Chapter 2, the book boy is different
"Jisi, how is your injury?" Yang Yiqing asked with concern as he stepped over the threshold.
Indeed, there is nothing serious..." Peng Yue said while observing the young man in front of him named Yang Jisi. He appeared somewhat youthful, around sixteen or seventeen years old. Although he could not be described as handsome, he was still quite fair-featured.
Young Master!" Peng Yue was taken aback. Based on Ziling's description, Peng Yue could almost conclude that the young man before him, who was of similar age, was the Young Master Yang Jisi mentioned by Ziling
"My injury is already fine, it was just a very minor external wound..." Yang Jisi said with a smile, "I see that I have no issues at all now..." As Yang Jisi spoke, he stretched out his arms, as if to demonstrate to Yang Yiqing.
In fact, I know that my father wants me to enter the court and assist him because his career has not been going well..." Yang Jisi sighed with a furrowed brow, "But I am too foolish and simply cannot manage it..." As Yang Jisi spoke, he relayed to Peng Yue the matter that Yang Yiqing had mentioned.
"This... this I have not thought through either..." Yang Jisi hesitated and replied, "Perhaps to travel through mountains and rivers with literati and scholars, indulging in freedom and abandon, or to emulate Qu Yuan, renowned for his 'Li Sao', leaving a legacy for future generations..."
Ah... perhaps it was the fall from the cliff last time that... enlightened me, haha. " Peng Yue said somewhat shyly as he scratched his head
"Father, is there something amiss in the court again?" Yang Jisi, seeing Yang Yiqing sighing to himself, recalled the earlier scene and cautiously inquired about Yang Yiqing, thinking that by taking the initiative to mention matters of state, he might be able to cheer Yang Yiqing up a bit
He unexpectedly became a boy of about sixteen or seventeen years old... Peng Yue looked at his reflection in the water and couldn't help but smile a little
The young master is joking... Peng Yue, feeling nervous, did not know whether to withdraw his hand. He had not anticipated that Yang Jisi was so familiar with him, that their relationship was so close, and that it could transcend the barriers of status.
"You still know how to talk, haha..." Yang Jisi said with a smile as he patted Peng Yue on the shoulder, "From the looks of it, your injury should be almost healed."
However, Ziling still appeared very cautious, usually not allowing Peng Yue to move around freely, which made Peng Yue feel as if he was lying in bed to the point of having no strength in his limbs
"Poetic charm, I owe you a great deal this time. If it weren't for you, I would have..." Yang Jisi said as he took Peng Yue's hand, startling Peng Yue. "You are truly my savior..."
Thus, the two began to laugh and chat in the room, and Peng Yue's understanding of Yang Jisi gradually deepened
"Oh dear, I understand now, I also need to learn to navigate human relationships and gauge people's hearts..." Yang Jisi said playfully, "Father, you always talk about these things all day long; even if I don't want to listen, I've memorized them..."
Sigh... you..." Yang Yiqing looked at Yang Jisi and ultimately shook his head helplessly, "Sier, although you study diligently every day, you... you should also consider... the affairs of the court..."
"Young Master, you do not understand the reason for the Master's worries. The Master is not troubled by the backlash from Zhang Cong, but rather by the Emperor's attitude. The Emperor seems to be... favoring Zhang Cong. " Peng Yue knew that Yang Jisi had a pure disposition and would surely be able to convey his words to Yang Yiqing.
Yang Yiqing frowned upon hearing Yang Jisi speak so bluntly: "Jisi, having a kind and benevolent heart is a good thing, but..."
"Si'er, I have some matters to attend to, so you can rest here by yourself." Yang Yiqing, seeing that Yang Jisi remained in this state, unable to control his emotions or grasp the main point, decided not to say much more to him.
Oh... Father..." Yang Jisi, who was eating, saw Yang Yiqing enter and hurriedly stood up to offer him a seat. In fact, Yang Jisi held a deep respect and a hint of fear for his father.
"Then... since you do not wish to hold an official position, what do you intend to do in the future?" Yang Yiqing asked with a furrowed brow
I hope that Yang Jisi can confess to Yang Yiqing that it was he who gave him the advice; only in this way can he attract Yang Yiqing's attention. Peng Yue lay down somewhat contentedly, firmly believing that he would not misjudge a person. Yang Jisi is undoubtedly a simple and guileless young man.
What a warm and jade-like youth!" Peng Yue looked at his reflection in the water and couldn't help but exclaim, "However, it is somewhat lacking compared to my lively, cheerful, and slightly unruly nature. It seems I have chosen the wrong vessel...
In the past, when I appointed Zhang Cong to the cabinet, I had hoped for a united effort, but it unexpectedly evolved into the current open and covert struggles for power. Meanwhile, the ministers who had always stood by my side gradually shifted their allegiance to Zhang Cong, and even some eunuchs began to distance themselves from me, sensing the changing winds. This situation has made Yang Yiqing unable to trust anyone, except for Yang Jisi by his side, who he feels will never betray him. However, given the current circumstances, even if he were to promote Yang Jisi to the court, he would not be of much help to him; instead, he might often find himself having to resolve Yang Jisi's troubles.
Yang Jisi was about to continue speaking, but he noticed that the frown on Yang Yiqing's face had deepened, so he wisely chose to remain silent
But... but if you do not enter the court to serve as an official, who can help father? Who can father trust? Yang Yiqing was still unwilling to give up, hoping to move Yang Jisi with familial affection. He recalled the years of scheming and rivalry with Zhang Cong, and his heart could not help but feel a deep sorrow.
Thus, the father felt reassured... Yang Yiqing spoke somewhat casually, and there was no indication of great joy on his face
Sigh, I should first go see if Shiyun's injury has healed. After Yang Yiqing left, Yang Jisi became worried about Peng Yue's condition, recalling that he hadn't seen him for several days and felt a bit nostalgic. Moreover, during these past few days, he had been focused solely on his own recovery and had not found an opportunity to properly thank him.
Note: 1. The reforms of "Kedao Mutual Correction" and "Hanlin Academy" were both carried out by Zhang Cong and Gui E during their tenure as Grand Secretaries in the Cabinet, and they hold relatively positive significance
Father, I have grown up and can also share your worries. Seeing Yang Yiqing still frowning, Yang Jisi cautiously probed again, but this statement warmed Yang Yiqing's heart.
Moreover, you must say this to the master... Yang Jisi initially found it utterly perplexing, then seemed to gain some understanding, and finally displayed a look of joy, though still with a hint of doubt
Young Master, please trust me just this once. You could suggest to the Master to write a memorial, in which there is no need to mention the matter of Nie Nengqian, but rather to discuss the issues of "mutual correction in the examination system" and "reform of the Hanlin Academy," while also indicating that Zhang Cong's actions align with the trend of reform. In the postscript of the memorial, it should be stated that reforms must be carried out with a vigorous and decisive momentum in order to achieve the effects of a wise ruler and a prosperous era. Peng Yue understood that this was Emperor Jiajing Zhu Houcong's intention to implement new policies, and that Yang Yiqing, as a key minister, would inevitably be implicated. Zhu Houcong's actions aimed to weaken the power of the old officials by targeting Yang Yiqing, thereby facilitating the implementation of new policies. Therefore, with considerable confidence, he spoke to Yang Jisi.
"Hmm, Father knows, Father is not an unreasonable person..." Yang Yiqing looked up at Yang Jisi, whose face was filled with gratitude, "After Shiyun was seriously injured, Father specifically arranged for the best doctor in the capital, Dr. Li, to treat him, and even selected a good room in the residence for him to recuperate."
Are you sure that saying this will resolve Father’s confusion at this moment? Yang Jisi still felt somewhat uneasy
Young Master, since the Master is currently troubled by this matter, if you express these thoughts to him, even if they do not align with his wishes, he will still understand your filial heart and your willingness to share his burdens. " Peng Yue winked at him slyly
Yang Jisi lifted his foot to leave, but suddenly turned around: "Shiyun, when did you become so clever, not only able to discern intentions but also able to propose such a good plan? Although you are indeed smart and astute on ordinary days, I have never thought you would bring up such matters."
Taking advantage of the moment when Ziling was tidying up the room and going out, Peng Yue hurriedly got up from the bed to stretch a bit
"Father, take care on your way." Yang Jisi respectfully bowed to Yang Yiqing, yet he did not hear the heavy sigh that escaped Yang Yiqing as he closed the door
"How is that possible? The Emperor has always relied on my father. Since the sixth year of the Jiajing era, when Fei Hong was dismissed from his position, my father has succeeded as the Chief Minister of the Cabinet. All major reforms in the court have depended on my father. How could the Emperor favor that petty person Zhang Cong!" Yang Jisi said, somewhat perplexed.
It is said that Peng Yue has been staying in this residence for quite some time, and naturally, his injuries have gradually healed under the careful care of Zi Ling. Now, his health is no longer a major concern, and he even appears to be somewhat lively and energetic.
Yang Yiqing glanced at him and waved his hand, signaling the servants to leave. Only then did he speak softly, "The Jinyiwei's Nie Nengqian impeached Zhang Cong. Zhang Cong wanted to put me to death, and I spoke out to stop him. I never expected that Zhang Cong, the petty man, would turn against me in return." As he spoke the last part, Yang Yiqing could not help but breathe heavily.
"Is the young master feeling better now?" Peng Yue asked cautiously, staring at Yang Jisi. Although he had learned from Ziling that Yang Jisi had a gentle disposition, was very easy to get along with, and treated both himself and Ziling very well, not at all like a master-servant relationship, Peng Yue still feared that Yang Jisi might have some peculiarities.
"Father, you should go and see Shiyun..." Yang Jisi might have been a bit tired, so he sat down as well, "This time, it was all thanks to Shiyun. If it weren't for him, I would probably... After all, his injuries are much more severe than mine..."
"Young Master, you seem to have something on your mind." Peng Yue, through this brief observation, was certain that he was not mistaken.
Is your injury not serious anymore?" After sitting down, Yang Yiqing looked at Yang Jisi and asked, "Doctor Li's medical skills are renowned in the capital...
Peng Yue listened, feeling somewhat puzzled. In ancient times, how many people aspired to hold official positions but were unable to do so? Yet this young master before him had no desire to become an official. However, from their earlier conversation, Peng Yue also realized that Yang Jisi was indeed simple-minded and had no ambitions in that regard. Forcing him to take up an official position would likely not yield any success.
At this moment, Yang Yiqing could not help but recall Yang Tinghe. Although Yang Tinghe had retired, his son Yang Shen still remained in the court, leading a group of officials in opposition to Zhu Houzong. Although they ultimately failed, it was enough to bring comfort to Yang Tinghe. However, Yang Yiqing felt he could not compare to Yang Tinghe. He had originally hoped to adopt a promising member of the family, but unexpectedly, Yang Jisi had strayed far from his initial wishes. Nevertheless, Yang Yiqing still held deep affection for Yang Jisi.
The situation has indeed reached this point ... ... Peng Yue clearly recalled the incident in the eighth year of the Jiajing era when Nie Nengqian impeached Zhang Cong, and he also distinctly remembered how Yang Yiqing acted in that matter
"Young Master, Shi Yun is very excited and happy to see you..." Through Ziling's account and Yang Jisi's earlier performance and a few brief words, Peng Yue could almost conclude that his relationship with Yang Jisi was indeed very good, and that he was not merely an ordinary servant.
This is also an opportunity. If I convey Yang Yiqing's actions at that time through Yang Jisi's words to Yang Yiqing, it might attract his attention and make him value me, because my approach aligns with the plan he has already formulated in his heart. Perhaps I could also escape the fate of being a mere book boy in this life. I must seize this opportunity!" Peng Yue's mind was racing.
But one can never be a bookkeeper here for a lifetime... absolutely not... As he pondered, Peng Yue gradually fell into a deep sleep
I am fine, not a thing is wrong at all..." Yang Jisi laughed heartily
It is difficult for Yang Yiqing not to be surprised, as it perfectly aligns with his thoughts and inner feelings... The more Peng Yue thinks about this matter, the more confident he becomes.
One must find a way to escape the fate of being a book servant in this life, but with that little girl Ziling by my side, life feels quite joyful... Thinking of this, Peng Yue couldn't help but smile sweetly.
"First, let me wash my face..." Peng Yue said as he walked towards the basin of water prepared in the room, "My face feels a bit oily..."
He is indeed a naive young man, relying on your father for all the major reforms in the court; if not for your father, who else would be dealt with?
However, whether it is the literati and refined gentlemen you mentioned, or Qu Yuan, how many of them were not officials? Yang Yiqing continued to patiently educate him, yet his sense of disappointment gradually deepened. He understood that if Yang Jisi maintained such thoughts, even if he were forced to enter the court as an official, there would be no good outcome; it would be better to let him follow his own wishes.
Father, please do not be angry. Zhang Cong is truly a petty person. If it were not for your strong support back then, could he have risen to the court? I never expected that now, with such a petty person in power, he would commit such acts of betrayal and treachery.
Poetic Rhythm! Before Yang Jisi even entered the door, he raised his voice and shouted, "Is your injury healed?"
Regardless, if this time I can resolve my father's lingering doubts, I must express my gratitude to you properly. You should rest well for now. With that, Yang Jisi dashed out once again
Gently touching his smooth and fair face, Peng Yue was unsure whether he should feel happy. His meticulously shaped yet thick eyebrows complemented his thin and rosy lips, and his petite and exquisite nose. Those deep, dark eyes held an indescribable brilliance; this was the only aspect that Peng Yue felt resembled his previous life. Those eyes seemed to penetrate all matters of the world.
Ah, it's nothing. Yang Yiqing also noticed the reluctance in Yang Jisi's eyes, knowing that he certainly did not wish to enter the court for an official position, so he decided not to bring up matters of state with him.
Sigh, Father has brought up again the matter of wanting me to enter the court and become an official..." Yang Jisi complained to Peng Yue as he spoke, pouring out his thoughts like beans from a bamboo tube.
"Poetic charm has been seen, young master" Peng Yue respectfully saluted Yang Jisi
What are you doing!" Yang Jisi said in surprise as he helped Peng Yue up, "You usually don't show any courtesy, but after falling once and saving my life, you have become distant instead.
But now... it's different, isn't it..." Yang Jisi murmured softly with his head down
Yang Yiqing stared at Yang Jisi with some anger, yet he did not know what to say. In fact, he himself was quite conflicted about the matter of allowing Yang Jisi to enter the court as an official. Although in this era where "all professions are inferior, only reading is esteemed," becoming an official is the aspiration of most people, it is difficult for someone with Yang Jisi's temperament to navigate the political arena like some "old foxes" who are adept at maneuvering. If one day he were to lose his protection, Yang Jisi's fate in the officialdom would likely not be very promising. Although in this era where "all professions are inferior, only reading is esteemed," becoming an official is the aspiration of most people, it is difficult for someone with Yang Jisi's temperament to navigate the political arena like some "old foxes" who are adept at maneuvering. If one day he were to lose his protection, Yang Jisi's fate in the officialdom would likely not be very promising.
This is it ... ... " Yang Jisi said with a happy smile, " We cannot act in an ungrateful manner, especially since my relationship with Shiyun is not like that of others ... ... "
"Father, I study out of interest, not for any fame..." Yang Jisi said, lowering his head and speaking softly, "You spend all day in the court, engaging in deceit and intrigue; I truly cannot do it..."