Chapter 669: Adding Fuel to the Fire
Someone said, "I must say, the list of twenty-four citizens is quite thorough. I pondered for a long time but couldn’t think of anything that wasn’t included... However, I think some could be merged into merchants and craftsmen... For example, with the miscellaneous theater, if there are few people, let it count as craftsmen, but if it’s a theater troupe, it should be considered part of merchants. What do you think?"
"... I think it’s inappropriate; if we do that, it becomes difficult to differentiate. It’s better to classify it under miscellaneous theater."
"But the officials within craftsmen are counted within scholars, so why can’t miscellaneous theater be classified the same way?"
The crowd had completely forgotten the question raised by the examinee and were now discussing the division of twenty-four citizens, whether the categorization is reasonable, and if there’s a better way to classify them.
Every question seemed to have several different opinions, and they argued endlessly, as if they were trying to decide on the spot.
More and more scholars were emerging from the back gate of the garden party, and seeing the lively debate, naturally wanted to join in.
There’s little need to mention the ordinary folks who were already there to watch the commotion.
The topics scholars argued about were rare for them to understand and comment on, so they had to chime in somehow.
More and more people joined the debate.
Ranxiang Inn was already packed and noisy.
Mr. Songshan stood there with his hands behind his back, occasionally raising his voice to ask questions or interject with stories from his travels to substantiate arguments. Sometimes, he refuted them, prompting the examinees to continue. Truly, like a master guiding eager young scholars.
Qin Yuan watched and laughed silently to herself.
Isn’t this much better than what she initially planned?
After tonight, Mr. Songshan will undoubtedly gain immense fame.
All because the ’Four Citizens’ are the foundation of the nation; after several generations, this foundation has become unstable.
No one in the court can stop this change, nor can they come up with any effective measures.
As for reform? Some said the previous dynasty might have survived a little longer without reform. Naturally, today’s Emperor wouldn’t dare to act rashly, fearing a blemish in the historical record.
Mr. Songshan provoked this debate — regardless of the outcome, it will attract attention.
Besides, having traveled extensively among the people, Mr. Songshan is well-versed in local customs and geography, speaking with substance and credibility.
Qin Yuan stepped back and advised Qin Siyuan, "It’s fine with the teacher right now, but I’m afraid some nobles might come later. It’s better for me to hide. Stay here to assist the teacher, be careful not to act rashly."
Qin Siyuan didn’t understand, "Since you’re going to speak on the strategy too, why not join the teacher?"
After all the preparation, wouldn’t it be better to show up while there’s a crowd?
Qin Yuan said, "Now is not the time to compete for attention. It suffices that the teacher stands out; there’s still the grand review afterward. The debate on the Four Citizens cannot be concluded in just a few hours."
It’s better to let Mr. Songshan fully showcase his talents — her goal is not fame, but influence over scholars’ businesses.
Qin Siyuan remained somewhat regretful.
"Why don’t you return to the courtyard and listen quietly? There might be a chance where you’re needed later. Everyone is discussing this now; soon enough they may discuss something else."
Qin Yuan nodded and retreated from the crowd.
Yang’er and Hehua, disguised as attendant students, quickly followed.
At this time, the examinee who first posed the question was still trying to steer the discussion back on track, but the crowd was too engrossed in their debates, completely ignoring his several struggles.
The companions of the examinee had long been drawn into discussions with others, leaving him in a dilemma, unsure of what to do. He stood on tiptoe and looked towards the crowd for the shopkeeper of Book Sea Pavilion.
But the shopkeeper of Book Sea Pavilion seemed bewildered, apparently not expecting this scenario either. When he met the examinee’s gaze, he trembled as if waking from a dream and hurriedly withdrew from the crowd to seek advice from his master.
The owner of Book Sea Pavilion stood in the shadows cast by the skyscraper in front of Ranxiang Inn on the opposite street, grinding his teeth and cursing, "Useless, all of them useless."
Clearly sent to find faults, yet they only added fuel to the fire.
What kind of incompetents are these?
The main reason for losing to the Dingbei Marquis Mansion lies in his people being utterly inept.
Can’t even handle the slightest matters.
Other than loyalty, they’re of no use.
The shopkeeper approached the owner cautiously, asking, "Master, what should we do now?"
The owner of Book Sea Pavilion, prompted by rising anger, cursed the useless slaves more harshly, until the shopkeeper’s face turned pale, almost unable to stand, then grumbled, "Quickly call them back, stop adding fuel to the fire there."
The shopkeeper boldly asked, "Not letting him do anything? Wouldn’t our money be wasted?"
The owner of Book Sea Pavilion angrily replied, "What else can he do? Have him leave quickly; if he can’t escape and gets remembered by the academic administrators, it will choke his future, and don’t blame me."
"Yes," the shopkeeper shrank his head.
The owner continued, "Tell him to keep his mouth shut, not to say anything he shouldn’t."
The shopkeeper immediately responded, "He wouldn’t dare."
The owner, tired of looking at him, said, "Get out quickly, stop being an eyesore. I can live a few more years."
The shopkeeper, with a wooden face, pretended not to notice the peculiar glances around, planning to retreat dejectedly.
Three passing children stopped and began to mock.
One said, "Oh! Look who we have here — isn’t it the shopkeeper of Book Sea Pavilion? How come he’s here watching the hustle."
Another said, "Isn’t it strange? I’ve heard Book Sea Pavilion spent heavily to invite famous craftsmen from Cangzhou to make lamps, trying their hardest to suppress Ranxiang Inn, yet their shopkeeper has come here to check on the lamps."
Another added, "What’s strange about it? Our medical center is thriving, and others pretend to spy on us, thinking no one will notice. In fact, my master and I see it clearly, just assuming they’re putting on a show for us."
These words greatly embarrassed the shopkeeper and owner of Book Sea Pavilion.
It’s akin to pointing at a monk and calling him a bald donkey.
The owner of Book Sea Pavilion did not want to enter the court as an official precisely because he couldn’t bear the air of arrogance from his fellow scholars; how could he endure this? At this point, he slyly glanced at them and said, "At such a young age, how would you understand the matters of scholars? Upon hearing that Mr. Songshan and Young Master Nantang are coming, naturally, I have to come and observe their elegance."
"Is that so?"
Gu Baoshu laughed heartily, not sparing him even a shred of dignity.
"How come I heard Book Sea Pavilion envied the business of poetry collections from the Dingbei Marquis Mansion and sent invitations several times to Mr. Songshan and Young Master Nantang, only to be refused and then rudely threaten them? With such urgent matters regarding the lantern festival, why aren’t you guarding your own shop entrance? What’s the logic in that?"
"What isn’t clear about this," Xiao Dong immediately exclaimed, "They’re here to cause trouble, of course."
Qin Heng exclaimed in surprise, "What? Mr. Songshan is so learned and knowledgeable; even my father repeatedly urged us to consult him more. How dare the people from Book Sea Pavilion? Aren’t they self-proclaimed educated people?"