, but they also brought their wives and children.
“Look, the officials have arrived – ministers and vice ministers of the Six Departments, Grand Academicians of the Hanlin Academy…”
“I expected some important figures to come, but I didn’t think there’d be so many. What’s the big deal about a literary gathering?”
“Brother, you don’t understand. A mere literary gathering wouldn’t warrant this, but behind this gathering lies the matter of negotiations. There are no small affairs between the two countries. These officials have come to create an atmosphere and exert pressure.”
“Mere barbarians, daring to come to the capital to debate. They don’t know their limitations. We’ll see how Scholar Zhang teaches them a lesson later.”
After the military officials came to the third-rank and above-court officials, such as the Minister of Justice, the Minister of War, and the Grand Academicians. Some of these high-ranking officials also brought their wives, including the renowned Wang Simu, who wore a light pink gown and had exquisite, elegant makeup.
“The talented scholars from the Hanlin Academy have also come. Interesting. These scholars pride themselves on their unparalleled knowledge. They’ll surely gang up on Pei Man Xilou later…” The Imperial Academy students’ eyes lit up.
A group of young officials in blue robes entered the venue with their heads held high. The Hanlin Academy was a gathering place for top scholars. Although these young talents held no real power and were young, they were undoubtedly among the most knowledgeable groups in Great Feng.
They were in the prime of their lives, with their memory, comprehension, and sharp thinking at their peak.
With their arrival, the Imperial Academy students’ confidence soared.
After the Hanlin Academy scholars took their seats, they conversed in low voices:
“I’ve read the ‘Northern Studio Compendium.’ It has merit, but it’s broad without depth.”
“For us, it may lack depth, but for scholars across the land, it’s quite profound.”
“This person is indeed formidable. In any single field, we might surpass him, but in terms of breadth of knowledge, we fall short.”
“Speaking of military strategy, no one in our Hanlin Academy can surpass Ci Jiu, right?”
Suddenly, all eyes turned towards a young man as beautiful as a painting.
Xu Xinnian sat behind his desk, clearly aware that not only his Hanlin Academy colleagues but also the nearby nobles and officials had turned to look at him.
That’s natural, as my main focus is military strategy… He was about to nod when he heard a sneer from among the nobles: “Pei Man Xilou is seeking guidance from Grand Scholar Zhang. Surely a teacher wouldn’t be inferior to his student?”
Xu Xinnian, somewhat irritated, spoke loudly: “The sage said, ‘In learning, age, and youth are irrelevant; the one who succeeds is the leader.’ Who says a student can’t surpass their teacher?”
The nobles and military officials burst into laughter. Knowing he was Xu Qi’an’s cousin, some laughed particularly heartily, their mockery written on their faces.
This Xu Xinnian was indeed knowledgeable, but apart from his sharp tongue, he didn’t particularly stand out in other areas at the Hanlin Academy.
Yet he dared to say a student could surpass their teacher, which was utterly laughable.
Huh? Insults?
The nobles and military officials suddenly realized, and their laughter abruptly ceased.
Xu Xinnian took a sip of tea and stood up with dignity.
…
Xu Qi’an, wearing light armor and a standard-issue sword at his waist, followed the carriages of Huai Qing and Lin’an to the venue. The luxurious carriages slowly came to a stop by the roadside, and Huai Qing in her elegant palace attire and Biaobiao in her fiery red dress alighted simultaneously.
Then, they both raised their hands to shield their eyes from the intense sunlight.
The princesses shielding their eyes from the sun… A certain guard’s mind conjured up this phrase, followed immediately by the sight of eunuchs raising ornate parasols to shield the two princesses from the sunlight.
Biaobiao turned back, searching the crowd with her watery, peach-blossom eyes, confused. She didn’t know which disguise the dog slave had taken on.
He’s disguised himself quite well… Biaobiao felt a bit disappointed, as she had often read in novels about how “people who like each other have a tacit understanding.”
As soon as the two princesses entered, they saw Xu Xinnian standing by his desk, passionately speaking and eloquently cursing, pointing angrily at a group of nobles.
The nobles and military officials were furious, attacking Xu Xinnian one after another with words. The latter stood firm, quoting classics and speaking sharply.
Many military officials had already started rolling up their sleeves.
The officials sipped their tea, leisurely watching the show.
Huai Qing frowned and scolded: “Outrageous!”
When she was angry, her demeanor was full of authority and had a surprisingly intimidating effect. Not only did Xu Xinnian stop his tirade, but even the enraged military officials who had been shouting quieted down.
The officials and nobles all stood up and bowed: “Greetings to the two princesses.”
Huai Qing snorted coldly and led Biaobiao and two guards to their seats.
Xu Xinnian took a sip of tea to moisten his throat, then looked towards Wang Simu seated in the upper left. She happened to be looking his way as well.
Yesterday, Wang Simu had specifically sought him out, hoping he would showcase his talents at the literary gathering to gain a good reputation and increase his prestige.
Miss Wang didn’t expect Xu Xinnian to dominate the gathering and shock everyone.
Because with Zhang Shen appearing, Mr. Zhang being Xu Xinnian’s teacher was enough.
Xu Xinnian smiled at her, just as he had smiled casually after hearing her yesterday.
At this moment, voices of respect came from the outer area: “Greetings to His Highness the Crown Prince, greetings to the Third Prince, the Fourth Prince…”
Those in the pavilion turned to look and saw the Crown Prince supporting an old man with white hair, leaning on a cane, walking along the path surrounded by imperial guards towards the pavilion.
“Grand Tutor?”
Huai Qing exclaimed in surprise.
Biaobiao instinctively shrank her head a little. She had been spanked by this old man for many years since she was young.
The Grand Tutor wasn’t targeting Lin’an specifically; he targeted all poor students.
The Crown Prince supported the Grand Tutor in the pavilion.
The officials all stood up and bowed respectfully.
In terms of seniority, everyone present was junior to the Grand Tutor.
Xu Xinnian bowed along with his colleagues, examining the old man supported by the Crown Prince. Though his hair was white, it was still thick – truly an enviable amount of hair.
His face was deeply wrinkled, with severe skin sagging, and his eyes were slightly cloudy, but this old man had a unique aura.
He remembered that Academy Director Zhao Shou had once said that the Grand Tutor was the only contemporary scholar to have cultivated righteous qi.
The Three Excellencies of the current dynasty were all of the first rank but had no real power. The Grand Tutor had originally been expected to lead the Imperial Cabinet, but years ago, when the Emperor was cultivating the Dao and neglecting state affairs, the Grand Tutor had wanted to beat the Emperor with a bamboo rod. He was stopped and thereafter had no chance in officialdom, so he devoted himself to scholarship in the palace.
I didn’t expect even the Grand Tutor to come… Xu Xinnian thought.
The Grand Tutor snorted coldly and looked at the Grand Sacrificer of the Imperial Academy, saying calmly: “I’ve been in seclusion for many years, only to find that each generation of the Imperial Academy is worse than the last.”
The Grand Sacrificer’s face turned red with embarrassment.
The officials who had also come from the Imperial Academy were somewhat uncomfortable as well.
The face of the court was their face.
A young barbarian making a name for himself in the capital would have been fine if it were in martial arts – barbarians were known for their crude warrior ways. But it was in scholarship that he had gained fame.
It’s worth noting that the greatest pride of the human race was their culture. “All pursuits are inferior, only studying is supreme.”
Confucianism was the system of the Central Plains human race, a unique cultural treasure, and a source of pride for countless people.
Seeing the atmosphere grow tense, Huai Qing stood up, nudged the Crown Prince away from the Grand Tutor’s side, and supported him to his seat. Her voice was cool:
“Grand Tutor, Pei Man Xilou’s talent is indeed impressive, but if we only discuss the Four Books and Five Classics, the Grand Sacrificer is not inferior to him. People who are both broadly learned and deeply knowledgeable are very rare. But don’t worry, with Zhang Shen present, I’m sure everything will be fine.”
The Grand Tutor patted Huai Qing’s hand and smiled a little:
“If Your Highness were born male, how could that barbarian have a chance to show off in the capital? I’ve come to join this commotion because I refuse to believe it. Our Great Feng’s scholarly world has produced countless talents and rising stars. Is there no one who can suppress a barbarian who has only learned the superficial teachings of the sages?”
At this moment, a light chuckle came from outside the pavilion, carrying a hint of leisure, and refuted:
“The sage said, ‘In education, there is no distinction of classes.’ Grand Tutor, you keep saying ‘barbarian’ this and ‘barbarian’ that. Have you truly taken the sage’s teachings to heart?”
Outside the pavilion, Pei Man Xilou with his head full of white hair, accompanied by the charming and graceful Huang Xian’er and the cold-natured vertical-pupiled youth, entered the pavilion with ease.
Though they were foreigners and guests, they carried themselves with a relaxed air as if they were the hosts of the literary gathering.
They showed no concern or timidity in the face of the imposing presence of the officials, nobles, and military officers.
The Imperial Academy students, Hanlin Academy scholars, officials, nobles, and military officers… all silently gazed at Pei Man Xilou, this barbarian with stunning talent and profound knowledge.
No one responded, but they subtly straightened their backs, and steadied their emotions, as if facing a formidable opponent.
“I am the eldest son of the Pei Man clan from the White Head tribe, Pei Man Xilou. Greetings to all!”
Pei Man Xilou used his knowledge to create the image of a scholar of exceptional talent. He had already achieved his goal.
For this literary gathering, he planned to push his reputation to new heights, paving the way for subsequent negotiations.
…
Xu Mansion.
Chu Yuanzhen sat in the courtyard by a stone table, holding a wine cup. Beside him sat Li Na, Li Miaozhenzhen, and Xu Ling’yin.
“How can he enter the imperial city? What’s he doing there? Isn’t he afraid Emperor Yuanjing will chop off his dog’s head?” Chu Yuanzhen said sourly.
He was very envious of the literary gathering. As a swordsman with a scholar’s background and a former top graduate, this kind of top-level confrontation at a literary gathering held a fatal attraction for Chu Yuanzhen.
But he couldn’t enter the imperial city anymore, let alone participate in a literary gathering in public. All of this was because of Xu Qi’an. If it hadn’t been for helping him back then, how could he be in such a miserable state now?
So he came over to drink with him and complained a bit.
Unexpectedly, the instigator himself had gone in.
Chu Yuanzhen’s heart was as sour as if he had eaten a lemon.
“I want to go too,” Xu Ling’yin said in her crisp voice.
“A literary gathering is just a bunch of scholars discussing boring things. You wouldn’t want to go. Such places have nothing to do with us, master and disciple. Why don’t we stay home and eat pastries and drink sweet rice wine instead?”
Li Na took the opportunity to educate her disciples. She was quite sensible and hoped her disciple would gradually become sensible too.
“Master, there’s lots of delicious food at literary gatherings. Last time when Big Pot fought with the monk, I followed an uncle and ate many delicious things,” Xu Ling’yin delivered a fatal blow.
“Oh right, how could I forget, literary gatherings have fine wine and delicacies,” Li Na’s eyes sparkled.
What a tricky angle… Chu Yuanzhen patted Xu Ling’yin’s head, finding this silly girl quite adorable. Then he remembered the nightmare lesson at Cloud Deer Academy that day.
He silently withdrew his hand.
Li Miaozhenzhen said, “That barbarian has been quite arrogant lately. I find it uncomfortable and can’t help wanting to stab him with my sword.”
Stabbing whoever you dislike, are you the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Sect?… Chu Yuanzhen felt that Li Miaozhenzhen was the most problematic member of the Heaven and Earth Society.
Number One’s identity was unclear, Number Three Xu Cijiu was a gentleman, Number Six Heng Yuan was compassionate, Number Five Li Na might not be smart and loved to eat, but she didn’t have any flaws that made people want to “speak their mind.”
Numbers Seven and Eight had been “missing” for many years.
Number Nine, Daoist Master Jin Lian, was gentle-natured, a respectable elder who cultivated virtue. His character was praiseworthy, and he had no bad habits.
Only Li Miaozhenzhen was the most exasperating. As the Holy Maiden of the Heavenly Sect, she should have been aloof and cold. But after two years of experience in the mundane world, she had transformed herself into a Flying Swallow Heroine, eager to right wrongs and eliminate evil.
“The scholars of the Imperial Academy are so incompetent that they have to rely on the scholars from Cloud Deer Academy to handle this,” Li Miaozhenzhen said.
Chu Yuanzhen nodded with a smile: “Zhang Shen’s ‘Six Treatises on Military Strategy’ is exquisite. With him stepping forward, that barbarian won’t be arrogant for long. However, the fact that this person could author the ‘Northern Studio Compendium’ is enough to establish a school of thought and become a renowned Confucian scholar of his generation.”
Li Miaozhenzhen frowned, sensing that Chu Yuanzhen wasn’t optimistic about Zhang Shen, and asked, “Is this barbarian that formidable?”
Chu Yuanzhen nodded.
“If it’s about poetry, surely Xu Ningyuan is more skilled, right?” Li Miaozhenzhen asked cautiously.
Chu Yuanzhen snorted.
Li Miaozhenzhen frowned and asked, “Is it still uncertain?”
Chu Yuanzhen shook his head and laughed: “No, Xu Ningyuan’s poetic talent is unparalleled throughout history, but this isn’t a poetry gathering. Besides, Xu Ningyuan can’t appear either.”
…
In the marketplace.
Although ordinary citizens couldn’t enter the imperial city, their discussions about the literary gathering were intense, and they were extremely eager for the results.
Even the hardworking peddlers, while eating a bowl of noodles at a small stall, could hear the neighboring tables constantly discussing the literary gathering, commenting on state affairs, and passionately debating.
“This reminds me of last year’s magic duel. What a sensation that was. In the end, our Xu Yinluo stepped forward and turned the tide,” a peddler in a blue gown said loudly, slurping his noodles.
“A literary gathering isn’t a magic duel. It’s a pity Xu Yinluo isn’t a scholar, he can’t help,” his companion responded regretfully.
The noodle stall owner lifted the lid of the hot pot, putting in noodles while joining the conversation, indignantly saying, “The Imperial Academy scholars are useless, actually losing to a barbarian. I’m embarrassed for them.”
Diners at other tables couldn’t help but say, “If only Xu Yinluo were a scholar.”
In the eyes of the common people, Xu Yinluo was an omnipotent hero, a legendary figure of Great Feng, and a truly conscientious important figure.
So they had a blind worship of him, believing Xu Yinluo could do anything. But reason told them that Xu Yinluo wasn’t a scholar, and his knowledge was certainly not as good as that barbarian’s.
Therefore, they could only sigh: If only Xu Yinluo were a scholar.
The noodle stall owner handed a bowl of noodles to a customer, smiling, “But this barbarian dares to challenge the great scholar of Cloud Deer Academy, he doesn’t know his limitations.”
The diners all laughed.
…
In the imperial palace, in the bedchamber.
Emperor Yuanjing sat lazily on the couch, reading a Daoist scripture. Footsteps approached, and the old eunuch returned with small steps, whispering:
“News from the literary gathering, Pei Man Xilou has discussed with the gentlemen of the Hanlin Academy about classics interpretation, policy discussion, people’s livelihood, agriculture, history… and he’s not falling behind.”
“Not falling behind is already a loss of face for our Great Feng,” Emperor Yuanjing said expressionlessly.
Seeing the emperor’s expression, the old eunuch knew he was displeased.
After all, Pei Man Xilou showing off like this was most embarrassing for the ruler of a country.
“Has there been any discussion of poetry?” Emperor Yuanjing suddenly asked.
The old eunuch shook his head.
“At least he knows his limits,” Emperor Yuanjing sneered, his laughter just starting when he suddenly frowned and snorted coldly.
After a pause, Emperor Yuanjing asked, “Zhang Shen hasn’t arrived yet?”
The old eunuch lowered his head: “Mr. Zhang hasn’t come yet.”
Emperor Yuanjing nodded slowly: “No rush, the main topic of the gathering hasn’t started yet. Although the scholars from Cloud Deer Academy are annoying, they’ve never disappointed in terms of knowledge.”
His demeanor was quite relaxed.
…
What was the main topic of the literary gathering?
It was war, the war happening in the north.
Among the representatives of the Imperial Academy, a student stood up and spoke passionately:
“The barbarians have been harassing our borders for years, killing our Great Feng people, causing far-reaching harm. Now that they’ve been crushed under the iron hooves of the Jing State in the northeast, they shamelessly come to our Great Feng seeking aid.
“Barbarians will always be barbarians, shameless.”
The Imperial Academy students in the outer area all responded, angrily cursing the barbarians as “shameless”.
Huang Xian’er smiled, seemingly unconcerned, twirling her hair with her fingers.
The vertical-pupil youth was full of anger, desperately suppressing the violent and bloodthirsty nature of snakes, his cold vertical pupils sweeping a glance at that student.
Pei Man Xilou remained calm, even smiling, and said:
“The Shaman Religion dominates the northeast of the Nine Provinces, with only three provinces between them and Great Feng. With Great Feng’s population and military strength, at a certain cost, you could keep them out of those three provinces.”
He paused, seeing the officials and military officers showing expressions of agreement, then continued:
“But if the northern territories are also occupied by the Shaman Religion, the Jing State cavalry could march south directly to the capital. Then Kang State and Yan State could attack from the east in coordination. Wouldn’t Great Feng be in danger then?
“As is well known, there are endless grasslands in the north. If the Jing State gets the northern territories, they could raise even more cavalry. At that time, even with cannons and crossbows, Great Feng wouldn’t be able to stop these ‘invincibles’ on land.
“So, Great Feng sending troops isn’t helping us Divine Tribe, but helping itself. Our Divine Tribe has difficulty reproducing, with a low population. Even if we occasionally harass the border, we don’t have the troops to march south, posing a limited threat to Great Feng. But the Shaman Religion is different.”
No one refuted it.
The top students from the Hanlin Academy, the students from the Imperial Academy, and even the court officials, actually all agreed with his words.
The northeast controlled by the Shaman Religion was rich in resources, suitable for both hunting and farming, and farming civilizations had the most thriving populations.
The population of the Shaman Religion was far less than that of Great Feng, but that was because their territory was limited.
If the northern territories fell into the hands of the Shaman Religion, and they moved some of their population there, in at most twenty years, the population of the Shaman Religion would double, at least double.
Pei Man Xilou said solemnly: “At that time, what our Divine Tribe is experiencing today will be Great Feng’s future.”
Xu Xinnian silently observed.
These fools have unknowingly let the other side take control, he thought. Shouldn’t you be discussing the stakes? How did you end up discussing the necessity of sending troops? Of course, troops must be sent, that’s beyond doubt… Oh, discussing stakes seems to be something to do at the negotiation table, it’s the officials’ business, and indeed not suitable to discuss at this time.
The core of this literary gathering was actually for the Great Feng side to destroy Pei Man Xilou’s image, to break his prestige.
But the situation didn’t look too optimistic. This guy was eloquent and persuasive, and he held the “moral high ground” of the necessity to send troops.
Xu Xinnian’s gaze shifted, and he noticed that many military officers were eager to say something, but in the end, they frowned and remained silent.
At least they know their limits, these military officers might be passable at cursing, but debating? Even with their rich experience in leading troops, they’re no match for Pei Man Xilou. Tch, crude warriors…
“Aren’t the officials usually sharp-tongued in court? When the Grand Tutor was hitting my palm, weren’t you all eloquent? Why are you all silent now?” Biaobiao said anxiously.
“How could the Grand Tutor step in? He’s a highly respected elder, the difference in seniority is too great. Even if he won, it wouldn’t be glorious, people would only say our Great Feng is bullying the weak. The same applies to the officials, and besides, if the officials stepped in, I guarantee Pei Man Xilou would actively challenge them to a contest of knowledge…”
Huai Qing, unusually talkative, explained to her foolish sister:
“The officials’ knowledge, except for a few Grand Academicians, has all been neglected.”
Biaobiao’s eyes widened, and she murmured, “Then what can we do? It’s infuriating.”
The Imperial Academy students looked grave, and the top students from the Hanlin Academy also looked as if facing a formidable enemy, their expressions not good.
Prime Minister Wang sighed, “Pei Man Xilou’s talent is truly stunning, it’s really surprising.”
The young officials from the Hanlin Academy, who had entered full of confidence, now had a different demeanor, silent and serious.
Wang Simu kept looking at Xu Er Lang, hoping he would stand out and perform.
Prime Minister Wang noticed his daughter’s gaze and said, “Why is Er Lang so silent today?”
Wang Simu frowned.
Just as everyone was speechless and racking their brains for a strategy, a flash of clear light appeared above Luhu Lake, and Zhang Shen, wearing a Confucian robe and hat, appeared out of thin air.
Then, he fell toward the lake’s surface.
Another flash of clear light and Zhang Shen appeared in the pavilion, his expression still showing traces of fear.
The boast he’s making is: The place I was at wasn’t Cloud Deer Academy, it was Luhu Lake. So I almost fell into the lake… Xu Qi’an inwardly mocked.
“Grand Scholar Zhang has arrived.”
“Mr. Zhang is finally here, I knew Mr. Zhang wouldn’t be absent.”
The students in the outer area cheered, feeling relieved.
The officials smiled, and those who had a relationship with Zhang Shen spoke up: “Brother Jinyan, you’ve finally come.”
Zhang Shen nodded coolly, then saw the Grand Tutor and hurriedly bowed: “Student Zhang Shen greets the Grand Tutor.”
The Grand Tutor grunted in acknowledgment, and his constantly stern face finally showed a smile: “Zhang Jinyan, this young man from the White Head tribe wants to seek your guidance on military strategy. Give him some pointers.”
The atmosphere in the pavilion immediately became lively.
Zhang Shen looked around, then turned to the snow-haired Pei Man Xilou and said, “Are you the Pei Man Xilou who authored the ‘Northern Studio Compendium’?”
For the first time, Pei Man Xilou stood up and bowed, “Student greets Mr. Zhang.”
Zhang Shen waved his hand: “No need for formalities. You want to have a contest of military strategy with me?”
The pavilion suddenly became quiet, everyone eagerly anticipating.
Huang Xian’er sat up slightly straighter, narrowing her eyes as she gazed at the scholar from Cloud Deer Academy.
The vertical-pupil youth suppressed his arrogant aura. This fourth-rank expert of the Confucian system was Pei Man’s “enemy” for this literary gathering. Although he looked down on scholars, the scholars from Cloud Deer Academy were not within his scope of contempt.
Even though the Confucian system had declined for many years, its accumulated prestige remained.
“This student is shallow in knowledge and seeks guidance from the teacher,” Pei Man Xilou smiled gently, confident.
Zhang Shen rolled his eyes:
“Aren’t you being unreasonable? I haven’t led troops for over twenty years, I’ve almost forgotten what it feels like to sleep with a weapon as a pillow. What I say is still the same set from over twenty years ago, what military strategy can you discuss with me?
“Why don’t you go discuss military strategy with Wei Yuan? That old fox has been presiding over the court, with hidden agents all over the world, strategizing for twenty years without cease, just waiting for the day to unleash all at once.”
Pei Man Xilou smiled and said, “Isn’t that also being unreasonable, sir?”
The vertical-pupil youth couldn’t help but interject, snorting coldly, “Why don’t you have Pei Man compete in magic with the Imperial Observer?”
This time, Pei Man Xilou didn’t rebuke the youth, but smiled and asked:
“Then let’s not seek guidance on military strategy. I’ve long admired Sir’s military writings. I’ve heard that sir is proficient in military strategy, and your ‘Six Treatises on Military Strategy’ is widely circulated and praised by all.
“This humble student has also authored a book on military strategy. This book took several years to complete, not only incorporating Central Plains military strategies but also including the ways of barbarian cavalry warfare. I’d like to request sir’s guidance.”
As he spoke, he looked towards the vertical-pupiled youth beside him.
Xuan Yin opened the small wooden box at his feet and took out a thick book: ‘Northern Studio Military Treatise’.
On the Great Feng side, everyone looked at each other in surprise, truly not expecting that this person was not only proficient in military strategy but had even written a book on it.
Scholars value writing books and establishing doctrines, and even those with profound knowledge are very cautious about writing books. They would revise a book for many years before making it public and widely known.
As for some essays and notes, at this time, they couldn’t really be called “books”.
For example, the ‘Queries on the Great Zhou’ that Xu Qi’an had seen at Cloud Deer Academy were just notes, not considered a book.
So, people were half skeptical about Pei Man Xilou’s words.
The Grand Tutor’s expression sank.
Prime Minister Wang and other veteran officials also became solemn, having a bad premonition.
Out of respect for books, Zhang Shen very seriously took it with both hands. The lake breeze blew, making the pages rustle as he quickly flipped through them.
Zhang Shen’s changing expressions were seen by everyone present. First surprise, then appreciation, and finally excitement.
Pei Man Xilou asked, “What does sir think of this book?”
Zhang Shen didn’t answer immediately, pondering for a moment before sighing, “Excellent.”
“The book is divided into three volumes. The first volume on the Way of War discusses what military strategy is, and what war is. Even those unfamiliar with warfare can understand what war is after reading it, it’s comprehensive.
“The second volume on strategy is brilliant. ‘Troops have no constant position, water has no constant shape’ – it’s described perfectly. The twelve strategies for attack are remarkable.
“Most impressive is the third volume, which meticulously studies troop deployment and formation. It provides many formations combining martial artists and ordinary soldiers, greatly enhancing the usefulness of ordinary troops.”
Pei Man Xilou was indeed a scholar of stunning talent. In the way of military strategy, he, Zhang Shen, had lost. Confucianism emphasizes open-mindedness, and he couldn’t bring himself to stubbornly deny it.
Moreover, losing this literary gathering was most embarrassing for Emperor Yuanjing and the court. Cloud Deer Academy had long been expelled from the court, so he did not need to go against his conscience for the sake of those good-for-nothings at the Imperial Academy.
Zhang Shen sighed deeply, “My ‘Six Treatises on Military Strategy’ is indeed inferior to your ‘Northern Studio Military Treatise’. I concede defeat.”
“They say the scholars of Cloud Deer Academy are of noble character. It’s well-deserved praise.”
Pei Man Xilou laughed, laughing heartily.
Why did he choose Zhang Shen as a stepping stone? There were three reasons: Zhang Shen was famous enough; Zhang Shen had been in seclusion for over twenty years; Zhang Shen was a Cloud Deer Academy scholar, frank and of guaranteed moral character. As long as his military book could convince the other party, he wouldn’t suppress it against his conscience.
A gentleman can be deceived with propriety – this was the principle.
The pavilion fell silent, everyone losing their expression.
The vertical-pupil youth Xuan Yin hissed with laughter, “They say Great Feng’s literary way is flourishing, full of scholarly talents. It seems none compare to my Brother Pei Man. Brother, when you return to the north, you’ll be our Divine Tribe’s Xu Yinluo.”
He meant being as beloved as Xu Qi’an.
Hearing this, the Imperial Academy students outside the pavilion felt both ashamed and angry. They wanted to refute and curse, but felt too ashamed to speak, knowing that cursing would only be more embarrassing. They gritted their teeth in frustration.
The top students from the Hanlin Academy looked extremely awkward.
In other academic fields, they could still discuss and debate back and forth, but when it came to warfare, these top students had never even been to a battlefield. They had no right to speak, and talking about war on paper would only invite ridicule.
Huang Xian’er giggled coquettishly, though it wasn’t clear if she was happy or mocking.
“This literary gathering is completely pointless. I wish I hadn’t come,” a female attendee complained.
They had come with expectations and enthusiasm, wanting to see the barbarian put in his place, not to see him showing off and defeating Great Feng’s scholars.
Huai Qing sighed. As a woman, it wasn’t appropriate for her to step in on such an occasion. Besides, in terms of military strategy, she had only read some military books.
That Pei Man Xilou was the young master of the White Head tribe, experienced in warfare. His level was certainly much higher than hers.
“Help me back!”
The Grand Tutor gripped his cane, thumping it three times forcefully, growling.
The old man’s face was full of disappointment.
…
In the bedchamber.
The old eunuch ran in quickly, his face anxious.
Behind the lowered curtains, on the couch, Emperor Yuanjing glanced at him without speaking.
The old eunuch said softly, “Zhang Shen… admitted defeat…”
“Smack!”
Emperor Yuanjing threw the book at the old eunuch’s face.
…
By Luhu Lake, in the pavilion.
Pei Man Xilou bowed to all directions, smiling gently, with an attitude of neither arrogance in victory nor despair in defeat: “Thank you all for your guidance. Great Feng is indeed a place where the literary way flourishes, making one yearn for it.”
These words sounded like mockery to everyone’s ears. No, they were mockery.
The Grand Tutor’s face was as dark as water, quickening his pace.
The officials all stood up, silently leaving their seats, planning to leave.
“Thud!”
The sound of a wine cup being placed heavily on the table was somewhat loud, drawing sidelong glances from those around.
Xu Er Lang stood up gracefully, speaking loudly: “My elder brother has a poem: ‘Enduring to see little ones become new nobles, anger mounts the arena to strike again.'”
His voice spread out.
The Grand Tutor stopped, turning back to look.
The officials, nobles, and military officers looked over.
The Imperial Academy students looked over.
Pei Man Xilou looked in surprise at this young Hanlin Academy official who had spoken out in the challenge.
Xu Xinnian looked at the white-haired barbarian, saying calmly, “This official would like to discuss military strategy with you.”
As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar all around.
“Ci Jiu!”
His colleagues from the Hanlin Academy all signaled with their eyes, telling him not to be rash.
Xu Cijiu had a good reputation in official circles, all accumulated from when he had blocked the gate and angrily cursed the Prince of Huai during the Chu Prefecture massacre case.
This reputation was hard-won. If it were to be destroyed due to a moment of indignation and impulsiveness, it would be too much of a pity.
“Zhang is his teacher, and even he lost. Does Xu Cijiu think he can win?”
“Why bother embarrassing himself further? Even the great scholar Zhang praised Pei Man Xilou’s military book, admitting inferiority.”
“We’re all indignant too, but, but this Xu Cijiu is too rash.”
The Imperial Academy students discussed it among themselves.
Pei Man Xilou doubted if he had heard correctly, staring at Xu Xinnian for a moment before suddenly remembering that this was Zhang Shen’s disciple.
But… even though the teacher had lost, did the student still think he could turn the situation around?
The vertical-pupil youth Xuan Yin wore a cold smile, while Huang Xian’er played with her wine cup listlessly, saying faintly, “Boring.”
Wang Simu stared with wide eyes in shock. She hadn’t expected that Xu Xinnian had been holding back for so long, just for this moment.
Acting on impulse! Prime Minister Wang was furious inside.
“Lord Xu, have you ever trained troops?” Pei Man Xilou asked with a smile.
Xu Xinnian shook his head.
“Have you ever been on a battlefield?” Pei Man Xilou asked again.
Xu Xinnian shook his head again.
This scholar born among barbarians shook his head slightly, “Although you major in military strategy, it’s all just theoretical. How can you discuss military strategy with me?”
The vertical-pupil youth Xuan Yin mocked, “Don’t tell me you’ve also written a military book and want to bring it out to compete with my big brother?”
Seeing Xu Xinnian mocked by the barbarians, everyone else felt embarrassed too.
Zhang Shen looked at his favorite disciple in surprise, thinking, has this boy lost his mind? Even if I admitted inferiority, why is he jumping out? To avenge me?
However, it might be good for him to suffer a setback. Xu Cijiu had been too smooth sailing, whether in family background, studies, or official career, he hadn’t suffered any major setbacks.
Xu Xinnian raised his chin, saying proudly, “That’s right, I do have a military book here. Please, Brother Pei Man, give me some guidance.”
“!!!”
Including Zhang Shen, everyone stared blankly at Xu Xinnian, their eyes extremely confused. Like Pei Man Xilou, they doubted if their ears were working properly.
Ignoring everyone, Xu Xinnian took out a thread-bound book with a light brown cover from his bosom.
Pei Man Xilou saw four characters written on the cover: Sun Tzu’s Art of War.
Well-read as he was, he had no impression of this name. It wasn’t a currently circulating military book, nor was it one of those rehashed military books that the court had just revised and gifted to him.
But he was a book lover and wouldn’t disrespect any book because of its title. He reached out to take it and began to read with a smile.
“War is a matter of vital importance to the State; the province of life or death; the road to survival or ruin. It must be thoroughly studied…”
The opening was quite good, simply stating the importance of war, quite to the point.
He continued reading:
“Therefore, measure in terms of five things, use these assessments to make comparisons, and thus find out what the conditions are. The five things are the Way, Heaven, Earth, the Commander, and Law.”
Pei Man Xilou nodded slightly, putting aside his slight contempt and scrutiny. To be able to write this sentence, the author indeed had some real skill.
When he read “All warfare is based on deception,” he was finally moved, his pupils contracting slightly: “Excellent, excellent! This statement is truly profound.”
Pei Man Xilou read on eagerly, gradually immersing himself in the ocean of knowledge, forgetting everything around him.
The book had thirteen chapters, with profound and extensive content. It not only described war theories and experiences but even summarized the laws of war.
This book had transcended the realm of tactics. The things expounded in the book were not limited to simple tactics and strategies, but something more macroscopic and higher-level.
For example, the book said that politics is an important factor in determining the outcome of war. The level suddenly elevated, and Pei Man Xilou felt as if he had been enlightened.
Barbarians fought wars only for plunder, and Pei Man Xilou also believed that war was just war. Factors outside the battlefield were important, but the outcome of war ultimately depended on the difference in combat power between the two sides.
The book wasn’t very long; compared to its thick volume, it seemed quite simple. But every word was a gem, every sentence worth pondering for a long time.
In contrast, his work of recording various battles, trying hard to analyze details in words, summarizing various formations, emphasizing the importance of soldiers… it was laughable.
Of course, this book also had its flaws. For example, it didn’t mention the role of martial artists at all, nor how to utilize them.
After a long time, Pei Man Xilou finally broke free from his immersive reading, letting out a satisfied sigh: “I’ve benefited greatly, truly benefited greatly…”
Then he noticed that the Great Feng people around him were staring at him.
Everyone was stunned.
Pei Man Xilou’s series of expressions just now had fully demonstrated to them words like “overjoyed,” “awestruck,” and “eager and thirsty for knowledge.”
It made people extremely curious about what was written in the book to make such a talented figure react in this way.
Pei Man Xilou looked at Xu Xinnian, then at the “Art of War” in his hand, hesitating, struggling, and finally letting out a long sigh. He bowed deeply:
“Lord Xu, I have lost.
“I have no other request, I only humbly ask Lord Xu to allow me to copy this book. I am willing to perform the rites of a disciple and address you as a teacher.”
This book was indeed far superior to his “Northern Studio Military Treatise.” There was no point in being stubborn.
The vertical-pupil youth Xuan Yin’s eyes were wide and round: “Big brother, you, you…”
The charming and graceful Huang Xian’er, at this moment, her pretty face finally lost its lazy and casual confidence, her expression changing slightly.
An uproar arose as if a pot had exploded.
Pei Man Xilou had admitted defeat, acknowledging his inferiority.
Moreover, in order to be able to copy the military book authored by Xu Cijiu, he was even willing to position himself as a student.
The nobles and military officers stared intently at the military book in Pei Man Xilou’s hand as if it were the most tempting thing in the world.
Prime Minister Wang looked deeply at Xu Er Lang, his eyes and expression seeming to freeze.
Wang Simu’s heart was pounding wildly, looking at Xu Er Lang standing proudly in the center with adoration.
The Grand Tutor, leaning on his cane, took two steps forward, squinting his eyes, looking up and down, and then thumped his cane twice forcefully, stroking his beard and laughing heartily:
“This is what a Great Feng scholar should be, this is a true rising star.”
The Third Princess and Fourth Princess looked at Xu Cijiu, their eyes sparkling.
“The Xu family truly has two outstanding talents. Xu Qi’an is already dazzling, and this Xu Cijiu is not inferior in the slightest,” someone sighed.
Zhang Shen snatched the military book from Pei Man Xilou’s hand, reading it with deep confusion.
His expression changed, identical to Pei Man Xilou’s just now.
When he finished reading, he was dumbfounded.
“No, no, who wrote this military book? Ci Jiu, who wrote it?” Zhang Shen asked excitedly.
How could he not know his disciple’s level? Xu Cijiu was outstanding in military strategy, but he absolutely couldn’t have authored such a heaven-spanning military book.
The author of this book was someone else.
Zhang Shen was eager to know who the original author was. Great Feng had such a figure.
Xu Xinnian slowly nodded: “This military book indeed wasn’t written by me.”
The uproar in the hall paused, everyone looking at him blankly and confusedly, then glancing at Zhang Shen.
Gradually understanding, this military book convinced Pei Man Xilou, that the author was someone else.
“Is it Wei Yuan, is it Wei Yuan?” Zhang Shen asked again.
A series of gazes fell on Xu Er Lang.
Wei Yuan… Pei Man Xilou murmured.
Ah, Wei Yuan! Everyone suddenly realized.
“What does this have to do with Duke Wei?”
Xu Er Lang frowned slightly, somewhat displeased. His gaze swept across everyone, raising his voice: “This is a military book authored by my elder brother.”
In an instant, inside and outside the pavilion, by Luhu Lake, it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.