Chapter Sixteen: Cui Daolin (Part One) Begs for a Recommendation and Collection

  Zheng Yanqing likes to read history and knows that the eunuchs who brought disaster to the country in history are infamous for thousands of years, which is precisely because of their physical disability.

  The ancient saying goes: There are three unfilial acts, and having no descendants is the worst.

  People with disabilities are inherently a group condemned by society, with an inferiority complex beyond ordinary people, and because of this inferiority complex, they produce extraordinary strength. In this inferiority complex and strength, they become twisted and dark in temperament.

  Zheng Shi'an may not be a eunuch, but the fact that he is physically incomplete does exist.

  This also makes him more sensitive and vulnerable to hurt than ordinary people. Don't look at his domineering appearance in An Yuantang, but deep down, he has a heart that is even weaker than a woman's. The harder the outside, the more lonely and miserable the inside actually is.

  Gently grasping Zheng Shi'an's hand, Zheng Yanqing hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to explain.

  Zheng Shi'an smiled, "Yan Qing, my clever grandson, don't worry about Grandpa... If the young master looks down on us, we'll just return to Xingyang. Can it be that not being a book boy for the young master means there's no future? When the opportunity arises, I'll put aside this old face and ask the old master to promote you... Alas, it was a momentary lapse in judgment back then, but it has caused you suffering!"

  The words are filled with deep affection.

  Zheng Yanqing's heart warmed up, and he forced a smile: "Grandfather, there's no rush with the household registration. As long as we get the opportunity, it will be resolved eventually. However, I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should. Master Laoye has already passed his prime years, and in the future, An Yuan Tang will definitely be under the control of the eldest son. You shouldn't be too stubborn...I heard that when water is full, it overflows, and when the moon is full, it wanes.

  "When yielding, yield! If you go back now, Master may not feel comfortable in his heart either. Who knows, he might even think that you are taking advantage of your seniority."

  When water is full, it overflows; when the moon is full, it begins to wane. This comes from the famous later work "Dream of Red Mansions".

  Later generations have the saying 'few young people read Hong Lou, old people do not read Three Kingdoms'. This 'Dream of Red Mansions' is even more a book of wonder for all eternity, inside it contains many philosophical ideas, but young people can't appreciate its subtleties and instead easily give rise to various evil thoughts.

  Yan Qing didn't understand Hong Lou until he was nearly forty years old in his previous life.

  It says a lot about the principles of being a person and dealing with things... For example, when Hong Lou opened its doors, Wang Xifeng and Jia Baoyu went out and met an old servant who was drunk. That old servant is a typical example of relying on his age and past achievements to be arrogant and self-important, thinking that just because he had saved the life of the old master of the Jia family back in the day, he could be reckless and unreasonable. Little did he know, he had already been disliked by everyone in the Jia household, from top to bottom.

  In the end, he was ordered by Wang Xifeng to be strangled to death in the stable...

  Yan Qing thought that Zheng Shi'an now had the same idea as his family members. However, this idea was not acceptable, and if things went wrong, it would cost him his life. Family slaves were private property of the aristocratic families, and their lives were not in their own control. Although Zheng Dashi was extremely fond of Zheng Shi'an at present, what about in the future? These people were all old foxes who played with power tactics, and outsiders couldn't understand their thoughts at all. If they harbored evil intentions because of this matter, wouldn't it be a big deal?

  Yan Qingke did not wish for Zheng Shisan to be choked to death one day.

  In that case, he would be in a difficult situation at Zheng's house, and it would be hard for him to take another step.

  Zheng Shi'an was taken aback, looking at Zheng Yanqing with a puzzled expression. He really couldn't understand how Yanqing, at such a young age, had learned to speak like that. If he were to say that Yanqing's previous poetry and writing skills could be explained by his exceptional talent, then the words he spoke earlier would require decades of life experience to utter, let alone speaking with such clarity as Yanqing did.

  "Xian Qing, you naughty grandson, where did you hear these words?"

  Zheng Yanqing had already thought of an excuse when he said these words.

  "It was Mr. Sun who said... A few days ago, I happened to tell Mr. Sun about Grandpa's worries on that day."

  The master said that this matter still needs to be handled carefully. He didn't want to tell you directly, so he asked me to find an opportunity to advise you. The master also told me that those who have little experience in the world are also lightly tainted; those who have experienced many things are also deeply mechanical. A gentleman would rather be simple and unsophisticated than weak and rustic; rather be straightforward and unconventional than overly cautious and reserved. He asked me to pass on these words to your grandfather, saying that you will certainly understand."

  These words of celebration come from "Caigentan".

  Its original meaning comes from Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, "See the simplicity, hold the truth, less selfishness and desires". However, the language of Cai Gen Tan is more straightforward and easy to understand, even if Zheng Shisan is not well-versed in literature, he can still grasp its subtleties. This means that one should not be overly competitive, but rather learn to adapt to circumstances. Life has its ups and downs, it's all about how you look at it, don't get stuck on trivialities.

  Zheng Shian let out a long sigh, "Sir lives up to his reputation as 'Holy Child', indeed every word is a pearl."

  After finishing, he looked at Yan Qing and stretched out his hand to rub Yan Qing's head, "Grandpa understands this truth, but feels that it would be a pity for you to suffer. Today, after listening to you, I also know how to handle this matter."

  Although he didn't say that he would change his mind, Yi Wenqing's understanding of Zheng Shisan made him unlikely to harbor resentment again.

  As long as Zheng Shian can think openly and not be stubborn, it will be fine.

  Even if Zheng Renji doesn't take Zheng Shian seriously, as long as Zheng Dasheng is alive for one day, Zheng Shian's position in An Yuantang cannot be changed.

  Thinking of this, Zheng Yance finally let out a sigh of relief.

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  Days passed by in such a way, unknowingly slipping away amidst busyness.

  Zheng Shi'an was still busy, while Zheng Yanqing looked very leisurely. He would either read books, practice calligraphy, or practice martial arts with Xu Shiyan. In his free time, he would lead a donkey around the courtyard, and sometimes go to the fields to take a look.

  Luoyang streets have begun circulating poems about geese.

  Many scholars and gentlemen rushed to Yan Shi, wanting to learn from him by copying his calligraphy.

  However, no one knows what kind of person that unique goose poet, who also wrote poems about geese, was.

  Zhang Cong was unable to catch up with Zhang Zhongjian, so until now he still does not know the identity of this goose gentleman.

  He vaguely guessed that this goose gentleman should be a member of the Zheng family, so he wrote to inform Wu County's old home and asked Zhang Zong, the head of the Wu County Zhang family, to come forward. After all, there is a problem with the door level. Zhang Zhuang was a child born out of wedlock, and it was really not good for him to visit the Zheng family. Moreover, even if he went to the Zheng family, he might not be able to see the head of the Zheng family.

  At the same time, in the Weiguo Gongfu of Chang'an Daxing City, an old man with a white face and black beard was holding a rubbing, writing on the desk with great effort, copying the text from the rubbing. In front of the desk, three men in magnificent clothes stood with their hands hanging down, each with a solemn expression, not even daring to breathe loudly, lest they disturb the old man's mood and be scolded.

  "Good words, upright is good words!"

  This white-haired old man was Yang Su, the Duke of Yueguo, who had dominated the court in his heyday as a Grand Secretary.

  He suddenly put down the pen in his hand, with a look of satisfaction on his face, and smiled at the three men in front of the desk. "Gongzi is not disappointing Gongzi's name. This poem about geese is indeed majestic and dignified. I have imitated it many times before I could grasp some of its essence... In the past, Zhiyong became famous all over the world with his eight methods of writing, but now Gongzi has further developed these eight methods to perfection. The iron pen and silver hook are simple yet powerful. The more I imitate, the deeper I feel, the deeper I feel!"

  Three men were sons of Yang Su.

  Yang Xuan looked at his two brothers beside him and smiled: "Father's words are a bit excessive, aren't they?"

  "But just a little bit."

  Yang Su said in a serious tone: "In my opinion, this poem about geese is so good that even the two Wangs will be overshadowed."

  In today's world, the only one who can be compared to this young goose is Ouyang Xun and Yi Yong. However, I've heard that this young goose is still a mere child. In other words, his calligraphy skills have not yet fully matured... If he grows up and his calligraphy reaches perfection, even Ouyang Xun and Yi Yong might only be able to polish his works. What a pity that the heavens have given birth to such an extraordinary talent, I regret that I won't be able to see him in person at Mount Tai and learn from him.

  Who is Yang Su?

  That was the founding veteran of the Sui Dynasty, the left and right arm of Emperor Wen of Sui, and also the trusted minister of Crown Prince Yang Guang.

  At that time, if there was no Yang Su's support, Yang Guang would have been difficult to defeat the hidden prince Yang Yong. Now although Yang Su is being kept at a distance by Yang Jian, his status remains. He is also a talented person, good at writing poetry and can write a good pen, one of the masters of the current literary world.

  It's unprecedented for someone like him to hold such a high opinion of a goose he has never met.

  Even if it were Ou Yang Xun and Zhi Yong, such masters of calligraphy, Yang Su would only say they are 'just passable'. But now, even Ou Yang Xun and Zhi Yong are only good enough to be grinding ink for the Goose Master? If this gets out, I fear it will shock the whole world.

  Yang Xuan was also a proud person, and when he heard Yang Su's praise, he couldn't help but feel a little resentful.

  However, Yang Su's prestige was extremely heavy, and even his own son did not dare to refute his words in front of him.

  "It's really an honor for this goose son to be praised by his father like this."

  Yang Su shook his head repeatedly, "It's not his honor, but mine. In my lifetime, I can see such a wonderful article, and I should be grateful!"

  Yang Su's tone suddenly changed, and he asked coldly: "By the way, has the identity of this goose been investigated?"

  "Not yet known."

  Yang Xuan said: "It is said that this goose gentleman was with the young son of Zhang Jiling in Yangzhou at that time. I have sent someone to ask Yan Shi Zhang, but have not received any news yet. The young son of Zhang Jiling might be the clearest about it, but after delivering goods to Chang'an, he hurriedly went to Lanzhou. If this poem had arrived a few days earlier, we could have stopped him and asked. But now... However, I also sent someone to Lanzhou, asking them to pay close attention to Zhang Zhongjian's whereabouts."

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  The second update is presented, 6,000 words completed today, kindly requested to recommend and collect!

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