At dawn the next day, as soon as the city gates opened, three people slipped out among the early risers heading out of the city.
The group consisted of two men and one woman. After exiting the city gates and traveling along the main road for a short while, they switched to a side path, where horses had already been prepared in the dense woods. Mounting their steeds, they rode eastward, first heading to the eastern capital of Luoyang, where they switched to traveling by water aboard a merchant ship bound south for Yangzhou.
Su Cen had planned the water route carefully. Traveling by land would inevitably involve passing through official posthouses. According to Feng Yiming, these posthouses leading to Yangzhou were likely under the control of Yangzhou’s Governor Xue Zhi. Before they could even reach Yangzhou, Xue Zhi would already have their full details.
Salt and water were not compatible, so it could only be transported by land. With escorts, the journey required stops for eating, drinking, resting, and sleeping, making posthouses indispensable. Controlling posthouses to regulate the movement of illegal salt was an effective method.
For goods unaffected by water, however, water routes were far more convenient.
The Grand Canal, repaired and dredged during the previous dynasty by Emperor Daye spanned over 5,000 miles. It connected Luoyang at its center, stretching south to Yuhang and north to Zhuojun, greatly facilitating the transportation of goods between the north and south. Looking back, it could be seen as a monumental project benefiting the people.
However, Emperor Daye’s intentions for building the canal were far from benevolent. He mobilized the nation’s resources to construct the canal but prohibited civilian vessels from using it. Only registered government ships were allowed to sail the canal. This served three purposes: to generate revenue through ship registration, to transport Jiangnan’s abundant resources to the capital, and to indulge the emperor’s love of leisure. Emperor Daye even commissioned a fleet of lavish tower ships, each towering several stories high and adorned with intricate carvings, complete with halls and chambers. During his extravagant excursions, thousands of dragon boats would follow, carrying tens of thousands of people. Such excess led to heavy taxes and exploitation along the canal’s banks, leaving countless people destitute.
It could be said that the fall of the previous dynasty was largely due to this canal.
When the Great Zhou was founded, Emperor Taizu strictly regulated the specifications of government ships, limiting their height to no more than three stories and their capacity to under 100 passengers. Never again did an emperor lead the court on a grand southern expedition. Later, under the current young emperor, Li Shi reinstated civilian shipping, allowing merchant vessels to use the canal freely.
The ship Su Cen and his companions boarded operated between Luoyang and Yangzhou. It was a two-story vessel, with living quarters on the upper deck and cargo stored below. The ship carried northern goods like ceramics and wine southward, returning with silk and tea. The merchants profited handsomely, with prices doubling after each trip.
This particular ship’s owner had business dealings with the Su family’s tea house. After a word from the Luoyang tea house’s manager, the owner readily agreed to take them aboard.
Su Cen stepped out of the cabin to breathe some fresh air. The river was wide and shrouded in mist, a sight so expansive it seemed wasteful to use the canal solely for imperial pleasure. Now, with merchant ships bustling back and forth, northern and southern goods exchanged freely, the canal was finally fulfilling its potential.
At the bow of the ship stood a young woman, her figure graceful and her dark hair cascading like a waterfall. Su Cen couldn’t help but approach with a teasing smile.
He recited:“Her beauty’s slender and soft at thirteen, Like the tender buds in spring’s early sheen. Ten miles of Yangzhou with its breezy lanes, Yet none behind the beaded curtain can compare.”
The figure turned slowly, revealing Qu Ling’er’s helpless face. “Brother Su, is this amusing to you?”
“Very much,” Su Cen replied with a grin. “Didn’t you notice the way the crew members on those ships stared at you? It’s perfect for diverting attention. As long as they’re focused on you, no one will pay any mind to me.”
Though it had been decided the previous day that Ah Fu would accompany him, Qu Ling’er had thrown a fit—crying, protesting, and even clutching Su Cen’s leg until midnight. “I’ll cook, I’ll wash clothes! Brother Su, just take me along as your servant girl!”
Upon reflection, Su Cen realized that three men traveling together might draw too much attention, while bringing a maid would seem more inconspicuous.
Thus, for the sake of his beloved Brother Qi, Qu Ling’er had reluctantly styled his hair by the window, adorned his face with powder, and transformed into a woman. Surprisingly, the transformation wasn’t without charm.
With a mournful expression, Qu Ling’er groaned, “Brother Su, let me change back, please. If there’s any danger, how am I supposed to run and protect you like this?”
“Who needs your protection?” Su Cen teased. “The way you are right now, could you even take care of yourself if something happened?”
Qu Ling’er, his face pale, turned away without saying a word.
Brave and fearless in most situations, Qu Ling’er had one glaring weakness—his fear of water. Being skilled in light-footed martial arts made him more sensitive to balance than the average person. As a result, our Young Master Qu had “honorably” acquired another affliction: seasickness. Since boarding the ship, he had been hunched over at the bow, vomiting relentlessly, his fist pressed against his chest, and his brows slightly furrowed—unintentionally giving off an air of frail charm.
Su Cen laughed and patted Qu Ling’er on the shoulder. “You do look good dressed like this.”
Qu Ling’er snapped irritably, “If it looks so good, why don’t you wear it?”
“I’m serious. Don’t believe me? Ask him.”
Qu Ling’er turned slightly and caught sight of Qi Lin approaching from behind. Immediately, he turned back, his expression shy and bashful, and called out timidly, “Brother Qi…”
Qi Lin nodded slightly. “You do look good.”
Qu Ling’er’s face instantly flushed, his eyes sparkling like morning dew, embodying the perfect image of a lovestruck young maiden.
Su Cen coughed lightly. “You two should behave yourselves. This morning, the ship captain discreetly warned me that my maid and servant might be having an affair and advised me to watch out in case I end up robbed and drowned.”
Qu Ling’er glanced at Qi Lin and quipped, “How does he know we plan to rob and drown you? That captain knows too much; we might have to silence him.”
Qi Lin nodded calmly. “Agreed.”
Su Cen: “…”
After the jokes subsided, Qi Lin grew serious. He reminded Su Cen that they were approaching Bianzhou, where the canal intersected with the Yellow River and Bian River. The ship would dock to resupply, and for safety reasons, it would be best if Su Cen stayed aboard.
Su Cen had no objections. As soon as the ship docked, Qu Ling’er shot off like an arrow, eager to feel solid ground under his feet again. He was gone in the blink of an eye.
Su Cen observed the ship’s crew bustling about, loading and unloading cargo with no end in sight. He decided to let Qu Ling’er roam as he pleased.
While Su Cen was enjoying tea with the captain, Qu Ling’er returned in a hurry, exclaiming, “Brother Su, you’d better come quickly! Someone is fighting because of you!”
Su Cen raised an eyebrow. “Because of me?”
He was a stranger in Bianzhou. Who would recognize him here, let alone start a fight over him?
“It’s true!” Qu Ling’er grabbed him, tugging him along. “If you don’t hurry, the fight will be over!”
Su Cen: “…”
The scene wasn’t far, just beside the ferry terminal in a small thatched hut. Someone had set up a makeshift stall there, selling tea to passing travelers. By the time Su Cen arrived, a small crowd had already gathered inside and out. Qu Ling’er pulled him through the throng until they could see what was happening.
A group of scholarly-looking men was in the middle of a heated debate. Once Su Cen caught wind of the discussion, he couldn’t help but smile. While Qu Ling’er claimed the fight was for him, it had little to do with him personally.
It turned out to be a clash between two groups: one traveling south, the other north. What had started as a friendly literary gathering had escalated into a contest of skill. This naturally led to a “north versus south” rivalry. The northerners had put forth Liu Cheng as their representative, prompting the southerners to counter with their own champion. Apparently, someone decided to nominate Su Cen as a rising talent of the southern faction.
Although Su Cen’s official rank was not as high as Liu Cheng’s, his youth and literary accomplishments made him an appealing candidate. Scholars valued talent displayed in written works, and Su Cen, having spent years traveling famous mountains and rivers, had composed many well-regarded poems. By contrast, Liu Cheng, though a successful official, had focused heavily on political machinations in court, leaving him with few notable literary contributions.
A group of scholars, naturally, would not resort to physical violence. The debate eventually shifted to a literary duel using the classic method—matching couplets.
The northern faction began: “Rivers, lakes, and streams all flow into the sea.[mfn]suggests the idea of all water bodies ultimately merging into a larger entity, symbolizing unity or convergence.[/mfn]”
The southern faction countered: “Willows in the spring breeze remain secluded in the mountains[mfn]This response emphasizes the beauty and tranquility of nature, suggesting that certain things (like willows and gentle breezes) are best appreciated in their natural, mountainous environment.[/mfn].”
The southern faction continued: “Sun and moon together illuminate the world[mfn]This line conveys harmony and balance, indicating that both day and night contribute to the beauty of the world.[/mfn].”
After a brief pause for thought, the northern faction replied: “Pure waters become springs, nourishing all directions.[mfn]This couplet reflects the idea that pure water is essential for life and prosperity, symbolizing abundance and support for all.[/mfn]”
Su Cen smiled and shook his head. These types of couplets were so elementary that he had stopped engaging with them back in his academy days. If they continued at this pace, who knew when it would end? He rose to leave but was stopped by Qu Ling’er, who grabbed his arm. “Brother Su, aren’t you worried you might lose?”
Su Cen laughed. “They’re just looking for a reason to settle their dispute. If it weren’t me, it would be someone else. Whether they lose has nothing to do with me, and if they win, what benefit would I gain?”
Qu Ling’er, however, refused to go back to the ship and held on to Su Cen. “Brother Su, just stay a little longer. You’re not busy anyway.”
After watching for another half-incense stick’s time, a young man from the northern faction suddenly spoke up:”Wangjiang Tower, looking at the river, beneath Wangjiang Tower looking at the river flow; the tower lasts through the ages, and so does the river.”[mfn]This couplet highlights the enduring nature of both the tower and the river, suggesting a timeless connection to history and continuity.[/mfn]
Su Cen looked up slightly at the speaker—a young man in his twenties with a touch of arrogance on his face. He had remained silent earlier, likely finding the back-and-forth of basic couplets tedious. The moment he spoke, the crowd fell silent.
The southern faction frowned deeply, visibly struggling to come up with a suitable response.
Qu Ling’er leaned closer and whispered, “Who is this person?”
Su Cen glanced at the young man again, whose scholarly demeanor and confidence reminded him faintly of his younger self. Turning to Qu Ling’er, he said, “If those others are of licentiate level, this one is at least of presented scholar rank. They are no match for him.”
Sure enough, several members of the southern faction hung their heads, seemingly ready to concede.
“A presented scholar, huh?” Qu Ling’er smiled slyly and suddenly raised Su Cen’s hand high. “We still have someone here! He can respond!”
Su Cen: “…”
He glared fiercely at Qu Ling’er. Watching the spectacle was fine, but why get him involved?
Qu Ling’er grinned radiantly, full of confidence. What’s a mere presented scholar compared to my brother, the top scholar?
The young man looked over in mild surprise, his gaze shifting between Qu Ling’er and Su Cen. Finally, he smirked. “Little girl, run along and play elsewhere. You wouldn’t understand what we’re talking about.”
Mistaking Qu Ling’er for a girl was one thing, but dismissing him entirely? Qu Ling’er’s willow-leaf eyes narrowed in defiance, and he pushed Su Cen forward. “Young Master, show him!”
Su Cen thought to himself, Oh, now you remember I’m your young master? What kind of maid treats her master like this?
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Su Cen pressed his fingers to his brow, then nodded and said, “Apologies for the intrusion.”
He recited:”Yinyue[mfn]moon[/mfn] Well, Yinyue Shadow; in Yinyue Well lies Yinyue Shadow; may the well last for eternity and the shadow last for eternity[mfn]Su Can’s couplet mirrors the structure of the youth’s couplet while introducing a theme of reflection and permanence. It suggests that both the well (a source of life) and its shadow (a representation of what is beneath) are eternal.[/mfn].”
The crowd was momentarily stunned before erupting in applause. The themes of Yinyue Well and Yinyue Shadow contrasted nicely with those of Wangjiang Tower and the river flow—it was indeed an excellent couplet.
The young man’s disdain softened as he gave Su Cen a serious once-over, his brow furrowing. “Where are you from? Do you not realize this is a north-versus-south contest?”
Su Cen rubbed his nose with a wry smile. “I hail from Suzhou, so I suppose I qualify as part of the southern faction.”
The southern faction immediately perked up, straightening their backs with pride.
The young man pressed on, “What’s your name? I don’t recall meeting you before.”
Su Cen replied modestly, “I am of little renown. It’s only natural you wouldn’t recognize me.”
A newly crowned top scholar bickering with a group of literati in a shabby grass hut, personally stepping up to prove his worth—if anyone recognized him, Su Cen might truly feel like throwing himself into the river out of shame.
“Fine,” the young man narrowed his eyes slightly, “it’s your turn now. You come up with the challenge. I won’t lose to you.”
Isn’t this just bullying a junior? Su Cen sighed quietly. “How about this: you set the challenge. If I can’t come up with a response, I’ll admit defeat.”
“You—!” The young man abruptly stood up, his face contorted with indignation. It was clear he felt looked down upon. Gritting his teeth, he suddenly smirked. “You said it yourself. Listen carefully. My line is: ‘Freezing rain scatters against the window, two dots east, three west.’”
This was a “character-splitting” riddle; the characters for “freezing” (冻) and “scatters” (洒) correspond to the phrase “two dots east, three west.” It was indeed a clever challenge[mfn]The imagery of freezing rain scattering in different directions suggests a sense of randomness and nature’s unpredictability. “Two dots east, three west” refers to the brushstrokes used to compose the characters (冻 and 洒). A poetic wordplay emphasizing symmetry and balance, while challenging the responder’s wit in matching the structure and theme.[/mfn].
After a brief moment of thought, Su Cen replied with a faint smile:
“Cutting melons to share with guests, seven cuts above, eight below[mfn]This matches the format of the first line by using numbers (七, 八) and describing an action. It invokes the scene of hospitality and sharing. A clever, balanced response that mirrors the structure and maintains the poetic harmony.[/mfn].”
The young man fired back immediately:
“Moon reflected in the river, river reflecting the moon[mfn]The line describes a serene scene where the moonlight glimmers on the river’s surface, and the river, in turn, reflects the moon. The couplet captures a sense of unity, harmony, and the reciprocal relationship between nature and its reflection.[/mfn].”
Su Cen countered with ease:
“People return at midnight, midnight returns with people[mfn]Similar to the previous couplet, it emphasizes a cyclical relationship, this time between people and time. It creates a mirror image of movement and temporality. A poetic parallel that reflects balance and rhythm, extending the metaphoric depth.[/mfn].”
The young man pushed forward, his tone sharp:
“Long ago, one was a monk, presenting the king with white jade pendants[mfn]This line highlights an act of offering something valuable (white jade) as a symbol of loyalty or reverence. It mixes historical or allegorical imagery with wordplay, as “jade pendants” also subtly alludes to Liu Cheng’s courtesy name (仲佩).[/mfn].”
Su Cen responded, unflustered:
“Climbing hills and gazing at mountains, the barren peaks now clad in verdant hills[mfn]The line describes a transformation over time, where barren peaks become lush with greenery. A poetic metaphor for renewal, change, or the passage of time, echoing the grandeur of natural landscapes.[/mfn].”
The young man slapped the table and stood up abruptly. “Who exactly are you?”
Su Cen offered a polite bow. “Thank you for letting me win.”
He had intended to keep a low profile, but the situation had spiraled out of control. Grabbing Qu Ling’er, Su Cen squeezed through the crowd and was about to leave when a mocking voice came from behind.
“Though I lost, it doesn’t mean Chancellor Liu would. Years ago, when Chancellor Liu passed through Bianzhou and saw the majestic sight of the Yellow River merging with the Bian River, he composed the lines: ‘All sounds erupt, startling the jade pendants; the roads of the Nine Provinces lead to the heavens[mfn]This couplet describes the majesty of the rivers and roads connecting the empire, symbolizing unity and prosperity. The “jade pendants” (鸾佩) evoke images of elegance and refinement, while the “Nine Provinces” (九州) represent the vastness of the land. It highlights grandeur and ambition, reflecting Liu Cheng’s supposed admiration of the empire’s splendor.[/mfn].’ What does Su Cen have to offer? Just some pretentious, flowery phrases that can’t hold a candle to real poetry.”
The southern faction couldn’t stand it anymore, and several of them stood up in rebuttal.
Su Cen frowned slightly and turned to ask, “That poem—are you sure it was written by Chancellor Liu?”
It wasn’t that he doubted Liu Cheng’s abilities. He had read Liu Cheng’s early works, which were deeply realistic, often expressing concerns for the country and its people. The exuberant and carefree tone of those two lines seemed quite unlike his usual style.
The young man smirked, waiting for this moment. Tilting his chin upward, he declared, “Clearly, you lack knowledge. This poem was written by Chancellor Liu when he was traveling to the capital for the palace examination. There’s even a character ‘佩’ (pei) in this poem, which is exactly Chancellor Liu’s courtesy name.”
Liu Cheng’s courtesy name was Zhongpei. Su Cen knew this, but basing the poem’s attribution solely on a single word seemed rather tenuous.
Sure enough, someone in the crowd, annoyed by the young man’s obstinate attitude, teased, “I heard this poem wasn’t written by Chancellor Liu but by a friend who was traveling with him to the capital.”
“Nonsense! It was clearly Chancellor Liu’s work!”
The crowd erupted into chaos, voices clashing in heated argument.
Seeing that it was time for the ship to depart, Su Can finally pulled Qu Ling’er out from the thatched cottage. He turned back for another look.
In fact, he leaned more towards believing that this poem wasn’t written by Liu Cheng. But if it truly was composed by Liu Cheng’s friend, then who was that friend? How could someone with such talent not be known?
This matter had already happened over ten years ago; unless either Chancellor Liu or that friend personally spoke up to confirm it, it would be difficult to reach any conclusion.
Once on board, the captain ordered to untie the ropes and set sail. The scenery along the shore receded as Su Can watched that thatched cottage disappear from view before returning to his cabin.
Some things ultimately get submerged in the river of time, becoming untraceable and obscuring the truth.
![Flying Dust [Fei Chen]](https://www.freenovels.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/9k.png "Flying Dust [Fei Chen]")
