The court debate
Wen Jue took action the moment Xuanji was imprisoned. Although he was a military officer, he held considerable prestige within the Jingzhao Prefecture system and knew that this was no simple literary inquisition; there must be Li Yi or even higher-level forces pulling the strings behind the scenes. He could not directly interfere with the judiciary, but he could do his best to ensure that Xuanji was not mistreated in prison and used his connections to try to influence the attitude of the presiding official.
However, the case was far more sensitive than one might imagine. The label of "slandering the government" was enough to deter most officials from taking the plunge, making them unwilling to get involved easily.
Just as Wen Jue felt overwhelmed by the obstacles and was extremely anxious, an unexpected force began to quietly gather.
The source of this power was the book "Red Star Over China" signed "Yang Che".
This book has long circulated among scholars. Its detailed descriptions of the Western Regions, its deep sympathy for the lives of border people, and its exploration of historical sites have captivated countless readers. In particular, the essay "The Official of Longxi," though poignantly revealing the corruption of border officials and the hardships of the people, embodies the Confucian ideal of "benevolent governance and love for the people." Many young students, far from viewing it as "slander," deeply resonate with it, regarding its author, Yang Che, as a reclusive scholar of integrity and insight.
Now, the news that "Yang Che" is Yu Xuanji and that she was convicted because of this book spread like wildfire, instantly throughout the Imperial Academy, various academies, and taverns and teahouses where scholars gathered.
"Absurd! Every word in 'Red Star Over China' is a gem; how can it be slandered?"
"If speaking frankly about the hardships of the people's lives is considered slander, then what is the point of us reading the classics? Are we all just supposed to sing praises and whitewash the peace?"
"Master Yu, a woman, traveled thousands of miles and wrote immortal works. Her ambition and talent put us men to shame! Now she is imprisoned because of her writings. Where is justice?!"
A sense of indignation quickly spread among the students. They may have differing opinions on Yu Xuanji's identity as a female Taoist priest and her behavior of "awaiting instruction in poetry and lyrics" at Xianyi Temple, but they generally admired the literary and ideological value of "Red Star Over China" and the knowledge and integrity shown by "Yang Che".
Within days, spearheaded by several prestigious students of the Imperial Academy, a joint petition defending "Mr. Yang Che" began to be secretly drafted and circulated. From both academic and moral perspectives, they strongly advocated the value of *Red Star Over China*, arguing that while the text directly addressed contemporary ills, its intent was to serve the nation and to awaken the public, and it was by no means malicious slander. They earnestly requested the court to cherish talent and value literature, and not to discourage scholars from pursuing biased arguments.
The number of signatories quickly grew from a dozen or so to over a hundred, including several young scholars with considerable literary reputation. This document, brimming with youthful passion and scholarly spirit, represented the conscience and backbone of the empire's future. Through channels secretly laid out by Wen Jue, it was carefully delivered to several censors known for their uprightness and outspokenness.
Furthermore, Wen Tingyun spent half a month traveling from Wuzhou back to Chang'an. He knew that the key to this matter lay in changing the court's view of the nature of "Red Star Over China." He thought of someone—Du Mubai's grandfather, the venerable Du Hongdao.
Lord Du is a veteran of two dynasties, having served as Minister of Rites. Although he has retired, he remains a leader of the upright and honest faction, with students and friends throughout the court and the country. He is renowned for his integrity, incorruptibility, and appreciation for talent. More importantly, Du Mubai was once his student, and he also shares a mentorship with Xuanji.
Wen Tingyun changed into a slightly worn blue robe, washed away the dust of his journey, and, with the respect due to a disciple, went to pay his respects.
Lord Du received him in his study. The study was filled with the fragrance of ink, and the atmosphere was solemn.
"Feiqing, it's been a long time. Your hasty return to the capital and your solemn visit must be about your female disciple, Yu Xuanji." Old Master Du's hair and beard were all white, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, and he got straight to the point.
Wen Tingyun bowed deeply: "Your Excellency is wise. This junior has come precisely for this matter."
Master Du gestured for him to sit down: "Oh? Tell me about it."
Wen Tingyun bowed deeply, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable strength: "Your Excellency is wise. I have come here not to beg for my life for personal reasons, but to uphold justice through literature. The book 'Westward Journey' is signed 'Yang Che,' but it is actually based on Xuanji's observations and feelings during his travels. The descriptions of the Western Regions and the customs of the border people are all based on his personal experience; the concerns expressed in the text are also the concern of a scholar for the world."
He looked earnestly at Lord Du: "My lord, consider this: how could the writings of scholars throughout history be all praise and flattery? The satire in 'The Big Rat' in the Book of Songs was all because of concern for the common people. If today, a few lines in a book that express one's true feelings are deemed 'slander,' wouldn't that block the channels of communication and chill the hearts of scholars throughout the world?"
His tone grew increasingly somber: "The essay 'The Official of Longxi' may be straightforward in its language, but is its depiction of the suffering of the border people and the corruption of the bureaucracy entirely fabricated? You, sir, have served as an official for decades and should know the hardships of the people's lives. Why is it that today, a woman's honest writing has become evidence of her crimes? Is it possible that our dynasty cannot tolerate even a few words of truth?"
He stood up and bowed deeply to Elder Du, saying, "This junior dares not ask you to show favoritism. I only implore you, as a respected elder of the literary world, to review 'Red Star Over China' impartially. If, after reading it, you still find the writing guilty, I, Wen, will not bother you again!"
Seeing Wen Tingyun's anxious expression, Lord Du stroked his beard and said, "That boy Mu Bai begged me on his knees three days ago. I have already read this book carefully twice."
Wen Tingyun then noticed a copy of *Red Star Over China* on Lord Du's desk. Lord Du lightly tapped his fingers: "You needn't say more. I know the value of this book. The writing is vigorous, the insight exceptional, and most importantly, it displays a profound concern for the common people. If such writing becomes evidence of crime, the literary lineage of our dynasty is in grave danger!"
He stood up, walked to the window, and said in a sorrowful voice, "What pains me even more is that the person who framed me is none other than that 'principal student' we both know—Li Yi! Mu Bai has already told me all about his jealous and hateful actions."
Wen Tingyun looked up in shock. He had only intended to defend Xuanji, but he hadn't expected that Lord Du already knew the whole truth.
"My lord..."
"You don't need to beg me." Master Du turned, his gaze resolute. "This matter is no longer a personal grudge; it concerns the integrity of the scholarly community, and the will of the people. Li Yi's actions have strayed into the demonic path! I must not only save Yu Xuanji, but also eradicate this practice of framing!"
He picked up several letters that had already been written on the desk: "These letters will be delivered to several officials in the Censorate and the Ministry of Justice today. I, this old man, will use my frail body to fight for justice for all the scholars in the land!"
Furthermore, upon learning of Xuanji's imprisonment, Lady Zheng did not hesitate and immediately submitted a petition requesting an audience with the Emperor, ostensibly to visit her nephew. The Emperor, who had always respected this aunt who had accompanied her husband to guard Dunhuang in his younger years, summoned her privately in the Imperial Study.
"My aunt has come today with a solemn expression. Is there something you wish to instruct your nephew on?" The emperor ordered tea to be served, his tone quite respectful.
Madam Zheng sat upright and, without beating around the bush, went straight to the point: "Does Your Majesty know that recently, a book called 'Red Star Over China' has caused a great uproar in the capital, and its author, Yu Xuanji, has been imprisoned and is awaiting trial?"
The emperor's gaze flickered slightly, and he put down his teacup: "I already know. The Censorate has submitted a memorial stating that his poems and essays slander the government, and my aunt has also heard about it?"
Lady Zheng spoke calmly, yet with an undeniable force: "I have read 'Red Star Over China' carefully. Your Majesty, this book is not a slanderous work, but a truly excellent one! Its meticulous research, broad knowledge, and open-mindedness are unmatched, not to mention women, even by many officials in the court. The essay 'The Official of Longxi,' though its language directly criticizes the ills of the time, reveals a burning heart, deeply concerned for the country and its people—how is it different from Du Fu's 'Three Officials' and 'Three Separations'? If such writings were used as evidence of wrongdoing, where would the legacy of our dynasty's 'Kaiyuan' and 'Zhenguan' eras be? What will future historians think when they discuss Your Majesty's civil administration?"
Her words struck the emperor's heart like a heavy hammer. She did not dwell on the specific details of the case, but instead elevated the issue to the level of how future generations would evaluate the monarch in history.
The emperor frowned slightly: "I understand my aunt's meaning. However, the text does indeed have the appearance of allusion. If we ignore it, it may encourage unwarranted speculation and disrupt the law."
Lady Zheng nodded slightly: "Your Majesty's concerns are certainly valid. However, it is better to guide than to suppress. Your Majesty is a wise and virtuous ruler, and should have the capacity to embrace all under heaven. Yu Xuanji is merely a female Taoist priest, her life as fleeting as duckweed, yet her words resonate with scholars, which proves that her words are incisive and can help Your Majesty understand the people's sentiments. Rather than punishing her for her words and silencing all the talented people in the world, it would be better to show Your Majesty divine grace and pardon her minor transgression. In this way, Your Majesty's reputation for valuing talent and literature and readily accepting advice will surely spread throughout the land, and scholars will be more inclined to submit. Wouldn't this be far more effective than harsh punishments and severe laws?"
Seeing the emperor's thoughtful expression, she finally pleaded, "Moreover, I have heard that students from the Imperial Academy have already signed a petition to defend her, and the renowned scholar Wen Tingyun has also pledged his lifelong reputation. Your Majesty, the will of the people should not be disregarded, and the spirit of literature should be cherished even more. To chill the hearts of scholars across the land for the sake of a female Taoist priest is not the act of a wise man. I beseech Your Majesty to make a wise judgment."
She laid bare the advantages and disadvantages of revealing the secret to the emperor: would she gain a reputation for being "strict" or a reputation as a "benevolent and talent-appreciating" sage ruler?
When these three forces—representing the future of scholarly discourse, the integrity of traditional culture, and the rational political wisdom of the elite—finally converged before the emperor's desk, the situation became clear.
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