Di Ming

Chapter 284 "How is your wife?"

This boy who murmured prayers—was this the renowned literary giant Feng Menglong of later generations?

Zhu Yin never expected that he would meet Feng Menglong, the great Ming Dynasty writer and author of the "Three Words" series, at his own ancestral temple.

Zhu Yin's encounter with Feng Menglong here may seem like a coincidence, but it's not actually that strange.

Feng Menglong was from Suzhou, and by right, he should have participated in the provincial examination in Yingtian. However, the competition in Southern Zhili was too fierce, so he used connections to go to Beijing, where it was easier for scholars from the south to be admitted, to participate in the provincial examination in Shuntian Prefecture.

To everyone's surprise, he failed the imperial examination in Shuntian Prefecture last year when he participated in the examination in Beijing.

Therefore, he was too ashamed to face his elders in Jiangdong and could only stay in the capital to prepare for the next imperial examination.

Today is the Double Ninth Festival. He came to Xishan to climb high and enjoy the view, and also made a special trip to the Temple of the Prodigy to offer sacrifices and share in Zhu Yin's good fortune.

Another reason was that Feng Menglong was already a member of the Xuanshe (Propaganda Society). Upon encountering the shrine dedicated to the society's leader, he naturally had to offer incense.

The last reason was that his wife, Zhuang Shu, specifically asked him to come to the Temple of the Prodigy. He also learned that his wife and Zhu Zhihu were close friends back then. According to his wife herself, they were "confidantes."

Feng Menglong is actually only eighteen years old this year. He just got married to Zhuang Shu last spring. Then they came to Beijing together to prepare for the exam.

Feng Menglong originally wanted to visit Zhu Yin and get to know the young prodigy who had passed the imperial examinations three times in a row, but when he thought about how he was just a scholar who had failed the imperial examinations twice, he lost confidence in visiting him.

His wife kept urging him to see Zhu Yin, but he always politely declined. Zhuang Shu assumed her husband was just jealous, so she didn't press the matter further. However, now that she was a married woman, she naturally had to uphold traditional wifely virtues and couldn't go to see Zhu Yin as she had before.

Feng Menglong was still a promising young man, and failing the imperial examinations twice wasn't a big deal, given his youth. But in reality, Feng Menglong was very anxious.

Now that the Japanese invaders have occupied Korea, and the country is going through a turbulent time, he is eager to contribute to the country and realize his ambitions.

Each additional course you wait for means three years of wasted time.

Moreover, his wife's desire for him to succeed was burning fiercely, and he really didn't want to disappoint her every time. He himself still held no official position, and his family's financial situation was deteriorating day by day; how could he not be anxious?
Living in Beijing is not easy. The couple had been living in Beijing for over a year, and their money was almost gone. The wife was pregnant and about to give birth, and the journey south was too far for them to return.

Now in Beijing, he is in a predicament, caught between a rock and a hard place.

Feng Menglong was filled with sorrow and couldn't help but sigh softly. He said to the statue of the child deity dressed in a bright red official robe:
"Zhu Zhihu, Zhu Zhihu, you achieved the highest honors in the imperial examinations at the age of twelve, becoming famous throughout the land. You served the country and, within four years of entering officialdom, were highly regarded by the court and the public, becoming a pillar of the nation. Among all the young talents of the ages, who can compare with you? You truly leave us in awe and inspire our awe."

"How can I, Feng, possibly succeed you and realize my life's ambitions, living up to all my studies? Alas, the imperial examinations are as vast as the sea, and fate is unpredictable; how difficult it is!"

Just as they were lamenting, a voice suddenly spoke up:
"Why should a man sigh and lament? To realize one's ambitions and live up to one's lifelong aspirations, must one seek only success in the imperial examinations?"

These words sounded mature and carried a hint of reproach, yet the voice still carried a touch of childishness.

When Feng Menglong turned around, his tall and elegant figure trembled slightly, and his handsome and refined face was full of astonishment. His innate scholarly air seemed to suddenly freeze.

In that one turn of his head, he looked somewhat like a startled fawn.

A large group of people surrounded a handsome young man of about fifteen or sixteen, like stars around the moon. The young man stood with his hands behind his back on the stone steps covered with fallen red leaves, his elegant Taoist robe fluttering in the mountain wind, as if it might be blown away at any moment.

They are like celestial beings, not like guests on earth.

Feng Menglong was, after all, a man of keen insight and pure heart. With just one glance, he guessed that this charismatic and refined young nobleman must be none other than Zhu Lang, the young master of Jiangzuo, who had passed the imperial examinations three times in a row.

There is no one else besides this one.

Such demeanor, truly worthy of being called Zhu Lang of Jiangzuo, an auspicious omen for the nation. No wonder my wife said he was carefree and elegant, a picture of refined beauty.

I am no match for them.

He felt somewhat awkward. Meeting Zhu Yin at Zhu Yin's ancestral temple, especially while he was burning incense and praying, seemed rather strange.

When Zhu Yin met Feng Menglong, he couldn't help but secretly admire him.

The young man was dressed in a simple blue robe, with a face as handsome as jade, and a gentle temperament as refined as the white jade pendant he wore at his waist. He was truly a man of exceptional talent and elegant demeanor.

Zhuang Shu married a handsome young man; his looks weren't much worse than hers.

When Zhu Yin and Feng Menglong met, it was as if they fell in love at first sight; they were both captivated by each other.

In Feng Menglong's eyes, Zhu Yin was a genius who passed the imperial examinations in three categories at the age of twelve.

Zhu Yin knew better than anyone how the disillusioned young man before him would use his brush and his heart full of sorrow to depict the bustling world and human life of the late Ming Dynasty, leaving a monument in the history of Chinese literature!
His life was filled with hardship, disappointment, despair, and passion. Yet, amidst the collective decline of the Ming Dynasty's scholar-officials, he was a breath of fresh air, a ray of light, a parched conscience, and a pillar of strength.

He was a profound and enlightened thinker, a master of literature, history, drama, poetry, and folklore, and a prolific writer. He also had great insight into the political situation, and even at the age of seventy, he was still working tirelessly to overthrow the Qing dynasty and restore the Ming dynasty, publishing anti-Qing publications, and ultimately died in sorrow and indignation.

In Zhu Yin's view, if there had been more scholars like Feng Menglong in the late Ming Dynasty, the Manchus would not have been able to seize the Han Chinese throne.

Zhu Yin had read many of Feng Menglong's works and knew that Feng Menglong was a very talented person with strong political abilities. However, like Xu Wei, he had no opportunity to realize his political ambitions due to his failure in the imperial examinations.

Therefore, Zhu Yin held Feng Menglong in very high regard. He did not want Feng Menglong to repeat the tragedies of history.

Before Feng Menglong could speak, Zhu Yin cupped his hands and said with a smile, "I am Zhu Yin from Jiangning. Greetings."

Feng Menglong was somewhat flattered and quickly returned the greeting:
"This junior, Feng Menglong from Suzhou, has met Mr. Zhihu. I have long admired Mr. Zhihu's illustrious name..."

"Brother Feng, there's no need for that," Zhu Yin said with a beaming smile, his gaze towards Feng Menglong filled with warmth and tenderness.

"It is fate that I met Brother Feng. I regret that I did not meet him sooner. I am very pleased to meet Brother Feng today. This trip was truly worthwhile."

Feng Menglong never expected that Zhu Lang of Jiangzuo, who held a high position and had achieved early success, would be so humble and respectful to scholars, making people feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze.

It's truly captivating.

If I had known Zhu Yin was so approachable, I should have listened to my wife and gone to pay my respects earlier.

To his surprise, the pretty little girl next to Zhu Yin looked at him with bright, sparkling eyes, as if she also had a good impression of him.

Although Feng Menglong was excited, he was very easygoing and immediately laughed:
"I have long admired Brother Zhihu, but I dared not presume to disturb you. Today, I am truly fortunate to meet you. I would not dare to say that we are old friends, but I regret that we have not met sooner."

Zhu Yin was so easy to get along with that he was sincere in wanting to befriend him.

The two hit it off immediately upon their first meeting.

Zhu Yin walked over with a smile, "We hit it off immediately. My sister-in-law, Lady Zhuang, and I are old friends, it's a pity we haven't seen each other for several years."

"Oh, how is your wife?"

Feng Menglong: "..."

Ning Qingchen: "..."

Feng Menglong opened his mouth, somewhat speechless. He hadn't expected Zhu Yin to start by questioning his wife. This…

Ning Qingchen's cheeks were puffed out, her little mouth was so pursed it could hang an oil bottle, and she looked unhappy. Little tiger, are you still thinking about that little vixen Zhuang Shu?

Even Ding Hongying, who was following behind, couldn't help but cover her forehead.

Uncle Tiger...

Zhu Yin immediately realized his mistake as soon as he spoke, coughed lightly, and said calmly:
"My brother and I have been friends since childhood, and we can be considered siblings. As for Mr. Lingyuezhuang, I regard him as an elder. That is why I have this question."

Upon hearing this, Feng Menglong chuckled and said, "I see. My wife has mentioned many times that Brother Zhihu and she are old acquaintances, or even confidantes..."

Ning Qingchen rolled her eyes, speechless at their words.

A confidante? You guys really don't know what a confidante means? If you haven't shared a bed with her, what kind of confidante are you?

But she soon discovered that after Zhuang Shu was mentioned, the two of them chatted like old friends, getting more and more into each other's conversation, not at all like they had just met.

But then Feng Menglong said with a happy expression:

"My wife is nine months pregnant and about to give birth. The doctor said it's a boy. If you have time, Brother Zhihu, you would be happy to come to my humble abode for a celebratory drink. My wife will be delighted to know you're coming."

Zhu Yin nodded and said seriously, "Okay, I'll definitely go. I'll definitely have to go and have a drink at your wedding. Even if it's a wedding at the home of a high-ranking official or a nobleman, I won't go. I'll only go to your house."

Feng Menglong laughed and said, "Just yesterday, my wife said that if she gave birth to a child, she wanted you to be her godfather. I even teased her at the time, saying that she was being delusional."

Zhu Yin's expression turned serious. "Why not? I couldn't be happier. The child will be my godson from birth. It's settled then."

Feng Menglong was overjoyed to hear this. But he would never know that Zhu Yin's willingness to take his son as his godson was not out of respect for Zhuang Shu, but out of respect for Feng Menglong himself.

Ning Qingchen rolled her eyes again upon hearing this. Another adoptive father and son? Little tiger, how many adoptive sons and daughters do you have?

Dong Guo, Hong Taiji, Zhu Weiming, plus Feng Menglong's son.

Four now!
"Damn it, let's see how many adopted sons and daughters you can take in." Zhu Yin said as he walked into his shrine, first examining his own statue, and then said:
"It doesn't look like me at all. My nose is too big and my face is too round. I look more prosperous than beautiful."

Feng Menglong chuckled. Now he knew that despite Zhu Yin's great fame, he was actually a very easygoing and humorous person.

But then Zhu Yin took the incense from his hand and earnestly worshipped the statue a few times.

Feng Menglong was greatly surprised, "Brother Zhihu, this Temple of the Prodigy is your own personal shrine, why are you worshipping yourself?"

Zhu Yin smiled knowingly and said meaningfully, "Of course you should worship yourself. The person you should worship the most is yourself. It's better to rely on yourself than on others."

Upon hearing this, Feng Menglong smiled and said with a half-serious smile, "Brother Zhihu is truly a remarkable person. Folklore says that Brother Zhihu is the reincarnation of the God of Literature, and it seems that the rumors are true."

"Legend has it that the God of Literature has been reincarnated five times: Yi Yin, Bigan, Zhuge Liang, Bao Zheng, and Wen Tianxiang. Is this the sixth time, Brother Zhihu?"

"May I ask, Brother Zhihu, do you still remember the celestial palace?"

Zhu Yin thought about it seriously for a moment, then shook his head solemnly and said:
"All past events are forgotten, how can I still remember them? I only remember that the Heavenly Palace was extremely tall, with the imposing presence of a skyscraper, and the palaces were like a forest of buildings. There were immortals who knew everything, and could plagiarize the works of all the talented people in the world, instantly stealing millions of words."

"Oh?" Feng Menglong was greatly surprised. He didn't expect to get any information out of him, since ghosts and gods were mysterious and difficult to explain.

But to his surprise, Zhu Yin actually uttered some bizarre words. Moreover, judging from Zhu Yin's expression, he didn't seem to be lying; it might actually be true!
"I never imagined the Heavenly Palace would be like this. Do even immortals plagiarize?"

Zhu Yin remained silent for a moment, "I only have a vague and indescribable impression, it seems that there really was a great immortal who plagiarized human articles and could generate millions of words in an instant."

"Ah, I can't remember any of it. The secrets of heaven would never remain in the spiritual platform."

Feng Menglong was already quite superstitious, and upon hearing this, he believed it without a doubt.

It seems that Brother Zhihu is indeed the sixth reincarnation of the God of Literature. However, he has forgotten all his past lives and certainly cannot remember assisting King Tang of Shang, advising King Zhou of Shang, supporting the later ruler of Zhou, judging cases in Kaifeng, and saving the Song Dynasty from the Yuan Dynasty.

Upon hearing Zhu Yin's words, Ning Qingchen tried her best to keep a straight face, but in the end, she couldn't help but turn her head away.

Zhu Yin, however, somewhat regretted taking the joke too far. He suddenly remembered that Feng Menglong was a person who deeply believed in ghosts, gods, and karma.

Feng Menglong straightened his clothes solemnly, then suddenly bowed deeply to the ground and said, "Brother Zhihu, your background is extraordinary. I am extremely abrupt and deeply respectful. I am at a loss for words."

As he bowed deeply, a scroll of the folk song "Guazhi'er" slipped from his sleeve and fell to the ground. Zhu Yin picked it up for him, casually flipped through it, and saw the line "Don't be hasty in forming a private relationship," and chuckled:
"Brother Feng, you have such refined tastes! Suzhou folk songs have even reached the capital."

Feng Menglong said without any shame, "After failing the exam, I heard a few honest words. The sentiments of ordinary people and common women are no less than those of scholars who have read many books. On the contrary, those scholars who have read many books are mostly heartless, shameless and unscrupulous."

His words were somewhat unrestrained. Yet his eyes shone like stars in a cold pool, possessing a clarity unlike those who frequented the world of fame and fortune.

Zhu Yin was not surprised at all upon hearing this. Feng Menglong was a scholar in history who wrote biographies of prostitutes and compiled local chronicles for the common people. His character could not be described even a fraction of what the historical records had to say about him.

This was a somewhat unconventional scholar. Otherwise, he wouldn't be Feng Menglong.

The two then left the Temple of the Prodigy, walked slowly along the stone path amidst the pine needles and red leaves, and talked.

Zhu Yin casually broke off a sprig of yellow chrysanthemum, and said while plucking the flower:

"Climbing high on the Double Ninth Festival to pray for a better future, and visiting my shrine to make wishes, shows Brother Feng's worldly ambition. However, the path to officialdom is treacherous, and the imperial examination is not necessarily fair. Brother Feng is being a bit too hasty."

A mountain breeze suddenly arose, causing Feng Menglong's headscarf to flutter. He didn't bother to fix it, letting his disheveled hair brush against his face, and sighed:

"As the poem 'Li Sao' says, 'I fear the withering of the grass and trees, and the fading beauty of the fair maiden.' I cannot bear to see my own pearl covered in dust."

"Haha!" Zhu Yin couldn't help but laugh, and casually tucked Qiu Ju into Feng Menglong's hair. "Brother Feng is really good at making witty remarks, comparing himself to a beauty, unable to bear seeing his own pearl being covered in dust."

This Feng Menglong is quite arrogant.

He was like a younger version of Xu Wei. However, he did have the right to be arrogant. It's just a pity that in the imperial examinations, one could not obtain fame and success simply by having genuine talent and learning.

Feng Menglong wasn't embarrassed at all. He also reached out and broke off a sprig of osmanthus, placing it in Zhu Yin's hair as a return gift, and said with a smile:
"Brother Zhihu is kind-hearted and has a refined and noble character, so I won't be pretentious. I really want to enter officialdom and serve in the government; time waits for no one."

Zhu Yin addressed him by his courtesy name and comforted him, saying, "Brother Youlong has the talent of Ban Gu and Ma Chao. He should be compiling extraordinary books for the world, let alone entering officialdom. There will always be a day when he can make it."

Feng Menglong asked, "Go ashore?"

Zhu Yin nodded. "Oh, so it means passing the imperial examination and entering officialdom. Sigh, is the imperial examination the only path to success for us?"

Feng Menglong's smile turned somewhat bitter. "But last year, a fortune teller said that I would never pass the exam. Does this mean I really have no chance to benefit the people?"

Zhu Yin knew that Feng Menglong was a very capable political man. Historically, he later served as a minor county magistrate, where he was able to handle things with great skill and efficiency.

Unfortunately, people with his personality have a hard time passing the exam.

Zhu Yin suddenly stopped in his tracks. "Brother Youlong, do you know the war report from Korea? The King of Korea has already fled to Liaodong." He changed the subject and talked about the war in Liaodong.

"How could I not know!" Feng Menglong sighed. "Last night I even wrote a short poem about this: 'Japanese swords reflect the blood-red moon, scholar's caps are covered in mud and dust.' It's a pity I can't abandon my pen and join the army."

Before he could finish speaking, Zhu Yin clapped his hands and laughed, "Good! What a fine 'scholar's cap covered in mud and dust'!"

With a wave of his wide sleeve, he said, “Don’t underestimate the dust and mud. Every leaf that falls today will turn into spring mud, but if someone picks it up and writes a poem on it, it will be a leaf of loyal heart. Ten years of drinking ice cannot cool the burning blood. These red leaves covering the mountains are the color of the Ming Dynasty.”

"The world is vast. Since Brother Youlong is so determined to abandon his pen for the sword, why not give it a try? What use is a man of letters? It's not too late to return to the examination hall after you've achieved something great. What do you think, Brother Youlong?"

After speaking, he looked at Feng Menglong with sparkling eyes.

Feng Menglong was incredibly intelligent; he understood immediately.

Zhu Yin intends to recruit me into his inner circle! Moreover, Zhu Yin may be leaving the capital soon.

To answer or not to answer?

This is a great opportunity. But once you choose this path, you will be unable to take the imperial examinations for at least a few years.

Feng Menglong hesitated for only two breaths, then smiled with relief and said confidently:

"Brother Zhihu, I am deeply grateful for your kindness and consideration. However, are you not afraid that a disillusioned and unruly young man like me might tarnish the reputation of the top scholar's family?"

Zhu Yin already knew his choice, and said sincerely:

“Brother Youlong, why do you say that? Back then, when Ji Kang was forging iron and Xiang Xiu was fanning the wind, how could they have disgraced the bamboo grove? On the contrary, they brought glory to the bamboo grove.”

He returned "Guazhier" to Feng Menglong, saying, "Brother Youlong, what I want to build is not the Golden Terrace, nor are you a scholar under the Golden Terrace. What I want to find is a confidant and a like-minded person. Brother Youlong has the talent of Ban Gu and Ma Chao, why confine yourself to the cage of the imperial examination and waste your best years?"

Zhu Yin's voice suddenly lowered: "I heard that you are compiling 'Mountain Songs', and I also know that you have helped prostitutes redeem themselves and erected monuments for lonely souls. What you hold in your heart is more than just romantic love. What I love most is a gentleman who cares about all living beings."

Feng Menglong was shocked. This young official who had passed the imperial examinations three times in a row was truly worthy of being a reincarnation of a star deity; he understood him even better than his wife.

What is this? This is a true friend!
Feng Menglong stared blankly at Zhu Yin. This boy was only fifteen years old, but his brows exuded a confidence and lofty aspirations beyond his years.

It seems as distant as mountains and rivers, yet it's so close at hand. Like white clouds on the horizon, or like an old friend beside you.

Feng Menglong suddenly knelt down, lifting his robe: "This junior is willing to follow the Grand Protector...to observe the vast sea and hear the people's suffering!"

"Excellent! Well done!" Zhu Yin exclaimed, clapping his hands in delight. "My brother is truly delightful! Having Youlong is like having an extra arm!"

After saying that, he quickly helped Feng Menglong up, saying, "We are brothers, why be like this! Don't call me Gongbao, let's call each other brothers."

After saying that, he joked, "Brother Youlong, are you afraid of your wife? Do we need Fourth Sister's permission for this?"

Feng Menglong waved his hand boldly, "I am never afraid of my wife! Why should a woman like her interfere in matters of a true man? I am willing to follow Brother Zhihu and temporarily give up the imperial examination. What can she do if she disagrees?"

"I am not afraid of my wife!"

Zhu Yin laughed heartily, not pointing out the flaw, and said, "To climb high on the Double Ninth Festival and drink no wine, wouldn't that be a waste of this fine time and beautiful scenery, a squandering of the wonderful autumn light?"

"Guards! Set out yellow wine in the mountains, and let's get drunk and return home wearing dogwood!"

"Okay! I won't come back until I'm drunk!"

……

Zhu Yin and the others drank until dusk before leaving Xishan, tipsy, and returning home to the city.

When they parted, Feng Menglong said that he would bring Zhuang Shu to Zhu Yin's wedding in three days to drink some celebratory wine.

Soon, it was September 12th.

The day for the wedding has finally arrived!
P.S.: It's too late today, sorry! This chapter is actually about introducing Feng Menglong. Feng Menglong is very talented, far from being just an ordinary writer, much less a pedantic scholar. Thank you, goodnight, and please give me a monthly vote!
(End of this chapter)