Chapter 24: Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Please Support and Add to Favorites)

The curriculum at the village school did not occupy the entire day. The young scholars of the clan still had to help with chores at home, unless their families were particularly well-off. Only those in the school’s rear yard, preparing to enter the county academies and seek official rank, would spend the whole day reading or writing at the academy. For instance, yesterday’s late dismissal was only due to the ancestral rites.

Thus, when the midday lessons ended, Li Ji once more kept Zheng Yanqing behind. “Yanqing, this morning you said your wager with Yan Zhou concerns which of you can win greater approval, is that correct?”

It seemed Li Ji had discerned something, for the gravity on his face lessened considerably.

Yanqing nodded. “Yes, sir. That is correct.”

“It appears you’ve set a trap for Yan Zhou,” Li Ji remarked as he tidied his desk. “So tell me, how do you intend to win this wager?”

“Sir, may I explain in detail?” Yanqing asked.

“By all means.”

With his thoughts gathered, Yanqing recounted for Li Ji the tale of the Oath of the Peach Garden, just as he had once told Xu Shiji.

At first, Li Ji’s expression was grim. But as the story unfolded, his brow gradually relaxed. When Yanqing finished, Li Ji clapped his hands softly and said, “The empire, after long unity, must divide; after long division, must unite again… Yanqing, that line is truly exquisite. At first hearing, it seems simple, but the more one ponders, the richer its meaning becomes. But you are bold—when, during the Three Kingdoms era, did Liu Bei ever swear brotherhood with Guan Yu and Zhang Fei in a peach garden?”

Yanqing replied, “When I was younger, I used to find my nursemaid’s stories dull. But then she changed her approach, weaving in many new episodes, connecting dry facts into something captivating. She called this a novel. In ancient times, people trying to persuade others often used analogies, historical examples, and legends to add force to their arguments. But such things are a minor art, not worth much.”

Li Ji nodded, indicating agreement. He then praised softly, “Your nursemaid was no ordinary woman. During the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States, such methods were common. Still, as Zhuangzi said, these are shallow arts—for amusement only, not to be taken as serious scholarship.”

Yanqing thought, If only you knew—in later times, what you call a minor art will become the mainstream!

“What was your nursemaid’s name?”

“Xu Mi… But she left Xingyang with her daughter before the New Year.”

Li Ji did not doubt Yanqing’s answer. Such matters were easily checked, after all. Still, he felt a sense of loss, sighing, “A remarkable woman indeed. Pity I never met her.”

Luckily you didn't, Yanqing thought, or how would I dare invent these stories?

“So, you’re imitating your nursemaid, composing novels?”

“That is so.”

Li Ji said, “If we speak of reading the classics, even ten years wouldn’t make you a match for Yan Zhou. But if you use the art of fiction, you may have a chance. Not a bad strategy. It seems you intended this from the start, yes?”

Yanqing replied, “Sir, I would never presume to compare myself to Yan Zhou in matters of history.”

Li Ji gazed at Yanqing, his expression serious, but there was a trace of approval and even a hint of surprise and curiosity in his eyes.

“Yanqing, I am truly curious—how did you come up with this idea?”

—

“Heh, if you weren’t sitting before me now, I would have thought such a notion could only come from an adult… So, you want me to tell you the story of the Three Kingdoms so you can craft your novel, is that it?”

“Sir, your wisdom inspires my admiration!” Yanqing replied, his flattery delivered with perfect composure. Having spent years in officialdom, he knew that even praise must be substantial to seem sincere.

Sure enough, Li Ji smiled, tapping Yanqing’s head lightly with his ruler. “The Three Kingdoms cannot be explained in a single day. Its intricacies are even greater than the Book of Han. Yet nowadays, everyone studies the Han, ignoring the Three Kingdoms. Very well—if you wish to learn, after lessons each day I’ll give you an hour of instruction. How much you understand will depend on your own insight… As for your opening, it is indeed compelling. I believe it is ready for final draft.”

“I think so as well,” Yanqing agreed, “but… it still needs something to truly shine.”

“What do you suggest?”

“I once came across a short lyric, but I’m not sure if it’s fitting.”

“Let’s hear it.”

Steadying himself, Yanqing softly recited the famous “Immortal by the River” poem:

“Endless flows the mighty river eastward, sweeping away countless heroes. Right and wrong, success and failure, all turn to empty air; the green hills remain, how many times has the setting sun turned them crimson…”

As Yanqing recited, Li Ji gently clapped in rhythm. The “Immortal by the River” was known in the Kaihuang era, but only popular among entertainers, not esteemed by the literati. Yet what the literati dismissed, the common folk embraced. That was why, when Yanqing had performed this tune on Mount Shouyang, men like Du Ruhui saw nothing odd in it, and Duoduo could join in.

When the poem ended, Li Ji was deeply moved. “What a lyric! It truly brings your opening to life.” Then, changing tone, he smiled and said, “Such a stirring prelude, yet it’s a pity it’s only sung in the marketplace. If this tune were taken up by the singing girls in the pleasure quarters, I believe even the scholars would praise it.

“Yanqing, I have an idea. You might try to have some songstresses sing it—surely it would have a remarkable effect.”

Old master, I know you have a reputation for gallantry, but you should consider my age! If I approach the songstresses, who would pay me any heed? And besides, having them sing would hardly be free—and I certainly don’t have the money for it.

Li Ji seemed to read Yanqing’s thoughts and smiled slightly. “No need for you to worry about this; I will handle it.”

A true master of such affairs indeed…

Li Ji picked up his ruler and tapped Yanqing’s head again. “Don’t get ideas—I never visit such places. But I have friends who can speak on your behalf. However, Yanqing, you must work harder. Once your story spreads, it must not be interrupted; only then will people eagerly follow it.”

Impressive as ever!

Yanqing even wondered if Li Ji, too, might be someone who had crossed over from another time…

—

As their conversation continued late into the evening, Yanqing finally took his leave. They agreed that starting tomorrow, after midday lessons, Yanqing would stay behind for Li Ji’s lectures on the Three Kingdoms. This would be a crucial foundation for his “plagiarized” Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

As he left, Li Ji reminded him not to neglect his calligraphy practice, for one’s fundamentals must be sound.

Yanqing promised respectfully and departed the academy. On the road home, his mood was buoyant; he hummed a popular tune as he walked. Passing through a sparse grove, Yanqing suddenly stopped.

Here, far from the academy, few people passed by. He frowned, looking into the trees, and called out loudly, “Whoever is hiding in the woods, come out now.”

He removed his robe, laid down his book bag, folded the robe neatly atop it, and then turned to face the figure emerging from the trees.