Chaos of Ming 1628

The term "construction" didn't exist in this era.

Sun Qing, in a fit of emotion, blurted out: This is a drawback, and even more so, a huge loophole.

The words were out of his mouth when he realized his mistake. But it was too late. Fortunately, none of the people there were literate, let alone know what construction was.

All they knew was that as long as they worked, they would have food to eat.

In an instant, everyone was excited and was about to kowtow to Sun Qing again.

Books often say that a man's knees are worth gold. A man should stand tall and upright, only bowing to the ground and his parents. But in the hearts of ordinary people, all they want is to survive.

When Sun Qing handed them this meal, Sun Qing was like a god.

They knelt down!

If they stay any longer, who knows how many more times they'll have to kneel.

Since I've already checked the progress, I'll just make up an excuse and prepare to leave.

Turning around, her gaze fell on Li Qingshan.

Others could only lift one large log with two people, but he initially lifted one, and after eating the promise Sun Qing made, he was able to lift two logs.

Such a talented person, it's a pity he's only good at carrying wood.

"Young Master Sun."

Just then, a yamen runner rushed over, holding an envelope in his hand: "The Hegan Literary Association has sent an invitation, requesting that you, young master, meet at the second floor of Wangjin Tower at the beginning of Shenshi (3-5 PM)."

Literary gathering?

Sun Qing had no interest in this, and didn't even look forward to it.

Sun Chengzong was not a member of the Donglin Party, and in Sun Qing's mind, he was definitely not one of them. However, reality often contradicts expectations; although he was not a member of the Donglin Party, he made many connections.

The Donglin Party represented the scholars of the land. And what this group of people often loved most was to gather together and engage in lively discussions.

Writing poems and songs is one thing, but if they can't compete in those areas, they start interfering in national politics.

These kinds of people care a lot about their family background and origins, and they insist on getting to the bottom of things.

Can Sun Qing's identity withstand scrutiny?

Who knows how many of these scholars were old friends of Sun Chengzong?

If I don't go, will the girl staying at the inn let me off the hook?

Sun Qing gave a wry smile.

The yamen runners waited to the side, observing the situation, intending to personally escort Sun Qing there.

Shen Junru was about to follow when, upon entering the room, she saw various scholars in Confucian robes and Taoist hats. Suddenly, she covered her mouth and gagged.

With one hand supporting her on Sun Qing's arm, her face deathly pale, she said, "No, I can't go in with you."

"I'm a bit dizzy from studying."

The conversations around her were like the mantra of Tang Sanzang, making her head buzz.

Ignoring the strange looks from others, he quickly shrank back to the doorway, refusing to take another step inside.

Sun Qing found it amusing. The dignified Sun Chengzong was well-read, yet he never expected to have such a daughter under his care.

However, you can't blame Shen Junru. Not to mention her, even Sun Qing felt a bit like a yamen runner when he entered.

"Who is this?"

"Why are you dressed like this?"

People at the door stopped their discussion and looked at Sun Qing when they saw him come in.

Sun Qing glanced at them indifferently, and they agreed to wear the square-shaped turbans. They were either students, commoners, or impoverished scholars traveling for study.

Logically speaking, Sun Qing should also be one of those people without official rank, and should dress like this. But he was dressed in ordinary clothes.

Sun Qing merely nodded slightly to them.

"Brother, do you know why there are two leaders here today?" one of them asked politely.

Sun Qing looked at him; although he still wore the square-shaped turban, it was adorned with small jade rings on the side, and two more carefree turbans fluttered in the wind.

According to the records of etiquette and law, this was the scholar who had a legally prescribed formal dress.

Following his question, Sun Qing looked towards the center. Song Xian was wearing a Yangming headscarf, which also revealed his identity.

The law stipulates that only those who have passed the imperial examinations, become tribute students, or retired low-ranking officials may wear such attire.

As for literary figures and those who had resigned from high-ranking official positions, such as Qian Qianyi, the leaders of the Donglin Party, their headscarves were of their own choosing, but they often wore the elegant Huayang scarf.

Even in terms of attire alone, there are numerous rules. Yet, these rules allow one to discern a person's identity at a glance.

Sun Qingtong smiled and nodded, but did not answer.

Continue walking inside.

The congregation lit incense sticks and burned agarwood. The incense itself was quite large.

People are taking turns expounding on the Four Books and Five Classics and deducing the principles of divination. Those who are about to go to the capital for the imperial examinations are also seeking guidance from renowned scholars.

The table was set with inkstones, rubbings of inscriptions, calligraphy and paintings, and ancient jade artifacts. Judging from these items alone, they were all of the highest quality, enough to demonstrate the wealth of the association's leader.

Just then, the sound of a zither drifted over.

"It's Miss Yang, she's playing the zither."

"Don't let Miss Yang's delicate appearance fool you, her zither playing is absolutely captivating!"

"As expected of Miss Yang, I've long heard that she's proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Seeing her today, it's truly true!"

"To hear Miss Yang play a piece herself, it was worth the trip I made all the way from Southern Zhili."

The sound of the zither is melodious.

Sun Qing looked in the direction of the sound and saw a woman leaning against the window. The ancient zither in her hands, its value unknown, exuded an air of imposing nobility and was certainly not an ordinary object.

She wore a face mask, obscuring most of her face, but her sharp and intelligent features were still visible.

Dressed in brocade, she leaned against the window, her slender hands gently plucking the strings of the zither, her demeanor concealing a sardonic and decisive nature.

The person who just said she was frail and delicate should be kicked out; she is so similar to the fiery and ruthless woman in charge of the women's quarters.

She was exactly like the Qingqing he remembered, who never shed a tear and was always strong-willed.

When the song ended, thunderous applause erupted.

Yang Qingqing nodded slightly.

Song Xian, the head of the group, stood up and walked over to Yang Qingqing.

With eyes full of approval, he nodded in agreement: "Miss Yang truly deserves to be called the best zither player in Beizhili."

"Hearing it again today is still refreshing."

"You flatter me, Lord Song," Yang Qingqing replied. "It is Lord Song's calligraphy that is truly unparalleled in the world."

The two went back and forth, and onlookers could only chuckle awkwardly. With two people who were both number one, how could anyone else possibly chime in on what they were saying?

"Young Master Sun, you've arrived?" At this moment, Yang Qingqing suddenly turned her gaze to Sun Qing.

Sun Qing stepped forward: "Miss Yang, may I address you as such?"

"Of course," Yang Qingqing replied.

There are many well-known people around, but no one has ever been seen to treat Yang Qingqing with such kindness. Her actions at this moment have caused quite a stir.

They all looked towards Sun Qing.

Finally, a local realized, "I didn't expect Young Master Sun to be here too."

"He is Sun Qing from Gaoyang, a prominent figure in our Jiahe County recently. Anyone who doesn't know Young Master Sun must be a spy for the Eastern Depot."

Mentioning the Eastern Depot makes everyone grit their teeth in hatred.

Looking at Sun Qing again, they felt more respect and began to scrutinize him.

"I never expected that Young Master Sun would achieve so much at such a young age."

"Young Master Sun, my father is from the Qiao family of Gaoyang. Do you remember him?"

Sun Qing found it amusing. "Fellow townsman from Gaoyang, you didn't even recognize me. How can you expect me to remember you?"

When asked, Sun Qingjun smiled but remained silent.

Yang Qingqing covered her mouth and smiled: "By the way, Young Master Sun, let me introduce you to our other leader, Mr. Song Xian."

"He once accompanied Grand Secretary Sun to Liaodong to advise on military affairs. He was well-versed in classics and history, and knowledgeable in the principles of the Book of Changes. He was kind and generous, and he presided over this gathering of literati from the North and South for many years."

After saying that, everyone made way, and Song Xian stood in front of Sun Qing, the two facing each other.