Chapter Thirty-Five: As Real as Illusion

“Deng Tao?”

Yuan Jie pondered for a moment; the name stirred no recollection, so he could not fathom why Xu You had specifically requested him. With interest, he asked, “And who might that be?”

Xu You’s brow furrowed as he recalled his conversation with Deng Tao on the boat. Deng Tao had once been ordered to secretly collect information on him in Yixing; at the time, he suspected Yuan Jie’s involvement, but now it seemed someone else was orchestrating events behind the scenes. Maintaining a calm demeanor, he replied, “He is one of the centurions sent to Yixing to receive me—tall of stature, competent in martial arts. With a bit of disguise, he’s nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. I’d like his help with something.”

So that was all. Hearing nothing of real interest, Yuan Jie’s enthusiasm waned. “Have Feng Tong summon Deng Tao later, and you can discuss the details. But take care—ensure nothing goes wrong!”

Xu You smiled. “Rest assured, Master Yuan. I would hardly risk my own life in jest!”

Yuan Jie nodded, his gaze falling again upon the “Record of the Drama Pavilion” Xu You had so skillfully transcribed. Admiration and approval shone in his eyes. “I can hardly accept such fine calligraphy from Seventh Young Master without recompense… Let me give you another million coins as a token of gratitude for this work.”

Though fond of money, Xu You knew when to be content. Besides, the scheme Yuan Jie had devised was to his great benefit as well. Jokingly, he said, “Is Master Yuan perhaps inviting me to suffer the old jibe of ‘taking bribes for writing essays’?”

Long ago, Sima Xiangru composed “The Rhapsody of the Long Gate” for the deposed Empress Chen—she, once cherished and hidden in the Golden House, regained imperial favor thanks to his words. In gratitude, she presented Sima Xiangru with a hundred pieces of gold. People mocked him for ‘taking bribes for writing,’ and so the phrase entered the annals of gossip.

Yuan Jie laughed aloud. “So you care much for your reputation, Seventh Young Master… But worry not—this is not Han, but Great Chu; times have changed, and exchanging words for gold is now a refined practice among men of letters, not a cause for public scorn!”

Xu You truly hadn’t known this. “Is there a story behind it?”

“It all began with the Xiao clan of Lanling. Since crossing the Yangtze, their family has produced three Grand Ministers, lavished with favor, and a multitude of talented kin. Especially Xiao Yu, famed for his intellect—he was made Marquis of Xinpu County at twelve, became Secretary Gentleman at twenty, and by thirty had risen to Vice Censor-in-Chief. His literary, historical, and calligraphic prowess was admired by all. Yet it was this same Xiao Yu who, at the request of envoys from Baekje, sequestered himself for three days to write thirty missives, earning six million coins in return. People praised, ‘The elegance of letters flows beyond the seas.’ Since then, men of letters have felt no shame in discussing payment for their art.”

Suddenly enlightened, Xu You said, “If that is the custom, I shall not feign aloofness. I’ll graciously accept this million coins as a writer’s fee.”

“A writer’s fee?”

The term originally referred to moistening the brush so it would take ink, and only later came to mean monetary reward—first appearing in the Book of Sui, not yet popular in this era. Xu You borrowed the reference from a later time and attributed it to Xiliang instead. He explained, “I heard the tale by chance: Yao Jin, the usurper of Xiliang, wished to reward the Grand Herald Zheng Qi and ordered an imperial edict written. The eunuch, brush in hand, joked ‘the brush is dry.’ Zheng Qi, being poor, replied, ‘Without a coin, how can the brush be moistened?’ Thus, this saying became common in Xiliang.”

Yuan Jie gazed at Xu You for a long time before sighing deeply. “You’ve scarcely left your home, yet know the affairs of the world. You are destined for greater things. If in the future… if… never mind. Take a day to enjoy yourself in Jinling. At dawn tomorrow, set out for Qiantang.”

Xu You understood the unspoken words behind his host’s advice. Straightening his expression, he bowed solemnly. “My family has suffered sudden calamity. I alone survived, wandering in fear like a homeless dog. Yet you, Master Yuan, did not abandon me—befriended me across ranks, provided generously, and did not withhold your counsel and aid. This kindness, I shall never forget.”

His sincerity moved Yuan Jie, who reached out and helped him up. “Be that as it may, regarding your engagement to A-Yuan, the fault lies with my Yuan clan…”

Xu You replied earnestly, “The distinction of family line is the foundation of our noble houses. Since the Xu family has fallen, even if I married Third Lady, it would only bring unhappiness to all. Better, then, for each to yield a little and find a broader path. These are my true thoughts, and I hope you will not take offense.”

“Well said!” Yuan Jie praised. “As the Master said, ‘The younger generation is to be respected; who’s to say the future will not surpass the present?’ Your open heart rivals that of Liu Ning of Hedong, who became Chief Minister and wielded power over the world. Who knows but that you will one day surpass him?”

The two exchanged smiles. Though they should have been closer as father-in-law and son-in-law, life had made them distant, yet there was no enmity—rather, a tacit understanding that brought them unexpected harmony. Truly a rare thing!

Normally, breaking an engagement is a humiliating affair, and arguing over bride price leads only to discord. For things to end as amicably as with the Yuan and Xu families—such a case could hardly be found in a thousand years!

Leaving after his farewell, Xu You was accompanied by Feng Tong toward the Elegant Abode by the Forest. Feng Tong remarked, “In all these years, I’ve never seen my master so happy as in these past two days. It’s a shame you cannot stay longer, Xu Lang… Ah, if not for this misfortune, you’d still be engaged to Third Lady and could remain in Jinling for a few more days.”

His words were a polite invitation but carried a hint of mockery—Xu You lacked the fortune to become the Yuan family’s ideal son-in-law, and now had to slink away in defeat.

Xu You laughed. “No feast lasts forever. Comings and goings are the way of the world. I only hope that after today’s parting, I’ll have the chance to see you again, Steward Feng.”

Feng Tong found this most unsatisfying. No matter how he tried to provoke Xu You, it was like dropping stones into the sea—never a ripple, never the satisfaction of victory. He could only mutter, “Well said, well said.”

Upon returning to the Elegant Abode by the Forest, they found Zuo Wen waiting inside. Seeing Xu You, he rose at once, his gaze filled with both hope and anxiety. “My lord!”

Xu You walked over, patted his shoulder, and smiled. “I have fulfilled my task. Master has spoken—he will set you free. You may choose any of the seven counties under Jinling’s domain to make your home. From now on, you are no longer a military retainer; I should call you Brother Zuo!”

Zuo Wen protested, insisting he was unworthy, but the weight in his heart lifted. Still, after so many years serving the Yuan family, leaving now stirred a trace of sorrow.

Xu You saw this and wished to lighten his mood. He turned to Qiu Fen. “Tomorrow we leave this place. Would you like to go out and see the sights?”

Qiu Fen nodded eagerly. It was her first time traveling far from home, and she was filled with curiosity about the bustling world outside.

Xu You turned to Zuo Wen. “Brother Zuo, you know the city well—would you guide us around?”

“My lord, please just call me by my name. I truly dare not accept the title ‘brother.’”

Xu You smiled. “Do you have a courtesy name, Zuo Wen?”

Zuo Wen blushed and shook his head. His former status never afforded him the honor of a courtesy name, nor did any learned man deign to bestow one upon a humble retainer.

“If you do not object, may I give you a courtesy name?”

Zuo Wen was startled, then overjoyed, and immediately knelt to express his gratitude. Xu You gestured for him to remain where he was, thought for a moment, and said, “Let it be ‘Wind Tiger.’ Does that suit you?”

“Wind Tiger…”

Zuo Wen was a learned man himself and knew the saying from the Book of Changes: “Clouds follow the dragon, wind follows the tiger.” His heart trembled. Looking again at Xu You—always so calm and unruffled—he could not forget that beneath this composure was the lethal hand behind the Four Heavens Arrows, who had killed three men in a day and a night. Countless thoughts raced through his mind, but finally he made his decision, and with utmost solemnity said, “Thank you for bestowing this name, my lord!”

Xu You gazed at him, eyes deep and inscrutable, a hint of a smile on his lips. “Wind Tiger, let’s go. Let us country folk from Yixing see the splendor of Jinling City!”

Jinling was famed for two things: combs and bamboo carvings. Xu You first sought out Feng Tong for an advance of ten thousand coins, then, led by Zuo Wen, made his way to the city’s most bustling street—Combs Alley. The alley lay near the western docks, its entrance marked by an archway and reception pavilion. Inside, bamboo carving and comb shops stood side by side, some also selling palace flowers.

Watching the endless stream of people, Xu You sighed, “In Yixing, I might not see this many people in a whole day as I see here in a single moment.” Zuo Wen, a step behind, chuckled, “You’ve come at the wrong time, my lord. When the curfew wasn’t so strict, every evening the shops here would hang palace lanterns that burned all night long. The sparkling lights reflected in the river, illuminating the boats—a golden dragon winding through the water, a magnificent, enchanting sight, counted as one of Jinling’s Eight Views—‘Lanterns of the Comb Bridge.’”

“With such a scene, I regret not coming to Jinling sooner…”

Zuo Wen, a native, led Xu You directly to the most renowned bamboo carving shop in the alley. Shelves were filled with brush pots, armrests, boxes, fan ribs—each carved with the reserved-green technique. The bamboo’s exterior was lustrous and smooth as jade, resembling amber, and the designs of flowers, birds, insects, and fish so vivid they seemed ready to leap from the surface.

Xu You was delighted. He bought a box for Qiu Fen, a fan rib for Zuo Wen, and a brush pot for himself. Noticing Qiu Fen’s lack of enthusiasm, he smiled, “This box is for your future jewelry… But you, little one, probably only care for immediate gain. Why don’t you let Brother Wind Tiger take you to buy a comb? I hear these are the finest—meticulously crafted, with smooth teeth that never splinter in water, used even by the palace ladies.”

“Thank you for your kindness, young master!” Qiu Fen pretended formality, bowing with a laugh. “No need to trouble Left Military Officer—in fact, the comb shop is just across the street. I’ll go myself.”

Xu You glanced at the comb shop, barely a dozen steps away—no danger there. “Go ahead, but don’t let the choices overwhelm you. Once you’ve bought one, come right back.”

Qiu Fen went off happily, and Xu You struck up a conversation with the shopkeeper, discussing the qualities of bamboo and the intricacies of carving, thoroughly enjoying himself. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea—some ten minutes—Qiu Fen returned, head bowed. Xu You looked over in surprise. “Back so soon? Have you already chosen a comb?”

“Yes, sir. I hurried so you wouldn't have to wait.” As she spoke, Qiu Fen knelt gracefully, hands folded at her waist, every movement impeccable.

“No need to kneel… I’ve told you before, don’t—hmm?”

Suddenly, Xu You’s expression changed dramatically!