Chapter 4 Hair and Beard Receive Long Life

  Chapter 4: The Hairpin is Given, Granting Eternal Life

  Xu Bu stayed in Li Gefei's study, chatting with him while appreciating the paintings and calligraphy.

  "Huang Chuan's death marks the end of an era. From now on, there will be no one else in the imperial court who can plead for the people's lives." Zhong Bo sighed and said, "Our dynasty does not suppress monopolies, and in the roads of Hebei and the southeast, the rich own lands that span several counties, while the poor have no place to even stick an awl. Land prices are skyrocketing, and the people's livelihoods are struggling. If this continues, even if the Liao people do not invade, we will first collapse from within."

  Li Ge Fei held a volume of Tang poetry and sighed, "'In the second month, new silk is sold, in the fifth month, new millet is harvested. The wound in front of one's eyes can be cured, but the flesh on one's forehead cannot be restored.' Nowadays, the situation is just like this, it's a pity that most of the new party's high-ranking officials still think they are in a prosperous era, exhausting the people's strength, provoking the imperial court to launch wars, building grand palaces, and emptying the country's resources."

  "Hmph," Chu Pu's eyes flashed with a hint of disdain, and he said in a low voice: "People like Cai Jing, Zhao Zhi, Li Bangyan, and the like, actually dare to call themselves the New Party?"

  He sighed and said, "Thinking back to the past, during the Qingli New Deal, Yuanfeng Reform, Xining Reform, and Huining Reform, whether it was the old party or the new party, those who advocated for reform and opposed reform were all famous ministers of their time. They were all public-minded when discussing current events. Alas, unfortunately, under the factional strife, the true talents of both parties have withered away. Now the emperor is fond of luxury and flattery, and the courtiers are only using the name of reform to attack each other, but in reality, they are just a group of sycophants who cater to the emperor's will, form cliques, and pursue private interests."

  "No blame on you, brother, still as stubborn as ever." Li Ge said with a smile.

  Su Shi sighed, "Since the Emperor's accession to the throne, those around him have all risen to power by luck. Cai Jing monopolizes power and manipulates politics, not hesitating to form alliances with eunuchs, using the turbid to expel the clear. If this continues, people under heaven will no longer distinguish right from wrong, but only pursue personal gain. The orthodox way is declining, people's hearts are lost, and the world will fall into chaos in an instant." He continued, "We so-called old party members listed in the Yuanyou era were still okay, but look at the new party's high-ranking officials Zeng Bu and Zhang Dun, just because they had offended the Emperor, they were also listed as members of the Yuanyou party. This shows what kind of thing Cai Jing's faction is up to."

  He took a sip of tea and changed his tone, saying: "The leaders of the current Qing government, such as Shaowu and Qin Hui, are actually resentful that they were not listed in the Yuanyou era. It seems that we are fortunate."

  Li Ge Fei smiled and said: "That's right." He asked again, "Today, for the younger generation to teach classes, what does Wu Jie think of Zhao Yuan Zhi's temperament, talent and learning?"

  Xu Bu nodded slightly and said, "Wen Shu brother has chosen a good son-in-law." He narrowed his eyes, smiling, and slowly recited: "Empty pockets can't afford to look for spring horses, dizzy eyes watch the carriage of choosing sons-in-law. It must be a wonderful story for the time being." At that time, although the customs were not as strict as during the prosperity of Confucianism in later generations, Li Fu and Zhao Xingde had already studied together under Xu Bu's tutelage, sharing meals at the same table, which actually implied the intention of choosing a son-in-law. However, the Li family had not yet openly informed them, and Zhao Xingde was unaware of it.

  Li Ge's face showed a hint of embarrassment, and Xiang Bu smiled: "Heng De's talent and character are not bad. Brother Wen Shu should make early preparations to avoid being snatched away by others on the day the imperial examination results are announced." In this dynasty, being an imperial scholar was extremely esteemed, and aristocratic families would compare with each other how many of their sons and nephews had passed the imperial examinations, and how many women had married imperial scholars. Whenever the imperial examination results were announced, officials from all over would compete to select the top students as sons-in-law, known as "picking up a son-in-law under the list". Because there were many suitors but few imperial scholars, it got to the point where some even picked up septuagenarian old men, and those who already had wives and families.

  Li Ge said with a smile, "Brother Wu, you must be laughing at me. Although my daughter has some talent and learning, her temperament is still not gentle enough. Yuan Zhi is the son of an old friend, not from a noble or aristocratic family, but he is a man of good character, kind and warm, who can tolerate her. He also doesn't have any brothers or sisters, so if Xue marries him in the future, there will be less gossip between his wife and his relatives. My wife and I have discussed this, and we'll let the two of them meet a few times. If Yuan Zhi is interested, we can arrange their engagement first, and they can get married after he passes the imperial examination. Perhaps Brother Wu will need to help facilitate things, so I'm thanking you in advance."

  Xu Bu smiled and said, "Everyone has a loving heart for their children, and it's indeed impossible to add anything more. Such a wonderful couple, I must make sure they are together." He paused for a moment, then continued, "My niece is talented and has a broad mind, not inferior to any man. As my disciple, today she asked me to propose a marriage for her, what do you think, Uncle Wen?"

  Li Ge frowned and said, "Women taking the imperial examination?" Xiang Buji smiled and said, "Exactly. If Cao Dajia and Cai Wenji were to take it, it would be a elegant thing." Li Ge saw that Xiang Buji was in agreement, so he smiled and said, "In that case, thank you, brother Wu."

  After Xiang Bu's departure, Li Ge returned to the inner chamber and saw that his wife had a hesitant expression. He asked warmly: "What is troubling you?"

  Madam Wang said: "Just now, my niece, the wife of Qin Doctor, came to visit and mentioned in conversation that Zhao Chengxiang's eldest son, named Zhao Guangshi, has intentions towards our family's Ruo Xue. She was probing our family's thoughts." Madam Wang was the eldest daughter of Grand Councilor Wang Kui during the Yuanfeng era, and seeing an opportunity for her family to form a marriage alliance with the current Vice Premier, she was somewhat moved by Qin's words. Knowing that Li Ge had already taken a liking to Zhao Xingde, the son of someone else, she was a bit hesitant.

  Li Ge said indignantly, "Zhao Zhi is the accomplice of Cai Jing who exiled us Yuanyou Party members. How can my family be related to such a treacherous person?" The Yuanyou Party members have suffered from exile and demotion over the years, and everyone has a deep sense of resentment in their hearts. Even Li Ge, who is known for his tolerance, couldn't help but feel angry, saying "Am I supposed to curry favor with Zhao Zhi?" His words were laced with moral integrity and literary elegance, but beneath the surface was a hint of rebuke.

  Madam Wang, being the second wife, was much younger than her husband and treated him with a mixture of respect and fear. She hastily explained: "I meant the same thing, I just didn't know how to decline their offer."

  Li Ge's eyebrows slightly furrowed, saying: "You tell him that our family has already promised to marry off Yu Xue to his household." His face turned slightly cold as he said: "As parents, when planning for their children, they need to have a long-term perspective. I think Zhao Xingde's talent and character are both good, and in the future, he will definitely become a great instrument. On the other hand, people like Cai Jing and Zhao Zhi, who are arrogant and full of themselves, will inevitably incur the wrath of their lord and bring about their own downfall. Do you want me to marry my daughter into a fiery pit?"

  Madam Wang was a stepmother, and at this moment she was being scolded by her husband, feeling bitter in her heart. She was also the daughter of a noble family, following Li Ge Fei through thick and thin for half a lifetime. Although she was a stepmother, she had raised the children left behind by Li Ruo Bing and Li Ruo Xue, the two deceased wives, very well. At this moment, although she felt somewhat wronged, she had always respected her husband, so she nodded in agreement.

  Li Ge said, "Zhao Xingde's parents have passed away, and he has no older brother to teach him poetry and literature. As the saying goes, 'Treat your teacher like your father.' I've already entrusted his brother, Wu Chou, to ask Zhao Xingde about his intentions. After Qingming Festival, we'll settle this matter. If Yuan Zhi agrees, I plan to fix their engagement and have him move into our home. Our home is quiet and peaceful, and Yuan Zhi can focus on preparing for next year's provincial examination. Although becoming an official through the Imperial Academy examination is also a way to serve, it's not as good as being a scholar-official through the imperial examination system. This will also eliminate others' covetous thoughts about Ruo Xue." As the saying goes, "A son-in-law is half a son." Li Ge's eldest son, Li Ruoyi, was extremely talented but had become an official through the Imperial Academy examination instead of being a scholar-official through the imperial examination system. Li Ge deeply regretted this. His daughter, Ruo Xue, and his youngest son, Ruo Yu, were still young, so at present, only Zhao Xingde, this son-in-law, could make up for this regret. Seeing her husband's hopeful expression, Madame Wang could only lower her head and reply, "Yes."

  In the boudoir, Li Ruoxue's close friend Zhu Ying was teasing her, saying: "I heard that Zhao Chengxiang's eldest son has a crush on his younger sister, but he didn't dare to tell his father, so he made up a story about a celestial being appearing in his dream and pointing out that this life must welcome the talented poetess as his wife."

  Zhu Ying was the daughter of Zhu Bona, the military governor of Wukang, and came from a prominent family. Her aunt, Zhu Taifei, was the paternal grandmother of the current imperial family, while her younger sister, Zhu Fengying, was married to the third prince as his wife, and her cousin, Zhu Xuan, was married to the eldest prince as his wife. Li Ruoxue excelled at writing lyrics and music, while Zhu Ying studied landscape painting with Mi Youren and achieved great skill, using the seal "Zhu Shi Daoren". Among the talented women of Bianjing, Zhu Ying and Li Ruoxue each had their own strengths and were known as talented ladies, with a sense of mutual admiration.

  "Is that so?" Li Ruoxue smiled faintly and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. Li Gefei had arranged for Zhao Xingde to study with her under the same teacher, and she had already sensed their parents' intention to engage them in marriage. Although Zhao Xingde was decent in character, it was clear that he lacked both foundation and talent in poetry and literature. Li Ruoxue felt a slight disappointment in her heart, but thinking that one couldn't have everything, she let go of the feeling. Compared to others, being able to meet with her future husband several times before marriage and knowing that he was someone she could entrust her life to was already a rare fortune.

  Zhu Ying didn't let her off, saying to herself: "This Zhao Gongzi is said to be a talented scholar, and at the last poetry gathering at Shaoyushi's house, his four poems were all outstanding, surpassing everyone else and winning first prize."

  "Oh?" Li Ruoxue's eyes lit up, and she raised her head to ask in a low voice: "Is there another poetry collection? Is there a copy?"

  Zhu Ying said, "Sister is a real fool, pretending to be clever. Now that the Yuan Yu academic style is prohibited, poetry and lyrics are already against the rules, and if some manuscripts are circulated again, won't it be handing over the handle to our opponents?" She paused for a moment and said, "However, in the future, I can teach Zhao Gongzi one poem at a time, and let you take a look." After finishing speaking, she covered her mouth and smiled. Li Ruoxue was both shy and anxious, her pale face like snow flushed with a hint of red, and she stretched out her hands to twist Zhu Ying's ears, scolding, "You sharp-tongued woman, see if I don't tear your mouth apart."

  After laughing for a while, Li Ruoxue finally let go of Zhu Ying and said, "The other day, I received a letter from Pingyang." Her eyes were filled with a smile, but this time it was Zhu Ying's turn to be a little shy. She had been secretly in love with Li Ruo Bing for some time and asked softly, "Is he doing well?" Li Ruoxue nodded and said, "Li Da Gongzi wrote a lot about military strategies and state affairs, but not a single word about his dear sister or my dear sister-in-law. However, from the writing, it seems that he is in high spirits."

  "Can I see his letter?" Zhu Ying asked, biting her lip. Li Ruoxue smiled and said, "Of course, the great young master Li is a man of few words, but this matter is detailed in a long letter of over a thousand words, which was originally written for you to read." As she spoke, she pulled out several letters from a music book, Zhu Ying didn't care about being shy anymore, took them and carefully read each word, with joyful sparkles jumping in her eyes.

  Li Ruobing was a young scholar of great promise, and he had already formed a deep connection with Zhu Ying. Although they were bound by social norms and never mentioned their personal feelings in their letters, Zhu Ying could sense Li Ruobing's emotions through his words. It seemed that soon they would be united as husband and wife. Li Ruoxue sighed softly to herself. She had studied under the same master as Zhao Xingde, but she still couldn't quite grasp his personality. Although he was a bit dull when it came to poetry and literature, when discussing military and national affairs, his eyes would flash with a sharp glint that made people afraid, yet also left a deep impression. She wondered if it was because of the hardships he had faced after his father's death in exile that he had become so rough around the edges. Li Ruoxue found herself making excuses for him in her heart. A woman's happiness in life depended on her husband, and she believed that Zhao Xingde was the one destined to be hers. As she thought about it repeatedly, the three characters of his name had already filled her mind and heart.

  Zhu Ying and Li Ruoxue carefully read Li Ruoxue's letter several times, almost memorizing it, before reluctantly returning it to Li Ruoxue. Li Ruoxue smiled and teased: "Good sister, has the letter from Li Daguizi also been passed on to you? Is there any benefit?"

  Zhu Ying smiled and said, "What benefits do you want? The rouge of Jiangnan, the flower oil of Xiyu, or the eyebrow stone of Persia?" Li Ruoxue was naturally beautiful and usually wore no makeup, so Zhu Ying deliberately teased her. The things she mentioned were extremely popular among the ladies of Bianjing, but they had no use for Li Ruoxue at all.

  Li Ruoxue's eyes slightly turned, and she leaned her pointed chin on Zhu Ying's shoulder, smiling: "The good thing is to quickly become my sister-in-law, let me be a little aunt, and have another baby, so I can become an aunt sooner." As she said that, she reached out to scratch Zhu Ying's waist, Zhu Ying turned around, laughing: "Good, you're shameless." The two of them laughed and played together again.