Chapter 116: Fury

Page (1/3)

Upon seeing Wang Ge’s expression, Liu Bo immediately understood her misconception. “Do not worry. Whether it is Qinghe Village or Nanshan Pavilion Manor, our permission to come here is solely to document the ancient texts and inscriptions found in the tomb. We will not be allowed near the tomb itself. This is a golden opportunity—anything recorded can belong to you.”

So that was it.

Being a formal student of the Xie family’s elementary school was far more than just “background and lineage”! What she had thought before was too shallow.

During the Jin Dynasty, the education system was divided into official academies, private schools, and family schools. The aristocracy established their own schools, relying heavily on their collection of classical texts. Any newly discovered ancient texts, especially those with previously unseen ancient scripts, were worth their weight in gold!

Wang Ge was momentarily lost in thought. Outside the path, large chunks of dust and mud fell as climbers stepped on the mountain rocks. Liu Bo blocked the way with his body and warned, “Be careful.”

They continued forward until they reached the Qinghe Village student area. Those familiar with Liu Bo were noticeably older than him. After settling into his tent and sitting across the table, Liu Bo said, “The formal students from Qinghe Village are all university scholars.”

Wang Ge admired him sincerely. “Brother Liu, you are truly outstanding to be a formal student of Qinghe Village University.”

Huan Zhen had told her and Hutou that large aristocratic estates had universities where the Five Classics were studied, as well as elementary schools focusing on characters and philology. Estates like the Wang and Xie families’ universities accepted not only clan members and relatives but also a handful of poor but knowledgeable students who passed rigorous exams.

The university curriculum covered the Five Classics: the Book of Songs, the Book of Documents, the Book of Rites, the I Ching, and the Spring and Autumn Annals. Upon graduation, students were recommended by local governors to enter the imperial academy in the capital, where the competition was as fierce as that for craftsmen’s certifications.

Liu Bo spread out two scrolls in his hand and explained to Wang Ge, “We’ll be here for at least a month. The ancient tombs on the mountain yielded bamboo slips and seal scripts, which specialists copy, arrange, and compile. Anything deemed unimportant is sent here. These two scrolls were given to me by the master to copy; I have only half a day to transcribe them before handing them over to my fellow apprentices.” He emphasized the words “unimportant.”

Wang Ge leaned in slightly and whispered, “Brother Liu, rest assured, I understand and would never take it lightly.” The court and noble families avoided certain histories—stories involving swords and shadows or obscure secrets. What was passed on and selected for transmission was history as recorded in pure text.

These ancient writings and books were treasured heirlooms, unreachable for poor farmers, commoners, or even minor clans.

Liu Bo said, “That’s why I want to collaborate with you, Master Wang. You help me make the bamboo slips; I’ll copy a set for you. How about that?”

Wang Ge smiled warmly, her eyes curved with joy. “Yes! Thank you, Brother Liu.”

Liu Bo returned her smile lightly. It took Wang Ge three breaths to respond, then she rose to take her leave.

Passing several tents, they saw some bent over writing, others grinding ink, some carving bamboo slips, and some unwilling to use ink, instead carving characters with knives.

Returning to the Xie family’s area,

Wang Ge stood before Xie Ju’s tent. He beckoned her over, and she quickly sat down. “I have a favor to ask.”

Page (2/3)

Xie Ju took out a chest about a foot and a half long and opened it, revealing saws, carving knives, chisels, and hemp ropes. “For you.”

Wang Ge was delighted; this was exactly what she needed. “Tiger, how did you know I wanted these tools?”

“I hadn’t met Liu Bo before, but I’ve heard a lot about him. Miss Ge, maybe I know him better than you do. He’s not the type to seek out neighbors casually, especially not to find you without a reason. Others seeing you and him alone, laughing and talking, might not think like I do.”

“Tsk? What are you pondering? Do I need your reminders, sister?” Wang Ge affectionately rubbed his small head. He grumbled in frustration as he carried the chest away.

Xie Ju muttered, “Just a few days, and she no longer calls me ‘senior brother’ but ‘sister’ instead.”

Wang Ge hurried back to her own tent, the joy vanished from her face, replaced by deep thought and introspection. She was only eleven, and yet just being alone with Liu Bo could lead to misunderstandings. If Tiger was so cautious in warning her, wouldn’t Liu Bo, who was even more mature and the same age as Huan Zhen, know better? She, with her fixed notions from a past life, thought she was too young to attract gossip. Did Liu Bo not consider this?

If people misunderstood that she fancied him (and it would only ever be misunderstood that way), once rumors spread, who would have their reputation damaged and be mocked? It would be her, Wang Ge, not Liu Bo.

Who would believe her explanations then?

The more she thought, the more depressed and stifled she felt. She slammed the table hard. Setting down the chest, she returned to Xie Ju’s tent.

“Have you thought it through? Sit down.” The little fellow was calmly sipping warm water from a bamboo pot, certain she would return, and with a slight frown, like a kindly elder, he said.

Outside the tent, people came and went. As long as they didn’t come close, no one could overhear their low voices inside.

Xie Ju said, “Liu Bo is talented; some even compare him to Yuan Yanshu of Chen Commandery! Liu Bo’s ancestors held high office, and his father was once county magistrate of Piling. Because of his integrity and clear principles, he was transferred to the imperial academy as a doctoral instructor in the Spring and Autumn Annals. Liu Bo studied at Qinghe Village University without taking exams; he was recommended by the county governor!”

Wang Ge said, “Just like me entering the Xie family elementary school. That’s the only similarity.”

“Sister Ge, I am your friend. Others may not spread rumors because I’m young, but him…”

“I know. I came to tell you I have no such intentions! My heart is only with the craftsmen’s path. My conversations with him are strictly business! I make the bamboo slips; he helps me copy the texts. From today on, I won’t be alone with him anymore. Once the slips are made, I’ll have a servant deliver them to him.”

“That’s the right attitude.”

If it weren’t for the precious ink, the time-consuming carving and copying, and her need to practice craftsmanship, Wang Ge would have loved to continue trading with Liu Bo.

Xie Ju said, “The master asked me to tell you that we’re here because two ancient tombs were discovered in the mountains. The most valuable for study is the Yin Ruins tomb below; new oracle bone inscriptions might be found. We’ll be here at least a month. Starting tomorrow, lectures will resume but only half a day; afternoons will be for copying the bamboo slips and inscriptions recovered from the mountain.”

Page (3/3)

“Inscribed bamboo containers?” Wang Ge perked up. One of the tests for apprentice craftsmen was making inscribed bamboo containers.

“Yes. They say six-sided and eight-sided containers have been unearthed. Anything delivered here will pass through my hands first; I’ll reserve some for you.”

She beamed. “Thank you, Tiger.” Suddenly, she remembered something she had missed earlier and asked in surprise, “Who was Liu Bo compared to from Chen Commandery?”

“Yuan Yanshu! Unfortunately, he loves to travel and is often away. Otherwise, I would definitely visit and befriend him.” Xie Ju’s eyes shone with admiration, even more brilliant than when he had just seen Liu Bo.

Wang Ge, as if dreaming, returned to her tent. Yuan Yanshu… Could it be the same Yuan Yanshu who saved Second Uncle? Good heavens!

Reed Pavilion.

Tie Feng was helping Huan Zhen trim his sideburns and shave his stubble.

“Wait!” After Tie Feng put away the stone knife, Huan Zhen quickly and precisely crushed a louse on the back of his head. Then he asked another Yuan Yanshu, who was by the stove cooking, “Do you have lice?”

Yuan Yanshu tensed up.

Huan Zhen knew Yuan Yanshu’s only flaw was his fear of densely packed things. “Lice breed many young ones, and they multiply endlessly.”

Yuan Yanshu grabbed a burning stick and threw it at Huan Zhen. The latter dodged aside and said, “I need you to deliver Tiger to Qinghe in August…”

Bang! Bang!

Two burning sticks flew almost simultaneously, one hitting Tie Lei, who was laughing foolishly, nearly striking his wide mouth; the other was dodged by Huan Zhen.

Only Tie Feng sighed helplessly, standing firm and unmovable.

(End of chapter)