Chapter Twenty-Five: The Little Lotus Reveals Its Pointed Bud

Zhangsun Sheng had finally made up his mind!

In truth, ever since the *ju* match on the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, Zhangsun Sheng had already submitted a report to Yang Guang, requesting to take Zheng Yanqing as his protégé.

At the level of status Zhangsun Sheng occupied, no action of his could be considered a mere personal affair. Regarding the matter of accepting a student, Yuwen Shu had spoken to him, Pei Shiju had spoken to him, and even powerful court officials like Mai Tiezhai and Dugu Wudu had privately broached the subject, yet Zhangsun Sheng had refused them all.

In Zhangsun Sheng’s view, his disciple had to be someone capable of helping the Zhangsun family uphold the Pili Hall. This person needed not only a distinguished pedigree but also true talent—capable of participating in state affairs and mentoring the younger generation of the Zhangsun clan. If a candidate did not meet his exacting standards, he would rather take no disciple at all. On the other hand, Zhangsun Sheng had his own reservations. He could never accept a son of the Hedong Pei clan, as that would only further bolster the Pei family’s influence and inevitably invite the Emperor’s suspicion. A gentleman does not stand beneath a crumbling wall, and Zhangsun Sheng had no desire to be caught in such a predicament.

"The parvenu Yuwen Shu?"

Ha. A mere house slave.

Even though Yuwen Shu enjoyed the deep trust of Yang Guang, Zhangsun Sheng held him in no regard. He had even refused when Yuwen Shu once asked him to take in Yuwen Chengdu. The Zhangsun family might not be one of the "Five Clans and Seven Surnames," but they were still a renowned and prestigious clan of the Heluo region.

Therefore, when Li Yuan brought up Zheng Yanqing, Zhangsun Sheng was moved.

Firstly, the Zheng family and the Zhangsun clan of the Pili Hall were both great clans of the Heluo region—it was a suitable match. Secondly, after a series of setbacks, the Zheng family had been left without a clear successor, ranking at the bottom of the Five Clans and Seven Surnames. Thus, even though Zheng Dashi had backed the wrong side initially, Yang Guang had not moved to exterminate the family. It was partly out of disdain, and partly because he still needed the Zheng family to stabilize the Heluo region and serve as a counterweight against other powerful families, achieving a delicate balance of power.

If Zheng Yanqing, a scion of the Zheng family, were to study under the Zhangsun name, Yang Guang would not only refrain from suspicion but would likely welcome the arrangement. A withered Zheng family was far easier to control than a powerful, intruding force from the Shandong aristocracy.

Of course, Zhangsun Sheng had another motive.

By taking Zheng Yanqing as his student, the latent influence behind the boy would benefit the growth of the Pili Hall. Even though Li Yuan had said nothing explicitly, Zhangsun Sheng remained convinced that Yanqing was likely Li Yuan’s illegitimate son. With the backing of the Li faction of Guanzhong, the Pili Hall would be as immovable as a mountain for a century to come. This was the calculation deep within Zhangsun Sheng’s heart! Of course, had Yanqing failed to show sufficient brilliance, Zhangsun Sheng would not have nodded. It was the combination of these factors that prompted his decision.

Yanqing was currently at the height of his popularity, and the Emperor had raised no objections. Therefore, Zhangsun Sheng resolved to ride this wind and prepare an elaborate, grand ceremony for the apprenticeship. He had summoned Yanqing to make everything clear.

Yanqing had already received word and was feeling somewhat anxious for Zhangsun Sheng to speak. When the offer was finally made, Yanqing nodded and accepted immediately. To a certain extent, this only solidified Zhangsun Sheng’s theory: this child must have ties to the Li faction! Surely, the Duke of Tang must have already briefed him beforehand.

"Yanqing, you have established yourself in the literary circles and have gained a modest reputation. Furthermore, the *ju* match on the twenty-eighth has made you known to many in the imperial court. Therefore, I intend to hold the apprenticeship ceremony with great fanfare so that all under heaven may know. I have had someone calculate the dates, and in ten days, there is an auspicious day. I shall invite the gentry of Luoyang to the Pili Hall for the ceremony. In these ten days, you must fast, cultivate your character, and nurture your spirit."

"This student understands!"

Zheng Yanqing quickly realized what was happening. Zhangsun Sheng was creating momentum for him while simultaneously adding glory to the Pili Hall. He respectfully presented a scroll with both hands.

"Teacher, I have long admired your name, and I feel deeply honored to be accepted as your student. Having no proper gift of homage, I have hastily composed a poem to offer you... I hope you will not find it offensive."

There were only the two of them in the study. Curious, Zhangsun Sheng took the scroll and smiled, "I have long heard that you are peerless in both poetry and prose; I look forward to witnessing it."

Zhangsun Sheng opened the scroll to find a seven-character quatrain:

*"Bright moon of the Qin, passes of the Han,*
*Ten thousand miles of long march, the men have not returned.*
*Now we have the Flying General of the Dragon City,*
*How dare the barbarian steeds cross the mountain passes..."*

A faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on his lean cheeks. Everyone in this world liked to be praised; it was simply that the manner of praise varied. Without a doubt, Yanqing’s poem had struck exactly the right chord with Zhangsun Sheng. To be compared to the "Flying General" Li Guang? Zhangsun Sheng was immensely pleased.

"Yanqing, your teacher is very fond of this poem!"

Zheng Yanqing couldn't help but exhale in secret. He had never interacted with Zhangsun Sheng directly and knew very little about his true disposition. He had been genuinely worried that the poem might not suit the man's tastes. Now it seemed he had passed the test. Zhangsun Sheng appeared quite satisfied.

Zhangsun Sheng then inquired in detail about Yanqing’s studies. He was not surprised that Yanqing had begun to study the Five Classics, but when he asked how Yanqing studied history, Zhangsun Sheng seemed to have some reservations.

"Yanqing, it is not wrong to study the Three Kingdoms. However, for the past hundred years, the world has focused primarily on the *Book of Han*. You should study it more. His Majesty has opened the imperial examinations to recruit talent from across the land, and the *Book of Han* is of the utmost importance. If you do not read it, even with your title of Cavalry Commander, you are not on the orthodox path... I have thirteen volumes of military treatises and six volumes of the *Book of Han* to give you as a gift. Furthermore, the Zhangsun clan of Pili is renowned for horsemanship and archery; you must apply yourself to those as well."

Zheng Yanqing bowed in gratitude and accepted the books. After speaking for a while longer, he rose to take his leave.

"Yanqing!"

"Yes, Teacher?"

As they walked out of the study, Zhangsun Sheng suddenly stopped him. "Living in the Bamboo Garden, you may find things inconvenient. I shall give you someone to assist you in the future... Ma Sanbao."

"This humble one is here!"

As if he had been waiting in the courtyard all along, Ma Sanbao ran over from beside the rockery, bowing respectfully to both Zhangsun Sheng and Yanqing.

"From now on, you shall follow Zheng Yanqing and follow his instructions in all things."

"As you command!"

Zheng Yanqing was caught off guard and turned to look at Zhangsun Sheng in surprise.

Zhangsun Sheng offered no explanation. He merely smiled warmly, patted Yanqing on the shoulder, and said, "Go back early. Remember, for these next ten days, you must cultivate your character and avoid attracting trouble. The Governor of Henan, Master Fang, is a man who does not show favoritism. Unless necessary, it is best not to enter the city. Stay at the Bamboo Garden and study hard. Remember this well!"

Zheng Yanqing felt there was a hidden meaning in Zhangsun Sheng’s words, but since the man wouldn't elaborate, he couldn't press the issue. Looking at Ma Sanbao, Yanqing found the situation quite strange.

Why would he suddenly be gifted a person like this?

Zheng Yanqing left, full of questions, while Zhangsun Sheng stood on the veranda outside the study, watching his silhouette disappear through the side gate.

"My lady, what do you think of this child?"

A beautiful middle-aged woman emerged from the end of the corridor. She walked gracefully to Zhangsun Sheng's side. "The young master is quite composed. You forced Ma Sanbao upon him, yet he didn't even ask why. However, why would the Duke of Tang insist on sending Ma Sanbao through your hands?"

Zhangsun Sheng chuckled. "Shude is a cautious man. His Majesty is currently dissatisfied with the Guanzhong families and would rather not stay in Chang'an, even going so far as to move the capital to Luoyang. Shude is a representative of the Guanzhong interest; his every move is under the Emperor’s scrutiny. If he were to send Ma Sanbao himself, wouldn't it expose his connection to the young master?"

Lady Gao, being a descendant of the Northern Qi imperial house, was no stranger to the machinations of the court. Zhangsun Sheng had always held her in high regard, and as she was someone who could keep a secret, the couple hid nothing from each other.

"Oh, it seems the Duke of Tang thinks highly of this young lad!"

"Heh, I suspect the boy himself may not even know of his connection to Shude. Otherwise, Shude wouldn't need to be so secretive... Still, for his age, there are few who can remain as composed as he is."

Lady Gao covered her mouth and smiled. "My lord, it seems you think highly of him as well?"

"Hmm, he is peerless in poetry and prose; he certainly has talent."

"Since that is the case, have you considered other matters?"

Zhangsun Sheng blinked, turning to look at her in surprise. "Other matters? My lady, why not speak plainly?"

Lady Gao took his arm and sighed softly. "Shinu is only twelve this year. When he grows up, he will eventually need someone to support him. While you are here, Shinu can live without worry; but one day, if you... who will speak for him? My brother has ability, but he is not of the Zhangsun clan. Didn't you say earlier that Zheng Dashi of the Anyuan Hall passed away so suddenly that Zheng Renji had to take over in a rush, leading to inevitable chaos? Today’s Zheng Renji may well be a cautionary tale for Shinu in the future!"

Shinu was the childhood name of Zhangsun Wuji, Lady Gao’s own son. People in this era liked to give their children Buddhist names; for instance, Zhangsun Wugou was called Guanyinbi, and Zhangsun Wuji was called Shinu, seeking the protection of the Buddha. Zhangsun Sheng was no fool; he immediately understood his wife’s intent.

He had four sons. The eldest, Xingbu, had passed away, and the second, Heng'an, was in his prime. However, Heng'an was not born to Lady Gao and had never been close to her. When Zhangsun Sheng had allowed Heng'an to inherit Xingbu’s title, he had already decided that the Pili Hall would one day be managed by Zhangsun Wuji. Yet, Zhangsun Wuji was still far too young.

"My lady means... Guanyinbi?"

Lady Gao smiled radiantly and nodded slightly.

"This..." Zhangsun Sheng couldn't help but be tempted. Yanqing and Wugou were roughly the same age—Yanqing was only three years older than his beloved daughter—which was quite appropriate. If Zheng Yanqing and Zhangsun Wugou were to... then Zhangsun Wuji would have a powerful ally when he took over the Pili Hall. He would have the support of the Xingyang Zheng clan—a camel that is dead is still larger than a horse—and secretly, the support of the Li and Dou factions.

Zheng Yanqing himself was a man of exceptional talent. Not only was he peerless in literature, but as demonstrated by the *ju* match on the twenty-eighth, he was also quite cunning. If such a person were to assist Zhangsun Wuji, the Pili Hall would have nothing to fear.

It was just that...

Lady Gao seemed to see his hesitation and laughed. "What? Are you worried about the young lady of the Pei family?"

"Pei Cuiyun?"

Zhangsun Sheng shook his head repeatedly. "It is unlikely for them. With the strength of the Pei family and the profound schemes of Pei Shiju, they are already at the height of their power. If the Pei and Zheng families were to unite, I fear even the Emperor would not permit it."

"Since that is so, what are you worried about?"

Zhangsun Sheng scratched his head. "No need to rush this. I will observe for a while longer. If Zheng Yanqing and Guanyinbi can truly be a match, I will see it through, even if it means offending the old Pei family. But it is still too early. Let me observe Zheng Yanqing a while longer, and see..."