Chapter 006: Taibai Tower

Tang Feng nodded repeatedly, as in his heart, the ancient literati Li Bai ranked first, followed by Su Shi. Since someone held Li Bai in such high regard, he naturally had no objections. Gao Ming seemed to be lingering on the topic, and he pulled Tang Feng to the window, pointing to a shallow area beneath a stone bridge outside, saying: "This place is called Broken Moon Shoal, named in accordance with the last line of Li Taibai's poem, which mentions the moon being broken several times. Whenever the bright moon hangs high, the river flows like silver, the shadows of the tower and bridge dance, the wind whispers over the water, and the azure waves shatter the moonlight, it truly is a form of exquisite beauty."

The Taibai Building has two sections. The front section resembles a typical tavern, with tables and chairs filling the spacious hall. Since it is a reception for the county magistrate hosted by prominent figures in the county, they certainly would not set the banquet here, so they proceeded inward to the back section. The scene here was quite different; after passing through a corridor, they entered a grove of flowers and trees, and behind the grove was another section of the tavern. Tang Feng, noticing the serene ambiance, couldn't help but nod in approval. As he approached the building, he realized that the tavern, which appeared quite tall from a distance, was actually only two stories high.

Due to having read numerous novels and watched various films and television dramas, Tang Feng believed that the name "Taibai Tower" was merely popularized because of Li Taibai, and thus he did not regard the Taibai Tower in She County as significant. However, when he finally encountered the Taibai Tower in She County, he was still captivated by its grandeur.

Tang Feng, lost in thoughts of the beautiful scenery, was momentarily entranced. However, at that moment, an untimely voice echoed from downstairs: "The third young master of the Wang family, Wang Dedao, has arrived!" This completely shattered the beautiful feelings within Tang Feng. Frowning, he looked down and noticed that everyone upstairs had instinctively gathered at the foot of the stairs. Observing their eager demeanor, Tang Feng's frown deepened, and he felt a strong sense of disapproval in his heart. Just then, Gao Ming approached him and whispered, "My lord, shall we go greet the third young master of the Wang family?"

Upon hearing these words, those who had not yet arrived also came over, all bowing in greeting to Tang Feng, who hurriedly returned the gestures one by one. Although he was still quite unaccustomed to such scenes, he continually reminded himself that he was no longer the small employee Tang Kexiao from that company; he was now Tang Feng, the county magistrate of the Ming Dynasty. Since he held this position, he must adapt to all of this. Although he was still quite unaccustomed to such scenes, he continually reminded himself that he was no longer the small employee Tang Kexiao from that company; he was now Tang Feng, the county magistrate of the Ming Dynasty. Since he held this position, he must adapt to all of this

Tang Feng listened to these words, his brows furrowing once again. He truly could not understand why the people here would be so fearful of the Wang family, as the boss had completely avoided mentioning the county office and only spoke of the Wang family. Although his confusion deepened, Tang Feng knew that if he were to ask further, they would not divulge any information. Thus, he had no choice but to leave the teahouse. Looking at the sky, it was almost the hour of You, and only then did Tang Feng head westward towards the county town. When he had come out of the county office, he had already inquired about the location of the Taibai Building.

After admiring the scenery outside the window, Tang Feng began to browse the verses either hung on the wall or inscribed upon it. He noticed two poems prominently displayed; the first read: "Having lived in seclusion for thirty years, I built my home on the peak of the southern mountain. In the quiet night, I enjoy the bright moon, and in the leisurely morning, I drink from the clear spring. The woodcutter sings on the ridge, and the valley birds play before the rocks. I am so joyful that I do not know aging, completely forgetting the years that have passed." The second poem was even more grandiose, inscribed with: "At Tiantai's Guoqing Temple, it is renowned as one of the four wonders of the world. I come to enjoy the Tang dynasty's charm, and there is nothing else to compare. (Mu Hui) The wood cuts through the clouds, and the high peaks touch the snow. Outside the railing flows a stream, several times reflecting the fragmented moon." As he repeatedly savored the meanings within the verses and contemplated the name of this Taibai Tower, Tang Feng turned to Gao Ming beside him and said: "Mr. Gao, these verses are truly remarkable, but are they not penned by Li Qinglian?"

What a grand occasion, they actually had the county magistrate, who is also a guest, come to greet me. It seems that the Wang family holds considerable power here. Although Tang Feng felt quite dissatisfied, he still followed Gao Ming towards the stairs, curious to see just how impressive this extraordinarily capable Third Young Master truly was.

Under the guidance of the waiter, the three ascended to the second floor of the building. As soon as Tang Feng stepped onto the floor, he noticed a very large round table set in the spacious area, already laden with numerous dishes, yet there was not a single person seated at it. The individuals on the upper floor were either admiring the view outside from the window directly opposite the staircase or were gathered in small groups, quietly conversing while glancing at the inscriptions on the wall.

The reason why the Taibai Tower is built so high is to allow for a distant view of the scenery here. Looking down from the window, one can see the undulating mountains, with the landscape within several miles all visible below. As Tang Feng gazed at the beautiful scenery, his anger unconsciously subsided significantly, and he felt greatly satisfied with the depth of his self-cultivation. It seems that the education this body has received has indeed influenced his thoughts and actions.

Seeing the waiter go to the back, Tang Feng found himself at a loss for words. He decided not to sit any longer, placed a few copper coins on the table, and walked out with He-Tu-Shu to seek clarification. Just as the two of them stepped outside, they heard the boss inside reproaching the waiter, saying, "You talk too much. If the Wang family finds out you are gossiping about them here, I fear my teahouse will have to close its doors tomorrow!" He then scolded the waiter a few more times.

While Tang Feng was still greeting these individuals, two more people ascended hand in hand, namely Gao Ming and the county office's secretary, Tian Jing. The crowd exchanged pleasantries, and then Gao Ming began to introduce some of the people present to Tang Feng. He pointed to a rather portly-looking man and said, "This is Liu Jin, the owner of the grain shop in the county town." He then pointed to another person and said, "This is Lou Gong, the manager of the Baotong Silver House in the county." In the course of conversation, he introduced all the people present to Tang Feng, who also greeted each of them in turn.

Upon seeing someone coming upstairs, those individuals turned their heads to look. They did not recognize Tang Feng, the newly appointed county magistrate, but they were familiar with Hu Lie, so someone smiled and approached, saying: "Today, Captain Hu has arrived quite early." As they spoke, they cast a glance at Tang Feng, who was walking ahead of Hu Lie, as if inquiring. Hu Lie quickly replied: "This is the new county magistrate of our county, Lord Tang Feng."

As everyone had become acquainted and the time had already passed the hour of You, yet no one seemed inclined to take their seats, Tang Feng assumed that everyone was waiting for him. He casually remarked, "Since everyone is here, let us take our seats together. We can discuss any matters over the banquet." Just as he was about to proceed, he was unexpectedly pulled back by Gao Ming beside him. Tang Feng looked at him in confusion, only to find a hint of embarrassment on his face. Glancing at the others, he noticed that their expressions mirrored Gao Ming's. After a moment of silence, Tian Jing finally cleared his throat and said, "My lord, there is still one family that has not yet arrived; it would be best for you to wait a little longer."

At this moment, Tang Feng recalled that none of the people he had just met had the surname Wang. From the words of the tea house attendant, it was clear that the Wang family held significant influence in She County, and the individuals being discussed must be them. Understanding this, Tang Feng couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed. Since they had arranged a banquet to welcome him, it was unreasonable for them to keep him, the guest, waiting. In this modern age, where etiquette is not overly emphasized, such behavior is exceedingly rare; it clearly indicated a lack of regard for him. Although he felt angered, Tang Feng also recognized that it was not the right time to express his frustration, so he smiled and said, "Since that is the case, let us all wait a little longer." With that, he followed the others to the window to look down.

Tang Feng smiled and said, "This is not your fault; I did not reveal my identity, and you are merely following orders. Please lead us inside." The young attendant, upon hearing this, quickly expressed his thanks several times and then led Tang Feng inside.

The county magistrate is indeed well-versed. Gao Ming nodded and said, "This poem was indeed composed by Li Taibai, and it is because of this poem that this building is named Taibai Tower. It is said that during the Tang Dynasty, this place was merely a small tavern. The poet immortal, Li Taibai, came here to visit the recluse Xu Xuanping but did not find him. He once drank here and, upon seeing this poem," he said, pointing to the first poem that Tang Feng was looking at, "he exclaimed, 'This is the poem of an immortal!' Thus, he also left his own verses here. Later generations, in order to commemorate Taibai, transformed this tavern into the present-day Taibai Tower." He continued to express his admiration.

Tang Feng then remembered that he was dressed quite ordinarily and did not have any grand display, so in the eyes of that waiter, he was merely regarded as an ordinary guest. However, seeing the waiter politely refuse service, Tang Feng couldn't help but feel a bit of goodwill towards the Taibai Building. Just as Jie Huo was about to reveal their identities, another person arrived outside. Upon seeing Tang Feng being blocked by the waiter, he hurriedly stepped forward and said, "What kind of look is that? You dare to block the newly appointed county magistrate of this county? I see you don't want to work in the Taibai Building anymore!" Tang Feng turned to look, and it was the head constable Hu Lie from the yamen, who was glaring at the waiter. As soon as the waiter heard that this plainly dressed person was actually the new county magistrate, he immediately bent at the waist and said, "It is my fault for being blind and offending you, esteemed sir. I beg you to overlook this small offense and spare me this time."

Taibai Tower is located by the Lianjiang River on the west side of She County, at the western end of Taiping Bridge. It is backed by mountains and built against the hills, giving it an extraordinary presence. The building is about four to five stories high, with a front and back courtyard, which is a world apart from the small restaurants that Tang Feng had seen on television. After a moment of self-contempt for his own superficiality, Tang Feng proceeded with Jiewo. Upon reaching the main entrance of Taibai Tower, Tang Feng saw several exquisite and luxurious carriages parked there, indicating that the local wealthy families had arrived before him. Not wanting to keep these people waiting at the tower, Tang Feng did not take the time to appreciate the scenery and walked straight in with Jiewo. However, as he approached the main door, a waiter stepped forward to block their path, his face beaming with a smile as he said, "I apologize, gentlemen, but our establishment has been fully booked today. If you would like to try our cuisine, would you consider coming back tomorrow?" He also cupped his hands in a gesture of politeness.