Chapter 8 Utilization of Scrap Materials

The Jade Gate Pass seems familiar, but I have never heard of Loulan at all; in any case, I have never been there. Who knows where it is? When the governor inquired, he was immediately taken aback and exposed, becoming a laughingstock in the eyes of everyone.

Although it may be true that he comes from humble beginnings, one can see from the phrase "not returning until the Loulan is conquered" that this person has great ambitions and aspirations. Could he possibly be a short-sighted and foolish individual?

"No, do it yourself." Xie Yidao said: "Do you remember the album on the cardboard box that day? The clothes on it... the woman's intimate garments..."

This is correct; anyone capable of writing these two poems is certainly not a mediocre talent. That foolish lad, unlike others, how could he not know where Yumen and Loulan are located

"That spendthrift, Xie Yi?" Zheng Bin furrowed his brow, his gaze cold and filled with suspicion, and asked, "Could it be that he has ruined my good fortune?"

Watching Lu An's departing figure, Zheng Bin, standing in the corner of the street, furrowed his brows and asked in a low voice: "Have you found out where Fatty Lu's poetry comes from?"

Temporary residence? Is it free of charge? Hou Junji said: "You better be cautious; the Zheng family disciples from Xingyang must be treated with care..."

Hehe, Xie Yi couldn't help but think of those scraps of fabric. I wonder if sister-in-law will make full use of them. What would it be like to wear them as a small garment?

Oh, then why did he appear at Wanghu Tower? Those two poems...

Hou Junji pondered for a moment and said, "This time I came to Chen Prefecture, it was not necessary for you to escort me. However, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has specially issued a decree... Chu Shi, you must remember, when it comes to recruiting talented individuals, recommendations should be made to the court and the library, to His Majesty, and not to others; furthermore, you are my son-in-law and also a guard of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, so you must be cautious in your words and actions"

"I won't talk to you anymore, it's late, let's rest!" With a flushed face, Du quickly put away the fabric, covered the already sleeping Xiaoman with a quilt, then hurriedly blew out the oil lamp and went to bed in her clothes

He Lan Chushi speculated: "Could it be that this person comes from a poor family, is dull-witted, and has a narrow vision?"

# # # .

Hou Junji waved his hand and said: "He does not come to engage in official duties, yet he insists on committing acts that disgrace scholarly integrity. What could be the reason for this? Is it that he is indifferent to a career in public service, or does he look down upon the Hou family?"

Is this ... ... the poetry he obtained after leaving for the first time

It is said that the two poems were originally valued at 5 guan, with an agreement to collect the remaining 2 guan from the Lu family business, though it is uncertain whether that young man will go there

Perhaps immersed in joy, perhaps focused and dedicated, Du did not notice the unusual gaze of Xie Yi, and continued to concentrate on the cutting, soon completing the task.

Xie Yimeng suddenly sneezed, unaware that the two poems he had sold had caused a stir in Huaiyang City, and the three guan of money he had received were also being coveted by others

"This ... ... " Xie Yi gazed at the shape and size of the scraps, pondering: "Making a larger garment is definitely not feasible, but a smaller one could work ... ... "

Du suddenly recalled the illustration on the sunscreen box, and her cheeks instantly flushed with embarrassment, feeling hot. Sanlang, how could he... wearing such clothes...

With a double entendre, Helan Chushi understood immediately and said, "It is indeed about books; I, your humble son-in-law, shall heed your teachings"

"Indeed!" He Lan Chushi responded with delight, then asked, "By the way, what about the other talented individuals? That Zheng Bin's literary talent is also quite impressive"

He Lan Chushi was taken aback and hesitated, saying: "Yes, I met with Zheng Bin a couple of days ago. Because he hails from the Zheng family of Xingyang, I hold him in higher regard. During our interactions, he claimed that the governor's office had fallen into disrepair over the years and might not have sufficient accommodations, but he could offer a residence on South Street for temporary stay..."

As the saying goes, looking at a beauty under the lamp only makes her more enchanting, and this is certainly true! Xie Yi gazed at his sister-in-law, who was charming and smiling, and her delicate and captivating appearance made it impossible for him to remain composed.

In a moment of helplessness, he could only spill everything he knew like beans from a bamboo tube; after all, life is paramount. His father named him "An" precisely for the sake of peace.

Young Master Zheng, perhaps it was commissioned by the Lu family in the past

Zheng Bin raised his eyebrows and asked, "Do you know who he met at that time?"

Fortunately, I left safely. The next most troubling matter is how to explain to my father when I return home. Tomorrow, the Lu family will surely become the biggest laughingstock in Huaiyang.

Hou Junji shook his head and said in confusion: "Although that may be the case, there is still something strange about it. A person capable of composing such poetry cannot be an ordinary talent; he must understand that if he were to take these two poems to Wanghu Tower, the reward would surely exceed three guan of silver"

Oh, it seems I saw Fat Lu and that spendthrift from the Xie family whispering together, could it be...

Are you saying to do it for Xiaoman

"Not at all!" Zheng Bin shook his head and said, "If he had not been prepared in advance, the first time Lu An visited m.hetushucom.com, he would have brought it out. When we arrived, how could he have left dejected and disappointed? Furthermore, if he truly had been prepared, how could Fatty Lu not understand the meaning of the poem?"

"Buying poetry?" Hou Junji furrowed his brows, as if he had heard of such a transaction for the first time

Xie Yixiao said with a smile: "That one conforms better to the human body curve and is more comfortable to wear. If sister-in-law doesn't believe it, she can try making a set according to her own measurements..."

Xie Yi sighed softly, reflecting on the ancient practice of rising with the sun and resting at sunset, which was indeed a healthy routine. However, the long winter nights made it difficult to sleep alone on a solitary pillow

Spent five guan... Three guan were used to purchase two poems, fulfilling my wish to ascend the Wanghu Tower, and I also gained some fame in front of the governor, which made him very happy

He Lan Chushi felt a jolt in his heart, beads of sweat suddenly appeared on his forehead. He lowered his head in agreement, but his eyes, disobedient, wandered without knowing what they were contemplating

According to Lu An, the young man claimed that his family was impoverished, with no rice left to cook, and was in urgent need of money

Indeed, that is the case

That fellow is truly something, selling his own poetry without providing a detailed explanation of its meaning, resulting in a great embarrassment for himself. Before leaving, he was caught by the son-in-law of the governor, who subjected him to a thorough interrogation, nearly scaring the simpleton to death

Hou Junji sighed, "I do not know who penned those two poems, but they resonate deeply with me. I imagine the author must be a talented individual; I truly wish to meet them."

He Lan Chushi, well aware of the situation, hurriedly advised, "My esteemed father-in-law, do not overthink it; it is most likely that this young man is blind to the truth."

Indeed! Du nodded and said: "It would be a pity to throw it away; the size is not enough for other clothing. Let's keep it for future repairs."

# # # .

At this moment, he was sitting on the kang, coaxing his younger sister Xiaoman to sleep. The little girl, tempted by the treats, had eaten quite a few candied snacks and was feeling somewhat uncomfortable in her stomach

Hou Junji pondered and said: "Find this person as soon as possible, I wish to meet him!"

"Don't hold your breath; it's unlikely that I will go. " Hou Junji shook his head and instructed, "Seek alternative methods and find a way as soon as possible!"

It is all the fault of that young man selling poetry; do not expect to get the remaining two coins back...! ... No, when he goes to the shop tomorrow, I must retrieve that three coins as well, and he must also apologize to me, humph!

The simple-hearted Lu An cried, crying very sadly, feeling that he had been deceived

Recalling the scene at Wanghu Tower, Hou Junji's expression was somewhat displeased. The poem is a good poem, but the person... does not seem to be worthy of it at all

Esteemed father-in-law, as the student above has stated, Lu An is the son of the prominent merchant Lu Tong in the city. He is a simple and honest person. Although he has been taught by renowned masters since childhood and knows a few characters, his literary talent is rather ordinary. The speaker is a tall and imposing man, He Lan Chushi, who is the son-in-law of Hou Junji and currently serves as a guard in the Eastern Palace.

"Esteemed father-in-law..." Helan Chushi hesitated and said, "Just now, the son-in-law has already inquired alone, and Lu An honestly confessed that he claimed to have purchased it from a young man for three guan."

Sister-in-law Du was busy cutting fabric to make new clothes for herself and Xiao Man. Upon reflection, it seemed that it had been a long time since she had last tailored new garments; which woman does not love beauty? Du could not help but feel a bit excited inside, and naturally, a hint of a smile appeared on her face

Alright, next comes the sewing. Du put down the scissors, neatly gathered the cut fabric, and looked at the leftover scraps with some hesitation

# # # .

It seems that my sister-in-law is the same, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Is she so shy over such trivial matters?

How should the sister-in-law handle the disposal of these scraps

"The poem is good, but do you know this person in detail?" Hou Junji looked at his son-in-law, his gaze piercing as he said, "Speak to me honestly, in the past few days you have been accompanying me to meet local gentry and talented individuals, have you had any interactions with this Zheng Bin?"

Xie Yi praised, "Sister-in-law, you are truly skillful; is this all right?"

How strange! Hou Junji immediately frowned and asked in confusion, "Do you not find this matter very peculiar? With such fine poetry and prose, and the Wanghu Tower so close at hand, why not come and enjoy it? Instead, you choose to engage in something that tarnishes the dignity of literature?"

In the study of the Inspector's Office, looking at the two poetry manuscripts on the table, Hou Junji said in a deep voice: "Can we ascertain the identity of that Lu An? Who exactly composed these poems?"

He Lan Chu Shi Dao: "Lu Tong, unaware of the vastness of heaven and earth, a mere merchant, is determined to have his son enter the officialdom. Therefore, he sent Lu An to present his writings. A talent as lowly and mediocre as him should have been shown the door, yet Lu An somehow managed to bring forth two fine poems, gaining entry to Wang Hu Lou."

There was indeed a precedent in Chang'an, where many scholars looked down upon Hou Junji, a mere warrior. They often chose to align themselves with civil officials such as Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, and Xiao Yu. This left Hou Junji somewhat disheartened. He had hoped to take advantage of his appointment as the governor of Chen Prefecture to recruit some talented individuals from the Lianghuai region, but unexpectedly, such circumstances arose again, which made Hou Junji subconsciously sensitive.