Chapter 133
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
They should’ve been entering the slack season as winter approached, and yet that winter, Shangdang was unusually busy. The new policies prescribed by the Grand Administrator’s Mansion to each county dictated that the collection of the autumn harvest tax would be postponed; to first use a portion of it to take in refugees, build strongholds, repair cities, and, if they could afford to, reclaim fallow fields, increasing the amount of government farmland.
For this, the commandery government had sent petty officials to monitor and maintain stability in every county. Additionally, one hundred horses and quite a few agricultural implements were dispensed to each county for the refugees to use in cultivating new farmland. Blueprints for the construction of strongholds, waterwheels, and other such irrigation infrastructure, and detailed information about how to run work-relief projects, were delivered to the county magistrates.
Everyone thought those were ludicrous orders. It must be said, that the whole of Bing Province was under threat of Xiongnu invasion. Liu Xuan had already conducted ceremonial sacrifices to Heaven on the southern outskirts of Lishi; it would only be a matter of days before he ascended the throne and founded his dynasty. Shangdang, located on a vital causeway, would be face-to-face with the great Xiongnu armies. This was the kind of place people rushed to get away from. Would anyone be able to keep calm and carry on working?
Forget orders from the Grand Administrator’s Mansion, not even the Emperor’s imperial decrees were guaranteed to take effect!
But to the noble families’ surprise, the lowly and anxious common people actually accepted those arrangements; for the sole reason that, traveling with the orders, was word of the victory over Xiongnu cavalry at Lu City.
Rumor had it that they’d slaughtered three or four thousand of them in one go! These horses had been seized from the battlefield, and that was why they’d been provided to them to cultivate fallow fields. Those marauding Xiongnu soldiers were simply no match for the new grand administrator’s military prowess. And some even said that His Excellency was the incarnation of the Medicine Buddha, that the wicked knaves who’d dared offend him had all been smote by lightning and falling stars!
This and similar sayings had begun gradually spreading throughout the counties, perhaps intentionally. Everyone saw how those warhorses were being used as farm cattle. And many who’d passed by Lu City had seen the terrifying corpse monument. Plus, the stories of how the Jinyang plague had been suppressed, which had spread even further now, only further reinforced the people’s belief that it was a buddha’s incarnation that presiding in the commandery capital, shielding them from the dreadful devastation of war and pestilence.
Bing Province wasn’t safe, but it wasn’t in imminent danger. No one wanted to leave their ancestral homeland if they had the choice. Moreover, the conflict in Si Province was still simmering, another peasant uprising was going on in Yan Province, and there were merciless yellow-haired Xianbei were running amok in You Province. Where could they even run to? They would rather live under His Excellency Liang’s governance than become wandering vagrants bereft of hearth and home. At least here, the county officials would provide relief aid and coordinate the building of protective strongholds. The waterwheels and farming tools, especially, would ensure next year’s harvest.
In these uncertain times, even the slightest sliver of hope was a bottomless source of courage. Thus, the commoners didn’t question the seemingly ridiculous policies. They obediently got to work and gave their all for that one chance at survival.
Now, even the detached, spectating nobility were interested in the new grand administrator of Shangdang. Some flew into action at once.
Za. Qfl, Vertel Ujnlilbc.
Ktja vjs, Llr Szmfiifcms Oljcu tfiv j yjcdefa obg atf olgra alwf, jr lo la’v bcis pera bmmeggfv ab tlw, akb wbcatr joafg tf’v’ ajxfc tlr qbra. Lf kjr mfgajlcis bcf-bo-j-xlcv lc atja gfrqfma. Pc rqlaf bo atja, atf cbyifr tjv cba j kbgv bo mbwqijlca jybea atf gjatfg ecwjccfgis cfk ugjcv jvwlclragjabg, jcv cbg vlv atfs qea bc iboas jlgr, jii bo atfw tjnlcu uijvis jmmfqafv tlr lcnlajalbc.
The reason was simple: this grand administrator’s story seemed straight out of legend.
Before, the dream-vision he’d received from Buddha, the disease control measures in Jinyang, and his refusal of an appointment to the general staff, had already put him center stage. Who could’ve imagined that he would then, with only a few tens of people, expel the Prince of Chengdu’s meddling agents from Shangdang, retake three passes, and single-handedly pave the way for the Duke of Dongying and his army’s return. That he was able to deal with the upheaval so neatly and cleanly already distinguished him as a rare luminary. But what’s more amazing was the subsequent Battle of Lu City. Breaking the enemy encampment, sending thousands of elite Xiongnu soldiers into panicked flight, in one night, using only the few hundred soldiers of the commandery capital? It was a downright miracle!
And that was without mentioning his establishing of an academy, his recruiting of able talents, and his various policies, e.g. ordering the counties to accept refugees; all of which was already conspicuous enough. When the opportunity to satisfy their curiosity and meet him personally presented itself in the form of a banquet invitation, who could resist the temptation?
As it was the start of winter, the charmingly aesthetic greenery of Mt. Wei was withered and dried, a scene of desolation. Liang Feng, too, was not flamboyantly dressed; black robes, a xiǎoguān, white socks, plain shoes; cast against the bleak backdrop, there was a singular grace about him.
He was no longer the white-robed fifth-order marquess whom anyone could pass judgement upon anymore. No matter how plainly he dressed, no one would express disdain for it. Still, some privately speculated that His Excellency Liang must truly be in serious financial straits, or else why would he make a laughingstock of himself by selling scriptures and paper? A grand administrator like him would not likely give any meaningful consideration to the gentry.
The divide between the aristocratic and the lowborn was a river without a bridge. Some of them already found it objectionable that Liang Feng, a person born into middling aristocracy, would use lowborn scholars so extensively. And his economical, penny-pinching only made them even more uncomfortable. Shangdang would not be easy to bring to heel if he continued to favor the lowborn in every respect.
As the head of a commandery, Liang Feng spoke first, “I have been too busy as of late, and found it difficult to make time. I do beg your pardon, gentlemen.”
To the side, Li Hao smiled, “You are too modest, Your Excellency. Governing the commandery and fending off enemy cavalry is far more important than idle amusements. Would we be able to enjoy this peace if not for Your Excellency’s single-minded dedication to work? ”
Li Hao was born to the Tongdi Li family, the most preeminent family in all of Shangdang. His ancestor Li Xi had once been the Censor-in-Chief of Wei. After the Sima replaced Wei with their own dynasty, he held the position of Grand Master of the Palace. And after his death, he was posthumously granted the title of Grand Guardian. Thus, despite not having entered the officialdom yet, his status was still a step or two above the rest.
His words seemed like praise, but there was a hint of something else in the undertone. As a grand administrator, Liang Feng had indeed ignored the noble families for too long.
Liang Feng smiled wryly, “Those are naught but worldly affairs. Today’s banquet, I wish to enjoy with you gentlemen.”
It sounded like a change of topic and perhaps an implied invitation to govern Shangdang together. No one in attendance was the type of crass boor to spoil the fun, so naturally, they leisurely went to take their seats.
Once everyone was seated, the maidservants began serving tea. A few people audibly gasped when they took a closer look at their teacups. Those were no ordinary earthenware or celadon cups, but genuine white porcelain! A lotus bud cup with a winding branch handle, they were both exquisite and elegant. What’s more, the near perfect likeness between every cup was further testament to the potterer’s workmanship.
This white porcelain tea set could buy a city! Of the those who’d held secret scorn for him, which of them dared look down on him now? Liang Feng genially explained, as if he didn’t know what they were sighing over, “The finest tea leaves, steeped in mountain spring water, ungarnished by scallion, onion, salt, and other such flavors. Savoring the richness of the tea itself is a pleasure in its own way.”
Just the sight of verdant tea leaves resting in light green tea water at the bottom of a snow-white cup was breathtakingly beautiful. Its taste was sweet and bitter interwoven, one that lingered on the tongue. Of the gathered nobles, were there any whose family could not afford spices and flavoring? Yet, in removing those expensive ingredients, the tea gained a quality of refreshing purity, natural and untouched as the person sitting at the head seat.
“I hadn’t expected Your Excellency to have interest in such refined pursuits. Only after this did I understand the true taste of tea,” someone piped up.
Liang Feng was certain that not everyone had a taste for this kind of plain tea, but when it came to posturing, uniqueness and originality was king. And besides, it wasn’t the tea he was trying to advertise.
With a cup of tea to start things off, the atmosphere gradually livened. The delicacies, delectable and intriguing, were as superb as that of any official banquet. The host shared drinks and made intellectual conversation with them, without any interrogative intent. His extraordinary inborn beauty and the character he displayed captivated them such that, by the end of the meal, most had silently acknowledged that he was indeed a noble.
The recognition of social class solidarity overshadowed most everything else. After all, they were of too high a status to curry favor with a grand administrator. In fact, most of them had the potential to become grand administrator themselves. On the contrary, they were the ones wanting and expecting respect and reliance from him.
Nothing business or political was spoken of at all during the banquet, giving the guests a renewed appreciation of the grand administrator’s demeanor. Although, those who preferred to hold jade ruyi or feathered fans, he had only a string of prayer beads which he would occasionally turn in the course of theoretical discourse. On account of the barbarian monks who had migrated to the Central Plains, prayer beads were uncommon but not unknown. It was rare, however, for them to be worn around the wrist.
Someone asked, as if their curiosity had gotten the better of them, “Your Excellency, may I ask if the string of beads you hold is a Buddhist custom?”
The question was somewhat impolite, but Liang Feng didn’t take offense, “These are prayer beads, reduced in number from one hundred and eight to thirty-six, for ease of carrying. Its purpose is in the restraint of body and mind, and the accumulation of wisdom. A trivial practice it may be, but does add to one’s merit.”
Despite the lightness of his tone, most of the guests’ attention was focused on the prayer beads. Unlike other prayer beads, this one was mostly comprised by jade; their delicate carvings and glossy surface emphasizing the thinness of his delicate wrist. Between the beads of jade were distinctive beads of red and green color, that upon closer inspection resembled lazuli.
Was it truly lazuli? How were they so round and clear? Those questions, though, could hardly be asked in public company. The conversation shifted back to Buddhist dharma. Since they’d come prepared, most of them could say a thing or two; many had even done some study on the Diamond Sutra.
Liang Feng spoke with them all, his face a mask of tranquility. He turned the beads slightly more often, keeping the lazuli beads within the guests’ view.
The banquet lasted into the afternoon, the host and guests having had their fill of merriment. Everyone descended Mt. Wei and, one after another, began their journey home. Liang Feng had hardly embarked his carriage before a guard quietly reported, “Your Excellency, the Xue and Wei families request to meet you.”
Arranging a meeting immediately after the meal was finished, and those two in particular, at that? Liang Feng smiled, “Invite the two to accompany me to my estate for further discussion then.”
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
They should’ve been entering the slack season as winter approached, and yet that winter, Shangdang was unusually busy. The new policies prescribed by the Grand Administrator’s Mansion to each county dictated that the collection of the autumn harvest tax would be postponed; to first use a portion of it to take in refugees, build strongholds, repair cities, and, if they could afford to, reclaim fallow fields, increasing the amount of government farmland.
For this, the commandery government had sent petty officials to monitor and maintain stability in every county. Additionally, one hundred horses and quite a few agricultural implements were dispensed to each county for the refugees to use in cultivating new farmland. Blueprints for the construction of strongholds, waterwheels, and other such irrigation infrastructure, and detailed information about how to run work-relief projects, were delivered to the county magistrates.
Everyone thought those were ludicrous orders. It must be said, that the whole of Bing Province was under threat of Xiongnu invasion. Liu Xuan had already conducted ceremonial sacrifices to Heaven on the southern outskirts of Lishi; it would only be a matter of days before he ascended the throne and founded his dynasty. Shangdang, located on a vital causeway, would be face-to-face with the great Xiongnu armies. This was the kind of place people rushed to get away from. Would anyone be able to keep calm and carry on working?
Forget orders from the Grand Administrator’s Mansion, not even the Emperor’s imperial decrees were guaranteed to take effect!
But to the noble families’ surprise, the lowly and anxious common people actually accepted those arrangements; for the sole reason that, traveling with the orders, was word of the victory over Xiongnu cavalry at Lu City.
Rumor had it that they’d slaughtered three or four thousand of them in one go! These horses had been seized from the battlefield, and that was why they’d been provided to them to cultivate fallow fields. Those marauding Xiongnu soldiers were simply no match for the new grand administrator’s military prowess. And some even said that His Excellency was the incarnation of the Medicine Buddha, that the wicked knaves who’d dared offend him had all been smote by lightning and falling stars!
This and similar sayings had begun gradually spreading throughout the counties, perhaps intentionally. Everyone saw how those warhorses were being used as farm cattle. And many who’d passed by Lu City had seen the terrifying corpse monument. Plus, the stories of how the Jinyang plague had been suppressed, which had spread even further now, only further reinforced the people’s belief that it was a buddha’s incarnation that presiding in the commandery capital, shielding them from the dreadful devastation of war and pestilence.
Bing Province wasn’t safe, but it wasn’t in imminent danger. No one wanted to leave their ancestral homeland if they had the choice. Moreover, the conflict in Si Province was still simmering, another peasant uprising was going on in Yan Province, and there were merciless yellow-haired Xianbei were running amok in You Province. Where could they even run to? They would rather live under His Excellency Liang’s governance than become wandering vagrants bereft of hearth and home. At least here, the county officials would provide relief aid and coordinate the building of protective strongholds. The waterwheels and farming tools, especially, would ensure next year’s harvest.
In these uncertain times, even the slightest sliver of hope was a bottomless source of courage. Thus, the commoners didn’t question the seemingly ridiculous policies. They obediently got to work and gave their all for that one chance at survival.
Now, even the detached, spectating nobility were interested in the new grand administrator of Shangdang. Some flew into action at once.
Za. Qfl, Vertel Ujnlilbc.
Ktja vjs, Llr Szmfiifcms Oljcu tfiv j yjcdefa obg atf olgra alwf, jr lo la’v bcis pera bmmeggfv ab tlw, akb wbcatr joafg tf’v’ ajxfc tlr qbra. Lf kjr mfgajlcis bcf-bo-j-xlcv lc atja gfrqfma. Pc rqlaf bo atja, atf cbyifr tjv cba j kbgv bo mbwqijlca jybea atf gjatfg ecwjccfgis cfk ugjcv jvwlclragjabg, jcv cbg vlv atfs qea bc iboas jlgr, jii bo atfw tjnlcu uijvis jmmfqafv tlr lcnlajalbc.
The reason was simple: this grand administrator’s story seemed straight out of legend.
Before, the dream-vision he’d received from Buddha, the disease control measures in Jinyang, and his refusal of an appointment to the general staff, had already put him center stage. Who could’ve imagined that he would then, with only a few tens of people, expel the Prince of Chengdu’s meddling agents from Shangdang, retake three passes, and single-handedly pave the way for the Duke of Dongying and his army’s return. That he was able to deal with the upheaval so neatly and cleanly already distinguished him as a rare luminary. But what’s more amazing was the subsequent Battle of Lu City. Breaking the enemy encampment, sending thousands of elite Xiongnu soldiers into panicked flight, in one night, using only the few hundred soldiers of the commandery capital? It was a downright miracle!
And that was without mentioning his establishing of an academy, his recruiting of able talents, and his various policies, e.g. ordering the counties to accept refugees; all of which was already conspicuous enough. When the opportunity to satisfy their curiosity and meet him personally presented itself in the form of a banquet invitation, who could resist the temptation?
As it was the start of winter, the charmingly aesthetic greenery of Mt. Wei was withered and dried, a scene of desolation. Liang Feng, too, was not flamboyantly dressed; black robes, a xiǎoguān, white socks, plain shoes; cast against the bleak backdrop, there was a singular grace about him.
He was no longer the white-robed fifth-order marquess whom anyone could pass judgement upon anymore. No matter how plainly he dressed, no one would express disdain for it. Still, some privately speculated that His Excellency Liang must truly be in serious financial straits, or else why would he make a laughingstock of himself by selling scriptures and paper? A grand administrator like him would not likely give any meaningful consideration to the gentry.
The divide between the aristocratic and the lowborn was a river without a bridge. Some of them already found it objectionable that Liang Feng, a person born into middling aristocracy, would use lowborn scholars so extensively. And his economical, penny-pinching only made them even more uncomfortable. Shangdang would not be easy to bring to heel if he continued to favor the lowborn in every respect.
As the head of a commandery, Liang Feng spoke first, “I have been too busy as of late, and found it difficult to make time. I do beg your pardon, gentlemen.”
To the side, Li Hao smiled, “You are too modest, Your Excellency. Governing the commandery and fending off enemy cavalry is far more important than idle amusements. Would we be able to enjoy this peace if not for Your Excellency’s single-minded dedication to work? ”
Li Hao was born to the Tongdi Li family, the most preeminent family in all of Shangdang. His ancestor Li Xi had once been the Censor-in-Chief of Wei. After the Sima replaced Wei with their own dynasty, he held the position of Grand Master of the Palace. And after his death, he was posthumously granted the title of Grand Guardian. Thus, despite not having entered the officialdom yet, his status was still a step or two above the rest.
His words seemed like praise, but there was a hint of something else in the undertone. As a grand administrator, Liang Feng had indeed ignored the noble families for too long.
Liang Feng smiled wryly, “Those are naught but worldly affairs. Today’s banquet, I wish to enjoy with you gentlemen.”
It sounded like a change of topic and perhaps an implied invitation to govern Shangdang together. No one in attendance was the type of crass boor to spoil the fun, so naturally, they leisurely went to take their seats.
Once everyone was seated, the maidservants began serving tea. A few people audibly gasped when they took a closer look at their teacups. Those were no ordinary earthenware or celadon cups, but genuine white porcelain! A lotus bud cup with a winding branch handle, they were both exquisite and elegant. What’s more, the near perfect likeness between every cup was further testament to the potterer’s workmanship.
This white porcelain tea set could buy a city! Of the those who’d held secret scorn for him, which of them dared look down on him now? Liang Feng genially explained, as if he didn’t know what they were sighing over, “The finest tea leaves, steeped in mountain spring water, ungarnished by scallion, onion, salt, and other such flavors. Savoring the richness of the tea itself is a pleasure in its own way.”
Just the sight of verdant tea leaves resting in light green tea water at the bottom of a snow-white cup was breathtakingly beautiful. Its taste was sweet and bitter interwoven, one that lingered on the tongue. Of the gathered nobles, were there any whose family could not afford spices and flavoring? Yet, in removing those expensive ingredients, the tea gained a quality of refreshing purity, natural and untouched as the person sitting at the head seat.
“I hadn’t expected Your Excellency to have interest in such refined pursuits. Only after this did I understand the true taste of tea,” someone piped up.
Liang Feng was certain that not everyone had a taste for this kind of plain tea, but when it came to posturing, uniqueness and originality was king. And besides, it wasn’t the tea he was trying to advertise.
With a cup of tea to start things off, the atmosphere gradually livened. The delicacies, delectable and intriguing, were as superb as that of any official banquet. The host shared drinks and made intellectual conversation with them, without any interrogative intent. His extraordinary inborn beauty and the character he displayed captivated them such that, by the end of the meal, most had silently acknowledged that he was indeed a noble.
The recognition of social class solidarity overshadowed most everything else. After all, they were of too high a status to curry favor with a grand administrator. In fact, most of them had the potential to become grand administrator themselves. On the contrary, they were the ones wanting and expecting respect and reliance from him.
Nothing business or political was spoken of at all during the banquet, giving the guests a renewed appreciation of the grand administrator’s demeanor. Although, those who preferred to hold jade ruyi or feathered fans, he had only a string of prayer beads which he would occasionally turn in the course of theoretical discourse. On account of the barbarian monks who had migrated to the Central Plains, prayer beads were uncommon but not unknown. It was rare, however, for them to be worn around the wrist.
Someone asked, as if their curiosity had gotten the better of them, “Your Excellency, may I ask if the string of beads you hold is a Buddhist custom?”
The question was somewhat impolite, but Liang Feng didn’t take offense, “These are prayer beads, reduced in number from one hundred and eight to thirty-six, for ease of carrying. Its purpose is in the restraint of body and mind, and the accumulation of wisdom. A trivial practice it may be, but does add to one’s merit.”
Despite the lightness of his tone, most of the guests’ attention was focused on the prayer beads. Unlike other prayer beads, this one was mostly comprised by jade; their delicate carvings and glossy surface emphasizing the thinness of his delicate wrist. Between the beads of jade were distinctive beads of red and green color, that upon closer inspection resembled lazuli.
Was it truly lazuli? How were they so round and clear? Those questions, though, could hardly be asked in public company. The conversation shifted back to Buddhist dharma. Since they’d come prepared, most of them could say a thing or two; many had even done some study on the Diamond Sutra.
Liang Feng spoke with them all, his face a mask of tranquility. He turned the beads slightly more often, keeping the lazuli beads within the guests’ view.
The banquet lasted into the afternoon, the host and guests having had their fill of merriment. Everyone descended Mt. Wei and, one after another, began their journey home. Liang Feng had hardly embarked his carriage before a guard quietly reported, “Your Excellency, the Xue and Wei families request to meet you.”
Arranging a meeting immediately after the meal was finished, and those two in particular, at that? Liang Feng smiled, “Invite the two to accompany me to my estate for further discussion then.”
They should've been entering the slack season as winter approached, and yet that winter, Shangdang was unusually busy. The new policies prescribed by the Grand Administrator's Mansion to each county dictated that the collection of the autumn harvest tax would be postponed; to first use a portion of it to take in refugees, build strongholds, repair cities, and, if they could afford to, reclaim fallow fields, increasing the amount of government farmland.For this, the commandery government had sent petty officials to monitor and maintain stability in every county. Additionally, one hundred horses and quite a few agricultural implements were dispensed to each county for the refugees to use in cultivating new farmland. Blueprints for the construction of strongholds, waterwheels, and other such irrigation infrastructure, and detailed information about how to run work-relief projects, were delivered to the county magistrates.Everyone thought those were ludicrous orders. It must be said, that the whole of Bing Province was under threat of Xiongnu invasion. Liu Xuan had already conducted ceremonial sacrifices to Heaven on the southern outskirts of Lishi; it would only be a matter of days before he ascended the throne and founded his dynasty. Shangdang, located on a vital causeway, would be face-to-face with the great Xiongnu armies. This was the kind of place people rushed to get away from. Would anyone be able to keep calm and carry on working?Forget orders from the Grand Administrator's Mansion, not even the Emperor's imperial decrees were guaranteed to take effect!But to the noble families' surprise, the lowly and anxious common people actually accepted those arrangements; for the sole reason that, traveling with the orders, was word of the victory over Xiongnu cavalry at Lu City.Rumor had it that they'd slaughtered three or four thousand of them in one go! These horses had been seized from the battlefield, and that was why they'd been provided to them to cultivate fallow fields. Those marauding Xiongnu soldiers were simply no match for the new grand administrator's military prowess. And some even said that His Excellency was the incarnation of the Medicine Buddha, that the wicked knaves who'd dared offend him had all been smote by lightning and falling stars!This and similar sayings had begun gradually spreading throughout the counties, perhaps intentionally. Everyone saw how those warhorses were being used as farm cattle. And many who'd passed by Lu City had seen the terrifying corpse monument. Plus, the stories of how the Jinyang plague had been suppressed, which had spread even further now, only further reinforced the people's belief that it was a buddha's incarnation that presiding in the commandery capital, shielding them from the dreadful devastation of war and pestilence.Bing Province wasn't safe, but it wasn't in imminent danger. No one wanted to leave their ancestral homeland if they had the choice. Moreover, the conflict in Si Province was still simmering, another peasant uprising was going on in Yan Province, and there were merciless yellow-haired Xianbei were running amok in You Province. Where could they even run to? They would rather live under His Excellency Liang's governance than become wandering vagrants bereft of hearth and home. At least here, the county officials would provide relief aid and coordinate the building of protective strongholds. The waterwheels and farming tools, especially, would ensure next year's harvest.In these uncertain times, even the slightest sliver of hope was a bottomless source of courage. Thus, the commoners didn't question the seemingly ridiculous policies. They obediently got to work and gave their all for that one chance at survival.Now, even the detached, spectating nobility were interested in the new grand administrator of Shangdang. Some flew into action at once.Za. Qfl, Vertel Ujnlilbc.Ktja vjs, Llr Szmfiifcms Oljcu tfiv j yjcdefa obg atf olgra alwf, jr lo la'v bcis pera bmmeggfv ab tlw, akb wbcatr joafg tf'v' ajxfc tlr qbra. Lf kjr mfgajlcis bcf-bo-j-xlcv lc atja gfrqfma. Pc rqlaf bo atja, atf cbyifr tjv cba j kbgv bo mbwqijlca jybea atf gjatfg ecwjccfgis cfk ugjcv jvwlclragjabg, jcv cbg vlv atfs qea bc iboas jlgr, jii bo atfw tjnlcu uijvis jmmfqafv tlr lcnlajalbc.The reason was simple: this grand administrator's story seemed straight out of legend.Before, the dream-vision he'd received from Buddha, the disease control measures in Jinyang, and his refusal of an appointment to the general staff, had already put him center stage. Who could've imagined that he would then, with only a few tens of people, expel the Prince of Chengdu's meddling agents from Shangdang, retake three passes, and single-handedly pave the way for the Duke of Dongying and his army's return. That he was able to deal with the upheaval so neatly and cleanly already distinguished him as a rare luminary. But what's more amazing was the subsequent Battle of Lu City. Breaking the enemy encampment, sending thousands of elite Xiongnu soldiers into panicked flight, in one night, using only the few hundred soldiers of the commandery capital? It was a downright miracle!And that was without mentioning his establishing of an academy, his recruiting of able talents, and his various policies, e.g. ordering the counties to accept refugees; all of which was already conspicuous enough. When the opportunity to satisfy their curiosity and meet him personally presented itself in the form of a banquet invitation, who could resist the temptation?As it was the start of winter, the charmingly aesthetic greenery of Mt. Wei was withered and dried, a scene of desolation. Liang Feng, too, was not flamboyantly dressed; black robes, axiogun, white socks, plain shoes; cast against the bleak backdrop, there was a singular grace about him.He was no longer the white-robed fifth-order marquess whom anyone could pass judgement upon anymore. No matter how plainly he dressed, no one would express disdain for it. Still, some privately speculated that His Excellency Liang must truly be in serious financial straits, or else why would he make a laughingstock of himself by selling scriptures and paper? A grand administrator like him would not likely give any meaningful consideration to the gentry.The divide between the aristocratic and the lowborn was a river without a bridge. Some of them already found it objectionable that Liang Feng, a person born into middling aristocracy, would use lowborn scholars so extensively. And his economical, penny-pinching only made them even more uncomfortable. Shangdang would not be easy to bring to heel if he continued to favor the lowborn in every respect.As the head of a commandery, Liang Feng spoke first, I have been too busy as of late, and found it difficult to make time. I do beg your pardon, gentlemen.To the side, Li Hao smiled, You are too modest, Your Excellency. Governing the commandery and fending off enemy cavalry is far more important than idle amusements. Would we be able to enjoy this peace if not for Your Excellency's single-minded dedication to work? Li Hao was born to the Tongdi Li family, the most preeminent family in all of Shangdang. His ancestor Li Xi had once been the Censor-in-Chief ofWei. After the Sima replaced Wei with their own dynasty, he held the position ofGrand Master of the Palace. And after his death, he was posthumously granted the title ofGrand Guardian. Thus, despite not having entered the officialdom yet, his status was still a step or two above the rest.His words seemed like praise, but there was a hint of something else in the undertone. As a grand administrator, Liang Feng had indeed ignored the noble families for too long.Liang Feng smiled wryly, Those are naught but worldly affairs. Today's banquet, I wish to enjoy with you gentlemen.It sounded like a change of topic and perhaps an implied invitation to govern Shangdang together. No one in attendance was the type of crass boor to spoil the fun, so naturally, they leisurely went to take their seats.Once everyone was seated, the maidservants began serving tea. A few people audibly gasped when they took a closer look at their teacups. Those were no ordinary earthenware or celadon cups, but genuine white porcelain! A lotus bud cup with a winding branch handle, they were both exquisite and elegant. What's more, the near perfect likeness between every cup was further testament to the potterer's workmanship.This white porcelain tea set could buy a city! Of the those who'd held secret scorn for him, which of them dared look down on him now? Liang Feng genially explained, as if he didn't know what they were sighing over, The finest tea leaves, steeped in mountain spring water, ungarnished by scallion, onion, salt, and other such flavors. Savoring the richness of the tea itself is a pleasure in its own way.Just the sight of verdant tea leaves resting in light green tea water at the bottom of a snow-white cup was breathtakingly beautiful. Its taste was sweet and bitter interwoven, one that lingered on the tongue. Of the gathered nobles, were there any whose family could not afford spices and flavoring? Yet, in removing those expensive ingredients, the tea gained a quality of refreshing purity, natural and untouched as the person sitting at the head seat.I hadn't expected Your Excellency to have interest in such refined pursuits. Only after this did I understand the true taste of tea, someone piped up.Liang Feng was certain that not everyone had a taste for this kind of plain tea, but when it came to posturing, uniqueness and originality was king. And besides, it wasn't the tea he was trying to advertise.With a cup of tea to start things off, the atmosphere gradually livened. The delicacies, delectable and intriguing, were as superb as that of any official banquet. The host shared drinks and made intellectual conversation with them, without any interrogative intent. His extraordinary inborn beauty and the character he displayed captivated them such that, by the end of the meal, most had silently acknowledged that he was indeed a noble.The recognition of social class solidarity overshadowed most everything else. After all, they were of too high a status to curry favor with a grand administrator. In fact, most of them had the potential to become grand administrator themselves. On the contrary, they were the ones wanting and expecting respect and reliance from him.Nothing business or political was spoken of at all during the banquet, giving the guests a renewed appreciation of the grand administrator's demeanor. Although, those who preferred to hold jade ruyi or feathered fans, he had only a string of prayer beads which he would occasionally turn in the course of theoretical discourse. On account of the barbarian monks who had migrated to the Central Plains, prayer beads were uncommon but not unknown. It was rare, however, for them to be worn around the wrist.Someone asked, as if their curiosity had gotten the better of them, Your Excellency, may I ask if the string of beads you hold is a Buddhist custom?The question was somewhat impolite, but Liang Feng didn't take offense, These are prayer beads, reduced in number from one hundred and eight to thirty-six, for ease of carrying. Its purpose is in the restraint of body and mind, and the accumulation of wisdom. A trivial practice it may be, but does add to one's merit.Despite the lightness of his tone, most of the guests' attention was focused on the prayer beads. Unlike other prayer beads, this one was mostly comprised by jade; their delicate carvings and glossy surface emphasizing the thinness of his delicate wrist. Between the beads of jade were distinctive beads of red and green color, that upon closer inspection resembled lazuli.Was it truly lazuli? How were they so round and clear? Those questions, though, could hardly be asked in public company. The conversation shifted back to Buddhist dharma. Since they'd come prepared, most of them could say a thing or two; many had even done some study on theDiamond Sutra.Liang Feng spoke with them all, his face a mask of tranquility. He turned the beads slightly more often, keeping the lazuli beads within the guests' view.The banquet lasted into the afternoon, the host and guests having had their fill of merriment. Everyone descended Mt. Wei and, one after another, began their journey home. Liang Feng had hardly embarked his carriage before a guard quietly reported, Your Excellency, the Xue and Wei families request to meet you.Arranging a meeting immediately after the meal was finished, and those two in particular, at that? Liang Feng smiled, Invite the two to accompany me to my estate for further discussion then.
