The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 65

Therefore, the other statements in the Classic of Mountains and Seas should also be true.

"The world is truly full of wonders. This ape is not much different from a human; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a savage," commented Magistrate Wu.

Xu Tian continued, "Many things in the Classic of Mountains and Seas are real, but they are too ancient and distant."

In ancient times, records were made on bamboo slips, and the language was ancient and concise. During the transmission process, much of it was lost, reversed, or omitted. Furthermore, it was translated, altered, and embellished by later generations, which is why it seems so strange and incomprehensible.

If the original Shan Hai Tu (a type of Chinese landscape painting) had survived, it would be immediately clear what it was, without any need for guessing.

Another possibility is that some of the animals mentioned in the book once existed, but their numbers were so small that they are now extinct.

Generally speaking, the larger the animal, the more likely it is to become extinct, or it will hide deep in the mountains and forests, remaining unknown to humans.

"What Scholar Xu said is excellent. That's roughly the point. You are also a person of great learning and memory. You know quite a lot about this." Magistrate Fang praised.

"You flatter me, Magistrate. I am only relatively knowledgeable about Taoism and have read many miscellaneous books. I am not very proficient in Confucian classics, which is exactly what I need to learn from you all."

"I heard that Scholar Xu has connections with the Prefect's Office?" Magistrate Fang asked in turn.

Here we go again. Xu Tian was already prepared. People in officialdom are indeed most concerned about the intricacies of officialdom.

“There is a connection. At the beginning of the year, on the Lantern Festival, there was a gathering of scholars near Dingxiang City. I was fortunate enough to meet Secretary Zheng and wanted to learn Confucian literature from him. Later, with his guidance and recommendation, I presented him with an article on the Hundred Family Surnames, which led to today’s events,” Xu Tian explained again.

“Oh, Secretary Zheng was the top scholar in the imperial examinations in the past, and he also participated in Governor Li’s pacification of Caizhou. He has a bright future ahead of him and is at least capable of becoming a governor of a major prefecture. It is a good thing that you can get to know him.”

"It was a fortunate coincidence, and I am truly blessed."

“I heard about the Lantern Festival gathering in Dingxiang City when I was young, but I never had the chance to attend. Now that I have an official position and worldly affairs, it is even more inconvenient. I heard that Scholar Xu displayed his literary talent on that day and composed a series of excellent verses. I have heard some of his verses many times before, and they are truly excellent.”

"Thank you for your praise, Magistrate. To be honest, the atmosphere at the banquet that day was quite lively, and my drinking companions pressed me to write poems. In the end, I couldn't let everyone down, so I could only recite all the lines I had painstakingly accumulated over the years."

After this, it will be difficult; it will be hard to find another excellent line.

"Haha, Scholar Xu's words are quite witty. However, as the saying goes, out with the old, in with the new. There will surely be even better words in the future."

"I hope that's true, Magistrate Xie's words are auspicious."

The group chatted for a while longer, with Magistrate Fang asking questions and Zhang and Cui providing answers and explanations, while Assistant Magistrate Wu added his own touches to create a lively atmosphere.

Finally, seeing that the time was right, the two men stood up and asked to take their leave. Magistrate Fang offered a few words of encouragement and then arranged for Assistant Magistrate Wu to see them off.

At the entrance of the county government building.

“Magistrate Wu, you are busy with official business, please wait a moment. We will take our leave shortly.”

"Well then, I won't go any further. The tribute has been prepared and loaded onto the carriage. The servants will accompany you to your door."