Section 5

Shiyue ignored the matter, finding it amusing to hear him chattering beside him, and said, "Thank you very much." He slipped him ten wen and paid no attention to his profuse thanks from behind, turning to walk towards the carriage. Just as he took a step, he felt a gust of wind rush towards him, and with a sound of "Whoa," a carriage came to a halt right in front of him, nearly knocking him over. Shiyue stood frozen in shock, almost breaking out in a cold sweat.

Shiyue, moved by his thoughts, quickly said to the coachman: "Please stop for a moment." He jumped out of the carriage and walked briskly to the fortune teller, smiling as he said: "Sir, please help me with a reading."

The fortune teller nodded busily and said, "Yes, yes." He respectfully took out a bamboo tube from his belongings. Shi Yue requested a stick of incense, bowed to the heavens several times, and silently prayed: "Today, Shi Yue sincerely prays to the gods of heaven. I usually do not believe in gods or fate; you brought me into this world, and I do not dare to blame you. If you have a spirit, then give me a sign and tell me what you truly want me to do; if you do not have a spirit, then just give me a vague answer. " He did not care whether this prayer was somewhat inappropriate, and after finishing, he bowed to the sky several times, took the bamboo tube, shook it a few times, and a stick fell to the ground.

The fortune teller immediately broke into a broad smile, showing no trace of a celestial demeanor, and said: "Young master, are you here to read palms or to interpret characters? You must be wanting to predict the results of the upcoming imperial examination in spring, right?" Observing Shi Yue's attire, he assumed he was a scholar seeking divination, and at this time of year, it was mostly for the sake of fame and fortune. His deduction was not entirely incorrect, but unfortunately, he was far off the mark when it came to Shi Yue.

The fortune teller, however, believed that Shi Yue had drawn a bad lot, and hurriedly smiled and advised from the side: "Destiny can be altered by human actions; heaven merely provides us mortals with a warning. The Book of Changes, the Book of Changes, signifies transformation. If one can fulfill their duties, even if the initial outcome is unfavorable, it may still turn favorable; if one does not fulfill their duties, even a seemingly good lot may ultimately lead to failure..." He continued to ramble on endlessly. The Book of Changes, the Book of Changes, signifies transformation. If one can fulfill their duties, even if the initial outcome is unfavorable, it may still turn favorable; if one does not fulfill their duties, even a seemingly good lot may ultimately lead to failure..." He continued to ramble on endlessly.

As soon as the words left his mouth, he suddenly realized and felt regret in his heart. Seeing Chu Yun'er in this state, he became even more uncertain. Lacking experience in dealing with girls, he could only blush and, with an apologetic expression, said: "Miss Chu, I did not mean to. I spoke out of feeling..."

After sitting for about ten minutes, Chu Yun'er had already realized that Shi Yue was shy, but she found it difficult to speak up herself. This person before her was unlike others, and for some reason, she felt a bit bashful. While she was lost in thought, she saw Shi Yue take out a small booklet from his bosom and gently place it on the table in front of her. He spoke softly, "Miss Chu, I truly made an unintentional mistake earlier. This booklet contains the verses I have written during my free time, totaling around thirty to forty pieces. Consider it my apology to you. Tonight, I have a friend who is drunk in the carriage and needs my care, so I must take my leave. I will come again to Bi Yue Pavilion another day to apologize to you, Miss Chu." After saying this, she heard him hurriedly run down the stairs.

Chu Yun'er found it somewhat difficult to accept and softly asked: "Since ancient times, men have been associated with the heavens, and women with the earth; men represent the positive, while women represent the negative. Among the five relationships, I have never heard of a friendship that can be equal between men and women."

Having witnessed so many scholars... just now, that Ye Zuqia, his writing was ornate and elaborate, yet his character was lacking... He does not even recognize Wang Anshi, yet he praises Wang Anshi as if he were Confucius reborn. This would be forgivable, but the most outrageous part is that he compares Lü Huiqing to Yan Hui... Thinking of this, Shi Yue could not help but feel a bit nauseous. These gatherings left Shi Yue feeling immensely disappointed. History books state that the Song Dynasty was an era that cultivated the integrity of the scholar-officials, with Fan Zhongyan who worried for the world before himself, Zhou Dunyi who remained untainted by the mud, and Cheng Hao who took the world as his own responsibility... Where are these people? Why do I only see a scene of literary indulgence and martial frivolity?" Glancing at Tang Di, who was sound asleep beside him, Shi Yue quietly instructed the coachman: "Go slowly."

He was just about to see whose carriage was so unruly when the green curtain of the carriage was already lifted, revealing a familiar face—none other than the singer Chu Yun'er from Biyue Pavilion.

Chu Yun'er was a person accustomed to the ways of the world. Upon witnessing this scene, how could she not realize that the elegant young man before her was actually burdened with deep thoughts? She felt a mixture of emotions within her, yet maintained a facade of calmness on her face, smiling as she said: "The line from Qu Yuan's poem suggests that as long as we believe something is right, we should pursue it with unwavering resolve, even at the cost of our lives. This reflects Qu Yuan's spirit of a true patriot—indeed, this line of poetry deserves to be fully appreciated." With that, she raised her wine cup and drank it all in one go. She continued, "The line from Qu Yuan's poem suggests that as long as we believe something is right, we should pursue it with unwavering resolve, even at the cost of our lives. This reflects Qu Yuan's spirit of a true patriot—indeed, this line of poetry deserves to be fully appreciated." With that, she raised her wine cup and drank it all in one go.

It is these individuals who have pushed this lovely world and civilization towards its demise! Shi Yue could not understand why his emotions were so agitated. During the Han Dynasty, merely because Emperor Gaozu was besieged by the Xiongnu at Baideng, people were able to endure humiliation and bear heavy burdens for decades, ultimately defeating their enemies and winning the challenge posed by history. However, the people of this era cannot possibly win a new round of challenges!

The two individuals sat there with flushed faces, one constantly fiddling with the hem of their clothing while the other tilted their neck to gaze out the window. The young attendants who came to serve them were unaware of what had transpired, each finding the situation rather amusing

It was yet another tedious gathering. Wang Anshi's Green Seedling Law should have been promulgated by now, right? As Shi Yue helped the utterly intoxicated Tang Di climb into the carriage, he gazed at the bright moon in the sky and let out a quiet sigh, all the while smiling and bidding farewell to the half-drunk scholars passing by him.

The carriage slowly passed through the streets of Bianjing, the sounds of the bustling marketplace continuously filtering into the vehicle; this era has already witnessed the prosperity of night markets! Shi Yue glanced outside, and the snow accumulated at the roots of a large tree caught his eye. He recalled the day he arrived in this world, on that snowy day, and let out a quiet sigh. Suddenly, a scene flashed through his mind: it was the moment he recited poetry under the gate of Dai Tower, and that line of poetry, "Ultimately, the colors of the rivers and mountains will change!" — Ultimately, the colors of the rivers and mountains will change? Did he possess such ability?

Chu Yun'er did not know that after this night, she would never have the opportunity to see Shi Yue compose lyrics again. At that time, Shi Yue was also unaware that from this night onward, the lyrics she sang most often would become "Shi Ci." Although he no longer composed lyrics and did not "borrow" from the works of ancient poets, his nickname "Shi Jiu Bian" spread from Bianjing to Hangzhou through the songs of the courtesans, reaching even the imperial palace, where the young Emperor Zhao Xu could sing a few lines of "A man's heart is like iron, even in death it weighs a thousand pounds." Although he no longer composed lyrics and did not "borrow" from the works of ancient poets, his nickname "Shi Jiu Bian" spread from Bianjing to Hangzhou through the songs of the courtesans, reaching even the imperial palace, where the young Emperor Zhao Xu could sing a few lines of "A man's heart is like iron, even in death it weighs a thousand pounds."

When Shigui saw Chuyun'er asking him for lyrics, it involuntarily stirred up his displeasure. He shook his head and sighed, saying: "The merchant girl knows not the hatred of a fallen nation, still singing of the garden flowers across the river."

Chu Yun'er appeared to have a favorable impression of Shi Yue, yet she did not dare to look him in the eye. Lowering her head, she softly said: "This is not a suitable place for conversation. I wonder if Young Master Shi would be gracious enough to visit the Bi Yue Pavilion?"

Shiyue ascended the stairs, always bearing a melancholic expression. At this moment, although a beautiful woman was by his side and fine wine was in his hand, he ultimately could not find joy. He recalled the two lines of poetry from the inscription and could not help but murmur to himself: "Even if it is what my heart desires, I would not regret it even if I faced death nine times." Facing Chu Yun'er, he seemed to look right through her, merely raising his hand and tilting his neck to down a cup of wine in one go.

While lost in thought, I suddenly heard someone outside shouting loudly: "Fortune telling, ancestral fortune telling, iron-mouthed judgment of wealth and nobility, ten wen for a lesson, no accuracy, no charge..." Shi Yue lifted the curtain and peered outside the carriage, where a fortune teller was walking over from across the street, exuding an air of ethereal grace.

"Rulers and subjects, fathers and sons, husbands and wives, brothers, and friends, these constitute the Five Relationships," replied Chu Yun'er, pursing her lips

If it were someone else, Chu Yun'er would have long retorted with sarcasm. Yet, when it comes to this Shi Yue, she finds herself unable to speak up, only lowering her head in silence. Inside, she feels wronged, with tears welling up in her eyes, but she must hold them back, refusing to let them fall. Over the years, amidst the dust and turmoil, she has laughed and played, and if she were to cry, it would only be in secret. This is the first time she cannot help but reveal her emotions in front of others

Shiyue picked it up and took a look, only to find two lines of poetry: "Even if I am good at heart, I would not regret it even if I face death nine times." He recognized this as a famous line from Qu Yuan's "Li Sao," reciting it repeatedly and pondering inwardly: Is this truly a sign from heaven for me? The more he deliberated, the more uncertain he became. For a moment, he was completely lost in thought.

Shiyue smiled and said: "You are the Yang, and I am the Yin; the father is the Yang, and the son is the Yin; the husband is the Yang, and the wife is the Yin; the elder brother is the Yang, and the younger brother is the Yin. If we extend this reasoning, then why can't friends also have a pairing of Yin and Yang?"

Upon seeing Shi Yue, Chu Yun'er was momentarily taken aback. After a while, she regained her composure, performed a courtesy on the carriage, and said gracefully: "Young Master Shi, I hope you have been well. I offer my respects—please forgive me for any offense I may have caused earlier, I humbly ask for your understanding"

Shiyue glanced at his carriage. He was reluctant to leave Tang Di unattended, yet burdened with worries, he did not wish to return to the Sang residence immediately. He smiled and said, "Today, I find myself in a bit of inconvenience. If the young lady does not mind, there is an inn nearby. Allow me to treat you, and let us have a conversation."

Upon seeing his expression and hearing his words, Shiyue felt a chill in his heart and was unwilling to let him continue with the divination. He simply said: "I do not read characters nor do I interpret faces. Do you have any divination sticks here? I will draw a stick and let the divination reveal the answer." He thought to himself: "I sincerely seek guidance from heaven to avoid being misled by you."

Perhaps I am merely a bystander, brought into this world by heaven to coldly observe its demise. Shi Yue muttered to himself. Tang Di murmured in her dream: "Please... please, my lord, ascend to the Lingyan Pavilion; if... if a scholar were to become a marquis of ten thousand households." It was evident that she was still dreaming and discussing poetry with someone else. Shi Yue smiled faintly and said: "Indeed, how many scholars are there atop the Lingyan Pavilion? In the end, I am just a scholar myself." Suddenly, Shi Yue recalled the eternal smile of Shakyamuni in the Mahavira Hall of the Great Xiangguo Temple—he wondered if the Buddha could provide him with an answer

The two of them requested a private room at the restaurant by the roadside—essentially, it was a series of individual rooms separated by screens. They were seated right by the street, and from the upper floor, they could see the night view of Panlou Street. Although it could not compare to the vibrant nightlife of a modern metropolis, it was still brightly lit, offering a different kind of charm

Shiyue shook his head in self-deprecation. "I am merely a passerby who has been mistakenly cast into this time and space. How can one person's strength possibly turn the vast wheel of history? This era is filled with outstanding talents; Wang Anshi, Sima Guang, Su Shi—who among them is not remarkable? Even Lü Huaiqing is an exceptionally intelligent person. If one wishes to change the fate of this era, one must inevitably contend with these individuals. Is this not a case of overestimating oneself?" Shiyue retorted with self-mockery.

The ancient prose movement of the Eight Great Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties is even referred to by some as the Renaissance of ancient China. At present, Wang Anshi, Su Shi, and Ouyang Xiu are all alive, yet the scholars influenced by them indulge in the pleasures of life, oblivious to the fact that Yan Yun has fallen into enemy hands and the court must submit to the Khitan. Who has considered the Yellow River changing course and breaching its banks, leaving countless common people in dire straits? These scholars, who embody the hopes of this era, are preoccupied with poetry, songs, and the performances of courtesans, seeking a bright future!" Shi Yue grew increasingly angry as he thought about it. Who has considered the Yellow River changing course and breaching its banks, leaving countless common people in dire straits? These scholars, who embody the hopes of this era, are preoccupied with poetry, songs, and the performances of courtesans, seeking a bright future!" Shi Yue grew increasingly angry. The Song Dynasty was a beautiful era, with the selfless help of the Tang and Li families, the enchanting Song lyrics of Chu Yun'er, and the unpolluted sky... However, Shi Yue, coming from a millennium later, has a fateful understanding of the direction of this world! All of this will be destroyed by the ravages of barbarian tribes! It is not far off! However, Shi Yue, coming from a millennium later, has a fateful understanding of the direction of this world! All of this will be destroyed by the ravages of barbarian tribes! It is not far off!

It would have been better if he hadn't said anything; now that he has, Chu Yun'er feels even more like crying. However, she thinks to herself that she and this Shi Yue are merely acquaintances, so she forcibly holds back her tears and softly says: "This is not the fault of Young Master Shi; it is my own rudeness."

Shiyue always reluctantly attends such gatherings, and at every banquet, he must present several new poems or lyrics. Although the singers at the banquet particularly favor him for this reason, as the number of banquets increases, his "reputation for talent" also grows. However, he still does not particularly enjoy these gatherings

Chu Yun'er listened to him say, "It is to scold those scholars," but she did not understand what it meant and continued to lower her head, tears in her eyes, without speaking. Shi Yue grew increasingly anxious, his face flushed, and he did not know what words to say to comfort her. In any case, he simply could not express himself, resulting in him sitting there with a flushed face, and the two of them truly were "silently facing each other"

Chu Yun'er was taken aback by his absurd remarks, and could only smile wryly and shake her head. Noticing that his mood seemed to have improved a little, she said: "Recently, there has been much talk in the streets about Young Master Shi's verses, and the ladies of Tokyo City take pride in competing to sing Shi's words. I wonder if Young Master Shi could grant me a poem, so that I may also boast before my sisters in the future"

Shiyue stared at her for a while, then suddenly clapped his hands and laughed, "Good, good! I did not expect that Miss Chu is indeed a heroine among women. With your words, you can be my friend, Shiyue."

Shiyue slowly nodded and said earnestly: "They are just friends. Both men and women are born of their parents and nurtured by heaven and earth. Why can they not be friends?"

Chu Yun'er felt her heart racing, fearing rejection. Throughout the years in the world of dust and turmoil, she had never considered that someone would refuse her, nor had she ever cared about being rejected. She did not know what was different today. At that moment, upon hearing Shi Yue's invitation, her face immediately flushed, and she softly replied: "I dare not, please go ahead, young master"

Shiyue smiled and said: "Miss Chu, could you explain what the Five Relationships are?"

He did not pay attention to Chu Yun'er’s identity and casually exclaimed, which left Chu Yun'er feeling utterly embarrassed. Naturally, she was unaware that Shi Yue had recently been most annoyed by poetry and lyrics. In this short period, over 20 of his "lyric compositions" had spread throughout Bianjing, each capable of being passed down through the ages. Due to the diverse styles of his lyrics, people were even more astonished, and those scholars and singers referred to him as "Shi Jiu Bian," indicating that his reputation in lyricism had spread across Bianjing. Therefore, when Chu Yun'er asked him for lyrics, it was a common occurrence, and could even be seen as a compliment; unexpectedly, she was ridiculed as "not knowing the hatred of a fallen nation."

Chu Yun'er remained in a daze for quite a while after Shi Yue left, before gently picking up the small booklet and cautiously flipping it open. She saw that the calligraphy on it was exceedingly poorly written, barely resembling any characters at all, which made her chuckle softly. Her own calligraphy was exquisite; how could she have imagined that Shi Yue, despite his high talents, would have handwriting akin to that of a child? She then recalled Shi Yue's earlier embarrassment and her own grievances, cradling the small booklet in her hands as if it were a treasured possession, as if she were also safeguarding a girl's secret along with it.

Seeing her like this, Shigui couldn't help but feel even more guilty, and he spoke without thinking: "No, no, it is my fault. I was originally scolding that group of scholars; it was truly an unintentional mistake on my part, but in any case, it is my fault..."

The candidates for the imperial examination, known as juren, consider it very important to socialize and establish friendships with peers who are also taking the exam, both before and after the examination period. This forms the foundation of their future political connections. Therefore, Tang Di has countless gatherings to attend, and he always enjoys bringing Shi Yue along, boasting to Li Dunmin and others about having such an outstanding friend.

Although Shiyue was filled with countless fiery emotions, he could not express them in front of such a delicate person. Moreover, since they were old acquaintances, he could only change his expression and smile, saying: "It is no trouble. I did not expect to encounter you today, Miss."

Friend?" Chu Yun'er was taken aback. In this world, there were all kinds of men who regarded her in various ways, but not a single one treated her as a friend. Not only her, at this moment, any woman in the world would not have a man considering her as a friend. This Young Master Shi's actions were indeed too surprising.