Angry Banana

Chapter 365: What the Heart Desires, Universal Harmony (Part 1)

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The news about Guo Yaoshi's Changsheng Army surrendering spread throughout the city. While it became the focus of everyone's after-dinner conversations in the past couple of days, in Bianliang City, those at the top of the Wu Dynasty pyramid, who promoted the implementation of this matter, were also savoring the joyful results of their victory. Search: \(¨End¨Book¨God¨Station¨) to read quality literature for free.

In the past year, the Jin people's offensive has been fierce, and they have taken nearly half of the Liao Kingdom's territory. With this ebb and flow, it can almost be said that the death knell of the Liao Kingdom has been sounded. In the Wu Dynasty court, many people believe in the principle of "those who gain the Tao will receive more support, and those who lose the Tao will receive little support." At this time, attracting the Changsheng Army is the best proof of this principle.

Since the beginning of the war, the balance of power between the main battle and main peace factions in the court has tilted quite significantly, but the main peace faction still has a considerable number of people. And the main battle faction is not united. In the subtle situation of successive defeats in the later stages of the war, they gradually divided into two factions. One faction demanded that the front-line troops fight hard and win to show their strength, so that they could have a better say in the subsequent negotiations with the Jin people. The other faction, due to repeated defeats, began to advocate preserving their strength, using military tactics, sitting on the mountain to watch the tigers fight, and then taking advantage of the situation after both Jin and Liao were injured.

These two statements existed from the beginning, but they only clearly split apart after the war situation changed. But in any case, the bottom line of the main battle faction is to recover You and Yan, and at least not let the main peace faction gain the upper hand. When the news of the Changsheng Army's surrender was confirmed, the latter's voice prevailed among the people. At this time, the north was holding back its troops, and Tong Guan led the imperial army north, but before the war started again, Guo Yaoshi surrendered, which was in line with the style of a benevolent king of the Shang Dynasty. For most people, this was a sign of the Wu Dynasty's revival.

The calls were enthusiastic, and everyone was united. At this time, the way to celebrate was naturally various banquets and gatherings. In these two days, businesses in Bianliang City that organized various gatherings made a fortune, and various brothels and courtesan houses also had considerable income. Several literary gatherings were held with great fanfare. A talented scholar named Yu Shaoyuan wrote "Rhapsody on the Kingly Way" in Sijing Garden, which was praised as a rare masterpiece in the past hundred years, with the legacy of the Tang Dynasty. The article was written in parallel prose, lavishly explaining the inevitability of the Wu Dynasty's return to prosperity, and its literary talent was breathtaking.

The prosperity of literature can naturally be regarded as a manifestation of the prosperity of the world. Everyone will not have any objections to this. After writing "Rhapsody on the Kingly Way," Yu Shaoyuan was favored by Ji Wanqing, the most beautiful courtesan in the capital, and in these two days, he became a legend spread throughout the capital, vaguely comparable to Zhou Bangyan, Zheng Shuhe, Wang Yuanshi, and Xie Daosan, who are now known as the Four Great Talents of the Capital.

These things are the most popular trends of this era, and they cannot be bypassed no matter where you are. This afternoon, in the Right Chancellor's residence, several people were circulating and discussing "Rhapsody on the Kingly Way." This is the east courtyard of the Right Chancellor's residence, which is very close to Qin Siyuan's study. The room is full of books and documents, which proves that these people are Qin Siyuan's trusted staff or advisors. One of them is a handsome middle-aged monk, and the other three are thirty, forty, and fifty years old, respectively. The temperament of the three is mature and stable, but their ages seem to be written on their faces, giving people that feeling at a glance.

"...Lavish and magnificent, Yu Shaoyuan can be called a genius in literature... He's only in his early twenties this year, which reminds me of Wang Zian..." The speaker was the elderly man in his fifties, shaking his head in admiration after reading the rhapsody. The Wang Zian in his mouth was Wang Bo, one of the Four Great Talents of the early Tang Dynasty who wrote "Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng." Those who can be staff members in the Right Chancellor's residence are all talented people. The old man's comparison of Yu Shaoyuan to Wang Zian is enough to prove the other's achievements.

However, after he said this, he was immediately met with disapproval. The speaker was the man in his thirties who was writing at his desk not far away, raising his eyebrows: "The writing is good, but it's just empty sighs, the argument is not enough. If only the kingly way and righteousness can revitalize the country and secure the country... Well, although it's not without reason, in that case, Mr. Nian, what are we doing?"

"He's only in his early twenties, it's enough to have talent. Besides, revitalizing the country and securing the country should be based on the kingly way, and that's not wrong, haha, Zhouhai, why do you mind." The old man called Mr. Nian smiled, and the monk who was drinking tea by the window raised his head: "If we talk about talent, it may be comparable to Zhou Meicheng, but... I'm afraid it's still not as good as that 'A Night of Fish and Dragon Dance' who is coming up..."

"That's an alien, don't compare him." The man in his thirties said, and the monk by the window nodded with a chuckle.

Among the few people, the middle-aged man in his forties looked dignified, but seemed relatively taciturn. Although he listened to the others, he never participated in the conversation. If they were placed outside, the people present would also be a little famous, or even frightening in many places.

The old man called Mr. Nian's surname is Yao, and his name is Yao Zunian. He was Qin Siyuan's staff member when he was young. He is knowledgeable and erudite. Although he followed Qin Siyuan before, he also has great fame in the officialdom and literary world. After Qin Siyuan resigned, he could have been given a future, and even his own fame was enough to switch to anyone's name. However, after experiencing the Black Water Alliance, his utilitarian heart faded, and he only came to help when Qin Siyuan was reinstated this time.

The middle-aged man in his forties is named Ji Kun. He was originally a servant taken in by Qin Siyuan when he was young. Later, he followed Qin Siyuan to study and read, and became one of Qin Siyuan's first few disciples. However, this person is not good at poetry and literature, but at doing things and arranging others to do things in a practical way. Although he looks dignified and even a little dull, in fact, when Qin Siyuan was in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, many people had learned about this person's ruthlessness. In his early years, Qin Siyuan resigned and did not want him to follow him to Jiangning and eventually become a housekeeper, so he let him go to the north with the Secret Investigation Division. After Qin Siyuan was reinstated, he returned from the Liao Kingdom. It seems that there is not much change, but he is more silent than before.

The man in his thirties was originally Qin Siyuan's disciple, surnamed Cheng, named Fang, and styled Zhouhai. He did not study with Qin Siyuan for a long time, but his personality was relatively cynical. He was quite famous in Damingfu, and some people in the capital also knew him. In his early years, he used good poems to challenge others at literary gatherings, and he was once a patron of the most beautiful courtesan. Occasionally, his name also appeared in the eyes of some people, but until now, he has not made much achievements in the officialdom and literary world. His ambition is not here, and when Qin Siyuan recruited him after his reinstatement, he came.

As for the monk, he can be truly regarded as a great name in the capital. This person's Dharma name is Jueming. He was originally the son of a prince. When he was young, he was handsome and talented. Later, he became a monk, which shocked the capital for a while. Although his talent is not as erudite as Yao Zunian, his talent in poetry and literature is firmly above the other three. Because he is already a monk, no one in the capital has listed him among the Four Great Talents, but compared to Zhou Bangyan, his reputation is not necessarily worse. Although Zen Master Jueming is a monk, he does not practice asceticism, but has extensive social connections and likes to make friends. At this time, he is in the Right Chancellor's residence, not as a staff member, but as a friend.

This afternoon, Qin Siyuan was not in the residence. After a few people chatted for a while, a servant came to report something and spoke to Ji Kun. Ji Kun went out for a while, and soon brought in a person with a smile. Yao Zunian glanced at him and then smiled: "Bu'er, I almost didn't recognize you."

The person who came was naturally Wenren Bu'er, who came from the wharf. He stood at the door and bowed to greet them: "Mr. Yao... Zen Master Jueming, it's been a long time since I've seen the two gentlemen. Ah, Zhouhai..."

Wenren Bu'er's age is similar to Cheng Zhouhai, but he looks younger. Everyone had seen each other several years ago. The people in the room actually knew about the Secret Investigation Division. In fact, Jueming's background and relationship, like Kang Xian, are also one of the protective umbrellas that support the Secret Investigation Division. Everyone already knew that Wenren Bu'er would come here, and they also knew what he had done in Hangzhou. At this time, they smiled and greeted each other. Cheng Zhouhai subconsciously looked outside the door several times. After Wenren Bu'er noticed it, he was a little puzzled: "Zhouhai, what are you looking at?"

Yao Zunian laughed aside: "He's probably looking at that 'A Night of Fish and Dragon Dance'. Since Bu'er has arrived, why didn't that Young Master Ning come?"

Hearing him mention Ning Yi, Wenren Bu'er laughed and told him about Ning Yi's search for a place to live, and then looked at Cheng Zhouhai, but thought of a reason: "That Ning Liheng's behavior is indeed a bit similar to Zhouhai, and Zhouhai has always been known for his poetry. Could it be that you are eager to hunt and want to find someone to learn from?"

Cheng Zhouhai's temperament is a bit cynical. Although his poetry is very good, he is somewhat disdainful of literary gatherings and discussions. According to him, he is very disgusted with those who deliberately show off and praise each other with insufficient standards. This is what Wenren Bu'er knew in the past. But Ning Yi's poems should be able to suppress his disdain. He thought of this and said it. Cheng Zhouhai smiled and shook his head, waving his hand: "It's not because of this... Hey, I'm afraid the Sixteenth Young Master will be criticized again..."

He murmured with a bit of joking. Yao Zunian and Jueming frowned and looked at each other: "That's right, where did Shaoyu go?"

Ji Kun said: "I'm afraid he's out looking for those young masters to play with again."

Wenren Bu'er couldn't help but feel a little puzzled. After asking, he learned that Qin Siyuan had sent someone to prepare to receive him and Ning Yi as soon as possible. This person was a nephew of Qin Siyuan in his hometown. Although he had not had much contact with people in his hometown during his resignation, after Qin Siyuan's reinstatement, many people from the Qin clan came to the capital to ask for care. In addition to taking money and food, and wanting to become officials, they also sent several young masters of the younger generation, entrusting Qin Siyuan to take care of them and give them a future.

Once he sits in the position of Right Chancellor, this kind of thing is almost endless. However, Qin Siyuan can't refuse to ignore them. Although he can push some away, some people still stay in the Right Chancellor's residence, which can be regarded as Qin Siyuan's selection of relatively good qualifications. This Sixteenth Young Master, Qin Shaoyu, is one of them.

However, these people were already in their teens and twenties when they were sent here. Qin Siyuan can no longer teach them how to be human, but can only teach them how to do things. But no matter how majestic he is, he can't really overwhelm his family. In the past year, these young masters, as soon as they came to the capital, first contracted the inevitable problems of various rich young men. They went out to play in groups, participated in literary gatherings, and played in brothels and courtesan houses, under the name of the young master of the Right Chancellor's residence. Qin Siyuan dealt with it several times, and even used family law, but in the Right Chancellor's residence, everything still seemed hasty. In this year, he mainly dealt with matters related to the Northern Expedition, making up for the lack of work over the years. There was no time to accumulate various rules at home.

He was also unable to completely close them off.

This time, when Ning Yi and others came up, he estimated the time and asked Qin Shaoyu to wait at the dock every day, and to take the two "cousins" to the residence in time. In the eyes of the old man, perhaps he also wanted Ning Yi and Wenren Bu'er to support the younger generation. Making friends with capable people is always good for his own children and nephews. However, first, the estimated date was vague, and second, there were various changes along the way. How could Qin Shaoyu's character really care about this matter every day? At this time, he missed it, and he would probably be scolded by the old man.

Hearing this, Wenren Bu'er smiled wryly for a while. If Qin Shaoyu was scolded, he would inevitably be angered by himself. No matter how estranged, it would not be a good thing. However, Yao Zunian and others could see his worries. Cheng Zhouhai waved his hand: "Don't worry, he can't accomplish anything, but he can't ruin anything either. The teacher must have a distinction in these matters... To be honest, although every family of dignitaries is like this, there will definitely be people who climb relatives and go through the back door, but the Prime Minister's residence is completely overthrown and rebuilt. During this period of time, they all came over in a rush. The teacher and madam are both overwhelmed..."

He paused: "However, I really want to see that Ning Liheng as soon as possible. The teacher also said to let him come to the residence as soon as possible... But you guessed the reason wrong."

Wenren Bu'er frowned and thought: "I know that he and the teacher are friends of the same age, but... it's not because of poetry?"

"It's not poetry, nor is it Liangshan. Although we are far inferior to him in what he has done in these matters, later the teacher and Mr. Nian and Master Jueming discussed that this Young Master Ning thinks about things... The way to solve problems is probably different from ordinary people. The teacher said he is an alien, but it's not like there are no such people. But what really makes people think deeply is this... I didn't notice it at first..."

Cheng Zhouhai said with a serious expression, and carefully took out a box from the cabinet next to him. Wenren Bu'er recognized it at a glance after opening it. This was some intelligence he sent from Hangzhou. There were a lot of things, bundled into a bundle. These intelligence had been sorted out, most of which had the opportunity to send after the city was broken, because there were too many. However, most of the messages sent to the capital after the city was broken were unimportant, but they were just a supplement to the entire situation.

"What kind of intelligence is this?"

"At first, you only sent a few articles, I glanced at them and threw them aside, and Mr. Nian and the others did the same." Cheng Zhouhai said, taking out the bottom few letters, and extracting the paper inside. Wenren Bu'er took it and looked at it for a long time, but frowned solidly. Because these things were really unimportant, he looked at half of it before finally remembering what it was, and then looked at the entire article carefully: "These? Is there any mystery in it?" For him, it was also a torture to read articles that were too naive and full of mistakes.

"There is a mystery." Cheng Zhouhai patted the big bundle next to him, "But I can't see it at once, I didn't see it."

Yao Zunian over there shook his head: "I'm ashamed, I didn't see it at the beginning either."

"I remember this is what Ning Liheng did in the Badao Camp at the beginning. He forced those Confucian scholars to write articles, but they were uneven in quality, and some of them were nonsense. Is there any code hidden in it?" Wenren Bu'er looked at it word by word for a while, and raised his head, "But it's useless now."

"I can't see it at once..." Cheng Zhouhai rubbed his forehead.

"You don't want to say..." After thinking for a long time, Wenren Bu'er thought of something, but for a moment, he found it difficult to summarize the language, "These things..."

Cheng Zhouhai smiled meaningfully: "The writing of these things is good and bad. If we only talk about the words, Ning Liheng really shouldn't have given a grain of rice to those literati. After you sent it, none of us cared about it. Until a few times, I found that the teacher actually took these articles to read, and even found all the things, and picked them all out one by one. We felt that there was a problem, and after the teacher told us, we were... really a little scared..." He paused and lowered his voice, "This is a heart-wrenching theory..."

"Are you kidding me?" Wenren Bu'er scanned the few people in the room, "At that time, I knew that he had set up a trap, and that Miss Liu from the Badao Camp believed it, but in the environment at that time, he would have died if he hadn't set up this trap. But you can't say that this thing is really possible. In that environment, he was caught for only two or three months... Are these things really possible?"

"In the thirteenth year of Qizong, Lu Jifang, a great Confucian scholar from Hezhou, gave away all his family property and implemented 'Great Harmony' in the local villages. All things were shared by everyone, eating and living with people, and working together. The village affairs were jointly decided by several 'Good Elders', with the intention of ensuring that the elderly had a place to end their lives, the strong had a place to use their talents, the young had a place to grow, and the widowed, lonely, and disabled had something to support..." Yao Zunian opened his mouth next to him.

"This kind of thing is not the first time in the past, but every time, the idea is excellent, but it mostly ends without success. Lu Jifang's lasted for three years. Later, it was said that the villagers became more and more lazy, and the village could not make ends meet. Lu Jifang persuaded the villagers to work, and wanted to restrain everyone in the name of 'Good Elders', but eventually aroused contradictions. Lu Jifang was killed in the conflict, and the villagers scattered. The local prefect later tried the case and believed that Lu Jifang had the intention of a saint, but was killed after giving away all his family property. After this case reached the Emperor, he sentenced twenty-three people to death, and they were all beheaded in the autumn..."

Wenren Bu'er said: "How can these two things be the same?"

"But they are actually similar." Cheng Zhouhai looked at him, "The teacher looked at everything he did in the Badao Camp in Hangzhou, one link after another, interlocking. He was not playing or deceiving people. Wenren, he knows what he's doing."

Wenren Bu'er was silent for a long time: "Zhouhai, tell me first whether this is a good thing or a bad thing."

"Of course it's a good thing, how can it be a bad thing!" Cheng Zhouhai spread his hands and said.

Wenren Bu'er breathed a sigh of relief, and Ji Kun handed him a cup of tea next to him.

"The teacher said that when he first met this child, he played chess well and took the sword in an unconventional way. Later, he wrote beautiful poems, and when disaster came, he had the talent to govern the country and benefit the people. Then he calmly responded to the enemy, which is the style of a great general. These things are placed on anyone, and they are all pillars of talent. But compared with the current situation, those things are nothing."

Ji Kun's tone was a little light, but steady, repeating Qin Siyuan's words: "Everyone can be Yao and Shun... This is the Taoism, Wenren, that Young Master Ning has the thought of Datong..."

He paused: "But it's also a bit dangerous." (To be continued. Please vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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