Judge of the Song Dynasty

One had to admit that Wang Anshi’s article was indeed well-written.

Once the official bulletin was posted on the wall, officials both high and low throughout the court voluntarily took up their brushes to copy it.

Although it discussed politics, under Wang Anshi’s masterful pen, it had been transformed into a work of art.

Zeng Gongliang, Zhao Bian, and Chen Shengzhi all couldn’t help but sigh in admiration, calling this article a rare masterpiece.

Truly, good wine needs no advertising!

Even Su Zhe couldn’t help but take up his brush to copy it.

One must know that Su Zhe disagreed with many of Wang Anshi’s political ideas. He had only entered the Reform Planning Commission because Zhao Xu had recommended him.

Of course, Su Shi didn’t copy it, though he did carefully read through the entire article. His feeling was that his hands were itching.

This morning, all the officials within the imperial city were discussing Wang Anshi’s article.

Naturally, there were also some rather spirited officials, such as Wen Yanbo, Su Shi, and Lu Gongzhu, who were desperately fanning the flames, reminding everyone that Wang Anshi was targeting Sima Guang. With their reminder, everyone came to their senses.

Indeed!

Yesterday Sima Guang had published an article, and today Wang Anshi had followed up.

The intention was too obvious.

And these happened to be the two great leaders of the reform and conservative factions.

It was truly a case of needle point meeting wheat tip.

What a spectacle!

More and more people joined the flame-fanning ranks.

Including Zhao Xu.

Yesterday Zhao Xu had praised Sima Guang at the meeting. If he didn’t praise Wang Anshi today, how could that work? This bowl of water had to be held level.

Zhao Xu convened another meeting, expressing that after reading Wang Anshi’s article, he was so excited he couldn’t sleep. It was absolutely correct, he said. He had thought about it all night without sleeping, and took the opportunity to urge Wang Anshi to accelerate the introduction of new laws to correct problematic policies.

He spoke of the article, but pointed to the new laws.

This made many conservatives quite displeased – Wang Anshi was simply furthering his personal agenda! But since they couldn’t write better than Wang Anshi, they could only hope that Sima Guang would respond again.

However, Sima Guang appeared very low-key, even offering a few words of praise, stating that the country indeed had these problems.

After the meeting ended, he returned to the Court of Penal Review to hold a meeting, busy with revising legal statutes.

But Liu Shu and the others had no mind to discuss this matter.

“Academician Sima, Wang Anshi wrote this article clearly intending to overshadow you!” Liu Shu was somewhat indignant on Sima Guang’s behalf.

Sima Guang remained quite calm, saying: “In literature there is no first place, in martial arts there is no second place. Articles are matters of personal taste – who can truly overshadow whom? Let’s hurry and finish revising this statute. His Majesty only gave us half a year, and it must be implemented nationwide next year.”

“Yes, yes.”

Liu Shu nodded sheepishly.

So everyone earnestly discussed the matter again.

After the meeting ended, once Xu Zun, Liu Shu and the others had all left, Sima Guang quietly took out today’s freshly printed newspaper and began reading it carefully.

Just as he opened it and finished reading the first paragraph, someone suddenly rushed hurriedly into the room – it was Xu Zun.

“Do you have business?”

As he spoke, Sima Guang felt somewhat guilty.

Xu Zun said: “I forgot something.”

Sima Guang nodded and lowered the newspaper slightly.

Xu Zun went to his seat, picked up a sheet of paper, and tucked it into his sleeve, also guiltily glancing at Sima Guang. This paper was actually Wang Anshi’s article that he had copied today.

He also held Wang Anshi’s article in the highest regard and genuinely liked it.

Seeing that Sima Guang paid no attention, he was about to leave when he suddenly paused. He stared intently – wasn’t that a newspaper? He asked: “What are you reading?”

“Oh, I’m reading Qian’er’s article.”

Only then did Sima Guang raise the newspaper.

Xu Zun was extremely curious. “How could my daughter’s article catch your attention?”

He had of course read it. Though it was decent when compared with other female writers, in his view it was quite ordinary – this wasn’t false modesty.

Sima Guang chuckled: “It is about that previous lawsuit, and what we’re doing now has countless connections to that lawsuit. Taking a look might give me some inspiration.”

“I see.” Xu Zun nodded, then thought again – it really was quite ordinary and wouldn’t provide any inspiration. But he didn’t say anything more and left, hiding Wang Anshi’s article.

After Xu Zun left, Sima Guang secretly glanced outside, breathed a slight sigh of relief, then looked at the newspaper in his hand and muttered: “Could it really be as Lord Wen said, that this newspaper can make an unremarkable article attract everyone’s attention? That’s hardly possible. This article must have its unique qualities.”

Though he said with his mouth that “there is no first place in literature, no winner or loser can be determined,” in his heart he absolutely did not want to lose to Wang Anshi. The key point was that when he had written that previous article, it wasn’t to show off – it was just for work. He had never expected it would spark such heated discussion.

But Wang Anshi immediately wrote one in response – this was truly going too far.

Yet in his heart he also knew clearly that his own article was inferior to Wang Anshi’s.

He had to find a way to win.

He pondered why Xu Zhiqian’s article could attract such heated discussion from everyone.

Sima Guang and Wang Anshi were undoubtedly the twin paragons of this era. Both had extremely stubborn personalities, though there were subtle differences between them.

Wang Anshi was naturally gifted and brilliantly talented, which gave him an extra measure of pride. Throughout history, only Wang Anshi dared to proclaim such bold words as: “Heaven’s changes are not to be feared, ancestral laws are not to be followed, and people’s words are not to be heeded.”

He even dared to criticize Confucius and Mencius.

One must remember this was during the Northern Song when Confucianism flourished, not in some keyboard warrior era.

Here, words carried responsibility.

In comparison, Sima Guang had less natural talent, but because of this he possessed greater diligence and humility.

The two men’s attitudes toward this matter were completely different. Take Xu Zhiqian’s article – in Wang Anshi’s view, it was truly mediocre, worth only a cursory glance or two, and even one more look would be excessive.

But Sima Guang began studying Xu Zhiqian’s article.

After all, he was the man writing the Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government. He needed to examine not only great figures, but also minor ones.

Because many great events arose from minor characters.

As the second issue of the newspaper continued its popularity, the third issue naturally arrived as promised.

Pan Inn!

“Take care, you two moguls.”

“No need to see us off! No need!”

Chen Maoqian bowed slightly to the Pan Inn proprietor, then left Pan Inn with Ma Tianhao. The rıghtful source is NoveI-Fire.ɴet

“Brother Chen, it seems this newspaper isn’t just a temporary sensation!”

Ma Tianhao noticed that at the breakfast stalls nearby, people were reading newspapers – one person or several sharing one paper, reading while eating breakfast and discussing the contents with muffled voices.

Chen Maoqian nodded.

Ma Tianhao continued: “Do you still remember how Zhang San repeatedly assured us that movable type printing would definitely make money?”

Chen Maoqian suddenly froze, then said in a low voice: “Brother! You must never speak carelessly about such things – be careful not to bring trouble upon yourself. Absolutely impossible, absolutely impossible.”

Ma Tianhao nodded sheepishly. “I’m just talking to you. Besides, what I meant to say was that this business might really be profitable.”

Chen Maoqian thought for a moment. “But asking me to donate my land – I’m still somewhat uneasy about that.”

“What exactly is going on?”

Xu Zhiqian lowered the carriage curtain and looked at Zhang Fei across from her. “The court situation has been settled, and no one is blaming my father anymore. Why are people still enthusiastic about reading my article?”

Zhang Fei smiled and said: “Kiss me once, and I’ll tell you.”

“Ugh!”

Xu Zhiqian directly kicked Zhang Fei lightly. “If you won’t say, then forget it.”

“Then forget it.”

Zhang Fei shrugged.

Xu Zhiqian looked at Zhang Fei with frustration, then said in a low voice with a red face: “I’ll… I’ll owe you one first. You speak first.”

Zhang Fei shook his head. “No, you kiss first.”

Xu Zhiqian said: “If I kiss first and what you say is wrong, wouldn’t I let you take advantage for nothing?”

Zhang Fei hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Alright! I’ll speak first, then you kiss after. Let me ask you – what did you write about in your article?”

Xu Zhiqian said: “Tenant farmers!”

Zhang Fei asked again: “Have you read Academician Wang’s article from yesterday?”

Xu Zhiqian nodded.

During dinner last night, Xu Zun had held that article and read it so intently he barely ate, so she had also taken a look.

Zhang Fei asked: “What did it discuss?”

Xu Zhiqian said: “Problems with policy.”

Zhang Fei said: “Comparing the two?”

Xu Zhiqian said: “Naturally like a firefly compared to the bright moon.”

Zhang Fei smiled and nodded, then said: “Have you ever seen people chase fireflies?”

Xu Zhiqian said: “Of course I have, I’ve chased them myself.”

“But have you ever seen anyone chase the bright moon?”

“No.”

“That’s exactly the point.”

Zhang Fei said: “Your article talks about the situation of tenant farmers – these are things happening around us that everyone knows, everyone understands, and everyone can discuss. Academician Wang’s article talks about the entire realm, but how many people have his breadth of vision? Even if you explained it word by word to peddlers and laborers, they wouldn’t know how to respond.

But with your article, when people bring it up, even pancake sellers can chat about it for a while. After all, there are more ordinary people, and when everyone is talking, those learned academicians, even if they don’t praise it, must come out to criticize a few points to demonstrate their scholarship. With this back and forth, isn’t everyone discussing it?”

Xu Zhiqian nodded: “I see.”

Zhang Fei closed his eyes and said smugly: “Kiss me now. Don’t hold back on my account.”

Xu Zhiqian was startled and frowned as she looked at him. Though he was handsome, she only wanted to slap him. Just then the carriage stopped. “In your dreams!”

Throwing out these words, Xu Zhiqian darted out of the carriage like a fleeing rabbit.

“Hey!”

Zhang Fei opened his eyes and immediately chased after her. “You’re breaking your word! I could sue you for this!”

“Go ahead and sue! We didn’t sign any contract anyway. You people are—”

Xu Zhiqian had just run to the entrance when she suddenly saw two burly men standing at the door, and couldn’t help but pause in surprise.

Just then, Fan Li came out. “Oh my, Brother San, Miss Xu, you’ve finally arrived.”

Zhang Fei, who had just caught up, asked: “What’s the matter?”

Fan Li said: “Chancellor Han has come.”

“Chancellor Han?”

Zhang Fei blinked and exchanged glances with Xu Zhiqian.

Since that lawsuit, he hadn’t had much contact with Han Qi or Fu Bi.

Arriving at the back hall, they saw Han Qi sitting inside drinking tea and reading the small newspaper, looking completely at ease.

“This humble commoner Zhang San pays respects to Chancellor Han.”

Zhang Fei quickly stepped forward and bowed with cupped hands.

“Zhang San has arrived!” Han Qi put down the small newspaper and said: “This old man has presumed to visit today – I hope it doesn’t inconvenience you?”

Zhang Fei hastily replied: “Chancellor Han’s honored presence brings glory to this humble shop – this commoner is too delighted to contain himself.”

Han Qi chuckled a few times, then suddenly glanced at Fan Li.

Fan Li understood and quickly took his leave.

After Fan Li left, Han Qi cleared his throat and said: “I’ve come today because there’s something I don’t understand and would like to ask your advice about.”

Zhang Fei asked: “I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare. What question does Chancellor Han have? I will certainly speak without reservation.”

Han Qi said: “Why was Sima Guang’s article printed in your small newspaper?”

Zhang Fei was slightly startled and replied very cautiously: “This was all because of the matter involving my father-in-law last time. Academician Sima felt this affair also concerned him, so he wrote an article to explain the situation.”

Han Qi nodded: “So you’re saying you created this newspaper just to defend Xu Zun?”

Could it be! Zhang Fei blinked and hastily said: “That’s not entirely it. Actually, after I bought that Authentic Books Store, I’ve always wanted to create a distinguished scholars’ newspaper.”

Han Qi asked curiously: “A distinguished scholars’ newspaper?”

Zhang Fei nodded: “Yes, one that specializes in publishing articles by great distinguished scholars like you.”

A flash of pleasure crossed Han Qi’s eyes, though he asked: “Why?”

Zhang Fei grinned: “To make money.”

“Make money?”

“Exactly!”

Zhang Fei nodded: “I previously studied printed materials carefully and discovered that everyone prints poetry and articles by great scholars like you.

But there’s a drawback – the lag time is too severe. Articles by people like Lord Fan discuss the politics of their time, but when read now, they seem somewhat outdated.

This newspaper can solve that problem – current events, current commentary. It would certainly sell better than those outdated poems and articles. Although my father-in-law’s affair was a fortunate accident, it also proves my judgment—”

Han Qi nodded with a smile: “It seems your business skills are no worse than your litigation skills!”

“Thank you for the praise, Chancellor Han.”

Zhang Fei cupped his hands and said: “I also hope Chancellor Han can give more support to my small shop’s business.”

Han Qi asked in bewilderment: “How would I support it?”

Zhang Fei said: “If you have any good articles, you could have them printed at my small shop. We could negotiate how to split the profits.”

Han Qi snorted: “What kind of person do you take me for? Do I write articles for the sake of a few coins?”

“Yes, yes, yes.”

Zhang Fei nodded repeatedly: “This commoner misspoke. Please forgive me, Chancellor Han.”

Han Qi glanced at him, stroked his beard, and coughed: “However, it is quite coincidental that I recently wrote an article.”

Just as expected. Zhang Fei’s heart leaped with joy, and he immediately said: “Could Chancellor Han have this article printed at my small shop? My shop’s printing technique is the best available today. We can print it fastest and best, absolutely keeping up with political changes.”

Han Qi glanced at him and smiled: “Aren’t you afraid that no one will read my article and it won’t sell?”

Zhang Fei said: “If Chancellor Han’s articles have no readers, then it only means this small newspaper of mine simply cannot succeed, and I should close down early.”

“You rascal!” Han Qi laughed and scolded. “Fine then, I’ll entrust it to you. Forget about the money—whatever you earn, you keep it all.”

“Oh my! Thank you, Chancellor Han, thank you, Chancellor Han.”