Chapter 143 He declared himself king; everyone gathered together.
In truth, Li Bai's name was not written on his face, but his overall demeanor and ethereal grace were unmatched. Who else could it be but him?
Django's voice was very soft, as if he was afraid of disturbing the dream.
Upon hearing the sound, the man slowly turned his head.
He did not answer directly, but merely nodded slightly, his sleeves fluttering gently in the breeze, his voice clear and melodious like a jade chime:
"You recognize me?"
The tone was calm, carrying a tranquility that seemed to transcend a thousand years, yet it made Django's heart skip a beat.
Even when she was a child, she never dared to dream that she would one day see Li Bai.
Li Bai's gaze lingered on Jiang Ge for a moment before he asked with a smile, "May I ask how to address you?"
Jiang Ge felt as if that gaze could pierce through time. She steadied her breath and bowed solemnly according to etiquette:
“Jiang Ge. The ‘Ge’ in ‘stopping war’ is also the name of the county magistrate here. Everyone calls me Magistrate Jiang.”
She looked up, her eyes still brimming with disbelief.
Upon hearing this, Li Bai chuckled lightly, flicked his wide sleeves, and moved with the graceful ease of flowing clouds.
“Django…the name contains the word ‘blade,’ but the intention is benevolence. Good.” A hint of appreciation flashed in his eyes, as if he had read an unexpectedly good poem, and then he said loudly, “Since we have met here and now, it is because of the invitation of wind and moon, and the cause of worldly ties.”
As the two were talking, the others arrived one after another.
Zhuge Liang, Zhou Yu, Qin Shubao, Yuchi Jingde, Bai Qi, Huo Qubing, Wei Zhongxian, Zheng He, Wei Shun, Hei Fu, and Zhao Kuangyin all gathered together.
Everyone's gaze swept over Li Bai, who was dressed in flowing white robes, and they all looked puzzled. His demeanor was neither that of a courtier nor a soldier; rather, he seemed like a hermit who had stepped out of a landscape painting.
Seeing the expressions on everyone's faces, Jiang Ge could no longer contain his excitement. He took a step forward, his voice clear but slightly trembling:
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is Li Bai—" She paused, as if saying the name itself was a ritual, "the Immortal Poet, Li Bai."
He did not arrive by invitation; he came through the air, fueled by intoxication and poetic inspiration.
Mentioning the reason, a hint of wistful reminiscence appeared in Li Bai's eyes. He lightly flicked his wide sleeves and smiled:
“Last night, after getting drunk, I suddenly thought of the demeanor of Emperor Taizong and longed for it… I had just made a promise with Zimei that if I were to see Tianke’s appearance, I would compose ten poems for him.” He spoke with a sense of magnanimity, “And now I have actually come here, it is quite a strange coincidence.”
The gathering of so many historical figures is both a strange coincidence and a spectacular sight.
"Last night, in his drunken stupor, Zimei said, 'Can one know the future from this place?'" Li Bai asked with great interest, his eyes clear and sharp, showing no trace of drunkenness.
Even before Du Fu passed out drunk last night, he remained tight-lipped about his future. The more he concealed it, the more intense the flame of curiosity in Li Bai's heart became.
After all, among the masses, who wouldn't want to glimpse the trajectory of their own destiny?
Moreover, in Li Bai's heart, the ambition to "discuss the theories of Guan Zhong and Yan Ying, devise strategies for emperors, exert his intelligence, and serve as an advisor to bring peace to the world and unify the land" was like a flame in the dark night, which never truly went out.
He looked at Django with a questioning and expectant look in his eyes.
Django hesitated. She knew history, knew Li Bai's later fate—not the magnificent legend he had envisioned, but a life of wandering, even embroiled in rebellions, and impoverished in his later years. His ambition to "bring peace to the world and unify the land" ultimately remained unfulfilled.
Would it be too cruel to say it out loud?
Will it shatter the light in his eyes right now?
But looking into Li Bai's clear, inquisitive eyes, which held no fear of fate but only sincerity and curiosity, she suddenly felt that concealing the truth might be disrespectful to him.
He was Li Bai, the Li Bai who said, "How can I bow and scrape before the powerful and wealthy?" He should know and be able to bear it.
She took a deep breath, her voice steadyer than before, but still respectful:
“Sir… your life will be more tortuous than any landscape you describe in your poems.” She carefully chose her words. “You will witness a true golden age, and you will also witness its turmoil. You will be very close to the great peace and stability you seek, yet… ultimately separated by an insurmountable veil.”
The smile on Li Bai's face faded slightly; he listened intently.
Django continued, “Your pen will write the most glorious chapters, and it will also record your personal disappointments and wanderings. You will possess the most extreme freedom in the world,” she paused, her voice even softer, “and you will also taste the deepest loneliness in the world.”
The surroundings were quiet, and everyone listened to this pronouncement about the future.
"As for the wish to serve as an advisor..." Jiang Ge gently shook his head, "The high halls of power are ultimately not your final destination. Your world lies in the vast land, in the wine cup, and even more so in the hearts of everyone who reads your poems a thousand years later. The words you left behind are far more immortal than any achievement."
After she finished speaking, she lowered her gaze slightly, somewhat afraid to look at his reaction. She still couldn't bear to tell him the final outcome directly.
There was a moment of silence.
Suddenly, she heard a soft laugh.
Looking up, I saw Li Bai tilting his head back and taking a sip of wine that he had produced from who-knows-where. His eyes were clear and bright, and instead of feeling lost, he seemed to have gained a sense of enlightenment and open-mindedness.
"I see."
He laughed, a hint of relief in his smile, "Only when you can't have what you want can you be truly at ease. The court has lost a court jester, and the world has gained a banished immortal. Excellent! Let's raise a big toast!"
He took another swig of wine, and with a flick of his sleeve, it was as if he had cast away all his worries.
"In that case, we should seize the day and make the most of this life! Magistrate Jiang, thank you for telling me!"
The brief silence was broken by Li Bai's carefree laughter. He tilted his head back and drank the wine in his cup in one gulp, as if he were drinking down the future he had just heard, transforming it into even stronger poetic sentiment.
But a trace of indescribable bitterness still lingered in the air.
Seeing this, Django immediately realized she needed to do something to change the subject and ease the awkward atmosphere. Her gaze swept over the group of heroes from different eras around her, and a plan formed in her mind.
She turned to Li Bai, her smile returning, and introduced everyone.
Li Bai was indeed drawn to their attention. He had been curious about this group of extraordinary individuals, and immediately nodded in delight: "Excellent! I've been wanting to get to know them!"
Jiang Ge stepped aside and first led the strategist, who remained composed and held a feather fan, his voice filled with sincere respect: "You must know this man. The Prime Minister of Shu Han, the Marquis of Wuxiang, Zhuge Liang, the Crouching Dragon, who devoted his life to the cause and died at Wuzhang Plain."
Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang smiled gently and wisely, calmly returning the greeting with his fan, his voice clear and peaceful: "Liang greets Layman Li."
Li Bai immediately cupped his hands and bowed deeply.
Facing this wise and loyal prime minister, whose name is remembered for his wisdom and loyalty, he set aside some of his usual arrogance, and his brows revealed pure admiration: "I, Taibai, dare not accept such praise. Your mission was cut short, and you died before achieving your goal, leaving heroes to weep with sorrow—Prime Minister, your noble character and loyal spirit are what truly inspire awe and admiration throughout the ages. To be able to cross time and space to see your esteemed face today is truly my greatest fortune."
His words were sincere, expressing not only respect but also, unintentionally, bringing the evaluation of him by future generations into the present.
Zhuge Liang paused slightly with his feather fan.
"You flatter me, sir." Zhuge Liang's voice remained calm, like still waters running deep. "Literature is a great undertaking for governing the country and an immortal achievement. Your poems have cleansed people's hearts and will be passed down for generations. Your contribution is no less than the strategies of the imperial court. It is my good fortune to meet you here."
Then, she pointed to the handsome and elegant general beside Zhuge Liang: "This is Zhou Yu, the Grand Commander of Eastern Wu. He borrowed the east wind to set fire to the Battle of Red Cliffs and divided the world into three."
Zhou Yu returned the greeting with a flourish and a hearty smile.
Li Bai's gaze shifted and landed on Qin Qiong and Yuchi Jingde. These two door gods stood solemnly, completely out of place with the surrounding literary and poetic atmosphere.
Instead of being afraid, he was delighted, his eyes shining with curiosity, and he laughed loudly: "Could you two be the Duke of E and the Duke of Hu, whose portraits are painted on doors by the common people to ward off evil spirits?"
Yuchi Jingde raised his thick eyebrows and said in a booming voice, "You scholar do have some discernment!"
Qin Shubao, being more composed, returned the greeting with clasped hands: "I dare not accept such praise. The people are too kind; I am truly unworthy of it."
Li Bai stepped forward, carefully examining their faces, and suddenly exclaimed, "What a pity! What a pity!"
Yuchi Jingde couldn't help but ask, "What's a pity?"
"It's a pity I wasn't born a hundred years earlier, so I could ride alongside you two generals on the battlefield and drink to my heart's content!" Li Bai flicked his sleeves, full of high spirits. "If I could see you, general, leaping on your horse and brandishing your mace, breaking through enemy lines as if they were nothing, I would surely compose a hundred poems to commemorate your glory!"
Upon hearing this, Qin Qiong couldn't help but smile: "I've long heard Du Fu say that Li Bai was unparalleled in poetry and wine. Seeing him today, I can confirm that he is indeed a man of great talent."
Yuchi Jingde also burst into laughter, his voice echoing under the eaves: "What a poet! If I were in the army, I would drink three hundred cups with you!"
Then, Jiang Ge pointed to the extremely young general with sharp, eagle-like eyes and an invincible confidence: "This is Huo Qubing, the Marquis of Champion of the Han Dynasty. At the tender age of twenty, he made the unparalleled achievement of sealing the wolf's lair and sweeping across the northern desert, making the Hu people dare not look south."
Huo Qubing simply clasped his hands in a fist salute, his eyes burning with youthful pride and succinctness: "Huo Qubing." Li Bai's admiration deepened: "What a fine young hero!"
She then introduced the general whose murderous aura, though restrained, was still chilling: "This is Bai Qi, the Martial Lord of Qin."
Bai Qi merely nodded slightly, remaining silent, yet his aura was so heavy it was suffocating. Li Bai's expression also became more solemn, and he cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "Lord Wu'an."
After introducing these world-renowned figures, Django began to focus on those characters who might not be very familiar with Li Bai, but whose stories were still moving.
She first pointed to the middle-aged man dressed in Qin Dynasty official robes with a simple appearance: "This is Wei Shun. He was neither a famous general nor a high-ranking official, but just a prison guard in Lin'an, Southern Song Dynasty. But after Yue Fei was unjustly killed, no one in the court dared to speak out. It was Mr. Wei Shun who risked great danger to carry the hero's remains, secretly buried them, and kept the secret until his death, so that the loyal bones could be preserved and justice could finally be served."
Kui Shun appeared somewhat flustered, only bowing in return: "This humble man... merely did what he was supposed to do." Upon hearing this, Li Bai was filled with awe and solemnly bowed deeply: "A righteous man! Such integrity is heavier than Mount Tai!"
She then pointed to the tall, honest-looking soldier covered in scars: "This is Hei Fu, an ordinary soldier from the Great Qin. He is one of the millions of nameless soldiers, but his family letters are of great research value."
Hei Fu seemed unable to understand much of the formal language, simply mimicking others by clasping his hands in a fist salute and offering a somewhat restrained smile. Li Bai looked at this ordinary soldier with a complex expression, and finally returned the salute with equal solemnity: "Hero, you have worked hard."
Then she turned to the composed and gentle-looking eunuch: "This is Zheng He, the Grand Eunuch of the Ming Dynasty. He led the largest fleet in history on seven voyages to the Western Ocean, spreading the prestige of the nation and establishing relations with all nations. His reach extended as far as the east coast of Africa. He was a great navigator and diplomat."
Zheng He smiled humbly and bowed with his hands clasped in greeting: "Zheng He greets Master Li Bai." Li Bai exclaimed in amazement: "Seven voyages to the Western Seas? A magnificent feat! Truly an eye-opening experience!"
She skipped over Wei Zhongxian (whose fame was too great, a mere glance was enough), and finally pointed to Zhao Kuangyin, who possessed a majestic bearing and the air of an emperor: "This is Emperor Taizu of Song, His Majesty Zhao Kuangyin. He staged the Chenqiao Mutiny, donned the yellow robe, ended the chaotic era, and founded the Song Dynasty."
Zhao Kuangyin laughed heartily, exuding an extraordinary aura: "I have also heard of Mr. Li's poetic reputation, and today's meeting confirms that his work is indeed extraordinary." Li Bai cupped his hands in apology: "Your Majesty flatters me."
After the introductions, the atmosphere in the room became lively again. Heroes from different eras greeted each other and began to converse. Li Bai's eyes shone even brighter, as if he had added these extraordinary people to his poetic repertoire. The slight gloom from before had been dispelled by the excitement brought about by this unprecedented and wonderful encounter.
He raised the gourd of wine, which seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, and loudly addressed everyone:
"Today, I have met with heroes, righteous men, heroes, and emperors alike. This is truly the most joyous occasion of my life! Let us drink together!"
Drinking alcohol is definitely not an option; if I keep going like this, I might get drunk in just a few sips.
Everyone declined the offer, and Wei Zhongxian acted more like a headmaster with a small whip, saying, "It's almost noon, get to work."
The group initially wanted to make some sarcastic remarks, but after looking at the sun, they realized they had no reason not to.
They all went off to do their work.
The surroundings suddenly fell silent, as if the previous hustle and bustle had been blown away by the wind, leaving only Jiang Ge, Wei Zhongxian, and Li Bai standing in place, in an eerie silence.
Jiang Ge watched the crowd disappear almost instantly, then raised a hand to rub his temples. His tone was filled with genuine confusion and helplessness as he muttered to himself, "...Why is everyone so busy?"
Her gaze shifted to Wei Zhongxian, the only one still nearby—this "Nine Thousand Years Old" was standing with his eyes lowered, looking submissive and respectful, but the slight flicker in his eyes made it impossible to discern what he was thinking.
"Eunuch Wei," Jiang Ge asked directly, "what have you been busy with lately?"
Upon hearing this, Wei Zhongxian raised his eyelids, and his face quickly formed his usual smile, slightly obsequious yet shrewd. His high-pitched voice was perfectly controlled, appearing both respectful and dignified.
"Replying to Your Excellency, what else could this old servant be busy with? It's nothing more than some trivial, shady business, I wouldn't dare offend Your Excellency's honor." He paused, as if suddenly remembering something extremely ordinary, and added in a tone as calm as if discussing the weather, "Oh, it's just taking some time to prepare the ceremonial guard, procure some provisions and armor, and check the auspicious day, preparing... uh, preparing for when our Songyang County can establish itself as a kingdom, set up its own court and system, so that we won't always be confined to this tiny place, without a legitimate name or authority."
"Declare himself...as king?!"
Django knew in her heart that this day would come sooner or later, but that didn't stop her from feigning surprise.
After all, how could she possibly keep anything that happened in Songyang County a secret?
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Author's note: Li Bai: One cup, two cups, three cups won't get me drunk [eating melon emoji]
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