Chapter 27: Politely Declining the Imperial Censor

Page (1/3)

PS: Please vote for recommendations, the weekly push hasn’t even reached four hundred yet—how frustrating!

Watching Cui Jianxuan speak with a sly grin, Du Shiyi immediately understood the young man's intention: he was simply urging him to seize this opportunity to make a good impression. Imagining how Cui Weizhi would react if he knew his nephew was undermining his elders, Du Shiyi coughed to divert the conversation, saying, “You know as well as I do, Master Lu has just undergone the Golden Needle Removal procedure.”

“Senior brother has already informed the Imperial Censor, yet the man still insists on seeing him,” Cui Jianxuan replied, glancing behind him to check for progress. Seeing none, he snorted disdainfully, “My seventh uncle has struggled in his career for years. Now, thanks to your advice, he finally made the right gamble, and he’ll certainly seize the chance to show off. I heard that while the Locust Inspector was stationed at Dengfeng County Office, my uncle shadowed him day and night, abandoning all dignity—he doesn’t even mind if people laugh at him!”

They had barely exchanged a few words when the commotion outside grew louder, and soon several people emerged from the crowd.

Leading them was a man of about thirty, clad in a green robe. His face was fair and elongated, his figure thin and handsome, and the three long wisps of beard at his chin lent him an air of refined elegance. Behind him, apart from the obvious followers, were familiar faces: Dengfeng Magistrate Cui Weizhi and the Minor Prefect Qian, along with two or three others who were likely county officials.

Following them were disciples from the Lu household. Normally warm and genial, Lu Wangzhi’s face was now stern; Pei Ning’s expression was even icier than usual. The young scholars attached to Lu’s residence wore varied expressions—some were excited, some indifferent, others full of admiration.

Approaching the cottage, the man in the green robe spoke, “Is Master Lu here?”

At this moment, Lu Wangzhi, a step behind, quickly explained to Cui Jianxuan and Du Shiyi, “Eleventh Brother, Nineteenth Brother, this is Imperial Censor Liu, overseeing the locust eradication in Henan Prefecture.”

The green-robed man, seeing Cui Jianxuan and Du Shiyi at the door and hearing Lu Wangzhi’s address, smiled amiably and nodded, recognizing them as disciples of Lu Hong. Fearing that Cui Jianxuan might again speak out of turn, Du Shiyi stepped forward and bowed deeply, saying, “So it is Imperial Censor Liu! Please forgive us, but Master Lu has suffered from eye disease for years. Today, Daoist Sun from Songyang Temple performed the Golden Needle Removal, and after taking his medicine, he is still resting inside.”

As he straightened, Du Shiyi noticed Cui Weizhi squinting slightly, indifferent, while Qian seemed anxious, as if afraid his own achievements would be exposed and stolen. Even the disciples and scholars behind them were scrutinizing him. Among all these gazes, Liu scrutinized Du Shiyi with an intensity that seemed to pierce him. Yet the next moment, that unsettling look melted away like snow, replaced by a gentle smile.

“Oh? Why has Master Lu’s eye disease persisted for years, only to be treated today?”

“The Golden Needle Removal is performed directly on the eyes—its risks are obvious, so few doctors dare attempt it. Recently, I happened upon the Eight Methods of Golden Needle Removal, and with Daoist Sun confident in the procedure, he went ahead. It’s been less than half a day since the treatment. I beg Imperial Censor Liu’s understanding.”

Seeing Du Shiyi blocking the doorway, Liu narrowed his eyes, then smiled and nodded, “So that’s it. It seems my timing was unfortunate. May I ask your name and place of origin, young man?”

Page (2/3)

“Du Shiyi of Jingzhao greets Imperial Censor Liu.”

Hearing this unfamiliar name, Liu paused, while Cui Weizhi and Qian both breathed a sigh of relief. Among Lu’s disciples, thanks to Liu Ximing’s widespread praise, everyone knew Du Shiyi was the volunteer responsible for the locust eradication. Now, hearing him omit the well-known nickname, the crowd buzzed with whispers. Cui Jianxuan, baffled by Du Shiyi’s secrecy, was about to speak when his uncle, Cui Weizhi, quickly signaled him to stay silent, forcing him to turn away with a reluctant huff.

“I didn’t expect you, young Du, to help your master regain his sight.”

Both Lu Wangzhi and Pei Ning had explained that Lu Hong needed rest after the Golden Needle Removal. Now Du Shiyi mentioned Daoist Sun by name, convincing Liu to abandon his insistence on seeing Lu. With a casual compliment, Liu smiled, “Now that Master Lu can see again, I’ll report to the Emperor upon my return. As a renowned recluse, Master Lu should finally step out into the world.”

Lu Wangzhi, Pei Ning, and the other disciples, even many scholars, turned pale at this. Knowing Lu Hong’s temperament, Du Shiyi bowed again and replied, “Imperial Censor Liu is too kind. My master seeks solitude for his ideals, living righteously to fulfill his path. He often says his purpose is solely to teach and enlighten students, while the heavy task of governing the realm belongs to the state’s pillars. Now, with locusts ravaging the land, officials like you who tirelessly oversee eradication are the true pillars of the court.”

Liu Zhaoyuan, initially dismissive of Du Shiyi’s youth, found the flattering words unexpectedly pleasant, and the frustration of his fruitless journey eased. He was never fully convinced by Lu Hong’s reputation, figuring that a visit expressing respect would suffice. Since the recluse refused to serve, there was no need to press further. After another measured look at Du Shiyi, he replied, “Master Lu’s integrity is admirable. Unfortunately, I arrived at the wrong time and missed my chance to meet him. I’ll take my leave now—please convey my regards to Master Lu.”

As Liu turned to leave, Cui Weizhi signaled Qian and the others to follow, then stepped forward to nod at Du Shiyi with a smile, “Nephew, I’ll remember this favor!”

Liu Zhaoyuan had wandered the countryside and heard of Du Shiyi’s leadership in locust eradication. Yet after Dengfeng received orders from the court, all county officials threw themselves into the task, and they presented Du Shiyi as merely a passionate scholar from Jingzhao. They smoothly glossed over the matter, and Liu, aware of the truth, did not argue. Despite his own noble background, he alone could not challenge the established order of Dengfeng.

“You flatter me,” Du Shiyi replied, watching the group depart. He then asked, “Imperial Censor Liu seems quite authoritative—is he…?”

“That’s Liu Zhaoyuan, Supervising Censor. Only a low eighth rank, but he acts important thanks to Chancellor Yao’s backing! Otherwise, how could a notorious womanizer like him become a censor?”

Although a county magistrate holds a higher sixth rank, Cui Weizhi had endured Liu Zhaoyuan’s arrogance for days, and could not resist venting his annoyance. Seeing Cui Jianxuan smirking and Du Shiyi unfazed, he coughed and, adopting a paternal tone, advised, “Nineteenth Brother, the locust eradication is controversial in the court. It’s best to distance yourself. Previously, Han Sifu, the Remonstrator, was ordered to inspect the disaster, and he reported that governance and virtue were needed to quell it. That’s when Chancellor Yao sent Liu Zhaoyuan here. In short, since you’ve apprenticed yourself to the famous Master Lu, it’s better to focus on your studies.”

“You have it all planned, Seventh Uncle.”

Cui Jianxuan’s muttered remark reddened Cui Weizhi’s face, but Du Shiyi pretended not to notice, calmly offering thanks. Seeing this, Cui Jianxuan ignored further conversation, leaping lightly from the platform before the cottage, clapping his hands, and calling out to the lingering scholars, “Disperse, disperse! Let Master Lu rest in peace!”

Page (3/3)

Though Cui Jianxuan, the family nephew, was not well-liked, for the sake of maintaining ties with the Eastern Capital, Cui Weizhi glanced at the departing Liu Zhaoyuan and reminded Du Shiyi to look after Cui Jianxuan. Du Shiyi solemnly assured him, “Rest assured, sir. Since Eleventh Brother and I are now fellow disciples, we’ll weather all storms together.”

“Then I’m relieved! I need to accompany Liu Zhaoyuan these days. Please send my regards to Master Lu!”

Once Cui Weizhi hurried off, the cottage finally returned to tranquility. Du Shiyi sat cross-legged, propping his chin in contemplation.

Liu Zhaoyuan was clearly arrogant and intolerant; it was best to keep a respectful distance from such men! From Cui Weizhi’s words, it seemed the court was still embroiled in debate over locust eradication. So the illustrious Yao Chong was apparently facing difficulties lately… Then again, Du Shiyi was far from qualified to wade into those muddy waters.

Soon, Lu Wangzhi and Pei Ning returned together after seeing Liu Zhaoyuan off. Seeing Du Shiyi casually seated at the cottage door, Lu Wangzhi laughed, sat beside him, and said warmly, “Little brother, fortunately your quick thinking and flattery shut Liu Zhaoyuan’s mouth. Master Lu often says a recluse should act like one. If one treats seclusion as a shortcut, it’s not true reclusion, but mere fame-seeking! Though the court repeatedly invited him with honor, Master Lu always firmly declined. Today’s events seem destined—without the Golden Needle Removal, Master Lu couldn’t simply refuse everyone at the door.”

“Why not? That man’s eyes were shifty, clearly not upright in character,” Pei Ning remarked, hesitating before choosing not to sit with them. Seeing Du Shiyi smile at his comment, he frowned and asked, “Nineteenth Brother, what are you laughing at?”

Du Shiyi had no desire to argue with Pei Ning, the ice block, and replied earnestly, “Nothing! Once Master Lu’s eyes are healed, I plan to visit Thirteenth Sister. May I ask both of you for a day’s leave?”

It was wise to ask early, especially when cold-faced Third Brother was in a good mood!

Lu Wangzhi nodded without hesitation, “Master Lu already said you need only ask to go home. Let Fourth Brother guide you through the mountain path—though tiring, it’s much shorter.”

Pei Ning considered and eventually nodded, “Just remember to go early and return early.”

End of page (3/3)