The Splendid Brocade of the Painting Physician – Chapter 180

Chapter 180: The Astonishing Peace Talks

Wei Xiaokuan set up a tent outside the city to receive the Northern Qi envoys, rather than inside the city, to avoid exposing the city’s military secrets. Xiao Jinyu and Prince of Lanling understood this very well.

As soon as they entered Yubi City, Wei Xiaokuan, upon receiving the news, immediately arranged for Yin Gongzheng to come and receive them.

Yin Gongzheng, elegant and dignified, around thirty years old, came to greet them with several other Zhou envoys. They were treated with great courtesy, with soldiers welcoming them along the way.

Upon entering the camp, they were greeted with a feast of fruits, wine, and meat. The envoys chatted merrily.

Just as the wine was flowing freely, one of the Zhou envoys suddenly stood up and, bowing to Xiao Jinyu, asked: “I heard that Minister Xie, on Mount Fahua in the Southern Dynasty, single-handedly debated against a multitude of scholars. And during the Qi ruler’s examination of recommended talents, your poetic talent flowed like a spring. I wonder if Minister Chen is familiar with the Rites of Zhou and dares to debate with our Zhou’s Director of the Secretariat, Yin Gongzheng, to determine who is superior?”

In this era, when envoys from two countries met, there would usually be some scholarly debates. This was also an opportunity to exchange ideas on the cultures of the two countries and to enhance the prestige of their own nations.

Xiao Jinyu stood up and returned the courtesy, saying: “Debating only the Rites of Zhou would be too monotonous. Xie is well-versed in the Five Classics and is willing to debate with your country’s Doctor of the Five Classics!”

As soon as she said this, the Zhou envoys were all surprised and astonished. The envoy who had asked the question couldn’t help but sneer:

“You’re so arrogant and disrespectful! At such a young age, you dare to challenge the Doctor of the Five Classics? What a coincidence, Director Yin is a Doctor of the Five Classics! I wonder who Minister Xie’s teacher is?”

Xiao Jinyu replied: “There is a sequence to learning, and each profession has its own expertise. Even Confucius once said, ‘In a group of three, there must be one who can be my teacher.’ This Zhou envoy, why do you mock my youth and make a fool of yourself?”

Unexpectedly, she retorted so sharply that the Zhou envoy who had come to provoke her immediately blushed with shame.

“Since Director Yin is a Doctor of the Five Classics, then please, Director Yin, ask your questions.”

Xiao Jinyu no longer bothered to argue with this person and turned to Yin Gongzheng. According to the information Ling Ye had gathered, Yin Gongzheng considered himself a debating prodigy. Moreover, all officials in the Zhou court, from the ministers down, studied the Rites of Zhou, and Yin Gongzheng was particularly well-versed in all Five Classics.

Therefore, Yin Gongzheng, confident in his abilities, posed many questions to Xiao Jinyu regarding the Rites of Zhou. Sometimes, before Xiao Jinyu could even finish answering one question, he would immediately follow up with a second, then a third, relentlessly pursuing the matter to its core, leaving her with little time to catch her breath.

Gao Yanzong was completely dumbfounded watching from the side. He was fond of martial arts and had no interest in these scriptures and debates. By the time the debate ended, he was already drowsy. It wasn’t until the very end of the debate that he noticed Yin Gongzheng’s eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and shame. Yin Gongzheng bowed politely to Xiao Jinyu and retreated to his seat without a word.

Gao Yanzong couldn’t help but ask Gao Changgong curiously, “Who won? Was it Fourth… Minister Xie?”

Gao Changgong stared at Xiao Jinyu for a long time before nodding with a smile.

“She’s truly remarkable, even the Zhou’s Doctor of the Five Classics…”

Before he could finish his sentence, a hearty laugh echoed through the tent. Everyone turned to look in the direction of the sound, and they saw an old general, about forty years old, wearing armor and a crane-feather hat, walking out from the tent.

The old general had a full forehead and piercing eyes, appearing particularly resolute and composed. At a glance, one could tell he was a veteran general who had experienced countless battles and remained fearless in the face of danger.

It must be Wei Xiaokuan!

“Minister Xie’s talent is truly well-deserved. I heard that the Xie Clan of Jiangzuo was originally from the Southern Dynasty. How did you come to serve the Qi State?”

This question was quite difficult to answer!

Lanling Wang was still worried about how Xiao Jinyu would respond when he heard her say:

“Grand Commandant Wei, your words are mistaken. My Xie ancestors were originally Jin officials. After the Disaster of Yongjia, when the Five Barbarians wreaked havoc, they, along with Wang Dao of the Langya Wang Clan, assisted the Jin court in establishing the capital at Jiankang, preserving the Han Chinese realm. After that, dynasties changed, and aristocratic families clashed. We experienced the Song, Qi, and Liang Dynasties. Until today, although our family has been destroyed, we have not forgotten our Han Chinese identity.

As for why I serve the Qi State, I believe that talented individuals in ancient times can be divided into several categories. One is those who focus on the world’s situation, achieving fame and fortune in their lifetime, leaving their names etched in history. There are even those like Huan Wen who would rather be remembered for infamy.

Another category is those who prioritize the peace and happiness of the people, striving for a world free from war and suffering…”

“Which category do you belong to?” Wei Xiaokuan immediately asked.

Xiao Jinyu remained silent for a moment before replying, “One, for the peace and happiness of the people. Two, because true confidants are hard to find!”

“Hahaha…” Wei Xiaokuan couldn’t help but laugh loudly. He then asked Xiao Jinyu, “Minister Xie is indeed eloquent. What are your thoughts on the concept of loyalty to the monarch?”

Xiao Jinyu replied, “I believe that loyalty to the monarch must be preceded by love for the people. If the monarch loves the people, then naturally, one should be loyal to him. If not, then one should take the welfare of all people as their own responsibility!”

She spoke these words with conviction and resonance, causing many to sigh in admiration.

Gao Changgong stared at her intently, lost in thought.

Wei Xiaokuan laughed heartily again. Just then, a soldier came to report, “Grand Commandant, the Hu people in Fenzhou have captured some bandits from the eastern regions of Qi. How should we deal with them, Grand Commandant?”

The soldier spoke loudly, seemingly intending for the Qi envoys to hear. Wei Xiaokuan also subtly glanced at “Xie Zhen” and Prince of Lanling. He saw that although Prince of Lanling’s expression changed slightly, under “Xie Zhen’s” subtle guidance, he quickly regained his composure.

Gao Yanzong, who was beside him, wanted to say something, but after looking at Prince of Lanling and “Xie Zhen,” he quickly closed his mouth.

“The envoys are so calm and composed. It seems that you don’t care about the lives of your own people?” Wei Xiaokuan sighed.

Xiao Jinyu smiled and said, “Grand Commandant, don’t joke like that. When Yan Zi visited the Chu State as an envoy, the King of Chu also brought out several Chu people disguised as Qi people, accusing them of theft, to mock the Qi people’s bad character.

I know Grand Commandant Wei doesn’t intend to insult the Qi people. However, in this peace talk, Grand Commandant, is it too easy for you to ask our Qi State to return the Grand Steward’s mother, Lady Yan, with such a small trick?”

Wei Xiaokuan’s expression darkened. Yin Gongzheng, the Qi envoy sent by Yuwen Hu, turned pale. They had originally thought that the envoys sent by the Qi State this time were all young men under twenty, and it was their first time visiting the Zhou State, so they could easily deceive them. Who knew that this Xie Zhen would see through their charade at a glance?

This boy has such sharp eyes, how did he notice?

“Then, in Minister Xie’s opinion, what conditions should our Zhou State offer to exchange for the Grand Steward’s mother, Lady Yan?” Yin Gongzheng asked formally and politely.

Xiao Jinyu stood up, raised a wine cup, and said, looking upward, “I heard that when the Zhou State released Chen Xu, the hostage prince of the Chen State, they asked Emperor Wen of Chen for two commanderies in exchange. I wonder if the life of the Grand Steward’s mother, Lady Yan, is worth as much as Emperor Wen of Chen’s younger brother, Chen Xu?”

As soon as this question was asked, several Zhou envoys glared angrily at Xiao Jinyu.

How could anyone answer such a question?

Could they say that the life of the Grand Steward’s mother, Lady Yan, was not worth as much as Emperor Wen of Chen’s younger brother, Chen Xu? Wouldn’t that be a direct slap in the Grand Steward’s face and label him as unfilial?

But if they said it was worth as much, would the Zhou State also have to offer two commanderies in exchange?

Gao Yanzong’s eyes widened, and he suddenly felt a surge of respect for Xiao Jinyu, who stood tall and proud. If she hadn’t repeatedly emphasized that during the exchange between envoys of the two countries, no one was allowed to interrupt and had asked him to observe, Gao Yanzong would have jumped up and cheered!

Gao Changgong couldn’t help but smile.

The envoy who had first challenged Xiao Jinyu couldn’t help but shout, “Our Zhou State is releasing your Qi State’s citizens from the eastern regions, and your Qi State is returning the Grand Steward’s mother, Lady Yan. This is a fair trade. Boy, isn’t your request too arrogant?”

Yin Gongzheng immediately pulled him down.

Wei Xiaokuan, after all, was a veteran general and quickly regained his composure, laughing heartily once again.

“I heard that Minister Xie is very good at composing poetry. Tonight happens to be a full moon night. How about our Zhou people beat the drums, and Minister Xie composes a poem to relieve the pressure for all the envoys? What do you think?”

Before Xiao Jinyu could answer, Wei Xiaokuan continued in an unquestionable tone,

“The matter of the peace talks can wait. We will discuss it again tomorrow. Today, let’s enjoy ourselves with the envoys!”

After saying that, he ordered the entire camp to liven up. Wine cups were raised and exchanged, and soldiers outside the tent laughed and joked.

Xiao Jinyu didn’t answer for a long time, as if pondering something. But outside the tent, soldiers began to laugh and jeer:

“This Xie kid looks delicate and weak. Could it be that he’s too scared to compose a poem after being intimidated by our Zhou people’s boldness?”

“Who knows? I heard that the Chenjun Xie Clan was once the most prestigious aristocratic family in Jiangzuo, but they were almost wiped out by that Hou Jing scoundrel. To hell with their aristocratic elegance, they’re just a bunch of weaklings, like sheep waiting to be slaughtered. I heard they get out of breath just from walking. Maybe I could scare them to death just by speaking a little louder…”

✿✿✿

“I don’t understand poetry, but I heard those Southern aristocrats only write about beauties, love, and all that mushy stuff. It’s so pretentious!”

“Exactly, Grand Commandant Wei actually wants him to compose a poem. Isn’t he afraid of being disgusted to death…”

Hearing these fragmented and noisy jeers, Prince of Lanling and Gao Yanzong stood up angrily. Gao Yanzong, in particular, couldn’t hold back and cursed, “Is this how you Zhou people treat envoys? You’re hospitable on the surface, but behind our backs, you let these scoundrels insult us. You claim to uphold the Rites of Zhou, but is this your etiquette?”

“Who are you calling scoundrels!” some Zhou soldiers retorted angrily!

“Whoever responds, I’m calling them scoundrels!”

Gao Yanzong shouted back. Xiao Jinyu looked at him and signaled Prince of Lanling to pull him back!

At this moment, Xiao Jinyu walked up to Wei Xiaokuan and, looking up at him without losing her composure, replied, “Grand Commandant Wei, the Zhou people actually like to judge people by their appearance. This is the first time I’ve seen it. Some people may be tall and strong, but their will is not necessarily as strong as iron. Some may be weak and frail, but they can face the enemy’s blade with unwavering courage. Warriors have their warrior spirit, and scholars have their scholarly integrity.

Haven’t you heard of Ji Kang, who played the ‘Guangling San’ melody to its end and faced death calmly without bowing his head?

Three thousand students saw him off, and several slit their throats in protest, showing the world the character of ‘crows delighting in carrion, while phoenixes disdain it.’

A person’s character has nothing to do with their appearance or family background, right?”

Her eloquent and impassioned words silenced the entire tent, leaving everyone speechless.

Yin Gongzheng, who had come to oversee the peace talks, was so ashamed that he didn’t know what to say. He could only ask Wei Xiaokuan to restrain his subordinates from speaking recklessly, lest they lose face for the Zhou State!

In the midst of the silence, they heard “Xie Zhen” say in a clear voice, “Since Grand Commandant Wei is so interested in having me compose a poem to entertain everyone, then I won’t decline. Why not?”

After saying that, she looked at Gao Changgong and said tenderly, “Changgong, give me a wooden sword.”

Gao Changgong smiled and handed her a wooden sword.

“Grand Commandant Wei, have your soldiers beat the drums!”

Wei Xiaokuan was slightly taken aback before ordering two of his trusted subordinates to beat the drums. The two men hung their heads in dejection, as if they had been greatly insulted, and were very reluctant!

“Don’t you see—”

Before the drums even sounded, Xiao Jinyu began to dance with the sword and recite a poem:

“The Yellow River’s waters surge from heaven,

Rushing to the sea, never to return.”

As soon as the first line was uttered, the entire tent fell silent once more. Yin Gongzheng, who was already well-versed in poetry and literature, widened his eyes and rushed forward, eager to hear the next line. He asked, “What else?”

“Don’t you see, in the bright mirror of the high hall, one grieves over white hair,

In the morning, like black silk, by evening, turned to snow.”

Hearing this line, Wei Xiaokuan fell completely silent. He seemed to be filled with a sense of melancholy, as if lamenting the approaching old age and unfulfilled ambitions.

“When life brings joy, one must indulge to the fullest, Don’t let the golden cup face the moon empty.

Heaven has bestowed upon me talents for a purpose, Though a thousand gold coins are spent, they shall return!”

As she recited these lines, not only were the envoys in the tent stunned, but even the soldiers outside the tent, who had been laughing and mocking earlier, quietly gathered around.

Why did this poem sound so stirring and moving?

Some soldiers even secretly wiped away tears, their hearts filled with a sense of heroism!

Heaven has bestowed upon me talents for a purpose, though a thousand gold coins are spent, they shall return!

“Cook sheep and slaughter oxen for our enjoyment, Let us drink three hundred cups in one go.”

“Wait, wait—”

Yin Gongzheng suddenly ran excitedly to Xiao Jinyu, his face beaming with flattery. “Minister Xie, please slow down, slow down, let me write down this poem completely! When I return to the Zhou State, I will definitely present this poem to our Zhou Emperor and spread the good name of Minister Xie!”

After saying that, he immediately summoned several scribes who had come with him, bringing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, and began to meticulously copy the poem line by line.

At this moment, even Gao Changgong and Gao Yanzong were speechless, their eyes fixed on the silhouette of the “young man” dancing with the sword. It was as if all other sights and sounds had vanished, leaving only this captivating image.

Only the rhythmic beating of the drums and the soul-stirring verses of the poem filled the air!

Gradually, more and more soldiers joined in, beating the drums and chanting along!

In the end, even Gao Yanzong joined the chorus, singing:

“Five-flower steed, fur coat worth a thousand gold, Call my son, let’s trade them for fine wine, And drown our sorrows that have lasted for ages.”

Lanling Wang, holding his wine cup, looked at the Zhou soldiers outside the tent who were now united in revelry, especially the figure that had captured his heart, leaving no room for anything else. Perhaps for the rest of his life, this scene would replay in his mind countless times, never to be forgotten.

“Fourth Brother, come sing along too! In our Qi State, you’re known for your beautiful voice and handsome appearance. You singing this poem would sound amazing! And it feels so liberating to sing it!

Although I don’t understand poetry much, I just feel that this poem is incredible!

Fourth Brother, don’t you think so?”

After speaking, seeing that Lanling Wang was still lost in thought, Gao Yanzong suddenly had a moment of realization: No wonder Fourth Brother said he loved her to the core. Such a woman, no matter when or where, would shine brightly and bring surprises. It was hard not to love her!

After an unknown amount of time, the drums stopped, and the soldiers quieted down once more. The soldiers who had mocked “Xie Zhen” earlier were now kneeling in shame, bowing to Xiao Jinyu and saying:

“Minister Xie’s talent is truly as brilliant as Zi Jian, unlike those other scholars from the Southern Dynasty. We were rude earlier, and we are willing to accept punishment and apologize to the envoy!”

“It’s fortunate that you can recognize your mistakes. It’s alright, you didn’t know me. Those who are unaware are not to blame!”

Xiao Jinyu replied, adding, “However, this poem was not written by me. I saw it in the library of my Xie family.”

“Grand Commandant Wei asked me to compose a poem to relieve the pressure for the envoys and soldiers. I think this poem is enough for everyone to remember, right?”

Yin Gongzheng hurriedly added, “Not just remember, this poem, once it’s out, will surely be passed down through the ages, remembered by generations to come. Minister Xie, you are indeed worthy of being a descendant of the Chenjun Xie Clan, known for their legacy of poetry and etiquette!”

Amidst the gasps of astonishment and admiration, a soldier asked loudly:

“Minister Xie, you just said, ‘Heaven has bestowed upon me talents for a purpose, though a thousand gold coins are spent, they shall return.’ Is that really true?”

“Of course, everyone is born with a purpose, even if a thousand gold coins are spent, they can be earned back one day.”

Xiao Jinyu replied, looking at the soldiers outside the tent, her heart filled with emotion:

“A general’s success comes at the cost of countless lives. Even a soldier of humble origins deserves respect. Their sacrifices on the battlefield, shedding their blood and laying down their lives, are worthy of remembrance by the world!”

These words moved the Zhou soldiers outside the tent to tears, their eyes welling up with emotion.

Wei Xiaokuan and the envoys all fell silent!

Even Gao Yanzong lowered his head, seemingly deep in thought, speechless. He looked at Lanling Wang, who was sitting beside him, also lost in contemplation.

“Today, after hearing Minister Xie’s words, I finally understand the preciousness of life. Hearing these words, I shall not live this life in vain!”