Chapter 9: Fan Zhongyan

In Tang Yi's heart, Ma Dawei is no different from his biological brother; he is determined to fight for Ma Dawei's happiness throughout his life.

Tang Yi smiled

Entering the tutelage of Fan Zhongyan is tantamount to securing a place in the annals of history with a "piece of paper". Such is the remarkable prestige!

Using so-called narrow-minded views and parental commands to dictate marriage is something Tang Yi cannot accept, let alone compromise on. Therefore, if Sixth Aunt cannot persuade him, he will speak for himself.

Tang Yi turned around and walked up to the old man, apologizing, "Elder, it is truly unfortunate. My family has encountered this matter, and I am in a hurry to assist my elder brother in completing his marriage arrangements, so I cannot stay with you any longer"

The elder sighed leisurely: "Just as you said yesterday, there are fewer and fewer people in the court who speak from the heart. I fear that when our generation grows old, there will no longer be those who can discern the general trend and dare to recommend capable ministers. In that case, the Song Dynasty will eventually be dragged to its demise in the quagmire of bureaucratic excess and military overreach"

Why?

From the very first meeting, this old man exuded an air of authority, making Tang Yi subconsciously feel that he was not on the same level as this elder, and casually asking for someone's name seemed somewhat obsequious.

Get lost! Even with Fan Zhongyan's cultivation, I couldn't help but curse, wishing I could kick Tang Yi off the car.

Please take a seat

A Yin Zhu can only be considered an average character

Willing to ... ... then.

Tang Yi jumped up directly, his head hitting the roof of the carriage solidly

Among the three hundred years of history of the Two Song Dynasties, Tang Yi has two figures he admires the most

Ignoring the searing pain on his head, he stared wide-eyed at the old man as if he had seen a ghost

Tang Yi's excitement about traveling to the Song Dynasty was not merely due to the fact that he could marry multiple wives without breaking the law, but rather because he had been transported to Dengzhou, under the governance of Fan Zhongyan. The opportunity to witness this renowned historical figure, celebrated for his charm throughout the ages, made Tang Yi feel that his journey to the Song Dynasty was worthwhile.

What surprised Tang Yi even more was that the old man's carriage was not pulled by ordinary draft horses, but by a genuine warhorse.

Tang Yi pondered to himself; it seemed that this elderly man was not an ordinary scholar, which inevitably sparked his curiosity about the man's identity

Two individuals leisurely walked alongside their horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of hooves as they headed eastward towards the city

I am indeed the overly naive person you speak of

So, during your diligent studies at Yingtian Academy, did you truly eat by scraping the porridge and refuse the delicious food offered by your classmates

The elder's expression turned serious as he coldly said: "Not worth it? Do you really think that serving the country and answering the people's call is not worth it?"

This is indeed Master Fan Wenzheng. Just look at the kind of people who regard him as their teacher

The old man had been silently observing this family and understood that Tang Yi was preoccupied with his own matters. He smiled and said, "It seems that I have come at an inopportune time. You should prioritize your family affairs; matters of study are not urgent for just one day."

The old man laughed heartily

Moreover, the admiration for Fan Zhongyan is one of pure respect, even reverence

There is no resentment to speak of; it now seems that there is only a sense of regret

Alive

What? In a moment of excitement, Tang Yibiao exclaimed in English

Yes

Fan Zhongyan playfully remarked: "Yes! It is indeed that somewhat naive and a bit foolish Fan Zhongyan."

Tang Yi was taken aback, thinking to himself that his previous speculation was indeed correct; this old man must hold a position of great importance. It is worth noting that in the entire Dengzhou City, there are truly not many families that can afford a carriage.

His life exemplified that a person can indeed reach a state of near perfection. Turning the pages of history, one finds not a trace of flaw in this individual; he embodied the essence of loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and love throughout his life. Even Zhu Xi, known for his harsh judgments of historical figures, regarded him as the foremost person in the world throughout history

Tang Yi felt a bit exasperated, thinking to himself: It seems that this old man is not as perfect as he appears, at least he holds a grudge! Yesterday, without knowing the circumstances, I made a casual remark about him, and now he has brought it up three times in such a short span of time

... ...

Fan Fan Fan, Fan Zhongyan? That... Fan Zhongyan?

Fan Zhongyan

Fan Zhongyan jestingly remarked: "I am merely a naive old man, what is there to prepare for?"

As a modern individual who has traveled through time, perhaps the greatest issue one faces is the disdain for tradition

The old man was taken aback upon hearing this, not expecting the young man to utter such a statement. He then shook his head and laughed while scolding, "You young man should not aim too high; the teachings of the sages are vast and profound, how can they be mastered in one go? I am already being generous by saying it will take you ten years!"

Did you really travel the world alone at my age?

"I have embarrassed myself in front of you..." Tang Yi said with a flushed face. "It was just that the incident happened so suddenly, and I wasn't prepared to meet you yet."

Why is this fellow so annoying

Seeing him in a dazed state, he remained unresponsive for a long time. I could only suppress my voice and expression, and let out a cold shout

Using warhorses as vehicles would indeed be quite extraordinary; it would no longer be a matter of money

Oh no

Master Fan Wenzheng

Well, it is still acceptable for Master Fan to take him as a disciple

... ...

In his previous life, Tang Yi was a science student, but like all boys, he had an innate obsession with history and military affairs

Somewhat older than you

Until now, Tang Yi could no longer suppress the curiosity in his heart and dared to inquire about the elder's name.

Tang Yi felt a sudden jolt, realizing that he had been somewhat out of line

Tang Daliang ... The old man stared at Tang Yi without blinking for a moment and said: "You are a great talent. If you are willing to contribute to the country, it would surely be a great fortune for the people. Unfortunately, your desire for personal gain is too strong, and you are not much different from those petty individuals who forget their country and roots for their own selfish interests"

He deserves his punishment

Even more impressive, there is also General Di Hancheng of the Mian Nie!

Isn't that Poyang Zhen Jinlian

Tang Yishen deeply bowed to the elder and said, "Please take your time drinking, I shall take my leave for now."

One is Liu Yong, who was tasked with writing lyrics by imperial decree. Due to a man's sordid mentality, Tang Yi believes that being able to enjoy such a level of indulgence as Liu Sanbian is likely unparalleled throughout history and across cultures. To achieve such a state as a man is truly a remarkable form of "sexual happiness"

Tang Yigen had no intention of answering Fan Zhongyan's subsequent questions

"Ten years..." Tang Yi sighed softly, "Life is too short, ten years is too long."

If you wish to follow me in literature, you must set aside the profit-seeking mindset of a merchant and learn the loyalty and virtue of the sages. Are you willing to do so

Uh ... ... ask ... ...

"Who?" Tang Yi was momentarily taken aback.

Tang Yi readily agreed. Fan Zhongyan nodded in satisfaction upon hearing this

It seems that we have returned to yesterday's situation, and the old man still harbors resentment towards the young man's remark about "wrapping things up early"

Fan Zhongyan straightened his expression, no longer joking, and solemnly said to Tang Yi: "Young man! I ask you once more, do you wish to take me as your teacher and respect the Confucian teachings?"

Among the Twenty-Four Histories, Tang Yi's favorite is the Song History, which represents the most gentle and the most tragic era in Chinese history, filling Tang Yi's heart with longing and regret

Tang Yi stared blankly at the old man for a long time before solemnly clasping his fists and saying: "I dare to ask, esteemed elder, what is your honorable surname and great name?"

The old man waved his hand and said, "I shall not stay long either; let us go together. It just so happens that I came by horse-drawn carriage today, so I can take you part of the way."

"Tang Daliang, with your knowledge, if you are willing to dedicate yourself to your studies, I assure you that in ten years you will achieve success in the imperial examination!" The old man brought up the topic of Tang Yi's studies again in the carriage.

Tang Yidao: "The old man misunderstood! What the young man means is that spending ten years to fight for a pass in the officialdom is too long and not worth it"

Life is indeed filled with drama; unexpectedly, he not only shared a table with the great Fan but also engaged in face-to-face conversations with him. Now, the two are even sitting in the same carriage.

"Indeed! They deserve their punishment!" Tang Yi echoed.

... ...

However, he is only fourteen years old, and his status is lowly. Even if one were to seek an audience, it is not guaranteed that they would be granted one

There are also Shi Jie and Sun Fu from "Mr. Song Chusan"

Was the Grand Eunuch Yan Wenying also defeated by you through a hunger strike

Tang Yi shook his head helplessly, "Elder, why are you so concerned about whether this young man is willing to contribute to the country? And why must this young man wade through the murky waters of the court?"

I am surnamed Fan, with the given name Zhongyan, and my courtesy name is Xiwen

Another one is Fan Zhongyan

"Master Fan, may I ask you a few questions?"

During the Song Dynasty, due to the lack of land for raising horses, horses had to be imported. Moreover, Liao and Western Xia, which were rich in warhorses, were adversaries of the Song. As a result, the entire Song Dynasty faced a severe shortage of horses that was truly appalling. Horses are not something that can simply be purchased with money.