Chapter Sixty-Six: Leaving the Palace

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Standing before the Emperor, motionless for a quarter of an hour, might not be a great hardship for an ordinary man, but for Lu Hong, already advanced in years, it was nearly unbearable. At this very moment, as he saw Gao Lishi present a memorial, the Emperor’s expression seemed to change imperceptibly, and Lu Hong found himself quietly drawing a deep breath.

He was already old. Rather than let ambition cloud his heart and step into the maelstrom of officialdom, he would rather continue to live freely among the mountains and fields. If he had truly wished to mingle among the powerful, carefully weighing every intention, striving to rise in the world, why had he so early on forsaken thoughts of an official career?

Seated upon the imperial throne, Li Longji slowly rolled the white hemp paper in his hand into a scroll again, then gazed at Lu Hong for a long while before finally speaking in a slow and measured tone: “Lord Lu, you said before that you met Me with loyalty and integrity, and today I understand it deeply. Yet, Lord Lu, you have long lived in seclusion, teaching and guiding disciples. Is it that your students too, in the future, must follow your example, cultivating virtue in solitude and never serving in office?”

Upon hearing this question, even Gao Lishi, who stood by the throne, could not help but feel a pang of anxiety for Lu Hong. After a moment’s silence, Lu Hong bowed deeply and replied: “Last year, after receiving the imperial summons, I told my disciples that governing the country and bringing peace to the world is beyond my capacity. But if, in days to come, a few among my students possess talents worthy of shaping the age, able to assist the Son of Heaven and govern a province, as their teacher I would be wholly content. I myself lack the ability to govern or assist the ruler; I am but an old man, reclusive in the mountains, without any ambition to save the world. Yet, should there be among my students one of virtue and talent whom Your Majesty might employ—one who surpasses his teacher—then I shall know that my years of teaching were not in vain.”

These words finally eased Li Longji’s countenance. Recalling the suggestion on the slip just handed to him by Princess Yuzhen, he was still not entirely pleased, but he managed a reluctant nod: “Since your mind is made up, Lord Lu, though I am the Son of Heaven, I cannot compel you. You may withdraw.”

After so much tension, Lu Hong was both physically and mentally exhausted. Yet, upon hearing these words of release, he could not help but feel a great shock in his heart and immediately raised his head. Seeing Li Longji slowly rise to his feet, Lu Hong at last offered another deep, formal bow: “I obey Your Majesty’s command.”

“Lishi, escort Lord Lu out.”

Watching as Gao Lishi, beaming, led Lu Hong from the hall, Li Longji finally pressed his brow and let out a long sigh. He had executed Empress Wei and her faction, eliminated Princess Anle, and just the year before, the retired Emperor had also passed away. Unconsciously, he had wielded supreme power for several years now. Even with old ministers like Yao Song, he was now entirely at ease in his rule, yet today, he found himself thwarted by a humble hermit from the mountains. It seemed that aside from those who saw seclusion as a shortcut to success, there were indeed men of steadfast and lofty character in this world. But if such men could not be put to use...

In a flash, he recalled a passage he had read as a child in Han Feizi.

“Have you calmed your anger, brother?”

Hearing that familiar voice, Li Longji looked up to see a woman in Daoist robes, moving gracefully into the hall. He could not help but laugh: “I was indeed filled with nameless fury, but after reading the note you sent, Yuanyuan, how could I continue to be annoyed with an old hermit from the mountains!”

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“You already had your mind made up, brother. My suggestion merely played into your hand,” Princess Yuzhen replied nonchalantly, raising her brows in amusement. Seeing that Li Longji neither nodded nor shook his head, she could not tell if he agreed or had something else in mind, but she laughed softly and said, “Just now, when Lishi mentioned it, even I could barely believe it—someone who dares stand before the Emperor without bowing, who resolutely refuses office and honor. Let alone you, brother; even the common people would think that any worthy man, offered high position and sincere trust, would accept it. Yet Lu Hong is an anomaly, spurning the distinction others would die for.”

“Enough, a forced melon is never sweet—let us not speak of him!” Li Longji waved his hand listlessly and continued, “In a while, I must receive Song Jing and Su Ting in the Tongming Hall. After you’ve seen Prince A, why not enjoy yourself in Taoguang Garden? The weather today is perfect for a stroll, and Jiuzhou Pond has long since thawed—perfect for boating. When I have finished my meeting, I’ll come to Taoguang Garden as well, to enjoy this early spring scene.”

Princess Yuzhen understood that her brother meant for her to give the palace ladies a hint so they could gather and compete in beauty. She immediately agreed with a smile. As she left the Xuanzheng Hall and descended the steps, she saw Cui Jiuniang waiting absentmindedly at the bottom and recalled that she had quite forgotten about her. She called her to follow through the Guangfan Gate and then asked, smiling, “What’s wrong, were you waiting long?”

“It’s my first time beneath the Xuanzheng Hall—the place is so solemn and awe-inspiring; after all, it’s where my father and the officials attend court.” As Cui Jiuniang spoke, she glanced about and then lowered her voice. “But just now, I finally saw Lord Lu of Xuanlian Peak, Mount Song. No wonder my brother, who is usually so unruly and sharp-tongued, wouldn’t dare utter a word in his presence. At first glance, he’s just an old hermit, walking with an unsteady gait, but when he passed by, there was an indescribable aura about him.”

“You felt it too?” Princess Yuzhen recalled watching Lu Hong depart from behind a pillar and nodded in agreement. “Such a man of unyielding spirit—no wonder Master Sima calls him a friend. Since my brother cannot compel him into service, he’ll likely grant him an honorary title and let him return to the mountains. Sigh, I heard Master Sima once stayed at Songyang Temple on Mount Song, but when my brother sent someone to invite him, he had already wandered off to visit a friend—who knows where. I only met him once as a child, accompanying my father, and so many years have passed since. Is he really so elusive—a chance for just one encounter?”

Hearing that Lu Hong would be allowed to return to the mountains, Cui Jiuniang was finally relieved of the heavy burden in her heart. When Princess Yuzhen mentioned Master Sima, she smiled and offered comfort: “Don’t lose heart, Supreme Master. As the saying goes, sincerity can move even metal and stone. Perhaps one day, Master Sima will appear out of the blue... Oh, that reminds me of something!”

Clapping her hands together, she beamed: “Speaking of Master Sima, I once heard my brother mention something. When he and Du Shijiu went to visit Lord Lu at Xuanlian Peak, both of them carried letters of recommendation, though neither presented them at first. My brother’s letter was from Master Puji, while Du Shijiu’s was from Master Sima himself!”

“Is that so?” Princess Yuzhen stopped short, her eyes lighting up. Seeing Cui Jiuniang nod repeatedly in confirmation, she couldn’t help but chide, “You know I’ve been searching for Master Sima’s whereabouts all along—why didn’t you say so sooner!”

“I thought it was a trivial matter and didn’t pay it much mind—please don’t be angry, Supreme Master.” Seeing Princess Yuzhen helplessly tap her on the nose, Cui Jiuniang grinned. “In any case, it’s a clue. If Du Shijiu has a letter from Master Sima, he must have some connection to him. We can summon him and ask. And as for Lord Lu, isn’t it said he has a close acquaintance with Master Sima as well?”

Princess Yuzhen thought of Lu Hong’s demeanor before the Emperor and knew it would be futile to ask him for Sima Chengzhen’s whereabouts. She beckoned a Daoist maidservant and, after some thought, instructed, “When we return, have the secretary draft an invitation and send it to the inn where the hermit Lu Hong is staying, inviting his disciple Du Shijiu to the villa outside the city on the eighth day of the second month. Be sure he attends.”

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Seeing Princess Yuzhen decisively invite Du Shiyi, Cui Jiuniang could not help but smile so broadly her eyes disappeared. That fellow had the nerve to call her ignorant before their grandmother—yet every gathering Princess Yuzhen hosted was full of distinguished guests, where anyone lacking true talent would only be ridiculed. She was eager to see just how remarkable the one so praised by Cui Jianxuan truly was!

Having successfully enlisted Princess Yuzhen’s help to extricate Lu Hong, Cui Jiuniang unwittingly set a trap for herself. Meanwhile, Du Shiyi, upstairs in the Huji Tavern by the north gate of Jishan Lane, was completely unaware of all this. He and Cui Jianxuan had been drinking together in silence for who knew how long; a few dishes and a bowl of noodle soup sat largely untouched, only tasted for form’s sake. At last, when Cui Jianxuan—never known for patience—had grown so hot he pulled open his collar and paced anxiously in front of the open window, Du Shiyi happened to see a group emerging from the Right Side Gate.

“Cui Eleven, look, I think Master Lu is coming out!”

At this, Cui Jianxuan pressed himself to the window, squinting for a good while before exclaiming in delight, “Yes, it’s truly Master Lu! Quick, let’s go meet him!”

Cui Jianxuan didn’t even bother to settle the bill, simply telling the waiter to charge the Cui family at Yongfeng Lane, then dashed out ahead. Du Shiyi followed, and both mounted their horses for a swift departure. When they neared Xingjin Bridge, they suddenly saw a rider speeding along Dinding Gate Avenue, reining in sharply just a few paces from the soldiers on guard at the bridge. With a glance, both recognized the man in white.

“Third Senior Brother!”

Pei Ning was watching the group emerging from the Right Side Gate when he heard the two cry out in unison. Surprised, he turned his head, and upon recognizing Du Shiyi and Cui Jianxuan, a rare look of delight crossed his face before it quickly reverted to his usual cold expression. He nodded lightly and turned his attention back to Lu Hong. Not long after, a military officer in armor, accompanied by several soldiers, escorted Lu Hong out.

“Master Lu!”

Pei Ning reined in his horse at the bridge, and Du Shiyi and Cui Jianxuan hurried over to join him. Although Lu Hong’s eyes, treated with the golden needle technique, had regained their sight, he still could not see distant objects clearly. Yet, by long familiarity, he recognized them. Making his way along the Tianjin Three Bridges, he asked the officer accompanying him to prepare carriage and horses. Seeing Pei Ning dismount and approach, scrutinizing him for a long moment before letting out a long sigh and starting to speak, he smiled and stepped forward.

“Sanlang, you’ve rushed here in such haste—are you planning to treat us all to a farewell banquet before I return to the mountains?”