Chapter 154: Sculpting a Golden Body

Chapter 154: Crafting a Golden Body

In the end, Chen Yi was still intercepted.

The one who stopped him was none other than Master Yue Ming, the abbot of Guiyun College.

And Master Yue Ming did not emerge from the residence where Chen Yi dwelled; rather, he stood within the study hall that lay behind Chen Yi.

When he beheld Chen Yi's expression—half-threatening, half-imploring, as if saying, "Explain yourself properly, or else return home"—Master Yue Ming let out a bitter smile:

"Young boat, this matter is a great offense to me."

"For since that day, visitors have come to the college in a steady stream, and many of them are old acquaintances of mine."

"Moreover, these people are already students of the college; I find myself unable to turn them away."

Chen Yi gave a noncommittal smile. "I had thought the abbot to be a man of firm principles, but I see even he has been ensnared by worldly matters."

After a pause, he continued, "After all, you have never once declined the summons from the Duke of Qingyuan's mansion."

Master Yue Ming hesitated, a flush of embarrassment creeping across his face. "I do not single out the Xiao family alone—it is merely that there has been some discord between us and the Duke..."

"So you, too, are acquainted with the distinctions of kinship and allegiance?"

"This... this..."

When Chen Yi saw the discomfort etched on Master Yue Ming's face, he nearly looked like he might squeeze through the crack in the ground, so great was his urge to escape. He shook his head instead.

"Abbot, do not fault me for speaking so plainly."

"For many matters have their two sides."

"Today, you open the doors of the study hall to fifty students. Tomorrow, a hundred more shall await your grace."

"If people continue to enter that very hall, it will not bode well for me, nor for those students, nor for Guiyun College."

Though he spoke thus, Chen Yi knew that if this matter remained unresolved, it would only bring humiliation to Guiyun College and to Master Yue Ming.

Yet he had no intention of revealing the truth so easily.

Even should it cost him the favor of certain noble families, he was willing to bear the cost.

Upon hearing this, Master Yue Ming felt a flush of shame, and bowed his hand in apology. "This time, it is I who am in the wrong. I have violated the college's rules. I beg your forgiveness, young boat."

"But I cannot help but think—if this opportunity allows the college to ascend another rung, to attract some truly talented youths, then I cannot bring myself to refuse."

For the sake of cultivating talent, indeed.

No wonder.

If Guiyun College were to admit a few more accomplished scholars in literature and martial arts, it would firmly establish its superiority in teaching these arts.

Within a short span, it might well surpass the leading academies of the region—Jueyu College, and the Mingyin College of Jiangsu.

Once this reputation spread, it would stir the hearts of students across the three prefectures of Dawa.

Even scholars devoted to literature and martial arts, nobles, and officials in the bureaucracy might be moved to seek admission.

Chen Yi understood Master Yue Ming's intention, yet his face still bore a trace of difficulty. "I lack the energy to teach so many people."

Master Yue Ming paused briefly. "Young boat, what concerns or conditions do you have? Speak plainly."

Chen Yi considered for a moment. "To avoid disturbing the students' progress in literature and martial arts, I propose three conditions."

"If the abbot agrees to these, then this matter shall be settled. Otherwise, the abbot may seek another master."

Master Yue Ming nodded solemnly. "I agree to your terms."

Chen Yi smiled and shook his head. "Abbot, first listen to my conditions, and then you may agree."

"But of course."

"First, there shall be a limit of one hundred. If others wish to enter the study hall, someone must leave."

"Agreed."

"Second, any who thereafter wish to study under me must first receive my approval."

"This is only natural. I had not considered this before. Should others come seeking instruction, I shall ensure they are first examined by you."

Seeing that both conditions were accepted, Chen Yi nodded calmly and spoke the final requirement:

"Third, every accomplished scholar in literature and martial arts must perform an act that benefits Shu Province."

Master Yue Ming paused. "This... young boat, is this not too stringent a condition?"

"For many of these students may not be from Shu Province. Should they attain fame and rank, they shall disperse across the three prefectures. How could one expect them to serve Shu Province?"

Before he could finish, Chen Yi waved his hand. "I do not require them to perform grand deeds."

"Even if they merely repair a few buildings, distribute some silver, or do whatever they can, it shall count as benefiting Shu Province."

Originally, he had intended to restore his friendship with Master Yue Ming and the Duke of Qingyuan, thereby enabling the students of Guiyun College to join the forces of Qingyuan.

But upon careful thought, such a condition, once publicized, would certainly bring him trouble.

Moreover, there was a great likelihood it would worsen the Xiao family's already precarious situation.

Thus, he settled on a compromise—benefiting Shu Province.

Just as Master Yue Ming was about to speak, he noticed the nearby Ma Guan bowing in greeting. "The student agrees."

"To benefit Shu Province is the fundamental purpose of a student's ambition to study. Even should you not propose it, we students would do so ourselves."

Master Yue Ming considered this, and also agreed.

In his view, none of Chen Yi's three conditions were excessive.

Especially the third point—not only would it enhance Chen Yi's reputation, but it would also further elevate the already esteemed standing of Guiyun College within Shu Province.

At this, Chen Yi smiled. "Then we shall proceed to the study hall."

The three of them returned to the study hall.

The anxious students, at last, relaxed their spirits.

But they had not yet celebrated their relief, when Master Yue Ming publicly announced the two conditions Chen Yi had proposed—first and third.

Precisely, these two points concerned every student within the study hall, and rightly so, they ought to know.

"This, benefiting Shu Province is not difficult to accept. We students read for the purpose of benefiting the realm."

"But the limit of one hundred—if others enter, someone must leave. Does this not mean we might all be expelled from this study hall?"

"Or perhaps the abbot and young master have some established rules."

"Such as improper conduct, slow progress in literature and martial arts, or some failing in their studies."

"Is this some form of examination? I disagree."

"Why, you, as a newcomer, have any grievance?"

Chen Yi paid them no heed, letting their murmurs pass.

His rules, both agreeable and disagreeable, had already been settled.

After a sweeping glance, he began the day’s lesson.

Chen Yi did not slow the pace to cater to the new students; he simply reviewed the first lesson and proceeded onward.

“Books and paintings are both to express one’s innermost feelings…”

This time, Chen Yi had learned from the last lesson—lest anyone complete their writing in class, he left no time for preliminary practice on the sand table.

An hour and a half passed, and he dismissed them to practice writing. Yet, as he had calculated, an unexpected turn occurred.

Not those students, but the Mr. Yue and Mr. Zhuo, who had completed their studies and departed.

The two had always been masters of calligraphy.

They had never entered the realm of completed writing before, merely due to a misalignment of paths.

Perhaps constrained by Wei Qing’s upright style, or lacking foundational strength.

In any case, after hearing Chen Yi’s lecture, they realized their root and essence, returning home to begin writing practice.

Characters bloomed like fragrant flowers.

This sight left Chen Yi, who had just finished the class and was about to bid them farewell, both moved and perplexed.

But upon seeing the two gentlemen, flushed with emotion, still bowing in gratitude, he could only pinch his nose and nod.

Yet Chen Yi would not let them off so easily:

“Governor Yue, Mr. Zhuo, you two may not be disciples of Shu Temple, but you have achieved mastery in writing.”

“Do not forget to perform a deed benefiting the Shu region.”

Mr. Yue remained lost in the joy of completion, nodding: “No need to speak of one deed—hundred deeds, I’ll do them all. Such is my resolve.”

Chen Yi, ever fond of granting forgiveness: “Then Governor Yue, do a hundred deeds.”

Mr. Yue’s smile froze, then faded: “Truly, I speak only in jest.”

“A gentleman’s word is binding; a team of oxen cannot be recalled.”

“Very well, very well. A hundred it shall be—let it be my example for the students.”

Compared to him, Mr. Zhuo was more cautious and restrained: “Governor, your virtue—I-I’d say two deeds would suffice.”

“……”

Whether his virtue was high or low, Chen Yi could not tell.

But he knew that news of their completion would spread, making Shu Temple and Xiao Fu busier.

Fortunately, he had already agreed with Mr. Yue on three conditions.

Whoever remained in that student hall, whoever departed, would be left to the successor to manage.

He would certainly not involve himself.

Not even if the Patriarch of Xiao family commanded him.

Unless both the Lady and the Elder Sister joined forces…

Not long after.

News of Mr. Yue and Mr. Zhuo’s completion reignited the bustling at Shu Temple.

“First it was Brother Ming, then those gentlemen completed their studies—Master Qiao’s mastery in writing is truly remarkable.”

“Indeed. Though many have achieved greatness in books and arts, few teachers have produced so many accomplished students.”

“Moreover, Master Qiao, aside from the Wei Qing style, excels in a new script—two distinct styles, equally profound, a testament to his mastery.”

“Regret not joining earlier. Now, entering that hall is nearly impossible.”

“What’s the difficulty?”

“Since even the Taiyu Hall admits us, why not us?”

“Hah, the Taiyu Hall has its father as guarantor. Do you have anyone?”

“Yet now, with such ideas abound, competition will be fierce. How can we, from humble origins, prevail?”

“In the end, it was but a single thought—we once doubted Master Qiao’s abilities, no wonder others…”

Even those students regretted their past, and several other gentlemen felt the same envy, slapping their chests in remorse for not attending the hall.

For at their age, their knowledge was largely fixed, hard to advance.

Yet writing and painting differed from other arts.

A fine hand in calligraphy is a skill worth praising.

“As for the three requirements Master Qiao set, the first two are manageable. The last—this one strikes me as profound.”

“Oh?”

Mr. Yue heard an elder speak, his joy over completion still fresh, asking: “Tell me, what is it?”

“Think about it—writing and painting taught by Master Qiao. Those students who benefit the Shu region, who gain from them, will all remember Master Qiao fondly.”

“Only a few would matter, but if more students achieve mastery… *snort snort snort.*”

Mr. Yue sighed: “His gain is manifold, and it benefits Shu Temple as well.”

Mr. Zhuo nodded, smiling: “Alas, Master Qiao is now merely Xiao family’s son-in-law—this reputation cannot serve him.”

“If only he held office…”

The words hung in the air.

The gentlemen exchanged glances, all understanding the potential benefit.

It would not be surprising if Chen Yi became a golden image in the hearts of Shu’s people.

……

Leaving aside the commotion at the temple.

After departing Shu Temple, Chen Yi headed straight to Bai Caotang in the West Market.

Fortunately, he had sent Ge Lao San back to Hou Fu earlier, arriving alone at Bai Caotang—slower, but safe.

He lingered not long, nodding to Wang Ji, then let him take the two treasures, heading to the mansion in the depths of the West Market.

After changing his appearance…

Chen Yi sat in the hall, commanding: “My meeting with the Young Lady will be in five days.”

“Prepare the ledgers and the subsequent charter for establishing Bai Caotang in nearby prefectures and counties.”

Wang Ji replied: “Master, you intend to ally with the Xiao family?”

Chen Yi nodded, not hiding it: “Bai Caotang’s current condition is good, yet it has some risks.”

“First, its foundation is weak—only me and him remain. In the prefecture cities of Shu, we can manage.”

“But going to other prefectures and counties, even with shared profits to sway local gentry and nobles, there are great dangers.”

“Rather than be passive, seeking the Xiao family as a foundation would help expand Bai Caotang swiftly.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Ji nodded: "All shall obey your command."

In comparison with this, those ledgers and statutes were mere trifles now.

When the matter was settled, Chen Yi sent Wang Ji and the others away, and in passing, bade them convey a message to Liu Lang upon their return to Bai Caotang.

"Let him come see me."

This chapter ends here.