The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 62

"Then so be it. Please have a seat, Scholar Xu and Scholar Cui. The magistrate from Fang County has not yet arrived, so I will have a short chat with you two first."

County Magistrate Wu sat down first, and the other two followed suit.

"You two talented individuals have won the favor of the imperial court with your work on the 'Hundred Family Surnames,' which is not only an honor for you but also a great honor for the entire Dingxiang County. On behalf of the county government, I would like to express my gratitude to you both," said Magistrate Wu.

"No, no, we wouldn't dare," Xu Tian and Mr. Cui quickly replied, bowing respectfully.

"We are just ordinary people with no special skills. We are fortunate enough to be able to do something and contribute our meager strength. We are extremely lucky," Mr. Cui said first.

“Exactly,” Xu Tian echoed.

"You are too modest. I heard that you two were recommended by Secretary Zheng of the prefecture. I have met with Master Zheng many times and had a very pleasant conversation with him. I also have great respect for him."

"Master Zheng truly lives up to his reputation as the top scholar; he has a discerning eye for talent. If it weren't for him, we might have missed this opportunity and left with regrets," said Magistrate Wu.

"Speaking of which, we must thank Master Zheng for his help. However, this was all by chance. Master Zheng happened to learn about the article 'Hundred Family Surnames' and gave it his strong recommendation, which led to this fortunate event," Xu Tian explained briefly.

"It seems that Scholar Xu is quite favored by the prefectural government. Last time, Prefect Li gave him a generous reward, which shows that he is treating you exceptionally well," Wu Xiancheng said, bringing up the previous incident again.

"It was my good fortune to say that Governor Li was a generous man. We had only met once and exchanged a few words, yet he bestowed upon me a considerable reward for some trivial trinket. I am still deeply grateful to this day."

"Speaking of this matter, I also want to thank the county government. Half of the reward came from the county government. Thank you for your kindness." As he spoke, Xu Tian stood up and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect.

“That’s only right.” Magistrate Wu was about to continue speaking when he saw someone enter through the back door, and he immediately stood up.

Upon seeing this, Xu Tian realized that the county magistrate and his entourage had probably arrived. Mr. Cui also stood up to greet them.

"Hehe, I am very pleased to meet two outstanding talents from Dingxiang City today." The person in the lead was not very old, not even forty years old. According to his self-proclaimed title, he was the county magistrate.

"Greetings, Magistrate Fang," the two men greeted him with clasped hands.

"I suppose the two scholars already know what we are here for today. Your masterpiece, the Hundred Family Surnames, has been selected by the court, which is a great honor. The reward has been issued, along with an imperial edict."

It's getting late, and this matter is of utmost importance; we can discuss it later. For now, I will announce the imperial edict to you both; please listen attentively.

As Magistrate Fang spoke, he respectfully picked up a scroll of silk from a tray held by a servant beside him with both hands.

Xu Tian's attention was originally on Magistrate Fang's movements when he felt a light touch on his waist. Turning his head, he saw that Mr. Cui was bowing with his hands clasped in front of him. He realized that even receiving imperial edicts required etiquette.

He followed Mr. Cui's actions and performed the proper etiquette.

Seeing the two men's respectful demeanor, Magistrate Fang said nothing. He unfolded the document and read aloud, "The imperial edict states:..."

Magistrate Fang read the text with a serious and earnest tone, his words rising and falling in rhythm, just like a teacher.

Xu Tian lowered his head, only half understanding what he was hearing. The imperial edict was too literary in its wording, with some incomprehensible allusions, and not plain enough.

However, I understood the general meaning. First, they praised the two men for their virtuous literary talents and their reputation for poetry and prose among the people. Then, they commented on the article "Hundred Family Surnames," saying that it had some ingenious ideas worth mentioning.