Chapter Thirty-Six: You Truly Don’t Understand

Kong Sheng had a simple supper at the Yang residence. Compared with modern society, the food of this era was far too plain and crude—even in the home of a dignitary like Yang Qi, the difference from commoners lay only in the presence of meat. The variety, appearance, taste, and even nutritional content of the dishes remained primitive. This troubled Kong Sheng deeply, but he had no time to indulge his appetite; as long as he could fill his stomach, it sufficed.

In truth, it was not only the food that unsettled Kong Sheng, but every aspect of clothing, shelter, and daily life. Take, for example, the morning ritual of cleaning one's teeth. Watching people chew willow twigs as a substitute for proper brushing left him bemused and helpless, forced to adapt to local custom. Even the fine wine, so sought after by noble scholars, proved bland and tasteless; after two attempts, Kong Sheng lost interest entirely.

At supper, Yang Qi, intent on conveying his goodwill and drawing Kong Sheng in, instructed his servants to serve ten-year-aged Daughter Red from the south. Seeing Kong Sheng accept and drain each cup without a change of expression, Yang Qi praised his remarkable capacity for drink.

The atmosphere at supper was friendly, almost like a tender family gathering. Since Yang Qi played the part of a benevolent elder, Kong Sheng could hardly expose the pretense, at least not openly; he responded with utmost respect and humility. This, he felt, was no disgrace—Yang Qi was his senior, and there was nothing wrong in lowering himself before an elder.

Yang Qi was delighted. After supper, he even had the head steward, Yang Kuan, personally escort Kong Sheng out, showing him every courtesy. Lady Zheng was displeased, but could do nothing about it.

Night had fallen. Kong Sheng descended the steps of the Yang residence, turned, and bowed to Yang Kuan. “Head Steward, please return. I take my leave now.”

Yang Kuan laughed heartily. “Young master Kong, the night is deep. Go home and rest; I shall not see you further on your way.”

A hint of gravity crossed Yang Kuan’s lips.

Yang Qi’s unusual hospitality toward Kong Sheng tonight made it clear to Yang Kuan, as head steward, that his master was determined to draw Kong Sheng into his circle. At the same time, it was a signal to many in the city: Kong Sheng was still under the Yang family’s protection; anyone wishing to harm him would have to think twice.

Kong Sheng caught sight of the imposing eaves and broad gates of the Yang residence in his peripheral vision as he slowly walked toward the depths of the alley. A strong sense of danger welled up within him—Yang Qi’s restless ambition meant he could no longer remain in Jiangning for long.

Yang Qi’s intent to draw him in was clear as day. Should he refuse, he risked being crushed by Yang Qi’s overwhelming power; yet, if Yang Qi acted, Kong Sheng would be implicated, branded a traitor and rebel, with no hope of redemption in the Tang dynasty.

Kong Sheng’s first instinct was to leave Jiangnan at once, journey to the Central Plains, and sever ties with the Yang family forever.

But where could he find refuge after leaving Jiangnan? Sima Chengzhen’s recommendation had yet to arrive. If he fled and hid his name, would he not lose his chance to change his fate forever?

On his way back to the inn, Kong Sheng wavered, weighing his options again and again, unable to decide. It was not indecision, but the gravity of the matter; a single misstep could lead to ruin, and caution was paramount.

But as he stepped onto the corridor of the inn, he suddenly smiled, and all his heaviness evaporated. There was no record of rebellion in Jiangnan in the histories; this meant that, while Yang Qi had ambition, he ultimately failed to act. Indeed, after the An Lushan Rebellion, the Tang’s feudal lords carved up the realm, the court was powerless, and the imperial authority diminished. How many powerful local rulers harbored ambitions to seize advantage? There was no exact number, but ambition did not guarantee action.

If so, why worry needlessly?

It was best to observe for now; once Yang Qi showed signs of rebellion, it would not be too late to decide his course. Perhaps, before then, the opportunity to change his fate would present itself. If he answered the imperial summons and left Jiangnan, whether Yang Qi rebelled, remained the same, or gained rank, what did it matter to him?

A figure clad in white appeared not far away. Mu Changfeng, dressed in white and holding a long sword, stood facing the wind. In the flickering candlelight, his clear and spirited eyes shone even brighter.

Kong Sheng smiled, bowed, and said, “Brother Mu, you’re here.”

Mu Changfeng replied coolly, “I came to ask you, since you have neither a foothold nor a place to call home in Jiangning, and since you have made many enemies—some powerful enough to wish you dead—why do you not leave and seek another path? Do you truly wish to become a son-in-law of the Yang family and attach yourself to Magistrate Yang?”

Mu Changfeng had been following Kong Sheng these past days and had gained a full understanding of his situation and background. He could not fathom why Kong Sheng, clearly unable to thrive in the city, did not leave to find a place to establish himself. With his talent in literature and innate strength, how could he fear for his future?

Kong Sheng fell silent, gazing up at the gloomy sky. He spoke softly: “If I sought high connections, I would not have publicly refused Magistrate Yang’s offer to renew the engagement. If I merely wanted a meal with the Yang family, I would not need to become Yang Qi’s son-in-law.”

Mu Changfeng asked gravely, “Then why do you not leave?”

Kong Sheng bowed. “Please tell me, Brother Mu—if I leave Jiangnan, where should I go?”

Mu Changfeng smiled lightly. “The world is vast; is there any place that cannot shelter you? You possess both literary and martial talent—how could you not find your way in the future?”

Kong Sheng laughed. “The world is vast, of course, and I could go anywhere. But I am not like you, Brother Mu. What you seek is boundless freedom, while I desire to be grounded, advancing step by step. You disregard the constraints of society, even the laws of the empire, and ride through the realm with abandon—but I cannot. What you seek, I understand; what I seek and pursue, you do not.”

Mu Changfeng’s expression was ambiguous, his tone tinged with irony. “Why cloak it in such noble words? Are you not simply after fame and fortune?”

Kong Sheng’s smile faded. “Fame and fortune are inescapable for all, for you as well as for me. But the world is vast, the stars endless—there are so many things far more worthy of pursuit than fame and fortune. You, Brother Mu, are gazing at the sky from the bottom of a well, measuring others by yourself. So you truly do not understand.”

Mu Changfeng laughed coldly. “I have met many in my journeys, but never one so arrogant and self-important as you, young man!”

Kong Sheng looked up at Mu Changfeng’s proud, cold face, the corner of his mouth curving in an enigmatic smile. He had never expected to truly win Mu Changfeng to his side; forcing him to agree to follow for three years that day had been little more than a whim.