Chapter 9: Sovereign

Oh, so you still do not know who I am?" Seeing Du Shiyi shake his head, Mr. Sima could no longer help but clap his hands and laugh heartily, "Good, good! I am neither a court official advocating for agriculture and water conservancy, nor a scholar renowned for poetry and literature. I am merely a Daoist dedicated to self-cultivation, and thus should not be widely known. Yet, upon arriving at a certain place, guests from all directions come flocking! Young Master Du, you have spoken the most genuine truth!"

This time, Du Shiyi finally had a vague impression. However, it was not from the memories of the former Du Shiyi, the young man who was solely devoted to reading the classics and painstakingly focused on poetry, naturally indifferent to any skills related to monks or Daoists. Instead, he had seen this name in the ancient rubbings of steles treasured by his father in his previous life. Along with this name, there were also many anecdotes associated with it. He had seen this name in the ancient rubbings of steles treasured by his father in his previous life. Along with this name, there were also many anecdotes associated with it.

First, there is the calligraphy of Ouyang Xiu, followed by the works of Wang Xizhi. In both past and present, this remains unchanged, and Du Shiyi naturally responds without a moment's hesitation

Seeing Du Shiyi stand up and bow deeply with joy, Sima Chengzhen couldn't help but laugh: "In that case, will you stay at Songyang Temple to transcribe, or will you continue back to your thatched cottage"

Mr. Du Xiaolang was originally here, making it quite easy to find him

Hearing Mr. Sima mention the esteemed master, Du Shiyi pondered for a while and finally asked directly: "Mr. Sima, I am young and inexperienced, lacking in knowledge. Although I have received your brother Sima's assistance on two occasions, he has kept his mouth shut and never revealed your background. Today, I came to copy books, but unexpectedly encountered such a grand occasion. If I remain unaware of your background, I fear I will truly embarrass myself in front of others"

Uncle, I also thought that Du Shijiu had run out of talent and was too ashamed to speak, but I never expected that he actually...

Turning around, he saw Sima Heiyun, and Du Shiyi naturally could not help but greet him with a smile. After they exited the Sanqing Hall and avoided the numerous worshippers, they walked along a secluded path, at which point he heard Sima Heiyun say: "Today, the sudden influx of so many guests was unexpected for our master. Originally, I intended to ask you to assist with the copying of texts, but with so many people just now, it was clearly not a suitable time to bring it up. The master is currently in the back at the Yangxing Residence. Fortunately, you did not go to the tea room; otherwise, I fear I would have to visit again next time."

Du Shiyi did not detect any irony in the old man's words; instead, he felt that the elder seemed genuinely joyful, which made him even more puzzled. In the next moment, he saw the other party smiling as he said: "Heiyun does not speak plainly to you because he has followed me the longest and knows my temperament. Since you have asked directly today, I naturally have nothing to hide. I am Sima Chengzhen, a humble Taoist priest, with the Dharma name Dao Yin."

This statement is incorrect. I have not yet made a proposal, but is it not true that today the guests are already filling the hall? It is a pity that those scribes who specialize in copying will lose a significant business opportunity! Sima Chengzhen smiled and raised an eyebrow, then leisurely said, "However, they all willingly serve this old Daoist, while Young Master Du is doing so to settle the price of that Kunlun slave, so there is naturally a distinction. I have heard that you are skilled in medicine and acupuncture, so how about I entrust you with copying the 'Compendium of Materia Medica with Annotations' personally written by Master Tao?" Although the court has revised the 'Compendium of Materia Medica', it would be a shame if the items left by the Master were lost in the future.

Despite Du Shisan's tight-lipped nature, he still learned from Zhu Ying about the current difficult situation. Even though Tian Mo is diligent and hardworking, the vegetables and firewood no longer need to be bought at the market, yet the essentials of life—rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea—have only spared him the first item, while he remains unable to enjoy the last. Moreover, one must remember the dire and arduous circumstances under which Du Shisan took him away from Jingzhao Prefecture. If he were to return now, even if he fully recovered from his illness, how could he face the reputation that has already plummeted? Once a prodigy of great renown, he now finds himself stripped of his glory, and there are certainly no shortage of people, like Liu Ximing, who take pleasure in his misfortune or even harbor malice. Furthermore, one must remember the dire and arduous circumstances under which Du Shisan took him away from Jingzhao Prefecture. If he were to return now, even if he fully recovered from his illness, how could he face the reputation that has already plummeted? Once a prodigy of great renown, he now finds himself stripped of his glory, and there are certainly no shortage of people, like Liu Ximing, who take pleasure in his misfortune or even harbor malice. Among scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, he may speak of returning in front of others, but it is impossible for him to truly become a peasant. To live well with Du Shisan in this era, certain things are absolutely essential.

Enough! Song Fuzhen interrupted him and then said lightly, "Since the Du family has talented individuals, it is only natural to support them. If you insist on joining the fray, can you blame others for gathering around the star? Today, you publicly challenged them, only to be countered in return. Do you think your appearance is truly glorious?"

Although it is certain that many distinguished individuals will gather at Songyang Temple in the near future, and staying here may present numerous opportunities, Du Shiyi still said without hesitation: "If you permit, I would like to trouble Brother Sima to deliver this book to my humble abode, so that I may transcribe it daily and have him return the copy. The tranquility of my humble abode is more conducive to focused transcription"

The remaining volume of the Dunhuang cave manuscript "Bencao Jing Jizhu" authored by Tao Hongjing, which only has a preface left, was taken out of China by the Japanese, and since then, its whereabouts have been the subject of much speculation. He had only seen the version secretly cherished by his father, which was said to be a rubbing gifted by a former mentor. Another fragment is also in Germany, and despite having traveled halfway around the globe, he has never had the chance to see it. Now that he has the opportunity to transcribe the original manuscript in Tao Hongjing's handwriting, how could he possibly refuse!

I wonder whose post Du Xiaolang has been following since childhood

Upon seeing the young attendant, he immediately went to fetch the Four Treasures of the Study. Although he had practiced the writing posture again over the past few days, when he truly took the roll of paper, dipped the brush in ink, Du Shiyi still took a deep breath before he began to write, stroke by stroke, on the paper. Once the two lines of characters were completed, he waited for the ink to dry slightly before handing it back to the young attendant. After a moment, Mr. Sima took the roll of paper from the attendant's hands and examined it carefully for a moment. He was quite satisfied with the strength of the brushwork. After the two lines of characters were completed, he waited for the ink to dry slightly before handing it back to the young attendant. After a moment, Mr. Sima took the roll of paper from the attendant's hands and examined it carefully for a moment. He was quite satisfied with the strength of the brushwork, and then he read aloud: "Weeding at noon, sweat drips onto the soil beneath the grain. Who knows the food on the plate? Every grain is hard-earned..." It turned out to be that same poem again; the characters were good, and the poem was even better. At such a young age, knowing the plight of farmers is truly not easy. When the Master was alive, he also said that the foundation of the world lies in agriculture.

As the main character exited, Sun Taichong smiled and remarked that the spring weather was delightful today, suggesting they brew tea and enjoy it. Naturally, most of those present agreed and rose to follow him to the tea room. However, Du Shiyi, who had already been served a cup of tea by a maid when they were seated, reluctantly took a sip. He was first overwhelmed by the pungent aroma of scallions and ginger in the tea, then left bewildered by the taste that was neither salty nor spicy, leaving his throat dry and his stomach uncomfortable. Thus, at this moment, he was too disinterested to join in the unbearable excitement. Noticing that Liu Ximing, who had just targeted him, was engaged in conversation with Song Fuzhen, the master of Songyang Temple, he simply stood up and quietly left the room.

Du Shiyi did not want to act by chance. Sima Chengzhen's true intention for ascending Mount Song this time was actually this. For a moment, he was taken aback, and then he could only smile wryly and say: "If you were to openly propose this idea, I fear that those willing to transcribe it would line up all the way to the foot of Junji Peak."

This is merely my humble wish, and I do not dare to make a request.

Faced with this harsh reprimand, Liu Ximing lowered his head and responded meekly, yet a hint of skepticism flashed across his face. Du Shiyi's four lines of poetry merely captured the sentiment of pity for farmers; if one were to discuss the parallelism of the words, it was nothing extraordinary, merely a ploy to attract attention. Moreover, whether it was truly composed by him remains in doubt! If he truly had something to offer, how could he avoid even the invitation to Sun Taichong's tea house?

Just now, in a moment of distraction, I inadvertently took this porcelain cup out the door. Please take it back

The maid, with a submissive demeanor, carefully withdrew her hands after holding something. After seeing Du Shiyi off at the door, she suddenly heard the call of the Master from behind and quickly turned around with utmost respect. Once she reported the matter of Du Shiyi's recent return, she saw the Master wave his hand at her, prompting her to retreat quietly and cautiously.

It is actually the original text of Tao Hongjing's "Compendium of Materia Medica with Commentaries"

Sima Chengzhen laughed heartily upon hearing this, nodding without a second thought and said, "Alright, I will go along with you! Seeing you wandering around just now, it seems you have no intention of returning to the Feixing Pavilion. I will have Heiyun send the scrolls back with you. As for Master Song and Zifang, I will just give them a heads-up on your behalf."

As soon as the maid left, Liu Ximing coldly remarked: "Although the Du family is a prominent clan in Guanzhong, in recent years, their outstanding individuals and literary works have significantly declined compared to the past. Even the sages have lamented that the Duke of Lai has no heirs. In contrast, although the branch of the Wang family in Fanchuan and Weiqu has nearly faded, there are still some notable figures. I have visited the Du family in Fanchuan a few times, and Du Shijiu has been praised as unparalleled in the heavens and unmatched on earth, as if surrounded by a host of stars. However, he is truly nothing extraordinary! It is a pity that due to his illness, the elders of his branch, who have painstakingly built up their reputation, hoping for the emperor to summon this prodigy to restore the family's name, have wasted their efforts! Just looking at his white porcelain teacup makes one feel it is remarkable, which clearly shows that he is indeed unworthy!"

So you insist on poking at people's wounds? After doing so, you want to remedy the situation by using Mr. Sima as a pretext? You are being too clever for your own good! Ziguang, the Liu family is also a prominent family in Guanzhong, wealthy and far superior to the gradually declining Du family, such as Du Shijiu. If you want to compete, you could certainly use honorable means. Today's actions will only make you a laughingstock! I specifically calculated the date of Mr. Sima's arrival at Songshan to invite you here, not to make a fool of you. Moreover, Du Shijiu's poem "Mourn for the Farmers" is clearly to Mr. Sima's taste. If you do not temper your temperament, it will be as difficult as climbing to the sky to seek a rank from the Jingzhao Prefecture next year!

"So, are you saying that Du Xiaolang is skilled in the art of the semi-cursive script?" Upon seeing Du Shiyi nod, Mr. Sima immediately said, "Could you write a few characters for me to see?"

But the leader of the Qing sect on Maoshan, Sima

Sima Chengzhen observed Du Shiyi furrowing his brows in deep thought, and then suddenly appearing enlightened, which he found quite amusing. Coupled with the various remarks made by Sima Heiyun about this young man, he felt quite satisfied. Therefore, at this moment, he slightly nodded and began to speak: "I prefer tranquility and do not enjoy the company of many people. It seems that the influx of guests today will only intensify. I have returned to Songshan at the request of Zifang because there are many writings in the Songyang Temple that were collected by my late master, written by the ninth generation Taoist ancestor of the Shangqing sect. These books were given to the Songyang Temple by my late master, and some of them I do not have copies of. Since you have mentioned to Heiyun that you can transcribe them, it seems I have gained an assistant."

Then, please lead the way, Brother Sima!

However, as soon as he stepped out of the house, he realized that he had unknowingly brought along the delicate white porcelain tea cup in his hand. At that moment, standing in the well-lit outdoors, he held it up to the sunlight and saw that the tea cup was as white as snow, as light as a cloud, without a trace of any other colors or patterns, its design simple and ancient. Thinking of the earthen bowls and cups used in his thatched cottage, he recalled that the Fan family seemed to have a set of porcelain at home, though he was unsure whether it still remained there or had been sold by Du Shisan's wife due to medical expenses. He couldn't help but squint slightly, and after turning back to enter the house, he noticed that Liu Ximing was still conversing with Song Fuzhen, so he waved to summon a maid.

He did not kneel on the mat like those devout believers, but instead stood in place, raising his hands in silent prayer. After a while, he finally bowed deeply in greeting. As he straightened up, he heard a familiar voice coming from behind him

The Yangxing Pavilion is one of the small, exquisite, tranquil, and secluded retreats of Songyang Temple. Du Shiyi entered with Sima Heiyun, encountering only two or three attendants along the way. Upon reaching the room, he saw the aforementioned Sima gentleman sitting cross-legged, seemingly lost in a state of oblivion, with only a young acolyte standing beside him. Noticing Sima Heiyun giving him a signal, he quietly retreated. After contemplating for a moment, he took a seat. Initially, he thought the other party was testing his composure and patience, but after a short while, the meditating Sima gentleman opened his eyes.

Du Shiyi was completely unaware that the two speaking in the Feixing Pavilion were uncle and nephew. He had followed the Taoist priest in and was quite interested in the architecture of the Songyang Temple, so he decided to stroll back through the premises. The weather was pleasant today, and there were many worshippers in the temple, but the Feixing Pavilion, where the Taoists resided, was off-limits to outsiders. He made his way to the Sanqing Main Hall, where the incense wafted around, and watched the faithful offering prayers. After hesitating for a moment, he ultimately stepped over the threshold and entered.