How can one cultivate immortality without learning modern knowledge?

Chapter 121 Imperial Edict Issued, Heading to the Lin Residence

The term "traitor" is what people in their circle are used to calling someone, but this term can't be taken too seriously.

Zhou Liangsheng did commit a crime. After the Yantai case, he was indeed a criminal, and there's no doubt about that.

The problem is, the Yantai case is over.

Those who deserved punishment have already been punished.

Now, he is a proper county magistrate. Although the position of county magistrate is small, it is still a regular official appointed by the imperial court. If you say he is a criminal, then what is the emperor who appointed him as county magistrate?

Was he the muddle-headed emperor who betrayed the court and was Zhang Zi?

Startled, He Fang hurriedly protested, "That's not what I meant. What I meant was—"

"No need for explanation, I understand what Lord He and Lord Li mean! It's nothing more than the grudge from that day!" Lin Xiangdao said, "Please remember one thing, my two vice ministers: as officials of the court, you must not let personal matters interfere with your official duties!"

The two vice ministers' faces turned ashen.

They knew their argument was weak, but faced with Zhou Wenju, who had written the Heavenly Dao Qingci and the Twenty-Four Poetry Criticisms, whose mastery of poetry and prose had reached its zenith and whose fame spread throughout the capital, they simply couldn't find a compelling reason to speak.

They were unwilling to accept watching Zhou Wenju take flight so easily; they wanted to try one more time, no matter what.

This step was met with another direct and scathing rebuke from Lin Xiangdao, with six irrefutable and weighty words: "Do not sacrifice public duty for private gain!"

"Lord Lin, you flatter me!" A man in the front row turned around. It was Deng Yuzhou, a first-rank official. "The two vice ministers are only concerned that this man caused trouble in the past by manufacturing guns. His character is unpredictable. They are afraid that his participation in the meeting will cause chaos and damage the court's reputation. Their concerns are not without reason, and their thoughts are also based on public interest."

"Lord Deng is bringing up guns again!" Lin Xiangdao said, "Please note, Lord Deng, that the guns made by Zhou Wenju have become legendary weapons on the borders of the Great Yu, achieving numerous victories!"

The entire room fell silent.

Yes, Zhou Wenju was involved in gun manufacturing and rioting that day, and no matter how you criticize him, he can still stand in the public eye.

But now, this argument has lost all credibility.

Because the guns he made had become divine weapons on the imperial borders, the merits of his three thousand elite gunners surpassed those of a hundred thousand-strong army.

Zhou Wenju's gun manufacturing is no longer a taboo, but rather a great achievement for the country!

He Fang and Li Zhong exchanged glances, both seeing a sense of powerlessness in each other's eyes.

Faced with the last person on that list, faced with that name that stung their eyes, they tried every possible method and every action, but ultimately, they couldn't stop it—

Deng Yuzhou smiled faintly: "I did not use guns as an excuse! My concern is another concern."

""

"Oh? What worries does Lord Deng have?" Lin Xiangdao asked.

Deng Yuzhou said, "The Qingshan Literary Gathering represents the highest level of literary competition between the two countries. All participants are great Confucian scholars, except for Zhou Wenju, who has not yet attained literary mastery. Your Majesty—this old minister's concern is: will the participation of someone who is not even a great Confucian scholar make the Yan Kingdom laugh at our dynasty for lacking talent, and will Bailuxi regard this as a disrespect and insult?"

Lin Xiangdao's heart sank suddenly.

A first-rank official is indeed a first-rank official.

The angle he chose was extremely insidious.

The Aoyama Literary Society is the most prestigious literary society between the two countries.

A top-level literary gathering initiated by Bailuxi!

Although it was not explicitly stated that participants had to be renowned Confucian scholars, this was an unspoken understanding.

For such an important meeting, both countries must demonstrate sincerity and a proper attitude.

Of course, the attendees should be great Confucian scholars; that would show your sincerity, wouldn't it?

Choosing someone who isn't even a great Confucian scholar—what are people supposed to think?

It was foreseeable that the State of Yan would laugh at the State of Dayu for having no one.

That's not the worst part. The worst part is that Bailuxi will see this as a slight or insult.

If it were a regular academic conference, that would be fine.

The Qingshan Literary Gathering was essentially a gathering where both countries used various means to curry favor with Bailuxi. Your approach from the outset shows a lack of sincerity; if this is escalated, the consequences will be severe.

Lin Xiangdao took a deep breath: "Lord Deng is overthinking it! If a commoner enters the arena and achieves excellent results, wouldn't that prove that even commoners in our dynasty possess extraordinary talent and unparalleled literary prowess?"

A thought struck everyone—

That makes sense!

The gathering of prominent scholars demonstrates the importance attached to this event.

However, looking at it from another angle, there is another perspective—that someone who is not even a great Confucian scholar can still compete with great Confucian scholars from other countries on the battlefield, doesn't that prove that the literary culture of the Great Yu Kingdom is incredibly profound?

Deng Yuzhou said, "Lord Lin, this is only your opinion. Things at Bailuxi may not be as you think!"

In one sentence, the dispute was brought back to the forefront.

Lin Xiangdao had no way to argue.

He is not Bailuxi, he cannot represent Bailuxi.

Could it be that Zhou Wenju's participation in the meeting was ultimately just wishful thinking?

Even though his "Twenty-Four Poetry Criticisms" made him famous and his "Qingci" was passed down through the ages and recorded in history, he still couldn't break through this impenetrable web of power.

A remarkably calm voice rang out: "Lord Deng's concerns are not without merit!"

Lin Xiangdao looked up, staring in surprise at the source of the sound.

Li Lüyi, Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion!

He—he actually spoke up for Deng Yuzhou?

At this crucial juncture, he surprisingly did not side with Zhou Wenju. On that day, when discussing the handling of the Zhou family, this Grand Secretary had turned the tide with a single word, rejecting the Prime Minister's suggestion to "send the Ministry of Justice to investigate" and advocating instead to send the "Dingchao Division to investigate." After that incident, Lin Xiangdao was basically convinced that this Grand Secretary was inclined towards the Zhou family.

After the Lantern Festival, he should lean more towards the Zhou family.

Because Zhou Wenju's literary and moral cultivation reached its peak that night.

The primary function of the Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion was to discover literary talents, and his consistent principle was "to discuss the Way through literature, without concerning himself with anything else."

But what's going on today?

Deng Yuzhou smiled. The angle he had chosen had actually impressed the most unexpected and most difficult person to impress: Li Lüyi, a representative figure whose word was law in the literary world!

Li Lüyi chuckled softly: "What Lord Deng is worried about is nothing more than a literary talent! If His Majesty agrees, this old minister will immediately submit a special application to the Temple to grant Zhou Wenju a literary talent. If he also becomes a great Confucian scholar, wouldn't this dispute be averted?"

Deng Yuzhou's heart skipped a beat.

I rely on!

I thought I had impressed Li Lüyi and that he had sided with me. But you old rascal, you clearly want to use my words to do that Zhou kid a huge favor. If it's just for the sake of appearances at the Qingshan Literary Gathering, and you grant him the "Literary Heart" title as a special favor, helping him become a great Confucian scholar, then that's a truly solid favor.

The expressions of the two vice ministers changed simultaneously.

this----

This is absolutely unacceptable!

Absolutely not!

God is my witness, they intended to target Zhou Wenju, and never intended to help him.

If it really comes to that, wouldn't Zhou Wenju benefit from the misfortune?

This kid is already so troublesome even before becoming a great Confucian scholar. If the imperial court and the Wenyuan Pavilion were to make a big show of applying to the temple for a Wenxin (a spiritual core) to help him achieve his path to becoming a Wenxin, then—then there would truly be no way to deal with him in the future.

"Absolutely not!" He Fang said, "Without special approval from the imperial examinations, the Path of Literary Mind will be opened, and the entire order of literature will be thrown into chaos!"

"Exactly!" Li Zhongze said, "Being specially approved for literary talent instead of taking the imperial examinations should be recorded in the 'Chronicle of Major Events in Literature,' so that the whole world will know. If this young man achieves nothing on this trip, wouldn't it be a laughing stock for all time, becoming an indelible stain on our dynasty?"

Despite the urgency, the two senior bureaucrats still managed to maintain their logical flow of language.

One focuses on the order of literature and morality.

One focuses on impact.

Everything is reasonable and justified.

"Lord Deng!" Li Lüyi looked at Deng Yuzhou with a half-smile: "As a first-rank official, you possess exceptional insight. Do you truly believe that such a literary gathering is only for great Confucian scholars? If you insist on your opinion, then I too will insist on mine!"

Deng Yuzhou slowly shook his head: "As I just said, it was just a concern. I think that communicating with Bailuxi in advance should be fine."

This shake of the head signifies his compromise.

Because he knew that if he persisted, this Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion would really fight to the bitter end.

It is indeed possible that Zhou Wenju obtained Wenxin before attending the meeting.

To say that someone could extract literary insights without taking the imperial examinations is nothing short of a fantasy, but Zhou Wenju was no ordinary person. He wrote the sacred classic "Twelve Poetry Criticisms," which was registered in the temple.

If the Great Yu Kingdom dares to apply, the Holy Temple might actually approve it.

If things really go wrong, how will he explain it to His Highness the Crown Prince?

"It's good that there's nothing seriously wrong!" Li Lüyi smiled faintly. "The Green Mountain Literary Gathering is about discussing principles and demonstrating prestige through literature. It's always good to have fewer distractions and more purity! Your Majesty, please decide this matter with a single word!"

I bow deeply in respect!

Lin Xiangdao gave him a deep look, then stepped aside: "Your Majesty, please make the decision!"

All the court officials bowed in unison: "Please, Your Majesty, make a decision with a single word!"

His Majesty slowly rose to his feet: "Since all my beloved ministers have no objections, then let us draft an edict according to this list and issue it immediately—"

""

The atmosphere at Baima Temple is solemn and dignified.

Because today is the Purang Assembly.

Both the monks and the young monks went to the scripture platform.

The corridor outside was unusually empty.

Outside the quiet room, a plum tree had just shed its full bloom of delicate red blossoms, leaving a patch of crimson beneath it.

The wind blows, and the petals flutter down.

This is early spring —

Zhou Wenju sat under the window, staring at the fallen petals scattered all over the ground outside.

Lin Nongyue's gaze shifted over: "Is today the imperial edict to be issued?"

"Theoretically, yes!" Zhou Wenju said.

"Once the imperial decree is issued, you will have to go to the north to attend the meeting. I'm afraid I won't be able to go with you," Lin Nongyue said.

She wasn't stupid; of course she knew that such an important cultural conference between the two countries was carefully selected, and that entering the venue was definitely not something just anyone could do. Lin Nongyue could not possibly follow them.

Although she really wanted to experience the grand event of poetry and literature in person, there was nothing she could do about it.

Zhou Wenju chuckled softly: "What? You can't bear to part with me?"

Lin Nongyue bit her lip: "I feel so relieved!"

"A sense of relief? What burden?"

"You're a lecherous scoundrel who gets lustful at the drop of a hat. You've shared a room with me for three days and three nights and you still managed to get away. Shouldn't you be grateful?" Lin Nongyue glared at him.

"Tell me the truth, being with me and constantly resisting my omnipresent masculine charm, isn't it really stressful?" Zhou Wenju leaned closer, his smug expression somewhat asking for trouble.

Lin Nongyue stared at that face, really wanting to scratch it a few times. This face was really too handsome. Combined with his talent, he really had the potential to harm women in the martial arts world. Would it be better if this harmful face was destroyed?

Of course, she would never say that—

Suddenly, golden light shone in the sky, rising from the direction of the palace.

All of Lin Nongyue's distracting thoughts vanished instantly.

Zhou Wenju stepped to the window.

Outside the window, a golden bridge stretches from the direction of the palace, reaching all the way to the white horse.

Two eunuchs descended from the sky holding an imperial edict: "Zhou Wenju, a scholar from Lingnan, receive this decree!"

Zhou Wenju opened the door, straightened his clothes, and strode out: "This humble subject, Zhou Wenju, receives the imperial edict!"

"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The Qingshan Literary Gathering between the Great Yu Kingdom and the Yan Kingdom is about to be held. Zhou Wenju, a scholar from Lingnan, is hereby ordered to participate in the Qingshan Literary Gathering. He must do his utmost to promote the literary excellence of our dynasty! So be it!"

"This humble subject receives Your Majesty's decree and thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!" Zhou Wenju raised both hands and accepted the decree.

The eunuch chuckled softly: "The Qingshan Literary Gathering is about to take place, and it is not advisable to cause any trouble or unforeseen events. Therefore, His Majesty has decreed that all participants must enter the Dingchao Office for training before Shenshi (3-5 PM) today. I hope that Young Master Zhou will finish his current affairs in time and not miss this opportune moment."

"Yes! Thank you for reminding me, sir!" Zhou Wen raised his hand and flipped it over, secretly slipping two hundred-tael silver notes into the eunuch's sleeve.

The eunuch smiled and said, "I'll take my leave now! I wish Young Master Zhou a safe journey!"

"Thank you, sir!" Zhou Wenju bowed.

With a flash of golden light, the eunuch soared into the air and returned to the palace via the golden bridge.

The bell of Baima Temple rang, and the sutra assembly officially began. Countless eminent monks turned their gazes toward Zhou Wenju with some doubt.

As the Pulan Sutra Gathering began, many people speculated whether this unconventional Buddhist scholar, who had just written the Diamond Sutra, would appear to discuss it in detail. However, just before the gathering began, His Majesty issued an imperial edict announcing that this unconventional scholar was about to embark on his journey: the Qingshan Literary Gathering.

This made the eminent monks truly realize that this genius's writing of the Diamond Sutra was merely an occasional overstepping of boundaries in his legendary career, and that his true profession was still that of a scholar.

Zhou Wenju slowly turned around.

Behind him was Lin Nongyue, whose eyes held a slightly complicated expression.

The news he had been waiting for finally arrived.

He's really leaving.

We met in Jiangnan and spent seven days together on the boat.

They lived in the same room for three days and three nights at the White Horse Temple.

She constantly felt his charm, even though she wouldn't admit it—

At this moment, their extraordinary encounter is finally coming to an end—

"I need to go to the Dingchao Division at Shenshi (3-5 PM), and I have to do what I promised you now!" Zhou Wenju said.

"Go and pay my respects to my father?"

"Yes, let's go—"

The two descended West Mountain and walked along the shore of Weiyang Lake. After a few days apart, the tender willows by the lake had turned even greener, and the wind by the lake seemed to have softened a bit.

Spring has truly arrived.

Upon entering the city, it was bustling with activity.

The festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year was drawing to a close with the passing of the Lantern Festival, but news from the palace this morning has reignited the city's discussions.

"Have you all heard? His Majesty's decree has been issued, and the list of participants for the Qingshan Literary Gathering has been officially released." A scholar's voice rang out from the restaurant.

"Oh? Which seven people?"