Chapter 59 I've Seen Better
After packing his things, Liu Min returned to the Imperial Academy. He left in a hurry, as if rushing to some appointment. When Bi Tao was folding clothes, she was only slightly slow, and he urged her on. This was unprecedented, and for a moment everyone secretly glanced at him. Shan Lai had been watching him the whole time, seeing his happiness, seeing his subtle impatience, and gradually she herself became irritated, so much so that she didn't see Liu Min off when he left the residence.
After Liu Min left, Shan Lai felt a tightness in her chest, lacked energy for anything, had no appetite for dinner, and couldn't even sleep. She kept thinking about what Liu Min had told her, about his happiness. She had never imagined that one day she would be unhappy because of his happiness. This was wrong, and it made no sense. She clearly wanted what was best for him; he was rarely so relaxed and cheerful, yet she wasn't happy for him. How could this be? She truly didn't understand.
Later she thought that perhaps it was because she was paying too much attention to him.
The next day, Shanlai sent his maid Fen'er to Yihe Hall to inquire whether Liu Shen was at home. Fen'er returned quickly with good news, and Shanlai then took the things he had prepared beforehand and went out.
When Liu Shen heard that Shan had come to see him, he put down his book and went to the main hall. As he passed the beaded curtain, he glanced up and saw a young girl in green holding a scroll of paper and bowing gracefully. She was dignified and elegant, quite remarkable. He also heard her voice, which was calm, unhurried, and gentle.
"master."
Liu Shen paused for a moment, thinking, "What a pity about this girl." He remembered she was fourteen years old, only fourteen, yet she had blossomed into such beauty, as lovely as a lotus and as pure as an orchid. Even a family with generations of officials might not be able to raise such a girl, let alone an ordinary one. Even the daughters of noble families couldn't compare. It was truly strange that a farmer could have such a daughter.
Then she said, "I apologize to the master."
Despite claiming to be apologizing, he showed no sign of panic, standing calmly before his master.
Liu Shen nodded secretly in approval of this composure and asked, "What crime have you committed?"
After bowing again, Shanlai recounted the whole story of how he became a disciple. "I was a servant and failed to fulfill my duties, which is a great sin." He then mentioned the recent restoration of the murals at Huguo Temple, and presented the scrolls in his bosom, slowly unfurling one of them.
"I beg Your Excellency to grant me permission to personally present the painting to my master, so as to fulfill our master-disciple relationship. Once this matter is settled, I will leave it to your discretion."
Liu Shen took the paintings and examined all three carefully. He nodded and said, "Very good." He added, "This is your good fortune, not a sin. What punishment will you receive? Of course, you can personally deliver the paintings over. There's no need to worry."
Greet them with a bow and express your gratitude.
Liu Shen continued, "There's no need to go every ten days. You don't have any work to do, and I didn't intend for you to be a slave." As he said this, he remembered something and turned back to his inner room. Shan Lai watched him through the beaded curtain, inevitably feeling puzzled. Fortunately, he came out again shortly afterward, holding a piece of paper in his hand.
"Keep this for yourself. You're someone the old lady values, so it won't be a mistake."
It was when he was in Pingcheng that he suddenly remembered it one day and specially asked someone to find it for him—Shanlai's indenture. At that time, he also felt that it would be too much of a waste to treat such a person as a slave, and he had the idea of returning the indenture to her.
Such a considerate master inevitably inspires unrealistic desires.
Shanlai decided to be audacious this once. "Master," she slowly began, "I want to go to Huguo Temple... This is my life's work, and I will not be content if I cannot complete it myself..."
Liu Shen laughed and said, "Of course, you will definitely complete it yourself. When it is completed, I will definitely take my family to see it." He added, "Huguo Temple is far outside the city, and it is hard to travel back and forth. I think you might as well stay at the temple and come back after it is completed. You can pick someone from Guangyi Hall to take care of your daily life."
Shanlai chose the green willow.
Ziyu was very unhappy about this. She was clearly the person Shanlai was closest to. In the past, he would always ask her for help, but this time he asked someone else, and for such an important matter as painting murals at Huguo Temple.
Her displeasure was justified, and Shanlai couldn't bear to hurt her feelings, so she took her hand and said, "Sister, you are the backbone. Without you, things would be in chaos here. Of course you have to stay."
Okay, that makes sense. Ziyu no longer felt bad and happily packed Shanlai and Lüyang's luggage.
Seeing that Ziyu had been easily appeased by Shanlai's few words, Lüyang no longer concealed her joy. Since entering the manor, she hadn't left. The Liu manor was nice, but after a while, it became tiresome. Having the chance to go out was naturally a cause for celebration. However, along with her joy came concerns. She secretly pulled Chengfeng aside and whispered, "While I'm gone, please take over my chores." Chengfeng was puzzled. "Of course I'll do your chores. Do you really need to specifically tell me that?"
What I mean is, you should take on all the work and not bother anyone else.
Chengfeng was even more confused. "Why is this? Why should I take on everything? Shouldn't we share the work?"
Green Willow looked around again and, seeing no one, finally spoke her mind.
"Don't distribute it. To be honest, I'm a little afraid of Bitao and don't dare to trouble her. You know she's deep-thinking and... You've gone to so much trouble to do it for me. When this month's salary comes in, I'll give it all to you."
Chengfeng knew that after that incident, Lüyang had lost all her courage, always being careful in everything she did, afraid of making a mistake or offending someone, and she never complained about the hardship. But she couldn't be blamed for it, Chengfeng sighed inwardly.
"I don't want your monthly allowance. Just buy me a flower to wear. Remember, it has to be a nice one."
Green Willow was overjoyed and readily agreed.
Shanlai showed the drawing to Hongche and asked for his opinion.
Hongche read it, clasped his hands together and smiled slightly, saying, "This is very good. Your comprehension is the highest I have ever seen."
Hongche didn't instruct Shanlai on technique; there was no need. She had already reached the pinnacle, lacking only in spirit. She had nothing of her own, merely imitating. As Bai Caizi said, the mountain belonged to Fu Kangchen, the tree to Lü Yuanlin, the bird to Gu Jingzhai, and the flowers, insects, and fish naturally belonged to others as well. It was just imitation, so of course it was insufficient.
But things are different now. After sincerely reciting Buddhist scriptures for several years, I have developed a Buddhist heart. When I pick up a pen again, the compassion and tranquility in my heart fall onto the paper along with the ink.
The Buddha sits in meditation, preaching the Dharma. His light shines upon all living beings, flowers bloom, birds sing, and believers take refuge in him.
The walls are three in total. One wall features a Buddha statue, while the other two walls depict flowers, birds, and people.
The walls of the Mahavira Hall are over ten feet high, so high that you can't reach the top just by raising your arms. Therefore, a high scaffold is erected, and people stand on the scaffold, wrap their heads, wear a plain white long gown with a front opening, tie the cuffs, and carry three bags on their left and right chests: one with various paintbrushes, one with paint, and one with a jar of clear water.
It took a whole month to paint on three walls. In the first few days, her arms ached terribly, and she didn't even have the strength to hold chopsticks to eat. Seeing this, Lv Yang felt very sorry for her and fed her food bite by bite. Later, she got used to it and could lift her arms all day without feeling tired. She was able to paint more smoothly and finish it in a month.
She was exhausted, but thankfully she had a will to keep going and was determined to finish the painting. So she didn't care about anything else, her long hair loose, sitting on the ground looking quite disheveled. She dared to do this because no one was around to bother her; if someone came and saw her like this, she would be too embarrassed.
As she was painting the emerald feathers at dusk that day, a shadow slowly appeared on the wall, covering her own shadow. She suddenly stopped and dared not move.
She knew someone was coming, because she heard footsteps. She didn't know who it was, and dared not turn around for fear of embarrassment, given her current state… She could only hope this person would be sensible and leave quickly…
But after a long time, there was still no movement from him, as if he intended to stay there for a long time. Shanlai grew anxious and somewhat annoyed, but still dared not do anything, truly afraid of losing face. Unexpectedly, the person behind him suddenly spoke, asking, "Is that Shanlai?" His tone was very hesitant.
Shan Lai's eyes widened instantly, and he looked back in disbelief.
It really was Liu Min. There was another person standing next to him, a boy about the same height as him.
Shanlai immediately got up, stood up straight, his shoulders and back were tense, and his expression was also tense.
Liu Min also seemed rather uncomfortable, his eyes darting around, unsure of where to look.
The handsome young man who came with him was all smiles, looking at the murals and then at Shanlai's face, looking back and forth. Then he suddenly turned to the person next to him and said, "You're right, this one is indeed better!" After saying that, he turned his head back to Shanlai and said with a smile, "I know your name, but you don't know mine. My name is Li Xiang, which is the 'Xiang' in 'Yun Xiang Yi Chang Hua Xiang Rong' (clouds think of clothes, flowers think of face)."
Shan Lai knew Li Xiang.
On the third day of Liu Min’s classes at Zhengxin Hall, around 9 a.m., the doctor was lecturing around the hall when suddenly there was a commotion outside. It sounded like a reprimand. The doctor was startled and stopped in his tracks, turning to look at the door. The students naturally looked over as well.
Li Xiang emerged under such intense public scrutiny.
He was dressed in a round-necked robe and a scholar's cap, looking like a student. However, he was leaning on a cane, slouching, and grinning. He had no sense of dignity whatsoever and was more like a hooligan than a student. But he was good-looking and could be considered a handsome hooligan.
The handsome rogue grinned and said, "Doctor, I'm so sorry, my leg is still broken and I can't walk, that's why I'm late."
Dr. Fang has a bad temper. Yesterday, during his lecture, he asked a question to a student who stammered and couldn't answer. Dr. Fang got so angry that he yelled at the student, calling him stupid, rotten wood, and a wall of dung. The student was so ashamed that he didn't dare to look up and didn't say another word for the rest of the day.
Arriving late is a much bigger offense than being rude and stupid; I wonder how Dr. Fang will react.
Liu Min thought he would at least be labeled as disrespectful to his elders, but to his surprise, Dr. Fang simply said, "Come in." It was just three very plain words. After saying that, he didn't care anymore and continued with his lecture.
The boy shouted "Thank you, Doctor!" and limped in, his cane clattering against the floor tiles. But Dr. Fang didn't say a word, as if he hadn't heard him.
Upon seeing this, Liu Min suddenly recalled the crying he had heard in the azalea grove that day, and felt a slight unease in his heart. Just then, the thumping sound suddenly stopped in front of him. He looked up and saw that the classmate who had arrived late had sat down in the empty seat next to him.
I see.
The thought of sitting next to such a rascal made Liu Min quite uneasy. At this moment, he had forgotten his past self; now he was like his father, unable to tolerate unrestrained people and things. However, this classmate was surprisingly well-behaved. Although he sat there with his head down, not looking like he was listening, he didn't do anything out of line to disturb others. Liu Min felt somewhat relieved.
Unexpectedly, as soon as school ended, he immediately came over and asked repeatedly, "Who are you? Isn't this Zhao Lin's seat? Why are you sitting here? Are you new here? What's your name? Where are you from?" He was so talkative that Liu Min didn't want to answer a single word. Just then, Lu Yue came looking for him and called out at the door. Liu Min responded, turned around and said "sorry," and got up and left briskly.
The next time we met was in the dining hall. He was quite well-behaved, sitting quietly among the crowd, and his manners were impeccable.
After lunch, Liu Min went to Hong Zhiyao's duty room. Since he held the title of teacher, Hong Zhiyao would lecture Liu Min and guide his writing during the midday break. Today, Lu Yue came to tell Liu Min that Hong Zhiyao had caught a cold and couldn't teach today, so Liu Min didn't need to go. However, as a student, knowing his teacher was ill, he couldn't not inquire after him, so he went to pay his respects anyway. Upon arriving, he was told that Hong Zhiyao had already taken his medicine and gone to sleep. Liu Min then asked his senior brother to convey his greetings. His senior brother smiled and agreed. Liu Min then took his leave, but after only five or six steps, he turned back.
Seeing him return, the senior brother asked, "Is there anything else?"
Liu Min said, "Senior Brother, may I have a word with you in private?"
The two stood under the pine tree in the courtyard. Liu Min said to his senior brother, "I would like to ask you about someone, my seatmate. I don't know his name yet. I want to know what his habits are like."
The senior apprentice was at a loss, wondering what the person looked like, since he didn't know their name.
"He's a very handsome man, about my height, and his demeanor is alright, though he seems a bit unruly. He came today, leaning on a cane, saying he injured his leg."
Upon hearing that he had injured his leg, the senior brother immediately laughed with relief. "You know who you're talking about. It must be Li Xiang. I heard he was being mischievous and his grandfather broke his leg. He hasn't been around for a while. Although he can be a bit unserious at times, he's a good person at heart. Junior brother, don't worry. You can get along well with him."
Li Xiang has quite a background. His grandfather, Li Zheng, was a Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion before retiring from officialdom, reaching the pinnacle of civil service. The Li family reached its zenith under his leadership. He is a man of considerable fortune.
The Li family had been officials for generations, with several generations serving in Xingdu. Although their official positions were not high, they all understood the ways of officialdom. Lack of ability was no problem; as long as one grasped the concept of moderation and knew how to flatter superiors and bully subordinates, one's career would be smooth sailing. The Li family had used this approach to teach their descendants since entering officialdom, and Li Zheng educated his son in the same way. He always felt he had taught well, and his son had learned well, so he still didn't understand why such a thing had happened back then.
Thirteen years ago, Li Zheng's only son, Li Xiang's biological father, was serving as a county magistrate in Pingyang. This was the last year of his term. His father had already made arrangements for him to return to the capital and enter the Six Ministries. A bright future was right in front of him. He only needed to wait patiently and did not need to do anything extra. However, he threw himself into the floodwaters just to save a brother and sister in the flood.
He didn't achieve anything significant during his tenure, but that didn't matter. What mattered was that, in full view of everyone, he jumped into the water to save the people under his jurisdiction. When he became the magistrate, the people would call him "Upright and Just Magistrate," and he truly became "Upright and Just Magistrate." He was an official, yet he lost his life for two poor children. He died in the water, his body rotten beyond recognition. On the day his body was brought back, the entire city knelt on both sides of the street, weeping for a good official. They built a temple for this good official, wanting him to receive incense offerings.
Given the public opinion, the court naturally would not sit idly by. An imperial edict was issued, praising him as a role model for all officials, posthumously granting him the title of Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince, and bestowing upon him a tomb. Although no sacrificial ceremony was held, when the coffin was brought back to the capital, the current emperor, the then Prince of Qi, and many other princes personally came to pay their respects before the coffin. The Prince of Qi even held the loyal minister's orphan in his arms.
Li Zheng's reputation among his colleagues had always been poor, but this time, when he wept before the coffin, they all forgot his bad reputation and rushed to comfort him, some even shedding tears with him. Later, Li Zheng's official career progressed smoothly, even reaching the Grand Secretariat. He was naturally happy, but he didn't lose his head. He knew he had no real ability and that his entry into the Grand Secretariat was due to his son's influence; a nominal title was enough. Therefore, when the new emperor rewarded meritorious officials, he voluntarily submitted a petition to retire, giving up his position. Such sensible behavior naturally earned him the emperor's favor. Li Zheng returned home and began to personally teach his grandson. By this time, his grandson had become quite spoiled and unruly. He wanted to change him, but couldn't bring himself to be harsh. The child was pitiful! Fortunately, he was open-minded. He didn't expect his son to become a marquis or prime minister; a life of wealth and honor was enough. So he sent him to the Imperial Academy, hoping he would make some friends who would become officials in the future, so that more people could help him.
But he was far too good for his age, running off to brothels at sixteen, which angered his grandfather so much that he wanted to beat him with a stick. In fact, the stick never hit him; how could he bear to? He had accidentally fallen and broken his leg while running away, and it took him three months to recover at home before he returned to the Imperial Academy to study and cultivate his relationships.
After seeing all his old friends, Li Xiang returned home. His grandfather asked him how his day had been, and Li Xiang touched his leg and said that walking still hurt and he could rest for a few more days. His grandfather glared at him and scolded, "The imperial physician said you're already better! Besides, you've only walked a few steps, how could it possibly kill you?" Li Xiang didn't say anything, his lips trembled, and he looked aggrieved.
His grandfather's heart softened at this, and he quickly lowered his voice to ask, "How is your new classmate sitting next to you? Is he easy to get along with?"
Li Xiang was greatly surprised, "How did my grandfather know I had a new classmate?"
Li Zheng also did favors for his grandson.
“That’s Vice Minister Liu, no, he’s Minister Liu now. Your new classmate is his only son. He just returned to the capital. I asked someone to arrange for him to sit next to you so that you two can get closer.”
Li Xiang asked, "Which Minister Liu?"
Li Zheng glared again, "Which other Minister Liu? How many ministers are surnamed Liu these days? It's just that one! Didn't I tell you? You can't even remember that? He's the son-in-law of the Grand Secretary Le!"
Upon hearing that it was the son-in-law of the Grand Secretary, Li Xiang let out a long "Oh!" and said, "So it was him! If you had said so earlier, I would have known! No wonder he looked so pitiful; it was him all along."
Li Zheng didn't understand what he meant. "What do you mean by 'pitiful'?"
"Minister Liu's only son, he looks quite pitiful..."
"Does he look that pitiful?" Li Zheng thought it couldn't be that bad. "It shouldn't be like this. Even if his mother died early, he's still his only son. How could he be treated so cruelly?"
“No,” Li Xiang said. “He wasn’t the kind of pitiful person who had been mistreated. Rather, when he sat there, it was as if he was the only person left in the world. That was the kind of pitiful person he was.”
How could he not be pitiful? The princess and the prime minister's daughter fought over a husband, causing the death of the other woman's first wife. The child, now without a mother, is certainly pitiful. But then his father married the woman from that scandalous story, forcing him to live under the thumb of the woman who killed his mother. It's truly heartbreaking.
Because of this idea, Li Xiang was very willing to get close to Liu Min. To be fair, Liu Min was not a bad person and was genuinely kind to people, which naturally touched people. Moreover, he and Liu Min were in the same Imperial Academy and sat next to each other. They studied and ate together. Being close to the source, they had the advantage. As long as they were willing to put in the effort, how could they not succeed? In just one month, they became very familiar with each other.
They were so close that they could go to brothels together.
Liu Min was naturally unwilling to go and refused firmly, not giving Li Xiang any face at all.
Li Xiang wasn't angry. She calmly advised him, "Don't be like that, as if I've done something heinous. I just love to appreciate beauty. You can't look down on Zhennu just because she's a courtesan. She's beautiful and talented, especially in calligraphy and painting. I think she's better than those so-called talented women. You'll see for yourself."
After he said that, Liu Min did not object anymore.
Upon arriving at Huayue Tower, Liu Min saw Zhennu and her calligraphy and paintings, but he lost interest and made up an excuse to leave.
Li Xiang was not surprised by this. He thought Liu Min should also be praising him as much as he had before, otherwise why would he bring him here like a treasure? He was determined to find out the truth.
Liu Min couldn't stand his persistence any longer, so she finally said to him, "She is very good, but I have seen better ones, so of course I'm not surprised."
Li Xiang wanted to see him, and after another round of entanglement, Liu Min couldn't take it anymore and had no choice but to agree.
Actually, I was a little proud of myself.
Being kind is good.
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