Chapter 4: Aristocratic Families and Humble Origins

The youth was originally accustomed to holding the pen in his left hand, and he practiced the most renowned calligraphic work "Xuan Shi Biao" by the great calligrapher Zhong Yao from the late Han and Three Kingdoms period. The youth was diligent, and his small script closely resembled the form of "Xuan Shi Biao".

Mother Chen, Li, felt greatly comforted: "My ugly son has truly grown up, so carefree like your elder brother." She sighed lightly, "Alas, your sister-in-law is indeed a good sister-in-law! It is a pity that Qing's fate is so fragile"

On this rainy night, Chen Caozhi thought to himself: "I possess the foresight advantage of a time traveler. I can write refreshing and delightful essays, my painting techniques are ahead of my contemporaries, and I have the strength of an amateur 3-dan in Go. Moreover, I have traveled through much of China, making me well-informed and experienced. Most importantly, I am only fifteen years old, which allows me to engage in targeted learning. I can study metaphysics, Confucianism, calligraphy, and music. I am confident that I can master them. Of course, I cannot spend my entire life immersed in study; time waits for no one, and I must seize the opportunity to become famous early on."

Mother Chen, Li, shook her head and said, "The Ding clan refuses to allow Youwei to return. You must not argue with them, ugly child. Our Chen family cannot compete with the Ding family. You must not act on youthful impulse, do you understand?"

The Qiantang Ding family is indeed the maternal family of Zong Zhi and He Run'er. The Qiantang Ding family considers itself a third-rate gentry and looks down upon the humble and common folk. Initially, they married Ding Youwei to Chen Qingzhi, firstly because Chen Qingzhi's father, Chen Su, was then serving as the county magistrate of Wuxing; secondly, because Chen Qingzhi possessed outstanding character and exceptional talent. The governor of Wuxing, Lu Na, who also held the position of Grand Zhongzheng, evaluated Chen Qingzhi as a seventh-rank official according to the nine-rank Zhongzheng system.

At this point, Laifu was so distressed that he could not continue speaking. Although arriving in Qiaozhou meant he would be registered in the household registry and receive official land, thus becoming a free commoner, the layers of exploitation by the government officials often made free citizens worse off than the tenants working for large families. Tenants had the backing of powerful families; as long as they paid their rent and fulfilled their service obligations according to the law, corrupt officials would not dare to exploit them excessively. The problem was that Laifu could not even be considered a tenant, as tenants had household registrations, while Laifu was a displaced person without such registration. Initially, Chen Su had taken Laifu's family in as a protected household under his capacity as an eighth-rank county official. Protected households were the private property of their masters and similarly did not have to pay taxes or serve the government. An eighth-rank official had the right to have one protected household, but since the Qiantang Chen family was not a gentry family, once the official was dismissed or died, the protected household would have to return to the government for re-registration. Now, five years had passed since Chen Su's death, and nearly three years since Chen Qingzhi's passing, leaving the Qiantang Chen family without anyone to protect Laifu's family.

"Run'er is indeed meticulous and sharp-eyed," Chen Caozhi chuckled and said, "Mother has always taught me to use my right hand to hold chopsticks, as it is in accordance with etiquette, but I have never been able to change. This time, I am determined to make the change—Mother, is my use of chopsticks with my right hand acceptable?"

Madam Chen, of the Li family, waved her hand and said, "Alright, Laifu, you may go now. During these days, you should frequently inquire about matters related to the inspection of records. If there are any changes, the old woman can be prepared in advance"

The Dante family soon regretted it, as the marriage between noble families and commoners was considered disgraceful. The Ding family’s reputation in Qiantang County and Wuxing Prefecture suffered greatly. However, Ding Youwei was already married, and it was too late to turn back; there was no way to recover the situation. Moreover, Ding Youwei and Chen Qingzhi shared a deep bond, and it was impossible to persuade her to divorce.

Madam Chen, of the Li family, remarked: "Very good, although it is still not flexible enough, as long as you persist in using your right hand, you will become proficient. Additionally, you should also switch your daily calligraphy practice to your right hand."

The preparation of four dishes and one soup is quite simple, requiring minimal ingredients, yet it retains its original flavor and is exceptionally delicious

Chen Cao felt a slight sweat on his forehead. The youth, who had merged with his soul, was a left-handed person, using his left hand for eating and writing. In a moment of distraction, he habitually picked up the chopsticks with his right hand, no wonder he found his right hand so clumsy

Since the Wei and Jin dynasties, due to the turmoil of war, many able-bodied men perished. In order to increase the population, the laws of propriety yielded to the survival of the state, and it became quite common for widows to remarry without facing criticism; even royal princesses remarried. However, Ding Youwei resolutely refused to marry again, while the Ding clan aspired to connect with other noble families but found themselves unable to do so, and they looked down upon those of lower status. Thus, Ding Youwei remained a widow at her maternal home. The Ding family only agreed to let her see her children once a year in April, not returning to Chenjiawu, but instead sending someone to quietly bring Zongzhi and Run'er to Qiantang, where they would stay at the Ding residence for a few days before being sent back.

The Nine Ranks System was established by Emperor Wen of Wei, Cao Pi, based on the recommendations of the Minister of Personnel, Chen Qun, as a criterion for selecting officials. Its standards are threefold: family background, morality, and talent, divided into nine ranks. The first rank is that of a sage; since no one in the world dares to consider themselves of the first rank, the second rank is thus regarded as the highest. The ranks below the third are all considered lower ranks.

It is said that Zhong Yao made significant progress in calligraphy after obtaining the secret techniques of calligraphy from Cai Yong, which he later passed on to Lady Wei. Lady Wei then transmitted it to Wang Xizhi, who is renowned as the greatest calligrapher of the Eastern Jin dynasty and even in the following millennium. Coming from the prestigious Wang family of Langya, he was a superlative scholar. Therefore, copying Zhong Yao's "Xuan Shi Biao" serves as a means to trace back to the original source and deeply comprehend the essence of Wang Xizhi's calligraphy

Lai Fu said: "Lai Fu has heard that the registration this July is stricter than in previous years. Those without household registration, like the four members of the Lai family, will be sent to Qiaozhou to receive official land for farming, pay rent, and perform miscellaneous duties"

Mother Chen, Li, smiled and said: "Ugly child, you should eat more. You are now an adult and the pillar of the Chen family in the West Building"

Chen Caozhi listened quietly to the conversation between his mother and Laifu, secretly lamenting: "In the Eastern Jin Dynasty, without power, influence, or status, even one's own servants cannot provide protection. My Qiantang Chen family is truly in decline. With less than a hundred days until the July registration, what prudent measures can I, a fifteen-year-old boy, devise to assist Laifu's family?"

Mother Chen, of the Li family, was slightly surprised to see Chen Cao's prompt agreement and said, "Ugly child, are you not worried that the Ding family will look down on you?" The year before last, Chen Cao had visited the Ding residence in Qiantang and returned very angry, stating that he would never go back to the Ding residence again

Chen Su and his wife, Li, are kind-hearted individuals who show considerable care for the Lai family. Since arriving at Chenjiawu, although the daily labor is arduous, the Lai family is able to live comfortably and securely. Compared to the tumultuous and precarious days in Huai Bei, this place is akin to a paradise. Therefore, the bond between the Lai family and the Chen family of the West Building can be described as one of deep mutual affection and loyalty.

Chen Caozhi made a firm decision to start with regular script from Zhong Yao's "Xuan Shi Biao" and to draw on running script from Ouyang Xun's "Zhang Han Si Lu Tie" and Wang Xizhi's "Lanting Ji Xu"

Mother Chen, of the Li family, places great importance on Confucian etiquette. Even six-year-old Chen Run'er sits upright, chews slowly, and strives to make as little noise as possible.

... ...

The night was deep, and Chen Caozhi could not sleep. He browsed through books in the study on the left side of his bedroom, reading through the entire text of the Analects annotated by Ma Rong. Now, he found himself transported back a thousand years, experiencing a unique understanding of this Confucian classic. He was aware of the saying in the Eastern Jin dynasty, "The poor study Confucianism, while the wealthy study Daoism," where Confucianism refers to Confucius and Mencius, and Daoism refers to Laozi and Zhuangzi. As a member of a humble family, he naturally needed to master one or two Confucian classics and earn a good reputation at the county, prefecture, or even provincial level. Only then could he be recognized by the officials responsible for the nine-rank selection system, allowing him to enter the ranks of the nine grades like his elder brother, Chen Qingzhi, and attain a low-ranking official position.

Mother Chen, of the Li family, had a very small appetite. After eating half a bowl of wheat porridge, she set down her chopsticks and smiled as she watched her son and grandchildren enjoy their wheat rice. She felt happier seeing the younger generation eat so heartily than she did eating herself, especially tonight, as there seemed to be a certain change in the family that brought her comfort

Chen Caozhi replied, "I understand, and I will not let Mother worry." He thought to himself, "In the Eastern Jin dynasty, family background is very important. I remember a saying: 'No nobleman comes from a humble family, and no commoner comes from a noble clan.' I, Chen Caozhi, am currently from a humble background; doesn't this mean I will always be looked down upon?"

A good reputation is very important. How can one gain a good name in the shortest time possible? The people of the Wei and Jin dynasties did not particularly appreciate those who were overly conventional and honest. The "Shishuo Xinyu" records the elegant and unique demeanor of distinguished figures who were open-minded and unconventional.

Mother Chen, Li, remained silent, feeling quite distressed. However, there was little she could do about the situation, so she could only comfort Laifu by saying: "Don't worry too much. Didn't we also go through the registration process a couple of years ago? At that time, we can just offer more money and silk to the county's official in charge of the registration, and it will all be smoothed over."

After dinner, Zeng Yuhuan went downstairs to clear the dishes. Before long, she returned and said to Madam Chen, Li: "Madam, my family’s Laifu has something to say to you and the young master." For some reason, Zeng Yuhuan wore a worried expression, as if she had something troubling her mind.

The Minister of Works of Wei, Chen Qun, who introduced the Nine Ranks System to win over the gentry, came from the Chen family of Yingchuan. It is unexpected that his descendants ended up being excluded from the gentry, which is lamentable

After Laifu withdrew, Zeng Yuhuan went to prepare water for Chen's mother, Li, and the four others to bathe

At this moment, both Chen Mu Li and Chen Zongzhi turned their gazes towards Chen Cao's right hand holding the chopsticks, their faces filled with astonishment

Moreover, he aspires to master the extraordinary skill of writing with both hands. To gain fame during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, one must be innovative and original. Therefore, he will practice the regular script "Xuan Shi Biao" with his left hand and the running script "Zhang Han Si Lu Tie" with his right hand

Chen Cao smiled and said, "Mother, I am bringing my nephew and niece to visit my sister-in-law. As long as my sister-in-law treats us well, it is sufficient. As for the expressions of others, why should we care?"

The dinner under the wild goose lantern, though quiet, possesses a unique warmth; the feeling of a family gathering together for a meal is truly wonderful

Run'er, with her pair of water-like eyes, turned them round and round, eager to speak. At that moment, seeing her grandmother and uncle speak one after the other, she understood that she could now whisper a word or two. The little girl looked at Chen Caozhi's right hand holding the chopsticks, widened her eyes, and exclaimed softly: "Grandmother, ugly uncle is using his right hand to hold the chopsticks"

... ...

Chen Cao had a prior passion for calligraphy, and his most admired calligrapher was Ouyang Xun. During his university years, he diligently practiced copying Ouyang Xun's "Zhang Han Si Lu Tie" three times every day for three consecutive years, thereby capturing some of its spirit. As for Zhong Yao's "Xuan Shi Biao," he also attempted to copy it, although the original had already been lost by that time. What has survived is a carved version copied by Wang Xizhi. The copy currently on the table is based on a version of "Xuan Shi Biao" that his elder brother, Chen Qingzhi, treasured at the residence of Lu Na in Wu County, which was further copied from Lu Ji's work. This is akin to hearsay, inevitably leading to distortions.

Lai Fu was so grateful that he was almost in tears, saying: "Madam, Lai Fu is not here for the matter concerning Lai Zhen."

Chen Cao slowly ground the ink, then took a brush and practiced calligraphy on a piece of left Bai paper. The people of the Eastern Jin dynasty had an immense love for calligraphy, and the calligraphy of Wang Xizhi and Xie An greatly enhanced their personal charm. It can be said that to stand out in the Eastern Jin, one must be able to write well.

Chen Cao felt the loving gaze of his mother, and he felt somewhat embarrassed. He had already served himself three bowls of wheat rice, yet it seemed as if he had not eaten at all. After three months of only smelling the aroma of food, he was truly very hungry

Mother Chen, Li, asked: "What is Laifu worried about? Is it that the bride price demanded by the Huang tenant is too high? This need not be a concern; any shortfall in the bride price will be supplemented by the old woman for you"

Mother Chen, Li, let out a sound of acknowledgment and asked, "What is it then? No need to rush, Laifu, take your time to explain."

Thirteen years ago, when Lai Fu accompanied Chen Caozhi's father, Chen Su, to Chenjiawu, in addition to his wife, Zeng Yuhuan, he had three sons. At that time, the three sons only had their nicknames, which were given to them by Chen Su. Their formal names were Lai Gui, Lai Zhen, and Lai De.

Chen Caozhi chewed and swallowed the wheat meal in his mouth, slightly bowing his body: "My son will not disappoint you, Mother"

Unfortunately, three years ago, when Chen Qingzhi served as the mayor of Haiyu County, he abandoned his wife and children, leaving this world at the young age of twenty-six. The Ding family immediately brought Ding Youwei back to Qiantang. At that time, Ding Youwei was only twenty-three years old. Although she was already the mother of two children, her beauty remained, captivating and enchanting. The Ding family wished for Ding Youwei to remarry, seeking to sever ties with the Chen family and this marriage.

Lai Gui is twenty-one years old this year and has married the daughter of a nearby tenant farmer. Lai Zhen, at eighteen, is a strong and capable young man, an excellent farmer. Lai De, at sixteen, has a short forehead and thick lips, resembling his father, Lai Fu, in his simplicity. He has been a childhood companion of Chen Cao.

Lai Fu's second son, Lai Zhen, is currently engaged in a marriage proposal with the daughter of the Huang tenant farmer. Chen's mother and the Li family, who are associated with *Tu*, believe that Lai Fu is troubled over the betrothal gifts

Due to the appreciation of Lu Na, the governor of Wuxing County, Chen Qingzhi's reputation soared. Having been ranked seventh among his peers, it was only natural for him to subsequently hold official positions of seventh rank or lower. The head of the Ding clan recognized this aspect of Chen Qingzhi, and since both the Ding and Chen families adhered to the teachings of the Celestial Master, he was momentarily moved to marry the renowned beauty Ding Youwei from Qiantang to Chen Qingzhi. After all, while it is extremely rare for commoners to attain high official positions, it is not entirely impossible; even the Grand Marshal Tao Kan came from humble beginnings.

Mother Chen, Li, asked: "Ugly child, at the end of the month, we will send Zongzhi and Run'er to the county to reunite with their mother. Do you want to go along?"

Family background is generally assessed based on the prominence of one's ancestral lineage and the official titles held by one's forebears. The Chen family of Qiantang, originally from Yingchuan, boasts a distinguished lineage; however, since relocating to Qiantang County in Wuxing Prefecture to escape the Yellow Turban Rebellion, they have been reduced to three generations of low-ranking officials, lacking power and influence. Consequently, they were excluded from the ranks of the gentry in the genealogical records of the Eastern Jin, being classified merely as a minor landholding family of the commoners. During the Two Jin dynasties, great emphasis was placed on the family lineage of the aristocracy. Thus, although Chen Qingzhi was exceptional in both virtue and talent, his humble family background limited him to a seventh rank, which was already considered the maximum attainable for someone of his status.

Only heard my mother sighing, saying: "If there is truly no other way, we can only seek help from the Qiantang Ding family. We cannot allow the Lai family to fall into destitution."

Chen Cao's words: "Since my sister-in-law is unwilling to remarry, I plan to find a way to bring her back this time. This will allow me to take care of Zongzhi and Run'er, as well as keep my mother company. Mother, would this be acceptable?"

The couple, Laifu and Zeng Yuhuan, felt somewhat at ease. Laifu said: "The kindness of the mistress is such that our family, no matter how hard we work, cannot repay it."

Chen Cao said: "Of course, the child must go. Besides taking care of Zongzhi and Run'er, the child also wishes to gain some experience."

Mother Chen, Li said: "Call Fu to come up."

With calloused hands and feet, the honest and loyal Laifu arrived at the dining room on the third floor. He respectfully bowed to Madam Chen, Li, and then knelt outside the rush mat. His expression showed a hint of hesitation; after a moment of uncertainty, he finally spoke: "Madam, young master, Laifu just heard something that has caused great concern for my family—"

The sound of rain pattering outside the building is the rain of April in the Jiangnan region

In the western building's dining room, the bronze goose and fish lamps emit a soft, warm yellow glow. The floor is covered with a bordered rush mat. Chen's mother, Li, sits facing north, in front of a five-foot-long table made of golden silk nanmu wood. Chen Caozhi, Chen Zongzhi, and Chen Run'er kneel in order on either side of the nanmu table. On the table are four dishes: celery, tofu, carp, and smoked meat (also known as waxed meat), along with a bowl of yellow bean sprout soup.