Three Kingdoms: Jiangdong is no longer a rat

Chapter 242 Yan Yi, the Storyteller

"Bai Suzhen cultivated for a thousand years, attained enlightenment, and transformed into a human. She became sworn sisters with Xiaoqing and together they came to Qiantang, wishing to experience human love."

"Right here on the shores of West Lake, Bai Suzhen met the bookish Xu Xian. The two fell in love, pledged their love under an umbrella, and soon after, they became husband and wife."

The Legend of the White Snake truly lives up to its reputation as one of the four great folk tales of China. From the very beginning, the story captivated everyone present. As Yan Yi narrated with measured intonation and rhythm, a magnificent and wondrous world of immortals and demons slowly unfolded before their eyes.

The dramatic plot twists and turns, the poignant romance, captivated everyone, leaving them mesmerized and their emotions rising and falling with the story's unfolding.

During the Han Dynasty, the study of apocryphal texts and prophecies flourished. Not only did rulers enjoy using myths and prophecies to strengthen the legitimacy of their regimes, but numerous legends of spirits, monsters, disasters, and auspicious omens also circulated among the common people. As a result, people were quite familiar with stories of spirits and monsters. Anyone who had been to school had, to some extent, encountered stories of spirits and monsters through books such as "Customs and Traditions."

However, these stories about spirits and monsters are all dull and uninteresting, with mundane plots that make it hard to arouse anyone's interest.

For example, the story of the Eight Old Men of Huainan tells of how Liu An, the King of Huainan, had a cook in his mansion to entertain guests. Eight old men came to his door seeking an audience. Liu An, disliking their advanced age, refused to see them. So the eight old men transformed themselves into eight boys with faces like peach blossoms, and went to the door to pay their respects again. Liu An was overjoyed by this miracle and received the eight men with great ceremony, even arranging for music to be played during the banquet.

The story ends here, with no further developments. How many people would actually enjoy such a tale? And what a profound shock and awe those who grew up listening to such stories must feel upon hearing the Legend of the White Snake.

The Legend of the White Snake is a game-changer for all stories of this era; they are on completely different levels.

“I have heard of Buddhism. When my father was an official in Luoyang, he even saw a Buddhist temple.”

One hundred and thirty years ago, Emperor Xiaoming sent envoys to the Western Regions to seek Buddhist teachings, a journey then known as the "Yongping Quest for the Dharma."

"I have had the pleasure of reading An Shigao's translation of the Anapanasati Sutra."

When Yan Yi mentioned Fahai's appearance, the scholars began to chatter amongst themselves. Buddhism, which had entered the Han Dynasty via the Silk Road, was a novel concept to them. Discussing it in public would make them appear knowledgeable and well-informed.

"Shut up!"

A young woman dressed in a purple sable robe interrupted the conversation of several scholars.

Her name was Mi Zhen, and she was the younger sister of Mi Zhu, the Prefectural Administrator of Xuzhou. In terms of status and position, she was no less than Zhang Cheng.

The story was at a crucial moment when Fahai was about to emerge from the mountains to deal with Bai Suzhen. Mi Zhen was listening intently, her heart pounding in her chest, fearing that Fahai would harm Bai Suzhen. Suddenly disturbed by the commotion, a hint of anger appeared on her beautiful face.

The scholars dared not provoke her, nor could they afford to. They all gave bitter smiles and bowed in apology.

“The Buddhist sect values ​​compassion and universal salvation above all else. Fahai is a highly virtuous monk. Seeing Bai Suzhen's deep affection and Xu Jun's unwavering devotion, he will surely be moved by their true love and will not truly harm them.” Mi Zhen muttered to herself, as if trying to comfort herself, her fingers unconsciously tightening around Bu Lianshi's sleeve. “Lianshi, don't you agree?”

Bu Lianshi nodded with certainty and conviction: "Bai Suzhen has just subdued the centipede demon, eliminating a scourge for the people. This is a great act of kindness. Fahai is discerning and would never make things difficult for such a virtuous person."

Mi Zhen showed a relieved expression, loosened her grip on Yan Yi's clothes, and turned her gaze back to Yan Yi, firmly believing that she would hear a perfect ending for the couple.

"At that time, dusk was falling, and the waters of West Lake were stained with the crimson light of the setting sun. Zen Master Fahai held a purple-gold alms bowl, and his cassock fluttered in the strong wind. Bai Suzhen's black hair was disheveled, and her plain white skirt was soaked with blood, but she still stood defiantly with her head held high."

"'Demon, submit to the law!' Fahai's voice boomed like a bell, and his alms bowl suddenly burst forth with ten thousand golden rays. The light, like a net from heaven and earth, completely surrounded Bai Suzhen. She smiled sadly, looking back towards the broken bridge, her eyes brimming with tears: 'My lord, take care.'"

"In an instant, the world changed color. A deafening rumble came from the bottom of Leifeng Pagoda, and the bluestone slabs cracked inch by inch. Bai Suzhen's figure gradually became transparent, turning into a beam of white light and being sucked into the pagoda. At the last moment, she suddenly shouted sharply: 'Fahai! You have torn us apart today, and you will surely be punished by heaven one day!'"

Fahai closed his eyes and clasped his hands together, chanting Buddhist mantras continuously. When the dust settled, Leifeng Pagoda had been restored to its original state, though its body faintly glowed with a bluish light. A sudden downpour swept across West Lake, as if mourning this love story. In the distance came the cry of a baby—the child that Bai Suzhen had given birth to with her last bit of magic power before she was suppressed.

Yan Yi recounted the story of Fahai suppressing Bai Suzhen with vivid detail, even moving himself somewhat. He wondered to himself, 'Perhaps I possess a talent for storytelling?'

He reached out and took the water bag offered by the guard, tilted his head back and drank a mouthful of water, instantly quenching his thirst.

The surrounding area was already in an uproar, with voices rising and falling, as noisy as a marketplace.

Regardless of gender, everyone was denouncing Fahai, cursing this high monk who ruined people's marriages as a bald donkey.

Cheng Le's chest heaved as he slammed his hand on the mat, making the wine cups clink: "How could the Buddhist sect accept such a person who can't distinguish right from wrong as a disciple? Where is justice? Where is fairness?!"

Li Xun shook his head in disappointment: "Buddhism is a place that harbors filth and depravity; it cannot be trusted!"

“This Buddhism is originally a foreign religion from the Western Regions, not the orthodox religion of our China. No wonder it produces such muddle-headed monks who cannot distinguish right from wrong!” Zhang Cheng sighed.

These people were mostly Confucian scholars who studied the classics, and Confucianism advocates "not speaking of strange phenomena, physical prowess, disorder, or spirits." They should have shown a detached attitude towards stories of spirits and monsters, taking a "reserved but not discussed" stance. But at this moment, everyone got carried away, talking animatedly, arguing heatedly, and completely unable to stop.

'Your Excellency is a disciple of Duke Sheng, and we are both students of the Confucian school. If Your Excellency doesn't take it seriously, why should we care?' The Confucian scholars thought.

"Where is Jinshan Temple?" Mi Zhen suddenly said through gritted teeth, "I'll go and tear this temple down, so it won't continue to harm the world!"

"My lord, where is Leifeng Pagoda?" Bu Lianshi asked Yan Yi with tears in her eyes.

Yan Yi was sweating profusely. Who said women were inferior to men? These two, one glaring angrily and vowing to demolish the temple, the other with teary eyes asking about the location of the pagoda, were truly typical action-oriented people.

"Quiet! Everyone, quiet!" Zhang Cheng wiped the sweat from his forehead and said loudly, "Let me hear you finish your story first."

The surrounding noise gradually subsided.

Yan Yi cleared his throat and continued the unfinished story. When he mentioned Xu Shilin becoming the top scholar in the imperial examination and rescuing Bai Suzhen from under Leifeng Pagoda, a burst of cheers suddenly erupted from the audience.

"May I ask you, my lord, what is the title of Zhuangyuan (状元)?" a scholar asked, puzzled.

Yan Yi explained gently, "The term 'Zhuangyuan' refers to the period in which the story takes place. It is equivalent to the 'Maocai' of this dynasty, and specifically, the Maocai whose scholarship ranks first in the country."

The title of "Maocai" was an important and prestigious category in the recommendation system of the Han Dynasty, ranking above "Xiaolian" (filial piety and incorruptibility). "Xiaolian" were usually recommended by the prefect, with each prefecture or state having a population of over 200,000 allowed to recommend one "Xiaolian" annually. "Maocai," on the other hand, were recommended by the governor of a province or one of the Three Dukes, with each province also recommending one person per year.

Compared to the Xiaolian (孝廉) degree, the Maocai (茂才) degree was even more numerous and held a higher status. Those who could be recommended as Maocai were all top figures who had stood out from a large pool of talented individuals, truly the elite of the elite.

The scholar who asked the question immediately understood the significance of the top scholar title and murmured, "Xu Shilin is so outstanding, no wonder he was able to rescue his mother."

Wei Feng, who had been resting on the couch after Zu Yu injured his finger, couldn't help but ask, "May I ask, Your Majesty, from which dynasty did this top scholar come? Is it true that a student could surpass even the lower-ranking scholars in a single examination?" This was exactly what Yan Yi wanted to hear. He raised his voice and loudly explained the imperial examination system, subtly hinting that in the future, while retaining the recommendation system, they would try to select some talents using the imperial examination system.

These words struck like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, causing a huge uproar among the crowd. Everyone knew the earth-shattering changes and impacts that implementing the imperial examination system would bring to the world.

Apart from a very few people like Zhang Cheng, most of the scholars showed excitement and longing.

The positions of "filial piety and incorruptibility" and "outstanding talent" were extremely precious, and many of them never received a recommendation in their entire lives. These positions were all in the hands of the top aristocratic families and powerful clans, and there were no opportunities for them. Their future was destined to be a minor official in a prefecture or county.

But now, a brand new door has opened for them. The scenery hidden behind that door is so dazzling and captivating, as if it possesses magical power, instantly igniting the desires and passions deep within their hearts.

At this moment, they desperately hoped that Yan Yi could defeat Xu Gong and stabilize the situation in Jiangdong. Some were even eager to make a name for themselves at the Qian Yuan Conference and pledge their allegiance to Yan Yi.

Yan Yi immediately noticed the change in their attitude. The distance between them decreased, replaced by a sense of closeness.

"My lord, after Xu Shilin rescued Bai Suzhen, did Xu Xian return to secular life?" Mi Zhen asked nervously, clenching her fists.

She had no interest in listening to things like the recommendation system or the imperial examinations; she only cared about the ending of the story.

Bu Lianshi was also concerned about the ending of the story, but she spent more time observing the scholars' reactions.

There are several endings to the Legend of the White Snake. Yan Yi pondered for a moment and chose the most classic ending to complete the story: "Bai Suzhen, Xu Xian, and Xiaoqing attained enlightenment and ascended to the celestial realm under the guidance of Buddha. Fahai also received a golden statue for his meritorious service in saving others."

"Ah, Xu Xian didn't return to secular life," Mi Zhen said disappointedly, almost uttering the words "heartless man." In her desired ending, Xu Xian should have been reunited with Bai Suzhen.

"Fahai can actually be ranked among the golden statues? In my opinion, Fahai should be imprisoned under Leifeng Pagoda, never to rise again!" a scholar with a rather extreme personality said indignantly.

Wei Feng then asked a question that surprised everyone: "My lord, may I compile this story into a ritual scroll? Such a wonderful story should be passed down to future generations."

Zhang Cheng and the others quickly realized what was happening and loudly echoed their agreement.

Although Confucianism maintains a detached attitude towards stories of spirits and monsters, it is also keen to apply ethical filters to mythological stories, transforming them into moral symbols.

For example, under the Confucian framework, the Yellow Emperor was transformed from a war god into a sage king who "governed the world by simply wearing his robes"; the Heavenly Mandate Black Bird was interpreted as a metaphor for Jian Di's virtues; Mencius quoted the "Tai Oath" saying "Heaven sees as the people see," combining divine will with the people's welfare.

Stories like the Legend of the White Snake, which are rich in cultural connotations, have transcended the realm of supernatural phenomena and deserve to be spread far and wide.

Yan Yi naturally agreed with Wei Feng's suggestion. He told this story to enhance the reputation of Qiantang River and West Lake.

The Legend of the White Snake transformed this ordinary poetry gathering into something extraordinary.

Although no particularly outstanding poems or essays followed, the atmosphere of the poetry gathering remained excellent. The scholars reluctantly dispersed as dusk approached.

Zu Yu was the first to get up and leave. After returning to Qiantang City, he went to a tavern, cursing and swearing, and got completely drunk.

"Bu Lianshi, one day I will have you!"

Zu Yu suddenly swung his arm, and with a crash, the celadon teacups, bowls, and plates on the table fell to the ground, scattering like shattered jade all over the floor.

Xu Yu looked at Zu Yu, who was drunk and unconscious, with a worried expression. He wished he could grab Zu Yu by the collar and slap him a few times to vent his anger.

This idiot, oblivious to his own perilous situation, still has the mind to think about women.

If I had known it would turn out like this, I would never have come, even if you killed me.

Although Yan Yi has not yet made a move against Zu Yu, he has restricted his movements. Xu Yu tried several times to take Zu Yu away from Qiantang, but was persuaded to return by the ever-present secret agents of the Inspectorate.

As the relationship between Zu Lang and Yan Yi became increasingly tense, Xu Yu's anxiety grew. He knew that although the surroundings seemed peaceful, the sword hanging over their heads by Yan Yi could fall at any moment.

"Second Young Master, drink this hangover soup, and I'll help you back to the inn."

Xu Yu picked up a bowl of hangover soup, and after a close attendant helped Zu Yu up, he held his chin and slowly poured the warm soup down his throat.

Zu Yu has a very strange temper. When he's drunk, he never allows anyone to carry him or hold him. He's quite difficult to please.

Xu Yu suppressed the urge to punch him, and together with his entourage, helped Zu Yu out of the tavern and headed towards a nearby alley.

The street in front of the tavern was crowded and parking was difficult, so Xu Yu parked the carriage in this alley.

The alley was narrow and dark; if you stretched out your hand, you could only see a blurry outline. A few days ago, some residents on both sides of the alley would place braziers or hang lanterns at their doorways. Today, however, it was pitch black, and there was nothing there.

Xu Yu stopped in his tracks, sensing something amiss. Just as he was about to leave the alley, blurry figures silently appeared at both ends of the alley.

"What do you intend to do?" Xu Yu pressed his hand on the hilt of his sword, his back suddenly tensing like a bowstring.

The shadowy figures remained silent, slowly approaching, accompanied by the soft sounds of weapons being drawn echoing through the night air.

Xu Yu sensed a ruthless aura emanating from these men, a quality typically reserved for soldiers, and a bead of cold sweat broke out on his forehead. "I am willing to leave behind my personal belongings; I hope you will do me this favor."

The shadowy figures approached silently, creating immense psychological pressure.

The sounds of clashing weapons and fighting soon filled the alley, before returning to silence.

Xu Yu lay on the ground like a dead dog, his body covered in bruises from being punched, his face swollen like a pig's head.

Zu Yu's arms were tied behind his back by two men in black, and his back was pressed against the cold brick wall. He struggled to sit up, but a short knife was held to his neck, and he turned pale with fright: "What...what do you want to do?"

"Weren't you so arrogant at the poetry gathering today? Now you're scared?" A man in black, who seemed to be the leader, walked up to him with a sneer, grabbed his hair with one hand, and slapped him twice hard across the face with the other, making him dizzy. "Take him away!"

(End of this chapter)