Chapter 33: The Prime Minister is My Dish

In May of 884 AD, on the official road fifty li southwest of Bianzhou (modern-day Kaifeng)Ye Youxiao thought that once this sentence left his mouth, it would surely bring about the mockery of Ah Ye and Ah Niang, as well as the sarcasm of his older sister. 。But he forgot, the Ye family used to be worldly as well. 。Before Empress Ye passed away, the renowned entertainers of her Ye family had met everyone who was anyone. Forget about young masters and princes; even high-ranking officials and prominent socialites – how many hadn't they encountered However, there was one thing: although they knew these people, those people may not have known them. Let alone asking for favors, otherwise, why did they all leave Chang'an after Ye Guifei’s deathTherefore, when Ye Youxiao boasted, Ye Housheng wasn't surprised, but he wondered how this ten-year-old servant could possibly interact with the elites. Even if he knew them, would those powerful figures come to this humble Ye family shed to watch a performance There were only some ordinary stools here; they hadn't even bought chairs, let alone any couches, cushions, or embroidered mats. 。To say there's nothing to eat or drink here, and that they've grown accustomed to lounging on silk cushions and feasting on delicacies – how could such dignitaries deign to come

Ye Youxiao thought everyone was simply in the shed, sitting on benches watching the opera. 。Hearing what my stepfather said, I was a little dumbfounded. 。

Is this for watching a play, or to enjoy yourself If you want to enjoy yourself, can't you do it at home

Aunt Ye also spoke up: "Silly child, you really think those nobles are so easy to dismiss Even if your new play is beautiful, if he sits on this stool, he definitely won't agree! Not to mention that they agreed to you in the first place. By the way, do you know any nobles"

Ye Youxiao was too lazy to speak anymore

Please, noble lords and ladies, come watch the performance for free! Such a wonderful opportunity shouldn't be missed! But Mother hasn't offended anyone, so she could only lazily reply: "If you wish to seek Zheng Zhuang, Lord Zheng..." 。"Ye Hou Sheng's eyes lit up: "Ai, my lady, if You Xiao goes to look for Gong Zheng, this matter might have some hope..." 。This Zheng Gong once had the nickname "Heshou Zheng Wu," and the reason he became a minister was because the emperor liked his rhyming couplets. 。“A riddle That wouldn't be suitable for a high-brow gathering at all.” 。Ye Hou Sheng gave a sinister smile: "Who cares if it ascends to the hall of fame" 。The main reason is that the officials liked him, don't they So, they made him a "Xiangye" (a high-ranking official), second only to the emperor. He held supreme power over the government. 。Ye Youxiao nodded and said, “My son just heard that he writes歇後詩, so I think, maybe I can invite him to give pointers on the new play. Father and Mother, you think about it, if Xiangye really comes to our Ye family, wouldn't Chang'an be shaken After this, when my son goes to Qiushui Pavilion to find Li Jiuniang again, she will probably have weakened by three points.” 。Then ask her to act as the other half, and see how she handles it” Ye Ma smiled with a gentle twitch of her lips: “If Your Lordship were to come, wouldn't that witch be terrified Her aura would weaken by three points!”Ye Hou-sheng smiled: "You know 'if your lordship comes'! Don't daydream! Go back to the inn and sleep tonight. Let's rehearse for a few more days, once the new play is perfected, then You Xiao can go find Your Lordship." 。You Xiao, do you remember, I am your lord, and you are my subject; I am in the heavens, and you are on earth. 。So showing respect to your grandfather is your duty. 。If someone refuses to come, never be persistent. 。If all else fails, we could find a great poet to give us some pointers on the new play. They'd probably be the experts! 。It wasn't until after almost a month of rehearsals that Ye Hou-sheng finally agreed to let Ye You-xiao go find Xiang-ye, hoping to bring in this powerful reinforcement. 。Zheng Zhi's family home, Ye Youxiao had walked past it when he was wandering around Chang'an some time ago. 。Having calculated that it was past dawn, he arrived at the Xiang residence but did not know the proper etiquette. He didn't have any greetings or visit cards, and just walked straight in with his eyes fixed ahead. 。He was immediately stopped, and upon looking up, he saw that it was the gatekeeper, no, the seventh-rank official of the prime minister's household. 。That was a...

This room actually wasn't very old, just around forty years old, and its personality was quite amiable. 。He watched a young attendant rush in, and immediately stopped him, asking what he wanted.

Ye Youxiao hurriedly explained his background and the reason for wanting to see Xiangye.

The doorman listened intently, pondering in his mind. Given Zheng Xiang's temper, it seemed likely that the young servant would be able to get a word in. 。If things go smoothly, the Minister of War will go out with him to see a play. But it’s hard to say for sure. 。So I didn't want to make things difficult for him, instead I gave him some directions and let him go find the master himself. 。Ye Youxiao felt secretly pleased. He hadn't expected to enter the Xiangfu so easily. It seemed that the possibility of persuading the prime minister to watch a play today was still quite high. 。But this manor, it doesn't seem as grand and magnificent as I imagined. There isn't even a small bridge and flowing water, it's almost not as good as the Xingzhen Temple I visited in my previous life. 。Could this Master Zheng be an honest official

Lost in thought, he suddenly saw a scholar in his thirties walking towards him. He immediately bowed and said, "Sir, do you know where the Master Zheng is"

This scholar was actually Zheng himself. He had just gotten two lines of 歇後詩 (a type of Chinese riddle) and, feeling inspired, was about to go back to his study to write them down. He was still pondering how to write the next two lines when he suddenly saw a servant boy. Although the boy interrupted his poetic flow, Zheng found him innocent and adorable, and since the boy didn't recognize him, it amused him. So, he replied, "Follow me..." 。He also didn't reveal his identity. Firstly, he was afraid of wasting time, forgetting the poem lines, or losing the poetic flow. Secondly, he wanted to write a good poem first and then ask him what brought him here. If he were a frivolous person, he could simply order someone to drive him away. 。Ye Youxiao followed the man into a small house. Seeing that the man ignored him and went straight to the writing desk, where a young boy had already ground ink and prepared paper for him, Zheng Zhizhen was about to start writing when he heard someone mumble, "Wang Rong, Wang Rong, how can I become you"Zheng Zhizhen was startled and couldn't help but look at the small servant who had brought him. He thought to himself, could it be that he is commenting His own servants wouldn't dare to make any comments. Although they looked at this "Bamboo Grove Seven Sages" painting every day and knew all seven sages, he didn't recognize anyone, let alone say something like "want to become Wang Rong." 。

Zheng Zhin couldn't help but feel deeply interested in this young servant. He hastily scribbled down the two lines of poetry he had just thought of and walked up to the servant, asking: "I wonder what your name is Why do you want to become Wang Rong"

Ye Youxiao had been entering the realm of ten thousand yuan frequently recently. He was busy looking for ways to prolong his life through good deeds, and in the process, he had browsed a lot of videos and images, accumulating a lot of ancient cultural knowledge.

At this, the gentleman spoke, and I immediately turned to face him with utmost respect. I bowed deeply and replied, "My surname is Ye, and my given names are Youxiao." 。"Wang Rong was a child prodigy and eventually rose to one of the three highest offices. I am in awe of him and, lost in thought, spoke recklessly, perhaps disturbing your inspiration. Please forgive me." 。"

Zheng Zhuan casually asked, “What can we learn from Wang Rong’s later greed and stinginess”

Ye Youxiao honestly replied, “As a lowly performer, I come from a poor family. If there was an opportunity to be greedy and stingy, I wouldn't refuse it.”

" 。Zheng Wu was taken aback and couldn't help but laugh out loud. 。Most people are practically all greedy, yet none of them are willing to admit it. This is especially true for scholars and officials, who always claim they follow Confucius and Mencius, regarding wealth as worthless dung, and consider themselves noble. 。This friend, You Xia, actually admitted to being greedy and stingy. It's truly "eye-opening," and instead, I find his honesty refreshing. 。"Then he asked, “You Xiao, you admit to being greedy and miserly, aren't you afraid of what people will say”

Ye Youxiao smiled: “I am just a small performer. Even if I am greedy and miserly, it would not affect the national economy and people’s livelihood. Why should I be criticized by thousands of people”

Zheng Zun's face turned serious: "Your implication is that someone being greedy has affected the national economy and people’s livelihood"

Ye Youxiao hurriedly begged for mercy: “Good sir, please forgive me. Where did I imply anything I am just a small performer with limited knowledge. How dare I say whether there are corrupt officials in court I don't even know who the corrupt officials are>>>" 。"Zheng Zhe pondered for a moment. This Ye Youxiao's words seemed to be true. His expression eased, and he asked again, "Since you recognize Wang Rong, do you know who the other few are"Ye Youxiao thought for a while and said, "I'll try my best to identify them. If I make any mistakes, sir, please correct me." 。Zheng Zhi let out a hum, thinking to himself that he had nothing better to do anyway, and might as well see how he fared at identifying the Seven Sages. It could be considered a test of sorts. 。Ye Youxiao pointed at the painting and said, "The one playing the pipa should be Ji Kang; the one holding the ruan is naturally Ruan Xian." 。Of those who love to drink, Liu Ling is the most renowned. 。"This one whistling with his fingers, must be Ruan Ji, right"

Zheng Zhi listened intently and found everything he said was on point: Ji Kang excelled at the pipa; while Ruan Xian transformed the pipa into a "Ruan". 。Liu Ling was famous for his love of alcohol, and Ye Youxiao said these things quite well. 。"When he asked about Ruan Ji, I smiled and said: “This action should actually be called 'Whistling with the Finger.'" 。According to historical records, during the Sixteen Kingdoms period, Shi Le once leaned against the East Gate and let out a long howl. This was the action... 。"You're saying 'The whistling finger' refers to General Ruan" Ye Youxiao said calmly, "Ruan Ji was actually loyal to Cao Wei. Though he wrote the "Memorial to Advise on Joining the Throne," it was purely out of necessity." 。He harbored a heavy heart over this matter, and the misunderstanding among the people added to his distress. 。Therefore, it is often called "the wail of a desperate man," and that pent-up emotion can only be released by borrowing, borrowing the whistle to vent. 。He couldn't remember what the "whistle" meant, so he just said "hooter". 。Zheng Zhe didn't mind that he had forgotten the "嘯指" he had taught him, instead, he was secretly impressed by Ye Youxiao's analysis and nodded frequently: It seems this young man really knows a lot about the "Seven Sages" ah. 。I couldn't help but ask: "You performers, don't you need to understand the Seven Sages Why do you know about them" Ye Youxiao recited a rhyme: “Ji Kang's Guangling San, Ruan Ji's Advice to Emperor Jin, Ruan Xian’s Pipa changed to Ruan, Shan Tao was ostracized..." 。To Xiu Si, an old ode. Liu Ling's morality and alcoholic prowess are high. 。

Shan Tao and Wang Rong were appointed as the Three Excellences, who among the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove is unknown"

Zheng Zhui couldn't help but burst into laughter. Such a song was unheard of. He felt that the song actually resembled his own riddles.

On a whim, I led Ye Youxiao to my desk and showed him the two lines of poetry I had just written:

Birds break through the mist and return home

Walking alone in the morning wind, I gaze at the garden.

Ye Youxiao looked at it and suddenly felt overwhelmed. 。He always acts like he's more than he is, and people actually think he's a genius. 。It's best to just be honest:

"Sir, these two sentences of yours are so profound, I, well, I truly don't understand their meaning."

Zheng Zhu carefully observed his expression, finding it genuine and not a mockery of himself. 。He nodded and smiled, saying: "The Thousand Character Classic is a book for young children. How could you not know it Look at these birds flying back to the 'King'. The next line, walking alone in the garden, two phrases make up the words 'Wang Mang'." 。"Being able to recognize the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove but not understanding "Thousand Character Classic" is indeed puzzling." 。 。 。

Zheng Zhi was full of curiosity and kept glancing at Ye Youxiao.

But Ye Youxiao's words were true, including the fact that Ye Housheng didn't let him recite "Thousand Character Classic," which was also the actual situation. So he wasn't afraid of Zheng Zhi's scrutiny. 。"By the way, I am Zheng Zhi." Let me know if you have other text you'd like translated!。"Come now, tell me, what brings you to see me"Although he had long suspected that the gentleman before him was Zheng Zhi himself... 。But now he suddenly confessed that he was the current chief minister, which made Ye Youxiao's heart beat faster. 。He knew this was a crucial moment, success or failure hinging on it. He took a deep breath to steady himself before saying: "So you are Zheng Xiangye." 。Minor indiscretions, I beg your pardon. 。"

This was originally a polite remark, Zheng Zhi should have said “I forgive you,” but who knew this eccentric Zheng Wu would not follow the script. He smiled and asked, "What if I refuse to forgive you"

Ye Youxiao was taken aback: This term 'xiangye' doesn't seem right...

" 。But then I thought, as a traverser, my life is counting down. What do I have to fear from you I immediately smiled and said: "If Lord Xiang refuses to forgive me, I can only ask Lord Xiang to visit the Ye family's shed and watch a good show." 。This kind of riddle, unless it came from a 21st-century elementary school student, is definitely something ancient people wouldn't have thought of. 。Kill two birds with one stone, and take this opportunity to state my purpose for coming. 。But Zheng Zhi seemed determined to see the joke through. 。He didn't ask what good plays there were, nor did he give Ye Youxiao a chance to advertise: "What if I forgave you" Ye Youxiao was almost dizzy from his words. 。You, Grandpa Xiang, always play offbeat, one move to the left and one to the right. I'm about to be driven crazy by your unpredictable tactics! 。Although I was unhappy and confused, I couldn't just ignore Xiang Ye's words. 。Just give him a single answer that applies to everything: "If Your Majesty spares me, I will be grateful. Then, I would like to invite Your Majesty to our humble theatre tent and ask for your guidance on our new play." 。Upon hearing this, Zheng Yi understood a few things: it seemed that this servant was determined to take him out today and see some play. 。He wasn't averse to watching plays, and hearing from Yeh You-hsiao that it was a "new play" piqued his curiosity. 。being in a high position, I was unaware of when the holy man would arrive to deliver the imperial edict. If I were not at the Prime Minister's residence at that time, it would be more than just trouble. 。

On second thought, I had an idea: why not invite him to the theater with me As long as he's there, even if I miss the imperial decree, I have an excuse and will surely avoid punishment.

Thinking about this, Zheng Zhi said calmly, "It seems that I must see your new play" Hearing Xiang Ye's voice slightly fluctuate, but his tone was still ambiguous, and there seemed to be a hidden meaning in it. 。Ye Youxiao's mind raced, and he blurted out a sentence. 。Mingzheng Hall, to be named and not respond was an act of defiance. If it were anyone else, they would have been escorted out long ago, perhaps even thrown into a prison to await punishment. 。But he...