Sky Curtain: With a vermilion mirror, Jing travels through the modern world, shaking all dynasties.

Chapter 130 Meeting with Political Opponents

"People experience sorrow and joy, separation and reunion; the moon waxes and wanes—" Li Bai put down his wine cup, repeatedly reciting these lines, his eyes growing brighter. Suddenly, he slammed his hand on the table, deeply moved, and exclaimed, "Wonderful! This poem begins with the moon, seamlessly blending heaven and earth! 'May we all live long and share the beauty of the moon, though separated by a thousand miles,' the emotion reaches its deepest point, then returns to simplicity, yet leaves an endless aftertaste! My young friend Su, this poem is worthy of being recited for a thousand years!"

Meng Haoran stroked his beard and pondered for a long time, then sighed, "I thought that after Li Bai, there would be no one with such talent. But after hearing this poem today, I realize that the younger generation is truly formidable! Given time, my young friend Su's attainments in the art of poetry will probably be no less than Li Bai's achievements in poetry."

Upon hearing this, Su Shi waved his hands repeatedly, his face showing fear and trepidation: "Master Meng's praise is too much. How can I, a junior, dare to accept it? Master Li Bai was a banished immortal descended to earth, while I am but a mere mortal. How dare I compare myself to him?"

His face was filled with disbelief as he murmured, "Was this really written by me?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chuan nodded and replied, "Mr. Su, this poem is indeed yours. Anyone in later generations who can read even a few words praises this piece."

Su Shi sat there in a daze, his gaze somewhat blank, and murmured, "I wonder what state of mind I was in to write such lines. May I ask my young friend Jiang if he could tell me about my life afterward? I am truly curious."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chuan looked troubled, his lips moved a few times, but he didn't know where to begin.

Seeing this, Li Bai downed his wine in one gulp, put down his cup, and said loudly, "Young friend Su, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should say it."

Su Shi quickly cupped his hands in greeting: "Please speak, Mr. Li Bai."

Li Bai stroked his beard and laughed, "The most wonderful thing about life is the unknown! If you knew everything that was to come, good or bad, life would be like a pre-recorded play, every step predictable, what fun would there be? What's meant to come will come, and what's not meant to come can't be forced. It's better to leave some unknowns, some surprises, some unexpected twists, so that this journey won't be in vain!"

After hearing this, Su Shi remained silent for a long time, and gradually a look of admiration appeared in his eyes.

He rose, bowed deeply to Li Bai, and sighed, "Master Li Bai is truly a banished immortal! I am ashamed to admit that I am far inferior to him in such a clear-headed and open-minded state of mind."

Li Bai laughed heartily and waved his hand, "What immortality? I've just had too much wine and am taking it easy! Come, come, let's have another cup!"

Jiang Chuan pondered for a long time before suddenly asking, "Mr. Su, may I ask if you have ever met Wang Anshi?"

Su Shi paused slightly, then gently shook his head and replied, "I have never met him, but I am naturally familiar with him. Wang Jiefu is currently the prefect of Changzhou. His literary and moral character are renowned throughout the land, and his literary achievements are extremely high. I have always admired him. Not long ago, he wrote a letter to Emperor Renzong, a lengthy and profound analysis of the current problems. The bureaucracy is bloated and the finances are strained. The depth of these problems is shocking! I deeply agree with many of the insights he put forward in the letter and greatly admire him."

After speaking, Su Shi's gaze narrowed slightly, as if he were feeling sentimental, yet he didn't know why Jiang Chuan had asked this question.

Jiang Chuan pondered for a moment, then asked, "Mr. Su, I can bring along one of my old friends from among all the distinguished scholars who have visited this tavern. Do you think it would be possible to bring Mr. Wang Anshi along for a chat in the near future?"

Su Shi was slightly taken aback. His gaze lingered on Jiang Chuan's face for a moment. Seeing his serious expression, which did not seem like a casual remark, Su Shi knew there must be a reason behind it.

Although he had doubts, he did not ask any further questions and nodded in response: "Wang Jiepu is someone I have always respected. If we have the opportunity to meet, I will certainly invite him to come along."

The Great Ming Dynasty, Fengtian Hall.

Above the sky, Jiang Chuan and Su Shi's words, word by word, echoed throughout the hall.

Zhu Yuanzhang gazed up at her for a long time, a look of doubt on his face. He turned to Empress Ma and asked, "What is Jiang Chuan's intention? Su Shi and Wang Anshi will inevitably clash violently over the reforms in the future! Yet he insists on bringing the two together. Does he intend to act as a peacemaker, making peace before anything even happens?"

Empress Ma pondered for a moment, then gently shook her head and said slowly, "Chongba, in my opinion, Jiang Chuan's actions are probably not as simple as just making peace."

Zhu Yuanzhang raised an eyebrow but remained silent.

Empress Ma gazed at the sky and slowly said, "Although Su Shi and Wang Anshi held opposing political views and were fierce rivals, they were by no means mortal enemies. I have heard of the Wutai Poetry Case, when Su Shi was imprisoned and nearly lost his life. The entire court was silent, and no one dared to speak out! It was only after Wang Anshi, who had already retired to Jinling, submitted a memorial to the emperor to rescue him, saying, 'How can a wise ruler kill a talented scholar?' that Su Shi's life was saved."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said, "That is indeed the case! The political differences between the two are irreconcilable. As for what Jiang Chuan is up to, I cannot fathom it either."

Empress Ma chuckled and said, "Chongba, since neither of us can go to that tavern, let's just stand by and watch how Jiang Chuan does things."

modern.

After seeing off the three sages, Jiang Chuan closed the tavern door and extinguished the lights one by one.

Night had fallen, and the streets were sparsely populated, while the neon lights in the distance continued to flash tirelessly.

Zhu Jingjing followed behind Jiang Chuan, jogging to keep up with his pace.

"Brother, slow down." She tugged at Jiang Chuan's sleeve.

Jiang Chuan slowed his pace, looked down at her, and asked, "What's wrong? Tired?"

Zhu Jingjing shook her head, looked up, and asked, "Brother, there's something I don't understand. Why did you have Mr. Su bring Wang Anshi along? I heard that the two of them have differing political views, and Wang Anshi even strongly opposes the Emperor's appointment of Mr. Su, claiming that Mr. Su's learning is incorrect!"

Jiang Chuan reached out and ruffled her hair. "Jingjing, you're right. Wang Anshi and Su Shi were indeed at odds with each other politically, but they were both good officials who were wholeheartedly devoted to the country and its people."

Zhu Jingjing tilted her head, seemingly understanding but not quite.

Jiang Chuan continued, "What they all want is for the Song Dynasty to prosper and for the people to live a good life; they just aren't following the same path."

Zhu Jingjing thought for a moment, then asked, "But since they're arguing so fiercely, what good will it do if you call them all to the tavern? Do you think you can make them shake hands and make peace?"

Jiang Chuan stopped and said, "Even if they disagree on politics, they actually have no personal grudges; in fact, you could say they respect each other! If their political differences can be resolved, it would definitely be a good thing for the Song Dynasty!"

Zhu Jingjing blinked and pressed, "Then how do you plan to resolve this? In my opinion, they can't be persuaded with just a few words!"

Jiang Chuan didn't answer, he just smiled, reached out and rubbed her little head, but didn't reply.

Zhu Jingjing followed him unwillingly, tugging at his sleeve again, "Brother, just say it!"

Jiang Chuan smiled mysteriously and said, "You'll see when the time comes. I have my own way!"