Chapter 89: Auspicious Snow Heralds a Bountiful Year

Li Xuan stood atop the bamboo loft on this side, and gradually a thought arose within him: to entice Kong Sheng into serving under the Prince of Guo. Over there, Kong Sheng calmed his breath and sheathed his sword, his expression composed.

He looked up at the sky. A few gentle snowflakes drifted down, landing on his cheek, damp and cold.

The snow was still falling. Kong Sheng exhaled deeply. After yesterday’s fierce flurry, now came the feathery, scattered snow, light and persistent—not heavy, but enough to wear one down. Suddenly, he recalled how a great writer of later generations described the snow in Jiangnan—

"The snow in Jiangnan is moist and beautiful beyond compare; it is the subtle hint of youthful spring, the healthy skin of a maiden. Amidst the snowy fields lie blood-red camellias, pale blue single-petal plum blossoms, deep yellow wax plum, and beneath the snow, the cold green of wild grass..."

"The snow in Jiangnan is always full of vigor and life, but rarely does it last so endlessly. Covering everything, it’s no different from the snows of the north," came a crisp voice beside him. Without turning, Kong Sheng immediately recognized it as the elegantly dressed youth he met at Wu Pavilion yesterday—likely a woman disguised as a man, Li Xuan.

"After a day and night of snow, the main roads are blocked, our merchant paths hindered—truly vexing. But to a scholar like you, Kong Gongzi, it must be a poetic and picturesque scene, no?" Li Xuan continued, now at Kong Sheng’s side.

A gentle smile played on his lips, a subtle gleam in his eyes.

"So it’s Young Master Li. You’re staying at this inn as well? That’s quite the coincidence," Kong Sheng turned slowly, his demeanor calm as he saluted Li Xuan. "A timely snow foretells a fruitful year. To me, snow is not so much poetry as it is a promise that farmers will have a good harvest next year."

"A timely snow foretells a fruitful year?" Li Xuan was surprised.

Kong Sheng thought: Could it be that this rural saying is not yet widespread? Judging by Li Xuan’s astonishment, it must be his first time hearing it.

Li Xuan clasped his hands and smiled, "What does it mean, ‘a timely snow foretells a fruitful year’? I don’t quite understand. Please enlighten me, Brother Kong!"

"It means that after a good snow, the fertile fields are covered as though with a thick blanket. The warmth in the soil is preserved, protecting the crops from freezing. Also, when the snow melts and seeps into the earth, it destroys overwintering pest eggs, reducing harmful insects and benefiting next year’s growth," Kong Sheng clapped lightly and smiled.

Li Xuan pondered for a moment before applauding. "Indeed, a phrase of great wisdom! I never expected Brother Kong to know so much about farming—remarkable!"

"Though I am a scholar, I am not some ignorant man unfamiliar with the basics of labor and grain. My crude words only invite your laughter," Kong Sheng replied.

Li Xuan seemed surprised by this answer, paused briefly, then smiled and switched to a more interesting topic. "I didn’t expect Kong Gongzi to be skilled in swordsmanship as well. Surely you’ve been taught by a renowned master?"

Kong Sheng smiled, his expression suddenly solemn as he bowed respectfully toward the northwest. "My master is Baiyunzi of the Shangqing Sect."

To Kong Sheng, his background—studying under Sima Chengzhen, his entanglement with the Lady of the Yang household—was already public knowledge in Jiangnan. If Li Xuan wished to inquire, it was common knowledge, so there was no need to conceal it.

Li Xuan was startled. "Sima Chengzhen? So you are the esteemed disciple of Master Sima! No wonder your swordsmanship is extraordinary."

The reputation of Sima Chengzhen, the Shangqing grandmaster, was immense—known to all under the Tang dynasty. That Li Xuan knew of him did not surprise Kong Sheng.

He accepted Li Xuan’s praise with a reserved smile, humbly saying, "Hardly extraordinary. My skills are modest, nothing for you to admire. My master only taught me this set of sword techniques, and I am of average talent and comprehension. All I can do is practice diligently and hope for proficiency."

Li Xuan gazed deeply at Kong Sheng. "Yesterday we discussed the state of the world, but I felt the conversation was unfinished. Now that we meet again, might I invite you to set a table in the snow and share wine for a deeper talk?"

Kong Sheng laughed inwardly: unfinished? Hardly. It ended in discord. This prideful youth, disguised as a man, harbors deep prejudices against Jiangnan and its scholars—there’s simply no common ground for discussion. Besides, differing stances mean differing views; there’s nothing further to say.

So Kong Sheng smiled lightly. "To be honest, I am in a hurry to travel and cannot indulge in wine and conversation. Besides, my knowledge is shallow; I dare not presume to comment on the grand affairs of the realm."

He declined politely, but Li Xuan was undeterred. "The snow has blocked the roads, travel is difficult. Where are you headed, Brother Kong, braving the snow?"

"North to Shouzhou," Kong Sheng replied, waving his hand.

A trace of intrigue flashed in Li Xuan's eyes. "North? Right now, officials and rebels in Henan are locked in fierce battle. Aren’t you afraid of getting caught in the crossfire?"

Li Xuan’s persistent questioning began to irritate and make Kong Sheng suspicious. But he showed no sign of it, only smiled and avoided the topic.

Just a traveler—where I go is none of your concern. We are strangers, met only once; why pry so deeply?

Li Xuan’s gaze flickered, and he swallowed his words about recruiting Kong Sheng. He watched as Kong Sheng walked back through the snow to his room, a strange light glinting in his eyes.

This man is actually leaving Jiangnan for the north? A Jiangnan scholar heading to the Central Plains—what could his purpose be? Standing in the snow, Li Xuan speculated silently. His attendant, Li An, came quietly behind him, not daring to disturb his thoughts.

Soon, Li Xuan watched as Kong Sheng and his three companions shouldered their packs, led their horses, settled their bills, and left the inn, heading out of the city along the snowy road.

Li Xuan stamped his foot, scattering snow. "Li An, send orders—assemble our caravan guards, leave Runzhou immediately, and head north to Shouzhou!"

Li An was startled. "Master, with the snow so deep, the roads are difficult. Our caravan is large and heavy; traveling now will be very inconvenient."

"As long as the snow hasn’t melted, we can still make progress. If we wait for the thaw and clear skies, the roads will be muddy and impassable. Pengcheng is short on grain; time is critical and we cannot delay," Li Xuan commanded. "Gather the caravan—move out immediately!"

His master's determination left Li An no choice. He hurried from the inn, sent orders to gather their scattered grain transport teams from various stables in the city, assembling them into a single force.

Within half an hour, a vast merchant caravan with dozens of guards and over a hundred wagons appeared on the main road outside the city, winding its way forward under the banner of the Jiangbei Shunfeng Trading Company.