C62. Great Scholar Cui Xuan.
Chu Hechao's faction, led by Yang Zhongfa and He Lang, spent two months searching in Youzhou, meeting many local scholars, and finally selecting the most suitable one.
Cui Xuan, also known as Xiao Cheng, is a prominent figure from Changping County, Guangyang Commandery, Youzhou, now at the age of sixty-seven. He is the son-in-law of the famous general Guan Yi and gained fame at a young age, refusing imperial appointments several times and becoming well-known in Youzhou.
After offending a eunuch and being exiled, his friends and students continuously pleaded on his behalf, leading to the dismissal of the charges during his exile. Since then, Cui Xuan has never returned to the court, focusing solely on educating others.
Cui Xuan is renowned as a teacher to many contemporary scholars, considered an elder in the scholarly community.
Notably, Ouyang Ting, Yuan Li's teacher, also received guidance from Cui Xuan.
Upon realizing that they were visiting Cui Xuan, Yuan Li was taken aback. As they hurried towards Changping County, Yuan Li rode alongside Chu He, asking, "General, why are you taking me to Cui Xuan?"
Chu He replied, "What do you mean?"
Due to the strong winds while riding, Yuan Li cleared his throat and raised his voice, "I mean, why are you taking me to Cui Xuan?"
Chu He responded this time, "On the day of your capping ceremony, you will need a great scholar to crown you and give you a courtesy name."
If Cui Xuan were to crown and name Yuan Li, it would bring him fame not only in Youzhou but also in the surrounding states.
Although Yuan Li had already gained a certain reputation in the neighboring states, especially after helping Chu Hechao defeat the leader of the Xiongnu and suppress the bandits in Youzhou, his influence was rapidly growing.
However, the fame that Cui Xuan could bring Yuan Li, combined with his own reputation, would be invaluable. Cui Xuan's influence extended to the scholarly class, allowing Yuan Li's reputation to spread even further.
Having a local scholar like Cui Xuan preside over Yuan Li's coronation ceremony in the absence of his father and other elders would bode well for his future.
Yuan Li blinked in surprise and asked, "Have you been busy with this for the past two months?"
Chu Hechao smirked, his face showing a hint of hardness in the contours, and nonchalantly replied, "Are you kidding me? Would I be so busy for this trivial matter? It's just a side task."
With that, he suddenly accelerated, leaving Yuan Li behind and nearly splattering mud on his face with the horse's hooves.
Yuan Li turned his head to avoid it, feeling a surge of competitiveness. He picked up speed to catch up with Chu Hechao and casually said, "If it's just a side task for the general, then I won't thank you too much. After all, it's just a minor matter."
Finishing his words, Yuan Li politely smiled at Chu He and spurred his horse to overtake him.
Chu Hechao tightened his grip on the reins, squinting at Yuan Li's back, "..."
Impressive kid.
He slightly leaned forward, the sound of the whip slicing the air.
As Yuan Li heard the increasing sound of approaching horses behind him, he found Chu Hechao getting closer. When he met Chu Hechao's gaze, Yuan Li felt a shiver down his spine, as if he had provoked a tiger and was now being targeted by a fierce hunter.
Hastily, he turned his head back and accelerated once again.
Behind them, Yang Zhongfa and He Lang spat out sand from their mouths with a "spit, spit," wondering, "Why are these two suddenly racing each other!"
"Chase, chase, chase!"
The group galloped on, increasing their speed, and by noon on the second day, they arrived at Mangshan Mountain in Changping County.
Cui Xuan resides at the foot of Mangshan Mountain. Yuan Li, the traveler, asked a farmer to tidy up his traveling gear and brought a gift before heading to visit Cui Xuan.
The scholar's residence is nestled among a grove of bamboo, with a mountain stream flowing nearby. Inside the mountains, the winter cold still lingers compared to the outside.
After knocking on the door, a young boy quickly greeted them. Before anyone could speak, the boy habitually said, "My master is not available, please come back."
Upon seeing the soldiers with swords and spears around their waists, the boy was slightly surprised. How come there were warriors visiting his master?
Nonetheless, he prepared to close the door. Chu Hechao held his sword against the door crack and smirked, "How do you know your master is not in when you haven't announced us?"
The boy exclaimed in annoyance, "How dare you?! I have already informed you that my master is not available. Don't you understand basic courtesy? How rude of you?! Do you think you can mock and berate me like the rest of the world?"
"Indeed, under the guidance of the esteemed scholar Cui Xuan, even a mere gatekeeper dares to dismiss guests with highfalutin words," Chu Hechao sneered. "Allow me to say this. We, as northern frontier generals, safeguard the borders of Beizhou, defend against external invasions, protect the people of Youzhou, and risk our lives for the welfare of the citizens. Is this the way Cui Xuan treats those who serve the people selflessly?"
Chu Hechao retracted his sword. "I wonder how you and your master will handle this situation when word gets out."
The boy's face instantly paled, feeling flustered. He stammered, "Please, gentlemen, wait a moment. I will go and inform my master immediately."
Without even closing the door, he hastily turned and ran off.
He Lang grumbled, "I detest these pretentious scholars."
Moments later, the boy returned and respectfully opened the door. "Please follow me, gentlemen. Master is awaiting you inside."
The travelers followed him, weaving through the bamboo grove and stone bridge, arriving at the bamboo house.
Under the eaves, an old man with flowing white beard was wrapped in a quilt, leaning against the wall, sound asleep.
It was clear to everyone that he was feigning sleep. If it were a scholar seeking knowledge, they would have to wait until he woke up. But the people around Yuan Li were rough and tough, so they all maintained a similar demeanor.
Yang Zhongfa cleared his throat loudly, feigning ignorance of etiquette. "Old master, wake up! Guests have arrived!"
After calling out a few more times, Cui Xuan finally opened his eyes. He sat up, beckoning for the servants to serve tea, his aged voice tinged with drowsiness. "Please, gentlemen, have a seat."
Chu Hechao led Yuan Li over to sit, while the others remained in the courtyard.
Cui Xuan shakily lifted his hand to sip his tea, remaining silent. He Lang spoke up, "Old master, why are you napping under the eaves wrapped in a quilt?"
"Well, I was taking a break, but my servant was so frightened that he ran over. Hearing your voices from him, I couldn't possibly continue sleeping," Cui Xuan replied with an air of sarcasm. "So, to welcome esteemed guests, I didn't even bother putting on my robe and shoes but rushed here to wait for you."
However, he realized that the group showed no reaction to his sarcastic tone, seemingly oblivious to his mockery. Only Yuan Li flashed a apologetic smile in response.
Cui Xuan focused his gaze on Yuan Li and sensed a hint of shame in him. "Do you have something to say, young man?"
Yuan Li chuckled and said, "It's colder in the mountains, so wrapping yourself in a blanket is warmer than wearing clothes."
Cui Xuan's eyes widened in disbelief. He couldn't believe that this young, uncouth man could be so shameless. He snorted coldly, too angry to speak.
Yuan Li had heard rumors about Cui Xuan. This great scholar was different from the traditional scholar in terms of his personality. He was willful and unconventional.
When Cui Xuan was young, he was recruited by the imperial court, but he refused to take office because he found the position too insignificant. He even complained to his friends about the court's stinginess, vowing never to accept such a lowly position.
Later, when the northern border of Youzhou was invaded by barbarians, and before Chu He's rise to power, Youzhou was in chaos and the price of rice skyrocketed. Cui Xuan couldn't afford food, so he told his friends again that he was going to apply for the imperial court's recruitment.
The friend was dumbfounded and said, "It is widely known in Youzhou that you refused official positions before because you thought they were too lowly, but now you are willing to answer the call. Aren't you afraid of being mocked?"
Cui Xuan boldly replied, "The most important thing is to have enough to eat and survive. What use is reputation? Let them mock me, my reputation and life are priceless. The bigger the rock, the more rain it withstands. As a proud child of heaven, why should I fear a little mockery?"
However, Cui Xuan also feared facing criticism alone, so he used his eloquence to persuade his friend and together they went to seek official positions. When the news spread, they were mocked for many years. The poor friend could only follow Cui Xuan in embarrassment.
It wasn't until Cui Xuan was framed by eunuchs that the scholars' disdain for eunuchs helped him clear his name and become a renowned scholar.
Therefore, Yuan Li felt that this old man's character did not really care about their shamelessness, as he himself was shameless.
Cui Xuan didn't seem angry. After finishing his tea, he asked sternly, "Why have you come to visit me?"
Chu Hechao slowly revealed their purpose. Cui Xuan's expression remained unchanged, but he was inwardly surprised.
The visitors' background was unexpectedly significant!
Cui Xuan had recently heard of General Chu Hechao's in killing the Xiongnu leader Huyan Wuzhu with the help of Yuanl Li in Youzhou. He was thrilled when he heard about it and even wanted to sing a few songs.
As a resident of Youzhou who had suffered from Xiongnu wars, he hated these people and admired Chu He and Yuan Li for their efforts.
He even started writing poems and essays to praise their achievements.
But before he could finish, he saw them in person in such a surprising manner!
Cui Xuan's tension slowly dissipated as he curiously examined the general and the young man in front of him.
Both of them exuded an extraordinary aura, towering and powerful, gentle yet firm, like dragons and phoenixes among men.
He was initially curious about the sudden appearance of an envoy in Youzhou and who this envoy was. But now he understood that this young man, who had not yet received his official title, was temporarily in charge of the envoy post, which gradually became the permanent envoy post.
After all, in the eyes of the common people, there was no difference between the two.
Chu Hechao promptly stated their purpose and asked Cui Xuan to preside over the coronation ceremony for Yuan Li on March 13.
Yuan Li sat beside him, smiling, and remained silent throughout.
Although Cui Xuan had a favorable impression of these two, he had not left his bamboo hut in over ten years and disliked involvement with nobility and officials. He had sworn with his friend never to leave Mangshan until his death. He directly refused, citing his old age, mobility issues, and inability to undertake such a journey.
Chu He patiently offered, "I have arranged a carriage for you."
Cui Xuan took his tea bowl and subtly wiped the tea, signaling the end of the visit.
However, Chu He and Yuan Li remained unmoved, sitting composedly.
Cui Xuan's anger began to surface, and he firmly reiterated his refusal, this time more direct, "If you seek commentary or annotations, I will gladly offer my assistance. But for matters like the coronation, do not come to me. I have sworn not to leave Mangshan until my death."
Chu Hechao said, "His teacher, Ouyang Ting, also received your favor."
Cui Xuan was stunned, looked at Yuan Li, sighed, and then softened his tone, "As one grows old, they often become stubborn. I truly do not intend to leave this bamboo forest. I can write a recommendation letter for this child and invite other renowned scholars to come and officiate his coronation. General, let's not make things difficult for each other. Is that acceptable?"
Chu Hechao frowned, realizing that there was no room for negotiation. He turned to Yuan Li, silently asking for his opinion.
Yuan Li, who was not concerned about who would crown him, stood up, bowed to Cui Xuan, and said, "Thank you, sir."
Cui Xuan stroked his beard, nodded contentedly.
As they chatted a bit more, the atmosphere was pleasant until they heard hurried footsteps approaching. They turned to see several servants running frantically towards the main gate from the other side.
Following the servants were two maids who knelt in front of Cui Xuan, their faces filled with anxiety. One of them choked back tears as she said, "Sir, the young master is in trouble!"
Cui Xuan's face turned pale, and he hastily stood up, almost tripping over the table. Thankfully, Yuan Li helped him steady himself. "What's wrong with my grandson?" he asked in alarm.
As they spoke, the maids led the way to the grandson. Worried about Cui Xuan falling, Yuan Li supported him as they hurried towards the child.
The others exchanged worried looks and quickly followed.
When they reached the bedroom, they found a distraught scene. Cui Xuan's son and daughter-in-law were kneeling beside the bed, where a young boy around three or four years old was struggling to breathe, his face red and his body curled up from severe coughing.
The maid continued to cry, saying, "The young master was fine just a while ago, but after eating half a pastry, he suddenly became like this. A doctor has been summoned, but we do not know if he will make it before the doctor arrives."
Cui Xuan's vision blurred, and he instinctively reproached, "Stop talking nonsense!"
Yuan Li noticed the child's condition and furrowed his brows, realizing that the boy was choking.
He solemnly released Cui Xuan, walked over decisively, and proclaimed, "Step aside, I can save him."