CH 45

“《A Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government Compendium》,《The Development of the Great Learning》,《Qian’an County Annals》, 《Primary School》,《The School Sayings of Confucius》…..and this stack of 《Compilation of Antithetical Couplets from the Four Books》?”

Xie Ying rummaged through the two stacks of books that had been lugged all the way from Qian’an by Xie Shan and then looked at the elderly servant whose hands hung next to his sides in a respectful manner. He then amusedly said, “You asked for money, a carriage and then requested for people to help make all the sufficient preparations for so long. You even brought more servants with you to run errands compared to all the times I’ve had to bring my mounted soldier procession with me when going out. All just to buy such a few books? This stack of books does not even seem as big as the silver tael box you hoisted over, right?”

The steward standing nearby was nearly unable to repress his laugh. Some of the courtyard workers who had to accompany Xie Shan to Qian’an also felt that such a journey was beneath their dignity and felt that Xie Shan was too fussy.

Xie Shan’s face flushed red and then turned white, aggrievedly saying, “Wasn’t this servant merely trying to manage the errand well?! It was the Lord who said that Young Master Cui was upright and outstanding, aloof from politics and material pursuits. This lowly one was thinking that since the Cui family has a store, then it is expected that business is doing rather poorly. Who would have imagined that even before finding his bookstore, that along my journey, I would meet quite a few waves of people traveling to Qian’an to purchase the Cui Beauty prints. Once I arrived at his store, there were even more….”

Xie Shan recalled when he had been queuing inside the store, he caught sight of the full-length, extremely lifelike portrait of ‘Wan Ning Contemplating in Autumn’. His cheeks turned a few notches redder and he swallowed, “Those painted beauties, they are even better looking than other beauty portraits, no, they look even better than if real beauties were to stand in front of you——da-ren[1], you have yet to see them with your own eyes, but even that Yunyang Troupe’s little Yusheng[2] falls short and is not as stunning as those portraits!.”

Although the portrait was painted, it possessed a charming grace that a real person could hardly match up to. Once this matter was mentioned, even the guards who accompanied Xie Shan at the time could not help but reminisce about the excitement they felt at that time. They didn’t even care to jest or jeer at him.

Xie Ying tapped his fingertips on the table, sounding out a crisp and regular rhythm, interrupting their stupor and bringing back their souls from out of the beauty portraits.

Everyone promptly held their breath and bowed their heads, suppressing the restlessness in their hearts. 

Xie Shan got a grip of himself and obediently said, “It’s not this lowly one is not doing one’s best to handle affairs, but it is because Young Master Cui’s goods and business tactics are superb. There are so many people in the store that it is hard to even turn around in place, and there is basically no hard-to-sell merchandise at all.”

He glanced at the two stacks of books on the ground: “ However, the 《Compilation of Antithetical Couplets from the Four Books》was displayed outside and it was clear that it was of no interest to anyone, so it was easy to purchase. As for the rest, this lowly one had to force their clerks to crawl up the ladders to reach the books on the bookshelves. After a few trips up and down the ladder, they finally fumbled out all the remaining books.”

Xie Ying was well aware that Xie Shan would not dare lie to him and after hearing of Cui Xie’s booming business, he showed a look of surprise, “Isn’t he studying hard these days? Unexpectedly, he still has the energy to operate his bookstore’s businesses like so….I have underestimated him.”

Xie Shan slapped his thigh and exclaimed, “Of course Young Master Cui is highly skilled and talented! It precisely said so on the sign located outside the store. It said: ‘A child prodigy of fifteen years of age has compiled antithetical couplets from the Sage’s scriptures’. If this kind of child prodigy can even publish books, running a bookstore is nothing.”

The old steward of the Xie household was unconvinced and muttered, “If I may venture my opinion, but dare it be that his family hired a good shopkeeper? How can a fifteen-year old child understand how to run a business? It is not that this old one is looking down on him, but when our Colonel was fifteen, he was still following Zhao tongzhi’s guidance in handling affairs. That young master isn’t the reincarnation of some celestial immortal, so how can he just automatically know how to run a household and manage his own business?”

Xie Ying shook his head and defended on Cui Xie’s behalf, “You must not underestimate him. At his age, if I were to land in the hands of an evil character with no way to advance or retreat, I would be unable to muster up the same calm composure as he did. There was a child prodigy by the name of Li Dongyang. When the Jingtai Emperor posed the line, ‘crabs covered in armor from head to foot’, Dongyang matched it with ‘the spider is full of political wisdom’, and the Emperor praised that he had the air and makings of a Prime Minister. As I see it, this Young Master Cui also has such capacity. In the lands under the heavens, there is such a person talented to engage in business. To run a mere store, it is nothing in the face of such talent.”

He bent down and picked up a copy of 《Compilation of Antithetical Couplets from the Four Books》, flipped through a few pages and observed that there were a few more matching couplets compared to the version Cui Xie had given him last year.

The praise in his eyes became even stronger and he sighed, “It is a pity, such a child prodigy has been dragged down until now. Official Cui is a fool.”

The steward persuaded, “This is a family affair after all. If his father is not concerned for his son’s future prospects, how can da-ren help him? Even if that Young Master were to follow and preach about filial piety, he must not violate his father’s words!”

The corners of Xie Ying’s mouth turned up, “How is this only a family affair? All talents in our kingdom are subjects of the Emperor and the appearance of a child prodigy is an auspicious sign gifted from the heavens for our dynasty. How could we allow such talent to be buried?”

This kind of book should be recommended to members of the Hanlin Imperial Academy and those of the ‘pure water’[3]faction. It is a pity that the Jinyiwei[4] naturally found those of the ‘pure water’ faction disagreeable. If he were to rashly recommend this to others, on the contrary, it could hurt Cui Xie’s reputation.

All in all, it was still Official Cui who should take most of the blame for dragging down Cui Xie at such a young age.

If Cui Xie was still ten years old or younger, how difficult could it be to recommend such talent directly to the Emperor and send him into the Imperial College or Shuntian Prefecture[5] Academy to study? But being fifteen years old was a bit too old after all. Among those Jiangnan talents, it was not new for xiucai[6] to pass the examinations at this age. For such a youngster that hadn’t even passed the county level imperial examination, even if the Emperor were to learn of the situation, he might not be willing to summon Cui Xie into the palace.

Xie Ying became somewhat engrossed thinking about this matter and his eyes slightly narrowed. The upturned corners of his mouth became flattened and a biting cold radiance emanated from his lidded gaze.

The Xie family steward almost thought Xie Ying looked like he was going to kill someone and take their son, so he persuaded anxiously, “As for the matter of Young Master Cui, his parents naturally have their own plan. Da-ren is not even related to him, and it’s not like we haven’t helped him before. How are we suddenly concerned about him?”

That was true ah, he was not a relative and Xie Ying had only seen him once or twice, was there any need to be so bothered?

Xie Ying shifted his gaze to the two stacks of books on the ground and an image of Cui Xie’s young,  immature and delicate appearance yet conflicting mature temperament flashed in front of him. He sighed softly, “His biological mother is gone, and his father is not one to be trusted. If I do not plan for him, who else is planning for him? When my father died for the Wanquan Commanding Division, our household was in a dire situation. If not for Zhao da-ren’s aid, I would not be where I am today. When it is time to help others, we must lend a hand.”

He took a copy of the 《Compilation of Antithetical Couplets from the Four Books》as he left and then asked someone to retrieve the rest to set aside in his study room. He then ordered the steward, “Cancel my plans to attend the gathering scheduled for two days from now. Just say that I have gotten my hands on a book written by a child prodigy and that after seeing how well a fifteen-year-old youth can analyze and understand the Four Books, it naturally reawakened one’s enthusiasm for reading.”

The news that Xie Ying was locking himself in to study behind closed doors spread through the Jinyiwei’s two divisions and 14 offices. Colleagues and subordinates alike were baffled but kept quiet. Some Vice Commissioners-in-Chief[7] and Assistant Commissioners-in-Chief[8] who heard this news could not help but gossip in private. Not long after, even the Marquis Huaining, Sun Tai, who was powerful enough to be aware of all the matters ongoing amongst the Jinyiwei, inquired his son, “As a Battalion Colonel, what kind of books would he be reading during closed-door seclusion? Then, does he want to be admitted as a jinshi?”

Sun Yingjue could only respond, “How could I know? I only heard that after reading some child prodigy’s work on the Four Books, he suddenly wanted to make an effort to study. In the upcoming months and years, there is always a new work written by some child prodigy popping up every so often. Who knows where he found this child prodigy’s book? Besides, what’s so good about the Four Books and Five Classics? Everyone in the outside world is paying attention to those Cui beauties……”

In an uncertain tone, like he almost didn’t believe what he was saying, Sun Tai mentioned, “Isn’t it just that collection of the four beauties? The Rear Military Commission[9]’s Commander-in-Chief, Chen Ying, even has a portrait. I’ve seen it and……and while it is pretty good looking, how could he really be fascinated by that? No matter how good it is, it is still just a person on paper. He might be better off just properly marrying an unmarried daughter from a noble house instead.”

“Aren’t those just the four big prints given when one buys the book? Your son has also collected several sets. If father likes it, then I can give you a set to play with.” Sun Yingjue grinned and said, “Xie Ying doesn’t really care for those, but who knows what book he is reading right now? Father isn’t thinking of playing matchmaker for him right? Just which noble house’s daughter is it? What of her appearance and temperament, could it possibly be a worthy match for him?”

Sun Tai snorted, “You only care if they are good-looking or not. Just look at how many missions he’s done for the Emperor, and even knows to read the Four Books, even having the ambitions to improve himself, just what have you done? Have you ever left the capital so far? Seeing you like this, what can you achieve in the future?!”

What he can achieve in the future….naturally he will be inheriting Marquis Huaning’s title.

Sun Yingjue secretly had a mischievous smile in his heart,  but he looked obedient and honest as he stood with his head down and hung his arms by his sides, “Father need not worry. I will find an opportunity to ask him. If you have a noble daughter in mind for his marriage, tell me in advance so I can help him settle his mind, so that he can be happy.”

He himself was quite curious as to what kind of book that Xie Ying, who didn’t even care for the《Integrated Fragrant Diaries》, could be so fascinated by. He promptly went to the Xie Residence to ask.

But who would have thought that when he visited, Xie Ying was  not at home. The Steward of the Xie Residence invited him into the Flower Hall[10], personally serving the tea before saying, “Our Colonel has been fascinated by a child prodigy’s works. These two days he was filled with thoughts about the book and only left after being summoned for teaching duties at the military academy.”

Sun Yingjue narrowed his eyes and asked, “Is he really trying to become a jinshi[11]? At his age, he should be properly getting married and giving birth to a few plump heirs to inherit his military position! With this ambition, now I pale in comparison to him. When my father heard he was starting to study again he almost hit me with a whip! Just which child prodigy is this, this is truly a mortal sin!”

The old steward felt wronged too, but after thinking of that treasured, dignified Guanyin[12] portrait hanging on the wall, he did not dare to think about things like evil and sin. He muttered a buddhist mantra in his heart and helplessly explained, “It is the eldest son of Official Cui in Yunnan who received an imperial commendation for showing his righteousness. Our Colonel has deep relations with him and we must take care of all big or small matters related to him.”

How could Sun Yingjue give much thought about such a small matter like a righteous citizen? After thinking about it for a while without recalling anything, he just nonchalantly said, “Your Xie da-ren is really going to turn into a literati. Forget it, no need to prepare the tea, I will see him myself.”

He headed over to the military academy located east of the city. The soldier standing guard at the gate recognized him and hurried forward to inquire, “Is the Heir Apparent also visiting today? May I dare to venture if the Heir Apparent has heard that Minister Zhang of the Department of War is visiting the military academy and is also here to attend his lecture?”

Sun Yingjue laughed and scolded, “Just how old am I now? I am not even a commander so why would I need to come here to listen to these teachings? Have you all seen Colonel Xie? I am looking for him.”

The two soldiers smiled and said, “Replying to the Heir Apparent, Colonel Xie came over this morning and still has not yet left at this moment. The Heir Apparent might as well go in and look for him.”

Sun Yingjue turned to the side and dismounted from his horse, throwing the reins towards the soldiers. He randomly pointed to a soldier to lead the way. After smoothing out his hat and clothes, he took large strides towards the main gates of the military academy. At this time, the lecture had already ended and the junior officials and children of military officials were gathered together in twos and threes, talking and practicing martial arts. Anyone who recognized him would come up to salute and give their greetings.

He returned the greetings casually and suddenly saw a familiar looking military instructor. He went up to give his greetings and then asked, “Sir, have you met Xie Ying today? Do you know where he went?”

That military instructor also replied politely, “After dispersing class for the day, Colonel Xie and Minister Zhang walked out the hall together. If the Heir Apparent is looking for them, then go take a look at the back of the lecture hall. Now that his knowledge is more profound, he can now talk about the Four Books with Minister Zhang, it is truly remarkable.”

Hearing this, Sun Yingjue felt a headache coming on and quickly broke off the conversation. He found the back of the lecture hall and saw Xie Ying and Minister Zhang talking near the entrance. Minister Zhang held a thin book in his hand, and《Four Books》was printed conspicuously on the cover. There was another line that was printed, but it was covered by his finger and he was unable to make it out clearly.

Minister Zhang warmly remarked, “When I was promoted to the Left Assistant Minister, I often gave lectures here. I watched you grow up here and know that you possess a sincerity and heart for learning. The younger generation of military officials and junior officials these days cannot compare to you back then…..”

Xie Ying looked down and smiled, “The minor officials were also muddle headed back then, only serious when reading the 《Seven Military Classics》and《The Grand Pronouncements for Military Officials》, how could they know the benefits of the Sage’s scriptures? If it weren’t for seeing how hard that little prodigy was studying and also possessing a deeply introspective heart, how could it have ignited my passion to learn again? Today, I want to give these books to the military academy and help my juniors cultivate a love for learning, and not just become coarse, boorish fellows.”

Footnotes:

TN: New chapter for the week, sorry its a little later than usual! I’ve been overloaded with so much work for classes and my part-time job, but I’m glad I can continue translating this gem for y’all!

Hope you all are doing great and have an amazing week! Stay safe and healthy