novelhk Chapter 26 Visiting the Hai Family
Chapter 26 Visiting the Hai Family
"Young Master Hai, you flatter me. I am also a student myself, and we can discuss things together. I don't need to ask for your advice," Wang You said modestly.
"Ziqian is too modest."
Hai Ning smiled and said, "My courtesy name is Boxian. Ziqian can just call me by my courtesy name."
The ancient Chinese used the terms "伯仲叔季" (bo, zhong, shu, ji) to refer to the order of brothers when choosing their names.
Although there are no strict requirements, most families would use it for the eldest son of the legitimate wife.
When traveling outside, one can immediately tell others that he is the eldest son of the family.
This can also be seen as a manifestation of the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children in ancient times.
"Bo Xian!" Wang You readily agreed and changed his address.
Haining was delighted and said, "There's a poetry gathering during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Would Ziqian be interested in joining me?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Zhuo looked on with envy and winked at Wang You, signaling him to quickly agree.
The poetry gatherings that Haining attended were undoubtedly attended by the sons of noble and influential families in the imperial court.
Making friends with these people would be of great benefit to Wang You.
However, Wang You seemed oblivious to his elder brother's subtle hint, and cupped his hands in thanks, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Uncle, but I am not good at poetry, so I will not embarrass myself by offering my own."
Having memories of a past life, copying some poems shouldn't be a problem.
However, poetry is closely related to one's environment, experiences, and state of mind.
Even the simplest descriptive poems must contain scenery that corresponds to the scene depicted in the poem.
He can copy a lot of poems, but they are not relevant to the occasion or his own experiences and state of mind, so he is bound to be suspected.
Relying on his memory, he was quite well-read, as long as he didn't write poetry or essays, but simply sat down and discussed philosophy with people.
With memories of two lifetimes, he could speak eloquently and logically. Coupled with the four lines of Zhang Zai's philosophy, he was perfectly capable of maintaining his prodigy persona indefinitely.
Otherwise, even if he passed the prodigy test, he would not be given important responsibilities if he appeared to have exhausted his talents and was all show and no substance.
As for not being good at poetry, that's not a problem.
Su Shi wasn't good at poetry when he passed the imperial examination; it was only after his career was unsuccessful that he started writing lyrics.
Poetry itself was not a necessary skill for the imperial examinations. If you carefully study the lives of famous poets and lyricists in history, you will find that their widely circulated poems were written when they were frustrated or experienced great ups and downs in life.
The higher the yield, the better, especially during this time of year.
It's okay that Wang You is young and inexperienced, and not good at writing poetry.
"Ziqian has misunderstood."
Hai Ning said, "The poetry gathering is just a meeting for everyone to discuss academic matters. When we feel inspired or are in the mood, we can compose a poem or lyric. There is no requirement to compose a poem or lyric."
"I see."
Wang You nodded slightly and said, "I don't know if I'll be free at that time, so I can't give Bo Xian an answer in advance."
"It's alright. If Ziqian is still in Bianjing when the time is almost up, I'll go and invite him in person," Haining said with a smile.
As they spoke, they arrived at the main hall of the Intermediate People's Court. Haining stopped chatting and invited the two into the main hall.
In the main hall, a middle-aged man of about forty years old sat upright.
The man had a refined and approachable appearance, and wore a brown-red robe and a turban.
"Father!"
Haining bowed and said, "The guests have arrived."
After saying that, he stepped aside.
"Wang Zhuo (Wang You) has come to visit Scholar Hai on behalf of his grandmother. Scholar Hai, are you well?" The two brothers bowed respectfully.
"it is good."
Hai Wenqing smiled and nodded, his gaze fixed on Wang You, his eyes full of admiration.
"Yongshu came to see me a few days ago and mentioned you to me. Your four sentences were very well said. I benefited greatly from reading them. They can be considered a prophecy for all scholars in the world."
"Scholar Hai, you flatter me. My words are shallow and do not deserve such praise," Wang You said, bowing.
Hai Wenqing's admiration deepened; he could tell that Wang You's humility was not merely superficial but genuine.
For Wang You's age, this is truly remarkable.
I only hope that when Wang Youzhi's words spread and he is surrounded by praise, he can remain humble and clear-headed.
"Please sit down."
Hai Wenqing invited the two to sit down, and after the servants served tea and snacks, he began to test Wang You's knowledge.
Seeing that Wang You was well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics, as well as the classics, histories, philosophical works, and literary collections, he could answer any question Wang You asked fluently.
The meaning behind this is not simply copying others, but rather having one's own insights. Moreover, he was satisfied and felt a sense of appreciation for talent, wanting to take him on as a student.
However, he shared the same concern as Ouyang Xiu: if Wang You took the initiative to ask to become his disciple, he would naturally accept the offer.
If you bring it up yourself, you'll inevitably be laughed at in the future.
"Hai Shiren, Hai Shiren, if you miss this opportunity, you'll regret it in the future. Why care about empty fame?"
Hai Wenqing thought to himself, having made a decision.
For a scholar, having a student who can carry on his legacy is certainly a blessing.
It is even more rare to find a student who surpasses their teacher, not only inheriting the mantle but also carrying it forward.
Just as Hai Wenqing was about to make a decision and speak, a servant hurriedly came in and whispered a few words in Hai Wenqing's ear.
Hai Wenqing's expression turned solemn after hearing this. He dismissed the servants and looked at the two men apologetically, saying, "My two virtuous nephews, the Emperor has summoned me to the palace. Please excuse me."
"Scholar Hai, you flatter me. Official duties are of utmost importance," Wang Zhuo said.
Hai Wenqing nodded slightly, instructing Hai Ning to take good care of the two, and then hurriedly left.
"Bo'an Ziqian, have some tea and some snacks."
Hai Ning, who had been standing, sat down opposite the two and sighed, "The Emperor's summons must be about the matter of the posthumous title for Grand Chancellor Fan."
"The posthumous title of Grand Chancellor Fan has not yet been decided?" Wang Zhuo asked in surprise.
A posthumous title is a summary and evaluation of a person of relatively high status by later generations based on their merits and demerits throughout their life.
This is the meaning of the saying "the final judgment is made after the coffin is closed".
Because it is a posthumous evaluation, even emperors do not know what posthumous title they will receive after their death.
Throughout history, there have been instances where emperors, while still alive, would subtly suggest to their crown princes that they should be given a more favorable posthumous title.
However, the ancients were quite fair in this regard, which is why many emperors, even though their sons succeeded them, still received derogatory posthumous titles.
When news of Fan Da Xiangong's death reached Bianjing, the Emperor was deeply saddened and ordered a day's court session to be suspended. He also instructed the Ministry of Rites to determine Fan Da Xiangong's posthumous title.
Logically, since quite a few days have passed, it should be time to make a decision.
"The Emperor was not satisfied with the posthumous title decided by the Ministry of Rites and personally decided on 'Wenzheng'. However, many officials in the court submitted memorials to oppose it, so it has not yet been finalized," Hai Ning said.
"Given the life of Grand Chancellor Fan, who truly deserves the title 'Wenzheng,' why are there any opposition in the court?" Wang Zhuo said indignantly.
"Wen" refers to moral knowledge, literary talent, and the ability to manage the world.
"正" means to uphold one's proper position. (To be dutiful and of upright character)
It was only later, when Sima Guang praised it as "the most beautiful posthumous title imaginable," that it became the highest posthumous title for a civil official.
However, at this time it was considered one of the top posthumous titles for civil officials.
"I don't know anything about what's happening in the court either," Hai Ning shook his head, unwilling to elaborate.
Seeing that his elder brother wanted to ask more questions, Wang You quickly said, "Since Scholar Hai has other matters to attend to, we will head back first."