Chapter 180: A Poem of Exquisite Beauty

Chapter 180: A Poem of Exquisite Beauty

At Shanglin Academy, there was one lesson in the morning and another in the afternoon. The rest of the time, students were expected to study independently. For those like Xiao Yiyuan, who were preparing for the imperial examination next year, there wasn't much need for extensive tutoring. What they required was a teacher's guidance in resolving their doubts.

Xiao Yiyuan, a proud student and indirect disciple of the esteemed Master Fang, was also endowed with a talent for studiousness, earning him Master Fang's favor.

Today, after the afternoon class, Xiao Yiyuan headed straight for Master Fang's study with some questions in mind. The gatekeeper, now accustomed to his visits, no longer hindered him, instead greeting him with a bow and a smile, "Greetings, Master Xiao."

Xiao Yi Yuan held little regard for such mercenary individuals, but nonetheless, he courteously nodded to the pageboy in response. Years of scholarly pursuit had not brought him through great storms, yet they had taught him valuable lessons; better to offend a gentleman than a villain.

Upon entering Fang Da Ru's study, Xiao Yi Yuan found his teacher binding books with a smile on his face. Approaching, he offered, "Teacher, let me help you."

"Certainly," Fang Da Ru handed over the book he was binding and asked, "Yi Yuan, having traveled thousands of miles from the Southern Borders, did you chance upon any beautiful scenery?"

Xiao Yi Yuan hesitated for a moment before replying, "Focused on my journey, I had little inclination to appreciate the scenery, and thus I fear I missed much."

Fang Da Ru hummed in acknowledgment, "Indeed. However, after you've achieved scholarly success, you can enjoy the scenic beauty along the way on your return."

As he spoke, he handed Xiao Yi Yuan a sheet of paper with a chuckle, "Tell me, what do you think of this poem?"

Xiao Yi Yuan respectfully took the paper and, looking down, saw it was the middle page of a letter. The writer had used a poem to depict the scenery they had seen. Reading each line carefully, he admired in his heart the exceptional quality of the poem.

"The poem splendidly captures the gentle breeze and the moonlight, the beauty of the scenery leaping off the page. It's truly exquisite," Xiao Yi Yuan expressed honestly.

Fang Da Ru laughed heartily, then remarked, "I never anticipated that his journey would inspire such brilliance."

Xiao Yi Yuan, puzzled, asked, "Is he your student, teacher?"

Fang Da Ru placed the letter into a drawer, still smiling, "Consider him a student of mine, though he has more than just me as a teacher. However, in the art of composing poetry, he has learned much from me. How could Qi Xun Zhi, who spends all day pondering the ways of governance, teach anyone to compose poetry?"

"Teacher, you've lost me," said Xiao Yi Yuan.

"Xiao Yu Chen, the eldest son of the Yongning Marquis House," Fang Da Ru explained with a sigh, "Through him, I've truly learned not to make subjective judgments about people and situations. If not for his mother employing strategies to make me take him as a disciple, I wouldn't have realized his extraordinary qualities."

Hearing the name Xiao Yu Chen, Xiao Yi Yuan paused momentarily in his bookbinding, then casually commented, "He must have a remarkable mother."

Fang Da Ru, reminded of Tang Shu Yi's way of handling affairs, wore a bittersweet expression as he said, "That Marchioness... indeed, she's quite the mother."

"In a few days, Qi Xun Zhi will host an elegant gathering at Lakeview Pavilion, and he has invited me. You should accompany me," Fang Da Ru suggested.

"Thank you, teacher," Xiao Yi Yuan bowed deeply to Fang Da Ru, aware that such opportunities were rare.

Fang Da Ru waved it off, "Your scholarship goes without saying, and the imperial examinations should pose no great challenge. However, your experience with people and events is lacking, and that's where you need to fill the gaps."

As a scholar, being told he lacked breadth in his reading was a slight embarrassment for Xiao Yi Yuan, but Fang Da Ru spoke the truth. Born into poverty, he had never seen a sheet of paper, let alone books, until later in life.

After taking up reading, the only books he ever came across were those related to the imperial examinations. He had no access to any other types of books. His teacher, who had temporarily settled in the southern borderlands, did not possess an extensive collection either.

It was only after he joined the Shanglin Academy that he realized, during conversations with his classmates, that besides the classics, histories, and anthologies needed for the imperial examinations, they read a wide variety of other books, covering all sorts of topics. As for those books, he had never even heard of them.

“However, it’s best for you to focus on the classics and histories for now,” advised Fang Daryu. “You can explore other readings after the imperial examinations.”

With the spring imperial examinations approaching next year, it was not suitable for Xiao Yiyuan to suddenly delve into a plethora of books, as Fang Daryu feared it might hinder his preparation for the exams.

“Yes, I understand,” Xiao Yiyuan replied, his head bowed as he earnestly bound the booklets in his hands. His heart had been slightly unsettled upon hearing the name Xiao Yuchen, but he quickly regained his composure, reminding himself that the imperial examinations were his priority and must not be affected by other matters.

After helping Fang Daryu with the bookbinding, he posed several questions about areas of learning he didn’t understand, all of which Fang Daryu answered in detail. Then, Xiao Yiyuan took his leave.

As he exited Fang Daryu’s study, intending to return to the classroom to continue reading, a young servant blocked his path, saying, “Young Master Xiao, my master requests your presence.”

Xiao Yiyuan examined him closely, certain they had not met before, and asked, “And your master is...?”

The servant smirked arrogantly, “My master is a strategist in the Second Prince’s mansion.”

Upon hearing the words "Second Prince," Xiao Yiyuan felt a brief fog cloud his mind. Could it be that the letter was from the Second Prince? Was there enmity between the House of Yongning and the Second Prince?

That was a prince, after all!

“Young Master Xiao, please,” the servant gestured invitingly.

Xiao Yiyuan was reluctant to follow, yet he couldn’t simply refuse. One in front of the other, they left Shanglin Academy, and upon reaching the entrance, a carriage awaited. The servant gestured again, and Xiao Yiyuan clenched his fist before lifting the curtain and boarding the carriage.

Inside, a man in his thirties sat, not particularly handsome but exuding scholarly elegance. Upon seeing him, the man clasped his hands together and smiled, “I apologize for the intrusion, Young Master Xiao. Allow me to offer my respects.”

Xiao Yiyuan immediately returned the gesture, “May I inquire how to address you, sir?”

“My surname is Huang, Huang Wenyao,” replied Huang Wenyao, bowing again.

“Mr. Huang.”

Xiao Yiyuan was on high alert, his hand hidden in his sleeve starting to tremble. He attempted to maintain a composed facade, but Huang Wenyao still perceived his nervousness and said, “Young Master Xiao, there's no need for apprehension. I am merely here to relay a message from the Second Prince.”

Despite his words, his demeanor and tone carried a sense of arrogance and threat. Xiao Yiyuan's concealed hand clenched into a fist. No one likes to be looked down upon, nor do they appreciate being threatened.

“Speak,” he said.

“Let's find a place to talk at leisure,” Huang Wenyao chuckled lightly, clearly looking down on the impoverished young man before him.

Xiao Yiyuan remained silent. Whatever he said now would be of no use.

"Let's go," Huang Wenyao called out softly to the outside, and the carriage began to move slowly.

What they didn't realize was that someone had been discreetly following behind the car at a consistent distance.