Tang Dynasty Xie Lu Lang

Chapter 469: The Voice of a Young Phoenix is ​​Clearer than that of an Old Phoenix

Although Zhang Dai did not intend to consider Song Zhuo a close friend, he was still warm and amiable towards him. Later, when they were discussing music theory, he also inquired about Song Zhuo's situation.

Song Zhuo was twenty-three years old and the son of Song Fu, the eldest son of Song Jing. Coincidentally, he was also born out of wedlock, and his background was similar to Zhang Dai's. However, what made Song Zhuo's situation even more tragic than Zhang Dai's was that his father died young.

Of course, from Zhang Dai's perspective, this might not necessarily be a bad thing. However, for most people of that era, without a father's support and care, life would inevitably be more difficult.

Their similar backgrounds undoubtedly gave them more in common. However, unlike Zhang Dai, who gradually gained his grandfather's attention and care as his talents became apparent, Song Zhuo's career path was much more difficult.

He served in the Three Guards when he was a teenager. When his term of office was completed, he did not receive any special treatment because his grandfather was the Minister of Personnel. He was assigned to Huainan, a place he was unfamiliar with, and stayed there for several years. Only after his term of office was completed was he able to retire and return to the capital.

Influenced by his family, Song Zhuo was also quite interested in vocal music and folk arts, so after returning to Chang'an, he often frequented the music academy in his neighborhood. However, Zhang Dai had been busy with matters of the Censorate recently and had not had time to come to the music academy, so this was the first time they had met.

As the conversation deepened, their topics shifted from traditional folk arts and music theory to current events.

Although Song Zhuo served as an official for a longer period than Zhang Dai, his first post as the Three Guards was merely a matter of standing guard and participating in the palace patrol. His subsequent post as the Assistant Magistrate of Hefei County was also a low-level local administrative official with tedious and detailed work, so it was not appropriate to discuss it with him.

Therefore, Zhang Dai did most of the talking during their conversation, while Song Zhuo listened attentively, and the more he listened, the more envious he became.

Although Zhang Dai's official career was short, the excitement of the process was unimaginable to ordinary people. The various personnel disputes were astonishing. Compared with him, Song Zhuoyue felt that his official experience was really unremarkable.

Not only Song Zhuo, but most young officials entering officialdom for the first time had far more experience than Zhang Dai. Whether as a music official leading the fashion trends of the time, or as a censor repeatedly offering advice and suggestions to improve the political climate, these were dreams that many could only aspire to but never achieve.

Although Zhang Dai's official position and status are not very high at present, he has already become the kind of person many of his peers dream of, including Song Zhuo.

While communicating with Song Zhuo, Zhang Dai was also observing and evaluating this young man.

Although his official career was not particularly noteworthy, this was mainly due to the limitations of his official position. Song Zhuo's character was commendable; he did not become arrogant or frivolous because of his family background. He was polite in his dealings with others and his words and actions were always clear, logical, and fair.

During their conversation, Zhang Dai also discovered that Song Zhuo genuinely loved traditional performing arts. This love was not the kind of fascination that young people have with entertainment, but rather a pure appreciation for traditional performing arts.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with liking entertainment; it's just human nature. More importantly, Song Zhuo himself has a very solid foundation in music theory and also has his own insights into artistic creation.

When he got excited, Song Zhuo even went on stage to demonstrate his instrumental skills, playing several common instruments with great skill. His performance of the jiegu (a type of Chinese drum) was particularly impressive, showing he had a solid foundation in the craft.

The prime minister's grandson was fond of traditional performing arts, which might seem like a waste of time to later generations. But in fact, it wasn't just the grandson; the prime minister himself was also very fond of traditional performing arts.

When later generations mention Song Jing, they say that he hated evil as if it were his enemy, and that he must have been upright, rigid, and reclusive.

In reality, Song Jing was an easygoing, humorous, and quite interesting person. He was skilled in poetry and prose, and in his youth, he presented his poems and prose to Su Weidao, one of the "Four Friends of Literature," which was highly praised at the time.

He was also proficient in musical scales and rhythms, especially skilled in playing the Jie drum. He even wrote a summary of Jie drum playing techniques and enthusiastically taught them to his children and grandchildren. As a result, during the mid-Tang Dynasty, Song Jing's descendants were able to serve as music officials based on their family's musical skills.

Song Zhuo's skill is indeed a testament to his family's tradition.

"What does Your Majesty think of this person?"

While enjoying Song Zhuo's performance from below the stage, Zhang Dai leaned close to Prince Shou and whispered a question.

Upon hearing this, Prince Shou immediately nodded solemnly and said, "This young Song truly lives up to his reputation as the descendant of a renowned minister; his style is truly remarkable..."

Upon hearing this formulaic answer again, Zhang Dai couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He knew it was somewhat difficult to expect Prince Shou to understand concepts like developing power and forming factions at this point, but he had to admit that the education Prince Shou had received was truly subpar, having lost the innocence of an ordinary child and failing to cultivate the shrewdness of an adult.

To put it bluntly, it's like being mature beyond one's years, but in reality, it's making people dull and sluggish. They may look like juicy, vibrant radishes on the outside, but they've become mushy inside because they're too mature.

However, now is not the time to lament these things. Zhang Dai thought that he might be able to use Song Jing's grandson to borrow some of the political resources that Song Jing had accumulated.

While Song Jing was not as keen on forming cliques and pursuing personal gain as Zhang Shuo, his very existence was a considerable political resource.

Historical records abound with accounts of the lamentations of scholars after the An Lushan Rebellion, suggesting that if Emperor Xuanzong had continued to rely on and trust Song Jing, the rebellion might not have occurred. Whether this view is accurate or not, it suffices to demonstrate the scholars' respect and remembrance of Song Jing, the wise prime minister of the Kaiyuan era.
Such a prestigious legacy is enough to ensure that people extend their affection to Song Jing's descendants.

For example, Song Jing's son, Song Hun, during the Tianbao era was clearly a scoundrel. When he was impeached by Ji Wen, Yan Zhenqing, who was then serving as the Palace Attendant Censor, lamented, "How could you risk endangering Song Jing's future in a moment of anger?"

Yan Zhenqing was known for his uprightness and integrity. Yet, even he believed that Song Jing's reputation was enough to gild his descendants, and that he should not be harassed or harmed.

Zhang Dai's plan was simple: he intended to lure Song Zhuo into his camp and use Song Jing's reputation as a endorsement. Since Song Jing was willing to let his grandson play with him, it meant he was doing good deeds. Could someone or something supported by Song Jing be wrong?

Prince Shou was not someone he could communicate with, but he could be used to relay messages to Consort Hui. So he didn't say much to Prince Shou for the time being. When Song Zhuo finished his performance and came off the stage, walking towards him with an expectant and apprehensive look on his face, Zhang Dai raised his hand and applauded.

"I often hear people praise the superb drumming skills of Master Guangping, but it's a pity I was born too late and missed the opportunity to befriend him. But now that I've heard the clear sound of Song Lang's drumming, I imagine it's the young phoenix whose voice is clearer than the old one!"

Zhang Dai clapped and cheered as he stood up to greet Song Zhuo, showering him with praise.

Upon hearing this, Song Zhuo's face immediately turned red with embarrassment, and he waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "How dare I, how dare I... Sixth Brother's praise is too much for me! My father is getting old and has indeed not been performing much in recent years, but he still occasionally entertains himself at home. If you have some free time, Sixth Brother, you are welcome to visit my home. If you hear about my father's performing arts, you will know that I am still far behind!"

"Song Lang's words make me even more eager to visit your esteemed residence. I will certainly pay my respects with utmost courtesy in the future!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dai smiled and said, then gestured for Song Zhuo to sit back down. He then looked at him and asked with a smile, "Young Master Song, now that you've returned to the capital, I wonder if you have any plans for your future?"

Upon hearing this, Song Zhuo shook his head, then said with a somewhat somber expression, "Although I have completed my term and am returning home, I have not brought with me any outstanding achievements or reputation. I am an ordinary person who entered the civil service, unlike Liu Lang who was selected through the civil service examination. I also have no special skills to offer. After returning home, I still need to wait for my chance to be selected."

"Why be so modest, Song Lang? I had a very pleasant conversation with you today, and your profound discussion of music theory has been very enlightening. This art is not easy to master, and it would be a real pity to let it go to waste. My colleague Ma Xielu in the department is about to complete his term and is waiting to be replaced. If you, Song Lang, could take over his position, wouldn't it be wonderful for us to work together on this matter?"

Zhang Dai looked at Song Zhuo and said with a smile.

"Sixth Brother truly believes I am worthy of this position... Alas, I have only practiced these plays in my spare time for my own amusement, and have never dared to perform them before others. Moreover, what I have seen today, Sixth Brother, is magnificent and impressive in his singing and performing arts, far beyond my reach..."

Upon hearing this, Song Zhuo's face first lit up with joy, but it quickly dimmed, and he said with a look of regret.

In reality, no one ever said that musical talent was required to serve as a Xie Lu Lang (a high-ranking official in charge of music). The Xie Lu Lang's primary function was supervision and management. Take Zhang Dai, for example; his knowledge of music theory was so-so, but he was good at making demands. If you asked him to do it himself, he actually couldn't do it.

For a scholar-official position like Xie Lu Lang, musical talent was merely an added bonus; one could fulfill the role without it. Song Zhuo's lament likely stemmed from his disappointment that the political resources his family provided were insufficient to exempt him from the selection process and allow him to directly assume the position.

When Zhang Dai heard Song Zhuo say this, he understood the situation. Song Zhuo was certainly willing to serve as the Assistant Musician; otherwise, he wouldn't have been visiting the Music Bureau every day after returning to the capital. If he had such an opportunity, he would naturally not refuse it.

Since that's the case, the rest is easier. Zhang Dai knew that Song Jing was an upright and incorruptible man. If he were too eager to befriend him, it would be perfectly normal to be met with a stern refusal and leave himself embarrassed. However, if he approached Song Jing's descendants and relatives, things would be much simpler.

If Consort Wu Hui could intervene and help Song Zhuo resolve his employment issue, securing him a position as a Musician, Song Jing, even if unwilling to accept such a favor or have any connection with Consort Wu Hui, would still find a way to influence his children and grandchildren. After all, he lacks absolute authority over his sons and grandsons; otherwise, his sons wouldn't be so unreliable, let alone his grandsons!
Although Zhang Dai had this plan, he did not reveal it directly to Song Zhuo. Instead, he first communicated with his aunt and waited until things were confirmed before making a decision.

(End of this chapter)