Chapter 216 Yu Yi (Part 2)
Sun Wei changed the subject and asked, "I heard that you are writing a book now. What book is it?"
"I have traveled extensively, visiting renowned scholars and hermits in various locations. This book aims to record their insights one by one, so that they can be passed on to future generations."
"Oh?" Sun Wei looked at him and said, "I was born in Cangwu, which is also under the jurisdiction of Guangzhou. I wonder if there are any famous scholars or hermits from Guangzhou in your book?"
"Several are included in the book," Yu Yi said. "Nanling is home to many renowned figures. Xie Shen, a descendant of the Xie family, lived in seclusion there for many years. There are also the brothers Zeng Shun and Zeng Li from Luofu Mountain, and Yuan Kai from Guilin County." After a pause, he continued, "The one who moved me the most was Sun Yu, a descendant of the Sun family from Wu County, who lived in seclusion in Anning."
"The Wujun Sun family?" Sima Jun said from the side, "I remember that among the founding heroes, there were also members of the Wujun Sun family."
"Your Highness remembers it well. Sun Xuan of the Wujun Sun family was a meritorious official who helped Taizu enter Jiankang and was once appointed Minister of the Central Secretariat. Sun Xuan had two sons, Sun Yu and Sun Kuo. Later, Sun Yu was exiled to Anning due to his involvement in the Prince Hu case, and Sun Kuo became the eldest son. Now, Sun Kuo's eldest son has inherited the position of patriarch of the Sun family, while his second son, Sun Rong, serves as the chief clerk in the Ministry of Rites."
"The eldest branch of the Sun family is unremarkable, so what's so special about Sun Yu?"
"Sun Yu was a man of exceptional talent, not only among the Sun family but also in Jiankang at the time, where he was pre-eminent," Yu Yi said. "After Taizu established Jiankang as the capital, the spirit of refined conversation arose. The Songshan School emerged from the Songshan Academy west of Jiankang, promoting the Zhengshi metaphysical style and passionately annotating and commenting on the classics, engaging in refined conversation and debate. At that time, the Songshan Academy was a gathering place for distinguished scholars, filled with profound discussions and eloquent debates, a truly flourishing event. And the leader of the Songshan School, and the leading voice at these refined conversations, was none other than Sun Yu."
Although Sima Jun did not often participate in idle conversation, he had heard of the prosperity of Songshan Academy in its past.
"Now Songshan Academy has declined, and the Songshan School has also disappeared. Could this also be related to Sun Yu?"
"That's right," Yu Yi said. "After Sun Yu passed away, his successors were mediocre in talent and learning, only able to pretend to be cultured without striving for self-improvement. Refined conversations have gradually become clichéd. Today's refined discussions are not about scholarship or current issues, but only about empty talk. There's no longer the eloquent voices of the Songshan Academy in its day. It's truly a cause for regret."
Sun Wei was speechless.
When she was young, she didn't know much about Sun Yu's past. She only thought that her grandfather was an unfortunate scholar who suffered misfortune.
Only after arriving in Jiankang did she realize how glorious her grandfather's past had been, how much he had been respected. His writings had once been priceless. But in Anning, his talent was limited to writing mediocre official documents and poems for his own amusement.
"So, the conversation between Mr. Yu and Mr. Sun has also been included in the book?" she suddenly said.
"That's right." Yu Yi said.
"May I read it to you?"
Yu Yi looked at her and said gently, "I am overjoyed. If there is anything inappropriate, please correct me, Princess."
——
Yu Yi quickly sent someone to deliver the manuscripts to Sun Wei.
Sun Wei read it in one breath under the lamp, and felt his heart was filled with excitement.
She seemed to see again the gratified smile on her grandfather's face after their late-night conversation with Yu Yi, and also herself eavesdropping on them.
His youth was difficult, but his grandfather was like the pillar of the family. With him around, Sun Wei never felt lost or anxious.
Thinking back now, my grandfather had seen many ups and downs, and he also had the wisdom to be content with poverty. Back then, he once said that living in Anning was good, better than Jiankang.
It’s a pity that they didn’t listen back then.
Two days later, Sima Jun led his group on their journey to the Xiang River. They would board a large ship, pass through Baling, enter the Yangtze River, and then sail eastward to Jiankang.
Sun Wei personally went to Yu Yi's boat house and returned the manuscript to him.
"This book, sir, is truly very beneficial." Sun Wei said, "When the book is finished, I wonder if you would allow me to copy a copy?"
Yu Yi smiled and said, "Thank you for your interest, Princess. When the book is finished, I will have a copy delivered to you."
In his previous life, Sun Wei knew that Yu Yi had written a book, but after he was imprisoned, the Yu family's property was raided, and his hard work was burned to ashes.
"Thank you very much, sir." Sun Wei said, "I wonder how long it will take for this manuscript to be completed?"
"It's still unknown," Yu Yi smiled bitterly. "Your Highness also heard what Ziheng said. He insisted that I heal my wounds first before writing the book. But don't worry, Your Highness. Even if I can't finish the book, I will copy the existing manuscript to Your Highness."
Sun Wei heard the hidden meaning.
"Young Master, recuperating from your injuries will only add a little time. How can you not complete the book?"
Yu Yi only smiled faintly and said, "It's better not to say anything." After that, he looked at the manuscripts and said, "Fortunately, I have finished writing all of Mr. Sun's works, otherwise I don't know how many regrets I would have."
Sun Wei was silent for a moment, then said, "Mr. Yu seems to have great respect for Mr. Sun."
"Who among the world who knew of Mr. Sun's fate wouldn't sigh with sorrow?" Yu Yi sighed. "Back then, Songshan Academy was at its peak, but after Mr. Sun's departure, there was no news of him. Although I enjoyed our conversations, I could sense his endless regret. Humanity is so insignificant, like an ant trying to shake a tree. When the mountain collapses and the earth cracks, we can only watch and sigh."
"An ant trying to shake a tree." Sun Wei repeated this softly, and said, "Did Mr. Sun also say this?"
Yu Yi shook his head.
"Mr. Sun never said so, but it is just my own understanding. After I finished writing this paragraph, I also wanted to send it to Mr. Sun for his comments. However, when I did, I learned that Mr. Sun had passed away two years ago."
Yu Yi's tone was full of regret.
Sun Wei knew in his heart that Sun Yu might have regrets, but he was not as desperate as Yu Yi said.
She often felt that she was able to remain calm in the face of danger thanks to her grandfather.
He always taught himself that there is always a way out in this world. Even if things don't go as planned, he should never blame himself and should always look on the bright side.
"In this case," Sun Wei said, "it's really a pity."
Yu Yi looked at Sun Wei and smiled.
"To be honest, Your Highness," he said, "when I first met you, I said you looked kind, and I was actually thinking of Mr. Sun."
Sun Wei was stunned.
"Oh?" She said without changing her expression, "How do you mean?"
"Looking at the princess's features, I feel she bears a strong resemblance to Mr. Sun's granddaughter."
Sun Wei's heart skipped a beat.
She tried her best to calm herself down and said, "Mr. Yu, have you met Mr. Sun's granddaughter?"
"That's right," Yu Yi said. "Back then, when Mr. Sun took me to his study, he secretly told me that he had a granddaughter who was very studious and curious. Whenever Mr. Sun had guests, she would always stand behind the study screen and eavesdrop. He told me not to take it seriously and just pretend I didn't know. After Mr. Sun's words, I actually paid attention to the screen. There, I saw a little girl standing there. She was restless, occasionally showing her hands and feet, and when she was listening excitedly, she would even stick her head out. I found her interesting at the time, and at one glance, I remembered her. And the princess's features do bear some resemblance to hers."
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