Chapter 9, Flower Arrangement and Shortcuts

A preliminary estimate suggests that it will take at least three years to thoroughly read these books. Subsequently, one of the Five Classics will be selected as the primary text for examinations at both the county and prefectural levels. Zhang Yuan has chosen the "Spring and Autumn Annals" as his primary text. He has already listened to Fan and Zhan read the thirty volumes of the "Spring and Autumn Classics with Commentaries and Explanations" and has memorized it. However, he did not anticipate the need to read so many additional books. It is indeed not so easy to pass the examinations for the child scholars and licentiates.

The young girl hurriedly rubbed the young master's back at the rabbit pavilion

On a summer afternoon, gazing at the bright sunlight outside the eaves, the blue bricks on the ground seem to be evaporating heat. In such weather, sitting in the shade of the eaves, fanning oneself and engaging in leisurely conversation is evidently quite pleasant, with an occasional gentle breeze blowing by

Fan Zhen looked at Zhang Yuan, who was half-squinting. This fifteen-year-old boy, without his eye mask, appeared elegant in appearance, yet still somewhat immature. However, his demeanor and tone remained steady and calm. Fan Zhen thought to herself: "Could it really be true that listening to books helps one remember better? Nevertheless, this boy truly has a remarkable ability to recite what he hears."

Lu Yungu thought: "How has this young man from Dongzhang remained so inconspicuous until now? It is said that Zhang Zongzi from Xizhang and Qi Hizi from the Qishi family in the south of the city are the two great prodigies of this county. In my opinion, Zhang Yuan, also known as Zhang Jiezai, is certainly not inferior to those two; in fact, he may even surpass them."

"What is it?" Zhang Yuan asked

Fan and Zhan both laughed

On one side, the young servant Wu Ling felt delighted and could not restrain his tongue, saying: "Master Lu, you may not be aware, but my young master just won a bet on a literary challenge against the son of the Yan family, and from now on, the son of the Yan family must obey my young master's orders"

The "Four Books with Commentaries," "Classic of Filial Piety," "Elementary Texts," "Commentaries on the Five Classics," "Rites of Zhou," "Book of Rites," "Three Commentaries on the Spring and Autumn Annals," "Discourses of the States," "Strategies of the Warring States," "Principles of Human Nature," "Selections of Literature," "Collections of the Eight Families," and "Authentic Writings on Literature"

Zhang Yuan was holding a cup and drinking tea when he suddenly spat it out with a "puff" and began to cough incessantly

Two individuals are seated in the corridor outside the main hall, leisurely chatting while fanning themselves with palm fronds

Zhang E's face turned purple, and her head spun around as if she were trying to break free from something. Suddenly, she lowered her head, walked in front of Lu Yungu, bowed deeply to the ground, and said in a muffled voice: "Mr. Lu, I have been quite rude, I take my leave now." She turned around and hurried out of the hall, disappearing in a flash.

Lu Yungu has some free time today and visits Zhang Yuan for a follow-up consultation, intending to have a conversation with him as well

Zhang Yuan smiled and said: "The third brother heard me say that a calm mind brings wisdom, and listening is more effective than seeing. What is written is remembered more firmly, and this must be the reason."

Lu Yungu pondered for a moment, having never heard of such a book, and asked: "Is it similar to Yuan Zhonglang's 'The History of Bottles' in terms of floral arrangement discussions?"

Zhang Yuan explained: "It is to read a passage from a book and let me guess the title."

... ...

In the evening, Mrs. Zhang, of the Lü family, returned from the Tianzhuang at Jianhu and mentioned that the harvest was poor, with the tenants' wheat rent only reaching 60% of the expected yield. The harvest has been unsatisfactory in recent years.

Zhang Yuan smiled and said, "How could this be wrong? He is my cousin—Mr. Lu, please take a seat"

Fan Zhen and Zhan Shiyuan learned that Zhang E came to Zhang Yuan yesterday. Upon returning, they went into a frenzy. It is unclear whether this was triggered by Zhang Yuan's words

Zhang Yuan learned from Fan and Zhan that in order to take the examinations for Tongsheng and Xiucai, the following books must be read:

Zhang Yuan had no choice but to reply: "It's about the same, there are also discussions on flower arrangement."

Zhang E was immediately deflated, feeling dispirited and helplessly replied: "I will not forget"

A bottle and a plum blossom, isn't that just flower arrangement

With a sound of "Oh," Lu Yungu no longer inquired about "Jin Ping Mei." He walked in front of Zhang Yuan, instructing him to sit with his back to the light. Then he removed the eye mask and carefully examined Zhang Yuan's eyes. After a long inquiry, Lu Yungu nodded and said: "Brother Jiezhi, it is good that you can calm your mind. Your eye ailment stems from your childhood fondness for sweets, coupled with your impatient nature and excessive liver fire. To nourish your eyes, you must first nourish your liver, and to nourish your liver, you must first cultivate your temperament. A peaceful disposition leads to a tranquil heart and a clear mind, which naturally results in keen hearing and sight. Your eye condition will soon recover—today is June 22, and you can remove the eye mask before the Ullambana Festival on July 15. Recently, just avoid walking under the scorching sun and do not gaze at candle flames. You may not need to wear the eye mask indoors, but you must not read or write. Remember, even after recovery, you should minimize your intake of sweets and avoid excessive eye strain. Eye care is a lifelong endeavor.

The next day, Fan Zhen and Zhan Shiyuan came as usual to read the "Collected Exegesis of the Spring and Autumn Annals" for Zhang Yuan. After finishing a volume, during their leisure conversation, Fan Zhen said: "Young Master Jiezai, are you aware of the matter concerning the Yan Ke Gongzi?"

Lu Yungu sat down, shook his head, and smiled, saying: "Zhang Yanke has changed his nature, actually apologizing to me, this can be considered a remarkable event."

Zhang Yuan thought: "Wasn't the first half of the year all smooth sailing? How could the harvest be poor? The fields by Jian Lake are all fertile; as long as there are no floods, how could the harvest be bad year after year!"

Lu Yungu rose in anger and cupped his hands towards Zhang Yuan, saying, "I take my leave"

Lu Yungu rose and returned a salute, not even glancing at Zhang E beside him, and said: "I have come for a follow-up examination to see how your eyesight has recovered. I kindly ask any bystanders to step back."

Lu Yungu saw Zhang Yuan approaching him quickly with his eyes covered. Concerned that Zhang Yuan might stumble, he hurriedly stepped forward to support him and said, "I will visit again another day"

Zhang Yuan hurriedly said: "Mr. Lu, Mr. Lu, please wait a moment"

Zhang E knew that Lu Yungu disapproved of him, and immediately let out a cold snort, mocking Lu Yungu by saying: "You still ask the idle people to step back, do you think you are the magistrate of Shanyin County"

Lu Yungu spoke in the tone of a healer: "When drinking tea or eating, do not speak; if you must speak, do so without haste, and take your time." m.hetushu.com then asked, "Is this about flower arrangement?"

Lu Yungu asked: "May I also borrow 'Jin Ping Mei' for my reading?"

Yet, Fan Zhen continued, "There are also those who take shortcuts to pass the examination and become scholars. They read no other books, only the 'Four Books with Commentaries' and the classics, then they ponder over the eight-legged essays. Many of them manage to pass. Heh heh, these scholars who are unlearned and inept are not even as good as me and Old Zhan."

A few days later, Fan Zhen said to Zhang Yuan: "The young master of the Yan family has been practicing meditation these days, keeping his eyes covered all day long. Although he does not explicitly state it, it is evident that he is emulating Young Master Jiezi. I wonder what the reason could be?"

These concerns Zhang Yuan is currently keeping to himself; his eyesight is still not good, and it is not advisable for him to worry too much. It would be better to assist his mother with these matters after he has completely removed the eye mask. He should pay more attention to them in the meantime

Zhang Yuandao thought: "I remember, thank you, Mr. Lu, for your careful examination." He reflected: "It seems I need a pair of sunglasses; I wonder if those Westerners in Macau sell sunglasses."

Zhang Yuandao: "I apologize, Mr. Lu, that book belongs to Zhang Yanke."

Mr. Lu, thank you for taking the trouble to visit on such a hot day, much appreciated. Zhang Yuanlong bowed slightly and instructed Wuling to quickly prepare tea.

Lu Yungu stood there in a daze for a while and then asked, "Is that person just now really Zhang E, the guest of Zhang Yan?"

Zhang Yuandao: "The three brothers are exceptionally intelligent individuals, akin to a steed that can travel a thousand miles; such a steed is not easily tamed. Well, it will gradually improve."

Lu Yungu and *Tu* looked on with wide eyes. Zhang E's rebellious nature is well-known; even her father, Zhang Baosheng, would likely find it difficult to persuade her to apologize to anyone. Would Zhang E listen to her cousin, Zhang Yuan?

Zhang Yuanqing cleared his throat and replied: "The Plum in the Golden Vase"

Lu Yungu was in a very good mood. Every time he conversed with this fifteen-year-old boy, he felt a refreshing and enlightening sensation. Many things that he could not comprehend were clearly articulated by the boy. For instance, why does the section of a chopstick inserted in a cup of water appear to be bent at the water's surface while the submerged section does not?

Zhang Yuandao: "Mr. Lu is here to treat my illness; how can you be so rude? Quickly apologize to Mr. Lu."

"What has lost yet won?" Lu Yungu was utterly perplexed

Zhang Yuan had a certain feeling that Zhang Cai's father, Zhang Dachun, was very likely to profit from this situation. This was because his father, Zhang Ruiyang, had been away for many years, and his mother, Lü, was after all a woman. For these years, the land rent of the Zhang Yuan family had been managed by Zhang Dachun

Fan Zhen said: "The young master of the Yan family got completely drunk yesterday evening, wielding a bamboo whip and striking anyone he encountered. Later, he had someone blindfold him, claiming he wanted to meditate to awaken his innate wisdom, spouting nonsense and staggering about in a drunken frenzy"

Zhang Yuandao said: "Mr. Lu, please wait a moment and listen to my words first." He then turned to Zhang Yuandao and asked: "Third brother, do you still remember what you said before?"

Lu Yungu laughed heartily. It is truly no easy feat to make the renowned dandy Zhang Yan submit. He asked, "Which book are we betting on?"