Chapter 124: A Talent for the Ages

If a renowned and celebrated Confucian scholar were to suddenly tell a child that he wanted to take him back to his hometown, what would it mean?

Given Kong Wen’s status, stating this publicly in front of scholars from every prefecture and province could only mean one thing: "I, Kong Wen, wish to take you, Luo Binwang, as my disciple."

How could such a scene not be shocking?

The scholars present all knew that Luo Binwang came from humble beginnings and could not even afford decent clothes. Almost all of them had, in their hearts, mocked his background and poverty. Yet now, a descendant of Confucius and a great scholar of his generation wanted to take him as a disciple. It was a transformation as vast as the gap between heaven and hell, or a frog in a well suddenly leaping like a carp over the dragon gate. Once accepted into the Confucian school, his status and future achievements would be fundamentally altered.

"It seems Kong Wen spotted some latent talent in Luo Binwang, deciding to take him as a disciple the moment they met. He is worthy of being a great scholar; his eye for talent is excellent. But this man is not mentioned in historical records, while Luo Binwang is one of the four great poets of the early Tang, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Wang Bo. What kind of story will unfold here?"

Lu Xin looked at the middle-aged man in white and could not help but recall what he had witnessed the night before. Shangguan Yunyi had stormed into Chang'an precisely because Kong Wen had broken their agreement by coming to the capital to take the imperial examination. At that time, Shangguan Yunyi held two immensely powerful artifacts: the Red Dust Sword and the Phoenix Seal. Had Li Chunfeng not intervened, the imperial court might not have been able to muster enough strength to deal with her. Later, after Shangguan Yunyi was defeated and rendered unconscious, it was Kong Wen who took her away.

However, there was a question here. Based on their conversation, the two had not met for at least a dozen years. One lived in Qufu, Yanzhou, and the other far away on Mount Sanqing in Xinzhou; they were, for all intents and purposes, estranged. Even the well-informed major clans and noble families were unaware of Kong Wen’s arrival for the examinations. How could a Daoist nun have known?

Lu Xin was certain that some faction’s conspiracy was at play; Shangguan Yunyi had clearly been used. Kong Wen’s sudden change of heart—abandoning the imperial examinations overnight—was likely related to this as well.

"It is strange. The Prince of Hejian spends his days drinking and making merry, ignoring worldly affairs. How did he know that Kong Wen came to Chang'an for the examinations? Even Zhangsun Wuji, an old acquaintance of Kong Wen, did not know."

Looking at the two middle-aged men before him, Lu Xin felt there were too many mysteries in his mind. Everyone he had met since entering Chang'an was not simple, and each hid various secrets deep within. It perfectly matched Li Chunfeng’s words: once you enter Chang'an, the winds change, and there will never be a peaceful day again.

"Sigh, the ways of the world are truly bizarre. This Great Tang is far more complex than the era I came from. Perhaps this is how a chaotic age should look. Still, if Luo Binwang can truly enter Kong Wen's school, it is his own stroke of fortune."

"Hahaha, I am indeed a descendant of Confucius. What? If I were not a descendant of a sage, would you look down on me?"

Faced with Luo Binwang’s question, Kong Wen smiled and stood straight. The child hurriedly lowered his head and stammered "no" three times, his face turning bright red. Kong Wen naturally understood the child's thoughts and said nothing more, smiling as he took Luo Binwang’s hand. Only then did he turn his gaze toward Lu Xin.

Kong Wen’s eyes were like torches, his pupils slightly constricted, appearing profoundly deep. Once pinned by his gaze, Lu Xin’s hair stood on end, and his entire body involuntarily tensed.

"This look... it is just like that monk’s."

Though shocked, Lu Xin did not show it. Kong Wen quickly withdrew his gaze, his face returning to a warm, gentle smile that made one feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze.

"The world is drunk, yet one man is awake. To have such a temperament at such a young age is truly rare. Prince, the person you are protecting may one day protect the entire Great Tang."

Kong Wen finished speaking with a meaningful tone, then let out a hearty laugh that seemed to mask deep hidden pain. Immediately, he led Luo Binwang away from the crowd. No one dared to block their path. Lu Xin knew that Kong Wen possessed no supernatural power, yet the sheer "righteous energy" of the Confucian school radiating from him was terrifying. It was so terrifying that no one would dare make an enemy of him, much like no one would dare make an enemy of the heavens and earth.

"Brother Lu, though our meeting was brief, thank you."

As they reached the edge of the crowd, Luo Binwang suddenly stopped and looked back at Lu Xin. This stubborn, prideful child, after biting his lip in silence for a long time, finally said thank you. Lu Xin waved his hand with a smile, saying nothing in return. Having met twice, he understood Luo Binwang’s personality. Some things were better kept in the heart. Moreover, he did what he did simply by following his own conscience, not to bestow favors or act as some savior.

"Young Master Lu, I am hosting a banquet at my residence. Would you do me the honor?"

"How could I refuse the Prince’s invitation? However, I have urgent matters to attend to. I fear I must ask to offer my apologies at the Prince’s residence later. Brother Wei, this matter is critical; I require your assistance."

"Hahaha, no matter, we are all on the same side. I shall head back first. Wei Qing, once you have finished your tasks, bring Young Master Lu to the residence. If anything goes wrong, you will be held accountable."

"Rest assured, Your Highness. I will certainly protect Brother Lu."

Seeing Lu Xin decline the invitation, Li Xiaogong did not take offense; instead, he laughed and instructed Wei Qing to protect him well. These words were naturally meant for the ears of Zhangsun Wuji and the other noble youths. It showed how astute this seemingly lazy and indifferent Prince of Hejian truly was.

Clang, clang, clang...

Just then, a bell rang out from the Hongwen Pavilion, vast and majestic, echoing throughout the world. Upon hearing it, the scholars immediately began to straighten their attire, growing tense. A large group of officials emerged from the gates of the pavilion. The two in the lead were an elderly man of over eighty, wrinkled and leaning on others for support, and the current Chancellor, Fang Xuanling, the Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. Without further ado, they announced that the examination was about to begin and ordered the scholars to line up. Zhangsun Wuji and Sun Dianyu also began to prepare for the logistics of the exam. In an instant, the Hongwen Pavilion, which had been in an uproar because of Luo Binwang and Lu Xin, returned to a state of serenity. It seemed as if everyone had forgotten what had just occurred.

"Brother Xin, the exam is starting. I, the future top scholar, am going in. Don't go causing any more trouble for me!"

The scholar appeared from nowhere, gave Lu Xin a bear hug, and without waiting for a reaction, rushed into the line. Yue Buhei cursed loudly nearby, though his face was beaming with joy. Even Yang Qin, who was usually fierce toward the scholar, began to laugh.

The imperial examination was the most important event in the life of an ancient scholar. As the saying goes, "All pursuits are lowly, only reading is noble." It was the only way for commoners to change their fate. The scholar had endured great hardship to reach Chang'an for this very moment. Seeing him so confident, Yue Buhei and the others were genuinely happy for him. Lu Xin felt the same.

They were friends who had shared life-and-death experiences, often bantering and joking, but when it came to serious matters, they buried their emotions deep, without unnecessary words. Watching the scholar disappear into the gates of the Hongwen Pavilion, Lu Xin let out a slow breath and turned to lead Wei Qing out of Qunxian Ward. Yue Buhei wanted to follow, but Lu Xin, citing his injuries, had the Yang sisters forcibly drag him back to the Qian residence.

"Brother Lu, judging by your expression, what is so urgent?"

"Brother Wei, do not ask for now. Instead, how did you and the Prince know I was outside the Hongwen Pavilion?"

"This... to be honest, the Prince suddenly sent someone to the Dali Temple to summon me. As for how the Prince knew, I am not entirely sure."

On the way to the Wei residence, the two young men traveled quickly, chatting as they moved. Lu Xin wanted to know why Li Xiaogong had appeared at such a critical moment. He had assumed it was under the instruction of his master, Li Chunfeng, but judging by Wei Qing’s demeanor, that might not be the case. If it was not Li Chunfeng who had asked for Li Xiaogong’s help, then who had such influence?

"Master has not appeared since last night. Could it be... that something has truly happened?"

Lu Xin looked up at the sky, his expression anxious. The events of the past two days far exceeded his understanding. There were too many mysteries he could not solve alone.

"Brother Wei, at this hour, the morning court should have ended, right?"

"Yes, it usually ends by now. But early this morning, His Majesty issued a decree canceling the morning assembly. The Department of State Affairs sent word to the residences of the ministers; my uncle should still be at home."

"That is good. Brother Wei, I must see the Director of the Secretariat!"

It took them only a quarter of an hour to travel from Qunxian Ward to the residence of Wei Zheng in the East City. Perhaps because of the examinations, there were few pedestrians on the streets after leaving the West Market. Guided by Wei Qing, Lu Xin quickly entered the depths of the residence and found Wei Zheng sitting in the garden, drinking tea.

Last night, when the legendary Taiyin Youying descended, Wei Zheng had clearly taken action. Yet now, there was no sign of it on him. Seeing Lu Xin, Wei Zheng was somewhat surprised, but he did not show it on his face.

"Minister Wei, I have come to see you because I have an important matter to report to the court. However, whether this should be told to the Emperor, I will leave to your decision."

As he spoke, Lu Xin pulled a Buddhist scripture from his robe. Wei Zheng took it, and upon flipping to the first page, his expression turned grave.

"How did this book come into your possession?"

"Minister, do not be hasty. I will tell you everything that transpired. As for what happens after, it will no longer involve me."

...

By the time he left the Wei residence, it was already noon. Lu Xin did not stay to eat, nor did he go to Li Xiaogong’s residence. Instead, he left Chang'an alone through the Kaiyuan Gate.