Di Ming

Chapter 154 Dragon Boat Festival in Early Summer
Their laughter was one desolate, the other clear and bright. Decades of trials and tribulations had passed in the midst of their hearty laughter upon meeting again.

In the heavy snow, the two stood facing each other, smiling through their tears, as if they were separated by a lifetime.

Qi Jiguang was tall and imposing, with a vigorous and powerful presence. His hair and beard were gray, and he still possessed the formidable aura of an old tiger.

Xu Wenchang possessed a slender, crane-like figure and a dignified demeanor. His silver hair was like frost, and his ancient sword was concealed by its broken edge.

We have been separated for many years, and my thoughts of you are like clouds and trees, like the moon setting on the roof beams. Today, we meet again in a foreign land, and I am truly overjoyed.

Xu Wei looked Qi Jiguang over and said with a sigh:

"The killing intent in the army soars to the heavens, and returns with the autumn wind. General Yuan Jing, in his prime, rode his iron horse and brandished his spear, his spirit chilling through the ages. What a hero he was! But many years have passed since we last met, and now even a great general has grown old."

Qi Jiguang, with a sigh, also said with emotion:

"Back then, Mr. Wenchang led the government as a scholar in plain clothes, devising grand plans and pointing out the direction of the country. He was like Zhou Yu reborn, radiating charm. Today, as we meet again, we realize how merciless time is."

Neither Qi Jiguang nor Xu Wei expected that they would meet again after many years.

Back then, Qi Jiguang served as a general under Hu Zongxian, the governor-general of Zhejiang and Zhili, while Xu Wei served as a strategist in Hu Zongxian's staff. They were a perfect match, one a civil official and the other a military leader.

They were not only old friends, but also comrades-in-arms, and they cherished each other and considered each other close friends.

Xu Wenchang was not like the kind of scholar who looked down on Qi Jiguang. In his view, Qi Jiguang was a rare scholar-general throughout history, with both literary talent and military prowess, possessing the demeanor of famous generals of the past.

He wrote a poem for Qi Jiguang, praising Qi Jiguang's military achievements. After Qi Jiguang was transferred to Liaodong, he even made a special trip north to visit him in the border region.

In Qi Jiguang's eyes, Xu Wei, though unrestrained and unconventional, was well-versed in military strategy, knowledgeable in military matters, skilled in tactics, and insightful in court politics.

He was neither a self-righteous, pedantic scholar nor an ordinary Shaoxing clerk, but an unparalleled national hero.

When Qi Jiguang was commanding troops in Jizhou, he recommended Xu Wei to Li Chengliang. Only then did Li Chengliang ask Xu Wei to teach his son, Li Rusong, military strategy.

Zhu Yin and the others were all moved by this scene.

"Godfather, sir, please come inside for a drink and a reunion around the fire. It's snowing heavily outside, don't catch a cold."

Zhu Yin thoughtfully remarked that he was worried the two elderly men might catch a cold, which could affect their lifespan.

It's truly the coldest time of winter now. Winters in Jiangnan are damp and bitterly cold. Even children like Zhu Yin and Ning Caiwei, who aren't afraid of the cold, can't stand it.

Qi Jiguang and Xu Wei then went inside together and sat around the stove.

This is a warm and cozy dwelling in winter. The walls are reinforced with insulation, and there is a subterranean heating system. Inside, there is also a bronze animal-shaped charcoal stove, making it warm and cozy.

After the weather turned cold, Xu Wei stayed in this warm house, living a carefree life, spending his days composing poetry, drinking wine, calligraphy, and painting, thoroughly enjoying himself.

Outside, it was freezing cold with heavy snow, but inside, it was warm and cozy.

Zhu Yin ordered the wine to be warmed and the dishes to be served, so that Qi Jiguang and Xu Wei could drink and eat and catch up.

He himself withdrew, no longer wanting to disturb the two of them, so as not to become a "third wheel".

Inside the warm dwelling, there were two jugs of old wine and two elderly people.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Xu Wei drank a bowl of Shaoxing rice wine, sighed, and said:

“Brother Yuanjing, I feel ashamed to hear that you were implicated by Zhang Jiangling and dismissed from office. If I hadn’t advised you to befriend powerful officials back then, you wouldn’t have been dismissed and punished.”

Qi Jiguang laughed and said, "Brother Wen, there's no need to blame yourself. You came up with the idea, but I did the work. At the time, I did accomplish great things because I befriended powerful people."

"As for being implicated and dismissed from office, that is neither Brother Wen's fault nor mine."

"If it weren't for Brother Wen's guidance back then, it would have been difficult for me to accomplish anything. If I can succeed, why should I care about being an official or a person?"

"One only truly appreciates human relationships in old age; the world is unpredictable, yet there is still justice in the world."

"Throughout history, no one has ever done anything without getting scolded."

“Those people call me a lackey, and I am the lackey of the Ming Dynasty. They want to be lackeys, but they can’t.”

Qi Jiguang did not regret his choice. What did it matter if people said he was a sycophant, a servile opportunist? One cannot discuss ice with a summer insect.

If you seek benevolence and attain it, what is there to regret?
Xu Wei shook his head and said, "The northern barbarians are not yet pacified, the Jurchens are gradually rising, Japan has unified the country, Burma is unruly, foreign barbarians are unpredictable, and rebellious people are about to rise up... Yuan Jing, even if it is a case of 'the birds are all used up and the bow is discarded,' or 'the rabbit is all killed and the dog is cooked,' the court is far from reaching the point of 'the birds are all used up and the rabbit is all killed,' so how can we dismiss you?"

"To dismiss meritorious officials without cause. Must we wait until the nation is in peril to think of good generals? This shows that the ruler is incompetent and the ministers are incompetent. With such a court, the Ming Dynasty is in grave danger."

Xu Wei's words, while sincere and expressing his sympathy for Qi Jiguang, also contained an element of sowing discord between Qi Jiguang and the imperial court.

Yuan Jing is loyal to the court and devoted to the country. He should be made aware that this court is corrupt and its officials are incompetent, and he is no longer worthy of his loyalty.

Qi Jiguang drank a bowl of Shaoxing wine and shook his head, saying:

"I don't care about being dismissed from office, after all, I've done my job to the end. But you, Brother Wenchang, clearly have the talent to assist the emperor, yet you just can't pass the imperial examination and will never be able to enter officialdom in your life!"

“Brother Wen has rendered meritorious service to the country, yet he has received no reward. The court has failed you, the Shaoxing advisor.”

"This shows how unjust the world is. Whether the Ming Dynasty is in danger or not, we ordinary people can do nothing about it."

When the two talked about the injustices the other had suffered, they both felt deeply aggrieved.

Xu Wei was arrogant and rude in front of others. But he was different in front of those he favored.

Neither Zhu Yin nor Qi Jiguang felt Xu Wei's arrogance when they were with him; instead, they felt as if they were bathed in a gentle breeze.

Unfortunately, very few people could earn his favor. The vast majority of people did not enjoy such treatment.

Only then did Qi Jiguang remember to ask, "How did Brother Wen come to know Zhihu?"

Xu Wei recounted how he met Zhu Yin and then asked with a smile, "How did you become the adoptive father of Zhihu? You had a son late in life!"

"Hahaha! A son born late in life..." Qi Jiguang laughed upon hearing this, knowing that Xu Wei was prone to making joking remarks.

"Brother Wen, I never expected that you could become such a close friend with Zhihu, a child of such age. You truly are an extraordinary person with extraordinary abilities."

"Back then, when high-ranking officials and nobles treated you with utmost respect, you remained indifferent. Why then do you show such favor to a mere child?"

He knew Xu Wei had the temperament of Ji Kang, his admiration stemming from mere wine. He looked down on you; even if you held a high position of power and immense wealth, he would still be a madman in your presence.

If he takes a liking to you, he will treat you as an equal, whether you are a female scholar in a brothel or a farmer in the fields.

Therefore, Qi Jiguang was very pleased that Xu Wei treated his adopted son differently.

Xu Wei had eyes on the top of his head and was always good at judging people. His friendship with Zhihu, despite their age difference, speaks volumes about Zhihu's extraordinary character.

Xu Wei's eyes flashed, and he put down his wine bowl, saying:

“Yuan Jing, I am over sixty years old and have seen the world, and I will not speak falsely. Zhi Hu is truly a born genius. A prodigy throughout the ages, none can surpass him!”

"You, adopted son, are exceptionally intelligent and gifted from birth. You are a tiger among tigers, and your future is limitless!"

Although Qi Jiguang was pleased and agreed with this, he still humbly said:

"Wen Chang, you are too kind to me. Why do you have to do this?"

"A young tiger is nothing more than a pig from Liaodong or a unicorn-like creature. What is there to mention?"

"Haha!" Xu Wei laughed loudly, "Yuan Jing, why are you being so modest? If even a young tiger is a Liaodong boar, then I, Xu Wenchang, am also a stupid pig and a dumb goose."

"Just you wait and see, the young tiger is destined for great things! Your future achievements and posthumous fame may be made possible by the young tiger, leaving you with no regrets."

Qi Jiguang looked slightly surprised, his eyes fixed intently on Xu Wei. "Brother Wen, are you perhaps already drunk? How could you be joking?"

Xu Wei laughed heartily, poured himself a full glass of wine, and said, "I've always been a heavy drinker. A few cups as the Inspector of Pingyuan, half a pot as the Assistant Magistrate of Qingzhou, how could I possibly get drunk?"

Qi Jiguang smiled but remained silent. He knew Xu Wei was good at judging people, and he also knew Xu Wei was very bold.

But given Zhihu's intelligence, he must have already discerned Xu Wei's character.

Today, he had Zhihu accompany him to the Xiaoling Mausoleum to offer sacrifices, actually as a test. Although he didn't find out anything, he vaguely felt that Zhihu might be a member of the imperial clan.

If Chikorō is indeed a member of the royal family…

A thought arose in Qi Jiguang's mind and he couldn't shake it off.

He tried to suppress the thought, but found it becoming increasingly stubborn.

Alas, perhaps it was because I was too disappointed with the court that I harbored such delusions.

Qi Yuanjing, you have enjoyed the Ming Dynasty's bounty for generations and are a loyal minister of the Ming Dynasty. How could you have such delusional thoughts?

Xu Wei, being an experienced and shrewd man, observed people's expressions and knew that this topic could not be continued for the time being, so he changed his tone and said:

"Yuan Jing, do you still remember the gathering at Wansongling?"

Qi Jiguang nodded, "How could I not remember? At the gathering at Wansongling that year, they looked down on me because I was a military general, thinking I was a crude and uncouth warrior."

"Hu Yinglin mocked me, saying I was just a military man and had no right to participate in the poetry gathering. Later, someone, not wanting to miss out on the trouble, even wrote a play called 'General Qi's Defeat at Wansong Ridge' based on this incident. People who didn't know the situation would think that General Qi had actually been defeated on the battlefield."

"A mere warrior?" Xu Wei said indignantly. "Many scholars who have passed the imperial examinations cannot write your poems and essays, yet you have the audacity to mock you as a crude and vulgar warrior."

"Why do you think that is? Because you were once a powerful figure in the world, and your fame was at its peak. Many young people admired martial arts, and the reputation of martial artists rose because of you."

"So that time, it was the scholars of Jiangnan who did it on purpose, to embarrass you and suppress the reputation of military men."

Even though Xu Wei was a master of poetry and prose, he admired Qi Jiguang's work. To call Qi Jiguang a "vulgar warrior" is utter nonsense.

Qi Jiguang nodded and said, "I knew the inside story back then. Hu Yinglin was young and impetuous, and he was used as a pawn by Wang Shizhen. This matter was planned by Wang Shizhen."

“Alas, speaking of which, Yuanmei (Wang Shizhen) and I were friends for many years, but who knew that we would become estranged and eventually stop exchanging letters.”

"I understand that he prides himself on being a leader in the literary world and has to make a show of respect to the military and suppress the power of the military generals. Perhaps it is out of helplessness, but this move still chills my heart."

Xu Wei stroked his beard and smiled: "What chills you is not his lack of friendship, but that as a leader of the literary world and the hope of the nation, he has suppressed military men for personal gain, which is unfair."

Qi Jiguang sighed, "Only Brother Wenchang truly understands me! This is precisely where my heart is chilled. I ponder, if even a virtuous gentleman like Yuanmei is so self-serving, how can the officials of the entire court be exempt from such vices?"

"With the government in their hands, how can the country enjoy lasting peace and stability? Internal and external troubles will be hard to avoid."

"Enough. Brother Wen, we've been separated for so many years, I thought we'd never see each other again in this life. Now that we've met, let's not talk about these things. Come, let's drink until we drop."

Xu Wenchang laughed and said, "The myriad valleys and mountains widen here, and the border city stretches all the way to Chang'an. Yuanjing, this is your own poem. Today, it truly opens up to you."

Qi Jiguang laughed loudly, "Good! All the mountains and valleys have come to a wide end here! Today, we've reached this wide end!"

.........

The two old men were drinking and reminiscing in the warm hut, while Zhu Yin and the others were not idle either.

Upon his return, he rested for only half an hour before taking Ning Caiwei and her sister into the city to offer New Year's greetings.

I wish Tian Yi and Shen Yiguan a Happy New Year.

When Ning saw Ning Caiwei, she couldn't help but scold her for a while. But when she saw Ning Qingchen, who looked like a little dumpling, her heart almost melted. She forgot about the older one and only cared about the younger one.

At this time, Tian Yi was unaware of the Luzon Incident, but since there were no more foreigners causing trouble, he had a good New Year.

When Zhu Yin went to pay his respects to Shen Yiguan for the New Year, he inevitably submitted his homework on the Four Books again, and the feedback he received was: "You have indeed made progress."

The next day, they visited Zhuang Tingjian's house to offer New Year's greetings again. Zhuang Shu made some suggestive remarks and even teased Ning Caiwei about her big feet, saying that she "runs extremely fast."

Zhuang Tingjian was very busy, because according to regulations, the government office had to open on the third day of the first lunar month.

Zhuang Shu also invited Zhu Yin to attend the Lantern Festival.

Thirty-six years before the Wanli Emperor's reign, the Ming Dynasty only had a three-day holiday for the Spring Festival. However, the Lantern Festival had a ten-day holiday, from the eleventh to the twentieth.

Therefore, the Lantern Festival is actually the most lively time of the year. But Zhu Yin refused.

It wasn't that they were making excuses to refuse; rather, Shen Yiguan had given a strict order that no outings were allowed during the Lantern Festival, only the task of solving problems was permitted.

After the Lantern Festival on the 21st day of the twelfth lunar month, he needs to check students' homework, which requires him to solve the problems 500 times!

He solved the problem five hundred times! This means that during the festival, Zhu Yin spent at least five hours a day solving problems! From morning till night.

Where would I find the time to travel?

To Zhu Yin's surprise, Zhuang Shu, knowing this reason, not only didn't find it strange, but was very understanding, even saying that one should study hard and not play around.

She even blamed herself for thinking things through incorrectly, almost disturbing Zhu Yin's pursuit of the eight-legged essay.

This left Zhu Yin both amused and exasperated.

This Zhuang Shu is truly no ordinary woman.

On the third day, Zhu Yin went to the Imperial Academy and found that the Xuan Society had indeed added seven or eight new members, bringing the total to nearly twenty.

However, Wang Ruifang's Chrysanthemum Society had more than four hundred members, becoming the largest society in Nanyong and enjoying unparalleled popularity.

Wang Ruifang herself has already advanced to the intermediate class.

On this day, Zhu Yin and the others also left the beginner class and advanced to the intermediate class, entering a higher-level cultivation hall.

Wang Ruifang was also at the Taoist temple. The two still saw each other frequently.

It seems we've always been destined to meet again.

The feud and grudge between the two were common knowledge throughout the entire Nanyong region. Everyone was watching this year's provincial examination to see who the true prodigy was.

Wang Ruiwen looked at Zhu Yin with a hint of arrogant pity.

It seems like victory is in sight.

Little did he know that Zhu Yin had already begun planting spies around him last year.
His pageboy and his lovers in the brothel were all caught red-handed by Zhu Yin's men, who then bribed them all.

His plan was no secret to Zhu Yin.

Therefore, when he looked down at Zhu Yin with pity, Zhu Yin remained calm and instead became even more low-key.

As a secret agent, one should not act unless absolutely necessary.

Once it strikes, it will be a fatal blow!

But in reality, Zhu Yin never considered Wang Ruifang as a rival.

His real opponents were the group of refined and elegant "big shots" behind Wang Ruifang!
.........

While Zhu Yin was studying at Nanyong, Qi Jiguang and Xu Wei would just drink and chat.

Once they got to know each other better, they started showing signs of their old relationship again.

On this day, Qi Jiguang came to Xu Wei's residence and invited Xu Wei to go into the city together to revisit the old place.

Xu Wei, however, was writing "The Chronicle of Summer Gods" and was unwilling to go to the city.

Qi Jiguang had already read the first few chapters of "The Chronicles of Xia Shen" and loved it.

He not only liked the stories Xu Wei wrote, but also his calligraphy.

Xu Wei's calligraphy is truly superb.

"Brother Wenchang, how about I borrow your manuscript to take a look?" Qi Jiguang said, stroking the thick stack of papers.

He wanted to take it back and keep it for himself. As for the stories in the manuscript, he could simply have someone else copy them again; it wouldn't affect the publication of "The Chronicles of Summer Gods".

Xu Wei, however, saw through Qi Jiguang's trick at a glance and said with a smirk:

"Borrow? A tiger borrows a pig, a husband borrows a book. When will it ever be returned? You can look, but you can't borrow."

"Wen Chang, even I can't do it?" Qi Jiguang said with a smile. "I am a military general, not a gentleman. I will return the borrowed books."

Xu Wei chuckled, "You'll return it? Back when I was writing 'Mei Ping Jin,' you took a stack of manuscripts when I wasn't looking. Did you return them?"

"How could that be!" Qi Jiguang's face darkened. "Brother Wen, we've been friends for many years. You should think this through before you speak."

"You and Yan Shifan's concubine back then..."

"Alright, alright!" Xu Wei stamped his foot. "You didn't take it, I was just making things up!"

Qi Jiguang said, "Of course I didn't take it. You're so old, aren't you just talking nonsense? You should keep writing your book. I'm leaving now."

After that, he walked out.

Xu Wei couldn't help but ask, "Where does Yuan Jing intend to go?"

Qi Jiguang stopped and said, "I heard that Shen Yiguan is at the Ningbo Guild Hall in the city. I'll go find him and ask him to take Zhihu as my disciple and teach him the Eight-Legged Essay."

Xu Wei's expression was somewhat strange, and he nodded with a half-smile, "Alright, Yuan Jing, go ahead. I'll await your good news."

Qi Jiguang sensed that Xu Wenchang was acting strangely, shook his head, and left.

After Qi Jiguang left, Xu Wei couldn't help but mutter to himself:
"This Qi Yuanjing is indeed a martial artist at heart!"

"Ha! A martial artist is a martial artist. Even if he is well-read and skilled in poetry and prose, he is still a crude and vulgar warrior!"

"Not only are you cunning and shameless, but you also dare to threaten me!"

.........

Meanwhile, Qi Jiguang, wearing a bamboo hat, leisurely entered the city and found the Ningbo Guild Hall.

Sure enough, I saw Shen Yiguan.

Unbeknownst to him, Shen Yiguan had already taken Zhu Yin as his apprentice last year at Hai Rui's request.

Zhu Yin didn't tell him, not out of malicious intent, but because he wanted to give him a surprise and tease his godfather.

Not a son of man.

"Oh dear!" Shen Yiguan was startled to see Qi Jiguang. "Brother Yuanjing! What brings you to Nanjing?"

Qi Jiguang laughed and said, "Of course it's the north wind! Brother Jianwu, it's been many years, but you're still as dashing as ever."

Shen Yiguan laughed and said, "No wonder it's so cold today, it's the north wind! Please come in!"

The two were old friends. Back when Qi Jiguang was fighting against Japanese pirates in Ningbo, he and Shen Yiguan got along very well.

Shen Yiguan was very pleased with Qi Jiguang's visit and personally brewed tea and warmed wine.

After catching up with Shen Yiguan for a while, Qi Jiguang got straight to the point:

“Brother Jianwu, I have come today for two reasons: first, to visit you, and second, to ask you for a favor. I humbly request your permission.”

"An unreasonable request?" Shen Yiguan was slightly taken aback, wondering if Yuan Jing had come to borrow money.

I heard that he is heavily in debt and unable to repay it. He has sold off all his family property and his salary has been cut off by the emperor. He must be lacking the element of metal in his Five Elements.

He then laughed and said, "Well... Brother Yuanjing, it's the north wind now, not the autumn wind."

It means: Don't try to take advantage of me; lending money is out of the question.

Qi Jiguang laughed and scolded, "You cunning Shen! You think I'm here to borrow money and order you around? Even if I'm poor, I won't borrow from you! How ridiculous!"

"You think I really have no money to spend? Someone is giving me money!"

Shen Yiguan chuckled and said, "Don't mention gold and silver, it's vulgar! I was just joking. Brother Yuanjing, if you need anything, please just let me know."

Since Yuan Jing isn't borrowing money, then everything is negotiable.

Qi Jiguang considered for a moment and said:
"I have an adopted son, a man of great talent and ambition, who aspires to take the imperial examinations. It's just a pity he lacks a wise teacher..."

But before he could finish speaking, Shen Yiguan looked troubled and said:
"Brother Yuanjing, to be honest, I've already taken on a disciple. My energy is limited, alas, this matter..."

He was in a dilemma because he didn't want to take on any more disciples.

Qi Jiguang's expression hardened. "Brother Jianwu, my adopted son is a rare talent. As for your esteemed disciple, I fear..."

Shen Yiguan was a little unconvinced, "Talent and good looks are nothing special. Brother Jianwu, my disciple is a rare prodigy!"

Qi Jiguang shook his head, "My adopted son is also a child prodigy! Brother Jianwu, you will surely like him when you see him."

"Is that so?" Shen Yiguan laughed. "Brother Yuanjing, are you perhaps too confident in your son? My disciple is probably even more capable than your son."

The two were acquaintances and spoke to each other without any formalities.

One praised his adopted son, and the other praised his disciple.

Just then, a child, as handsome as a golden boy, dressed in a luxurious blue fox fur coat, entered the flower hall with an air of nobility.

Who else could it be but Zhu Yin?

He had a great deal of insight into the problem today and felt enlightened, so he quickly came to seek guidance from Teacher Shen.

He entered with a smile and said, "Sir, today's problem-solving question... Oh, Godfather, you're here too?"

Zhu Yin did not expect that Qi Jiguang would meet with Shen Yiguan so soon.

"Sir? Godfather?" Qi Jiguang and Shen Yiguan looked at each other, then suddenly realized.

We've been talking about the same person all along!

Isn't this a misunderstanding?

Qi Jiguang's face turned green, and he rarely lost his temper, saying:

"Child Tiger! You get the hell here!"

Shen Yiguan also sternly said, "Young Tiger, you almost caused me to lose the friendship of an old friend!"

Zhu Yin, with a mournful face, weakly said:
"Father, Master, if I say it's just to give you both a surprise, would you believe me?"

Qi Jiguang and Shen Yiguan said in unison, "They are not human!"

...............

The frosty moon fades quickly, and time flies by.

In the blink of an eye, the snow melted, the grass grew, the flowers bloomed, and the rain came.

Beginning of Spring, Rain Water, Awakening of Insects...

Lantern Festival, Shangsi Festival, Qingming Festival...

The flowers bloomed and rain fell several times. Suddenly, the swallows returned, and the cicadas began to sing.

Time flies, and May has arrived.

Dragon Boat Festival, early summer!

P.S.: Five months have passed in the book. The new volume, *Tiger Smells Roses*, has begun, and I can finally come up with four-character chapter titles! All chapter titles in this volume are four characters. In the next volume, chapter titles will be five characters (if there is a next volume). Thank you to all the readers who voted and subscribed! Goodnight!

(End of this chapter)