Great Song Dynasty Writer

Chapter 336 Foreshadowing
In the second year of Jiayou's reign, it was the first day of March.

Time flies, and before we knew it, there were only four days left until the final imperial examination.

The morning sun was shining brightly as Lu Beigu stood in the passageway connecting the front shop and the back warehouse of Chengmingzhai.

Having just finished practicing the entire "Ape Strike" routine, his blood and energy surged throughout his body. His skin was slightly hot, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, but he felt no fatigue at all. Instead, he felt a sense of exhilarating pleasure.

Huang Shi, who had been practicing with him, stood aside and, seeing that his breathing was gradually becoming even, said, "My benefactor, you need to stretch your muscles and bones after practicing in order to strengthen your foundation and prevent stiffness."

After saying that, he stepped forward and gestured for him to relax.

Huang Shi's technique was highly methodical. His seemingly rough fingers precisely grasped Lu Beigu's shoulder, arm, elbow, and wrist joints and major tendons, kneading, pressing, pushing, or pulling.

His strength was deep yet gentle, with a touch of skill. He would release his grip just when Lu Beigu felt a slight soreness, and then move on to the next spot.

"hiss"

Occasionally, when he pressed on a painful spot, Lu Beigu couldn't help but gasp. The tingling sensation went straight to the depths of his bones, but it was followed by a feeling of vitality.

He felt as if invisible shackles were being unlocked one by one. His shoulders, neck, and back, which had often felt stiff from sitting and studying for long periods, were now filled with a warm current, and he felt indescribably comfortable.

While exerting his strength, Huang Shi explained in a deep voice: "This is a guiding technique supplemented by the Monkey Strike Play. It can relax muscles, loosen joints, and regulate qi and blood. Although you are not practicing martial arts, this technique is very beneficial for health and wellness. You should practice it diligently in the future, and you will find it wonderful."

The stretching was completed in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

Lu Beigu tried to move his limbs and immediately felt light and healthy. Compared with the provincial examination of the Ministry of Rites last month, he felt like he had been reborn. The soreness after the previous exercise was gone and replaced by an unprecedented lightness. He even felt as if he could lift off the ground with a light leap.

A thought struck him, and his gaze drifted to the tall courtyard wall on one side of the passageway.

This wall is much higher than the walls of ordinary houses, and the top of the wall is covered with blue tiles. Normally, a ladder is needed to climb it.

Lu Beigu took a few steps back, took a short running start, pushed off the ground with his left foot, and lifted his right leg up by bending his knee, so that his whole body could leap into the air.

After all, he was an eighteen-year-old boy, the age when his athletic ability was at its peak. In addition, he was tall and had long arms. At this moment, he easily stretched out his right arm and his fingertips touched the towering wall with ease. He could even feel the coolness of the dew remaining on the green tiles.

The landing was also more stable than before, with both feet touching the ground silently, and the slight bend in the knees dissipating all the force.

"For every inch the tendons grow longer, life is extended by ten years."

Huang Shi smiled and said, "When your blood and qi are flowing smoothly and your muscles and bones are open, you will feel light and healthy. Your every move will be different from before. My benefactor has only just begun to understand the basics."

Lu Beigu felt the vitality in his body and an unprecedented sense of control over his limbs, and he felt quite good.

This "monkey-striking exercise," combined with Huangshi's unique stretching methods, has such remarkable effects that it far surpasses ordinary running or lifting stone weights.

However, Lu Beigu couldn't yet think of any specific use for his body becoming more agile.

—Maybe one day it will be useful?
He then went to the front shop to continue reading. Shen Kuo had gone out on business today, so he had to watch the shop here.

After the first peak in custom-made glasses sales, fewer people came after that; they only came gradually.

After lunch, Lu Beigu sat down in the chair in front of him and took a nap.

The afternoon sun shone through the thin bamboo blinds, cutting out patches of light and shadow on the blue brick floor of the study, and the air was filled with the scent of sandalwood.

Suddenly, a sound came from the street outside the gate: a horseshoe struck the bluestone slabs crisply and then came to a steady stop.

He looked up and saw that the light in front of the shop had dimmed, and two figures in official robes had entered the shop one after the other.

The man in front of us was dressed in a purple robe and appeared to be around fifty years old. His brows showed signs of weariness from days of working on official documents.

Lu Beigu immediately recognized him as Tian Kuang, the Privy Councilor who had been introduced by Song Xiang and had pre-ordered the glasses long ago.

Tian Kuang was one of the few civil officials in the Song Dynasty who truly knew military affairs. He once swiftly and decisively suppressed the Baozhou mutiny and presided over the defense of the northwest. In his early years, he had been classmates with Song Xiang, but he failed the imperial examination in the second year of the Tiansheng era and later passed the examination to become a Jinshi.

After he entered Chengmingzhai, although his steps were steady, upon closer inspection, his eyes were still fixed on the ground, seemingly due to poor eyesight and a habitual fixation.

Following closely behind was an official of about forty years old with a sharp face, wearing a green official robe. As soon as he entered, his gaze quickly swept over the furnishings and shelves in the shop, and even Lu Beigu himself, with a scrutinizing look. He was clearly a capable assistant to Tian Kuang.

"Lu Shengyuan".

Tian Kuang smiled and cupped his hands in greeting. His voice was warm and gentle, like a spring stream, which diluted the oppressive feeling brought by the purple robe.

"I heard about the wonder of this item from your teacher, Song Gongxu, and immediately shamelessly ordered one. However, due to the busy affairs of the Privy Council, I have only been able to come and pick it up now. I hope you will not be offended by the long wait."

His words were humble, without any arrogance.

"Master Tian, ​​you flatter me. You are too kind."

Lu Beigu quickly put down the glasses, walked around the counter, and bowed in return.

"The glasses have been prepared long ago and were finally checked and polished a few days ago. They are just waiting for your visit."

He stepped aside and gestured, "It's too noisy here. Please come inside to talk."

Tian Kuang smiled and nodded, then followed him into the inner room.

The capable Privy Council official stopped tacitly at the entrance screen, but his gaze still subtly swept over every detail of the room, especially the antique shelves filled with various lenses and optometry tools.

The interior is even quieter and more elegantly furnished.

Under Lu Beigu's guidance, Tian Kuang sat down and subconsciously raised his hand to rub the acupoints between his eyebrows and eyes. He sighed softly, "Since last winter, the Privy Council's documents have piled up like mountains. When reading the documents and reports, the handwriting always seems like ants, blurry and difficult to read. I can only see it clearly when I get close to it. I heard that this thing has miraculous effects, so I came to bother you today."

Before he could finish speaking, he coughed lightly, clearly indicating that he had been working hard for days and had caught a chill in the spring, making him slightly short of breath.

Lu Beigu first offered a cup of freshly brewed hot tea: "Please have some tea to soothe your throat, Mr. Tian. It's still chilly in early spring, so please take care of your health."

Then, he turned around and took out an exquisite sandalwood box from a locked cabinet behind him.

Upon opening the box, a pair of tortoiseshell-rimmed glasses lay quietly on a dark silk lining. The crystal lenses were exquisitely polished, with a warm luster flowing around their edges.

"Based on the eye exam data you provided, and with reference to the style worn by Prime Minister Song, we made slight adjustments to make it as lightweight and comfortable as possible."

Lu Beigu used a silk handkerchief to hold up his glasses and explained, "The hinges on the temples are made of soft copper, which allows for slight adjustments to the tightness, so they won't put pressure on the temples even after wearing them for a long time."

Tian Kuang took it, his fingertips stroking the smooth tortoiseshell material, his eyes revealing anticipation.

He carefully unfolded the temples of his glasses and slowly placed them on his nose. The temples hooked perfectly behind his ears, and the glasses were much lighter than he had expected. He subconsciously closed his eyes for a moment to adjust, and when he opened them again, he first looked at the teacup nearby, where the unfolding shape of the tea leaves suddenly became incredibly clear.

Tian Kuang was slightly taken aback, then as if he had discovered something new and interesting, he suddenly got up and walked out of the inner room, taking a few steps to the window facing the street.

Through the crystal-clear lenses, the world outside the window seemed to be suddenly illuminated. The fine cracks in the paint peeling off the shop signs across the street, the curled stamens of the weeping crabapple blossoms at the street corner—details that used to require squinting to barely make out—were now clearly visible at normal viewing distances.

"Wonderful! This thing is truly wonderful!"

Tian Kuang couldn't help but admire the view from the window, his voice filled with joy.

He turned around, his gaze sweeping across the room, finally settling on an open copy of "The Correct Meaning of the Book of Rites" on the table.

He picked it up casually, and the small double-line annotations that he used to have to hold up to his nose to see clearly were now clearly visible at a normal reading distance, without any effort.

Tian Kuang held the book in his hands, and in the bright sunlight streaming through the window, he stood there and carefully read several pages before reluctantly putting the book down.

When he turned to Lu Beigu again, his gaze was fixed on the young man in front of him.

Through those two clear crystals, Tian Kuang's gaze lingered on Lu Beigu's face for a good four or five breaths, as if he were trying to memorize his appearance.

"Lu Shengyuan".

Tian Kuang suddenly straightened his expression and solemnly cupped his hands in greeting to Lu Beigu, a scholar who was not a scholar.

Lu Beigu was shocked and quickly stepped aside, saying, "Master Tian, ​​you mustn't! This student dares not accept such a courtesy."

Tian Kuang reached out and gently supported his arm, preventing him from turning away, and said earnestly, "This object is not only a tool for improving my eyesight, but also a treasure for improving my mind. In the past, I had difficulty seeing things and was always afraid of misjudging documents and delaying military and national affairs. I was often anxious. Today, I have obtained this mirror, which is like clearing away the clouds and seeing the sun. My mind and spirit are both refreshed. I will remember this kindness."

This isn't just polite talk; I genuinely remember this favor.

Because he was Song Xiang's friend, Lu Beigu used the best materials for everything, from the sandalwood box and tortoiseshell crystal glasses to the silk padding and the complimentary silk eyeglass cloth. Moreover, he would never accept any money from Song Xiang, and the matter of money was never even mentioned.

Lu Beigu felt that this investment was worthwhile, as it would earn him a favor from a deputy privy councilor.

After all, normally speaking, this is something that money can't buy. Countless wealthy merchants have money but don't know how to please high-ranking officials, let alone get in touch with people of the rank of Grand Secretary or Grand Secretary.

"Who knows when we might need their help?" Lu Beigu thought to himself as he saw Tian Kuang off.

As Tian Kuang stepped out of the carriage, the accompanying official in green robes hurriedly stepped forward to help him, but he politely declined by waving his hand. The high-ranking official in charge of the Privy Council lifted the hem of his purple robe with one hand and lightly supported the carriage shaft with the other, then stepped onto the footstool and climbed up steadily.

As he departed, Tian Kuang, sitting in the carriage, would occasionally adjust his glasses and open the window, looking at the scenery along the way with great interest through the lenses.

After seeing off the satisfied Tian Kuang, Lu Beigu returned to the shop and hadn't even finished his tea when he heard light footsteps outside the door, accompanied by a familiar, slightly lazy voice.

"How have you been, my dear brother?"

Lu Beigu looked up and saw Yan Jidao strolling in leisurely.

Today he wore a brand-new "after-rain sky blue" robe, the kind that literally means "sky blue," clearly custom-made and printed, with raindrop patterns on the robe.

Meanwhile, Yan Jidao wore a square scarf of the same color on his head, and a delicate jade pendant was tied to the silk sash at his waist. With each step, he swayed gently, making him look radiant and cheerful.

"Brother Shuyuan."

Lu Beigu greeted him with a smile: "What brings you here today? Judging from your expression, perhaps you've come up with another brilliant line of poetry?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Jidao's peach blossom eyes crinkled with laughter, and he waved his hand, saying, "Fine lines are common, but the joy I feel today cannot be fully expressed in words."

He leaned closer, lowered his voice, and spoke with a hint of smugness and an intimate tone as if sharing a secret.

"That neon mirror you gave me last time was a huge help!"

"Oh?" Lu Beigu cooperated by showing a curious expression.

"It's more than just a help, it's a miracle!" Yan Jidao exclaimed, beaming. "That day, I used a little trick to project the rainbow onto the beauty's fan in the sunlight, and then added a few fitting words. Hehe, naturally, well, that, she was overjoyed!"

Although he spoke vaguely, Lu Beigu understood from his expression: "In that case, I really congratulate Brother Shuyuan on getting what he wanted."

"It's all thanks to your precious brother!"

Yan Jidao was in a great mood. He patted Lu Beigu's shoulder hard and then extended a warm invitation.

"How can we not celebrate? Come on, let's go to Fanlou and have some fun! You've been in Tokyo for a while now, but I bet you haven't had a chance to properly experience the wonders of this 'best of the capital's taverns' yet?"

Mentioning Fanlou, Yan Jidao spoke with great familiarity: "Speaking of Fanlou, it is the most prosperous place in our capital city! It has five stories, with buildings facing each other, each with flying bridges and railings, connecting the light and dark areas. Beaded curtains and embroidered lintels, flickering candlelight, and bustling with people all day long. Not only does it offer delicacies from all over the world and fine wines from the Western Regions, but it also has the most outstanding singers and musicians in the capital city, with exquisite lyrics and melodies and graceful dances. It is truly the ultimate in banquet pleasure and the ultimate in human joy! Today, I will definitely let you see it for yourself."

Lu Beigu had long heard of the name Fanlou.

It was the ultimate symbol of Tokyo's prosperity, a place where rare treasures from all over the world gathered, attracting countless literati, scholars, and wealthy merchants to linger.

It would be a lie to say I don't want to experience it for myself.

However, that thought only flashed through my mind before being suppressed by stronger reason.

Lu Beigu showed a hint of apology on his face and cupped his hands, saying, "I appreciate Brother Shuyuan's kindness. I also yearn for the magnificent scenery of Fanlou. However, the imperial examination is just around the corner, and my future is at stake. I dare not slack off in the slightest. If I indulge in sensual pleasures at this time, I am afraid that I will neglect my studies and my conscience will be uneasy."

He looked at Yan Jidao earnestly and said, "How about we wait until after the palace examination, and regardless of the result, I will trouble you again to go to Fanlou for a good drink together? What do you say?"

Yan Jidao was in high spirits when he saw him decline. He was initially a little disappointed, but when he heard that what Yan Jidao said made sense and was not just empty talk, he nodded in understanding.

"Alright, business is more important. I was being presumptuous and forgot that you, the provincial champion, are now under the spotlight and cannot afford to relax for even a moment."

He was by nature easygoing and didn't insist. He laughed and said, "Since that's the case, then it's settled. After your name is called out outside Donghua Gate, we'll go to Fanlou to celebrate properly. You can't refuse then!"

“It’s a deal!” Lu Beigu agreed with a smile.

"Alright! Then I wish you the best of luck in achieving your goal!"

Yan Jidao cupped his hands in greeting and smiled. After chatting for a few more minutes, he took his leave with light steps, presumably in a hurry to attend another appointment.

After seeing Yan Jidao off, Lu Beigu returned to the counter. His gaze swept over the crystal lenses in the store, but his mind was already on the upcoming imperial examination.

While the allure of Fanlou's romantic escapades is undeniable, the strategy employed in the Golden Palace is the matter he must currently focus all his efforts on.

(End of this chapter)