Peace Order
Chapter 164 - 91 Imperial Pole Worldly Scripture Great Formation Map_2

Chapter 164: Chapter 91 Imperial Pole Worldly Scripture Great Formation Map_2

Li Erlang muttered this sentence and instinctively sat up straight, then said solemnly,

"If a lord regards his minister as dogs and horses, the minister regards his lord as a fellow countryman. Good, good indeed."

"Brother, this sentence alone is worth three cups of wine, pity we only have tea here and no wine."

"But, what should be done then?"

Li Guanyi grimaced internally; he himself did not understand such a doctrine of ruler and minister.

After scouring his brain for ink, he found the most universal and fitting response and said,

"The people are Water; the lord a Boat."

"Water can carry the Boat."

"It can also capsize the Boat."

Light sparked in Zhao Wen’s eyes. He clapped and laughed, "Good, good!" He felt a strong rapport with the young man before him. His own vague, unformulated thoughts were articulated clearly by him; thus, his joy intensified. He then eagerly engaged Li Guanyi in extensive conversations about the world, finding more in common as they spoke.

Sometimes it seemed Li Guanyi had never read the classics.

Yet at other times, his perspective was sharp, his thinking agile like a deer on a precipice, traceless yet somehow reasonable, leading Zhao Wen to applaud in admiration. The two talked for more than an hour and were still reluctant to end their conversation.

Until a young Taoist hurried over, finding Li Guanyi, announcing that Zu Wenyuan was now available.

Inviting Li Guanyi to come and sit awhile in the temple, Zhao Wen stood to see him off. Seeing Li Guanyi dressed in simple clothes, he suddenly smiled, stretched out his hand to grasp the young man’s, Li Guanyi paused, feeling the warm, fine palm; the youth smiled and pulled, drawing Li Guanyi closer.

With his other hand, he unhooked a Jade Pendant from his waist and placed it into Li Guanyi’s palm, letting Li Guanyi grasp it. Zhao Wen, with a smile, said,

"A gentleman is like jade."

"Brother, you are a prodigy of this world; yet you lack a jeweled ornament, and since we are kindred spirits at first sight, this piece of jade is decent. Let me gift it to you!"

Li Guanyi, seeing the clear and valuable jade, demurred, "This is too precious." Zhao Wen simply replied, "Since ancient times, renowned swords for heroes and gems for gentlemen; upon meeting a gentleman, why wouldn’t one rejoice? Gifting this jade to you is its fortune, so let’s say no more."

He held Li Guanyi’s hand, positioned the jade properly, and squeezed the young man’s hand firmly.

His spirits soared.

"One day, there will be a time to meet again."

"When that time comes, we must talk throughout the night without returning until drunk."

When Zhao Wen withdrew his hand, Li Guanyi felt an illusion.

The youth’s palm was so soft, even softer than the fine jade he now held, as though compared to his delicate palm, the jade seemed crude.

Li Guanyi looked at the young man, face white as jade, a tuft of hair fluttering by his temple, phoenix eyes spirited. He felt a chill inside.

He kicked away his strange notions.

Composed, he answered, "Then, until we meet again."

Zhao Wen paused, young as he was, wanting to display his identity, and laughed,

"Brother, won’t you ask my name?"

Li Guanyi guessed the young man’s extraordinary origins but deliberately avoided the question.

Tossing the jade pendant, he laughed and said,

"Both strangers from remote places, why need to have known each other before?"

"Erlang, you’re caught in the act."

Thus Zhao Wen froze, even more delighted with the young man before him.

Bursting into laughter, he said,

"Brother, what a wonderful person!"

"Good, next time we meet, you must tell me your real name!"

He turned briskly, waved his hand, and laughed aloud,

"Today I give you a gem as a parted gift!"

"Another day, your honorable name shall reach my ears!"

This carefree spirit and demeanor made a favorable impression. Li Guanyi bowed in thanks and walked away with the young Taoist who couldn’t help remarking upon seeing the jade in the young man’s hand, "Such a precious jade. Among the guests who come to our temple to offer incense, few can afford to wear one like it."

Li Guanyi laughed, "It seems my mouth is indeed worth some money."

The Taoist looked at him, thought for a moment, and said,

"Master says, the scholar’s tongue, the warrior’s blade, are the fires of troubled times."

"Master, you possess both."

After Li Guanyi had left, Changsun Wu Gou remarked, "That jade pendant, was the one bestowed upon you personally by the Great Emperor of Central State when you were three years old, Erlang. You just gave it away like that?"

Zhao Wen feigned ignorance, "Ah? Was it that one? I’d forgotten."

Seeing Changsun Wu Gou looking at her sternly, she laughed and said,

"What is a gem, anyway? It’s just a lifeless object!"

"If I can obtain such a splendid talent, even if I had a whole clifface of White Jade, I’d gladly give it to him. He truly is a prodigy of our time." The young lady turned, drank several cups of tea to calm herself, and holding her teacup, said eagerly, "Such a talent, upon returning, I must indeed find out more about him."

"If he’s a gentleman’s son, even if it costs a fortune."

"If not, even if it means kidnapping!"

"I must take him to Longxi!"

"Whatever he wants, I’ll give him!"

Changsun Wu Gou chuckled and poured her more tea, saying,

"Aren’t we supposed to meet Li Guanyi from Xue Family next?"

"Erlang, have you changed your mind so quickly?"

Zhao Wen raised her eyebrows, "That Mr. Li we intended to meet, this Mr. Li we must also meet."

"The Ziwei Star in the sky has its Aids on both sides."

"With so many talents under the sky, can’t they all be gathered under my command?!"

"What’s the reasoning in that?"

She laughed again, "Besides, I just boasted of Jiangnan’s rich culture, didn’t I? One Li Guanyi from Xue Family of Jiangzhou, now this brother, having these two alone makes Jiangnan’s Literary Energy rise a foot higher. From this, it’s evident Chen Country is blessed with Qi Fortune."