Chapter 27 Poetry Gathering

Chapter 27: Poetry Gathering

The scholars in the capital soon heard that a poetry gathering was about to be held.

It was open to all talented young men, and both Liu Hexuan, who had been hailed as a child prodigy in his youth, and Wei Wuyou, renowned for his mastery in both poetry and painting, had accepted their invitations.

All the scholars were abuzz.

Studying for exams and memorizing texts was enough to drive you crazy; having time to clear their heads and take a breather was a welcome change. Composing poetry was also preferable to wrestling with obscure and convoluted essays.

Moreover, this gathering had no restrictions except for the number of attendees, which greatly appealed to scholars from humble backgrounds.

Life in the sprawling capital was expensive at every turn. Pinching their pennies, they hardly dared to socialize with like-minded peers. With an opportunity like this, of course, they did not want to miss it.

They were afraid if they arrived late, there'd be no seats left.

Yet, despite the widespread buzz, no one knew for sure who exactly was hosting the poetry gathering.

Some said it was a highly respected elder, others claimed it was a wealthy young master, and there were even whispers that a Hanlin Academician was incognito, having specially organized this for the scholars.

Speculations abounded, but none were certain.

On the day of the gathering, many scholars went early to the garden on North Street, its owner a mystery.

At the entrance, a maid checking invitations wore an oriole-green gown, with early spring blossoms adorning her hair, delightfully charming and in keeping with the spring season. Her attire, demeanor, and movements unmistakably marked her as a servant from a prominent household.

Behind her, standing on either side of the gate, were two guards with swords at their waists, each standing tall and straight. At a glance, some scions of noble families could tell the host was likely no ordinary person, and they reined in their pride a little.

Upon stepping into the garden, everyone's eyes lit up.

Passing through the moon gate, they saw a small pond with fresh, emerald-green water, weeping willows lightly brushing the clear ripples.

Though most early spring flowers were still in bud, yet to bloom, amidst the verdant leaves nestled pink and yellow new blossoms, dewdrops catching the faint light, making for a bright and lovely scene.

Around the platform were placed potted plants in full bloom, likely flowers nurtured in a greenhouse. Someone was playing the qin, its soothing melodies wafting on the spring breeze.

Scholars who knew each other gathered in groups, while those alone could also find suitable spots.

Tables and chairs had been set up in the garden, with tea, aromatic broths, fruits, pastries, as well as brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones provided.

Liu Hexuan and Wei Wuyou were both seated among the guests. The area around them was lively, with many hoping to exchange a few words or even just greet them.

Of course, there were also many who felt outmatched in status or talent and hung back.

"Once you have composed your poems, you may submit them to us," two attendants said with smiles. "We will recite them for all to hear. Everyone may cast their ornamental voting slips for their favorite poems. Whoever gets the most votes today will receive a spring scenery painting by Master Yu'an."

A young master closed his fan and said, laughing, "Who doesn't know Young Master Wei is a master of both poetry and painting? With him here, how can we dare show off our meager skills before an expert?"

Wei Wuyou drank his tea as if it were wine, flicking his sleeve. "Everyone has different tastes. Not everyone would like my poems. Besides, I haven't had any wine today. If I can't come up with anything decent later, don't you laugh at me."

This got a laugh from the crowd, the atmosphere relaxing. Someone seized the chance to flatter Liu Hexuan, "Brother Ziyu, then first place is surely yours?"

Liu Hexuan sat upright and proper, speaking softly, "I am ashamed. I write essays more often than poems. In the way of poetry, I can only claim a rough understanding."

It was true that fewer of Liu Hexuan's poems had circulated compared to Wei Wuyou's, but at least two were required reading in textbooks. To call it a 'rough understanding' was far too humble.

Those willing to try their hand began writing poems enthusiastically. Pei Jingchen, the youngest son of the Vice Minister of War, approached Wei Wuyou with a cup in hand.

Yes, he was that unlucky fellow, Pei Jingchen, who'd been framed in a scheme that implicated his whole family, and had caught Jiang Yanzhou's attention.

Someone wanted to target his family, and he was the target—because he was the weakest link.

Pei Jingchen was dressed in scholar's robes today, but in truth, he was a mediocre student at best; he wasn't cut out for books and was merely a playboy who only cared about having fun.

However, apart from his love of amusement, he hadn't yet caused any major headaches for his family.

Coming to the poetry gathering, like some other scions of noble families, was to help his family sound out Wei Wuyou.

Wei Wuyou had moved his birth mother's memorial tablet from the Wei family ancestral hall to his own small residence for worship. That alone was one thing, but later, rumors spread that he intended to return to official service, and the Wei family surprisingly wasn't the first to know.

Wei Wuyou had a poor relationship with his biological father. Summoning him back to the Wei family yielded no clear answers. It was said that even the Prince of Jin later sent someone, but the explanations received were also vague.

With his intention to return precisely when official positions in Cangzhou's bureaucracy were vacant, both the Wei and Jiang factions immediately set their sights on him.

The Pei family was closer to the Jiang faction but also didn't want to completely offend the Wei family and the imperial household, making them a wavering fence-sitter.

Pei Jingchen was actually quite dissatisfied, thinking to himself that one should either not do it at all or fully commit to one side. Trying to please both sides just sounded low-class.

But he himself only wanted to play and not engage in serious matters, so he had never voiced his opinion.

"Brother Wei," Pei Jingchen familiarly struck up a conversation, lowering his voice, "Rumors have been circulating recently that you're about to be reinstated to your official post?"

Wei Wuyou had even reduced his drinking. To all such inquiries, he uniformly replied, "It's not even a sure thing yet."

Pei Jingchen: "Oh... If there really is good news, remember to call everyone for a drink. I'm also familiar with Young Master Wei, the Marquis's son. We often play together."

He obviously didn't believe it and simply sat down next to Wei Wuyou. His cup contained wine. As he drank, his gaze inadvertently fell upon a particular spot.

Although the host hadn't made an appearance today, there was a special place in the garden: a waterside pavilion surrounded by curtains, inside which sat a figure, with sword-bearing guards stationed all around.

Even as everyone began writing poems, reciting them, and getting acquainted, the person inside showed no intention of coming out.

Not only Pei Jingchen, but quite a few others had already noticed.

Could that be the owner of the garden?

This mysterious attitude sparked speculation among some and displeasure among others. Several disciples from noble families exchanged glances, came over, and included Pei Jingchen: "Hey, Jingchen, we want to go see who exactly is in that pavilion. Are you coming?"

Pei Jingchen was also curious. Putting down his cup, he got up: "Let's go, let's go."

With them taking the lead to approach the pavilion, the attention of the others also gradually shifted over.

Everyone else wanted to know too. Since someone was taking the initiative, they were naturally willing to gather and watch the spectacle.

Although these disciples from noble families inwardly scorned the other party for putting on such airs, with guards present, they weren't foolish enough to provoke them.

When they spoke, they put on a proper scholarly demeanor and performed a scholar's bow: "May we ask which gentleman is in the pavilion? Why not come out and enjoy the gathering with everyone?"

A light clink of a cup and saucer came from inside, followed by a voice, clear and crisp like spring water washing over stones: "I am utterly unversed in poetry. Today, I came because I heard talents from all corners have gathered here. I have been troubled by a question for a long time and hope to be fortunate enough to have a profoundly learned scholar generously enlighten me and resolve my confusion."

By elevating others so highly, this disciple from a noble family immediately raised his chin proudly, full of enthusiasm: "What question? Tell us."

"There is a small village on the frontier. The Wang family in the village had part of their residential land encroached upon by their next-door neighbor. How should this matter be handled?"

Everyone had expected some difficult problem and was greatly disappointed upon hearing this. Is that all?

"Report it to the county magistrate," someone said, even reciting the relevant Daqi legal code from memory—how much compensation should be paid for forcibly occupying residential land, and how many strokes of the cane for serious offenses—reciting it all clearly.

After finishing, he looked quite pleased with himself.

But the person in the pavilion didn't praise it; instead, he said, "The neighbor is actually connected to mounted bandits, and the county magistrate is afraid to get involved."

As soon as these words were spoken, some sharp-witted individuals vaguely sensed the topic was veering into dangerous territory.

Yet there were still earnest folks who declared righteously, "What are you talking about? Just a few bandits—if they dare collude, arrest them all!"

The person inside the pavilion seemed to chuckle softly.

His voice was so pleasant, and not mocking at all, that the speaker felt his ears grow warm with embarrassment. "W-what did I say wrong?"

Liu Hexuan sighed. "Frontier mounted bandits are no ordinary outlaws. They roam in groups, looting and pillaging. In the northwestern region, mounted bandits number in the tens of thousands. The county prison probably couldn't hold them all."

"But we can't just ignore it," a student stepped forward with righteous indignation. "We scholars study to become officials so we can help the people someday. Then just re-divide the land fairly. No matter how rampant the bandits are, I've never heard of them storming a city to attack a magistrate in his own office!"

The person inside the pavilion replied unhurriedly, "Such pure sincerity is truly admirable."

"But the county magistrate must travel for inspections. He has a family to look after. The mounted bandits are cunning—they could disguise themselves, sneak in, kill someone, and flee. They might be caught, but the dead cannot be brought back."

He continued, "The magistrate doesn't dare gamble with his family's safety. Out of cowardice, he chooses to do nothing. If you were that magistrate, what would you choose?"

The student who had spoken so righteously moments earlier paled.

It's easy to be an armchair critic when you're not personally involved. But when it truly comes down to oneself, placed in that situation, it's a different story.

For some, courage stems from armchair theorizing when the issue doesn't concern them.

The literati and scholars in the garden showed varied expressions—some with eyes darting around, others looking grave, while a few had already begun whispering.

Inside the pavilion, Jiang Yanzhou, who had set this problem, waited calmly and patiently behind the curtain for their further discussion.

He had organized this poetry gathering merely as a pretext to bring these people together—not to actually listen to poetry. He had to guide the topic toward the direction he desired.

Someone said, "Even so, the magistrate should uphold justice for the Wang family!"

A more cautious scholar nearby remarked, "But if the mounted bandits can truly threaten the magistrate's family or even himself, why would they spare the Wangs? This shouldn't start with reporting to the authorities. Better to build good relations with the neighbor or reason with them."

"In my opinion, just wait for a dark and windy night, then quietly beat up the neighbor to vent your anger!"

"You're utterly disgraceful! Can't you tell? This person is testing us on how to govern. What nonsense are you spouting?"

These noble sons, who've never known the people's suffering, suggested, "Simply report it to the prefectural government. Someone will handle it."

Someone nearby shook their head. "Again, what about afterward? Who will ensure the Wang family's safety?"

Yes, with the bandits so brazen, who would guarantee the Wang family's safety?

The discussion gradually quieted down.

Jiang Yanzhou closed the lid of his teacup. Daqi's 'Dark Orchid' celadon ware was a treasure in the Western Regions and among the Northern Barbarians, reserved for royalty or chiefs. Yet in Daqi, it was merely one of countless tea sets owned by the wealthy.

Look at Daqi again: in the capital, young masters enjoyed admiring flowers and reciting poetry in spring, while on the frontiers, impoverished commoners lived day-to-day, uncertain of their survival.

Such was the world, such was the nation—full of inequalities everywhere.

Amid the fading voices, Jiang Yanzhou asked, "All of you here are people of insight. Has no one considered solving the mounted bandit problem first?"

His voice remained soft, yet to everyone's ears, it was positively thunderous.

Actually, it wasn't that no one had thought of it.

But the attendees were already speculating about Jiang Yanzhou's identity. Moreover, those present came from various backgrounds. Expressing loyalty to the nation and its people was one thing, but directly discussing court affairs risked saying something wrong and being noted by someone here.

Pei Jingchen couldn't help but interject, "Who wouldn't want to fight if they could? But we're talking about over ten thousand mounted bandits—they've practically become an army. Deploying troops, allocating provisions and pay, assessing the timing, whether the court can manage it—all are issues. It's not that simple."

"True, it's not simple, and there are plenty of problems."

Jiang Yanzhou agreed.

But he didn't stop.

Jiang Yanzhou's words took a sharp turn: "Yet three years ago, someone did exactly that—and succeeded."

Pei Jingchen: Who is he talking about? I don't remember—ah.

He abruptly fell silent, his eyes widening.

Three years ago... wasn't that...

Jiang Yanzhou's words passed through the gauze curtain, through the flowers, and struck everyone's ears.

"The Sixth Prince received his princedom at fourteen. By fifteen, he was leading campaigns personally, reorganizing the frontier garrison, eradicating banditry in Yi and Shuo provinces, repelling them beyond Wangyue Pass, and once made the bandits tremble at his name."

If not for internal court strife holding him back, those bandits wouldn't have the chance to resurge today.

"What all of you cannot achieve, someone accomplished long ago. And for the sake of the realm and its people, he has been striving tirelessly."

Jiang Yanzhou thought of the rumors blackening Xiao Yunlang's name. He thought of later generations who would take a chicken feather as a command token, gleefully spinning more tales about Emperor Wu. His fingers clenched tightly.

"He devoted himself to the nation and the world. Yet among you, some sheltered by family prestige, not only enjoy their wealth without a care but, having done nothing themselves, still slander the Crown Prince as reckless and lawless."

His voice was soft yet weighty: "What gives you the right?"

_Xiao Yunlang is so good—why should he be defamed by you?_

Some humble-born scholars influenced by noble doctrines hung their heads. Some disciples of noble families narrowed their eyes. And those from families at the center of power, having assessed the situation, no longer held back.

"So this poetry gathering today was arranged on the Crown Prince's orders? Are you a subordinate of the Eastern Palace?"

Jiang Yanzhou wouldn't take the bait.

"The poetry gathering has nothing to do with the Crown Prince. As for me..." Jiang Yanzhou lowered his gaze. "I'm just an unknown admirer of the Crown Prince."

Pei Jingchen frowned. The voice from the pavilion sounded familiar, but perhaps the curtain muffled it. Combined with the distance, he couldn't recall where he'd heard it.

And the sound of the qin nearby was also a distraction.

Hiss, where was it? Can't remember... forget it.

The good thing about Pei Jingchen was that he didn't dwell on things. His task today of approaching Wei Wuyou for his family was done. The rest wasn't his concern.

So what if he was the Crown Prince's man? He's not going to bite my head off. The peach blossom wine was quite good—he'd get another pot later.

In a corner of the garden, someone had just entered silently through a side door and stood listening. How much he heard was uncertain, but Jiang Yanzhou's "an admirer of the Crown Prince" was heard clearly.

Wearing a mask, he stood for a moment, then suddenly turned. "Let's go."

Feng Yi, following behind, was puzzled. "Your Highness?"

He and other guards followed their master out. In a low voice, he asked, "Your Highness, didn't you say you had no business today and came to listen to a couple of poems and rest?"

His master, of course, was Xiao Yunlang.

The poetry gathering today could not be overtly associated with the Crown Prince's residence, so Jiang Yanzhou did not show his face. After dealing with the pressing matters before him, Xiao Yunlang came to take a look, also concealing his identity by wearing a mask.

Upon hearing those words, he understood the purpose behind Jiang Yanzhou organizing this gathering.

Young Master Jiang was not feeling stifled in the residence, nor was he acting on a whim to make friends. He simply wanted to speak a few words on behalf of the Crown Prince before the gathered literati.

Xiao Yunlang relied on the fact that the court's chess game could not proceed without him for the time being. He didn't build his faction through reputation, so he didn't care how harshly outsiders spoke of him.

Worrying about a legacy of virtue could wait until after he ascended the throne. Before that, surviving and winning were the top priorities.

But someone cared and was speaking up for him.

To be admired...

Xiao Yunlang steadied his mind and answered Feng Yi: "Last night, someone visited the imprisoned Ministry of Works official. The Wei family must have made a decision. Today, he will surely reveal something new. This case will no longer remain deadlocked."

Even without seeing his expression, Feng Yi felt that Xiao Yunlang was evidently in a good mood at this moment. "Shall we return to the administrative office?"

"No, it's time to visit Minister Ji," Xiao Yunlang said, his gaze sharp, everything under his control. "Let's ask the old gentleman if he still has the energy to take a seat in the Grand Secretariat."

The restructuring of the Grand Secretariat was nearly complete. Xiao Yunlang deliberately held back on the traveling palace case to gain more leverage in the selection of Grand Secretariat members.

He spoke with the air of a master strategist, but his next words suddenly dropped to a softer tone: "By the way."

"No need to tell Young Master Jiang that I came today."

Feng Yi and the other guards were baffled but obeyed the order nonetheless.

Although the mask hid his expression, His Highness the Crown Prince... seemed to be in a rather good mood?

*

Pei Jingchen grabbed a jug of peach blossom wine and found a corridor, leaning against the railing to drink.

A young aristocrat beside him flipped his fan back and forth before snapping it shut and asking, "What's the deal with that guy speaking up for the Crown Prince right in front of us?"

What did he mean?

Pei Jingchen snorted a laugh, raised the wine jug, and gestured toward the area where the poor students were gathered. "Us? Haven't you figured it out yet? We're just here today as foils."

That group of noble scholars were the foils today, but their presence was necessary. Why? Because as long as they could not refute the words of the mysterious questioner in the pavilion, the minds of the poor students would begin to stir.

Many of these were provincial graduates. They could see the influence of noble families in the conduct of local officials, but their knowledge of the Crown Prince came only from hearsay.

Although officials of humble origin knew that to advance, they must either submit to the noble families or wholeheartedly align themselves with the imperial family, the Crown Prince's previously poor reputation among literati made them hesitant.

But today, that person brought up the example of border governance. The noble literati who attended were mostly dilettante young masters.

These young masters excelled at sophistry, not at serious discourse.

Pei Jingchen narrowed his eyes. "When they collected and verified invitations at the entrance while sizing people up, they had already calculated it. The noble families allowed in were... those of us who came for Wei Wuyou, or those with some learning but their own calculations, not daring to speak up casually."

They had not coordinated beforehand. That person left immediately after speaking, not giving them a chance to salvage the situation even if they realized later.

Moreover, the Crown Prince was presiding over this year's spring examinations. It was tradition for those who passed and became *jinshi* to pay respects to the examiner afterward. No one could accuse the Crown Prince of forming factions based on this, or else all previous chief examiners would be implicated.

Some poor students who had been wavering before would now, after receiving official posts, be more willing to actively seek an audience with the Crown Prince and pledge themselves to his faction.

The Emperor had relented and entrusted the spring examinations to the Crown Prince, also because he believed the Crown Prince's reputation issue remained. Literati valued reputation, so not many would be willing to get close.

The timing of this poetry gathering was too perfect.

As long as the villa was not in the Eastern Palace's name, and neither the Crown Prince nor any key Eastern Palace figures appeared, the gathering nominally had nothing to do with the Crown Prince, yet the Eastern Palace reaped all the benefits.

That person laughed upon hearing this. "I thought it was some masterstroke. So what if there are more poor students? Even if they become the top scholar, they'll just be stuck in the Hanlin Academy, unable to obtain substantive high-ranking positions. Crushing them is no harder than crushing ants. What great officials have come from poor backgrounds? Even Ji Songbai—when my third uncle tells him to do something, doesn't he have to do it?"

Pei Jingchen also smiled, but he was inwardly uneasy, not as relaxed as he appeared.

He was playful and disliked studying or martial arts, but his perceptiveness was higher than that of an average fop.

The Crown Prince's actions were domineering, but they had always stayed within certain lines. Recently, however... he had been treading closer and closer to the edge.

If he wasn't mad, then he must have gained more confidence.

Pei Jingchen had a bad feeling that this matter might have another card to play.

But noble families had stood unshaken for years, so his worry seemed unfounded.

He rubbed his head and decided it was more carefree to just drink and have fun.

There was indeed another move, but apart from the prescient Jiang Yanzhou, no one else would have anticipated it.

The subsequent imperial examination fraud case would allow poor students to see that Xiao Yunlang was willing to seek justice for them. However, some would still half-believe the rumors previously spread by the noble families, even if they dared not mention them openly.

They would think the Crown Prince was capable, yet also speculate that Xiao Yunlang had serious personal flaws.

One could separate the office from the man himself, but Jiang Yanzhou did not want Xiao Yunlang to be unfairly maligned.

—Those were deliberate slanders by the noble families.

Xiao Yunlang had no time to address them for now, so Jiang Yanzhou would do it for him.

As long as this idea was planted, it would eventually take root and sprout.

If held after the palace examination, some would already be officials. Officials attending banquets were closely watched, making it less easy. This batch of fresh talent needed to be marked before the spring examinations.

Jiang Yanzhou, wearing a veiled hat, left the pavilion and circled around from the rear garden. Liu Hexuan and Wei Wuyou, having excused themselves from the gathering for a moment, were already waiting for him there.

Upon seeing him, Liu Hexuan shook his head with a helpless smile.

"His Highness said it was fine if the noble families suspected the villa might have the Crown Prince's spies, but he intended for you to select two reliable individuals from among the poor students. Later, when the opportunity arose, you could reveal your identity and make friends. Instead, you used it all to build influence for the Eastern Palace."

Jiang Yanzhou: "The Grand Secretariat is about to be established. The noble families are watching each other, not daring to act rashly. Now is the perfect time."

With the case still dragging on and involving several parties, how could he possibly use such a good opportunity for leisure and making friends?

Wei Wuyou also nodded. "It is a good opportunity. However, the Wei family should also make a move. They won't just let the Jiang family continue using the traveling palace case to their advantage."

Liu Hexuan said leisurely, "We're not afraid they'll act; we're afraid they won't."

The three exchanged a smile, understanding passing wordlessly between them.