All Heavens and Worlds Starting from the Night Watchman

Chapter 23: Are the Virtuous Scholars Hungry for Poems? Visiting the Academy

“Ning Yan, Fanyue, would you two consider coming to my Yunlu Academy to cultivate the Path of Confucianism?”

Li Mubai’s intention was evident — he wanted to accept the two as disciples, recognising their remarkable talent in poetry.

Fanyue was Lin Qiye’s courtesy name, just as Xu Qian’s courtesy name was Ning Yan.

Xu Qian glanced at Lin Qiye and then at Xu Xinnian, who had just arrived. He respectfully saluted the two seniors and said, “I deeply appreciate your esteemed regard, but I am dedicated to the martial path. I fear I would disappoint your expectations.”

Uncertain about the situation, Xu Qian dared not agree rashly. This matter required careful consideration.

Lin Qiye also cupped his hands respectfully, saying, “Thank you for your regard, esteemed seniors. I am willing to visit Yunlu Academy to glimpse the essence of Confucianism. If I possess any aptitude for it, I may consider joining the academy.”

Hearing this, Zhang Shen and Li Mubai’s eyes sparkled with excitement. They had only hoped to make an attempt, but now there was a genuine possibility, and this delighted them.

In truth, these two had significantly aided them, and it was necessary for one to visit the academy and the other the Directorate of Celestial Monitoring. Expanding one’s network and drawing closer to these two powers — or even joining them — was imperative.

Xu Qian understood that Lin Qiye’s approach was to maintain valuable connections. If they established ties with both places, they would face future challenges more confidently.

As for Xu Xinnian, he seemed a lost cause. Still at the ninth rank and lacking poetic talent, it seemed unlikely he would gain recognition at the academy.

Li Mubai stroked his goatee, smiling warmly, and remarked, “Splendid! Then it’s settled. The weather is fine today, a perfect day for visiting the academy.”

Once they arrived, the atmosphere and scholarly ambiance would likely captivate them, increasing the chance of joining. If just one of them became a disciple, it would be a victory — both joining would be a marvellous outcome.

Xu Qian and Xu Xinnian were cousins, and with Xu Xinnian already a student of the academy, there was a connection to Xu Qian as well.

Glancing at his younger cousin, Xu Qian teased, “Cijiu, if Fanyue joins the academy, he may surpass you. You had better strive diligently.”

Xu Xinnian scoffed, unconvinced. Possessing poetic talent did not guarantee surpassing his own accomplishments in Confucian cultivation.

However, in his joy, he seemed to forget that his teachers, Zhang Shen and Li Mubai, were present — both of whom had somewhat lost faith in him.

Indeed, they initially came for poetry, but these two were undeniably talented. It was not impossible for them to gain mentorship.

Both teachers cherished poetry, and should any compositions emerge, they might receive special guidance.

Yunlu Academy was the sole institution dedicated to cultivating Confucianism. Although the Imperial Academy was an official institution, countless individuals yearned for the path of Yunlu Academy.

Joining Yunlu Academy might not guarantee official success, yet its influence on Confucian cultivation was unmatched.

The poetic talent of Xu Qian and Lin Qiye had immense potential. While the officialdom might prove challenging, literary fame could still be achieved through poetry.

It could be said that these scholars were not so much valuing their character as they were craving their poetry.

After contemplating briefly, Xu Qian respectfully addressed the two scholars, “I am deeply grateful for your favour. If I decline, it would seem discourteous. Once the current matter is resolved, I shall visit Yunlu Academy to seek your guidance.”

Li Mubai’s expression eased, his smile deepening. In handling matters, Xu Qian was far more considerate than Xu Xinnian.

He neither refused nor fully agreed — a tactful approach that pleased them. Considering Xu Qian’s position as Xu Xinnian’s elder brother, and his close bond with Lin Qiye, if Zhang Shen and Li Mubai competed for discipleship, the connection with Xu Xinnian would give Li Mubai little chance.

With a simple address of ‘teachers,’ Xu Qian had skilfully diffused the matter, leaving a favourable impression.

Lin Qiye suggested, “I shall visit the academy to pay my respects to the teachers, while Ning Yan visits later. When we do, we should each compose a poem to reflect our experience at Yunlu Academy.”

This notion of reflection was, in essence, composing poetry. Since the two scholars had shown such admiration for their previous works, how could they not fulfil their expectations?

Xu Qian nodded, “Fanyue is right. We shall certainly write our impressions of Yunlu Academy.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shen and Li Mubai’s hearts bloomed with joy — their journey had not been in vain.

“Splendid! We shall await you at Yunlu Academy,” Zhang Shen declared. Then, casting a glance at Xu Xinnian, he added, “Cijiu, cultivating oneself begins with nurturing one’s character. You have been enlightened for a year yet still cannot break through to the Self-Cultivation Realm… Hmm, transcribe the Sage’s Discourses three hundred times and present it to me in ten days.”

Xu Xinnian was thunderstruck. What did this have to do with him?

“I can traverse thirty zhang in a step,” Zhang Shen remarked, stepping forward and vanishing instantly.

Li Mubai, unwilling to be outdone, drew a circle with his toe, smiled kindly, and said, “Within three inches, I am not part of a group — I am at the city gate.”

Before the words settled, the two had disappeared in sequence — a legendary display of instantaneous movement.

Amazed, Xu Qian turned to Xu Xinnian and asked, “Cijiu, what realm are those two great scholars in?”

Xu Xinnian’s mind buzzed, still recovering, but Xu Pingzhi explained, “Hear me out, they are of the Confucian fifth rank — Virtue!”

“Ning Yan, why not join the academy? Let me tell you, these two…” Xu Pingzhi began to boast, exaggerating without consequence.

From Xu Pingzhi’s account, they learned that this ‘Virtue’ realm governed one’s conduct and could influence others through words. The essence of this realm lay in the early mastery of ‘Words Follow Deeds,’ capable of subtly altering reality — earning it the moniker ‘Chaos through Literature.’

Such feats as those demonstrated by Zhang Shen and Li Mubai were far beyond ordinary practitioners of the Virtue realm.

Seeing the scholars depart, Song Qing also prepared to leave. “I came to inquire about the refining of the false tax silver. Once you settle your matters, I shall return for counsel.”

“Senior Brother, wait! I’ll accompany you to the Directorate of Celestial Monitoring,” Xu Qian quickly interjected, then turned to Xu Xinnian, “Cijiu, take Fanyue to the academy. Remember to return home for dinner.”

“Uncle, please head home first. Do not let Aunt worry.”

“Very well!”