Chapter 50: The Grand Principles of Etiquette

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PS: Seeking recommendation votes this Monday! I don’t want to fall too far behind.

The sight of an envoy from the imperial court arriving had been witnessed by those who had studied for years at Lu’s Cottage, so after Li Linfu and his entourage departed, the younger generation could not suppress their excitement and began to discuss fervently. Naturally, the elder students stepped forward to mock their naivety. Among them, one nearly forty years old scoffed, “Do you think Master Lu is like those mediocre fellows who treat seclusion as a shortcut to officialdom? The Sage summoned him several times before, yet Master Lu never responded. This time will be no exception!”

“But if the Emperor sincerely summons him and Master Lu refuses again, what if the Sage becomes angry?”

“Senior Brother isn’t here, and the other brothers have not yet returned to the mountain…”

Amidst these various opinions, Du Shiyi helped Lu Hong back to the thatched cottage. Seeing him holding the roll of white hemp paper and looking dazed, Du Shiyi carefully helped him sit on the couch and softly said, “Master Lu, for now, we managed to delay matters. Perhaps you should rest for a while and make your decision later.”

“When you declined Liu Zhao previously, he wasn’t sincere—your polite refusal, and he simply left. Before, the Sage summoned several times, but it was always a secretary sent down. This time, they sent an official of fifth rank or higher… Alas!” Lu Hong shook his head lightly, then handed the imperial summons to Du Shiyi. “You might as well read this summons yourself.”

Du Shiyi had only glimpsed a few words from behind earlier. Now, with Lu Hong’s permission, he quickly received the scroll and unfolded it slowly. Reading the short summons from beginning to end, discerning the depth of its words, he could not help but feel a heaviness in his heart.

Having studied with Lu Hong for over half a year, Du Shiyi knew his character well: indifferent to fame and fortune, teaching all without discrimination, gathering students in leisure to pose questions, hosting poetry and literary gatherings, exchanging poems with friends, finding joy in calligraphy and painting. He had his own insights on the governance of wise rulers and virtuous ministers, but he had absolutely no interest in officialdom or profit, so his refusal to answer the summons was sincere, not affected.

Thinking of this, he returned the summons and, seeing Lu Hong rubbing his brow in exhaustion, knew that staying would do little to comfort him, so he excused himself. After leaving the cottage and learning Lu Wangzhi still had not returned, he furrowed his brow and spent much time copying books in his room, but could not calm his mind.

Not until dusk did Lu Wangzhi finally return. Upon hearing that an imperial envoy had arrived in his absence, the usually carefree and informal senior brother also frowned deeply. Song Shen, Hou Xiao, and others returned one after another, and all were at a loss regarding the imperial summons delivered anew to the cottage. As the group gathered to discuss countermeasures, some advised Lu Hong to reluctantly accept the summons, others firmly insisted he should not, and the debate raged on. Only Lu Wangzhi and Du Shiyi remained silent.

That night, no one knew how many at the cottage tossed and turned, unable to sleep. So, early in the morning, Du Shiyi emerged with dark circles under his eyes and immediately saw Lu Wangzhi similarly weary. They exchanged glances, and Lu Wangzhi laughed, “I never thought even the cleverest of junior brothers would end up like this… Don’t overthink it. In short, last night I attended to Master Lu as he slept, and he’s made his decision. Since he never answered previous summons, there’s no reason to reluctantly accept now just because this summons is sterner. The Sage, after vanquishing the traitor Wei and restoring the realm, is a man of great talent and vision; surely he’s not so petty.”

Though he said this, Lu Hong proceeded as usual to lecture on the Book of Rites that day, yet Du Shiyi could not ease his worries. In the afternoon, he stood before the waterfall where the ice had melted and the water flowed less than during the rainy season, arms crossed and lost in thought. Only when the sound of hooves reached his ears did he turn to see a group of people approaching from the mountain path.

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He had thought it was Li Linfu’s party again, but upon closer look, the leader was just over twenty, burly and strong, clad in rustic yellow cloth, with others behind him dressed neatly, more like the retainers of a noble house. Indeed, soon someone shouted loudly, “The Cui family from Yongfeng Lane in the Eastern Capital has come to deliver New Year’s gifts to Master Lu!”

Learning that it was Cui Jianxuan, long absent, who had sent people, Du Shiyi hurried over. Yet Lu Wangzhi arrived first. Discovering that upon returning to the Eastern Capital, Cui Jianxuan had not sent ordinary retainers, but had instead entrusted Su Gui, the son of his wet nurse, with five or six trusted aides to deliver the gifts, Du Shiyi exchanged a meaningful glance with Lu Wangzhi. They asked no further questions and promptly led Su Gui to Lu Hong’s cottage. After Su Gui respectfully offered greetings and presented various gifts, he immediately spoke out the true purpose of his visit.

“Master Lu, Young Master Lu, Young Master Du, my lord sent me to the cottage first to deliver greetings and gifts, but also because of recent events. At the end of last year, Lord Yao submitted repeated petitions to resign and recommended Governor Song as his successor. Afterwards, Lord Yao and Lord Yuan were both dismissed from their positions, while Minister Song and Minister Su were appointed as ministers. The Sage originally planned to tour the Eastern Capital early this year, but unexpectedly, the ancestral temple collapsed. After Lord Yao advised, the tour proceeded as planned. Though Lord Yao retired, he still attends court every five days and remains honored. Just recently, he submitted a petition urging the provinces and counties to promote loyal and virtuous talents. Especially, he said that many worthy hermits reside in the wilds and should be summoned to office, so that no talent goes overlooked.”

Hearing this, Du Shiyi raised his brows, “Did he mention Master Lu?”

“Precisely.” Su Gui nodded respectfully. “Though there are many virtuous hermits living near the two capitals, none are more renowned than Master Lu. As soon as Lord Yao’s petition was presented, someone mentioned Master Lu, so the Sage immediately issued a summons.” He hesitated, then spoke frankly, “After my lord returned to the Eastern Capital, everyone knew he had studied under Master Lu. Lord Yao’s eldest son from the Benevolence Ward even came to inquire personally. Later, my lord learned the Sage planned to issue an edict to summon hermits and was eager to return, but the Lady suddenly fell ill. In the end, my lord had to send me with New Year’s gifts to deliver this message.”

“Eleventh Lord is thoughtful… Yesterday, the imperial summons arrived,” Lu Hong replied. Hearing this, Su Gui was greatly surprised. Seeing Du Shiyi’s bitter smile and Lu Wangzhi’s furrowed brow, he knew he had come too late. Still, he had delivered his message, so after paying his respects, he tactfully took his leave. Du Shiyi glanced at Lu Wangzhi, then rose to escort Su Gui out. Outside the cottage, he asked directly, “Did your lord give any other instructions before sending you?”

Su Gui seemed to expect this question. After glancing around, he lowered his voice, “Young Master Du, my lord said, letters aren’t suitable—so only a verbal message. At this point, he likely cannot return soon. You must persuade Master Lu. He has already declined three imperial summonses. If he refuses again, there will surely be criticism in court, and someone may use it to cause trouble. Please, do your utmost to advise Master Lu to reluctantly accept.”

“The imperial envoy this time, Li Linfu, is the nephew of Li Sixin, Duke of Peng and General of the Right Martial Guard—a member of the imperial clan. Though young, many nobles are his relatives, and he is a frequent guest at their mansions. If he returns unsuccessful, he will surely embellish the story before the powerful, which would be very unfavorable for Master Lu. My lord also said, among those who came with me, two will stay to attend Master Lu, so that they may accompany him to the Eastern Capital in the future.”

Hearing this, Du Shiyi raised his brows in surprise. Though Cui Jianxuan had little interest in scholarly lectures, he greatly respected Lu Hong. If not for family constraints, he would surely have slipped away—never to vanish completely. Considering the current Emperor Li Longji had been on the throne for several years, even Yao Chong resigned at will, showing the Emperor’s absolute authority. If he wished to forcibly summon a hermit, individual will would count for little. Still, Cui Jianxuan’s warning made sense, but the thoroughness of his analysis seemed unlike the Eleventh Lord Du Shiyi remembered.

Before Su Gui, he could not reveal his astonishment. After nodding, he asked Su Gui to convey a message to Cui Jianxuan: he would act according to circumstances. After Su Gui left two attendants, Du Shiyi watched the Cui family retinue disappear down the mountain path, lost in thought. At that moment, a voice came from behind.

“Did Eleventh Lord give you some message that’s made your face so grim?” Seeing Du Shiyi turn to look at him and then fall silent, Lu Wangzhi laughed, “I knew it! You and Eleventh Lord are inseparable, and now he sends someone to warn Master Lu, he must have given you extra instructions. Still, don’t worry too much. There are plenty who dream of rising high and fulfilling their ambitions, and plenty who simply pursue knowledge and teach all—Master Lu is the latter. Whatever happens in court is of no concern to those of the wilds.”

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Lu Wangzhi’s casual words made Du Shiyi laugh, “Senior brother, you’re truly open-minded!”

“It’s not open-mindedness, but desirelessness. Master Lu is the same. To navigate the world of court officials, bowing to others, that’s a life Master Lu would never choose!”

“How could one bend his brow and bow to the powerful, losing all joy… Though I’d like to agree, this matter is unlikely to be resolved so simply.”

Du Shiyi gave a bitter smile, then strode back to the cottage. Seeing Lu Hong sitting absent-mindedly, paying no attention to the pile of gift boxes beside him, Du Shiyi knelt respectfully before him and solemnly asked, “Master Lu’s repeated refusals to the imperial summons are praised throughout the land, but may I ask boldly, how many times have you declined now?”

Before Lu Hong could answer, Lu Wangzhi, entering behind Du Shiyi, replied, “Excluding this time, three in total.”

“Indeed, three times. Three polite refusals, yet the Sage takes no offense. Now, once more, a grand envoy arrives bearing gifts. If word spreads, all will say the Sage is eager for talent, but Master Lu may gain a reputation for arrogance. Moreover, this time the summons is sterner, and with the turbulence in court, even those in the wilds may not remain untouched. Though Master Lu is indifferent to fame and fortune, as the summons and Li Linfu said, ritual has its grand principles, the duty between ruler and subject cannot be abandoned. If you keep refusing, some day others will surely reproach you.”

Hearing footsteps behind him, Du Shiyi knew Lu Wangzhi had entered. Seeing Lu Hong’s serious expression, he took a deep breath and said, “Moreover, once summoned to the Eastern Capital to meet the Emperor, Master Lu can firmly decline to take office before the throne. This way, not only will the Sage understand your resolve, but all under heaven will know your character.”

Lu Hong thoughtfully stroked the polished edge of the armrest before him, nodding gently, “Very well, let us go. Since you previously declined on grounds of my cataract surgery and winter illness, let us delay as long as possible—if we can drag it out past this year, all the better. Otherwise, now that students from every direction have returned to the cottage, if their efforts are wasted, would it not ruin their studies? Wangzhi, you shall accompany me. And as for Nineteenth Lord…”

“I ask that Master Lu also permit me to accompany you. Truthfully, my cousin Thirteenth Lady and I have been away from home too long. When we go to the Eastern Capital, I hope to take her to visit Chang’an as well.”