The bronze cauldron trembled violently, and in that instant, Li Guanyi seemed to hear the roar of dragons and tigers in his ears. He raised his head and saw clouds gathering in the sky, twisting and swirling together, as if a torrent was colliding within, vast and magnificent.
It seemed as if it wanted to swallow Li Guanyi himself.
Although it was daytime, Li Guanyi felt as if he could see the light of the White Tiger Seven Stars.
The convergence of the two energies, literary and martial, seemed to want to engulf the White Tiger Seven Stars, and the internal qi within Li Guanyi unconsciously accelerated its flow.
Xue Daoyong's voice awakened Li Guanyi from such a grand scene.
"Guanyi, Shuangtao, what are you dawdling for? Come meet Master Wang."
Li Guanyi stepped forward to pay his respects, and the Master smiled and nodded, saying, "Radiant spirit, good young man."
Xue Daoyong laughed heartily, linking arms with the Master as they strolled together.
Meanwhile, Changsun Wuchou naturally walked alongside Li Guanyi, introducing the guests to him.
This time, the literary gathering in Guan Yi City truly lived up to its reputation as the grandest event in the Chen Kingdom in thirty years. Numerous scholars, noble families, and great Confucians from various sects gathered around Wang Tong, who was surrounded by three disciples, the eldest of whom was in his early twenties.
One of them was Fang Ziqiao from the Qinghe Fang family, whose temperament was gentle as jade and most composed.
Changsun Wuchou smiled and said, "The Qinghe Fang family is one of the esteemed families in the world, and Fang Ziqiao is the legitimate son, destined to be the head of the family."
"He is calm and resourceful, and has already gained some fame."
"The one around seventeen or eighteen is Du Keming, a scion of the Du family from the Ying Kingdom's Jingzhao."
Changsun Wuchou pointed to a youth with closed eyes.
Dressed in black, with sharp brows, his entire demeanor resembled a swift blade. Changsun Wuchou softly remarked, "Decisive and without hesitation, he is also quite an outstanding individual. Among the disciples of Wen Zhongzi, Fang Ziqiao is resourceful, while Du Keming is decisive. I have heard of the strategist rankings."
"Some have commented that these two young men are still quite immature when separated—one is resourceful but indecisive, while the other is decisive but lacks strategy. However, if they were to work together, they might already be on the list, perhaps a combination that could rank among the top ten strategists in the future."
"They have grown up together as brothers, and only they can form a sincere alliance."
A youth led the way ahead, calmly saying, "Esteemed guests, please take your seats."
Li Guanyi and Xue Shuangtao, due to the old patriarch of the Xue family, were able to sit in a rather prominent position. Changsun Wuchou casually sat next to Li Guanyi, picking up two exquisite pastries and popping them into his mouth without any restraint, making him feel instinctively close.
The cultural prosperity of the Chen Kingdom surpassed even that of the Ying Kingdom in the Central Plains, not to mention other regions. These scholars and noblemen brought their offspring and juniors along, and Li Guanyi scanned the room, roughly guessing something.
Indeed, after enjoying tea and music, Fang Ziqiao spoke up:
"Today, my teacher has been invited by an old friend to come to Guan Yi City to meet everyone. This is already a grand literary gathering, but there is another matter. My teacher is well-versed in the Three Teachings and Nine Streams, divided into four schools: strategy, decisiveness, and counsel, all of which have disciples. Now, only one school, 'Power,' remains without a disciple to inherit the teachings."
"Today, my teacher has come here to seek this closed-door disciple."
The gazes of many scholars shifted.
Wang Tong's reputation was extremely high, with many disciples. Scions from the Ying Kingdom and Chen Kingdom often studied under him.
For them, this represented a tremendous resource and opportunity, so the elders stood up, while the younger ones remained at the table. Xue Daoyong patted Li Guanyi on the shoulder, saying, "Guanyi, I believe in you."
"Do not worry, just give it your all!"
Li Guanyi saw the scroll that had been laid down, seemingly for writing an essay. He glanced over it, and the corners of his eyes twitched—
1. "Vast and boundless, the people cannot name it; towering and majestic, it has achievements, radiant and brilliant, it has literature."
2. "Water, fire, metal, wood, earth, grain, only through cultivation."
3. "The saying 'the scholar first seeks tools and knowledge,' gains words."
4. "On a moonlit night, wearing a brocade robe, drifting on a boat to gather stones, composing with 'gazing and smiling proudly, indifferent to others' as the rhyme."
Li Guanyi: "…………"
What is this?
What is this thing?
This is hopeless; I need to submit something.
Every character on this page was recognizable, but when put together, Li Guanyi had no idea what it meant. At this moment, all the scions began to answer questions, mostly dissecting the sayings of the sages and applying them to the current situation.
And using the character 'wen' as the rhyme, they were to write a piece.
Li Guanyi had to admit one thing: the systematic education of the noble families for over ten years was not for nothing. They were all writing furiously. The young man sighed, picked up his brush, and wrote on the scroll with a flourish, his handwriting excellent.
Li Guanyi!
He wrote down his name.
Just like when he had previously answered a question with a character.
There was some comfort in his heart; at least it wasn't a blank scroll.
Then he set the brush down.
Sitting there with his back straight, while everyone else was writing vigorously, he alone sat there, which drew the attention of Fang Ziqiao, Du Keming, and the leading youth. It was not for any other reason; it was simply too conspicuous.
Du Keming raised an eyebrow and pointed at the scroll.
What are you staring at? Answer the question!
Fang Ziqiao, dressed in white, walked over to the young man, lowering his head gently and asking, "Young brother Li, is there something troubling you? Why aren't you writing?"
The young man replied directly, "I can't answer."
The gentle gentleman was taken aback, then smiled helplessly.
After thinking for a moment, he returned and brought the young man some pastries, saying, "Then, just sit and watch them answer the questions." Fang Ziqiao's voice was warm, and upon seeing the three characters Li Guanyi had written, he praised, "Your handwriting is excellent."
With a smile, he added, "If the tea is insufficient, just lightly tap the table."
"This is indeed a rare experience."
Li Guanyi indeed began to sip tea slowly, contemplating the changes in the bronze cauldron.
He recalled the words of the Yin-Yang family’s 'Simi.'
Is the world's wind and clouds converging?
This inadvertently drew the attention of others, especially the noble youths who had hoped to converse with the young lady but were interrupted by him, who now felt a sense of relief on their faces—thinking he was some well-rounded individual, only to find he was just a rough martial man.
In their hearts, they could relax!
The scroll was written for a full hour, and when Li Guanyi finished his tea, he still couldn't leave, so he could only sit quietly with his eyes closed, breathing out. The scholars and literati outside chatted about various matters, while Fang Ziqiao and Du Keming collected the scrolls and piled them into a thick stack.
All the scholars were present.
Wang Tong went to review them, and Xue Daoyong laughed heartily: "Hahaha, let's first look at my family's child's work, hahaha, everyone, do you have any objections?" The others dared not speak, only smiling and flipping through the scrolls. Wang Tong praised:
"Miss Xue Shuangtao, your words are articulate, and your writing possesses a heroic spirit."
"Your composition is also graceful, like the waters of Jiangnan. Among today's women, there are few with talents surpassing hers at this age."
The other scholars showed a hint of eagerness in their eyes, wanting to speak privately with Xue Daoyong.
Xue Daoyong waved his hand, saying cheerfully, "My granddaughter is indeed excellent, but let’s see how my little genius performs."
Wang Tong nodded with a smile, searching for the scroll.
Fang Ziqiao pressed down on the scroll, gently saying, "…Old Xue, perhaps we should look at it later."
"The wine is already warmed, and there are still second-round questions."
Xue Daoyong laughed heartily: "Hahaha, foolish child, what is there that cannot be seen?!"
"Come, come, let us all enjoy!"
The old man, like a proud uncle, pulled out the scroll and unfolded it. Everyone was curious about what kind of talent could make the fierce lion of the chaotic world, Xue Daoyong, value it so highly. They looked over, only to see the scroll as white as snow, with a line of names written in an extraordinary hand.
For a moment, there was silence, and Changsun Wuchou, who had grabbed a handful of Western Region melon seeds, was stunned.
"Hmm???"
"Hmm??!!"
How could someone with such strategic prowess not even answer this?
Considering the face of the noble families, this question was already quite simple.
After a long silence, someone stammered, "Hmm, the characters are elegant and free-spirited!"
Fang Ziqiao said gently, "That young brother's demeanor is dignified; he must have great talent, youthful and spirited. I imagine he looks down on this question." The crowd nodded in agreement, continuously praising, while Xue Daoyong's mouth twitched, feeling helpless about this brat, throwing the blank scroll aside, pretending to be angry, and said:
"Where is Guanyi?"
"Come out, old man wants to see you!"
The quiet youth named Wei Xuancheng pointed to a distant pavilion, calmly saying, "He just finished and was pulled away by a stunning young lady over there."
Xue Daoyong's face turned pale, and he hurriedly chased after. The others laughed and followed.
Du Keming said, "You really know how to focus on the key points, Xuancheng."
Wei Xuancheng replied leisurely, "Hitting the nail on the head, I also want to see if that person truly has talent or is just here to eat and drink."
The young man rubbed his wrist.
In one hour, he had brewed seven pots of tea.
The copper kettle was heavy.
His wrist hurt.
The three smiled as they followed, marking their first meeting with that young man.
Youthful and spirited, in the prime of life, naturally bold.
Their impressions of each other were not particularly good.
As the crowd approached, they slowed their pace. Master Wang Tong lightly coughed, and a wave of energy spread out, masking the movements of the crowd. The martial man was fierce, but the literati also had their own means; the martial man was invincible up close, but that was only if he could get close.
Everyone saw the youth in a blue shirt sitting cross-legged among the flowers in the pavilion, the heavy black blade had to be taken down and held in his arms. The elegant young lady raised her eyebrows, pacing back and forth, asking suspiciously, "Guanyi, why aren't you answering?"
Li Guanyi sighed and replied honestly, "I can't, I don't even understand."
Xue Shuangtao looked at the young man before her and said, "When you tell stories from history books, you don't seem like someone who hasn't read."
She had just heard those noble youths snicker softly, so she rebutted.
Then, feeling annoyed, she pulled Li Guanyi and asked. The young man, however, was open-minded, holding the blade and laughing, saying, "I just can't."
Not far away, Xue Daoyong could only think that Li Guanyi was not skilled in literary pursuits, while Changsun Wuchou was curious. The others found it amusing to see the old man at a loss, feeling reassured; after all, with the old man's status, it wouldn't be difficult for him to gain this reputation.
Wang Tong smiled gently, "Old Xue, the children's idle chatter, we shouldn't eavesdrop."
Xue Daoyong readily agreed, "Yes, this rascal is mischievous and did not answer, which is indeed disrespectful."
"The old man here apologizes."
Wang Tong smiled, "Not at all."
"I have some fine tea from outside the borders; I invite Old Xue to enjoy it."
However, Xue Shuangtao still did not believe it. She softly said, "Vast and boundless, the people cannot name it. Towering and majestic, it has achievements. Radiant and brilliant, it has literature. This is a passage from the Book of Documents, praising the great achievements of the ancient kings. This question is meant to praise the current emperor's accomplishments."
The current emperor?
Li Guanyi did not respond.
He couldn't praise him; Qian Zheng's one hundred thirty-five coins were still well wrapped.
If he saw that emperor, he would want to smash those one hundred thirty-five coins in his face.
Holding the blade, he said, "Are the achievements of the ancient kings still present?"
"They are no longer."
"Indeed."
"The palaces have turned to dust."
The young man replied, "Prosperity and decline are the same; it's just a matter of words."
"Prosperity brings suffering to the people; decline brings suffering to the people."
Wang Tong, who was turning to leave, suddenly stopped.
Xue Shuangtao asked, "This is…"
Most people would say that when a nation falls, the people suffer, but the weight of those first four words was even greater.
Li Guanyi smiled and said, "It was when I came here…"
Xue Shuangtao took over the conversation, saying, "An old man passing by recited it, right?"
Li Guanyi applauded in approval, "Miss, your insight is sharp; you already know how to answer first."
"That old gentleman's surname was Zhang."
Xue Shuangtao did not believe this. Looking at Li Guanyi, she said, "Now look at that question. Master Wang Tong said, 'For a scholar to reach far, one must first seek tools and knowledge,' which is to ask about your aspirations and capabilities. Any student should be able to answer a few sentences."
Li Guanyi flicked the blade with his fingers, smiling, "I am a martial man."
"Not skilled in words."
Xue Shuangtao lightly kicked the young man's calf.
Then she saw her grandfather and noticed Xue Daoyong actively revealing his presence, wildly gesturing. Li Guanyi, with his back to the old man, did not notice due to Wang Tong's concealed literary aura and Xue Daoyong's self-restraint. Xue Shuangtao thought for a moment and extended her hand.
On her fair palm lay a golden jade ring, smiling, she said, "Then, esteemed guest."
"A golden ring inlaid with jade, I buy your aspirations; tell me."
"Is such a deal worthwhile?"
The young man laughed, saying, "Alright."
"When I came here, I happened to encounter two gentlemen, and each of them happened to say a sentence."
"I wonder, Miss, would you like to hear the literary or martial one?"
Xue Shuangtao asked, "What if it's martial?"
Li Guanyi thought for a moment and said, "A great man lives between heaven and earth."
"One should wield a three-foot sword to stabilize the four seas and establish unparalleled achievements!"
His teasing tone did not allow him to utter that line about being unable to remain in the shadows for long.
Just mentioning the three-foot sword and establishing unparalleled achievements was already quite dignified.
A glimmer flashed in Changsun Wuchou's eyes.
Xue Shuangtao nodded in confusion, curious, "Then what about literary?"
"Literary, huh?"
Li Guanyi held the blade, reflecting on what he had seen and heard during this time, and the ten years of wandering experience, he spoke leisurely: "To establish a heart for heaven and earth, to establish a destiny for the people."
Just a single sentence carried boundless grandeur.
Fang Ziqiao's smile slightly faded.
"To inherit the lost teachings of the ancients."
Du Keming raised an eyebrow.
The young man was about to naturally speak the last sentence, treating it as a joke to amuse his friends.
However, he suddenly stopped, not knowing why, feeling something stuck in his heart—the letters from Qian Zheng, the old farmer selling his daughter, the damned world flashed before his eyes, and then surged like flames in his chest.
At that moment, the last sentence did not seem so simple to utter.
The reason was quite ridiculous.
Because Li Guanyi truly understood the weight of that last sentence.
And the first three sentences were merely recitations.
When you read, you do not understand the power of words; only after experiencing a long passage of time and seeing many things does a moment come when education completes a loop, and the words recited in youth strike precisely at the heart.
Li Guanyi raised the black blade, pointing at the sky and the earth ahead.
In that instant, he understood the weight of those words, and thus the last sentence erupted from his heart like flames, he softly spoke, as if for the first time, voicing his thoughts to the world—
"For the sake of all generations, to open the Peace Order."
And so, the scholars fell silent.
(End of this chapter)