Di Ming

Chapter 135 Xu Wenchang!
Xu Zhuangtou asked cautiously, "Sir, we can only write our own names. But Master Zhu wants us to register everyone's name, and also the names of widows, the elderly, the young, the disabled..."

"Hahaha!" the old man laughed. "What a bunch of fools! What's so difficult about this?"

"You can only write your own names, but you can still find writing materials, right?"

Xu Zhuangtou said, "We can find some writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, but there are so many names, and words like 'widow' and 'orphan' that we can't write."

"Idiot." The old man cursed without any politeness, taking a sip of his drink.

“Each household was given a sheet of paper, and those who could only write their own names were to register themselves. Widowers would draw a line under their names, widows would draw a circle around their names, orphans would draw a checkmark, and the disabled would draw an X…”

"People who can't even write their own names, for men they draw a triangle, for women they draw a circle..."

"If you don't have a brush, you can use a chicken feather stick dipped in ink to write."

"Then, you collect the papers from each household, and you'll have a booklet. Then count the names, check the marks, and write down the number. Finally, glue it together and hand it in. It should take no more than half an hour."

"It's that simple?" Xu Zhuangtou and the others looked at each other, then suddenly realized.

Yes, that's exactly what we should do! Why didn't we think of this idea before?

This method allows us to quickly tally the various quantities the master requires, even if everyone can only write their own names.

And it can be done very quickly.

"Oh dear," Xu Zhuangtou slapped his forehead, "Sir, your words have awakened me from my slumber! I was so foolish!"

"Thank you for your advice, sir. We will kill another chicken for you to enjoy with your wine."

“You are all confused,” the old man said venomously. “The Zhu family master is clearly showing kindness and wants to do you a favor, but you are completely unaware of it.”

"But how far he goes depends on your fate. Hmm, let me test the waters for you. After I've done this for you, I'll return to Shaoxing."

Xu Zhuangtou and the others were very reluctant to see him go. "Although you are from Zhejiang, you are still considered a member of the same clan. Besides, you have only been here for a few days. Why do you have to leave so soon? Why not stay a little longer?"

"What am I supposed to do here?" the old man sneered with a foul mouth. "You bunch of poor tenant farmers, if I stayed here to eat and drink, you couldn't afford to support me!"

“I can’t bear to see you all living such miserable lives, toiling in the fields all day long. Why don’t you leave?”

Upon hearing this, everyone looked sad and distressed.

He stood up and asked, "Where is that young master of the Zhu family? I'll go see him and see how he intends to show his kindness!"

At that moment, the snotty-nosed boy led the drunken old man toward the thatched cottage, and many people spontaneously followed behind.

At this time, wildfires had already been set off in the fields, burning the wild grass and straw. This is the annual autumn and winter burning of the fields, which is done to kill insect eggs and fertilize the soil.

Wildfire broke out, and the entire village was shrouded in smoke and flying ashes.

A flock of birds was startled by the wildfire and took flight, while several rabbits hurriedly hopped out from the field ridges and darted towards the foot of the mountain.

"Good fire! Good fire!" The old man smiled adorably, just like a child, when he saw the burning wild grass.

Ashes of grass and wood fell onto his clothes, but he made no attempt to wipe them away.

The old man passed by a desolate grave, beside which a clump of wild chrysanthemums bloomed brightly.

He paused, picked a few flowers, and tucked them into his gray hair. Holding the village boy's shoulder, he swayed his head full of blossoms, his eyes glazed with drunkenness, and casually recited:

Nomura, a pot of sake

Wildflowers covered her head.

Plant wild chrysanthemums in front of graves,
Who left behind this desolate grave?

Wildfire and twilight.
Wild grasses bid farewell to late autumn.

The hare fled in fright.
Wild birds fly up to the tall building.

He uttered eight wild words in a row, the poem was unrefined and plain, his voice was desolate and unrestrained, with a wild and unruly air, and he was old and frail.

The villagers, seeing this renowned old gentleman so drunk and unruly, felt both admiration and worry.

Will the old gentleman offend the young master?
Although the young master is young, he is the master of the farmhands, and must not be offended.

.........

Zhu Yin and his companions strolled around the thatched cottage for a while before realizing that this elegant and natural cottage was indeed something special.

The Wang family, who firmly believed in feng shui, did not choose the location randomly.

This thatched hut was actually converted from an abandoned ancient temple. Judging from its remaining inscriptions, it was originally the site of a temple from the Southern Liang Dynasty.

Although the ancient temple no longer exists, there are still seven or eight ancient pine trees dating back to the Southern Dynasties, which are ancient and majestic, blocking out the sun.

These seven or eight ancient pines from the Southern Dynasties alone make this thatched cottage quite extraordinary.

The Wang family really knows how to enjoy life.

As the group sat down in the thatched hut under the ancient pine tree, they all felt as if they had returned to the Southern Dynasties.

Zhu Yin couldn't help but feel a little happy. This picturesque thatched cottage now belonged to him, Zhu.

...

Meanwhile, Kangxi found a nearby well and discovered a rope by the well, one end of which was submerged in the water.

Upon lifting it up, they found three vehicle linchpins hanging from the rope.

Found it! It was indeed in the well! My lord is truly a genius.

Kangxi returned to his thatched cottage with the carriage axle and reported: "My lord, it was found in a well nearby. My lord is truly a genius."

Tang Rong and Zhuang Shu were also very impressed.

They hadn't read as many books as Zhu Yin, and hadn't even started reading the voluminous "Book of Han," so naturally they didn't know the story of "throwing the linchpin to keep the guest," and therefore didn't know that the other party would hide the linchpin in the well.

Ning Qingchen couldn't help but pat Zhu Yin's head, a little curious about how Zhu Yin knew the cart axle was hidden in the well.

Zhuang Shu couldn't help but ask, "Zhihu, how did you know that the linchpin was in the well water?"

Zhu Yin did not hide anything, "Because of the Book of Han, Chen Zun removed the axle of his carriage to keep me here. So I know that they removed the axle of their carriage to keep me here."

Tang Rong asked in surprise, "Zhihu, you've read the Book of Han at such a young age?"

Zhuang Shu's mouth agape slightly. She acknowledged that Zhu Yin was a child prodigy, but she hadn't expected that he had already read the Book of Han.

“Young Tiger.” Zhuang Shu, who prided herself on her intelligence, couldn’t help but feel a little ashamed and said shyly, “You really are a child prodigy. I am far from being one.”

Tang Rong, who has always loved reading, couldn't help but feel ashamed, clutching the hem of her skirt with both hands, her face slightly flushed.

It turns out it's a story from the Book of Han. How embarrassing!

But then, the two women looked at Zhu Yin with even greater respect, their gazes upon him becoming even more intense.

"Heh heh, so there really are scholars here playing pranks on me." Zhu Yin became interested. "Who could it be?"

Nowadays, most scholars are fame-seeking individuals who only read the Four Books and Five Classics, and few are well-read scholars who have traveled extensively.

The Book of Han is voluminous and not part of the examination content, so most scholars lack the patience to study it. Even at the Imperial Academy, less than one in ten students had read the Book of Han.

Zhu Yin read the Book of Han because he loved history.

But this farmhouse actually harbors someone who has read the Book of Han!
This piqued Zhu Yin's curiosity.

Zhu Yin guessed that since the other party wanted him to stay in this way, they would definitely come to see him.

His purpose was perhaps to test how he, as the new landowner, would treat the tenant farmers.

It seems that the man guessed his attitude after hearing what Xu Zhuangtou relayed.

Are there still such intelligent scholars here?

Thinking of this, Zhu Yin couldn't help but smile slightly.

Interesting.

"Kangxi and Qianlong," Zhu Yin said, "take out the tea set, fetch water, and brew tea. I want to entertain my refined guest."

"Yes!" Kangxi and Qianlong didn't ask any questions and immediately went to the carriage to get the tea set.

Zhu Yin brought his tea set, indicating his intention to brew tea in his thatched cottage.

He's a refined person too.

This thatched cottage is built against the mountain, with a clear stream meandering through it. It is surrounded by pine and bamboo forests, and the autumn scenery is intoxicating, with the mountain colors shrouded in mist.

In such a place, brewing tea to entertain guests would be a refined pleasure.

Zhuang Shu asked curiously, "Does Zhihu think that person will come looking for you and visit the thatched cottage?"

"Indeed." Zhu Yin smiled calmly, his young face full of confidence and composure. "I guessed he would come."

Upon hearing this, the two women's eyes lit up even more.

Is it true?
Zhuang Shu said in a soft, sweet voice, "If Zhihu's prediction is correct, I will make Zhihu famous and let the name of Zhihu the prodigy be known throughout Nanjing."

Tang Rong's eyes sparkled, and she covered her mouth with a soft laugh, "Child Tiger, if you're right, I'll make you a pair of shoes myself. What size do you wear?"

Taking the opportunity, she lowered her head slightly, stretched out a delicate hand, and actually measured Zhu Yin's shoes.

Zhu Yin: “…”

Ning Qingchen: "..."

Zhuang Shu: "..."

Zhu Yin was a man of high emotional intelligence. He couldn't very well refuse Tang Rong's request to measure his shoes, so he could only offer a professional smile, though his face was a little strained.

Tang Rong gracefully withdrew her small hand, feigning composure as she smiled:
"Yes, I understand."

Zhuang Shu asked, "How big?"

Tang Rong teased, "Why doesn't Fourth Sister measure it herself?"

Zhuang Shu bit her lip lightly, her expression slightly annoyed. "My cousin is so annoying! If I were to measure it again, wouldn't I be just repeating what you said, making me look bad?" she thought. "Alas, bringing my cousin to see Zhihu today was a mistake."

Inviting a wolf into the house is truly infuriating.

"Cough cough..." Zhu Yin couldn't help but cough a few times, and simply lowered his head to fiddle with the "sixteen tea sets" given to him by his cheap aunt.

Ning Qingchen, however, took advantage of being an infant to grab Zhu Yin's ear and twist it with all her might.

You spies, my sister's been gone for less than half a month, and you're already flirting with two girls.

I'm not a real woman.

Although she was weak and her pinch didn't hurt, Zhu Yin couldn't help but shake his head in protest.

Is it my fault? Miss Ning, have some decency.

Zhu Yin, too lazy to chat with the two young girls any longer, simply began to perform the tea ceremony.

The tea stove was set out, and the finest silver frost charcoal was already lit. Before long, the mountain stream water in the clay teapot began to steam.

Zhu Yin opened the tea canister, took out a few spoonfuls of Mengding stone flowers with a sandalwood tea spoon, and gently put them into boiling water.

Then use a tea needle to stir the rippling tea leaves.

In an instant, the aroma of tea wafted out, filling the air with a refreshing fragrance.

Kangxi and Qianlong also laid out tea utensils such as a celadon tea strainer and a Xuande kiln tea cup in turn.

Tang Rong asked, "Zhihu, is this 'Never-Night Tea' from Mengding Stone Flower?"

Zhu Yin remained silent, only nodding.

Zhuang Shu took a light sniff and pondered:
"It should be Mengding Stone Flower. This is a top-grade Everlasting Marquis. It has the fragrance of snow-covered green bamboo and the scent of the leaves of the Eighteen Pine Trees."

Zhu Yin remained silent, nodding, seemingly focused, his hands moving slowly and gracefully.

The two women were immediately captivated by Zhu Yin's tea ceremony and remained silent.

At this moment, the young tiger sat leisurely in the thatched hut, calmly brewing tea, truly displaying the demeanor of a refined scholar.

Even Dr. Ning released the little tiger's ears, watching Zhu Yin brew tea, her nostrils flaring.

Suddenly, the distant sound of the bell from Dongshan Temple drifted over, the chanting of Buddhist hymns filling the air with an ethereal tranquility that made the thatched hut even more serene.

As the autumn wind blows, yellow leaves flutter inside and outside the thatched hut. One can hear the rustling of pines, the whispering of bamboo leaves, the murmuring of a clear stream, and the distant chanting of Buddhist scriptures.

For a time, life was peaceful and serene, and people enjoyed a leisurely existence.

Zhu Yin gradually became immersed in the art of tea, his mind becoming focused, his spirit calm and serene, like clear white clouds.

It seems as if one has forgotten oneself and the world around them, and is unaware of what day it is.

Suddenly, an elderly man in blue robes, his hair adorned with colorful flowers, stood outside the thatched gate, supporting a village child. He watched the boy preparing tea in the thatched hut with great interest, looking as if he were intoxicated with age.

Lancha stood beneath the ancient pine tree, holding his knife, looking at the old man reeking of alcohol and wearing flowers in his hair. He neither asked questions nor stopped him, but simply stared indifferently.

He sensed that the old man was extraordinary, possessing an indescribable air of authority.

The old man in blue smelled the aroma of tea, and his drunken eyes suddenly cleared. This boy is interesting, truly interesting.

He was about to speak when he heard the boy recite as if no one else was there:

The Dao can be seen in the blue stone pot.
Listening to the temple bells under the trees of the Southern Dynasties.

If we could find a guest from Luofu Mountain,
Far superior to the bookworms of the Imperial Academy.

Wild cranes do not form a pact with the pine tree.
Idle clouds cannot stir the wind beneath the trees.

Why hide it at the foot of the tea mountain?
The dust settled overnight and reached Jiangdong.

Upon hearing the poem, Tang Rong and Zhuang Shu nodded repeatedly, their expressions full of admiration and their eyes filled with respect; they almost wanted to clap their hands and cheer.

Poetry expresses one's aspirations.

The poem by the young tiger is profound and lofty, possessing both a transcendent spirit and a worldly heart, and an ambition to assist a wise king in governing the world and bringing peace to the universe.

Very well written.

Zhu Yin finished reciting his original poem and was still reveling in it when suddenly an old, proud voice said:

"The poetry is unremarkable, but the ambition is quite grand! What, young friend, do you aspire to be prime minister? Without a wise ruler, what can one do with such a dream?"

This statement is not only extremely rude, but also highly taboo, implying that the current emperor is not a wise ruler.

Zhu Yin looked up and saw a refined old man in his early sixties, wearing a worn-out blue robe and cracked square-toed cloth shoes. He had chrysanthemums in his hair and was supporting a boy. The old man was standing in front of the wooden gate, looking at him with a half-smile.

The old man looked quite disheveled, yet there was a natural air of unrestrained elegance between his brows. His scholarly air seemed innate. He appeared both down on his luck and full of spirit, like an ancient sword that was once sharp, now rusty but still retaining its edge.

He seemed to have been drinking; his expression carried a hint of intoxication, yet his eyes possessed a clear and sharp quality amidst a sense of world-weariness.

Despite his head being covered in flowers, he didn't look comical; it seemed as if it were the natural thing for him to be like that.

Zhu Yin immediately knew that this old man was the scholar he was waiting for. He just hadn't expected the man to have such an extraordinary and refined demeanor.

Sure enough, before Zhu Yin could speak, the old man stroked his beard and smiled, "Young friend, may I brew this tea for you?"

Zhu Yin respected the elderly. He stood up, clasped his hands in a salute, and said with the seriousness of a young adult, "Indeed. Please, sir."

Unexpectedly, the old man gazed calmly at the white clouds in the sky and said leisurely:

"Back in the day, when I was your age, I was known as a child prodigy. I wonder how you, as a child prodigy, compare to me back then?"

Having said that, he took the boy's shoulder and strode inside.

Upon seeing this refined yet arrogant old man, Tang Rong and Zhuang Shu knew that he was no ordinary village elder, so they also rose from their seats and bowed deeply in greeting.

The old man in the blue robe ignored them completely, calmly sat down, leisurely picked up a cup of tea, took a sip, and said in a clear voice:
"A pot of wine from the Lord of Never Sleeps, two madmen, one old and one young."

“Young friend, although this is our first meeting, I can already tell that you are a madman despite your young age. I can smell your madness.”

Zhu Yin was speechless. This old gentleman was truly extraordinary. Despite being the host, he showed absolutely no awareness of being a guest.

It's unclear whether he's acting arrogantly due to his age or simply being naturally unruly.

"Oh? Does the old gentleman also know the art of physiognomy and the ability to recognize people?" Zhu Yin also picked up a cup of tea and said in a neither soft nor hard tone.

"Hahaha!" The old man laughed maniacally, his voice echoing through the thatched hut, as if no one else was around.
"I am not only good at judging people, but I can also understand the world, the government, the timing of events, the location, and the principles of Yin and Yang."

"I never imagined that one day I would be sitting in a thatched hut with a young boy, discussing philosophy over tea."

"Oh?" Zhu Yin smiled slightly. "Then this junior has truly been disrespectful. May I ask your honorable name, sir?"

The old man put down his teacup and said with a flourish, "If you are truly a child prodigy, young friend, you must have heard of me. I am Xu Wei of Shanyin!"

What?! Xu Wei?!

Zhu Yin was astonished, never expecting that this person was actually the famous Xu Wenchang!

"So it was Mr. Qing Teng..." Tang Rong and Zhuang Shu were also surprised, never expecting that this person was actually Xu Wei, a famous scholar from Jiangnan.

Of course, when they learned that it was Xu Wenchang, they did not stand up to bow again, nor were they as surprised as Zhu Yin.

At this time, Xu Wenchang was seen by the world as an arrogant, down-on-his-luck old scholar.

Although he was extremely talented, he was unrestrained and eccentric, and now that he was old and frail, he could no longer turn things around. So what was there to say about him?

They were unaware of how famous and influential Xu Wenchang would become in later generations.

Ning Qingchen couldn't help but open her mouth slightly.

Xu Wenchang!
Another historical figure! I finally met Xu Wenchang.

Zhu Yin stood up solemnly and bowed deeply to Xu Wei, saying, "Junior Zhu Yin greets Mr. Qing Teng! I am honored to meet you!"

He certainly has every reason to respect Xu Wei, a historical figure.

Xu Wei was an exceptionally talented man, possessing extraordinary aptitude. He excelled in calligraphy, painting, poetry, prose, strategy, military tactics, and drama, becoming a master in every field and standing out in his time.

But perhaps fate is jealous of talent; he was plagued by misfortune and hardship, and his life was filled with trials rarely seen in the world.

He was imprisoned once, married into his wife's family twice, failed the provincial examination eight times, and attempted suicide nine times...

Life was so bleak, yet he still lived to be seventy-three.

He eventually died in poverty and loneliness, with only an old dog by his side, without even a mat to lie on.

This life, so bitter yet beautiful, so tragic yet strange, is like a long and bewildering nightmare.

Some say he is a peerless genius, an unparalleled national hero. Others say he is a madman, a lunatic.

Now, Xu Wenchang, who left a profound mark on history, has appeared before me in this way.

Zhu Yin couldn't help but feel a little excited.

In the present Ming Dynasty, there is Qi Jiguang in military affairs, Xu Wenchang in civil affairs, Hai Gangfeng in incorruptibility, Li Shizhen in medicine, and Li Zhi in thought…

This is the last brilliant glow of the Ming Empire before the sun sets!
Seeing Zhu Yin's sudden courtesy towards him, Xu Wei also stood up and, disregarding his age, returned the courtesy with a standard greeting.

Logically speaking, as an elderly person, he should not treat a child with the same respect as him; this would be considered impolite.

However, he still treated Zhu Yin with great respect and treated him as an equal.

This scene is also an unconventional expression.

Is this arrogance or not?
Zhu Yin said sincerely, "I have long heard of Mr. Qing Teng's great name. It is my great honor to meet you today!"

"Sir, you are like a white cloud, suddenly descending upon this place."

P.S.: Another important supporting character, Xu Wenchang, has appeared. These are the best I can do for today's two poems. I apologize to Xu Wei, but this is all I can manage as a limerick. Anyway, it's a novel, so please don't take it too seriously. Thank you.

(End of this chapter)