Three Kingdoms: Jiangdong is no longer a rat

Chapter 238 The Grand View of Civil and Martial Arts in the Qian Yuan Era
Yan Yi was a typical man of action; he would never put off until tomorrow what he could do today. At this moment, although he was accompanied by a beautiful woman, his mind was already on military and political matters.

However, with scholars from all over the land, plus local heroes and those with special skills, the number is absolutely enormous. Even if Yan Yi had the ability to be in two places at once, he couldn't handle it all.

In terms of time, he can't afford to wait.

Just like the college entrance examination in later generations, the most stressful and precious time is precisely the period before the exam.

Yan Yi unconsciously got up and walked slowly around the room.

Quan Rou and Bu Lianshi knew he was deep in thought, so they held their breath and dared not disturb him.

Quan Rou couldn't help but give Bu Lianshi a helpless, bitter smile, unsure whether to scold or praise her. Tonight was supposed to be a chat about romantic and leisurely matters, but unexpectedly the conversation turned to serious business.

He knew Yan Yi's character very well. Whenever it came to important matters, he would be "rising early and retiring late, personally handling every matter," and he would ignore even the most beautiful woman by his side.

Yan Yi pondered for a moment, then his gaze suddenly fell on a screen in the hall.

On the plain silk screen framed in rosewood, a delicate spring outing scene is painted. With just a few strokes, green peaks appear and disappear, two or three sparse willows sway obliquely, and a dozen ink dots transform into figures of people enjoying the spring outing, as if one could hear laughter and warbling of orioles coming from there.

A thought vaguely popped into Yan Yi's mind. He turned to look at Quan Rou and Bu Lianshi and asked, "How do you two usually interact with the students?"

Quan Rou sat up straight and said seriously, "When I interact with you gentlemen, we sometimes discuss the classics and current affairs, or we go out with books and go hunting with bows. When we have free time, we also play some games such as archery and pitch-pot."

The phrase "drawing a bow to hunt" refers to the winter hunt. The winter hunt originated from the Zhou Dynasty's 'field hunting' ritual, and the current dynasty inherited this ancient custom, incorporating it into its ceremonial regulations. It serves both as a reminder of military importance and carries a certain political significance.

Depending on the group participating in the hunt, winter hunts are generally divided into two types. One type is personally presided over by princes, nobles, or even the emperor, led by high-ranking military officials such as the Grand General and Grand Commandant, with the participation of elite troops such as the Imperial Guards and the Feathered Forest Guards.

At this time, local officials and powerful clans would often respond enthusiastically, organizing hunting expeditions as both military training and social gatherings. Historical records describe it as "hosting guests and hunting in the wild during the winter months."

Another method involved village officials or village heads organizing the villagers for hunting, known as "spring hunt, summer reed hunt, autumn hunt, and winter hunt." Winter was the off-season for farming, and the villagers usually had little to do. Participating in the winter hunt allowed them to meet the government's requirements for training their troops and also provide a chance to hunt wild animals for a treat. If they were lucky enough to catch a lot, they could even sell the surplus game at the market for money—why not?
However, since the world fell into chaos, winter hunting among the common people has become increasingly rare. With bandits roaming the mountains and plains, and people struggling to survive, who has the leisure or inclination to hunt?

After Quan Rou finished speaking, Bu Lianshi continued, "I will attend some poetry gatherings, or go out with friends to enjoy the snow."

Compared to men, women in this era were mostly confined to the home, focusing on being wives and mothers, and rarely appeared in public, which made their lives much more monotonous.

People like Bu Lianshi, who gain social recognition and participate in social activities through their talents and beauty, are a minority.

Yan Yi then discussed with them some activities such as Cuju (ancient Chinese football), sumo wrestling, Liubo (ancient Chinese board game), and puppet shows, gradually gaining a better understanding. After organizing his thoughts, he shared his ideas: "I plan to hold a 'Winter Olympics' on the shores of West Lake, with hunting, archery, poetry, music, dance, wrestling, horse racing, dragon boat racing, Liubo, pitch-pot, and various other entertainments as competition events. I will invite scholars and heroes from Jiangdong to participate, and will reward active participants and outstanding performers generously. What do you two think?"

Quan Rou and Bu Lianshi both opened their eyes wide, their gazes filled with confusion, not understanding what the 'Winter Olympics' were.

However, this did not prevent them from understanding the message Yan Yi was conveying. After a slight pause, both of them showed surprise and excitement, and their gazes towards Yan Yi were filled with inquiry and curiosity.

Just how much is in the Lord's head, and how can he come up with so many ingenious ideas?

Yan Yi's way of thinking and behavior is different from that of this era, which often brings great novelty and shock to those around him.

Quan Rou had originally planned to carry out his grand scheme of "hoarding rare goods" tonight, but Yan Yi had successfully swayed him, and his mind turned to a new topic. He said excitedly, "Your Excellency's ingenious ideas are truly admirable. If this Winter Olympics can be successfully held, it will surely become a great event for all time, leaving a lasting legacy and becoming a beautiful story."

He paused, then said with certainty, "At that time, the young men of Jiangdong, whether from noble families or commoners, will surely flock here upon hearing the news!"

Bu Lian's beautiful eyes sparkled, and a smile bloomed on her lips as she parted slightly: "Uncle is right. Even those commoners who are unwilling to go out due to the cold winter and the disturbances of bandits, or who are hiding to avoid disaster, will probably be unable to resist coming when they hear about this grand event."

The two men fully understood Yan Yi's intentions, knowing that he wanted to use this grand event to recruit all the talents of Jiangdong. Such ambition was truly rare in the world.

Yan Yi flicked his sleeves, displaying a commanding presence, and announced loudly, "All participants, regardless of rank or social status, will be provided with travel expenses and lodging according to certain standards."

"During the meeting, those who perform exceptionally well and achieve rankings will be granted official positions by this Marquis on the spot!"

"This grand event should be inscribed on stone to commemorate its achievements and pass it down to future generations!"

Bu Lianshi gazed at his spirited and dashing figure, her eyes revealing admiration. What woman could remain unmoved by a man who possessed power, talent, and charisma?

If she had previously been somewhat reluctant about Quan Rou's arrangements, she was now completely willing.

Her eyes were expectant, yet she asked with a hint of nervousness, "My lord, may I participate?"

Yan Yi pondered for a moment, then said loudly, "Of course you can. Not only can you participate, but all women in the world can participate as long as they are willing. At that time, I will set up separate events for men and women, with men competing against men and women competing against women."

In this patriarchal world, men hold absolute dominance in political, economic, and social activities. While he finds it difficult to change this situation and is unwilling to do so, he is willing and obligated to grant women a higher social status and allow them to participate in more affairs.

Although women should be subordinate to men, the difference in their status should not be too great.

Bu Lianshi gasped, her small mouth slightly agape, her beautiful eyes filled with surprise and disbelief.

After regaining her senses, she rose and bowed gracefully, saying happily, "On behalf of all women in the world, Master Lian thanks you, my lord!"

Quan Rou also looked surprised, her eyebrows furrowed slightly, and her mouth opened as if she wanted to say something. After hesitating for a moment, she finally remained silent.

Yan Yi discussed some details with the two of them, and then, eager to return to his residence to make arrangements, he took his leave despite the banquet being only halfway through.

Quan Rou then remembered the purpose of arranging this banquet tonight and was eager to persuade him to stay, but Yan Yi had already turned and walked out of the house. She had no choice but to suppress the thousand words in her heart and follow him.

As he approached the gate of the mansion, he tried several times to bring up the matter of marriage, but seeing Yan Yi's expression, which was completely focused on official business, he swallowed the words that were about to come out.

"There's still half a month left, there's still time. Lord Jun has a very good impression of Lian Shi, this matter should be fine." He silently reassured himself.

A quarter of an hour later, Yan Yi returned to his residence and went straight to his study without stopping. He took a wolf-hair brush, ground pine ink, and wrote down his thoughts one by one. He then revised and polished the details, repeatedly refining his work until the early hours of the next day before finally putting down his brush and going to bed.

At the morning meeting, he informed everyone of his new plan for recruiting talent and asked them to refine the details.

However, the name of this grand event needs to be changed.

The name of the Olympic Games comes from Olympia in ancient Greece, which was originally established to worship Zeus. However, it seems somewhat incongruous in the context of the present day.

“My lord, in my humble opinion, it could be named ‘Qian Yuan Wen Wu Da Guan’ (meaning ‘Great View of Civil and Martial Arts’).” Sun Jing offered his opinion and explained it in detail to Yan Yi.

According to him, the term "Qian Yuan" is taken from the Book of Changes, where Qian represents Heaven, symbolizing the vigorous movement of Heaven and an upward spirit. Furthermore, the current dynasty emphasizes the idea of ​​"harmony between Heaven and humanity," and the Heavenly Way represented by Qian Yuan embodies the concept of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, which aligns with the purpose of this competitive event: to cultivate physical strength and maintain inner peace.

Yan Yi's main purpose was to recruit talent, and he didn't have any special requirements for the name of the competition, as long as it conformed to Chinese customs and traditions. He agreed without thinking.

On that day, preparations for the Qian Yuan Wen Wu Grand View were carried out in full swing.

Xu Gong and Wang Lang were still focused on winning over those smaller forces and were unable to extricate themselves from the situation.

The forces that came to seek refuge were a mixed bag, and their numbers were numerous. Some were insignificant bandits who dared to raise a banner after gathering only a few dozen or a hundred men; others were desperate criminals who, having gathered some refugees, dared to call themselves "chieftains." Everyone wanted to fish in troubled waters and swindle rewards.

Xu Gong and his men were extremely busy, and the money and grain in the treasury were being spent like water every day.

After some time, they gradually realized what kind of people they had recruited. But the arrow had already been shot and could not be taken back; they could only swallow their pride and maintain appearances.

Just then, news of Yan Yi's hosting of the "Qian Yuan Civil and Martial Arts Grand View" quietly spread throughout Jiangdong.

"Hmph! War is about to break out, yet this fellow remains complacent and idle. This is a path to disaster, and his defeat is not far off."

Military reports concerning the Qian Yuan Civil and Military Grand View were pouring into Wu County through scouts from various places. Xu Gong, however, wore a disdainful expression, and even felt a little smug inside.

Although he was very interested in such a grand event and quite impressed by Yan Yi's ingenious ideas, he ultimately only uttered two words with a cold laugh: Absurd!

"To even allow women to attend is utterly ridiculous!"

Liu Yao also disapproved of Yan Yi's actions, not understanding how this usually clever and troublesome opponent could start to "degenerate" with a major battle imminent.

Neither of them took the matter seriously until more than ten days later, when the official roads leading from various parts of Jiangdong to Qiantang were filled with a continuous stream of people, and they gradually realized what was going on.

Holy crap, how come there are so many people! Are these people blind? They're actually so enthusiastically echoing Yan the villain.

Xu Gong looked at the latest military report and leaned back on the armchair in disbelief.

Among those heading to Qiantang were powerful and influential figures, scholars and heroes, as well as ordinary people who came to watch the spectacle. Even those scholars who had lived in seclusion and had been out of the public eye for a long time suddenly appeared.

What an immense force this was! So immense that even the bandits along the way could only retreat, hiding in corners, watching helplessly as these fat sheep swaggered past. So immense that local governments, without prior agreement, rushed to dispatch their troops to carefully escort them along the way. Some even personally went out to wait on the official road, engaging in some kind of social activity.

These details were relayed to Xu Gong by the scouts, leaving him stunned and bewildered. Only one thought flashed through his mind: 'The heroes of Jiangdong have all fallen into Yan's trap!'

Upon hearing the news, Liu Yao rushed over and was also greatly alarmed. He impatiently asked Xu Gong, "Boqian, what should we do now? Should we follow Yan's example and hold a similar Qianyuan Society?"

Xu Gong glanced at him expressionlessly: "Do you know how to handle this? Can you manage it all?"

Liu Yao was speechless for a moment. On his way here, he had already gained a basic understanding of the Qian Yuan Society. The complicated competition rules and various management details alone were dazzling to him, and he knew what they were but not why they were.

I really don't know where Yan learned all this stuff.

Xu Gong rubbed his temples and sighed, "Not to mention that Yan the bandit used official titles as bait to bestow favors and also provided travel expenses and lodging. We can hardly match these two things."

Liu Yao fell silent again. Yan Yi's territories were all newly conquered, with plenty of vacant positions. In contrast, Wu Commandery had already been almost entirely filled with official posts. Even he had gone to great lengths to secure a few substantive positions for his confidants. If he were to emulate Yan Yi and use official positions to win over his cronies, he would inevitably have to vacate some positions first, and the difficulty of that was self-evident.

Moreover, Wu County has recently suffered significant losses in its finances and provisions, making it very difficult to host such a grand event.

"Are we just going to let this go unchecked?" Liu Yao's voice was a little hoarse. "By the time the Qian Yuan Society is established, it will be too late for us to check and balance it."

Xu Gong's face twitched a few times, and he asked in a deep voice, "In your opinion, what should be done?"

Liu Yao said, word by word, "Let's hold another Qian Yuan Society! With our reputation, we can attract a group of people. As for official positions, we can use money and grain instead."

Xu Gong glanced at him thoughtfully: "Since Zheng Li insists, you shall handle this matter. I have only two requirements: First, the treasury must have enough money and grain for a year's war, and it must not be less than that amount. Second, women must not be allowed to attend the meeting."

A surge of secret joy welled up in Liu Yao's heart, and without the slightest hesitation, he agreed.

His insistence on establishing the Qian Yuan Society was both a desperate attempt to salvage the situation and an attempt to expand his influence and enhance his reputation.

"Hmph! You think I don't know what you're thinking? You idiot!"

Xu Gong watched Liu Yao's departing figure and smiled coldly to himself.

Liu Yao, that Monkey King, even if he had seven hundred and twenty transformations, let alone seventy-two, he wouldn't be able to escape his Five Finger Mountain!
(End of this chapter)