Tang Dynasty: A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls for Li Er at the Start

Chapter 351 Why do they all have to come looking for death, one or two at a time?
Along the way, he gradually opened up and talked about his study experience in Chang'an.

He suddenly changed the subject, looking at Wen He and asking, "Wen Da, you also have the surname Wen. Do you know anyone from Gaoyang County?"

"I am merely a lowly pageboy, so naturally I do not recognize you," Wen He said.

Li Chengqian, who was standing to the side, immediately turned his head away, afraid that he would laugh out loud.

Meng Zhou didn't think much of it, but just sighed.

"I heard that Gao Yangxianzi is only a little over ten years old this year, but he is exceptionally proficient in mathematics, astronomy and geography."

"I once bought a book called 'Elementary Mathematics' at the Sanwei Bookstore in Chang'an. Reading it was truly an eye-opener! Especially the methods for calculating the volume of objects and the records of calculations for circles, which were more detailed than what the teachers at the Imperial Academy taught."

"For example, when calculating the volume of a cylinder, the book says 'base area multiplied by height,' and even draws a diagram to explain it. It also mentions pi, saying that people previously calculated it to 'circumference of pi equal to one circumference of diameter,' but the book says there is a more precise number. It's just that I'm too dull to understand the derivation method..."

Before he could finish speaking, Li Chengqian casually chimed in, "Pi can be calculated using the 'method of exhaustion'. The more sides of the regular polygon inscribed in the circle, the closer the calculated number will be to the true value of pi."

Upon hearing this, Meng Zhou was immediately shocked and stopped abruptly, staring at Li Chengqian with disbelief: "Young Master Li also knows mathematics? This 'method of exhaustion' is Liu Hui's method, but the 'Elementary Mathematics' says there is an improved method. Do you know it too, young master?"

He was referring to Zu Chongzhi's improved "method of exhaustion".

Wen He added with a smile, her tone natural, as if she had just mentioned it casually.

Li Chengqian grunted twice and said, "That is, 3.1415926."

Meng Zhou felt even more ashamed and shook his head repeatedly: "This is nothing but superficial. I only heard about Mr. Zu Chongzhi's method of improvement from him a few days ago. It is truly remarkable that Young Master Li can remember it at such a young age. It seems that I have not read enough books. I must work harder in the future and not fall behind children."

Wen He and Li Chengqian couldn't help but chuckle.

Meng Zhou is indeed a bookworm.

However, such a person is not necessarily a bad one. If he focuses on his studies and does not enter officialdom, he could be a very good talent.

They chatted and laughed all the way, and before they knew it, it was noon. The sun was high overhead, making the ground slightly hot. Wen He and Li Chengqian had beads of sweat on their foreheads, but Meng Zhou was still full of energy, walking as lightly as if he hadn't walked those dozen miles.

"Finally we're here!"

When Li Chengqian saw the wooden sign at the village entrance that read "Chenjia Village", he breathed a long sigh of relief and rubbed his sore legs.

This was the first time he had walked such a long distance, and his legs were already sore and swollen.

Wen He was too tired to talk, so she leaned against an old locust tree by the roadside to rest for a while. Watching Meng Zhou circling around the wooden sign, she couldn't help but laugh and say, "You're so energetic. You've walked for so long, aren't you tired at all?"

"I'm not tired at all. This little distance is nothing. I once walked all the way from my hometown to Chang'an to study."

Meng Zhou waved his hand with a smile, and said dismissively.

"It's getting late. Let's find the village head first. We'll probably have to stay in the village tonight, so we can find a place to teach as soon as possible."

"He certainly has a lot of energy."

Li Chengqian muttered a complaint under his breath, but still managed to stand up straight.

Wen He couldn't help but laugh and said, "Perhaps all people with dreams are so full of energy."

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Li Chengqian immediately puffed out his chest, his little face full of stubbornness: "I also have dreams!"

As he spoke, he glanced at Meng Zhou, his eyes carrying a hint of competitive spirit, as if to say, "I'm not bad either."

"Well done, young man." Meng Zhou nodded appreciatively at him.

Li Chengqian immediately felt a little elated, as if he had forgotten his fatigue, and said, "That's for sure."

Wen He couldn't help but laugh as she watched the two of them chatting and laughing.

On one side are enthusiastic students from impoverished backgrounds, and on the other is a young prince who refuses to admit defeat. It seems that he is standing in the middle, like a salted fish that just wants to rest.

The three walked along the dirt road in the village, encountering several farmers carrying hoes along the way. Wen He politely asked the village headman for his address. The farmers didn't say much, but they pointed in the direction, though their eyes held a hint of scrutiny and weren't exactly enthusiastic.

After walking for about half an incense stick's time, they finally found the village head's house under an old locust tree in the middle of the village.

In a not-so-spacious adobe house, an old man dressed in coarse cloth shorts was sitting on the doorstep weaving bamboo baskets.

"May I ask, sir, are you the village head of Chenjia Village?"

Wen He stepped forward, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and spoke in a respectful tone.

The old man raised his head and glanced at the three of them.

Seeing Wen He and Li Chengqian's childlike appearance, and then glancing at Meng Zhou's scholarly attire, he frowned slightly, his eyes clearly showing some hostility, and his tone was icy: "Who are you? What are you doing in our Chenjia Village?"

Wen He's heart skipped a beat, and she wondered to herself.

Before setting off, the 100 riders clearly said that the Chen family villagers were simple and honest and hospitable. So why is it that here they not only show no sign of welcome, but also seem wary?
Could something have happened?
He couldn't help but worry and glanced at something not far away.

He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw several peddlers strolling leisurely through the village.

With Zhang Wenxiao and the others around, even if they encounter some bad guys, they can handle it.

He suppressed his doubts and explained with a smile, "We are here for study tours. This is Li Gaoming, who wants to teach the children to read in the village. This is Meng, who is here to find his classmate. We would like to borrow your place to stay so that we can carry out our business without causing any trouble for the village."

Upon hearing this, the village head's expression did not soften; instead, it darkened further. He stopped wielding the bamboo stick in his hand and stared at them: "Traveling students? Teaching literacy?"

He paused, his tone tinged with wariness, "Two people came on a study tour a while ago, saying they were going to teach children to read, but they disappeared after only a few days. Those scoundrels are still looking for them. You... are you here to do the same thing?"

Wen He's heart skipped a beat.

Another scholar has run into trouble?
Could the missing scholar mentioned by the village head be the classmate that Meng Zhou is looking for?

Before he could ask further, Meng Zhou stepped forward first, his tone urgent: "Old man, are those two traveling scholars you mentioned from the Imperial Academy's mathematics department? One is named Wu Sheng, and the other is Zhao Lei?"

The village head paused for a moment, then nodded: "Those seem to be the two names. What? You know them?"

"They were my classmates!"

Meng Zhou's voice trembled slightly.

"I've come looking for them. Do you know where they went? Did something happen to them?"

The village head didn't answer immediately. He just sighed, stood up, and pushed open the courtyard gate: "Come in and we'll talk. Don't stand at the door and let anyone see you."

He stood up and looked outside.

Seeing that no one was paying attention to them, he invited Wen He and the others into the house.

Following the village head into the mud-brick house, the interior was simply furnished with only an old wooden table, a few chairs with missing corners, and some farm tools piled up in the corner.

The village headman brought three rough porcelain bowls from the kitchen, poured in some cool tea, and handed them to the three people. His actions weren't exactly enthusiastic, but they did show a bit of hospitality.

Meng Zhou had no interest in drinking tea. He put down the bowl as soon as he took it and asked urgently, "Old man, may I ask when my two classmates disappeared? Did they leave any clues?"

The village head sat in the main seat, sighed, and slowly said, "It was three days ago. They originally lived at Chen Erniu's house at the east end of the village, and helped teach the village children to read every day. They seemed like good people, but three days ago in the afternoon, they disappeared after finishing their lessons with the children. Chen Erniu went to look for them, but they didn't even take their luggage. He just assumed that they couldn't bear the hardship in the village and left on their own."

He paused, his tone becoming more somber: "It wasn't until yesterday, when the county's shady officials came to the village to question us, that I learned they hadn't left, but had disappeared. The shady officials said there were other traveling scholars who had run into trouble nearby, and they told us to keep a close eye on outsiders."

Why would the Bad Guys specifically come looking for them?

Wen He frowned.

According to the rules, scholars usually choose their own study locations, and the county government will not take the initiative to investigate unless it receives a report.

Unless someone gave advance notice.

The village head explained, "It was I who sent someone to report to the county government. After all, they are scholars, and they might become officials in the imperial court in the future. If something goes wrong in our village, I can't bear the responsibility. I didn't expect that the report would uncover such a big problem."

Wen He nodded in understanding. Just as she was about to ask another question, the village head changed the subject, his tone somewhat troubled: "Actually... there's something else I wanted to tell you. Last night, someone secretly left a note at my door, saying that the village is not allowed to take in traveling scholars to teach, or else they would face the consequences. I had no choice; the villagers are all ordinary farmers, and we can't afford to offend those people."

As he spoke, his gaze fell on Wen He and the other two, his meaning all too clear.

It's not that I don't welcome you, it's that someone is putting pressure on me behind the scenes, and I dare not keep you.

"But I still haven't found my classmate!"

Meng Zhou stood up anxiously, his tone pleading.

"Old man, think again, was there anything unusual about them before they disappeared? For example, did they see anyone, or did they say they were going somewhere?"

The village head shook his head, his face full of helplessness: "Really, there isn't any. The bad guys have already investigated, but they haven't found a single clue. I advise you to go back to the county town and wait for news. If something happens while you're in the village, I really won't be able to explain it to them."

The implication of expulsion in these words is quite clear.

Meng Zhou wanted to persuade him again, but suddenly heard a "smack".

Li Chengqian slammed his hand on the table, his face flushed red, and said angrily, "How dare those traitors coerce us! They're just bandits, I..."

Before he could finish speaking, Wen He swiftly stepped forward and covered his mouth, while smiling at the village head, "The child is just being silly and doesn't know any better. Please don't mind him, sir."

Li Chengqian's mouth was covered, leaving him only able to stare wide-eyed, but he knew he had almost spoken out of turn, and slowly calmed down.

Wen He released his grip and continued to smile at the village head, saying, "Actually, we don't necessarily have to teach."

Upon entering the village, I found the scenery beautiful and the air fresh, so I decided to stay for a few days as part of my trip.

"You see, that person only said that itinerant scholars weren't allowed to teach, but didn't say that outsiders weren't allowed to stay, right?"

The village head was taken aback, clearly not expecting them to back down. He pondered for a moment and realized that Wen He's words made sense; the note did not mention "no outsiders allowed to stay overnight," so as long as they didn't teach, they shouldn't offend the people behind them.

But he still hesitated: "It's not that it's impossible for you to stay, but the village is crowded and there aren't any extra rooms..."

Wen He was prepared. She took out a bulging purse from her bosom and handed it over: "There are one hundred coins in here. Consider it as our food and lodging expenses. We're not picky. We'll just find a place to stay at your house. Don't trouble yourself."

The village head's gaze fell on the purse, and his eyes immediately lit up.

One hundred coins was equivalent to his family's income for a month or two.

He quickly took the purse, opened it, counted the money, and after confirming that it contained one hundred coins, the embarrassment on his face instantly disappeared. He smiled awkwardly and said, "Look at what you're saying, no need for any fees. Since the three of you don't mind, then stay here! I'll have my wife clean up the west wing right away. Although it's simple, it's clean."

As he spoke, he stood up and called out to the backyard, "Old woman! Come out quickly and tidy up the west wing; we have important guests who need to stay!"

Wen He sighed inwardly as she watched the village head's expression change.

What the 100 riders said was absolutely right.

The local customs are indeed simple and honest.

The west wing of the village head's house was not small, but it was empty. Apart from a dilapidated wooden table with a missing leg propped up by stones, there was only an adobe bed covered with dry grass.

Fortunately, the village head's wife was quite thoughtful and brought over two faded coarse cloth quilts. Although they had a musty smell, they were dry and enough for the three of them to make do for one night.

As soon as he put down his luggage, Meng Zhou took out a small string of copper coins from his sleeve and handed them to Wen He, his expression serious: "Young Master Wen, you have spent too much money just now. This is my food and lodging expenses. I can't let you bear the cost alone."

Looking at his serious expression, Wen He couldn't help but chuckle and waved her hand, saying, "It's just a hundred coins, why be so particular? We're traveling the same way, it's only right that we look out for each other."

Unexpectedly, Meng Zhou put on a stern face and solemnly began to speak of profound truths: "Those who seek profit in this world are all greedy for cheap deals, but they do not know the harm they cause; for cheap deals are where profit lies hidden, and where disaster lies hidden. Although you and I are on the same path, we are not related or acquainted. How can I let you pay for it all by yourself? This is not the behavior of a gentleman."

Wen He was stunned, and three black lines suddenly appeared on her forehead.

He couldn't quite grasp the meaning of those flowery words after a while, but they probably meant that one shouldn't try to take advantage of others.

Seeing that Wen He didn't take it, Meng Zhou continued, "As the saying goes, a gentleman is always at ease, while a petty person is always worried... If I were to spend your money with a clear conscience, how would I be any different from a petty person who is greedy for small gains?"

"Okay, okay, I'll take it, I'll take it, alright?"

Wen He was really afraid of his pedantic manner, so she quickly took the copper coins, casually stuffed them into her pocket, and didn't even count them. "Are you satisfied now?"

Meng Zhou then smiled and nodded solemnly: "That's very good. It avoids owing anyone a favor and maintains the demeanor of a gentleman."

Seeing Wen He's helpless expression, Li Chengqian finally couldn't help but laugh out loud: "So, besides Father, there's someone else who can make you helpless!"

This was the first time he had ever seen Wen He rendered speechless; it was a truly novel experience.

Wen He turned her head and glared at him, then raised her hand and slapped him on the back of the head: "What are you laughing at? If you laugh again, you'll be sleeping on the floor tonight."

Li Chengqian covered his head, pursed his lips, but dared not laugh anymore, only muttering to himself in his heart.

You simply couldn't win the argument.

After their playful banter, Wen He composed herself and looked at Meng Zhou: "It's still early. I plan to take a stroll around the village later to check on things. If you're free, Meng Langjun, would you mind coming along? I could also inquire about your classmates."

Upon hearing this, Meng Zhou's smile vanished instantly, and a hint of sadness appeared in his eyes. After a moment of silence, he slowly nodded: "Very well, I also want to ask the villagers to see if we can find any clues."

We can't just let them disappear without a trace.

The thought of his two classmates possibly encountering misfortune gripped his heart, and most of his previous high spirits vanished, leaving only a heavy burden of worry.

Wen He patted his shoulder and gently comforted him, "Don't worry too much, let's search carefully, we'll find some clues."

The three of them tidied up quickly and then left the west wing.

The village head was sitting on the threshold of the front yard weaving bamboo baskets. When he saw them come out, he quickly greeted them with a smile: "Where are the three of you going? Won't you rest for a while?"

"No, we'd like to stroll around the village and enjoy the scenery."

Wen He responded with a smile, without mentioning the matter of gathering information.

He feared that the village head might become suspicious and ruin the whole thing.

The village head didn't ask any further questions, but only warned, "You must be careful not to go to the bamboo grove at the west end of the village. It's been unsettled there lately; people have been hearing strange noises at night."

Wen He's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly asked, "The bamboo forest? What happened over there?"

The village head waved his hand vaguely: "It's nothing, just some minor disturbances. You should stay away."

After saying that, he lowered his head and continued weaving the bamboo basket, no longer speaking, as if he didn't want to talk about it anymore.

As soon as he stepped out of the village head's courtyard, Meng Zhou couldn't contain his eagerness. He paused, turned around, and said to Wen He and Li Chengqian, "The village head specifically told us not to go to the bamboo grove at the west end of the village. In my opinion, there must be something fishy going on there! I plan to go and investigate now. Maybe I can find clues about my classmate. So I won't accompany you two to tour the village."

Having said that, he gripped the folding fan in his sleeve and turned to walk towards the west of the village.

Wen He reacted quickly, grabbing his sleeve before he could take a second step. The force wasn't great, but it was enough to make Meng Zhou stumble, sway, and almost fall.

Meng Zhou steadied himself, turned back to look at Wen He with a puzzled expression, and frowned: "What is Wen Xiaolang doing? Why are you stopping me?"

"Young Master Meng, don't be in such a hurry."

Wen He let go of her hand and explained with a smile, "Haven't you heard the stories in the novels? If you rashly barge into a place that someone specifically warned you 'not to go,' you're likely to run into trouble. We don't even know what's going on inside. If we rush in recklessly and run into bad guys, wouldn't we be walking right into their trap?"

He secretly grumbled to himself.

That's how it seems to be portrayed in horror novels and movies.

The main characters ignored all advice and insisted on going to places they shouldn't have gone, and then, just like the Calabash Brothers saving their grandfather, they were all sent to their deaths one after another.

Moreover, he always felt that Li had deliberately mentioned the bamboo forest to the west to them.

"But what if that place really is a hideout for bad guys, or even where my classmate is hiding?"

Meng Zhou's voice rose several decibels in his anxiety, his eyes filled with worry.

"We can't just ignore it because we're afraid something will happen. That's not the way of a gentleman. As the saying goes, a gentleman has things he will do and things he will not do..."

"OK OK."

Seeing that he was about to start nitpicking again, Wen He quickly interrupted him.

"Then, Young Master Meng, if you were to find the villain in the bamboo grove, or discover traces of your classmate, what would you do?"

"This……"

Meng Zhou was taken aback by the question, opened his mouth, but couldn't say anything for a long time.

He was weak from childhood and had never learned archery or horsemanship. At most, he could only twirl a folding fan a couple of times. Let alone dealing with bad guys, he probably couldn't even beat a strong farmer.

Seeing this, Li Chengqian added mercilessly, "With your strength, you can't even beat Wen Da, let alone deal with those villains who dare to kidnap scholars. In the end, you won't be able to find your classmates, and you'll probably be captured by the villains first, and then we'll have to come and rescue you. That would be a real problem."

Meng Zhou's cheeks flushed from what he was said. He stood there, his fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of his clothes, his expression growing increasingly awkward.

He knew that Li Chengqian was telling the truth, but the thought that his missing classmate might still be suffering made him unable to suppress his desire to investigate.

"Then... what should we do? We can't just wait here, can we?"

Meng Zhou was at a loss, and his tone softened.

Seeing that he had calmed down a bit, Wen He smiled and said, "There's no use in rushing. Let's walk around the village as planned. First, let's see if we can get any useful information from the villagers. After all, there will always be some people who haven't been completely fooled."

"Secondly, we can also keep a close eye on the bamboo grove west of the village to see if any suspicious people are coming in or out."

He paused, his tone becoming more serious: "If we really find something amiss, we don't need to risk our lives. We can just go to the county town and report it to the authorities. There are thugs and soldiers in the county government. Dealing with criminals is their duty. It's much safer than the three of us, unarmed, forcing our way in."

Meng Zhou remained silent for a moment, carefully considering Wen He's words.

Indeed, if I were to rush into the bamboo forest, I would not only be of no help, but I might also cause trouble.

Although Wen He's method is slower, it is safer and more likely to actually find clues.

Having figured this out, he finally nodded, his urgency lessening and replaced by more conviction: "Wen Xiaolang is right. I was too impulsive. Let's do as you say. Let's wander around the village first and make further plans as needed."

Seeing that Meng Zhou listened to his advice, Li Chengqian also put away his earlier sarcasm and said in a low voice, "That's more like it. You have to think about the consequences before you do things, and you can't just act on impulse."

Wen He smiled and patted the two on the shoulders: "Let's go, let's start by exploring the east end of the village. There are more residents there, and we might run into someone who's willing to talk."

Just after they left.

The village head, who was weaving baskets in the courtyard, suddenly stood up and peered outside.

Seeing Wen He and the others heading east, he couldn't help but feel puzzled.

Why didn't they go to the bamboo forest?

His expression became anxious, but he quickly calmed down.

"Yes, yes, they must be gathering information in the village first before going to the bamboo forest."

"You all chose to stay here and go to the bamboo forest yourselves, it's not that I want to harm you!"

(End of this chapter)