Chapter 45: The Troubles of Fame (Late Night, Seeking Votes and Interaction)

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Li Chang’an woke early and, taking advantage of the cool morning, set off to return to the manor outside the city. Today, the master was like a fire under pressure, afraid that if he stayed under the sun any longer, he would be consumed by it. Of course, there was another reason: it was enough for the eldest brother to make the payment; meeting face-to-face immediately the next day would diminish his own authority and image.

Upon entering the house, he washed thoroughly and then waited for his brothers to return, continuing to work overtime on the inaugural issue. As soon as the sun peeked over the eastern horizon, the world suddenly became a blinding white, the glare everywhere unbearable. In such heat, he had no choice but to order two extra basins of ice.

The editorial directions for all sections had been set, except for one—the analysis of the new laws—which still lacked a prominent figure to champion it. Commentary on policy required a certain stature; otherwise, one’s words would easily be dismissed as ignorant ranting, at least that was how it had been in his previous life.

But in Bianjing, which powerful figure would dare to openly oppose Wang Anshi? Lost in thought, Guangxiao hurried in holding an umbrella.

“Young master, bad news. Hundreds of people outside have come with letters, wanting to apprentice under you!”

Li Chang’an scratched his ear doubtfully, tilting his head. “Say that again—I didn’t hear clearly.”

Guangxiao grabbed a cup of ice water and gulped it down, quenching the burning heat.

“I asked around. They’re all scholars from various regions waiting for the autumn imperial examination in the capital. Their leader is a man from Guanzhong named Lü Dalin, who says you have a connection with his master.”

Lü Dalin. Setting him aside for the moment, what were these people thinking, wanting to apprentice under him? He was only twenty-one. No sect legacy, no published works—well, except for a single recent article, but surely that wasn’t enough.

“Fine, send in this Lü Dalin so I can find out what this is all about.”

Among the Guanzhong scholars he knew, only Zhang Zai came to mind—he had once visited the Confucian patriarch’s home while passing through with Cao Rixiu. But someone named Lü? He couldn’t recall.

As he pondered, Guangxiao had already ushered in a tall young scholar. Broad-shouldered, square-faced, with long arms—he resembled the Liu Bei from picture books.

Without waiting for Li Chang’an to rise, the man immediately performed a disciple’s bow.

“I, your humble and unworthy student, Lü Dalin, also known as Lü Yushu from Lantian, respectfully pay my respects to my senior uncle. Uh… my master is Mr. Hengqu, Zhang Zai, styled Zihou.”

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Li Chang’an quickly returned the bow. Meeting such a senior brother and being called “senior uncle” was confusing indeed.

Putting other matters aside, he asked, “Do you know why the crowd outside has gathered here? What is the reason you wish to apprentice under me?”

“Ah?” Lü Dalin appeared utterly shocked, his expression completely lost as he stared at Li Chang’an.

“Senior uncle, haven’t you heard? Yesterday, news spread that the Empress Dowager and the Emperor intend to summon you to the palace platform to discuss governance strategies. Rumor has it that the eunuchs carrying imperial appointments are already en route. Why hasn’t anyone informed you?”

Li Chang’an closed his eyes, trying to recall any such information, but nothing came to mind. Since publishing his article, he had mostly been attending meetings, only relaxing briefly yesterday. If the court had truly summoned him, surely Ouyang Xiu or Sima Guang would have told him.

“Where did this information come from? Could it be a rumor? Moreover, even if the Emperor did summon me, would it be fitting for someone just recently crowned to be sought after as a master?”

“Senior uncle, there’s no need for modesty. Wang Yuanzé’s clerk has already acknowledged your significant contributions to the new reforms. The three recent practical studies circulating in the market are also your work. I have already reported to my master my desire to follow you and learn the way to govern and aid the people. I hope you will not find me an unworthy disciple!”

As he spoke, the nearly thirty-year-old man was about to perform a kowtow.

Too much respect would shorten one’s life, thought Li Chang’an. Luckily, Guangxiao quickly intercepted Lü Dalin.

“Let’s put study aside for now. From what you say, the platform summons were leaked by Wang Yuanzé?”

Lü Dalin nodded earnestly.

Li Chang’an sighed deeply. “So you’re the Sixth Heavenly Demon, now learning to strike preemptively. Clever, very clever indeed.”

His recent publicity stunt aimed to use his reputation as leverage. Yet, instead of quelling the fire, the Prime Minister’s Mansion had added fuel, as if hoping to burn him to ashes.

Letting a group of ambitious, power-hungry men come knocking could backfire. If he accepted, his scholarship would be questioned; if he refused, he would offend them, and his reputation in the upper circles would plummet.

No wonder they called him ‘Little Prime Minister’—he was truly ruthless and calculating.

Using fame to gain power, only to be undone by that same fame—an eye for an eye, as it were.

Now, how to deal with this?

The Sixth ranked challenger facing the first ranked—he couldn’t just make a casual show. He had to demonstrate his prowess fully, lest the snake not be killed and it wriggle about.

Soon enough, a mounted messenger arrived to inform him to prepare to receive the envoy.

He had no one to consult, but he knew one thing: he could not accept this invitation on the first go.

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When the court wants to elevate you, the three refusals and three acceptances ritual must be performed thoroughly.

For court intrigues, Sima Guang would not be enough; Ouyang Xiu probably wouldn’t suffice either; Wen Yanbo was not close enough...

After some thought, he recalled Fu Bi, whom he had met before.

In terms of political machinations, among the living, only Han Qi and Fu Bi could compete as equals.

Yes, he must seek help quickly; only a cunning fox can outwit another cunning fox.

“Guangxiao, go find Su Shi. Teach him everything that’s happened here, then ask him to urgently arrange a meeting with Chancellor Fu Bi. We must meet today!”

With Guangxiao sent off, only he and Lü Dalin remained in the room.

“Brother Lü, since you are a disciple of Zhang Zihou, is it not against your principles to serve another master?”

Lü Dalin showed no shame, only sincerity. “Senior uncle, Guanzhong Learning is indeed Neo-Confucianism, which pursues truth alone. Our master never taught us to view things by family or status. I see your scholarship seeks truth and reality, so in my humble opinion, we are not truly serving another master.”

Good gracious, no more than fifteen minutes since meeting and he was already a founder of Neo-Confucianism.

No wonder the ancients loved to form cliques—it was about building strength. Seeing a stronger faction, you joined them; the opposite of the Heavenly Star thinking he was a Pokémon.

“Apprenticeship is out of the question. I’ll discuss it with Master Ling when the time comes. But I urgently need talent for this publication. If you don’t mind, come by first and see if there is anything you wish to learn.”

Lü Dalin eagerly agreed—what a fortunate opportunity to witness the birth of a masterpiece.

Meanwhile, Guangxiao hurried and managed to intercept Su Shi at the government office before he started work.

“Master Su, things are dire. Our young master has been set up...”

After hearing the explanation, Su Shi was half-confused, his mind adrift.

“Very well, I will arrange a meeting and send messages immediately. Tell Chang’an he must not accept the decree under any circumstances, or he will be struck from behind and unable to recover.”

Su Shi was currently influential—the heir of Ouyang Xiu’s legacy and the prominent leader of the Shu faction. He had confidence even when arranging a meeting with a fading prime minister.

What worried him was what Wang Anshi and Wang Pang planned to counterattack, and to what extent.

A storm was brewing…