Sixteen thousand and sixteen

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Fu Yuzhang’s eyes sparkled brightly as he looked at Fu Yuan, clearly expressing his desire to go. Fu Yuan felt his head ache, expressionless as he reached out to cover Fu Yuzhang’s eyes. “No, you don’t want to.”

“Darn it!” Fu Yuzhang immediately pulled his father’s hands away and argued his case earnestly, “It’s the Grandmaster’s birthday. As his disciple’s grandson, it’s only right that I go to pay my respects!”

Fu Yuan snorted coldly. “Disciple’s grandson? Mr. Gao has never heard of such a disciple’s grandson.”

Who knows where this kid got such thick skin—he was a master of opportunistic flattery, shamelessly climbing the social ladder without a hint of embarrassment.

Even Fu Yuan felt embarrassed for Fu Yuzhang listening from the side. Mr. Gao was renowned throughout the land, a famed official from the late Emperor’s reign. He had served as a herald and rose through the ranks to become a deputy minister of the Secretariat, equivalent to what common folk called the Prime Minister. For over twenty years, he was a capable minister who had steadily risen from county to capital during the previous emperor’s time. Mr. Gao was also famous as a disaster relief official, traveling through a dozen states and counties, personally overseeing disaster aid. Half of the Great Qi’s territory had shrines built by grateful people in his honor, earning him the title of “Disaster Relief Prime Minister.”

Unfortunately, during the late emperor’s reign, court politics grew fraught with conflict, and Mr. Gao, disheartened, resigned and retired to the countryside. Even after Emperor Jingshuo ascended and issued several edicts calling him back to office, offering him the prime ministership again, Mr. Gao refused and continued his reclusive life. His reputation soared even further, admired by nobles and scholars alike. Countless people traveled to his retreat, “Gao’s Gate Standing in Snow,” to pay homage.

Such a noble scholar, so many wished to meet him. Every scholar in the land longed for his guidance. If the Zhou tutor intended to make a splash in the capital under the name of Mr. Gao’s disciple, he would easily become a guest of honor among the powerful and refined.

Fu Yuan was not a traditional Confucian scholar; he inherited his noble title and, by his own talents, earned the favor of Emperor Jingshuo, securing a coveted position as commander of the imperial infantry. But whenever he spoke of Mr. Gao, he did so with deep admiration—this gentleman’s detachment from fame and fortune, his ability to govern and secure the state, and his heroic disaster relief efforts had earned the respect of officials, generals, and nobility alike.

Such a man deserved utmost reverence from Fu Yuan. Yet Fu Yuzhang casually called him “Grandmaster,” displaying a kind of reckless audacity.

Of course, Fu Yuzhang had no idea of Mr. Gao’s glorious deeds—understandable, as Zhou the tutor never flaunted his honorific as a mentor. Being so young and confined to the Marquis’s residence, with no freedom to venture out, who would mention an official who had long retired from the center of court power a decade ago in front of a child?

Fu Yuan looked at his son’s clear, naive gaze and sighed softly. He patiently narrated Mr. Gao’s great achievements to his two sons.

Such a noble and upright man was not someone a mere child could casually claim as a connection.

Fu Yuzhang’s eyes lit up, occasionally exclaiming, “Wow! I want to meet this Grandmaster even more now!”

Fu Yuan, parched from speaking, looked into Fu Yuzhang’s gaze and thought: …This is bad. Instead of dissuading him, this talk only increased his enthusiasm!

Fu Yuzhang stood up, smoothly transforming into the role of a pampering servant, eagerly rubbing Fu Yuan’s shoulders and arms with great attentiveness. “Father! Dear father! Beloved father! Please let me go! Mr. Gao is such a celebrated scholar; not seeing him would truly be a lifelong regret!”

“How old are you? And you’re talking about lifelong regrets?”

Fu Yuzhang argued confidently, “There’s a saying: ‘Lofty mountains inspire reverence, broad paths guide the journey. Though one may not reach them, the heart aspires.’ Mr. Gao’s character is as majestic as a mountain, his virtue as radiant as the bright moon. I admire him deeply and wish to pay respects—what’s wrong with that?”

This was a top-tier scholar and capable minister, a rare gem who could govern in the halls of power and yet live humbly in the countryside—a once-in-a-millennium figure destined to be remembered in history. Why forbid a child to meet him?

Zhou the tutor was a disciple of Mr. Gao, so shouldn’t the brothers also benefit and meet this Grandmaster? They might even receive a brief session of masterful guidance!

Fu Yuzhang was not easily convinced and tried to win his case: “My brother and I have gone out on our own before without any incidents!”

“That’s because you had guards…”

“Then bring more guards!” Fu Yuzhang said firmly, “Every day I grow older, but the chance to meet such a renowned scholar and capable minister is fleeting.”

Fu Yuan fell silent and glanced at Zhou the tutor.

Zhou the tutor, quite at ease, poured himself another cup of wine and treated the father and son’s argument as a side dish to his drink. Instead of scolding Fu Yuzhang as Fu Yuan wished, he smiled and changed the subject:

“In a few days, the Qiantang River tide will rise. During those days, the people of Linzhou flock from all directions with their families to watch the tide. It’s a pity you’ve never seen the Qiantang tide; its roar is thunderous, like a mighty dragon’s roar, or a fierce tiger leaping, with waves surging like pillars of heaven, rolling and thundering forward.

“The most spectacular sight is the tide riders in Linzhou city. About a hundred young tide riders hold red flags as they charge into the waves, rolling and stepping on the surf, leaping high or diving in between, showing great skill in the water. When the tide recedes, those with exceptional skill emerge with their red flags completely dry—a truly astonishing feat! Many are even young children, brave and talented beyond measure.

“There are also puppet performers who bring their puppets into the tide, swimming with great skill, like flying swallows through the waves, controlling their puppets to perform a hundred acts, earning thunderous applause from the crowd.

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During those days, Linzhou becomes one giant stage, the perfect opportunity for tide riders to showcase their skills. The townsfolk pour in from every street and alley, crowding the main street just to witness the courage and grace of these tide riders.”

Fu Yuzhang was momentarily stunned, captivated by the vivid description. Suddenly, he threw his arms around Fu Yuan’s neck and shouted loudly, almost deafening him, “Father, I want to go!!!”

Fu Yuan pulled the troublesome boy off him with one hand and covered his injured ear with the other, helpless. “Traveling by boat from the capital to Linzhou takes about a month. Even if you set off now, you won’t be able to witness the grandeur of the Qiantang River tide.”

Fu Yuzhang was momentarily choked up. Then, Zhou the tutor, having finished his wine, leisurely said, “No matter. On the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, the Qiantang tides also rise. Though not as spectacular as during the Mid-Autumn tide viewing, their momentum is still immense and awe-inspiring.”

Fu Yuan thought: Why has Zhou suddenly switched sides? It seems they must go to Linzhou after all.

With Zhou the tutor’s support, Fu Yuzhang brightened like a drenched rooster shaking off water, standing tall and proud as he looked at Fu Yuan. “With Zhou the tutor and guards accompanying us, the journey will be safe. Nothing will go wrong!”

Fu Yuan silently looked at Zhou the tutor, who blushed slightly and seemed a bit distracted, but his mind remained clear. He smiled faintly, “Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. The young masters are gifted and intelligent, but what is learned from books is always shallow. Only by traveling and experiencing can one grasp the true essence.”

Seeing Zhou the tutor agree, Fu Yuan finally relaxed somewhat but remained silent, both relieved and worried. Relieved because with Zhou’s endorsement, both sons would surely meet Mr. Gao and receive his guidance. Worried because they were still so young; sending them on such a long journey was unsettling. Fu Yuan worried, and the family matriarch and Lady Xie must be even more anxious. Thinking of the family’s elders, Fu Yuan felt a dull headache beginning anew.

Fu Yuzhang paid no mind to his father’s headache. Even after being pushed away, he was undeterred, turning into an octopus as he continued whispering in Fu Yuan’s ear, “Father, I want to go, want to go, want to go…”

“All right, all right, stop the chanting, you can go!” Fu Yuan sighed helplessly, rubbing his forehead and secretly wondering if he had committed too many sins in a past life to have such a devoted son now.

Fu Yuzhang cheered and turned to hug Fu Huai’an, “Brother, we’re going to Linzhou!”

This tide he would definitely see! And as for Grandmaster Gao, he was undoubtedly the perfect mentor to guide his brother’s studies. What? Great scholars rarely offer guidance lightly? Ridiculous. Don’t they understand the value of almost genius-level intellect? The most exacting scholars would be eager to shape a gem like Fu Huai’an.

The greater the scholar, the more they treasure talent. Look at Zhou the tutor—how could he agree to serve as a relatively unknown tutor in the Marquis’s residence? Because he was captivated by talent. Otherwise, no matter how prosperous the Marquis’s household was, or how favored Fu Yuan was by the emperor, in the eyes of refined scholars uninterested in fame or politics, it was all mundane.

The refined literati and nobility were never of one mind. Scholars were proud and aloof, especially those with lofty ideals, unwilling to bow for mere food.

When Fu Yuan was young, he couldn’t find a reputable tutor. Zhou the tutor joined the Marquis’s household purely because of Fu Huai’an’s extraordinary talent and intelligence, the likes of which he had rarely seen. Of course, Zhou the tutor never expected the Marquis’s household to come with a bonus—Fu Yuzhang!

How satisfied Zhou was with the two brothers could be seen from his willingness to accompany them to meet Mr. Gao.

This was an era when teachers were revered as parental figures; calling someone a teacher was no trivial matter. Zhou the tutor’s willingness to take Fu Yuzhang and Fu Huai’an to Linzhou to meet Mr. Gao was an acknowledgment that the two boys were his formal disciples.

The weight of the word “teacher” then was not as light as in later times, and the relationship between master and disciple was far more significant.

Just as Mr. Gao gave sermons to many listeners, only those who had formally undergone the ceremony to become his disciples—like Zhou the tutor—could openly call him Master. From Zhou the tutor’s perspective, Fu Yuzhang’s earlier use of “Grandmaster” wasn’t shameless at all. If recognized by Zhou, they could legitimately call Mr. Gao their Grandmaster.

Fu Yuzhang beamed, “See, Father? You’re too harsh on me. Thick skin as thick as a city wall? Is that what a father should say? Even the tutor agrees—we are truly the legitimate disciple’s grandsons of Mr. Gao!”

Fu Yuan took a deep breath, trying to remain patient but barely restraining himself from giving the boy a good thrashing.

Fu Yuzhang, sensing trouble, quickly jumped back behind Fu Huai’an, skillfully dodging, and shouted cheekily, “Small rod, I endure; big rod, I run!”

Fu Yuan sighed deeply and glanced at Zhou the tutor, saying softly, “Brother Zijing really taught him a perfect sage’s phrase.”

Zhou the tutor smiled wryly, helplessly accepting the blame. Honestly, he had taught that phrase very seriously, never expecting the boy to apply it so freely.

Feeling unjustly burdened, Zhou the tutor smiled faintly, making Fu Yuzhang’s scalp tingle with an ominous feeling. Sure enough, within two breaths, Zhou the tutor’s smiling voice came: “Since you insist you are Mr. Gao’s disciple’s grandson, you must prepare yourself well.”

“Prepare for what?” Fu Yuzhang was puzzled.

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Zhou the tutor’s smile deepened, his tone gentle as silk, “Naturally, prepare to contend with the talents of Linzhou. Many aspire to be Mr. Gao’s disciples, but my senior brothers have not formally accepted disciples, so you two are Mr. Gao’s only legitimate grand-disciples. The literary scene in Jiangnan is flourishing, with talented scholars like stars in the sky. Do you think they will accept you easily?”

This was a serious matter. Fu Yuzhang, confident as ever, happily jumped out from behind Fu Huai’an, beaming, “As long as I have my brother, who in the world is smarter than him? No one!”

Fu Huai’an blushed slightly at the blunt compliment, raising his sleeve to cover his reddened face, and nudged Fu Yuzhang’s back, “Enough with the praise, already embarrassing.”

Fu Yuzhang was probably the most confident person in the world regarding Fu Huai’an. Fu Huai’an was the protagonist of the original story, shining brilliantly and impressive beyond words. Only he could astonish and bewilder others; no one else could ever make him lose face.

Fu Yuzhang even planned to bring extra dried fruits and snacks, to enjoy tea and treats while watching the drama unfold—a double delight!

But Zhou the tutor delivered another devilish remark: “Do you think they will be satisfied with only troubling the heir apparent? The heir is full of knowledge and talent; if they cannot find fault with him, won’t they turn their eyes on you?”

Fu Yuzhang dropped his snacks in shock, “I’m still a child!”

Zhou the tutor sneered, “The heir is only eight years old too, also a child. But in his position, he must govern. Since you want to claim the title of Mr. Gao’s disciple’s grandson, you must have the abilities to match. Otherwise, the world will criticize you harshly. I’m not afraid of bad reputation, but what about you?”

Fu Huai’an was originally indifferent to such petty matters. Calm by nature, he disliked unnecessary fights or attracting envy. But upon hearing that Fu Yuzhang might be criticized, his fighting spirit surged. Before Fu Yuzhang could speak, Fu Huai’an said first, “Then let them come.”

His tone was calm, as if the countless Jiangnan scholars were mere passing clouds.

Fu Yuzhang was deeply moved and hugged Fu Huai’an’s arm tightly. Truly, a good brother of Great Qi; the way he protected his little brother was so noble!

Zhou the tutor smiled ambiguously, “Then let’s see if you can protect the young master amidst the battles of countless Jiangnan talents.”

The pen of a scholar was a blade that could kill without bloodshed—a single word or a stroke of the brush could ruin a person’s life. When Zhou the tutor first entered the Marquis’s household as a tutor, he was often accused of coveting wealth and betraying his former master’s honor.

Of course, Zhou was no pushover. He fought back against dozens of critics, igniting a fierce war of words. He scolded the capital’s scholars and Jiangnan’s literati with essays full of references and classical citations, leaving them utterly defeated. After months of back and forth, he finally emerged victorious.

Even Emperor Jingshuo heard of it. After reading one of Zhou’s articles, he applauded and immediately summoned Zhou to the palace. After their discussion, the emperor wanted to grant Zhou an official post, but Zhou refused, and his reputation grew even more intriguingly excellent.

The scholars admitted defeat, saying, “We can’t beat him. Since he refuses office, he must indeed have the spirit of a true mentor. Let’s give up and praise him for now.”

Fu Yuzhang eagerly listened to the gossip, finishing two plates of iced desserts along with the stories, and finally concluded, “Got it. Just scold them until they can’t fight back!”

Fu Yuan rubbed his forehead in despair. When did his son turn into such a strange character?

Zhou the tutor thought: Something’s off here.

Fu Huai’an looked serious: Brother is right!

Fu Yuzhang was quite pleased with himself. With his brother around, he just needed to be the morale booster! He hoped the Jiangnan scholars wouldn’t go too far, or else facing the fully unleashed Fu Huai’an would be so devastating, they might be socially withdrawn for years.

That day’s gains were truly abundant. After returning home, Fu Yuzhang eagerly began writing a letter to the Crown Prince, first describing the bustling scenes of the Fan Tower, the lively crowd, the countless thrilling stories they heard, and the spectacular performances they witnessed. He was sure the Crown Prince would be deeply envious but, unable to leave the palace, could only sigh in frustration and rage.

Fu Yuzhang ended with a final, striking note:

“Your Highness, my brother and I will soon set out for Linzhou to pay respects to Mr. Gao. You know Mr. Gao, right? The one who repeatedly resigned from office, retired to the countryside, and is known as the ‘Disaster Relief Prime Minister’!”

Before the Crown Prince could even read the letter, Emperor Jingshuo, who had intercepted it early, was already moved beyond words.

He knew Gao Boling all too well—a talent he had long coveted but could never attain!