Chapter 234

"... Generally, poor families of humble origin like to travel to outer commanderies; noble and powerful families are greedy for capital official positions.

I am different. Although the scenery in the capital is good, I have seen enough of it for decades, and I just like to go out and walk around.

Previously, the position of Administrator of Kuaiji was vacant, and I ran to the Ministry of Personnel several times, wanting to guard Kuaiji, but unfortunately, it didn't happen in the end.

Some people in the capital are like owls clutching a rotten mouse, saying that I, Wang Xiangqian, am aiming for Kuaiji because it is a large commandery, and those who guard it can supervise the five commanderies of eastern Zhejiang, and are equal to regional commanders, so I am plotting for Kuaiji in hopes of obtaining a provincial governorship..." (Using Kuaiji as a stepping stone to plot for a provincial governor)

Wang Yi shook his feather fan and laughed lightly:

"Little do they know that what I truly hope for are the famous mountains and waters of Kuaiji!

The clear breeze of Dongshan, the winding waters of Lanting—even if I had a provincial governor's gold seal as big as a peck, I wouldn't trade it!

This time I passed Xinting, went through Niuzhu, went upstream to Wuhu and Gushu, and saw where Huan Wen moved his garrison;

I walked through Xunyang, toured Chibi and Wulin, gazed at the rivers and mountains of the same color, and the beacon fires illuminating the river;

I reached Xiakou, faced Huanggu, entered Baling, and drifted on Dongting..."

Selected from Tan Qixiang's *Historical Atlas of China*, Volume 4, taken with a mobile phone, but there is a limit to the image size, and repeated compression failed. I don't know if it is clear now.

(Continuing the explanation of the image above, the arrows were added by me. I previously made a detailed route map magnified several times, but the size never passed!! I changed it for a long time and it didn't work! So sleepy! I had no choice but to change it to a simple sketch, just look at the general idea. The starting point of the arrow from Xunyang upward—Dalei—is where Bao Zhao wrote *Letter to My Sister While Climbing Dalei Bank*, and it was a transit station where travelers often stopped at the time. Bao Zhao went from Jiankang to Jiangzhou, taking the same route as Wang Yi. For Wang Yi's route after reaching Xiakou, see the image below)

From the route, one can see that if Wang Yi wanted to reach Jingzhou as quickly as possible, there was no need to go to Dongtinghu at all; he could have taken the Jianli and Shishou line. Even if he used the excuse that it was difficult to travel, then

(Continuing the explanation of Image 2: that would also mean turning to the upper reaches after passing the mouth of Dongtinghu; there is no reason to enter Dongtinghu. In addition, the route mentioned by Wang Yi above is very brief because this occasion is casual conversation, not a report of the itinerary, so there is no need to be detailed. If you want to see the specific details of each node, you still have to synthesize the map and historical materials)

When Wang Yi said this, his expression was intoxicated, as if he were savoring it, and then he shook his head and laughed:

"To tell you the truth, if I didn't have imperial orders, I really wouldn't want to enter Jingzhou just like that."

With Wang Yang's ability to talk nonsense, if he really wanted to accompany the conversation, he could make the topic heated regardless of whether he was introducing the topic, helping the conversation, or engaging in dialogue. But he was very quiet now, with no intention of participating in the topic at all.

The Prince of Badong felt "hehe" in his heart. He had never been interested in scenic spots, but this guy was full of interest, talking about gossip here all the time, and not talking about business at all! If it were before, regardless of whether this guy was a Langya Wang or a Cavalier Attendant, he would have made him shut up long ago! But this person was now an imperial envoy, specifically in charge of investigating the barbarian case. Although he wouldn't live long, he still had to be humored before he kicked the bucket.

Of course, humoring him was secondary; the main thing was to probe his intentions.

"There are also many scenic spots in Jingzhou. If Cavalier Attendant Wang really has the interest, you can go around. I just don't know what you will do on this trip to Jingzhou? What instructions does the imperial court have?"

Wang Yi put down his teacup and said slowly:

"I am doing three things this time. The court gave me two, which count as official business. I have one for myself, which counts as private business. The official business is first to go to the barbarians to proclaim the edict and bring back the beloved son of the old Duke Liu. The second is to investigate the case of the barbarians crossing the border. Of course, the so-called investigation is just going through the motions. Barbarian invasions, which dynasty doesn't have them? But this time they pushed into the hinterland of Jiangling, so I have to ask, so I still have to punish a few derelict generals and officials to make a show of it, which has little to do with Your Highness. As for the private business..."

Wang Yi smiled:

"That is to tour the scenic spots of Jingzhou as Your Highness said! 'The distant Wushan Mountains are in the south of Jing. The Yangtze and Han rivers flow to the ancestral hall, their currents are vast.' Jingchu was called a place of strategic importance in ancient times, and Jiangling has always been called a famous city; I have been looking forward to it for a long time! By the way, what ancient monuments are there in this city? Is Luo Junzhang's former residence still there? Does Guan Zhuangmou's commander's mansion still exist?"

The Prince of Badong was full of question marks: Luo what??? Guan what??? Who are these???

He subconsciously looked at Wang Yang, and Wang Yang said:

"Luo Han's old residence is on a small island three miles west of the city. Nowadays, it has been bought by a family surnamed Zhuo, who renovated it and built a small garden. The mistress of the house makes a good lamb soup and is especially good at making dried lamb stomach, saying it is a craft passed down from the Han Dynasty. Her ancestors once became extremely wealthy because of this. I thought to myself, isn't this what the Grand Historian called 'Dried stomach, simple and subtle, the Zhuo family rides in carriages'? Once I tasted it, it was truly extraordinary!

As for Guan Yu's commander's mansion, it was burned down during Liu Yixuan's rebellion, but the old site is where the Jingzhou Vice-Governor's mansion is now. Inside the ceremonial gate, there is a bluestone horse trough, which is said to be the feeding utensil for Guan Yu's mount. If Uncle is interested, Nephew is willing to be your guide."

Wang Yi was overjoyed:

"My nephew, you are definitely going to be my guide!

The fun of visiting ancient sites and seeking seclusion has always depended on the person.

For example, visiting the Yu Cave requires the knowledge of Sima Qian; mourning at Wucheng requires the talent of Mingyuan.

If the companions are not vulgar, the joy is doubled!

Having you travel with me is truly the great fortune of this trip!

Starting tomorrow, we will first visit Luo Han's former residence and taste the lingering charm of the Han Dynasty lamb soup; then we will pay respects at Guan Hou's commander's mansion and mourn the flowing style of the bluestone horse trough.

Then we will look for the wall where Song Yu peeked at his neighbor, and seek the tower where Huan Xuan wrote his eulogy. After seeing all the ancient monuments in the city, we will go out of the city to fish on Yanwei Island and listen to the springs in the Qi Temple. We will linger for five or six days to make this trip worthwhile."

So he came here to play?

Wang Yang silently mourned for Liu Cheng.

The Prince of Badong had other purposes and asked directly: "When will Cavalier Attendant Wang go on his mission?"

Wang Yi's expression stiffened:

"This... um... The *Zuo Zhuan* says: 'Diligently soothe them to serve the King's orders.' As a subject, one should naturally put the King's orders first, but... uh..."

Wang Yi's old face flushed slightly, and he was embarrassed.

The Prince of Badong was also embarrassed.

He really didn't mean to urge Wang Yi to set off—of course, he wanted to send Wang Yi "on his way," but he wasn't in a hurry for these few days. He asked for the time mainly to facilitate preparations. In fact, he was very happy to see Wang Yi touring the mountains and waters, as long as he didn't get in his way. If Wang Yi had really investigated secretly as soon as he arrived in Jingzhou and then reported back to the capital by fast horse, he would have had to spend more effort to guard against it. This is the best!

It's just that since he had already said that the King's orders come first, how could he round it off?!

When in trouble and unable to understand, look at Wang Yang first.

The Prince of Badong's first reaction was to look at Wang Yang.

Wang Yang had just pondered several situations and felt that Wang Yi's move might actually be a good thing for him. Of course, it would just mean Liu Cheng had to suffer for a few more days. In fact, it wasn't just a matter of suffering for a few more days; Wang Yang very much doubted whether Wang Yi's negotiations could succeed.

Wang Yang said:

"The *Book of Documents* says: 'Be cautious at the beginning, and you will be at the end, and you will not be in trouble.' *Huainanzi* says: 'Be cautious in small things, and do not miss the time in action.' Ancient gentlemen were cautious in small things and careful in fine conduct, let alone the King's orders?

Uncle is right. As a subject, one should naturally put the King's orders first, but this 'first' is the 'first' of using one's heart for the King's affairs and planning before acting; not the 'first' of acting recklessly and failing the task.

Weigh, then know the light and heavy; measure, then know the length and short. Not understanding calculation but wanting to do great things is like wanting to cross dangerous waters without a boat or oars! Now Uncle is touring the ancient monuments of Jiangling, observing the majesty of Guan Hou's legacy, and thinking about Luo Han's feelings of advancement and retreat. Externally, he shows a leisurely and relaxed mood, calming it with stillness; internally, he thinks deeply and plans, accumulating it with momentum!

This is the way of a veteran planning for the country, cautious and using affairs!"

Wang Yang cupped his fists solemnly: "Yang has been taught!"

The Prince of Badong said "Holy shit," although he didn't understand everything, he roughly heard that Wang Yang had turned the dead into the living.

Wang Yi was overjoyed, not putting on the airs of an elder, cupped his fists in return, and said repeatedly:

"Teaching and learning benefit each other, teaching and learning benefit each other!"

Then he said to the Prince of Badong: "Your Highness, then I will go shopping first... I will plan for six days first, and after six days, I will go on a mission to the Southern Barbarians!"

The Prince of Badong waved his hand:

"Cavalier Attendant, feel free to plan! How about this, I will let Kong Zhangyu accompany you to plan! He will be responsible for all expenses. With him taking care of things, you can play... you can plan more to your heart's content."

Wang Yi laughed and said: "Your Highness's kindness, I cannot refuse! Then I will thank Your Highness for your care."

"Don't be polite, it's all for the imperial court!"

After the Prince of Badong finished speaking, he turned his head, his gaze on Wang Yang, his eyes full of appreciation, and he sighed:

"Zhiyan is truly a talent! If you were to accompany the mission, with the abilities of you two uncle and nephew, how could those barbarians be your opponents?"

Wang Yang looked at the Prince of Badong,

And then revealed a smile:

"Those tiny barbarians, how could they be Uncle's opponents? Why would I need to paint a snake and add feet?"

"Zhiyan, everything about you is good, it's just that you are too modest! You are a great talent and know barbarian affairs. Joining forces with your uncle can be described as adding wings to a tiger. How can you say it's painting a snake and adding feet? If you follow the mission, you can not only help your uncle pacify the barbarians but also be of great benefit to your future. This is a good opportunity to earn merit and fame! If you have this merit, when you start your career, it will be even more logical for me to use you heavily, won't it?"

"Your Highness, actually I—"

Wang Yi snatched the words: "That's right! Nephew, you should go with Uncle. This way Uncle can have a companion. On the way, the two of us uncle and nephew can tour the mountains and waters, talk about literature and history, isn't that happy? I heard that the high peaks of Wenyang Gorge enter the clouds, the clear currents see the bottom, the mountain walls shine with five colors, and the ape calls are endless. Such a strange scene, how can Nephew miss it?"

The two stared at Wang Yang, their eyes burning.

——————

Note: ① Most of the scenic spots in Jiangling city restored in this chapter are based on medieval literature (see notes below), except for the site of Guan Yu's commander's mansion, which comes from *Six Chapters of a Floating Life*: "The Jingzhou government office is Guan Zhuangmou's commander's mansion. Inside the ceremonial gate, there is a bluestone broken horse trough, which is said to be the feeding trough for the Red Hare horse."

This is a rumor from the Qing Dynasty, and it is highly likely to be an attachment. On the contrary, the Guan Yu site in this chapter is two or three hundred years apart, and the time is closer. As for being burned down during Liu Yixuan's rebellion, it was derived from the phrase "The city was in chaos, and naked blades crossed" in the *Book of Song: Biography of Yixuan, Prince of Nanjun*. This belongs to literary imagination and should not be viewed as historical fact.

② *Book of Jin: Biography of Luo Han*: "Because the office was noisy, he built a thatched cottage on a small island in the pond west of the city."

*Jingzhou Garrison Records* cites *Stories of Zhugong*: "Moved to a small island three miles west of the city."

③ *Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of the Money-makers*: "Dried stomach, simple and subtle, the Zhuo family rides in carriages." *Suoyin*: "Jin Zhuo said: The imperial kitchen often made boiling soup with lamb stomach in the tenth month, sprinkled it with pepper and ginger powder, and dried it in the sun, so it was called dried meat, which was easy to sell and led to wealth."

④ Yu Xin's *Lament for the South* says: "Punishing the thatched cottage of Song Yu's residence, wearing a path to the mansion facing the river." This means that Song Yu's residence in Jiangling (although it may be a pseudonym, people at the time believed it) still existed at the end of the Liang Dynasty.

⑤ *A New Account of Tales of the World: Literature*: "Huan Xuan once climbed the south tower of Jiangling city and said: 'I now want to write a eulogy for Wang Xiaobo.' He then chanted for a long time and wrote it down. In one sitting, the eulogy was completed."

⑥ When serving as an official in an outer commandery during the Southern Dynasties, in addition to the normal salary, one could also receive "commandery offerings," such as public fields, farewell gifts, and local produce. From a systemic level, the income was much higher than that of capital officials. Therefore, if the emperor wanted to take care of some poor officials, he would send them to outer commanderies. This kind of care did not distinguish between noble and humble families; it depended on the financial situation. For example, Wu Di of Liang said to He Jingrong: "Xiao Jie is very poor, you can place him in a commandery." Fu Liang bowed to the Administrator of Dongyang and presented a memorial to thank him, saying: "I heard the imperial grace, granting me Dongyang. My family is poor and I am ashamed of the salary; this is a private fortune."