Chapter Ninety-Four: The Debate

Zhou Zhi’s intuition was correct. Although the other two men were not yet well known, their reputations would far surpass that of Xu Jing in the future.

One was named Wu Wending, styled Shitai, a native of Songzi. He wore a long blue cloth robe and a square kerchief on his head. Despite his scholar’s attire, his imposing appearance exuded a heroic spirit.

The other, also wearing a square kerchief, was dressed quite plainly, even somewhat shabby, yet he carried an air of steady experience. His name was Gu Dingchen, styled Jiuhe, from Kunshan in Suzhou Prefecture.

Gu Dingchen appeared somewhat down on his luck and was not talkative. When others spoke, he listened quietly, occasionally adding a remark or two.

In later times, Zhou Zhi would naturally have heard of Gu Dingchen of the Ming dynasty and even become familiar with him. Though currently unknown, he would go on to achieve great success, becoming a senior official through three reigns and, most notably, later attaining the highest scholar’s degree.

Xu Jing, Wu Wending, and Gu Dingchen were all from Jiangnan, yet they were friends with Lü Xingchuan, which piqued the curiosity of Zhou Zhi and Fan Jin.

Lü Xingchuan quickly explained. He had met these three at his aunt’s home in Xinxian. By chance, Lü’s cousin had traveled south to Jiangnan and met Xu Jing.

Xu Jing then introduced Wu Wending and Gu Dingchen to Lü’s cousin, and from then on, the three became close friends with him. Though separated by great distance and poor transportation, they maintained frequent correspondence. Their current journey to the north was specifically to visit Lü’s cousin in Xinxian.

They had spent several days at Lü’s cousin’s home, engaging in lively discussions on the classics and philosophy. Now, as the year’s end approached, they were returning to Jiangnan and stopping by to see Lü Xingchuan.

Though Lü knew them, he had not spent much time with them personally; most of their interaction had been through letters.

Zhou Zhi pondered silently. Since Xu Jing, Wu Wending, and Gu Dingchen would all achieve considerable success, and they were close friends with Lü’s cousin, that cousin must be a notable figure as well. Yet Lü Xingchuan had never mentioned his cousin’s name, and Zhou Zhi did not dare inquire. He resolved to ask Lü about him later.

After the group settled in the parlor, the old servant surnamed Ding promptly served fine Yashan tea. The room was warmed by several charcoal braziers. Xu Jing removed his splendid fox fur coat, revealing only a brocade jacket beneath.

He sipped the fragrant tea and remarked, “This is my second visit to the north. The north truly cannot compare to the south—just the weather alone is bitterly cold. When I came north last summer, I thought the region quite agreeable, but now, facing the winter, it is truly harsh.”

“The Ming dynasty has declared, ‘The Son of Heaven guards the nation’s gate; the sovereign dies for the realm,’ relocating the capital to the north. Ha! This is hardly pleasant for us southern scholars!” His tone was confident, referring to the difficulty of adapting to such cold weather after passing the imperial examinations and serving in the capital.

Wu Wending responded, “A true man’s ambition lies beyond the horizon. One must read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles. Though the northern cold vexes you, brother Xu, such complaints are unbecoming of a gentleman.” Wu’s straightforwardness, tempered by a northern boldness despite his southern origins, shone through.

“Ha! Listen to you, Brother Shitai, always speaking so grandly. I only said the northern cold is unpleasant. How does that relate to a man’s ambition? You overthink it, overthink it, ha!” Xu Jing smiled calmly.

Gu Dingchen sat upright and silent, accustomed to their frequent bickering over trivial matters during their journey.

Xu Jing came from a wealthy, pampered family and was his parents’ cherished son. Naturally, his adaptability to harsh environments was limited. Yet he was exceptionally gifted and diligent in his studies. At just twenty-three, he had passed the provincial exams, becoming the youngest successful candidate in the Jiangyin area, renowned throughout Jiangnan. Legend had it, “Since the Xia and Shang dynasties, none in the world rival Xu Zhifu.”

Wu Wending, by contrast, was from a modest background and had worked from a young age, honing his resilience. His straightforward, upright character complemented his adaptability.

Their differing upbringings shaped their distinct personalities, yet this did not hinder their friendship. Though often quarrelsome, their bond was deep.

Lü Xingchuan laughed, “Brothers, no need for pointless disputes. The north has its virtues, and the south its own. Our vast realm nurtures its people according to the land and waters.”

“Indeed,” Xu Jing agreed heartily. “The south excels in poetry, the north in steadfastness—each with its own merits.”

However, Fan Jin concealed his displeasure at these words. Xu Jing’s success was remarkable, but his remark implied that northerners were inferior in scholarship, which irked Fan Jin, despite his fifty years.

Stroking his graying beard, Fan Jin smiled, “Brother Xu’s praise of northern steadfastness is well warranted. Northerners are passionate and bold. But to say the south excels in poetry somewhat diminishes the north, as if we lack literary talent. That seems unfair.”

Xu Jing frowned slightly, thinking, “The phrase ‘The south excels in poetry, the north in steadfastness’ was spoken by Emperor Renzong of Ming, not something I made up.” He was surprised Fan Jin took such exception. If Fan wished to argue, he might as well debate the emperor.

Though proud of his early success, Xu Jing restrained himself but responded, “Brother Fan, I disagree. Consider the great poets of history—are more of them from the south or the north?”

He was about to cite names and argue his point when Fan Jin, though only a scholar at the county level, was also well-read and unwilling to concede. The two prepared to engage in a spirited contest of words.

What should have been a joyful reunion grew tense and awkward.

Lü Xingchuan quickly intervened with a smile, “Whether north or south, all are subjects of the Ming. Today, we gather as friends, so let us set aside such disputes. Ha! Come, drink tea!”

Wei Haogu also joined in soothing the mood, finally tempering their rivalry.

Xu Jing and Fan Jin laughed heartily together, easing the tension.

Xu Jing said, “Indeed, today we are united by fate. We are all scholars with a common goal: to succeed in the imperial examinations and serve as officials. Let us discuss the classical essays, learn from one another, and improve together.”

His eyes swept across the group before resting on Zhou Zhi. Studying him carefully, he added, “Though young, Brother Zhou must be quick-witted and insightful to have earned Brother Xingchuan’s regard.”