Chapter 4, Manuscript

After the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Yuxue Pavilion suddenly became busy, and no one knew why. The Eastern Palace surprisingly took an interest in these students who did not follow the "proper path," inviting them to gather at Qianzi Lake ten days later. They also set a topic, requiring each person to write an article on practical governance, which would be evaluated by the Eastern Palace. The top three would be honored and given the opportunity to present their views directly to the Crown Prince.

The old servant was ordered to boil water, and after putting down the book box, he said: "My writings will not be given to anyone"

In life... the building's foundation murmured, feeling that nothing could be more perilous than the act of driving itself

The floor is somewhat confused, "Brother Ma, are you trying to buy me off? It seems... not enough."

I have mentioned before that among us, your writing is the best. Several scholars in the library once commented together that among the students over the years, Master Lou, Master Ma, and another individual, Guo Shifeng, who has already left the library, are the most outstanding, and can be referred to as the 'Three Heroes'. Unfortunately, due to unfavorable circumstances, it is difficult for the three of them to have their day in the sun, so I think...

The building's foundation shook its head, "You can take the money as well."

"Discussing Articles Over Wine" is an affair that requires careful selection of participants. Lou Chu was pleased to attend, and upon arriving at the Ma residence, he immediately exchanged articles for reading.

Therefore, we must strike in one decisive move, with both internal and external support. Brother Chu need not worry; you only need to gather intelligence on the Emperor's whereabouts. There is no need for you to get involved in other matters. In the event of failure, I will do my utmost to ensure that you are not implicated.

If you do not take it away, I will also throw it out

Zhou Lv shook his head and smiled, saying: "It must be you. Among us, your and Ma Wei's articles are the best. Wen Ren, the scholar, never flatters anyone, but when he reads your articles, he often nods in agreement. Everyone has noticed this."

Then you go find Ma Wei

Zhou Lü refused to give way, his face smiling even more obsequiously, "Young Master Lou, don't go, your article is already finished. Since you have nothing to do, why not go drink together? I have a jar of fine wine just sent from a foreign land at home. Let us discuss literature over wine, wouldn't that be delightful"

Zhou Lü, seeing that flattery was ineffective, directly said: "I want to buy your article, name your price."

Recently, the scholar Wenren has also been rather lazy, taking the opportunity to give the students a break and enjoying a few days of leisure himself

Today, however, there are those who insist on having "dealings" with him

Louchu pondered in silence, and Ma Wei explained: "This is not the money belonging to me and Brother Guo; we are both quite poor. This is a modest gift sent by the Prince of Guangling"

Ma Wei smiled indifferently and said: "These are all old clichés. Which dynasty, this one or the previous one, has been free from such drawbacks? However, regarding your article—are you really going to submit it like this?"

The floor has been tidied up, I picked up the book box and bid farewell.

The next morning, Ma Wei sent someone to extend an invitation, specifically reminding Lou Chu to bring the article along.

The easygoing Lou Chu flashed past Zhou Lu, striding out of the classroom, refusing to turn back no matter how much he was called from behind

Although the world is vast, it is difficult to find a confidant. Without the participation of Chu Di, I will also withdraw, allowing Guo Shifeng to find an assassin for the Prince of Guangling again

Upon waking from a deep sleep, the ambition and fighting spirit of the building's foundation had diminished significantly, and he began to doubt whether the entire plan could be realized. Fortunately, Ma and Guo did not urge him, so he need not feel anxious.

Louchu was filled with rage and was about to drive both the person and the money away, but suddenly changed his mind, "Do you really want my article?"

Well, but I do not know when I will be able to approach the military in the building

Zhou Lü furrowed his brows and thought for a moment, suddenly realizing, "Haha, Young Master Lou, rest assured, as long as you put my name on it, this article is guaranteed to be of first-class quality. There’s nothing more to say; I am determined to be friends with you. When I achieve great success, I will certainly not forget this friendship. As for the money..."

Being confined in the tower, no matter how good the writing is, it is of no use. There is no need for others to remind him; he has never forgotten this matter. He turned around to put away the draft and the writing tools, "As a minister, one should only strive with all their heart and soul, remain guiltless in their conscience, and not question the usefulness or uselessness of their efforts"

It is not about 'giving', but 'selling'. Look, I have brought all the money with me.

Haha, changing a dynasty and a sovereign, the articles of Brother Chu are not excessive, I would even say they are decayed and unbearable, but placed in this dynasty, they are simply too bold. The current sovereign is overly ambitious, constantly waging wars, ceaselessly constructing, and endlessly mobilizing resources, and he is least fond of hearing the four words 'using the people according to their capacity.' Brother Chu should still remember that last year, an official was demoted just for writing a few words about 'caring for the people's strength' in a memorial, and the emperor was not satisfied, later sending someone to beat him dozens of times.

Louchu thought for a moment and pushed the package back, saying, "It is not needed for the time being"

Hehe, saying these things in front of me... you should definitely include these lines in the article, the Eastern Palace will surely appreciate it

The crown prince has just turned seven years old, and it is likely that he cannot comprehend the text. However, this is not important. If he can acquire the knowledge of the officials in the Eastern Palace, it would be akin to obtaining a pathway to advancement, and waiting for however long it takes is worthwhile

Zhou Lyu was perplexed and said, "I don't want money... What do you want?"

Rest assured, Brother Chu, there are only the three of us... No, wait, there is also a heroic figure who wields a sword and roams the world. When the time is right, I will introduce him to you.

Zhou Lu arrived for a visit accompanied by two servants, having waited for quite some time. The old servant in the Lou family recognized this Young Master Zhou, thus he welcomed him in, served tea and water, and attended to him quite attentively

I am concerned about this, Prince Guangling

Zhou Lü rose to greet him, as if this were his own home, clasping his hands and smiling as he said: "After many years as classmates, this is actually the first time I have come to visit your esteemed residence, Young Master Lou, please do not take offense."

Zhou Lü has already received the manuscript, and without any intention to linger, he smiled and said, "Then let's do it another day, farewell"

"You flatter me." Lou Chu stood up, blocking the still wet paper, only to realize that the other students had already left, leaving only him and Zhou Lu.

When Lou Chu was a child, he was bullied by Zhou Lv, but now he is no longer afraid of him, saying, "I am not interested, I have other things to attend to"

I know that Chu Di is not a timid person. " Ma Wei cupped his hands in apology, " Otherwise, he wouldn't have dragged Chu Di into this. Please rest assured, I will be careful to watch over Guo Shifeng and Wang Guangling.

Hehe, Ma Wei is a person with an inflated sense of self-importance, always considering himself a descendant of the Liang dynasty, making him difficult to deal with, unlike Young Master Lou who is much more easygoing

Although he is the son of a great general, Lou Chu has little status at home. To get close to his elder brother Lou Ying, he indeed needs to pave the way with gold and silver

Please wait a moment. If I can successfully approach the general of the central army, then this matter will be settled. If it proves fruitless, then I will be of no assistance, and I ask Brother Ma to seek out someone more capable.

How did you come to be so certain about my article

Zhou Lüyue immediately took it in his hands, his face shining with excitement, "Young Master Lou is quite righteous, take the money, and if you ever find yourself short of funds in the future, feel free to speak up."

After having dinner, Lou Chu took his leave. As Ma Wei saw him off, he couldn't help but say: "Brother Chu, that article of yours... don't cause any trouble, especially at this time."

The floor was quite surprised, "How did you come here?"

Ma Wei smiled and said: "The friendship between you and me, gentlemen, is based on loyalty and the ambition within our hearts. When have we ever discussed these external matters? If this matter is leaked, our lives will be in danger. If it succeeds, there will be glory and wealth in due time. This small amount is meant for the younger brother to manage the affairs of the General's residence and its people."

The building's foundation slowly shook its head, "The Son of Heaven has been wary of the Prince of Guangling for so long, he will not be without precautions against him"

The article by Young Master Lou is truly well-written, Zhou Lu praised

After chatting for a while, Ma Wei turned around and took a package from the cabinet, placed it on the table, opened it, revealing the gold, silver, and jewels inside, smiling without saying a word

Go find someone else

Moreover, the building foundation considers this point to be very important, "Do not add more people."

Compared to the danger of being stabbed, this amount of treasure is indeed quite small

I have known him for many years and can vouch for him. Brother Guo comes from a humble background and has lofty aspirations, but unfortunately, the court does not value talent, leaving him in a desperate situation

With no one at home, he took out the draft from the foundation of the building and revised it again. He felt it was quite good and believed that in the ranking of the Eastern Palace ten days later, this article would surely be among the top tier. As for whether he could meet the Crown Prince or whether it would bring him good fortune in the officialdom, he did not care. This was one of his principles: to never be vague when writing an article

Since Young Master Lou has said so, Zhou Lu tucked the manuscript into his bosom, called for a servant to bring in a tray of copper coins, and then said to Lou Chu, "Let us drink a few cups together."

Take it away

Lou Chu smiled but did not provide an answer. For him, the things he is certain about rarely change. Because of this, he has few friends and seldom interacts with his family.

Louchu Zhengse said: "If I had any intention of fear, I would have reported to the authorities long ago. At this moment, Brother Ma is likely already suffering in prison under interrogation. To achieve success requires courage, while planning requires caution. If one does not think things through in advance, one will surely fail when the time comes."

Louchu nodded slightly, "Is Guo Shifeng... trustworthy?"

Ma Wei put away his smile, "This is why we cannot accept confinement, not because the minister is disloyal to the ruler, but because the ruler does not utilize the minister. Moreover, we are not subjects of the Tiancheng Dynasty, and our ambitions have no outlet for expression—have you thought it through, Brother Chu?"

Louchu did not return home, but stayed in the library to write an article. He already had ideas in mind, and with a swift motion, he completed a draft. He planned to refine it in a couple of days before submitting it.

Upon turning around, Louchu saw a smiling face.

Understood, such matters cannot be rushed

Sitting idly at home, I wish to conceive another article. Gradually, my thoughts drift away, and unexpectedly, I come up with a method that is quite close to the rigorous style of San Ge Lou, though it is somewhat risky

I do not want anything; I only hope that my article can be treated fairly

I am not in the mood today. Young Master Zhou, take care as you leave

Ma Wei also did not insist, "Leave it here, and the younger brother can take it whenever he wants. Is this matter settled?"

Sir Grand Secretary Luo? I remember, but I hold no official position, the Eastern Palace is not the Emperor's, and moreover—some things, the more they remain in the heart, the more worthless they become

The building stood still, and Zhou Lu's probe looked for a while, "Using ... ... people ... ... in time, um, good topic ... ..." The more he read, the more difficult it became. Zhou Lu retracted his head, took two steps back, and smiled, saying: "Young Master Lou, it's not that I'm speaking carelessly, but what is the use of you writing this article?"

Of course, using the phrase 'to use the people according to the times' is rather clichéd, isn't it?

Distinguishing loyalty from treachery, establishing ranks, clarifying rewards and punishments, implementing promotions and demotions, and distancing from flattery and favoritism—Brother Ma is indeed quite bold; these five points directly address the shortcomings of our dynasty. Lou Chu praised, feeling less confident about his own writing.

Zhou Lü is quite lacking in tact, attempting to bypass the foundation of the building, "Let me take a look at your article, and let us discuss it together."

Does the younger brother not have confidence in the Prince of Guangling? Ma Wei smiled, tying up the package. The Prince of Guangling is known for his respect towards talented individuals and is widely supported. During the late emperor's reign, there were several thoughts of changing the heir, but the ministers insisted on passing the throne to the son rather than the brother, which allowed the current emperor to ascend the throne. Over the years, the Prince of Guangling has been deeply suspected and has had to go to Jiangdong. Now he commands an army of one hundred thousand elite soldiers; with a single call to arms, great achievements are sure to follow.

Zhou Lü was overjoyed and immediately said: "If Young Master Lou feels that the money is insufficient, I can add more."

Zhou Lü casually mentioned it, but Lou Chu felt a jolt in his heart. The so-called "Three Heroes" by the scholars were actually the three individuals involved in the conspiracy to assassinate the emperor