Chapter 54: Gazing at Qi

In the afternoon, before the main gate of the Zhen residence, the Zhen family’s servants and attendants were in a tense, silent standoff with a single man.

This man had a broad forehead, yet also a long, concave face, a small nose, a catfish-like mouth, and a thick, tangled beard covering his chin — one could call it a “magnificent countenance.” But that was not the key point. The key point was that he carried a bare nine-jointed staff, wore a filthy wide-sleeved robe, and went without a cap… Anyone native to Jizhou knew exactly what this attire meant: this man was unmistakably a Daoist of the Taiping Sect.

So, although it was a standoff, the guards and household servants were generally wary, yet also tinged with a hint of curiosity and fear. After all, in this age, superstitious thinking truly spared no one, from the Son of Heaven down to the common folk.

“Wasn’t it said that after Zhang Jiao’s failed rebellion last time, he sent his disciples far and wide to other regions, leaving Jizhou itself empty instead?” Gongsun Xun, who had halted his horse several dozen paces away, suddenly turned his head and questioned Jia Chao behind him. “And yesterday you told me that the Taiping Sect here in Zhongshan was weak and feeble, with only some remnants surviving in the countryside. So where did this Daoist come from, daring to come directly to the residence of the current Bearer of the Gilded Mace?”

“I dare not deceive you, Young Master.” Jia Chao also looked puzzled. “The results of my investigation were indeed so. There may still be some remnants in the countryside, but after the failed rebellion last time, these great clans, officials, and scholars all cut off contact with the Taiping Sect. In all of Jizhou, only Julu itself still flourishes.”

Gongsun Xun frowned slightly… Jia Chao had no reason to deceive him. After the failed rebellion, it was only reasonable that the local authorities and powerful families in Jizhou had become vigilant. Moreover, the Taiping Sect’s main method of expanding its influence was through talisman water, which required a great epidemic to spread rapidly, and there had been no news of any epidemic in the past half year. More importantly, along his entire journey, apart from Julu, he indeed had not seen many traces of the Taiping Sect!

But if that was the case, what was this Daoist before him doing, flaunting himself at the gate of the Zhen clan’s direct lineage residence? Did he not know that the Zhen family was a great clan that had produced officials of the two-thousand-dan rank for generations?

“Young Master Gongsun!” Just as Gongsun Xun was staring at this Taiping Daoist with a puzzled expression, Zhen Bao, Zhen Yi’s personal attendant guarding the gate, hurriedly came up to greet him. “Young Master, you’ve finally arrived. My master had me wait here specifically for you. Young Master Yue was already settled in this morning…”

“Is this a Taiping Daoist?” Gongsun Xun directly interrupted him.

“Yes!” Zhen Bao was slightly startled, then immediately nodded.

“Why is he here?”

“It is like this, Young Master. My master is holding a belated one-month celebration for the young master tomorrow. At noon, we distributed some wine, meat, and cloth to the neighbors. After this Daoist heard about it, he appeared, claiming he was skilled in something called qi-gazing, and saying that our family would rise to great heights because of this young master. Normally, with our Zhen family’s generosity, as long as someone spoke such auspicious words, a steward would naturally take charge and invite him in for some hospitality. But didn’t the Taiping Sect rebel just half a year ago? And this man has a shifty face and is filthy and unkempt, so the stewards in charge at the gate didn’t dare to make the decision to invite him in…”

Gongsun Xun immediately laughed: “And yet, the Taiping Sect is quite ‘efficacious’ in Jizhou, so you are also somewhat afraid of this ‘Yellow Heaven’ or ‘Taiyi,’ and thus don’t dare to drive him away either?”

“That is naturally the case.” Zhen Bao laughed dryly.

“Daoist!” Gongsun Xun suddenly dismounted and walked over. “You say you can gaze at qi?!”

“Indeed.” The pig-waisted-faced Daoist holding the nine-jointed staff had actually spotted Gongsun Xun long ago, but had been pretending not to see him, waiting specifically for the other party to address him.

“This is the first time I’ve learned that a Taiping Daoist also knows qi-gazing.” Gongsun Xun laughed in spite of himself. “Isn’t your Taiping Sect’s most efficacious art talisman water? Sincerity cures all diseases, insincerity renders it ineffective… Qi-gazing is something that requires learning!”

“Before I joined the Taiping Sect, I had already studied the Classic of the Way and Virtue and the Classic of Changes,” the unkempt Daoist replied loftily. “Naturally, I can also gaze at qi and observe the stars…”

“So it turns out you are a learned master versed in the classics.” Gongsun Xun cupped his hands perfunctorily. “Then let me ask you, what do you see of my future achievements?”

“Young Master, your aura is extraordinary. The cloud qi above your head is crimson red tinged with a thread of congealed purple. Within ten years, you will certainly reach the two-thousand-dan rank.” This Taiping Daoist, his pig-waist face stern, spoke with a sidelong glance. “Beyond that, my Daoist arts are too shallow, and I can no longer see clearly.”

Gongsun Xun first looked up at the perfectly clear sky above his own head, then suddenly raised his hand and pointed at Han Dang: “Then what do you see for this gentleman?”

“This man’s fortune is intertwined with Young Master’s. What need is there to say more?” The Daoist again answered without hesitation.

Han Dang, who had just dismounted, was startled and was about to ask further, but unexpectedly Lou Gui beside him cut in first: “Daoist, look at my fortune. I come from a renowned clan of Wanluo. Can I reach the two-thousand-dan rank within ten years?”

The Daoist cast a light glance at Lou Gui and shook his head repeatedly: “I can only gaze at qi three times a day. Any more is beyond my strength.”

Gongsun Xun immediately sneered: “Then let me ask you again. You said this young master of the Zhen family will have limitless achievements in the future. Exactly what do you mean by that? Also crimson tinged with purple?”

“No. This young master here is shrouded in purple qi filling the entire residence, a nobility beyond words!” The pig-waisted-faced Daoist stroked the beard on his chin and still answered without hesitation. “I already told these people this earlier.”

“Your mother’s fart!” At these words, Zhen Bao over there suddenly flew into a rage. “If Young Master Gongsun hadn’t exposed you, I would have nearly fallen for this unscrupulous Daoist’s deception… The young master of our family for whom we are holding the one-month celebration is clearly a daughter! Where is this young master? You can’t even tell male from female, yet you speak of nobility beyond words?! Break his legs at once and hand him over to the nearby constables for discipline!”

The guards and household servants nearby also suddenly saw the light upon hearing this. They all picked up clubs and staffs, waiting only for Gongsun Xun to enter the residence before they would teach this man a lesson.

The Daoist’s face showed alarm, but he dared not easily flee… He knew full well that the moment this young noble wearing a pheasant-tailed cap walked away, he would immediately be beaten.

Thus, the Daoist hurriedly grabbed hold of Gongsun Xun, who was turning to leave, and forced out an explanation: “Young Master, do not misunderstand. You must know that a daughter is also a young master. How could I not distinguish male from female? Young Master, when I said nobility beyond words, I was speaking precisely of this daughter of the Zhen family. If this daughter becomes a Ji in the future, why could she not be noble beyond words?!”

The term “Ji” has broad meanings, but when referring to a woman, it essentially has two connotations — one is an imperial concubine, the other is a laudatory term for a noblewoman.

Now, Gongsun Xun had gone to the countryside early on and did not know whether Zhen Yi’s child was male or female. When he said “young master,” it was not a deliberate test. Of course, after this accidental exposure by Zhen Bao, he had already assumed this Taiping Daoist was a fraud. Even if not a fraud, he was just a freeloader.

But, and this is the “but”… upon hearing these words now, he felt somewhat dazed again: “You are saying that this daughter of the Zhen family might become a Ji in the future? And that she is noble beyond words?”

“Exactly so!” The pig-waisted-faced Daoist was already extremely nervous. “Exactly so! Exactly so!”

Gongsun Xun turned back to look at the perfectly clear sky above the Zhen residence, then glanced at the ugly, broad-foreheaded Taiping Daoist, his face full of bewilderment: “Do you truly know how to gaze at qi?”

“I have a slight understanding.” The Daoist sensed a shift and couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. In any case, it seemed a beating could be avoided.

“In that case, come in with me.” The corner of Gongsun Xun’s mouth couldn’t help but twitch… For one, he had never imagined that the art of qi-gazing truly existed in this world. For another, had this Daoist not reminded him, he would never have realized that his senior, Zhen Yi, was actually the mutual in-law of both Yuan Shao and Cao Cao!

Now, because Zhen Yi’s uncle was the current Bearer of the Gilded Mace, a rank beyond the standard hierarchy, the scale and layout of the Zhen residence were extremely grand. The group proceeded inside under Zhen Bao’s guidance, and along the way, Gongsun Xun chatted idly with the Daoist.

“Where is the Daoist from?”

“I am from Jinyang County, Taiyuan Commandery, Bingzhou.”

“Your accent sounds like it. What about your full name and courtesy name?”

“Surname Wang, given name Xian, courtesy name Minhong.”

“The Wang clan of Taiyuan is a renowned lineage. Although I am not clear on the specific clan relations, in the previous generation there were Wang Rou and Wang Ze, both renowned officials of the two-thousand-dan rank. Currently, there is Wang Yun, famed throughout the land. I also have a fellow student named Wang Yi, also a talent of exceptional ability… Since you are from Jinyang in Taiyuan and surnamed Wang, do you know these people?”

The Daoist’s expression was embarrassed, but he still answered crisply: “I, Xian, have disgraced the clan name. In terms of seniority, I am precisely the clan younger brother of Shuyou (Wang Rou’s courtesy name) and Jidao (Wang Ze’s courtesy name)…”

Not to mention Gongsun Xun, even Zhen Bao, who had been leading the way with lingering indignation, was dumbfounded.

However, after the group took another look at this man’s appearance, they somewhat understood — with such looks, it would be difficult not to disgrace the Wang clan’s reputation. No wonder this man had abandoned Confucianism for Daoism.

Truly, that path was blocked for him! With such an appearance, he probably couldn’t even be selected as a minor clerk!

Having understood a bit more in his heart, Gongsun Xun stopped exposing the man’s shortcomings: “Brother Minhong, since you are skilled in qi-gazing, could you elaborate on my future prospects? Just as you said this daughter of the Zhen family will only be noble beyond words if she becomes an imperial Ji, should I pursue civil or military service to reach the two-thousand-dan rank?”

“I am truly ashamed.” This Daoist Wang quickly shook his head. “Young Master, you do not understand. My Daoist arts are not refined. To discern qi in detail, I need to see a person dwelling in their own home. Only then can I gain something…”

“So that is how it is.” Gongsun Xun sighed slightly with emotion, then formally said, “To be honest with you, Daoist, I am also a guest here. Since you have discerned that this household’s daughter is noble beyond words, presumably you have something to convey. How about I introduce you to this young lady’s birth father?”

“No need, no need!” Daoist Wang quickly shook his head. “I was merely passing by and chanced upon this insight. I am not seeking anything, nor do I have anything to convey… Just being able to rest one night in this treasured place and absorb some noble qi will suffice.”

“Where are you headed?” Gongsun Xun asked seriously.

“Oh!” Daoist Wang finally breathed a sigh of relief and said, “I abandoned Confucianism for Daoism very early on and sought out Daoist arts, refining elixirs and decocting medicines in my hometown of Jinyang, to the point that my family fortune was ruined, and I once became utterly disheartened. But last year, I suddenly came into contact with the Taiping Sect in Bingzhou and heard the true name of the Great Virtuous Teacher. I am now on my way to Julu to pay homage!”

Gongsun Xun suddenly understood — so he was a pilgrim, and a bankrupt pauper who had just emerged from Mount Taixing at that. No wonder this man was so filthy, and no wonder he was unaware of the local atmosphere, directly barging into the gate of an official’s residence.

“In that case… Zhen Bao, have someone arrange for Brother Minhong to stay with us, and prepare food, lodging, bathing items, as well as some cloth and travel funds for him.” The Zhen family was wealthy enough to own half the city, so Gongsun Xun naturally would not help Zhen Dayin economize.

“Please rest assured, Young Master, I will personally arrange it.” Zhen Bao nodded repeatedly, then turned directly around. The filthy Daoist Wang hastily followed without delay, and even Gongsun Xun’s several companions tactfully went along.

For a moment, only Lou Gui and Han Dang, unlike the others, still followed, though now a maidservant had taken over leading the way ahead.

“Young Master, you are also a wise man.” Once the others were gone, Lou Gui couldn’t help but frown and ask, “How could you believe the nonsense of such a sorcerer right away? Listening to his words, there are far too many absurd and flawed points.”

“That may not be so.” Han Dang was deeply convinced of this. “Perhaps he is a figure with some genuine attainment.”

Gongsun Xun shook his head repeatedly: “I am only half-believing, half-doubting. Actually, when I first saw him, I too was certain this man was a fraud. It’s just that you don’t know — earlier in Luoyang, I heard from someone skilled in physiognomy that Brother Dayin’s daughter might achieve great wealth and nobility… Now, suddenly encountering such words, the two together force me to have some doubts.”

"That is... indeed hard to say!" At this, even Lou Gui looked somewhat stunned, let alone Han Dang, who had been somewhat convinced from the start.

There was no helping it... truly no helping it. In this age, divination by chenwei was a prominent field of study. Han Dang had believed from the very beginning, and even Lou Gui merely doubted the depth of this Daoist's skill, not that the observation of qi or the reading of stars was false. As for Gongsun Xun, he certainly did not believe at first, but that was only because he had behind him his own mother, an existence who could observe qi for eighteen hundred years, and thus had no need to concern himself with such matters.

And now, the other party's mention of "Zhen Ji" truly left him shocked and uncertain.

"Wait!" Stepping into the inner courtyard of the Zhen residence, Gongsun Xun suddenly halted again. "Brother Dayin has been away from home for over a year, and only now is there a one-month celebration... How many months did Lady Zhen carry this young lady before giving birth? Does this count as an anomaly?"

Lou Gui and Han Dang grew increasingly alarmed and uneasy... while the maidservant leading the way turned bright red in an instant, wanting to speak but stopping herself.

And so, Gongsun Xun entered the inner courtyard with a heart full of misgivings, paid his respects absentmindedly to several Zhen clan elders, and was received privately by Zhen Yi, who introduced him to his wife Lady Zhang and his two young sons, one named Zhen Yu and the other Zhen Yan. He gave them some perfunctory gifts like jade pendants, and thus the day was muddled through.

Come the next day, it must be said, Zhen Yi was of the Zhen clan's direct line, but this time it was, after all, only a daughter, and with elders present both in the clan and in the household, it would not do to make too much of it... In truth, the Gongsun brothers barely counted as guests; the rest were merely a few clan members of the same or junior generation called to keep them company.

The group drank a few cups and chatted about interesting news from Luoyang and Jizhou. It was not until noon that Lady Zhang emerged carrying an infant, who seemed to be none other than the peerless Goddess of the Luo, "Zhen Ji," spoken of by his own mother — the true guest of honor at this banquet.

"Has a name been chosen?" Gongsun Xun suddenly asked, somewhat discourteously.

"A baby girl just born — how could she have a name?" Zhen Yi, seated in the place of honor, replied dismissively. "Why does Wenqi ask?"

"I have thought of a fine name." As he spoke, Gongsun Xun actually braced himself against the low table before him and stood up, then took the opportunity to peer into Lady Zhang's arms... an infant — how could one discern any city-toppling, kingdom-toppling beauty? But after all, several months had passed, and she had barely grown into her features, enough to be called adorable.

Seeing this, Zhen Yi hurriedly rose and quickly took the infant from his wife's arms to shield her: "I traveled abroad for my studies and was away from my family for over a year. Especially this daughter — since her birth, I have only seen her once in these several months. I have truly failed as a father. Today, I had no choice but to hold a belated one-month celebration as recompense..."

"And so?" Gongsun Xun listened with considerable impatience. "I now have a fine name. Has Brother Dayin finished speaking?"

"So I say, my daughter — what need is there for you to help me choose a name?" Zhen Yi shielded his daughter and could not help but sigh. "Very well, since you have pressed me to this point, I shall give her a name myself..."

"I observe that this girl is of ineffable nobility." Gongsun Xun hastily began spouting nonsense. "In the future, she may become an imperial consort. Why not call her Zhen..."

"Then I shall accept Wenqi's auspicious words." Zhen Yi suddenly nodded. "As the ancients said, 'Ji and Jiang are the fairest.' Let her be called Zhen Jiang, then!"

Gongsun Xun felt dazed and at a loss, both startled and doubtful.

However, after the one-month celebration concluded and he returned drunkenly to the guest quarters, Han Dang suddenly came to report, bringing Jia Chao with him.

"That Daoist left without saying goodbye." Gongsun Xun asked blankly. "And left behind a written message?"

Jia Chao hastily handed over the silk letter in his hands.

Gongsun Xun fixed his eyes upon it, and his drunkenness immediately sobered by more than half... As it turned out, the silk letter stated clearly in his own words: he, Wang Xian, did not know any qi observation at all. If he did, why would he need to seek out the Great Virtuous Teacher Zhang Jiao? The truth was, after descending from Mount Taixing, he had no money, no food, and had not bathed for months. Having no other choice, he took the risk of coming to the Zhen family's gate to play the wandering swindler. As for what he said yesterday, it was mostly just fitting patter for the streets. Finally, the letter specifically thanked Gongsun Xun, saying that Gongsun Xun was a rare gentleman who did not judge by appearances, and that if he, Wang Xian, Wang Minhong, ever learned the true Dao under the Great Virtuous Teacher, he would surely repay the kindness in the future, and so on...

In any case, it left our Young Lord Gongsun fuming with rage through every orifice, yet at the same time he could not help but flush with embarrassment. Fortunately, he had drunk quite a bit of wine by then, so it did not show.

"Can either of you read this letter?" Gongsun Xun asked the two men, his face thick-skinned and full of awkwardness.

"I recognize only two or three characters," Jia Chao answered frankly.

"I..." Han Dang was mortified. "Also no more than two or three characters."

"And only the two of you know of this letter?" Gongsun Xun pressed further.

"Yes," Jia Chao replied, inexplicably growing tense.

"Naturally," Han Dang also tensed up.

Only then did Gongsun Xun breathe a sigh of relief. He immediately took out a flint, and right there in a basin in the room, burned the silk cloth on the spot. Only then did he instruct the two thoroughly frightened men: "Remember this — this matter, and this Daoist, are not to be spoken of to anyone, not even A-Yue! Now, go and tell only A-Yue and Aunt Jin. Have them prepare; tomorrow at dawn we will leave Zhongshan immediately and hurry home!"

Han Dang and Jia Chao were both parched of mouth and tongue, utterly at a loss, but could only nod repeatedly.

"Wang Xian, styled Minhong, was a man of Jinyang in Taiyuan, from a line of renowned clans for generations. His bearing was majestic. He did not study the Confucian classics but excelled at observing qi... Early on, he met the Grand Ancestor at a powerful house in Zhongshan. During the gathering, he fixed his gaze upon the Grand Ancestor for a long while. The Grand Ancestor laughed and asked, 'Sir, you are skilled at observing qi. Can you see whether I may reach the rank of two thousand dan?' Xian replied, 'In ten years, you shall surely attain it.' He asked again, 'And what after ten years?' Xian smiled but said nothing. The next day, Xian left a letter for the Grand Ancestor and departed. The letter read: 'Your qi is crimson-red and congeals into purple, surpassing all others present. After ten years, you shall rise straight up beyond the azure clouds, dwelling above the firmament and lashing the world below. Thus it shall be, and nothing more!' The Grand Ancestor did not believe it. Laughing, he showed it to those beside him and then cast it aside. Yet the letter left his hand and ignited on its own, turning to ash and smoke in an instant. All those beside him were astonished." — Old Book of Yan, Biographies of Fang Techniques

(End of Chapter)