Red Mansion: Picking up a Lin Daiyu

Chapter 460: Talking about great principles lightly, hiding one's wisdom in clumsiness

The rising sun hangs slantingly, and the clouds reflect the blue sky.

As the curfew was about to fall, people on the street were walking in a hurry and no one stopped to linger.

The garden gates that can be seen everywhere attract even less attention. Not only is the reason that people passing by do not have the leisure time and elegance, but also that the gardens look really ordinary from the outside.

The only difference is that the plaque in front of the gate is titled "Jingsi Garden", and there is a row of small characters below it, which was written by the 63rd generation Yanshenggong.

It is very rare to receive the writing brush and ink from Duke Yansheng, but when asked, no one knows who owns the garden.

However, there is a different world inside the garden. There are secret guards at every corner under the courtyard wall, which is loose on the outside but tight on the inside.

In an elegant room, with the doors and windows wide open, two people sat on the floor facing each other, sipping tea in silence.

The person in the host seat bowed and poured tea, looking elegant and graceful, with a face as beautiful as jade, red lips and white teeth, and his every move showed the majesty of someone who had been in a superior position for a long time.

She was dressed in moon-white cloud brocade, with wagtail incense beads wrapped around her wrist. Carrying the imperial tribute with her showed her nobility and extraordinary status.

The guest sitting opposite him was thin and elegant, with half-white hair and beard, and eyes as deep as a well. Although he seemed calm, there was a sharpness like an eagle when he raised his eyebrows, just like a Confucian general.

The dark blue uniform he wore concealed his sharpness, and only a touch of Jin embroidery lining on the cuffs gave him a hint of extraordinaryness.

On one side is the son of an aristocratic family and the representative of the Jiangnan nobles, Prince Beijing Shui Rong.

The other party is Chai Pu, the leader of Jin and the only prime minister in the court. Both of them are in the same difficult situation, which led to today's appointment.

Yue Ling went to the south of the Yangtze River, destroyed the foundation of Prince Beijing, returned to the capital to implement the new law, and pressed for the position of prime minister.

After returning to Beijing and establishing his position, he chose to reform the imperial examination system, which touched upon the lifeblood of both groups.

Although Emperor Longyou was on the sidelines in the court and all officials had no way to refute their claims, who didn't know the role Yue Ling played behind the scenes?

Especially apart from Yue Ling, this freak, the side with more people often has the upper hand in the court.

Whether it was Jiangnan using his literary heritage to cultivate power in the court, or Chai Pu promoting scholars from Jin for personal gain, they were all moves to place confidants in positions of power, and both could not bypass the imperial examination.

However, after Yue Ling took control, the future of the two was no longer bright. It was more difficult to bear than losing the good situation before. Now their trunks were to be cut off.

The pressure made the two forces, which were originally incompatible, enter today's elegant pavilion, but they also wanted to reach a tacit understanding in the court at this small square table.

The two of them knew clearly that if they couldn't work together and strike back with thunder, they were afraid that the downward trend could no longer be stopped.

After pouring the fragrant tea, Shui Rong drank it himself first, then raised his hand to invite others.

Seeing the person sitting opposite him take a sip, he smiled and looked out the window, restrained his momentum, and said leisurely: "Prime Minister Chai, it's rare that you are willing to accept the invitation. I wonder if this Mingqian tea and the scenery outside the window match your feelings."

"If you ask me, this garden has a little more wildness than the Imperial Garden. Even in midsummer, there are only a few dead leaves on the branches. It's really been neglected."

With a light sigh, Shui Rong raised his hand and swung the teacup, fiddling with it gracefully, and said lightly: "It is common sense for fallen leaves to return to their roots, but I don't know when the wind will stop and where the leaves will fall."

There were many twists and turns in the words, but Chai Pu, who was sitting opposite him, did not change his expression and accurately got to the point.

"Your Majesty is very elegant. The wind starts from the tip of duckweed, and its momentum is unpredictable. The fallen leaves carried by the wind may nourish the new soil, or they may block the ditch. It all depends on how the gardener handles it."

The seemingly casual response hit Shui Rong's heart, causing Shui Rong to look him in the face. He then probed, "Prime Minister Chai is right. It's not easy to be the manager of a garden, especially since there are some newly planted 'exotic flowers and plants' in the garden. Although the manager claims to be 'practical', he has squeezed out the sunlight and rain from the flowers and trees."

"The foundation is not yet stable, yet you want to take over and shake the tree. If this continues, the garden will lose its order and be disrupted."

Chai Pu shook his head, smiling, "Your Highness, this is wrong. The way of gardening is to get rid of the old and bring in the new. In the past, peonies and peonies were also introduced from foreign lands, but now they have become the national beauty, right?"

"But this old minister and the prince are equally worried. If these new seedlings are too overbearing and do not distinguish between the primary and the secondary, they may even attract foreign insects to gnaw at the roots of the garden. That would be a disaster rather than a blessing."

Shui Rong's eyes narrowed slightly. After listening to Chai Pu's rebuttal, he was neither anxious nor annoyed. His smile was still as gentle as the spring breeze. He turned and said, "Although Prime Minister Chai is well versed in gardening, I'm afraid that the term 'insects' is too heavy."

"Duke Dingguo is the pillar of the country. He has made great contributions in expelling the Tartars. He is well-known to everyone in Dachang, including women and children. His reputation is known both inside and outside the Great Wall."

"But I have the same idea as Prime Minister Chai. Although you are a general in charge, you are not taking the initiative to change the garden rules. Isn't it a bit overstepping your authority? Moreover, the fine trees that have been cultivated by inheriting the rules for many years are very particular about rules. If the rules are suddenly changed, they may find it difficult to adapt and it may hurt their vitality."

Chai Pu finally raised his eyes and looked at Shui Rong. There was a strange light flashing in his calm eyes.

"I feel the same way that the prince loves Jiamu. However, if a general only knows how to expand but not how to defend, his edge will be too sharp and he will inevitably hurt himself. I also deeply understand the prince's predicament."

It seemed that the first round of confrontation was over, and the elegant room fell into a subtle silence, with only the occasional rustling of treetops outside the window.

The smile that had been on Shui Rong's face faded away, and his fingertips tapped the table unconsciously.

When Shui Rong spoke again, his voice was lowered a bit, "The wind and snow in Mobei corrode bones and penetrate into marrow. The spring water in the south of the Yangtze River also froze overnight."

Both of them could hear the hidden meaning in each other's words, so they spoke frankly and talked more bluntly.

"The past is like smoke, but the lessons remain."

Chai Pu paused and continued, "We all underestimated Duke Dingguo in the past, which led to the current situation."

"Now, this Duke is reaching out to the imperial examinations again, trying to cut off the path for scholars to advance, and even more so, to cut off the roots of Jiangnan's cultural heritage. This is not a matter of one person's gain or loss, nor is it a matter of you and me. It is a matter of shaking the foundation of the world."

"The people of Jin traveled all over the world as merchants, and every household knew that profit came first. However, without the profit of order, it is like building a tower on sand, which will collapse at any moment."

Shui Rong's eyes were burning, and he leaned forward slightly to refill Chai Pu's tea. "What Prime Minister Chai said was very heartbreaking. But I am an idle nobleman, and I have been away from the court affairs for a long time."

"The noble families in the south of the Yangtze River and the Jia Mansion in the capital have all fallen into ruin after the disaster. I wonder what wise idea Prime Minister Chai has to protect the fine trees in the garden from being disturbed by the 'new seedlings' and 'dry fortresses'?"

Chai looked out the window. The wind started blowing again, and the branches were swaying uncontrollably. Suddenly, his eyes became deeper. "Public opinion is like the wind. It can create momentum or destroy reputation. However, Duke Dingguo is favored by the emperor and has made great military achievements. It is unlikely to shake his foundation just by impeachment and lip service."

"We need a strong dose of medicine to make him expose his shortcomings in broad daylight, so that Your Majesty and the scholars of the world can see the vanity of his 'new learning' and the evil intention of his 'reform'." Shui Rong showed a slightly amused look, and his eyes lit up slightly, "Oh? Prime Minister Chai wants to imitate the 'debate on righteousness and profit' and the 'debate on salt and iron'?"

Chai Pu nodded, "That's right. We jointly petition Your Majesty to hold a grand discussion on 'Practical Application of the Classics' in front of the Imperial Academy or the Wenhua Palace! Invite great scholars, learned people, important officials from the six ministries, noble relatives, and even Your Majesty in person to discuss the way of the imperial examination and the basis of governing the country!"

"Since Duke Dingguo advocates 'pragmatism', let him stand before the great court, facing the classics of sages and the established laws of our ancestors, and explain the benefits of 'new learning' and resolve the doubts about 'reform'!"

Shui Rong clapped his hands and chuckled, with a hint of coldness on the corners of his mouth: "Brilliant! Very brilliant! This is an open conspiracy! If they are timid and don't respond, then their 'new school' will collapse before the battle, and the proposal for reform will disappear."

"If he accepts the challenge, Prime Minister Chai has many great scholars under his tutelage, who are well versed in the profound meaning of the classics, and also have the support of scholars all over the world. Even if Duke Dingguo has the tongue of Su and Zhang, how can he resist the gossips of the world?"

"What's more..." Shui Rong paused and said meaningfully: "Although Jiangnan has suffered a heavy blow, the century-old cultural heritage has not been extinguished. This king can contact the great scholars in Jiangnan. They regard the imperial examination as their lifeline and hate heterodox teachings. They will definitely go all out to join us in this grand event of 'defending morality'!"

"By then, the people on the stage will be the masters of Confucian classics under Prime Minister Chai, and the people below will be the elders, nobles and celebrities from Jiangnan. Under such circumstances, Your Majesty will have to think twice if he still insists on doing things his own way."

Chai Pu's eyes gleamed, and he added: "Your Highness has thought it through. However, this proposal must be invincible. What we advocate is not for personal gain, but for 'protecting the sacred learning', 'adhering to the ancestral system', and 'maintaining a fair path for scholars all over the world to advance'! This is the glorious and upright way."

"During the debate, we will only quote classics, expound on the way of governing the country by saints, discuss the 'distinction between righteousness and profit', and denounce 'strange and lewd tricks' that confuse people's minds and undermine propriety, righteousness, integrity and shame. We will never take the initiative to attack the Duke personally, we will only discuss his learning!"

"Force him to explain how those 'mathematics' and 'engineering' can compare to the way of 'cultivating oneself, managing the family, governing the country and pacifying the world'! Force him to explain why he would damage the thousand-year-old cultural heritage for 'minor skills'!"

Shui Rong understood and smiled even more, "Prime Minister Chai is a mature and wise man who is invincible in his state affairs! I agree with you. All we need to do is to be the 'defenders of morality' and hold high the torch of the saints."

"If Duke Dingguo persists in his wrongdoings, his words and deeds will be regarded as 'heresy' by scholars all over the world, and he will be nailed to the pillar of shame by public opinion, and his bronze statue will be erected kneeling outside the Confucian Temple."

"At that time, even if Your Majesty wants to protect him, how can you go against the will of the scholars in the world?"

"Great view, Mr. Chai!"

Chai Pu bowed and evaded the question, saying, "I don't deserve your high opinion. It's just the four words 'correct the original and clear the source'. The imperial examination system is related to the state system, how can we change it lightly? The most urgent task is to let your majesty understand that the harm of suddenly changing the ancestral system is even worse than foreign threats. The opinions of the Qingliu should be a mirror for your majesty."

Stroking the warm wall of the cup, Shui Rong regained his composure and calmed down, "'Correcting the original and clearing the source' is indeed an upright policy. Your Majesty is wise and will be able to see through everything. The nobles are of high character and their words will surely reach the ears of the emperor."

"As for the scholars in the south of the Yangtze River, although my power is weak, they have been scholars for generations, so they must have some old friends and students, and maybe they can join forces with Chai to fight together."

Chai Pu nodded slightly, with a faint smile on the corner of his mouth. It was the first time he showed such an expression after entering the garden.

"Your Highness is wise and cares deeply about the country's culture. This is a blessing to the court. The upright students should use their mouths as swords to eliminate the evil and promote the good. The literary world is also grateful to Your Highness for upholding the 'right path'."

"As for the bitter cold lands of the Nine Borders, if Your Majesty can ensure that the trade routes are open, then goods will be plentiful. If goods are plentiful, then the border defenses can be strengthened. If the border defenses can be strengthened, Your Majesty's position will be unshakable."

Shui Rong raised his teacup and said with a smile, "Prince Chai is very knowledgeable, and I admire him. I hope that the garden will eventually return to its original state, with everyone in their proper place, and the pines and cypresses evergreen, and the plums and bamboos flourishing."

Chai Pu also raised his glass in response, and the rim of the glass gently touched, making a crisp sound, "May it be as Your Majesty wishes. The wind rises from the green duckweed, and can also stop under the forest. Please!"

The two of them drank the tea in their cups together and said no more.

Chai Pu stood up to say goodbye, and Shui Rong saw him off to the door of the elegant room.

Listening to the wind under the corridor, the leaves are still falling.

Before leaving, Chai Pu couldn't help but remind him again: "Have you ever met Duke Dingguo?"

Shui Rong's expression froze, and he shook his head and said, "No, what warning did Prime Minister Chai have?"

Chai Pu added: "This is a fight of life and death. If the trump card is revealed, the prince and the old minister will be in danger. We can't just stand by and watch as before and avoid getting involved."

"Especially since Duke Dingguo is a newly promoted nobleman and also from the noble family, how can Your Majesty not go and pay him a visit?"

"Duke Dingguo is young and arrogant, so he would not visit your house first. He also tarnished his reputation, causing us to look down on him. We must be on guard against him."

Shui Rong nodded repeatedly, thinking it made sense.

"Prime Minister Chai is absolutely right. This time we are trying to catch him by surprise. Even though I don't believe he has such extraordinary abilities, I shouldn't let him prepare completely..."

……

Yue Ling, who was regarded as a serious threat by both upright civil officials and meritorious military officials, was not busy with official duties. Instead, he was holding a grand celebration banquet in front of his own mansion.

There were more and more girls in the mansion, and even the eight-immortal tables were increased from the original three to two more, so that everyone could sit together.

The purpose of this banquet was to celebrate the arrival of Xue Baoqin, the younger sister of the Xue family, and to wish the sisters of the Jia family to escape from the sea of ​​suffering.

Originally, the atmosphere should have been vigorous and full of joy, but for some reason, every girl had a very shy face and lowered their heads, even Lin Daiyu.

Looking around at the exquisite costumes of different colors but the same generality, just like flowers in full bloom, competing for beauty, Yue Ling couldn't help but smile.

Women dress up to please themselves, but so many little girls are like this. It's really a happy trouble.

Sister Lin was as bare-faced as ever, but every time I glanced at her secretly, her cheeks would take on an unnatural pink hue.

This is her best look.

"I don't know why you are all so reserved today. It's really unlike you."

Yue Ling smiled and raised his wine cup. He looked at Xueyan, who was the only one in the hall who couldn't wait to stuff a chicken leg into her mouth. He pursed his lips and said, "If you ask me, you should learn from her and stop having so many distracting thoughts in your mind. I am not what you think."

When the girls saw that Xueyan's mouth was full with only the chicken leg bone sticking out, they burst into laughter and the awkward atmosphere disappeared.

Suddenly, Tanchun raised her hand and asked, "My Lord, is there any news about the Imperial Concubine?"

Yue Ling smiled and replied, "Your Majesty has never treated any loyal person unfairly, even the Ningguo Mansion that once plotted rebellion. So, you can rest assured. How could Concubine Xian De have second thoughts?"

(End of this chapter)