Chapter 3: Hanlin Academy Scholar

  In the 16th year of Xian De (1023), in September, Jiang Zhe entered the Hanlin Academy and was appointed as a Compiler of the Hanlin Academy, with a rank of Grade 7.

  In the 17th year of Xian De, in January, Zhe was summoned to participate in the establishment of the Chongwen Temple due to his extensive knowledge and learning. Over the course of three years, Zhe demonstrated exceptional discernment and meticulousness in his examination and verification of texts, often forgetting to sleep or eat, with his hands never leaving the scrolls. Those who heard about it all praised him without end. Before long, he was promoted to be a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, at the sixth rank.

  The collection in the Wenyuan Hall has been preserved to this day. I have seen it myself, and six or seven out of ten are philosophical works with annotations by Zhen Dexiu, which is truly astonishing.

  The Book of Southern Chu · Biography of Jiang Suiyun

  What bliss! I stretched my waist, picked up the rare poetry collection in my hand, and have been staying in the library of Hanlin Academy for these days. This is indeed the best place to collect books in the world, with many books that I haven't read before. I have a talent for remembering everything I see, and I've read a lot of books before. Generally, as long as I flip through a book once, I can remember it roughly. For good articles, I can even recite them word for word. However, no matter how great my talent is, I won't be able to finish reading these hundreds of millions of books, so I found a catalog of rare books and picked some unread ones to read according to the order on it. Anyway, I'll stay in Hanlin Academy for three to five years, and I should be able to read most of them. Of course, I pay special attention to those marked as "rare editions", because many of these books are masterpieces.

  That day, I was in the library looking for a book to read when I accidentally saw a yellow silk book with a very delicate cover. It must be a rare treasure. I flipped it open and almost fainted. The first page had eight big blood-red characters that said "To practice divine skills, castrate yourself." I quickly closed it and looked at the cover, which was "The Peony Pavilion". I hastily threw it aside - I still want to get married and have children! At this time, I saw a book next to it called "Zhuangzi's Nourishing Life" from the Han Dynasty. I quickly picked it up and flipped through a few pages. Although the text was similar to what I had seen before, the annotations were very rich and dense, almost filling up all the blank space. I love reading other people's notes - they contain the heart and soul of the readers! Looking around and seeing no one, I pulled over a stool and sat down. Why waste time going back and forth? As I read on, I became more and more fascinated. It turned out that the person who wrote these annotations was probably a Daoist doctor, writing all sorts of secrets for nourishing life - what to eat and drink at what times, when to get up and sleep, how to meditate before bed, how to practice qigong in the morning... even ** had its own special methods! This is really my favorite thing. Don't laugh at me, my greatest wish is to live a comfortable life, free from illness and disaster, marry a gentle and virtuous wife, have some lovely children... ** is also very important, you know? Those lustful people all die young because they don't control themselves and don't know how to nourish their lives. I was getting more and more excited when suddenly I thought - wait a minute, how do I know if what he's saying is right or not? What should I do? After thinking about it for a while, I decided that if there are doubts, I need to resolve them myself. So over the next month, I searched through all sorts of materials on nourishing life in the library - some were contradictory, some corroborated each other... who am I? Am I a genius? Finally, I managed to summarize my own principles for nourishing life and started putting them into practice.

  Here is the translation:

  How to do it? First, every day when I wake up, I sit quietly for a while, practice qigong, and then go out to exercise my limbs. Although I don't know how to practice boxing, I can still do some simple exercises like Wuqinxi. Then I eat a light breakfast, go out to work, and if there's nothing to do at noon, the best thing is to go home and eat a nourishing lunch that suits the season. It's better to eat late and take a nap afterwards. In the evening, if there are social engagements, I must drink less wine and eat less food. After returning home, before sleeping, I drink a cup of medicinal liquor that I brew myself to clear my intestines and stomach. Then I sit quietly for half an hour and sleep well. Usually, when sitting or walking, I follow certain specific postures, but it can't be too obvious.

  Although my current position is lowly, this kind of life cannot be guaranteed, but this is the goal I want to strive for. As for martial arts, I won't practice them. Haven't you heard that a good swimmer can drown in water? If I were skilled in martial arts, I would inevitably get involved in some unexpected things and might even die young. Anyway, I just want to live until I'm 70 years old.

  After persisting for two months, my physical condition has improved significantly. The minor illnesses that I used to have are gone, and I feel that my thinking is clearer. Reading and writing have become more effortless, as if the words flow from my pen like magic.

  That day, I walked out of the library, preparing to have a good lunch. Alas, I couldn't afford a good cook, so I had to do it myself. Just as I was thinking about what to eat for lunch today, my fellow student Liu Kui, that smiling juren, came over and said: "Brother Jiang Nian, how about we go to Mingyue Tower together?"

  "What's going on at Mingyuelou?" I asked curiously.

  Liu Kui exclaimed in surprise: "What, don't you know? Go attend Princess Chang Le's guqin gathering!"

  "Qin Hui, Princess Chang Le." I was even more confused.

  Liu Kui said, "Yes, who in Jianye doesn't know that Princess Changle was married off to our country and can't help but feel homesick? To dispel her loneliness, she's hosting this gathering of musicians. I've heard it's also an opportunity for her to see the elegance of scholars from Southern Chu. And isn't it said that one of Princess Changle's attendants is a famous zither player from Dayong named Liang Yu, whose skills are passed down from Music Saint Wuyouzi? Her music is extraordinary and transcendent. If she weren't extremely close to Princess Changle, she wouldn't have accompanied the princess to Southern Chu. And isn't it also said that Liang Yu intends to find a husband in Southern Chu? Tell me, which unmarried talented scholar wouldn't want to give it a try?"

  I stared blankly and said: "But didn't Liang Wan come as a dowry?"

  Someone next to her replied, "That's just a title, I heard the princess has already spoken with the prince, and since Liang Wan is her good sister, she must marry someone who shares similar values and morals as her husband."

  I turned around to take a look, and it was Tan Hua Fu Yu Lun. He had already changed into a magnificent casual attire, with a jade flute tied at his waist, and he must have been looking for the phoenix. However, as a member of the Huai Yang aristocratic family, he should have this status anyway. I secretly laughed to myself, if that Liang Wan was really so outstanding, then the Crown Prince would definitely be clenching his fists in regret. But he couldn't possibly not give face to Princess Chang Le, after all, when he ascends to the throne in the future, he can choose as many concubines as he wants from the three palaces and six courtyards. For now, it's still better to be cautious, after all, Princess Chang Le has a different status.

  I wasn't really interested, I'm quite self-aware, my appearance is decent but not outstanding, and my talent is okay too. However, having talent without a good background means there aren't many opportunities to rise to the top quickly. In these chaotic times, military leaders who can lead armies are much more valuable than us scholars. The Southern Chu state places more emphasis on scholars, so its national strength isn't strong, not even as strong as the Shu state in Western China. If it weren't for their powerful navy, the Great Yong would have crossed the river long ago. To sum it up, I, Jiang Zhe, am not a particularly desirable target, and without strong abilities to protect myself, I wouldn't dare marry even if she were interested. But not going isn't an option either, as people might think I'm not giving face to the Crown Prince or Princess Changle. So I decided to attend this time; after all, I'm not particularly skilled at music, chess, calligraphy, or painting. I can listen to music, play a game of chess, but it's hard for me to win. My calligraphy is decent, but definitely not the work of a famous master. As for painting, I can barely manage to pass as a painter, but I'm actually more skilled at appreciating art. I have a cousin who was a renowned eunuch, and he had an endless stream of jewels, antiques, and artwork passing through his hands. I followed him around and learned from him when I was younger, and over the years, I've read extensively on these topics. I'm confident that I can make a living in this field if I wanted to. If my father hadn't taken me away, I would have actually considered becoming a eunuch myself.

  As I wandered aimlessly, responding randomly to their queries, our group arrived at the Mingyuelou. The Mingyuelou was originally a villa for a high-ranking official, conveniently adjacent to the newly built Crown Prince's Mansion a few years ago. Later, the Crown Prince bought it because he liked its compact and exquisite design, so he didn't connect it with the Crown Prince's Mansion. It is said that after Princess Changle arrived, she particularly liked this place and wanted to make it her leisure spot. Now, Liang Yu is holding a qin gathering here, which couldn't be more suitable.

  As I passed through the black lacquered gate, I looked around at this small garden, where there was a pool of emerald water, over a dozen red plum trees, and a two-story exquisite pavilion reflecting in the ripples. It's truly a paradise on earth, no wonder Princess Changle liked it here. As I walked, I thought to myself, how many people can this small pavilion hold? When I turned around the pool, I saw that there was an empty space in front of the pavilion, which must have been used for planting flowers and trees before, but now had been cleared out and a flower shed made from pine branches. The shed was covered with thick thatch, surrounded by red fire pits, on top of which were placed several rows of seats covered with thick fur, where over ten young nobles wearing light-colored fur coats sat inside, appreciating the snow and plum blossoms while drinking fine wine. It's truly a wonderful life, as described in "Nanmian Wang".

  As I approached, I heard them discussing that Princess Changle's qin gathering was not something anyone could attend, so apart from young new nobles, only sons of aristocratic families dared to participate, and they also had some reputation for their talents. Otherwise, wouldn't it be embarrassing? So the number of attendees wasn't as many as I imagined.

  Although I regretted coming at first, looking at this reception, what was there not to be satisfied with? I quickly sat down in a corner, poured myself a large cup of warm imperial wine, and prepared to enjoy a leisurely day.

  Before long, the gate of the small building opened and twelve slender and tall palace beauties came out. They put down the pearl curtain in front of the door, and soon the sound of jade pendants ringing came from inside, followed by a faint scent that was refreshing to the heart. One of the palace maids bowed her head and turned around, saying in a clear voice: "The princess has an order, Miss Liang is playing the zither inside the building. Whether it's poetry, literature, or painting, if someone can win Miss Liang's favor, she will come out to meet everyone."

  The crowd immediately sat up straight, leaning in and holding their breath. After a moment, the sound of Liang Yu's guqin floated down from the upper floor. The music was initially soft and weak, requiring one to lean in closely to listen. Gradually, the melody became more complex and beautiful, like a butterfly fluttering among flowers. The notes repeated and echoed, weaving together seamlessly, evoking the sound of a mountain stream flowing gently and clearly, refreshing and soothing to the listener.

  As I listened to this point, I couldn't help but yawn secretly. How boring! I had thought that the famous guqin master from Da Yong would be extraordinary, but it seemed he was just average after all. This kind of skill wasn't even rare in Nan Chu.

  Just then, the music became even more complex and low-pitched, making one feel drowsy. Suddenly, like a silver vase shattering, iron horses burst forth, and the urgent notes were like thousands of horses galloping wildly. The music exploded and then became thick and heavy, with a hidden killing intent, heroic and sorrowful, depicting a scene of autumn on the battlefield.

  I concentrated my attention and listened carefully. This was truly a remarkable guqin sound worth appreciating! Next, the music gradually returned to calmness, like the peaceful songs and dances after a great battle, letting people indulge in the beauty of the music with their hearts full of joy.

  The music ended, and the applause thundered. Then, people took out their own masterpieces, wanting to impress Liang Yuanchen. However, Liang Yuanchen seemed to be in a high mood and refused to come out. Later, some foolish people's gazes fell on me, and a young nobleman half-pleadingly, half-commandingly said to me: "I've long heard that Jiang Shuangyuan's talent is boundless, and his poem 'Moonlit Longing' shook the world. Please, Brother Jiang, compose a poem, or else I, a scholar from Southern Chu, will be ashamed." I was speechless. These people seemed to think that I couldn't come up with a good poem, as if it would be a loss of national dignity. But this young man was the only son of Chancellor Shi Wengong, so I couldn't offend him. Happening to have heard such a melody, my heart was also itching. So, without needing pen, ink, paper, or inkstone, I loudly recited: "The whispers of lovers, entwined in love and hate. Suddenly, the brave warrior charges into battle. The floating clouds, like willow catkins, have no roots; heaven and earth are vast, allowing free flight. The chirping of a hundred birds, suddenly seeing a lone phoenix. Climbing inch by inch, yet unable to ascend; losing momentum, falling a thousand feet strong. Alas, I have two ears, but haven't listened to the silk zither. Since hearing Master Liang play, I sat up straight. Pushing away his hands, he stopped abruptly, and my clothes were wet with tears. Ah, your talent is truly remarkable; nothing can compare to it." The room fell silent for a moment, then erupted in applause. Several people hastily ordered someone to bring pen and ink, wanting to transcribe my poem. Just as the commotion was subsiding, I heard the sound of pearls swaying, and from the upper floor emerged a young woman wearing a plain yellow robe and a light green cloak. I looked closely at her; she was about twenty years old, with a slender yet curvaceous figure unlike that of women from Southern Chu. Although it was cold, and she wore many layers, plus the cloak, which obscured my view, there was an indistinct sense of beauty that made one's heart yearn. I looked up at her face; although she didn't wear makeup, her skin shone like snow, with two rows of eyebrows entering her temples, matching those clear, icy eyes – truly a peerless beauty.

  Liáng Wǎn's gaze fell on me, and she smiled slightly, curtsying politely: "This is the Southern Chu prodigy, this year's top scholar, right? I'm quite fond of your poetry." Although I was a bit dazed, my mind was clear, and I hastily replied: "It's an honor that my humble works have earned Miss's appreciation. As for being a prodigy, there are many in Southern Chu; I, Jiang, merely excel at quick thinking. If Miss is interested, please feel free to discuss with everyone." Liáng Wǎn's beautiful eyes sparkled as she looked around at the crowd, and they were suddenly forgiven, rushing forward to surround her. I didn't say much more, and gradually, seeing that Liáng Wǎn was getting along famously with the others, I quietly slipped away. Just as I was about to exit through the corner door, I subconsciously turned my head back, and saw that a window on the small building behind was half-open, with a pair of sparkling eyes watching me. I pushed open the door and left; who could it be? For some reason, I couldn't shake off the feeling that it might have been Princess Cháng Lè.

  Later, I heard that Princess Chang Le gave the Mingyue Building to Liang Yu as a residence. Liang Yu was open-minded and would often receive visitors who could recite poetry or were skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, or painting. Many young men who admired Liang Yu tried every means to see her, but few dared to make advances towards her due to Princess Chang Le's influence. As Liang Yu's reputation grew, no one dared to offend her. Later on, even the ruler of Zhao State, Emperor Sheng, took Liang Yu as his adopted daughter, and although she was not listed in the imperial family tree, everyone began calling her Princess Mingyue, with a reputation that spread far and wide.

  I, a young Hanlin scholar, would not go looking for trouble, although Liang Yuanyu posted several times asking me to join, I declined with various excuses. When asked, I said that the book has its own beauty, and others may laugh at my pedantry, but it's nice to have one less strong enemy. However, to avoid being too excessive, I devoted myself wholeheartedly to the books in the Hanlin Academy, so I could enjoy myself while avoiding others' side glances. This led to a result that made me ecstatic: in the 17th year of Xian De's reign, January, I was specially appointed to participate in the establishment of the Chongwen Pavilion. As a young man with a photographic memory, I quickly became the main force behind it, no wonder, since I'm proficient in appreciating ancient artifacts and paintings, have a strong memory, and excelled in organizing books and paintings. Who else could do this but me? This was the happiest period of my life, from the Chongwen Pavilion's establishment to its completion, which took three years, I was there throughout, never tiring of it.

  Of course, during my indulgence in books, something that I vaguely felt might happen occurred - a conflict broke out between Nanchu and Shu, which escalated over time. Naturally, I had no opportunity to participate, nor was I interested in knowing more. Apart from this, if there were any other unusual events, it would be that Princess Chang Le became pregnant but unfortunately miscarried. It's said that this was due to her youth combined with the unfamiliar environment and water. After this, Princess Chang Le's health was never great, so she went to live in Mo Xiu Lake Villa in the western suburbs of Jianye. Of course, the Crown Prince wouldn't be lonely - all the palace maids who accompanied Princess Chang Le were beauties from Dayong, skilled in the art of seduction. They had already become the Crown Prince's favorites. Those who told me about this all wore envious expressions, admiring the Crown Prince's good fortune. I, however, smiled wryly to myself. In my opinion, Princess Chang Le probably didn't like the Crown Prince much; otherwise, why would she move to the villa? Yes, as a princess of gold and jade from Dayong, she had married into Nanchu for diplomatic reasons, likely without any intention of pleasing the mediocre Crown Prince of Nanchu. I maliciously thought that perhaps Dayong had intentionally sent so many beauties to accompany the princess in order to distract the Crown Prince and spare the princess from hardship.