The Ming Dynasty's Five Hundred Years

Chapter 98 The east wind blows flowers and thousands of trees on a night

Everyone who was supposed to come has arrived.

Those who were meant to leave have left.

After the hustle and bustle, all that remains is desolation.

The first day of the first lunar month.

The Li family of eleven sat around the stove. Li Qi was covered with a thick brocade robe. Princess Lin'an brought out hot water to warm the tea. Li Xianmu stood beside Li Qi, lost in thought. There were also Li Fang, Li Mao, their wives and children.

"Cough cough."

Princess Lin'an gently patted Li Qi, saying, "I don't have much time left. Your mother is also getting old. If I don't make it, you three brothers will have to deal with everything on your own from now on."

The future of the Li family depends on the three of you. Although we have been exonerated, it is far from enough!

Of the six founding dukes, only my family and the Song family were not posthumously granted royal titles. The Song family has no chance of recovery, but my family is on the right path. You must always remember this: brothers united, their strength can break metal.

The three answered in unison, "Yes, Father."

"When your mother is still alive, there is naturally no need to separate the family. After your mother passes away, you will eventually have to separate the family and live separately."

"As your father, I've secured a favor with the Crown Prince for you both. If he ascends the throne, he will surely restore our family's title, which will be yours, Fang'er. Therefore, regarding the family assets and land, Mao'er and Xianmu will each take forty percent, and Fang'er will take twenty percent."

Li Fang and Li Mao knew from a young age that their father loved Li Xianmu more, but why did they only feel envy and never jealousy?

Because Li Qi knew that discord among siblings was often caused by the elders' lack of virtue and favoritism, he always treated them equally and never showed favoritism.

Although he chose Li Xianmu as his successor, the titles and honors that should belong to him belonged to Li Fang. He had no intention of challenging the world's order, especially since he was a renowned scholar.

“These material possessions are not of much concern to your father. There is only one thing that I truly care about, and that is the sacrifice.”

Li Qi's face turned serious, and everyone in the room felt the atmosphere change instantly. "In the future, as the family continues to pass down its traditions, more and more people will enter the ancestral hall. Especially after your grandfather is restored to his title, the public temple will be rebuilt. The person to perform the sacrifices should be the clan head, but I, as your father, will establish a priest in the clan to be in charge of the sacrifices. The priests will be passed down from generation to generation. Each candidate priest will be designated by the previous priest and will then stay in the ancestral hall for three days before becoming a priest."

As Li Qi spoke, the expressions of the people in the room changed from curiosity to doubt, and then to bewilderment. Li Qi's words were completely beyond everyone's expectations, and they couldn't even express their opinions on it, because this was something that had never happened before.

But Li Fang seemed to understand something, so he asked directly, "Father, was the first priest my third brother?"

“That’s right, it is Mu’er. Mu’er is not the eldest son, and the future priest does not have to be the eldest son. The key is that he must be outstanding in this world. Only the most intelligent and spiritual offspring in the clan can shoulder this important responsibility.”

When Li Qi said this, Li Fang and Li Mao both smiled bitterly. How could they compare to their third brother in terms of intelligence and wit?

Li Xianmu had spent the most time with Li Qi, yet he could sense the strangeness in his father's words. His father wasn't actually someone who cared much about such supernatural matters, but now he was bringing it up separately, which was inappropriate. However, he didn't think much of it, as his father always had his reasons for doing things.

As the people inside the house were talking, the sound of firecrackers being set off could be heard outside the mansion, instantly creating a New Year's atmosphere.

Li Qi wanted to say something more, but upon hearing the sound of firecrackers, a smile appeared on his face, and he said to everyone, "Let's go set off some firecrackers too."

The princess's residence was naturally decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, creating a joyful atmosphere. The cold wind, mixed with the sulfurous smell of firecrackers, instantly cleared people's minds. The sound of firecrackers seemed to truly drive away evil spirits, and even, in a daze, cleared away the lingering illness caused by Li Qi's poor health.

The mansion was filled with laughter and joy. Li Fang and Li Mao's children ran around the mansion, surrounded by a group of maids and servants, playing games and making merry. Li Qi watched this scene with a faint smile. Only when life slows down can one appreciate the vibrancy of life.

Unfortunately, time was running out. He quietly tucked his trembling hands back into his sleeves, and when he turned his head, he saw his third son staring at his sleeves.

He's incredibly perceptive; nothing can be hidden from him.

Li Xianmu's eyes were red, and he said softly, "Father, your son will return as the top scholar. You must live well."

Li Qi gently patted Li Xianmu's hand and whispered, "I know, I know."

"Go and play with your brother too."

Li Xianmu gently shook his head, "This is the last New Year I will spend with my father."

There's a second half to the sentence—"Let me stay by your side a little longer."

As the sun gradually set behind the mountains, the capital city was filled with the lights of thousands of homes and wisps of smoke rising from chimneys. There were also candidates from all over the country who had come to take the imperial examinations earlier than usual. They spent the New Year in a foreign land, gathering with friends to drink, compose poems, and celebrate the New Year. This was probably a New Year that they would never forget.

……

On the third day of the Lunar New Year, many scholars began to arrive at the streets outside Princess Lin'an's residence early in the morning. They were wrapped in thick cotton-padded clothes, their eyes filled with anticipation and excitement. Even the cold wind could not deter them in the slightest.

Perhaps it is because most of them came from the north, and compared to the howling winds and deep snow of the north, Yingtian's winter can be considered warm.

Outside the princess's residence was a huge boiler, with charcoal burning continuously beneath it. These piles of charcoal warmed the entire street, and then cups of hot water were served. In this cold winter, a cup of hot water was enough to warm the heart and dispel the chill.

"When will Lord Jinghe emerge?"

"Finally, I will be able to meet Duke Jinghe."

"Alas, Duke Jinghe is in poor health. It is said that after meeting His Highness the Crown Prince, he recuperated for a full month before meeting His Majesty. For Duke Jinghe to come out to see us on such a cold winter day can even be described as..."

The scholar didn't say anything more, but everyone knew what he meant: Duke Jinghe was risking his life.

It hasn't snowed in Yingtian this year, so it's not very cold. They are wearing thick clothes, have charcoal braziers to keep warm, and have hot water to drink, so their bodies are perfectly fine. But Jinghe Gong might not be able to withstand it.

Many people even regretted insisting on meeting Jinghe Gong after thinking about this.

"Please don't feel guilty, everyone. Duke Jinghe also had our intentions in mind, which is why he still agreed despite not being well."

"Lord Jinghe was a sage who regarded life and death as nothing. As Lord Jinghe once said, 'Do one thing and shine one light.' Lord Jinghe probably wanted to leave no regrets."

"Confucius is the teacher of all ages, and Jinghe Gong's earnest teachings are truly in line with the Way!"

Countless students had gathered in the streets and alleys of the Princess's residence. Not only students, but also many ordinary people had come here today to see the legendary figure Li Qi. Almost everyone knew that this was practically Li Qi's last public appearance.

The next time we hear news of Li Qi, it will likely be news of his death.

"Squeak!"

The gates of the princess's residence were pushed open by several servants, and then a palanquin was carried out of the residence. This scene made almost everyone's heart sink. Had Duke Jinghe become so weak that he could not walk?
Standing in front of the princess's residence, Li Qi, dressed in thick cotton clothes and with a thick blanket covering his legs, looked at the crowds that filled almost every corner of the street and alley, and suddenly felt a sense of contentment, as if life were just like this.

How many people in this world can have his prestige today?

Throughout history, few have achieved such renown during their lifetime. Confucius had three thousand disciples, but did Mencius have such a reputation during his lifetime?

"On this cold winter day, it is truly an honor for me, Li Qi, to have you all come to see me, a man who is about to die. Even if I die, I will have no regrets."

Li Qi's voice was very soft, only the people in the first few rows could hear it. Li Xianmu's clear voice rang out at the right time, making it audible to everyone, and it was also being heard by those in front and then passed back.

“Last year, before the autumn imperial examinations, I went to the Imperial Academy and said some things there, which I’m sure all the students have heard about.”

“We have all heard it, Duke Jinghe.”

"This heart is bright, so what can I say!"

"Consistency between knowledge and action is a matter of conscience!"

"The way of investigating things and extending knowledge has long been spread throughout the world, and Zhu Xi's teachings have been largely abandoned in the northern provinces."

Voices came from the students, all in response to Li Qi, and the philosophy of mind took root and sprouted in many places.

Although it is still far from being a match for the Cheng-Zhu school of thought, it is no longer as weak as it was when Li Qi first proposed it during the Hongwu era. Moreover, the School of Mind was transformed by Li Qi and derived from Zhu Xi's teachings, making it an excellent choice for the imperial examinations.

Li Qi wore a faint smile. A single spark can start a prairie fire. He was supposed to be speaking for the students, but in reality, why would he need to speak?
The students just wanted to see him. What does it mean to be a spiritual leader?

When there is someone who, even without speaking, can give people boundless strength, he is a spiritual leader; and when someone, even after death, can inspire courage simply by mentioning his name, he is a saint.

In terms of academic level alone, Li Qi has not yet reached that level, but his life is too legendary. He lived through three generations of monarchs and left behind many stories in this world. The unwavering stance, the courage to face death and the wisdom that surpasses ordinary people that he showed in each and every event deeply attracts everyone.

Amidst the cacophony of voices, one utterance emerged from the crowd: "Lord Jinghe, is there a single word that can guide one's actions throughout life?"

The surrounding crowd fell silent for a moment, then slowly stopped like a tide, and everyone looked at Li Qi.

Duke Jinghe was in poor health and could not stay away from home for an extended period of time, so this was the most valuable question.

Moreover, this is one of the most classic passages in the Analects.

Zigong asked, "Is there one word that can guide one's conduct throughout life?" Confucius replied, "Perhaps it is 'forgiveness'! Do not do to others what you would not have them do to you."

Now, you students wish to hear what other insights Li Qi, this sage of our time, has to offer.

This question calmed Li Qi down. In the past, he would probably have said "My heart is bright" or "Extend my innate knowledge," but with so many scholars here, he should say something new.

"If there is one word that can guide one's entire life, it is the four words 'never let your passion cool.'"

Li Qi's voice came out slowly, not as profound as Confucius's, but more direct.

"I have stood on the mountaintop and fallen into the valley, and both have benefited me greatly. There is no shortage of illustrious success in this world, but the strong are always those who persevere enough in adversity to climb back to the top."

From a prince's son to an exiled prisoner, and then to a great Confucian scholar and sage, he experienced sudden enlightenment and realized the Dao, and then walked in the world as a saint. This is Li Qi!

"May all people in the future have a passionate heart, be able to shake off the coldness, and only move upward. Even if they encounter misfortune for a time, they should not listen to the words of those who give up on themselves. Those who can do things should do them, those who can speak should speak them. If you have a bit of heat, give off a bit of light, just like a firefly, you can still give off a little light in the darkness. You don't need to wait for a torch. If there is no torch, then I will be the only light."

Li Qi's words reminded many people of what he said when he took Wang Gen under his wing. He broke down the four lines of Zhang Zai into small goals, and Li Qi said something similar to Wang Gen at that time.

Li Sheng never seemed to demand that everyone become a saint; even if you only did one good deed, he would already think it was good enough.

The only light.

Countless lights.

Li Qi's words flowed like a warm, gentle stream into the hearts of all the students. What is a good teacher and helpful friend? How can one know without seeing Li Qi?

Another scholar called out, "Master Li, how can I become a disciple of the School of Mind?"

Li Qi felt somewhat exhausted, and his voice was so low it was almost inaudible, "Nothing is needed, just recite the four-line general outline of Hengqu."

Li Xianmu spoke these words with a sorrowful voice, and then said, "My father is unwell, so he will return home now. All students should also return home as soon as possible. The day after tomorrow is the day of the imperial examination, so please do not catch a cold and make it difficult to attend."

After saying this, he personally pulled Li Qi's cotton coat tighter, and then had someone lift the palanquin back up in front of the students, preparing to return to the mansion.

Although the scholars were very reluctant to part with him, they knew that if he stayed outside in the dead of winter, something bad might really happen. So they could only watch Li Qi leave.

"Respectfully seeing off Duke Jinghe!"

A clear, melodious voice rang out from the crowd.

"Respectfully bidding farewell to Duke Jinghe!" Countless voices rang out from the crowd.

"Respectfully seeing off Duke Jinghe!"

Countless voices rang out in unison, the echoes even seeming to shake the clouds in the sky, causing them to tremble slightly.

Li Qi, sitting on the palanquin, forced his eyes open. He turned around and saw that the palanquin had just passed the threshold of the princess's residence. Under the tall vermilion gate stood a haggard yet incredibly tall figure.

Li Qi entered the vermilion gate, but the scholars behind him did not disperse.

"To establish a moral compass for the world!"

"Establish a destiny for the people!"

It's unclear who started it, but it seemed that Li Qi had just said that reciting four lines from Hengqu would grant one entry into his school, so scholars began to recite them aloud, over and over again.

At first there were only a few people, then dozens, and finally thousands. Even though the voices were separated by many pavilions, Li Qi, who was already inside the room, could hear them.

He leaned against the small window, looking at the paper-cut window decorations. Through the window frame, he seemed to see the cool air, and the shouts seemed to travel through the air and reach his ears.

"To carry on the legacy of the saints!"

"Bring peace to all eternity!"

Li Xianmu silently massaged Li Qi's palms, gradually restoring them from their previous coldness to warmth.

"Mu'er, what exactly is the way to lasting peace?"

Li Xianmu pondered for a moment, then decisively said, "An immortal sage ruler, or a continuous line of sage rulers."

Li Qi paused upon hearing this, for this was indeed the way to lasting peace, and the rule of the philosopher-king was the best.

Perhaps modern people have too high expectations for lasting peace. For ancient people, a peaceful world or even a utopian world was simply a world without war, where the elderly are cared for, children are supported, people live and work in peace and contentment, can afford to eat, and do not suffer from the cold.

The noise outside the mansion gradually subsided, and Li Qi knew that the scholars had gradually dispersed. "How long do you think this flame will burn in their hearts today?"

Li Xianmu was silent for a moment, "In some people's hearts, it will continue to burn until the whole person is consumed. In others' hearts, it may only last a short time. After all, you are gone, and this fire has no source."

As long as Li Qi is alive, countless people will gather around him involuntarily. These are the sages and great scholars. If Li Qi is no longer alive, people will gather involuntarily based on their thoughts. However, these people will soon split up, and even their interpretations of Li Qi's classics will differ.

The only consolation for Li Qi was that he still had Li Xianmu, his most legitimate successor. As long as the Li family could continue to exist from generation to generation, it would not fall into the same predicament as the Confucius family.

……

On the fifth day of the first lunar month, the imperial examination, which had been brought forward by two months, finally began. Li Qi's physical condition had deteriorated since that day, but he forced himself to take some tonifying medicine to restore his spirits and prevent himself from falling into a coma again.

Because he knew, and everyone knew, that if he fell into a coma again, he would never wake up again. Having come this far, he felt a strong sense of resentment. He was determined to see Li Xianmu become the top scholar in the imperial examination!
The provincial examination lasted nine days, while the palace examination lasted one day. By the time Li Xianmu finished all the examinations, it would be the Lantern Festival, a night of bright lights, and he would be able to spend a reunion night with his family. He would then have no regrets in this life.

When Li Xianmu appeared in the examination hall, each candidate looked at him with a complicated expression. They all knew what this examination meant to Li Xianmu.

As Li Xianmu stood in the examination hall, gazing at the questions, his mind was filled with memories of his father teaching him stroke by stroke since he was a child.

Some say he was too arrogant and looked down on others, but Li Xianmu was not that kind of person. He was not particularly interested in fame and fortune; he just didn't want to disappoint his father.

His father was a sage of the time, but Li Xianmu knew that what his father wanted most was for him to become a sage. The two of them were doing this for each other. Li Xianmu wanted to stand at the highest point and then tell everyone that he was who he was today because his father was a sage, nothing more!

One exam after another, Li Xianmu's energy seemed limitless. In this year's imperial examination, in addition to the two chief examiners, there were many other examiners. As soon as the exam papers were released, they began to be graded. Everyone knew that this was to shorten the time to obtain the results.

Now that things have come to this point, who can't guess why the emperor brought forward the timing of the imperial examination?

Naturally, it's for Li Qi!
Because Li Qi's health was failing, the emperor wanted Li Qi to personally witness his son becoming the top scholar in the imperial examination!

If someone else did this, it might be suspected of cheating in the imperial examination. But it was Li Xianmu. Even if there was copying and it wasn't his own handwriting, when you see an exam paper that stands out from the crowd, there's no doubt that it's Li Xianmu's!
Every time the name was opened, there were no surprises; no one was willing to test their talent against Li Xianmu.

Although we don't know how well Li Xianmu handles specific matters, he is undoubtedly the strongest among his peers when it comes to writing articles!

If he wasn't the top scholar, then we should really investigate whether anyone cheated.

The nine-day imperial examination quickly came to an end in this tense atmosphere. On the thirteenth day of the first lunar month, an order came from the palace that the results of the imperial examination be released by the next morning. So after collecting all the examination papers, all the examiners worked through the night to review them.

Once again, before the exam paper was even torn open and the names were covered, Huang Huai immediately said, "This must be Li Xianmu's exam paper. Let him put it aside and let Scholar Xie take a look. If there are no surprises, he will be the top scorer."

The examiners stepped forward and took a look, confirming that it must be Li Xianmu's exam paper. After reading all the exam papers, they tore off the paper with the names covered, and as everyone expected, it was indeed Li Xianmu's exam paper.

On the fourteenth day of the first month, the results of the imperial examination were announced. As no one expected, Li Xianmu was the top scholar, and next to him was Li Xianmu's examination paper.

"Tomorrow is the palace examination, and Li Xianmu will be the top scholar in all three categories!"

"He overwhelms all scholars under heaven, and no one in three hundred states can withstand his might. He is truly a descendant of a sage, so extraordinary!"

"This cannot be explained simply by the bloodline of a saint; after all, there is another family in Shandong, how..."

"Be careful!"

"To be able to spend this lifetime with Li Zi, and then to witness such a prodigy as Li Xianmu, who is only twelve years old, is already so terrifying."

Upon hearing this, the crowd fell silent. Li Xianmu's glorious achievements had made many people overlook his age, and now, upon recalling it, almost all the scholars were somewhat taken aback.

If you can't pass the exam, you can't pass it. But why are you so much younger? They were still taking the county-level exam at twelve years old, and Li Xianmu is about to become the top scholar.

"Truly unprecedented!"

"I'm afraid there will be no one like them in the future!"

"Such extraordinary talents are like the reincarnation of the God of Literature, unlike us mere mortals. We should go back and prepare well for the palace examination; who knows, we might even manage to get a second-class ranking?"

"Huh? You won, brother?"

"Huh? You didn't get it?"

Then several more sounds came, drowning out the noise in this area.

……

On the night of the fourteenth day of the first lunar month, a heavy snow suddenly fell in Yingtian, as if in response to Li Qi's almost unbearable body. For the first time, Li Qi had the feeling that he was really about to leave.

The chill was so intense that he felt as if his very soul had been frozen.

"Father!"

"Father!"

"Husband!"

The calls, like a powerful hand, pulled him back from the deep darkness. When he opened his eyes again, he saw pairs of tearful eyes. Li Qi wiped away the tears on Princess Lin'an's face and laughed heartily, "I didn't die. The King of Hell lost again."

Li Qi looked at his handsome young son, Li Xianmu, who was even more handsome than him. "You will be taking the palace examination tomorrow."

Thanks to His Majesty's favor, your father ultimately did not hold you back.

It's a pity I can't see you dominating the world.

There are some things I want to say to you as your father.

I have done many things in my life, but there are also many things I have not done or could not do. These are things I leave to you and your children and grandchildren to do.

In the past, Li Keyong gave you three arrows to remind you not to forget your father's will. Today, I, as your father, will follow his example and give you seven arrows, also known as the Seven Regrets.

One hate is for one's ancestors...

My fourth regret is that I never saw the scene of Bianjing (Kaifeng) never sleeping, as described in Jiaxuan's old poem.

The east wind at night releases a thousand trees of blossoms. It also blows down stars like rain. The road is filled with the fragrance of fine carriages and jeweled horses. The sound of phoenix flutes stirs, the jade pot shines, and fish and dragons dance all night.

"I once dreamt of Bianjing, and saw everywhere ablaze with lights, a scene of dazzling splendor. The entire city of Bianjing was like a city that never sleeps. Such a prosperous era could perhaps only have been witnessed in Chang'an of the Tang Dynasty during the Kaiyuan era, and in Bianjing, which was admired by the world. If one day every city of the Ming Dynasty were so prosperous, I could die in peace."

Li Xianmu and the others wept, choking back tears as they said, "Father, the descendants of the Li family will remain steadfast in their commitment. The seven regrets you have are all resolved in the future."

……

On the Lantern Festival, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the curfew in the capital city is lifted every year. Li Xianmu rushed out of the palace, dressed in a bright red scholar's robe, which he was supposed to wear the next day when he was to enter the palace to be celebrated.

However, the emperor was afraid that Li Qi would not be able to hold on for even a day, so after appointing Li Xianmu as the top scholar, he immediately sent him back to the princess's residence in his scholar's robes.

Li Xianmu, dressed in the robes of a top scholar, galloped wildly on horseback through the capital, and passersby made way for him.

The princess's residence was right in front of us, with its tall vermilion gates and bright red lanterns still hanging on them. The residence was filled with a joyous atmosphere.

Some snow from the previous day still lingered in the corners of the walls, the white snow reflecting the lights and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Fireworks were already being set off in the distance, their brilliance illuminating everyone's eyes and faces. Cheers echoed throughout the city, releasing the pent-up frustrations of the past.

Li Xianmu rushed to the gate of the mansion.

He dismounted and went forward.

At a glance, I saw my father standing quietly in the main hall, directly opposite the entrance, as if he had fully recovered his health.

"Mu'er!"

Li Qi smiled and waved.

"Father, your son has achieved the highest rank in the imperial examination!"

Li Xianmu stepped forward with delight.

The next instant, Li Qi fell straight backward!

Darkness enveloped everyone, while dazzling fireworks soared into the sky, their multicolored light reflecting on Li Qi's face.

No more life!

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The true lineage of the Way awaits its transmission to a worthy successor. From Mencius onward, Han Yu, Zhang Zai, Cheng Yi, and Zhu Xi continued its transmission. With the emergence of Master Li's philosophy, few in the world still follow Zhu Xi's teachings. No one's scholarship and achievements are as profound and evident as Master Li's. His learning is like a thunderclap awakening the slumbering, a blazing light dispelling confusion; his virtue is like the radiant sun, inspiring reverence. As for his accomplishments, his vision was far-reaching, his spirit exuberant, and his understanding resolute. He took the world as his responsibility, and his talent matched his ambition. Therefore, two generations have trusted him. The Supreme Lord spoke of establishing virtue, establishing merit, and establishing words, calling them the three immortalities. What is immortal is his name that will last for ten thousand generations. Though he is dead, his spirit lives on! — *Stele of the Sacred Way of Master Li*

(End of this chapter)