Chapter 101: Forming the Literary Society

As Lu Xingchuan, Zhou Zhi, and the others had just stepped into the courtyard, Fan Jin laughed and said, “Brother Zhou, today you truly stole the spotlight! At last, that brat Xu Jing has realized just how formidable we are! Hmph! What arrogance can a mere provincial graduate have?”

In truth, Lu Xingchuan had already noticed that Xu Jing had been rather indifferent and cold toward Zhou Zhi as he left, clearly indicating a rift between them.

He remarked, “Xu Zhifu is indeed a bit prideful, but he genuinely possesses talent. None of us are his match. Otherwise, we wouldn’t all fail even the provincial exams! Alas! It’s my own incompetence—I’m still an old student who hasn’t advanced!”

Fan Jin had not expected that a single phrase would stir Lu Xingchuan’s grievances, so he quickly changed the subject. “Brother Zhou, do share the couplet’s second line! Seeing Xu Zhifu unable to respond gave me such satisfaction.”

Zhou Zhi’s cheeks flushed slightly. Fan Jin was truly cunning—he had already delved into his heart and knew that he had a second line prepared.

After a brief pause, Zhou Zhi said, “Actually, I do have one. I heard it from someone else. When someone pairs ‘Melancholy and anxiety fear recalling love,’ I think ‘A charming beauty accompanies solitude’ fits better.”

In truth, Zhou Zhi knew of several alternative second lines but was not ready to reveal them all at this moment.

“Heh heh! Excellent, ‘A charming beauty accompanies solitude’ matches well. Brother Zhou, I truly admire you!” Fan Jin chuckled and bowed deeply to Zhou Zhi. Overwhelmed, Zhou Zhi hurriedly steadied him.

Lu Xingchuan and Wei Haogu, standing nearby, clicked their tongues in admiration, silently acknowledging Zhou Zhi’s considerable literary talent. Everyone knew that Zhou Zhi always claimed to have heard these lines from others—there were hardly any scholars in the surrounding countryside. It was simply Zhou Zhi’s modesty.

Though Zhou Zhi hadn’t studied extensively, his quick wit was obvious. Now that he was practicing couplets daily, it was not surprising that he could craft such a line.

The four men slowly walked into the study and took their seats. Lu Xingchuan suddenly sighed, “This gathering with Xu Zhifu and the others has been enlightening. Our northern lands truly cannot compare to the south. The south is prosperous and densely populated, brimming with scholars. But here in the north, the land is vast and the people sparse. It’s difficult to find even a few scholars in these scattered villages.”

Wei Haogu asked, “Brother Xingchuan, are you hoping to connect more with scholars so that we might gather occasionally to study together?”

“Indeed, that idea has long been in my mind,” Lu Xingchuan answered. “They say, ‘Hear nothing outside the window, devote yourself only to the sages’ texts,’ but it’s far better to study with companions.”

“Heh heh! Brother Xingchuan, that’s a fine idea. Then let’s act at once—let’s organize a literary society. Scholars, provincial graduates, even students preparing for exams are welcome,” Fan Jin said eagerly.

He clearly enjoyed such literary gatherings. Spotting Zhou Zhi, he added, “Even talented commoners like Brother Zhou must be included.”

“That’s a good plan, but it’s hard to find many people nearby,” Lu Xingchuan sighed again.

Fan Jin pondered briefly. “How can there be so few? Here we are four already. There’s also Feng Mao, a scholar in Gaochang Town who is a good acquaintance. He counts as one. Then there’s Qiu Haolan from Zhaozhuang, just over thirty, a scholar of considerable learning. He’s another. And Yue Shuzhen from Baiyue Village, though still a student, is known to be diligent and clever. He can be counted as well.

“As for Cheng Dingbang, the fourth son of Grand Scholar Cheng Ke of Gaochang Town, he’s just seventeen but has already passed the scholar’s exam. Known as the ‘Prodigy of Qingdu,’ though I’ve never liked Cheng Ke, and Cheng Dingbang is quite aloof, so I’ll leave him out.”

Fan Jin paused, sipped his tea, then continued, “Counting them all, that’s seven or eight already. Moreover, once we establish this literary society, scholars from the surrounding countryside will flock to it. I’m afraid your Lu family estate won’t be able to accommodate them all!”

Lu Xingchuan, who rarely ventured out and mostly stayed home reading, had little contact with local scholars. Hearing that Fan Jin knew many of them brought a smile to his face.

Zhou Zhi was pleased to learn that so many scholars lived nearby. After all, he intended to pursue the imperial examinations, and making friends now would be greatly beneficial.

He agreed wholeheartedly. “If we are to form a literary society, then I must join, even though I have not studied for long.”

Wei Haogu took up the thread. “There are many scholars nearby, but none of great renown. Not even a single jinshi degree holder. From what I know, Qingdu County hasn’t produced a jinshi in years!”

Fan Jin laughed. “Heh heh! Brother Haogu, don’t say that. Although our county is small and hasn’t produced any jinshi recently, once our literary society grows, scholars from neighboring counties will surely be drawn here.

“Though Qingdu has no jinshi, nearby Lixian County, less than two hundred miles away, has many. Families like the Feng, Zhang, Han, and Liu clans there are well-known jinshi households. There’s also the Zhang family from Wan County, and the Liu family from Dingzhou. These clans not only have many jinshi but also many officials stationed in the capital and other regions. If we could befriend them, it would be hard for us not to succeed.”

“It seems you forgot the Liu family from Boye,” Wei Haogu said with a knowing smile.

“Heh heh! The Liu family from Boye? Better not mention them. They once produced Liu Jil, known as ‘Cotton Flower Liu’—a nickname given during the Chenghua era to mock him for being impervious to criticism.

Liu Jil died three years ago, but his infamous reputation still spreads widely. He served as a Grand Secretary and chief advisor but was a mere figurehead, preoccupied with personal gain and neglecting his duties.

He is the most notorious official to come from Baoding Prefecture in recent years. Though dead, he still wields some influence at court. The Boye Liu family rose to prominence because of him, producing many scholars over the years.

Despite these well-known scholarly families near Qingdu County, Zhou Zhi had been unaware. Today’s discussion greatly broadened his horizons and strengthened his resolve to pursue the imperial examinations.

Suddenly, Zhou Zhi’s curiosity was piqued. “Brother Fan, knowing so many illustrious scholarly families, have you ever heard of the Kou family from Tang County?”