Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Discrepancy within the Confucian Way, a Master Behind Ling Si?
Outside the academy.
After Li Qingchen and the others left, Wei Cang did not linger for long either.
He approached Mo Lan and Yi Xian, two esteemed scholars, and said with cupped hands:
"I must trouble you, esteemed seniors, this time. I shall express my gratitude further upon my return to the Central Region."
Mo Lan waved his hand with a smile, "It’s no trouble at all. Witnessing such a literary competition is a rare fortune for both of us."
"Indeed."
Yi Xian praised, "One is an extraordinarily gifted prodigy in the four arts, and the other a peerless poet. Such a contest is not something the average person can witness."
As he spoke, he looked at Wei Cang curiously,
"From what the Dean Wei means, he’s not planning to return to the Central Region with us and intends to stay in the Southern Territory?"
Wei Cang laughed at the remark, glancing at Ling Si not far away before saying:
"My apprentice has been in seclusion for two years without venturing out. By chance, there are some friends in the Southern Territory, and also a reclusive grand scholar whom I plan to visit."
On the way here, Ling Si had already told Wei Cang that after the literary competition, they planned to visit a senior.
He wasn’t sure how Ling Si knew that grand scholar, but from Ling Si’s expression, the scholar seemed to be quite formidable.
This made Wei Cang curious, and since it wasn’t far from their location, it was a good chance to visit and seek guidance.
"Since that is the case, Dean Wei, please feel free; we shall depart on our own."
Without further discussion, under Mo Lan and Yi Xian’s gaze, Wei Cang led his group gradually away.
As Wei Cang and his group walked into the distance, the warm smile on Mo Lan’s face suddenly fell.
"A dire threat indeed."
After a long sigh, his expression turned complex,
"A single young saint has suffocated the entire Confucian path, and now there’s another like a cunning simpleton—that..."
"When will the day come for us to rise?"
The vast Confucian realm across five regions was divided into two factions within the literary circle.
One was led by the Saint Academy of the Young Saints, while the other consisted of those grand Confucian scholars who had been oppressed.
Initially, the two factions had differing philosophies on Confucianism, leading to constant friction.
Eventually, the rise of the young saint, with a strong stance, suppressed everything, thus unifying the Confucian realm that was on the verge of splitting.
However, some deeply rooted beliefs won’t be suppressed by sheer power; they tend to stir with time.
Also, with the young saint becoming increasingly low-key and detached from worldly affairs, their faction gradually became active, showing potential to regain dominance in Confucianism.
Therefore, these grand scholars were preparing to overthrow the young saint’s faction during the literary gathering in two years and reclaim the Confucian realm!
Initially, they were very confident, but the cunning simpleton they encountered today shattered that confidence.
"Don’t be so pessimistic."
After a moment of silence, Yi Xian’s eyes flashed with light,
"The simpleton’s four divine arts are indeed strong, but his poetry and lyrics are pathetically weak."
"Didn’t you notice, despite following Li Qingchen for two years, he hasn’t generated even a trace of noble spirit?"
Mo Lan’s expression froze, then his eyes brightened.
Indeed!
No matter how strong the four divine arts are or how high the level is, without noble spirit to support it, how much power can it exhibit?
Not long ago, the simpleton didn’t even compose a single poem, nor did he have a trace of noble spirit within.
This demonstrates that although his talents in the four arts are extraordinary, his ability to compose poetry and lyrics is catastrophically poor!
"In that case, even if the simpleton participates in the literary gathering, it won’t impact us."
"Although Mu Yun’s four arts aren’t a match for the simpleton, his poetry and Confucian realm make the opponent pale in comparison!"
The worry in Mo Lan’s expression disappeared, restoring his confidence.
Mu Yun was their secretly cultivated successor, with a rare talent in Confucianism, and achieved remarkable accomplishments in the four arts and poetry!
The purpose was to strike the young saint’s faction heavily at the literary gathering in two years!
Although the simpleton was an unexpected occurrence, when evaluating overall strength, Mu Yun clearly surpassed the opponent.
"The simpleton is not to be feared, but let’s not be careless."
Yi Xian gazed deeply at the departing Wei Cang and others, then said:
"Wei Cang’s disciple is also no ordinary person; their poetry is... remarkably strong."
"Although the four arts are average, purely in terms of poetry, Mu Yun is far from a match."
"Don’t be fooled by Wei Cang constantly opposing Li Qingchen; if Li Qingchen ever encounters trouble, Wei Cang would definitely rise to defend, and this cannot be ignored."
Mo Lan heard this and dismissively waved his hand with a smile,
"The literary gathering measures comprehensive strength, and even if Ling Si’s poetry is strong, Mu Yun’s four arts can crush the opponent."
"Unless Ling Si’s poetry talent combines with the simpleton’s four arts talent."
"But how is that possible? Otherwise, it would be like the literary emperor reincarnated!"
Yi Xian pondered for a moment upon hearing this, then chuckled lightly.
Moreover, the young saint mentioned that the simpleton wouldn’t attend the literary gathering, and even if he did, they were fully confident!
In conclusion...
They were sure to win in two years!
...
Elsewhere, Su Changqing and the others headed straight to Cyan Mountain Village after leaving the academy.
On the road, Shu Han kept marveling and praising intermittently.
"Ling Si’s poetry, thinking back, it remains infinitely captivating—a true talent."
"In terms of poetry, it might rival Chang Qing’s talent in the four arts."
Li Qingchen nodded at the remark and said softly:
"Ling Si’s poetry is indeed strong. To compose such verses at her age, beyond talent, it likely involves guidance from a high mentor."
Li Qingchen wasn’t familiar with Ling Si but was well-acquainted with Wei Cang.
For Wei Cang wouldn’t be able to teach such poetry, Ling Si must have been under the tutelage of a prominent Confucian scholar.
"A prominent Confucian scholar specializing in poetry, perhaps the contemporary poetry saint known as ’Literary Star’?"
Shu Han praised, "There’s a good chance; if anyone could teach Ling Si to compose verses at her age, it would be the current poetry saint."
Beside them, Su Changqing listened to their conversation, hesitated to speak several times, but eventually kept silent.
"Forget it, the literary competition is over, who knows when I’ll see Senior Sister Ling Si again."
"No need for frequent interaction; best to pretend it never happened and avoid any awkwardness when meeting again..."
Thinking this over, Su Changqing decided to keep this matter to herself.
Since few people knew, she planned to instruct Brother Er Niu once back, so the matter would be considered resolved.
Thinking this, a smile finally appeared on Su Changqing’s face.
"Chang Qing, why haven’t you said a word?"
"Hey, though our poetry lost, didn’t we win four matches? Don’t be so downcast."
Seeing Su Changqing silent for a while, Shu Han offered words of comfort.
Beside him, Li Qingchen also spoke up:
"Your senior brother is right; this wasn’t a matter of defeat. You seldom study poetry, how could you win?"
"Ling Si’s poetry this time was a masterpiece, you lost fairly. In the future, when you meet your senior sister, seek her guidance often."
Su Changqing smiled and said:
"Teacher, senior brother, you’re right. When I meet my senior sister again, I’ll definitely seek her advice."
Seeing Chang Qing recovered, Shu Han laughed heartily, "That’s more like it. I copied Ling Si’s poetry; take it and study it."
Saying this, Shu Han handed Su Changqing two sheets of paper with the poetry copied on them.
Su Changqing twitched the corners of her mouth, then began ’studying’ the familiar poems.
...
As time passed and the horizon brightened, Cyan Mountain Village was already in sight.
Before the carriage even entered the village, an eager figure ran swiftly to greet them.
"Hahaha, arriving so soon? I just..."
Having waited all night in anticipation, Brother Er Niu’s face lit up with excitement as he saw the carriage arriving.
But upon seeing Shu Han sitting on the edge of the carriage, his excited expression immediately dropped.
"Ah, it’s you returning?"
Hearing Brother Er Niu’s voice, Su Changqing also got off the carriage and smiled back:
"Brother Er Niu, have you been waiting for us?"
Beside them, Shu Han responded sarcastically, "Waiting for us? He’d have gone to bed long ago."
"Oh, shut it."
Brother Er Niu glared at Shu Han with annoyance, instinctively reaching for his sword upon seeing his old rival.
Yet today he had important matters, and didn’t want to spar with Shu Han.
"Chang Qing, wait for me back in the village; I need to ask you a favor later."
Brother Er Niu bowed to the carriage before speeding away like the wind.
"A favor?"
Su Changqing was puzzled, "What does Brother Er Niu need my help with?"