Chapter 33: Explain! The four ways to write the character 回! (1/2)

[Murderous Aura!]

Xu Yanmiao suddenly shouted earth-shatteringly loud.

The entire court was startled.

Usually, they could skillfully ignore Xu Yanmiao’s less important thoughts—proceeding with petitions, impeachments, or arguments as usual.

But this “murderous aura” was simply too shocking.

The officials swiftly glanced around using the corners of their eyes, trying not to cause a commotion.

Murderous aura? Where? None?

The commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, stationed on the western side of the throne, almost instinctively reached for his blade to protect the emperor. Realizing the misunderstanding, he cast a resentful glance at Xu Yanmiao’s direction.

[Could you not be so jumpy? This is the imperial court!]

Xu Yanmiao looked around, his inner voice still cheerfully self-satisfied:

[“Wow, maybe it’s just my imagination? But this phrase is so cool, I’ve always wanted to say it!”]

Gleefully, with no regard for others’ reactions.

The elderly emperor slowly cast Xu Yanmiao a glance, his face showing a sly smile.

Imagination?

I’ll make sure you know if it’s imagination or not!

“Xu Yanmiao!”

Xu Yanmiao jolted, nervously stepping forward. “Your Majesty?”

The emperor: “I’ve long heard that you are quick-witted.”

Xu Yanmiao: “?”

[“Who said that?! Have I not been lazy enough?”]

The emperor ignored the internal protest and continued, “Are you aware of the literary leader of the Zhou Dynasty’s later years, Quan Yingzhang of the Quan family from Tianshui?”@@novelbin@@

Xu Yanmiao nodded gravely. “I’ve heard of him.”

[“Who’s this? A literary leader sounds impressive, though.”]

The emperor: “…”

The ministers: “…”

Being polite, you actually don’t know? Did you throw away all the knowledge after the imperial exams?

The emperor’s rising authority was momentarily interrupted by frustration, forcing him to explain:

“Quan Yingzhang served in the Zhou court, overseeing court documents and leading the literary world for twenty years. After the fall of Zhou, he resided in Tianshui, writing books and establishing doctrines. Despite repeated invitations from the court, he refused to serve, stating firmly that a true minister serves only one lord.”

Xu Yanmiao nodded sincerely. “Mhm, mhm!”

The emperor: “I heard you have a quick mind, so I am entrusting this to you. Go to Tianshui and persuade Elder Quan to serve in the court for the Great Zhou.”

[“Seriously, who’s spreading the lie about my quick wit?! If I find out, they’re dead!”]

[“It’s the dead of winter, almost New Year’s, who wants to travel to Tianshui now?”]

[“And if he doesn’t want to serve, he doesn’t want to. Forcing someone to become a prostitute would make you a bully, wouldn’t it?”

]

The emperor had been smug about finally cornering Xu Yanmiao—dragging him out of his lazy comfort zone to work.

Then, he got hit by that.

What do you mean by ‘forcing someone to become a prostitute’?! Watch your words! Who gave you the audacity to talk like that?

The emperor angrily stroked his beard.

I’m trying to provide a home for neglected scholars of the previous dynasty! Not that!

Meanwhile, the ministers, floored by the term “prostitute,” could only glare at Xu Yanmiao silently.

Xu Yanmiao put on an obedient and deferential face, saying to the emperor, “I accept your decree.”

Then, he sweetly asked, “Your Majesty, as long as I bring him back willingly, I can use any method, right?”

The emperor: “Yes, but he must come voluntarily, without coercion.”

Xu Yanmiao: “Got it!”

[“So if I burn his house down and he chases me back with a big knife, that counts as voluntary, right?”]

The emperor: “…”

Clenching his itching teeth, he emphasized, “He. Must. Willingly. Serve. In. The. Court!”

The last two words were stressed.

Xu Yanmiao: “Mhm, mhm, mhm!”

[“Weird, why does the emperor’s tone sound a little off?”]

The emperor kept a straight face. “You may depart now. The carriage is ready.”

＊

Naturally, Xu Yanmiao wasn’t sent off alone. Tianshui was a thousand miles away, so the emperor assigned a squad of Embroidered Uniform Guards for his safety.

When they finally arrived in Tianshui, Xu Yanmiao jumped off the carriage, clutching his bruised rear after the bumpy ride.

The guards asked if he wanted to rest at an inn, but Xu Yanmiao refused outright.

“The sooner I finish, the sooner I can go home!”

Standing at the grand scholar’s doorstep, he knocked respectfully. The other side, recognizing him as an envoy of the court, didn’t make things difficult but ushered him in. However, instead of meeting the scholar himself, Xu Yanmiao was received by his grandson.

The young man politely said, “Envoy, please return. My grandfather is too old to serve the court.”

Xu Yanmiao didn’t respond to this directly. Instead, he offered a shy and bashful smile:

“I heard that Elder Quan is deeply committed to traditional studies and a master of ancient texts. I’ve come to seek his guidance.”

Quan Xie, the grandson, was surprised. “You study ancient texts? I mean, what exactly do you want to consult with my grandfather?”

His reaction was understandable. Nowadays, most scholars pursued studies in Confucian classics, split into two major schools: Modern Script and Ancient Script. The two were often debated among civilians, but in court, Modern Script dominated.

The difference between the two could be summarized as:

Modern Script: “Confucius is the most awesome and reformed ancient systems.”

Ancient Script: “Confucius is great, but Duke Zhou is greater. Confucius just elaborated on his principles.”

Modern Script emphasized practical applications and adapting doctrines to contemporary politics.

Ancient Script prioritized accurately interpreting the classics and annotating their philosophical content.

Xu Yanmiao: “I wanted to ask Elder Quan…”

He glanced at the system interface showing that “Quan Yizhang is eavesdropping on Xu Yanmiao’s conversation with his grandson,” and a cunning smile appeared.

“How many ways are there to write the character ‘回’?”

Quan Xie was completely baffled. “What?”