Chapter Twenty-Six: The Motive for Going to Luoyang

Hu merchants—many are acquainted with the Jiao family, and even if Jiao Haiqing himself does not know them, someone in his household surely does.

Now, what is needed is a suitable pretext to persuade the Grand Lady to grant permission.

The city of Luoyang is not far from Fuchang; riding horseback, if one sets out early in the morning, one could arrive by dusk. Even by donkey cart, it would take no more than two days. Such a short distance, traveling along the official road, poses little concern for safety.

Wei Renshi considered this matter at length but could not think of any excuse that would convince the Grand Lady. Therefore, he resolved to seek someone’s counsel.

He went to Li He’s home. Li He had just returned from outside, and on seeing Wei Renshi, he greeted him with delight, saying, “Renshi, I was just thinking of visiting you tomorrow. I’ve composed something new today and wish for you to see it.”

“Certainly,” Wei Renshi replied, nodding with pleasure. In his later years, he had studied Chinese language and, though a versatile teacher after graduation, he mainly taught literature. To witness the youthful works of this renowned “Poet Demon” was a rare privilege.

The two entered the courtyard. Wei Renshi first paid his respects to Li He’s mother, then accompanied Li He to the study.

Li He took a stack of papers from an old brocade pouch. Some were complete poems, others mere fragments—each written as inspiration struck him.

From the stack, Li He drew a sheet and handed it to Wei Renshi, saying, “Today, as I passed through the village, I saw a grove of bamboo. I also noticed you using bamboo poles for your irrigation contraption, and it struck me how truly useful bamboo is.”

Wei Renshi accepted the sheet and read aloud: “Entering the water, its lines shimmer and move; drawn skyward, its green shadow welcomes spring. Dew glistens along paths of shoots; moss colors brush frost-covered roots. Woven, it bears fragrant sweat; cut, it fishes for brocade-scaled carp. Its crown once adorned the court’s three beams; a single joint offered to noble sons… Changji, you are likening yourself to bamboo, are you not?”

“I would like your critique,” Li He said with a smile.

Wei Renshi considered for a moment and replied, “The first four lines describe the form of bamboo, capturing its upright grace and the enchanting elegance of its surroundings. The first two lines alternate between the downward movement—bamboo entering water—and the upward shadow—shoots reaching skyward. The third and fourth lines depict dewy paths and mossy, frosted roots, using dew and moss to accentuate the bamboo. The latter four lines shift in tone, illustrating its uses and drawing a metaphor for yourself. This reveals your ambition and hope for the future.”

Li He nodded, his chin lifted as he smiled, “Indeed, you understand me well! Bamboo can be woven into mats to absorb fragrant sweat, or cut into poles to fish for brocade-scaled carp. Yet these are common uses, nothing remarkable. The most admirable thing is that bamboo was once chosen by the court—the three-beam crown made from it was worn by princes and nobles. I, too, am like bamboo; I should serve the court!”

He was still young, his heart filled with hope. Though this poem was somewhat immature—perhaps even dull compared to his later works—in Wei Renshi’s eyes, its promise for the future was its greatest merit.

“By the way, Renshi, why did you come to see me?” Li He inquired.

Returning the paper, Wei Renshi answered, “Changji, have you ever been to Luoyang?”

Li He nodded, “I have.”

“I wish to visit Luoyang as well, but alas, my mother will not allow it,” Wei Renshi said. “I came to ask for your advice—how might I find a reason to persuade her? When you went to Luoyang, did your mother try to stop you?”

Li He shook his head, “I’ve been twice, both times accompanied by my mother. She went to the Qingnang Medical Hall for treatment, while I visited the Jixian Hall Academy to peruse its books. If one is fortunate, the scholars there might answer questions, though luck is all it takes.”

“Jixian Hall Academy?” Wei Renshi’s interest was piqued. Wasn’t that the place where the court compiled books? Could ordinary people enter?

“Can ordinary people really go in?” he pressed, “It’s a repository for court manuscripts; wouldn’t common scholars be refused entry?”

Li He nodded, “Officially, yes, but the rules are not strictly enforced. The scholars inside are all eminent figures and pay little heed to such matters.”

Wei Renshi’s eyes brightened. He asked, “Changji, I want to visit Luoyang—will you accompany me?”

Li He thought it over, “I could. I have certain uncertainties myself. If I go to Jixian Hall Academy, perhaps I’ll find a scholar willing to help.”

“Excellent!” Wei Renshi said with joy. “If you come with me, my mother will surely agree! But—will your mother allow you to go with me?”

Li He pondered for a moment, “I believe so. She will have Li Rong accompany me.”

“That’s wonderful!” Wei Renshi exclaimed, clapping his hands. “I’ll go home and discuss it with my mother right away.”

He took his leave from Li He’s house and hurried home before night fully fell. When he arrived, the Grand Lady instructed Xi’er to bring out the meal; the family gathered to eat.

After a few bites, Wei Renshi spoke, “Mother, Li He has encountered some difficulties in his studies and plans to visit Luoyang, hoping to consult the scholars at Jixian Hall Academy. If lucky, he might have his questions answered by the eminent men there. I, too, have accumulated many doubts after years of study, so I wish to accompany him to try my fortune. Even a few words of guidance from those scholars would be immeasurably valuable.”

Hearing this, the Grand Lady looked at him and pondered. “If you could have your questions answered by great scholars, it would indeed be a fine thing. But…”

“Don’t worry, Mother—Li He has been to Luoyang several times, and Li Rong from his household will join us. Don’t be misled by Li Rong’s youth—though just Li He’s attendant, he’s exceptionally clever, knows all the routes, and is very reliable. In a few years, he’ll surely be Li He’s steward. Ha! With the two of them, nothing will go amiss.”

The Grand Lady’s expression softened somewhat after hearing Wei Renshi’s assurances, but she gave no immediate answer, only saying, “Eat first.”

Wei Renshi said no more, and focused on his meal. As dinner was nearly finished, the Grand Lady set down her chopsticks and said, “In that case, take Xi’er with you, and go together with Changji.”

“Take Xi’er?” Wei Renshi was taken aback. “I’d rather not. If Xi’er stays home to look after you, I’ll be more at ease. Besides, Xi’er is still young; long journeys are too tiring.”

The Grand Lady shook her head, “I don’t need anyone to look after me. But you—never having traveled far—will need Xi’er with you for care, so I can feel at ease.”

Seeing her resolve, Wei Renshi could only nod, “Very well, I’ll take Xi’er with me. But you’ll be alone at home—please take good care of yourself!”

“Don’t worry, my son. I’ll be fine,” the Grand Lady replied, smiling.