54 The Pearl is Covered in Dust
Liu Che: I can't even eat, so I'd rather not take advantage of this.
There are many ways to solve a problem. Some people only deal with the surface and dig a shallow layer of soil. Some people only dig out a root. And some people, after digging through the soil, are not satisfied and have to smash the root into mud.
Yes, Huo Yan and Zhang Tang were the last group of people.
Huo Yan was angry at those who gossiped about Wei Qing. Not only did he not refuse to accept manuscripts, he even reduced the printing price and did not require the use of paper. He just asked the manager to collect manuscripts in large quantities. He only said that he wanted to put his words on the table for the readers of the world and let good articles be recorded in future generations. He accepted all good manuscripts.
His price dropped, and manuscripts from all over the country came pouring in like snowflakes.
It was the first time for the doctors sent by Liu Che to see so many articles on the desk. They were dumbfounded for a moment.
Your Majesty's selection of filial and honest officials would not be of this magnitude.
They'd been studying day and night for two days, just as they'd finished one cartload when Huo Yan ordered another load of bamboo slips to be brought in from the toy house. Everyone was in mourning, but the incredibly patient Young Master Huo had already risen and scooped up a pile, placing it on his desk. His exemplary leadership had the other scholars mortified, feeling the shame of being sent here by His Majesty only to be found inferior to a child. They quickly grabbed a stack and perked up to continue their review.
Huo Yan had his own plans in mind. He picked up a book that was well written, put it away, and turned around to ask his brother to pass it to Lao Deng.
He frowned and threw the letter that cursed his uncle aside before he finished reading it, adding another item to his already crowded list. He planned to fill up a page, fold it up and hand it to the clerk from the Supreme Court who had been around him.
He repeated this action, and suddenly took out a scroll, sat up straight, and handed it to Sima Qian, who was also in the pile of books, for review.
Sima Qian sat up straighter as he read, "This writing style is so familiar."
Huo Yan was speechless and complained, "This belongs to Old Man Dong. Can't you, a disciple, tell that?"
Sima Qian smiled slowly and said, "I am just a student, not a disciple. You didn't sign your name, changed your writing style, and even presented it on bamboo slips, hoping to keep it secret. Ah Yan, however, knew it at first sight. I guess you and my teacher have a connection."
Huo Yan tutted, his almond-shaped eyes filled with disdain. "Damn it, is literary style so easily changed? There aren't many people in the world who can achieve elegance, profoundness, and grace. Moreover, even though he's a pro-war figure, he still has that weird air. He deliberately pretended to be bitter and cold, using these bamboo slips, thinking that Bai would ask me to print them for him and pass them to my uncle. The old fox's scent is so strong, it's your fault that you can't smell it."
Sima Qian listened and shook his head gently, "Don't say that, Master. Your system of thought is vast, and your writings are always full of profound meaning."
He looks serious and has a formal attitude.
Huo Yan raised his eyebrows and said leisurely, "Sima, the old-fashioned man, doesn't see any bad people."
Sima Qian snorted lightly, not bothering to pay attention to his old-fashioned words, and buried his head in the pile of books again. Seeing this, Huo Yan did not get angry, but just folded the article in his hand and put it in his sleeve.
Dong Zhongshu was a leading figure in Confucianism. Although the conversation was conducted in low voices, it attracted frequent glances from the Confucian doctors.
Huo Yan was not polite and glanced back at them one by one.
Although he was smiling, his eyes were always deep.
"I know I'm handsome, but seeing you all looking at me like this really scares me a little."
Upon hearing this, the doctors all lowered their heads and complained in their hearts.
It is true that those who keep company with vermilion become red, and those who keep company with ink become black. Those who keep company with Your Majesty have become shameless.
Huo Yan could not hear their criticisms, nor was he too lazy to guess what was going on. He just read the article and wrote down the names, and did nothing else.
As the stars began to rise, Huo Qubing rode over on his bicycle to fetch him. Knowing how to manipulate his younger brother, he immediately dismissed Wei Ai. Huo Yan, upon hearing this, put down his article, said hello to Sima Qian, and prepared to return. Sima Qian chuckled and told him to be careful on the road. Huo Yan nodded, exchanged a few more words, and then leisurely climbed into Huo Qubing's carriage, carrying his copied list and the excellent articles.
Huo Qubing wrapped Huo Yan in clothes and took him back, but they were heading not to the Wei Palace but to the Weiyang Palace. In the evening, Liu Che summoned Huo Yan to have dinner.
The lights in the Weiyang Palace were bright, but there was constant noise inside the hall. The screams of women and the low scolding of men were heard continuously, mixed in with the sound of pottery and jade being broken.
There was chaos everywhere, and unfortunately, today was the day when the emperor and empress were pulling each other's hair.
The comments were flying everywhere. After all, not everyone can see such an exciting scene.
Huo Qubing raised his head and looked at the tile end inscribed with Changle Weiyang on the Weiyang Palace, and suddenly sighed.
It’s good. He doesn’t know whether his uncle will be happy for a long time, but tonight will definitely be a happy night.
"Ayan, go back."
He was about to lead Huo Yan back, so he followed Huo Yan's gaze toward a servant in green. Judging from his position, he must be a servant from the Pepper Room. In the darkness, it was hard to see clearly. Huo Qubing studied the servant for a moment and found nothing special about him. He was just a little smaller than the average servant, with a more rounded face.
"It's a girl dressed as a boy, isn't that common, Yan? Why are you so dazed right now?"
He did not want to cause trouble with Empress Chen and just wanted to take his younger brother home.
Huo Yan rubbed his nose and frowned, but obediently looked away and followed him back.
As the two of them walked down the stairs, the servant guarding the door suddenly raised his head, revealing a pair of overly vicious eyes and an overly gorgeous face.
Huo Yan and Huo Qubing felt as if they were being stabbed in the back. They turned their heads almost at the same time and met her gaze. The servant saw the same disgust on their faces and grinned the moment he looked at Huo Yan.
This kid smells exactly like those dolls that kept the queen awake.
That smile looked particularly strange in the darkness, as if it was a demon crawling out from the depths of hell. Huo Qubing frowned and subconsciously protected Huo Yan behind him.
Huo Yan suddenly laughed, waved the purse in his hand provocatively at the servant, and then threw the purse with force, hitting the servant directly. His movements were too fast, and the servant had no time to dodge, and was covered with herbal powder.
After throwing it, he pulled Huo Qubing's sleeve and walked away.
[Oh my god, she was so scary in the middle of the night, but why did you hit her?]
[A woman dressed as a man? This scary thing must be a Chu costume.]
[Chu Fu is even crazier than Ah Yan. Did something happen to Chen Ah Jiao?]
[I don’t know, but it will be soon.]
[I always felt that they were too close to each other. Chu Fu slept in the side hall!]
[Unofficial history records that Empress Chen made Chufu wear men's clothes, and Chufu lived with the empress, and they had sex as a woman and a man, and the two loved each other like a couple.]
[Come on, this is too wild.]
[The lilies in my hometown are blooming again.]
[In the fifth year of Yuanguang, it was abolished at Changmen.]
[She's a liar, and will be finished with her master soon. It's disgusting that she scares people on purpose.]
…
Huo Yan also learned about Chu Fu's identity from the barrage. He was just a ghost-playing guy, but he didn't take it seriously and continued to eat and drink as usual.
Huo Qubing, on the other hand, took it to heart. In his mind, his younger brother was very delicate, and this man had frightened his younger brother so much that he threw away his own sachet. He was very dissatisfied.
Huo Qubing never showed his emotions, so naturally, his dissatisfaction could not be seen. Although Huo Yan could feel that he was in a bad mood recently, he didn't know why he was unhappy, so he had no way to comfort him.
It was not until three days later that Huo Qubing's mood inexplicably improved.
Huo Yan didn't understand why, but he just thought he was in a bad mood and didn't take it to heart.
He forgot one thing, that is, for a person as cheerful as his brother, his depressed mood usually does not last more than half a day, but this time it was obvious that he exceeded the time limit.
But it didn't matter, he soon found out.
By the end of October, the list was almost complete, and Zhang Tang had already made a rough estimate of the number of people involved and was punishing them severely according to the law.
For a time, all the scholars in Chang'an felt insecure, and Zhang Tang's reputation as a cruel official grew.
Feeling guilty, Huo Yan had Dongfang Shuo and Sima Qian write several articles explaining his actions for the country and the printer's negligence, proving his innocence. However, his exaggerated claims were only published in Han Qingnian, and his debunking of the rumors spread faster than his reputation. Dongfang Shuo offered to write an article in his own name, but Huo Yan refused. The emperor, with his immense power, hated factions among his subjects, and Liu Che was no exception. He feared Dongfang Shuo would bring disaster upon himself.
The matter of writing should still be left to writers.
Finally, he decided to find Dong Zhongshu through Sima Qian. Unfortunately, he knocked on the door for three days and Dong Zhongshu avoided him. He then sat at the door and cursed him, saying that he had no manners as an elder and that he had not fulfilled his responsibility of supervision, allowing the upright man to be contaminated by corruption.
But Dong Zhongshu was like a turtle and ignored him.
Huo Yan kicked the door for another day, and was finally carried back to the Wei family by the Confucian scholar who could no longer bear it.
Huo Qubing was in a good mood at the time, and seeing this, he didn't say much and just handed him a dagger.
"What gate?"
Huo Yan understood what he meant, narrowed his eyes, and sneered, "Why go through the main door? If the old turtle won't come out, I can just smash his shell and he'll come out, right?"
After he said that, he refused Huo Qubing's dagger and ran out.
Seven days later, Huo Yan swaggered to Dong Zhongshu's door with a strong man.
When Huo Qubing received the news, the corners of his lips curled up slightly. He stopped his servant who was about to report to Wei Ai, played with his small dagger for a while, and then staggered to the front of Dong Zhongshu's mansion.
In front of Dong Zhongshu's mansion.
The strong man that Huo Yan hired was holding a large stone in his hand and facing the gate of Dong's mansion.
He was about the same height as a stone and waved his finger.
With a loud "boom".
The huge rock instantly smashed towards the gate of Dong Zhongshu's mansion, and the huge impact made the ground tremble slightly. Under the violent impact, wood chips flew everywhere, and a huge gap appeared in the gate.
The Confucian scholars attending the lecture in the palace were horrified and drew their weapons, rushing towards Huo Yan and his group. However, Huo Yan showed no fear. He stood still and looked coldly at those who rushed towards him.
Huo Qubing stood aside with a half-smile on his face, the dagger in his hand flashing coldly in the sunlight.
Dong Zhongshu also slowly stood up and walked towards the door. As soon as he came over, the crowd consciously made way for him, allowing him to face Huo Yan face to face.
"Ayan, why did you break into my house?"
Faced with such chaos, Dong Zhongshu's expression did not change, but his wrinkled face seemed to be even drier.
Huo Yan stepped forward, his face respectful. "I thought Master Dong had committed suicide and left the mansion, so I tried to avoid me several times. Today, I forced my way through the mansion door, hoping to save you. I didn't expect you to be here. If Master Dong doesn't mind, I'll compensate you right away."
These words were so outrageous that the other Confucian scholars were so angry that they wanted to step forward and scold him, but they were stopped by Dong Zhongshu.
"You can't argue with him." The old man sighed and turned to Huo Yan, saying, "If you're here because of Zhang Tang's bad reputation, then don't bother. He's a cruel official, and I won't help you."
Huo Yan sneered after hearing Dong Zhongshu's words, his sarcasm growing even stronger. "Master Dong, I doubt you understand that the majesty of the law needs to be upheld. During his tenure, Lord Zhang was free of corruption and committed very few wrongful convictions. Most of those he punished were those who deserved their punishment. You completely discredit his actions with the term 'cruel official'. How can this be the behavior of a gentleman?"
He bowed deeply and said loudly, "Besides, you are well aware of the rumors. He is not at fault at all. He has been blamed for all the bad reputation among the people. It is unfair! Master Dong is the head of the Confucian school, and Confucianism is now a prominent school of thought. Therefore, I ask Master Dong to clear his name!"
This is the first time I hear someone speaking out for the cruel officials.
They have all become cruel officials, serving as knives for His Majesty, trying to please the emperor. Their reputations have always been getting worse and worse. What good reputation do they still need?
This child is either crazy or stupid.
Dong Zhongshu looked at Huo Yan steadily. He certainly knew why Huo Yan was looking for him.
His reputation was high among Han scholars, and many of his Confucian disciples had been involved in the rumors, so he had been responsible for failing to oversee them. Furthermore, with his endorsement, those scholars would read it seriously. At least in this case, if he made an effort, he could clear Zhang Tang's name.
But is it necessary?
Zhang Tang's reputation was already bad, so what does it matter if he drew one more stroke or one less stroke?
Would he write an article for him and get involved in the mud of being a cruel official?
"Ah Yan, I have never seen a pearl thrown into the dust."
Since ancient times, few people associated with cruel officials have had a good reputation. I am extremely cautious, and you should also cherish yourself.
After a long while, the Confucian master spoke slowly.
He still likes to teach others.
Huo Yan stood up straight, his eyes like swords, meeting Dong Zhongshu. Finally, he chuckled, but his eyes were dark.
"A pearl should be free from the dust, illuminating the darkness for thousands of miles. Only then can it be a true pearl. If you are afraid of being covered in dust, then you are no more than a fish eye!"
The noise was so loud that passers-by stopped to watch. Dong Zhongshu was well-known, and Huo Yan was a ten-year-old boy with his hair still on. Everyone came to watch the fun, surrounding them in three layers of clothing, and listened silently to their argument.
Huo Yan looked at the crowd that was gathering more and more and gave Dong Zhongshu a provocative look.
Come on, continue arguing with me!
Dong Zhongshu was still as motionless as a turtle. No one could understand the look he cast at Huo Yan. In the end, he just closed his eyes, flicked his sleeves and left.
As soon as he left, those Confucian scholars all shook Huo Yan's sleeves and wanted to leave too. Huo Yan staggered a little and stood in the middle of the crowd, feeling quite lonely.
What I hate most is being treated coldly by others. Even though they are trying to borrow Dong Zhongshu's reputation, it's still very annoying. I want to kill them. Did they push me? So it's normal for me to hit them.
He muttered silently, and finally nodded slightly to the strong man. The strong man was stunned for a moment, and finally roared, picked up a smaller stone, and smashed it towards the departing Confucian scholars. Seeing this, the Confucian scholars hurriedly dodged and their formation was in chaos.
Huo Qubing looked at the chaos coldly without saying a word, but just pointed the dagger at the angry coward.
Dong Zhongshu stood there with a gloomy expression on his face. The smile shifted to Huo Yan's face. He also swung his sleeves heavily, stood on a high place, and began to loudly explain to the gathered crowd why Zhang Tang arrested people. He even used this incident to popularize the harmful influence of those articles at that time.
There were many people coming and going in Chang'an, including scholars and more peddlers.
Huo Yan's fair complexion and delicate appearance, with his hair still tangled, made him endearing. Adding to his witty mannerisms, the crowd didn't seem bored, and they soon struck up a conversation with him in front of the broken door of the Dong residence. Huo Yan didn't mind the dirt on their bodies; he answered their questions with a smile.
When someone asked him why he was banging on the door, Huo Yan put his hands in his pockets and told the truth. He said he wanted to find Dong Zhongshu to prove it, but he was clearly at home and didn't see me. I was annoyed, so I thought about breaking down the door so that I could see him. Unfortunately, Dong Zhongshu was a fish eye, not a pearl.
The people of that time believed in the Gongyang School of Thought, emphasizing that even a grudge spanning ten generations could be avenged. Compared to later generations, the local culture was much more ruthless. Killing one's enemies with a sword was considered a heroic act.
Therefore, although Huo Yan was young, his chivalrous spirit made everyone laugh, and many knights even wanted to give him swords to appreciate his righteous act.
Huo Yan refused, took out the tickets he had prepared, and distributed them one by one. He then said to everyone, "I'm booking the entire theater for everyone to watch the show. Anyone who has time later, please stay."
Huo Yan was surrounded by the crowd and walked forward.
When Huo Qubing saw this scene, the corners of his mouth rose slightly. He put down his hand that was gesturing with the dagger, clasped his hands in front of his chest, and continued strolling. However, he asked the strongman to throw the stone again in front of the Confucian scholars who had stopped and listened attentively.
Dong Zhongshu stood in front of the broken door, motionless.
Huo Qubing stepped forward, bowed, and then forcefully pulled his hand open. He took out a golden pill awarded by Emperor Wu of Han from his purse and placed it in his palm.
"Mr. Dong, please build a stronger door this time. Otherwise, it will be swords next time."
This was Dong Zhongshu's first direct confrontation with him. Even though they looked similar, he and Huo Yan were completely different. Huo Yan was cunning, his temperament unpredictable, and a formidable opponent, evident at first glance. But this kid stood there with a carefree air, a haughty expression. He was very arrogant, so he wasn't cunning, didn't hide his intentions, because there was no need. This made him even more difficult, because he spoke the truth.
A nail is a nail, and a rivet is a rivet.
What he says is what he means, and his actions are as strong as thunder.
Dong Zhongshu took a deep breath, feeling a rare sense of grievance in his heart.
Last time, your brother used the Han youth to lure me in and borrow my influence. This time, he can only help me clear Zhang Tang's name.
Now you still feel that he has suffered a great injustice and come to provoke him.
This is really outrageous!
"This is outrageous! This is too much! I will go to see His Majesty and report you!"
Huo Qubing glanced at him, then turned around and followed Huo Yan away.
Huo Yan also turned around and called the strong man to follow him, with a provocative look.
You go ahead, I’m just afraid that you old guy won’t go.
Dong Zhongshu was so angry that he fell backwards and immediately went to find Liu Che.
Your Majesty, your child is lawless, do you know that?
If they continue like this, they will be at the top of the Chang'an playboy list.
After hearing this, Liu Che was actually eager to try it out. He asked Dong Zhongshu, "How much money did Ah Yan give you?"
It's interesting that a golden pill can knock people down.
Dong Zhongshu could clearly understand the hidden meaning in his words. The old man was so angry that his beard was shaking and he wanted to find Wei Qing.
Just as he turned his head and looked around, he saw his Majesty with a smile on his face, "Zhongqing has gone to fight the Xiongnu."
You can’t find it, you can’t find it, hahaha, now you know how I feel when I’m angry.
You know what, it feels good to see others suffer losses.
His expression was almost identical to Huo Yan's. Dong Zhongshu felt a lump in his throat, and then he heard the emperor at the top say to his attendants, "Ayan is staging a new play, and it's free. I'll go take a look."
Dong Zhongshu came back to life from anger.
Liu Che smiled, changed into casual clothes, and pulled his hand to go watch the show.
"Mr. Dong, it's a good opportunity. He has booked the whole place today. If you order more food, he won't be able to complain."
Dong Zhongshu was old and weak, and could not struggle free, so he was dragged and half-pulled to the theater.
Liu Che took out his card, and then both of them were turned away.
"The Lord said that from today on, Dong Zhongshu will not be allowed in."
Liu Che said decisively, "Who said he was Dong Zhongshu? He is Dong Zhongshu's brother, Dong Zishu."
He was so certain in his words that the guard became unsure.
The two sides reached a stalemate.
It was not until Dongfang Shuo, who was sent by Huo Yan to spread the news, was captured by Liu Che and forced to prove that Dong Zhongshu was not Dong Zhongshu, that they were able to enter.
Once inside, you're squeezed like a can of sardines.
The hall was filled with people sitting on bamboo benches, and everyone was staring at the stage, cursing one after another.
The story performed on stage was actually a short story written by Sima Qian.
The plot revolves around an old doctor named Lü Guo, who has two sons. To seize the family throne, the younger son bribes scoundrels to spread rumors about his older brother's shady background among the nobility and in places like the marketplace. Upon hearing this, a man named Bo Yang urges the older son to stop the rumors, but he refuses to listen. The spread of the rumors casts doubt on his position, and the younger son seizes the throne and kills Bo Yang. He is then murdered himself by his own methods.
This thing can make the living look dead and the dead look alive.
Liu Che turned around and left. It would be better not to take advantage of this opportunity, so as to avoid being bullied!
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