MLMD -Chapter 70 First Meeting with Xu Dingchen

Yue Yang felt a bit constrained. Although his reputation was considerable, his official status was low. The highest title he could claim was that of a xiucai (an entry-level scholar), and as for his role as a tuanlian commander, it was hardly recognized publicly. Therefore, every time he met Zheng Fakui, he felt a bit uneasy, because as a xiucai, he only avoided kneeling before county magistrates or lower officials; in front of a fourth-rank prefect like Zheng Fakui, he still had to follow the proper etiquette.

Yet Zheng Fakui’s next move made Yue Yang feel more at ease. Before Yue Yang could fully kneel, Zheng Fakui stood up from his seat and took the initiative to lift him, smiling broadly as he said:

“Nephew Yue, I’m already satisfied that you managed to arrive on time. There’s no need for such formalities. Come, come… let me introduce two distinguished guests to you!”

After saying this, Zheng Fakui took Yue Yang’s hand and, facing the guest in the center, said:

“Let me introduce you: this is Mr. Xu from Taiyuan Prefecture, and this is Mr. Tang, Xu’s personal aide. These two have long admired your reputation and came specially to meet you. You should get acquainted.”

During the introduction, Yue Yang felt a slight surprise. He noticed that Zheng Fakui’s hand trembled slightly as he held his own, and when mentioning this distinguished guest, his tone became notably solemn and respectful. This surprised Yue Yang, because it meant Zheng Fakui was nervous—something that could only happen if the elder before him was of a very high status, far above Zheng Fakui.

This naturally piqued Yue Yang’s curiosity. Zheng Fakui was a fourth-rank prefect, and anyone who could make him nervous must have a rank significantly higher.

Having realized this, Yue Yang did not dare to be negligent. He stepped forward and bowed respectfully to the elder:

“Your junior, Yue Yang, greets the honorable sir. I wish you health and longevity!”

“Hehe… no need for formalities!” the elder replied with a smile. “I came to Yingzhou for two reasons: first, it has been a long time since I last saw Shaoyu (Zheng Fakui’s courtesy name), and I wanted to check on him. Second, a few months ago I heard that a young hero in Yingzhou Prefecture led five hundred militia to defeat over ten thousand bandits. I was extremely curious, so I asked Shaoyu to invite you over. I hope you don’t mind the trouble.”

Hearing this, Yue Yang became even more certain of his guess. Although the elder smiled as he spoke, the moment he opened his mouth, a strong aura of cultured authority emanated from him. Yue Yang’s confidence grew, and he replied respectfully:

“I am deeply honored by your kindness, esteemed sir! May I ask what guidance you wish to offer?”

“Guidance is not necessary. I have heard that although you are a scholar by training, you abandoned your brush and took up arms, organizing the militia. During the time bandits ravaged the countryside, you led troops to relieve Yingzhou and decisively defeated the enemy—this shows the spirit of a true general!”

Hearing this, even someone as thick-skinned as Yue Yang blushed slightly. Being compared to Ban Chao (a legendary general) was humbling. He replied earnestly:

“Sir, you flatter me. As the saying goes, ‘All under heaven’s prosperity or decline rests upon each individual.’ As a scholar of Yingzhou Prefecture, I cannot remain idle while bandits ravage the land. How could I not do my part?”

“Good, very good!” The elder’s eyes lit up, and he patted his thigh with joy. “A fine statement! Isn’t this exactly the great principle scholars strive for? Xueying, don’t you agree?”

The middle-aged man seated to the elder’s right stroked his beard and agreed:

“Indeed, as Dong said, words come from the heart. That Yue Yang could speak such an enlightened truth shows he possesses extraordinary ambition!”

Hearing their praise, Yue Yang’s face turned as red as a monkey’s behind. Even though Gu Yanwu (Dong’s senior) had not yet stated the famous line, Yue Yang was already twenty years old, and it would be shameless to feel overly proud now.

He quickly changed the topic:

“You flatter me, sir. Judging from your conversation and demeanor, you must be more than an ordinary scholar, am I correct?”

“Ha ha ha… Yue Yang, your eyes are sharp. I knew you wouldn’t be deceived.” The elder, Xu, laughed, not angered by Yue Yang seeing through his hidden status. “Since you know, I shall not hide it. I am Xu Dingchen, now the Inspector of Shanxi, and this is my advisor, Tang Xueying.”

Even though Yue Yang had been mentally prepared, he was still taken aback. A provincial Inspector was no small post—it was equivalent to a modern provincial governor and party secretary combined. He immediately knelt on one knee and bowed:

“Your junior Yue Yang greets Lord Xu. If I have offended in any way just now, I hope Your Lordship will forgive me.”

“Ha ha ha… rise. Based on your words ‘All under heaven’s prosperity or decline rests upon each individual,’ how could I take offense? That would only make scholars laugh.” Xu Dingchen was remarkably approachable, gesturing for Yue Yang to stand and take a seat.

With Xu Dingchen revealing his identity, Yue Yang naturally became more cautious. The study’s atmosphere grew more serious. Seeing this, Xu smiled and said:

“Yue Yang, there’s no need for such formality. I am not wearing official robes today; you may speak freely as before.”

Yue Yang smiled wryly:

“You hold the highest rank here, so that makes sense. But we still cannot be so casual.”

No longer trying to skirt around the matter, Yue Yang asked directly:

“Lord Xu, may I ask the reason for your sudden summons? Whatever it is, if it is within my power, I shall not refuse.”

“Oh, so Yue Yang is a straightforward man!” Xu Dingchen exchanged a glance with Tang and laughed. After stroking his short beard thoughtfully, he asked suddenly:

“Yue Yang, what is your courtesy name?”

“I reply to Lord Xu: my courtesy name is Zhenghong,” Yue Yang said promptly.

Xu Dingchen nodded:

“Good, then I shall address you as Zhenghong.”

“Your kindness honors me!”

“If I recall correctly, Zhenghong, you are twenty-two this year. At such a young age, you have already achieved the xiucai degree, showing your diligence. Do you plan to take the provincial exam next year?”

“Well…” Yue Yang shook his head and sighed. “I am ashamed, sir. In recent years I have neglected my studies, and I fear I cannot take the provincial exam.”

“Ah… that is indeed a pity.” Xu Dingchen paused, stroking his beard. “Zhenghong, have you truly decided to abandon the imperial examination?”

Yue Yang smiled bitterly and clasped his hands:

“Forgive me, sir. With bandits ravaging the land and the people suffering, how could I focus on exams? I fear I would only disappoint you.”

In his heart, however, Yue Yang muttered: Exams? Only a fool would waste his brain on that. Raised under the red banner, he had never learned the rigid exam essays. If he tried, he would likely fail miserably.

“Alas…” Xu Dingchen sighed lightly and exchanged a glance with Tang. Seeing Tang nod subtly, Xu turned back with a smile and said kindly:

“Everyone has their own ambitions. Since you have no interest in exams, I shall not force you. Yet seeing such a talented young man wasted is regrettable. Here’s what I propose: last time, when bandits attacked, Huang Dafu, the local commander, fled in fear, letting the enemy ravage Yingzhou. The court dismissed him. But you, who saved the city, lacked an official title and thus received no reward. I offer you two choices: first, join the military, and I will recommend you to the court as commander of Yingzhou; second, the prefecture still lacks a caoshou officer, and I can appoint you in my capacity as Inspector. You choose.”