Chapter 3 The Immortal Touches My Head

  Chapter 3 The Immortal Touches My Head

  The next day, Zhao Xingde woke up with a splitting headache and couldn't help but feel both deeply absurd and deeply fortunate. He also felt some envy towards Chen Dong, who had won the heart of Li Shishi, a legendary beauty whose name would be passed down for generations. "What injustice, what injustice."

  Today is a regular holiday for Tai Xue, but Zhao Xingde hastily washed and dressed. Outside, the sky had already turned white, and he didn't have time for morning exercise or breakfast. He hurried to the place of a respected elder to attend a lecture, an opportunity he had been looking forward to for a long time.

  The place where the lecture was held was the mansion of Tai Xue Doctor Li Gefei, and the lecturer was Hanlin Academy Taishi Bureau Commander Chong Bu.

  This Sichuan Gate is completely different from what Zhao Xingde knew in his previous life. More than a hundred years ago, the Shu region rose up in righteousness and drove out the Song army. The righteous army and civilians then enthroned Meng Shun, a descendant of the Shu king, as their ruler, and completely turned towards the Xia dynasty occupying Guanzhong. However, the rise and fall of the country's fortunes did not cover up the articles of Sichuan Gate, but instead shone even brighter due to the relatively clean governance tradition of the Xia dynasty.

  Su Shi took Confucianism as the main, compatible with Buddhism and Taoism, and absorbed the theories of various schools, creating the Su school. After Lao Su, Su Shi and his brother Su Che continued to carry forward the Su school, especially Su Shi's literature and learning were both excellent. He successively served as the Chancellor of Shu State, Academician of the Imperial Academy, and widely promoted younger scholars, with his disciples spreading all over Shu, Guanzhong, Western Regions, and Hezhong.

  Because of its extensive and diverse content, Su Xue was rejected by the Confucian schools of the Song Dynasty as a "miscellaneous learning". However, many scholars within the territory of the Song Dynasty also admired Su Xue and went to study at Su's gate, with Xu Bao being one of the most prominent among them.

  Xu Buzhi's title of "Su Men Si Xue Shi" was not an exaggeration, he indeed obtained the esteemed academic title from Xia Guo and returned to Song Guo to serve his hometown.

  During his studies in Su Men, Xiang Bu Zhi traveled to most parts of Xia Guo, gaining a deep understanding of its customs and systems. Unfortunately, due to the Confucianism he studied being at odds with the new learning in power, after returning to the Song Dynasty as an official, he was relegated to a minor post in the Hanlin Academy. However, Zhao Xing De urgently wanted to learn from Xiang Bu Zhi about this world and its history's greatest variable - Xia Guo, all of its circumstances.

  Li Ge Fei's residence is located in the west of Bianliang City, Taiping Fang, although the location is a bit remote, but from the West Water Gate, the opposite bank of the Jinshui River is lined with flower gardens for hundreds of miles, and the flowers and trees are lush and worth seeing all year round. The residence itself covers an area of about 10 acres, with two courtyards in front and back, and a medium-sized courtyard attached to the back, although there are no corridors or artificial hills, but it is quite elegant after renovation.

  In the garden, besides the famous peony varieties such as Yao Huang Wei Zi, Zhu Sha Hong and Yu Ban Bai, there are also seasonal vegetables like Jiu Huang, Lan Ya, Bo He and Zi Jin Gua. Several winding paths lead through the flower beds and tree groves, where a clear pool of water is home to carp, surrounded by about a hundred stalks of bamboo, as well as several silver pheasant trees and seven-leaf trees. Under the trees are fragrant grasses like Jin E, Yu Xiu, Su Xin, Mo Li and Han Xiao. On the west side of the bamboo grove stands a chicken coop.

  At this time, the imperial court considered poetry and rhapsody to be inferior skills, and even the state schools and national academies were forbidden from teaching poetry and rhapsody. However, scholars and officials would often invite famous teachers to their homes to instruct their children. Li Ge Fei, Chuō Bǔ Zhī, and Zhao Xíng Dé's father, Zhao Tǎn Xīn, all came from the household of former prime minister Hàn Qí, and were also listed as members of the Yuán Yòu party. Chuō Bǔ Zhī was a great poet and a disciple of Sū Shì, so Li Ge Fei invited him to his home to teach poetry and rhapsody to his children, and also asked Zhao Xíng Dé to come and listen to the lectures together.

  The lecture took place in a pavilion beside the pool, where Xiang Bu Zhi sat in the upper seat. Below him were Zhao Xing De, Li Ge Fei's second daughter Li Ruo Xue and third son Li Ruo Xu. The eldest son of the Li family, Li Ruo Bing, was exceptionally talented in both literature and martial arts, and as a top student at Taixue, he was appointed as the Magistrate of Yuancheng. Recently, he was reassigned as the Recorder of Pingyang Prefecture, making him a prominent figure among young scholars.

  Li Ruoxue frequently asked questions and sought guidance from Huang Buzhi, clearly having her own insights into the study of poetry. In comparison, Zhao Xingde's understanding of poetry could only be described as nearly non-existent. He had never put in much effort into studying poetry, and after being criticized by Shao Wu for copying famous phrases from later generations, he made an effort to listen attentively to Huang Buzhi's lecture, pretending to be a diligent student. Sharing Zhao Xingde's misfortune was Li Gefei's third son, Li Ruoxu, who appeared somewhat timid and shy when compared to his outstanding older brother and sharp-tongued sister, but instead became closer to Zhao Xingde.

  Xu Buzhi wore a cyan robe with round collar and large sleeves, his face showing signs of vicissitudes. Because Zhao Xingde and Li sister and brother were all children of old friends, he was affable in manner, gentle in tone, and when his eyes fell on Li Ruoxue, there seemed to be some regret, probably because this girl's talent was exceptionally high, if she had been born a boy, her achievements would not have been inferior to those of her brother.

  His gaze fell on Zhao Xingde, with more appreciation and encouragement. He had already seen that Zhao Xingde's foundation in poetry was weak, but this was also because the current imperial examination did not take poetry, and scholars did not study it diligently. Moreover, the exile of the Yuanyou Party people and the early death of Zhao Xin made it impossible for Zhao Xingde to learn poetry. Zhao Xingde had a tenacious attitude towards learning, similar to Xu Bosi's situation when he was young and poor, and Xu Bosi also taught him with great care as if he were his own son or nephew.

  After the lesson, Chuang Bu Zhi let Zhao Xing De and Li Ruo Xue, Li Ruo Xu ask questions freely. Just as Zhao Xing De was thinking about how to steer the conversation towards the situation in Xia Guo, Li Ruo Xue suddenly asked a question that was out of the blue.

  "In the third year of Yuanfu, in the summer, people invaded Luoyang. Was it true that the white peony was taken away by General Liu? Li Ruoxue's eyes were very big, shining with curiosity. In the third year of Yuanfu, the Song Dynasty had a plan to attack Xia, but Xia took the initiative and launched a surprise attack. The Xia army came out of Huanyuan Pass and besieged Luoyang for two months. The newly risen General Liu Yi of Xia led his troops to garrison between Bianliang and Luoyang, defeating the Western reinforcements of the Song Dynasty's imperial army time and again, forcing the Song Dynasty to renew the peace treaty before the Xia army withdrew back to Guanzhong. Luoyang and Bianliang were not far apart, and during these two months, Bianliang was shocked many times at night. After that, the Song Dynasty never made a move against Xia again."

  According to folklore, when the Xia army was about to retreat, Liu Yi took Bai Mudan, a famous courtesan of Luoyang, back to Guanzhong and later married her. Some people also say that at that time, the Xia army failed to capture the city and was about to plunder the countryside, but Bai Mudan sacrificed herself to persuade Liu Yi, thus avoiding a disaster for the people of Luoyang.

  This story has been vividly passed down in folklore, and even Zhao Xingde, a scholar who had spent ten years studying behind closed doors, had heard of it. During the siege of Luoyang, both Xu Bugan and Li Gefei were inside the city and were officials, so they naturally understood the situation most clearly.

  Chu Buzhi's face showed a difficult expression, and Liu Yi took away the white peony. The reason was still due to a case twenty years ago that involved the reputation of Grand Preceptor Han Qi. He hesitated: "The ins and outs of this matter, Wensheng is also clear about it, why doesn't my niece ask her father?"

  Li Ruoxue sighed listlessly: "I've asked several times, but Father just won't let me ask again." Originally with a clear and lovely complexion, gentle and delicate temperament, she now let out a faint sigh, as if filled with grievances. Zhao Xingde beside her also felt sympathy for her, looking at her with pity.

  Xu Buzhi held Li Ruoxue, this female disciple, in high esteem and often praised her in front of others. At this moment, he couldn't help but sigh that with such talent, she would eventually only be a wife and mother, and sisters-in-law could only chat idly about these things.

  He hesitated for a moment, seeing that Zhao Xiangde was also looking at him, and sighed: "It's okay, the gentleman's fault is like the eclipse of the sun and moon. The fault is seen by everyone; the change is admired by everyone." After a pause, he said: "The current dynasty has been using literature to control military power, adopting the strategy of defending the interior and emptying the exterior. In those years, Han Zhongyi was still the deputy envoy of the Privy Council and the governor of the Western Capital, while Di Qing was the commander-in-chief of the River Luo camp. The two leaders were originally harmonious and worked together to discipline the army and prepare for battle, waiting for opportunities to take control of Guanzhong. Di Qing was a famous general in the world, and everyone praised his virtues. Many soldiers were willing to die for him. Han Zhongyi worried that if things continued like this, it would become like the arrogant and domineering vassals of the previous dynasty, so he intentionally humiliated Di Qing."

  Xu Buzhi saw Zhao Xingde and Li Ruoxue both listening intently, sighed and continued: "One day, Han Zhongxian held a banquet for guests and called the famous courtesan of Luoyang, Bai Mudan. He toasted Di Qing and said, 'Let's toast to Ban'er (Di Qing's nickname)'. The intention was to mock the tattoos on his face. Another time, Di Qing hosted a banquet for Han Zhongxian, with Liu Yi as a guest. During the banquet, there was a performer who made fun of Confucians. Liu Yi got angry and scolded: 'How dare you, a tattooed convict!' He scolded non-stop, but Di Qing just apologized politely. There was another time when Han Zhongxian wanted to kill Di Qing's old subordinate, Jiao Yong. Di Qing stood on the steps below and pleaded for mercy, saying: 'Jiao Yong has military merits, he is a good man.' Han Zhongxian replied: 'The one who came out as the top scholar at the East Huamen gate is a good man, how can this be considered a good man?!' He then killed Jiao Yong right in front of Di Qing. Di Qing was a humble and magnanimous person, but Han Zhongxian treated him like this, so he couldn't help but harbor resentment. Whenever he spoke to people, he would say: 'Han Zhongxian's achievements and official position are the same as mine, I only lack one jinshi degree.'"

  Di Qing was captured by the Xia army, and Liu Yi obtained his military strategy. Twenty years later, when the Xia army attacked Luoyang, Han Zhongxian, who had humiliated Di Qing earlier, had already passed away, and the one taken captive was just another generation of Luoyang's leading lady. Liu Yi knew this too, and his actions were merely to avenge Di Qing and make Han Zhongxian's wrongdoing known throughout the world.

  Zhao Xingde heard this and couldn't help but think that Liu Yi was clever in his plans. Han Qi had a reputation as a wise minister in the Great Song, and if Liu Yi only blamed Han Qi, who would listen to his excuses? He simply thought that Di Qing had taken White Peony by force under the pretext of injustice, and people out of curiosity would inevitably seek to get to the bottom of things. The gentlemanly mistake of Han Zhongyan would be exposed to the world.

  Li Ruoxue did not expect that this matter would involve the fault of Xianxiang Han Qi, and she remained silent. However, Li Ruoxu, who was still young, said: "Di Qing went to war but did not win, and he escaped with his life, what face does he have to cry out for justice?"

  Chu Buzhi looked at Li Ruoxu and said slowly, "After the defeat of Guanzhong, Di Qing was captured and imprisoned in the Xia State's scholar's mansion for thirty or forty years. There was no treason or surrender to the enemy. When our envoys entered Xia, the Emperor of Xia also allowed the envoys to meet with him. Every time the two countries met to exchange oaths, our court proposed allowing Di Qing to return to his country, but it was always rejected by Xia State."

  Li Ruoxue sighed and said in a soft voice, "But the neighbors say that Liu Yi and Bai Mudan have become a beautiful story."

  Chu Buzhi nodded and said, "That's right. After Liu Yi brought back Bai Mudan to Guanzhong, he immediately released her, but did not allow her to return to Luoyang. Bai Mudan had nowhere to go and was also unwilling to return to the brothel in Luoyang, so she simply lived in Liu Yi's mansion. Over time, they formed a romantic relationship." After marrying Bai Mudan, Liu Yi never took another wife again, despite his talent for both martial valor and literary pursuits.

  Li Ruoxue looked thoughtful, with a hint of longing in her eyes. Her face flushed, and she mustered up the courage to ask in a low voice: "Teacher, I've heard that men from Xia Country only dote on their wives and don't take concubines. Is it true?" After asking, her cheeks turned even redder, like a ripe apple, but she didn't want to let go of this opportunity to get to the bottom of things, and she stared at Xun Buqi with wide eyes.

  Xu Buzhi couldn't help but smile wryly, gently lifted his teacup and took a sip, saying: "In the Xia Kingdom, there is an institution called the Religious Tribunal that specializes in resolving conflicts between different sects and apprehending heretics. In recent decades, under the influence of several sects such as the Hu Zhong Sect, the elders of the Religious Tribunal have proposed that since male and female infants are born in roughly equal numbers, monogamy is sacred. Therefore, many elders have been criticizing the practice of taking concubines. The Religious Tribunal has had a significant impact on Xia Kingdom's customs, although some scholars believe that men should take concubines to produce more offspring. However, in recent years, military officers and common people have increasingly supported abolishing the practice of taking concubines, even the current Emperor of Xia Kingdom only has one empress and no other consorts." Xu Buzhi also only had one old wife and did not take any concubines, also influenced by some customs of the Xia Kingdom.

  "Ah?" Zhao Xingde's expression fell into the eyes of others, Li Ruoxue gave him a white eye, and she felt her cheeks slightly hot, lowered her head and stopped talking.

  Zhao Xingde saw that Li Ruoxue was no longer asking questions, so he asked: "I've heard that the Xia Dynasty's military strength is powerful, and there have been constant wars in the past hundred years. The northern Great Desert, the western rivers, and even the former territory of Tubo have all been conquered. During the Yuanshu period, the Xia army broke through the new pass of Hangu, surrounded Luoyang, and Bianliang was unable to rescue it. Why didn't they take advantage of the momentum to advance eastward and sweep across the world?"

  Xu Buzhi nodded his head in approval, he was one of the few people in the court who had a good understanding of the situation in Xia country. He said slowly: "The system of Xia country inherits the legacy of the Warring States and Qin and Han dynasties, with a strong military tradition. In Guanzhong, every household has horses, children ride sheep, and people are trained in combat from an early age. If there is no special reason, only after joining the army can one become a scholar-official, otherwise they can only become a dependent household, paying three-tenths of their annual income to the scholar-official who protects them and accepting their jurisdiction. The Xia people value martial arts as much as our Song Dynasty values literature. Children with potential are sent by their parents to private schools that teach martial arts, and the competition for joining the army is extremely fierce, just like our imperial examinations. In the Xia country's military, the ten-man squad leader is chosen based on bravery, while other officers are promoted from among them. Therefore, the Xia country's military is composed of brave soldiers who value military discipline, which allows them to resist the Turks in the west, intimidate the Khitans in the east, conquer the small sea in the north, and annex Tibet in the south. Although our Song Dynasty's imperial guards are elite, they have never been able to match the Xia country's military." Xu Buzhi's voice was not loud, but his tone revealed that he had a deep impression of the soldiers of Xia country.

  He took a sip of clear tea and continued: "In the past, the siege of Luoyang was lifted for two reasons. Firstly, during the Yuanshou period, our dynasty's national strength was strong, and we abandoned the old party struggles. Famous officials such as Sima Guang, Wen Yanbo, Fan Zhenren, Su Song, and Zhang Dun were all able ministers. We also had the power of the Xining reforms, and the imperial court's treasury was full. The forbidden army was well-trained and strong. Therefore, the Xia army besieged Luoyang for two months but could not capture it, while our dynasty gathered over 300,000 troops from all sides in Bianjing. If the Xia state did not want to engage in an all-out war with our dynasty, they would not gain any advantage. Secondly, since the founding of the Xia dynasty by Emperor Chen De, they have been constantly at war on their western borders. The area around Hezhong is a place of constant warfare between the Xia state and the Turks, Arabs, and Russians. Just half a year after the siege of Luoyang was lifted, the Xia state fought another battle with Russia. At that time, the court still had lingering fears about the siege of Luoyang and did not even dare to think about taking advantage of the situation to capture Guanzhong. Instead, they strictly ordered the armies stationed in Hebei and Luoyang not to provoke border conflicts." Xun Buqi smiled wryly and said: "Those who were most strongly advocating for attacking Xia at the time later became more and more in favor of peace and afraid of war."

  Li Ruoxu was familiar with the Turks and Ta-shi often mentioned in historical records, but there was one thing he didn't understand, so he asked: "Sir, what are the Rus' people among the Diyi?"

  "Ruos is a tribe that lives west of the Stone Mountains, with high noses and deep eyes, blue-eyed and blond-haired. Every time they go to war, they plunder and slaughter everywhere. They are similar to the Jie people during the Five Barbarians' invasion of China, but their population is more prosperous, estimated to be around 5 million."

  "Jie people?" Li Ruoxue and Li Ruoxu both exclaimed, the records of the Jie people's cruelty in history books are truly too numerous to record. If it weren't for Emperor Ran Wei driving most of them out of the Central Plains, North China at that time would probably have become a land of ghosts. The total number of Hu people in North China during the Five Barbarians' invasion was only a few million, while the Hu state that fought with Xia had a population of over 50 million, just like Russia.

  "Hmm," Chu Buzhi nodded, recalling the tragic scenes of the tribes that had been slaughtered by the Rouran people. His face turned solemn and he said in a low voice: "Not only do they resemble the Xianbei in appearance, but their armor is also sharp and fierce. They are greedy and lacking in virtue, cunning and good at changing their ways, and their actions are ruthless, just like the Xianbei."