Chapter 10, Three Joys

Although it can be said that he is neither outstanding in martial arts nor remarkable in literature, among the martial artists, he is undoubtedly the one with the best literary talent, and among the scholars, when it comes to martial skills, he is the kind who can easily defeat several opponents with just one hand

Luo Gang is even older than himself, being nineteen this year, while his younger sister is only twelve

Upon stepping into Xiao Yu's small study, a strong smell of alcohol immediately assailed the senses. Outside, the weather was extremely hot, but inside, due to the presence of ice, there was a refreshing coolness. Xiao Cheng did not like to use ice in the summer, believing it to be detrimental to one's health; he preferred to wear less clothing and sweat a bit more.

"May I ask, esteemed sir, what is the third joy you mentioned?" Xiao Cheng continued to inquire

Xiao Yu was robust in physique, standing over 7 feet tall. Although he spent his entire life as a civil official, his martial arts training from a young age set him apart from the typical frailty of scholars, making him a figure of stark contrast.

Lord Luo?" Xiao Cheng was astonished. Lord Luo is indeed the official of the Eastern Court, one of the current ministers, and he is also the father of his classmates Luo Gang and Luo Yuting.

"Do you think this is a good thing?" Xiao Yu looked at Xiao Cheng and said, "Well, it's no wonder that Master Cen likes you; you do quite well in respecting your teachers and valuing the道. Please, have a seat, have a seat!"

"How is your mood, dear?" Putting down his pen, Xiao Cheng felt a bit worried. Even his biological mother, who stayed at home, knew that he had been reprimanded today, so there was no reason for his father, who had gone to the Gao family for a banquet that evening, to be unaware of it

The greatest pleasure for Old Master Xiao at home is to discipline his second son

Who is Master Cen? If one does not have a seven or eight out of ten confidence, how could one say such a thing? My father also knows the difficulty of passing the imperial examination; having a seven or eight out of ten confidence is already quite remarkable. Xiao Yu said with great regret: In my younger years, I too participated in the examination numerous times, yet I always returned defeated. In the end, I had to rely on the patronage of your grandfather to secure an official position, and I barely managed to pass the Mingjing examination. Alas!

Xiao Cheng awkwardly sat down: "Master, you flatter me; perhaps it is due to having drunk too much wine."

Once a conflict of this magnitude breaks out, it is feared that it will not end well

Today cannot truly be considered a peaceful day

"Sit!" he pointed to a chair in front of him, and Xiao Yu smiled broadly

What about the official family

Xiao Yu glanced at the suddenly standing Xiao Cheng, yet his expression remained unchanged as he continued: "Master Cen patted his chest in front of my father, indicating that in next year's provincial examination and the imperial examination, with your level, I cannot say you will be in the top ten, but it is undoubtedly certain that you will be among the list. If I am wrong, let my father gouge out his eyes."

To understand the standoff between the Song Dynasty and the Northern Liao at the border, it is evident that although there have been continuous conflicts over the years, large-scale confrontations have been absent. When both sides suffer a few casualties, they engage in prolonged verbal disputes. The beheading of over one hundred individuals can be considered a significant event. Such a large number of beheadings is likely to escalate the conflict to involve thousands of casualties, and with so many deaths, the number of injuries will only increase.

In the realm of lyrical songs and poetic aspirations, at this very moment, Xiao Yu has penned this poem, fearing that today's banquet is indeed closely related to this matter. His father's usual calligraphy can only be considered passable, lacking brilliance; however, today it appears to be vibrant and dynamic, with strokes that seem to soar into the sky, far surpassing his usual standard, truly an extraordinary performance.

Of course there are, not just one, but two, no, no, no, three! Xiao Yu also sat down, took the detoxification soup from Xu Wuyan's hands, took a sip, and shook his head while speaking.

Casting his pen upon the major case, Xiao Yu turned around to look at his second son

Xiao Yu laughed heartily: "If I let you sit, then sit. It is a blessing from the elder, I dare not refuse. Why do you have so many complaints?"

"Is there no other opinion in the court?" Xiao Cheng leaned forward and asked with concern

Xiao Yu's spirit, however, was invigorated; he straightened his posture and said: "This second piece of good news belongs to your elder brother."

The master is in a very good mood, his face glowing with health and his emotions vibrant. Xu Wuyan smiled and said, "Er Lang, you can rest assured."

Indeed, this should be the case! Xiao Yu nodded and said, "This is a great victory that has not been seen for several years."

How could he go there

"Today at Gao's residence, we are going to drink together. Do you know who else will be there?" Xiao Yu said with a proud smile, and before Xiao Cheng could respond, he directly stated: "Luo Song and Luo Fengchen."

The current Deputy Minister of the Three Departments, Xiao Yu, a scholar of the Longtu Pavilion, indeed appears as the old steward Xu Wuyan described, with a radiant complexion and high spirits, standing before the desk, swiftly writing, and what he is writing is the "Liangzhou Ci" by the Tang poet Wang Han

Within the Gao residence, there are many who harbor jealousy towards themselves. Seizing upon this excellent opportunity to lodge complaints, how could there be any reason not to take advantage of the situation

Why not? Xiao Yu was somewhat puzzled by Xiao Cheng's strong reaction

This morning, I received a reprimand from Master Cen, and in the evening, I was scolded by my stepmother, making dinner tasteless. Upon returning to my study, I prepared to complete my homework. Just as I solved one problem, the old steward Xu Wuyan hurried over, saying that the master had returned home and wanted to speak with Erlang.

"It is said that, but no one has come from a scholar's background. Your father can only go so far, and that is the end of the road. In this lifetime, do not even think about entering the Eastern and Western Two Houses. Was your grandfather any different?" Xiao Yu sighed, "If we are to discuss capability, how is your father any less than the current gentlemen of the Eastern and Western Two Houses? Is it not just the lack of the honor of being called out at the East Huamen? Cheng'er, you must reclaim this dignity for your father." In this lifetime, do not even think about entering the Eastern and Western Two Houses. Was your grandfather any different?" Xiao Yu sighed, "If we are to discuss capability, how is your father any less than the current gentlemen of the Eastern and Western Two Houses? Is it not just the lack of the honor of being called out at the East Huamen? Cheng'er, you must reclaim this dignity for your father."

In that case, it seems there is nothing to worry about. My elder brother's official position is surely set to be promoted. Xiao Cheng then felt relieved: Perhaps he will return to the capital to receive his rewards, and our whole family might be able to reunite. It has been a full two years since my elder brother last returned.

"Naturally, there is. " Xiao Yu sneered, saying: "Some people are making a fuss, claiming this is an unwarranted provocation, intending to punish your elder brother. Hehe, but the site of this battle against the enemy is within the territory of our Song Dynasty. The Liao people are invading in large numbers, plundering our border residents, causing them to be unable to live and work in peace. Are our Song soldiers supposed to just stand by and watch our own people suffer such calamity? This matter has the endorsement of the memorial from Xia Zhiyan of the Daming Prefecture. " Hehe, but the site of this battle against the enemy is within the territory of our Song Dynasty. The Liao people are invading in large numbers, plundering our border residents, causing them to be unable to live and work in peace. Are our Song soldiers supposed to just stand by and watch our own people suffer such calamity? This matter has the endorsement of the memorial from Xia Zhiyan of the Daming Prefecture.

Do not laugh at me, lying drunk on the battlefield

To drink from the pipa, one must first break it on horseback

After finishing the writing, Xiao Yu examined it carefully and appeared to be extremely satisfied.

The officials did not say much else, only instructing the Western Court to send someone to verify the heads. Once this attitude was displayed, those people immediately ceased their activities. Hahaha, Cheng'er, you did not see the expressions of those people today in the Wende Hall, how delightful it was, how delightful it was!" Xiao Yu laughed heartily as he finished the hangover soup in one gulp, slamming the bowl heavily onto the large bowl.

This made Xiao Cheng feel a bit uneasy, and he quickly apologized and said, "In the presence of an esteemed person, where is there a seat for a child?"

Elder brother?" Xiao Cheng's mind turned, "Has elder brother achieved something in the Northern Frontier again?"

"What could this second piece of good news be?" At this moment, Xu Wuyan, who was standing by, stepped in to play the role of the supportive character.

Hopefully! Xiao Cheng tidied up his clothes, rubbed his face vigorously, and managed to put on a smile before heading outside

Xiao Cheng suddenly jumped up: "Could it be that he wants to introduce his younger sister to that fellow Luo Yuting?"

Seeing Xiao Cheng's puzzled and anxious expression, Xu Wuyan said: "Er Lang, the master is truly happy. Although I do not know the specifics, it is certainly a good thing"

"The child must strive hard!" Looking at his father's desolate appearance, Xiao Cheng nodded repeatedly. The Eastern Courtyard Chancellor, the Western Courtyard Privy Councilor, truly holds immense power in the Song Dynasty, even able to stand on equal footing with the emperor. In this lifetime, I must experience it at least once!

Grape wine in a luminous cup at night

Xiao Cheng let out a long breath; indeed, Master Cen is a good person. Not only did he not report me, but he also praised me profusely. Immediately, he felt a sense of shame for his own petty thoughts.

The adult is now the Deputy Minister of the Three Departments, and it seems he is about to advance even further. Among those who passed the imperial examination back then, how many can compare to you, sir? Xiao Cheng is both flattering his father and genuinely believes this; the imperial examination is merely a stepping stone. Once one enters through this door, it ultimately depends on one's capability to get things done

"Sir!" Xiao Cheng stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

Lord Luo inquired during the gathering today whether Miss San had a marriage engagement

Firstly, today at the banquet, Master Cen indeed spoke to me. Xiao Yu took another sip of the hangover soup. However, Xiao Cheng immediately stood up, saying, "Did Master Cen not report me? I even praised you during the day.

Since ancient times, how many have returned from battle

Could it be that the court intends to change its course and is truly determined to engage in conflict with the Liao people once again

In the current era of the Song Dynasty, the influence of scholars is exceedingly vast. The founding emperor's declaration to share governance with the gentry has led to an unprecedented elevation of their status. It is not uncommon for the civil officials of the court to cling to the emperor's sleeves, preventing him from leaving, while showering him with verbal attacks. Furthermore, disputes and even physical altercations among officials in the court also occur from time to time

Xiao Yu was happy, while Xiao Cheng felt somewhat horrified in his heart

Xiao Cheng's reaction is bound to be significant

Xiao Yu stroked his beard and smiled: "Indeed, a month ago, your elder brother fought against the Liao people and beheaded over one hundred of them. Today, the good news has arrived; during the day, the court has already sent someone to verify the heads. Others may have their doubts, but as your father, I know your elder brother's character; the number of heads will only increase, not decrease. Once the verification team returns, your elder brother should be promoted to commander."

However, no one has ever dared to confront Xiao Yu. When competing with Xiao Yu, the Deputy Envoy of the Three Departments, everyone absolutely adheres to the noble tradition of gentlemen using words rather than actions. Of course, if it were someone else, this tradition would be discarded like refuse, cast into the clouds.

Describing Xiao Yu as both literary and martial is indeed not an exaggeration

Indeed, as my father said, in order to visit those two places, it is absolutely impossible without having the status of a successful candidate in the imperial examination

Three things?'' Xiao Cheng was somewhat surprised, as there were not many things that could make Xiao Yu happy, let alone three. This truly left him somewhat perplexed.

Seeing that Xiao Yu did not seem to be speaking sarcastically and was indeed very happy, Xiao Cheng cautiously sat down. "My lord, you are going to the Gao residence for a banquet today; may I ask if there is some joyful occasion?"

Xiao Cheng was not at all reassured. Anyone who has consumed alcohol will have a flushed face, but as for being emotionally exuberant, that is open to interpretation. Perhaps the current emotional exuberance is merely a pent-up excitement wanting to teach oneself a lesson