The deposition of the emperor marked Dong Zhuo's official stance against the so-called "pure faction" of the literati.
Unlike the ruling party's pure faction, the opposition's literati could freely criticize without restraint. After all, they had no official positions to lose, and attacking others might even attract more attention, which could be beneficial for their rise to power once the ruling party fell.
So, while the Wang and Yuan families, along with other ruling party literati, were busy congratulating the new emperor and dividing the spoils, the opposition literati almost unanimously began to launch scathing critiques. Some even openly went to the gates of the Southern Palace to mourn the deposed emperor, shedding tears and wailing in grief. However, they obediently stayed at a safe distance of three hundred steps from the palace gates, never daring to take a step closer...
Fei Qian witnessed this scene on his way to Li Ru's residence. He wasn't sure whether to feel admiration or sorrow for these people...
After leaving Cai Yong's home, Fei Qian felt it was necessary to visit Li Ru. After all, his ability to become Cai Yong's disciple was closely tied to the crucial item Li Ru had provided. Now that he had officially become Cai Yong's disciple, it wouldn't be right to forget the matchmaker after the marriage was settled. Both sentiment and reason dictated that he should express his gratitude.
Another point was that Fei Qian remembered Cai Yong's death was due to his mourning of Dong Zhuo, which led to his execution by Wang Yun. The reason Cai Yong mourned Dong Zhuo was because Dong Zhuo had heavily promoted and relied on him. After Dong Zhuo's death, it was highly likely that Cai Yong, adhering to Confucian principles of repaying kindness, would have made such a dangerous yet characteristic move.
However, it seemed that Cai Yong was still serving as a Palace Attendant, neither promoted nor demoted. Dong Zhuo seemed to have forgotten about him. During Dong Zhuo's grand banquet for the officials, Cai Yong didn't attend, and Dong Zhuo didn't hold it against him...
Fei Qian speculated whether this was due to Li Ru's influence. Since Li Ru had recommended him to Cai Yong, and Cai Yong had accepted him as a disciple, from Cai Yong's perspective, it was to fulfill a promise to an old friend. But from another angle, Cai Yong and Li Ru had no prior relationship. By following Li Ru's wishes and fulfilling his request, did Cai Yong owe Li Ru a favor?
Therefore, regarding Cai Yong, Li Ru chose to turn a blind eye, perhaps as a subconscious way of repaying Cai Yong's favor.
After all, within Dong Zhuo's faction, aside from Dong Zhuo himself, Li Ru's words carried the most weight.
Fei Qian arrived at Li Ru's residence and presented his name card to request an audience.
For someone like Fei Qian who arrived unannounced, whether he would be received depended on the host's mood. If the name card was taken in and the servant returned to say the master was not available, one shouldn't assume it was a blatant lie and get angry. This was in line with Han Dynasty etiquette. If the host was not immediately available, a meeting time would be arranged. Of course, if the host was willing to meet, the level of reception would depend on the status of both parties.
After a short while, Fei Qian saw the servant following a steward-like figure and knew there was a good chance he would be received. Indeed, Li Ru was willing to meet Fei Qian and sent the steward to welcome him.
Although Fei Qian hadn't met Li Ru many times, each encounter left him with a strong sense of dissonance. Li Ru's appearance was vastly different from the image portrayed in later works. The dignified and impressive figure before him, dressed in a moon-white brocade robe, with a tall hat and wide belt, and neatly trimmed beard, exuded an air of scholarly elegance and stability. He looked every bit the learned and composed middle-aged gentleman. How could such a man be portrayed as a sleazy character in the novels?
Fei Qian didn't dare to scrutinize Li Ru too much and quickly stepped forward to pay his respects, explaining his purpose and bowing deeply to Li Ru.
Li Ru stepped forward to help Fei Qian up, and after both were seated, he asked, "What have you been studying under Master Cai Yong?"
Fei Qian was about to stand up to reply, but Li Ru stopped him, indicating that he could answer while seated. Fei Qian cupped his hands in gratitude and said, "I have been studying the *Zuo Zhuan*."
"The *Zuo Zhuan*?" Li Ru seemed slightly surprised and smiled, saying, "Master Cai Yong indeed tailors his teaching to the student."
Fei Qian wasn't sure how to respond. Was this a compliment or a subtle jab?
Li Ru didn't wait for Fei Qian's reply and continued, "Gu Yuan Tan teaches the *Book of Rites*, Ruan Yuan Yu teaches the *Book of Songs*, Lu Wen Wei teaches the *Book of Documents*, and Cao Meng De teaches the *Book of Changes*..." Li Ru listed them off as if they were household names, then glanced at Fei Qian, "Quite interesting..."
Li Ru seemed to know all about Cai Yong's teaching history. From what he said, Cao Cao studied the *Book of Changes*? No wonder he was so cunning and unpredictable... But why did Li Ru glance at me when he said "interesting"? Was he referring to me or the fact that Cai Yong was teaching me the *Zuo Zhuan*?
Ah, I hate these roundabout conversations. They exhaust so many brain cells...
Li Ru continued, "The *Zuo Zhuan* is a masterpiece of narrative and analysis. Its descriptions are exquisite, and it covers a wide range of topics, including military strategy, diplomacy, cunning, benevolence, discipline, and the rise and fall of nations. It is a comprehensive guide."
Really? It sounds less like the *Zuo Zhuan* and more like some mystical manual that instantly boosts your intelligence by twenty points...
Li Ru glanced at Fei Qian and said seriously, "Your master treats you very well. You must be diligent and earnest, and not forget his kindness."
Fei Qian quickly stood up and bowed, acknowledging the advice—ah, Li Ru must have noticed my earlier expression. Better admit my mistake quickly...
Li Ru nodded and motioned for Fei Qian to sit down again. Suddenly, he changed the topic and asked, "What did your master say about today's events?"
Although Li Ru's question was vague, Fei Qian immediately understood what he was referring to.
"Today's events"—though unspecified, what could be more significant today than the deposition of the emperor?
So, Li Ru was asking about Cai Yong's views on the deposition. Did he support it, oppose it, or have any comments on the matter?
But how did Li Ru know I came from Cai Yong's place and could know Cai Yong's attitude?
Oh, right. Today is the day to thank my master, and the timing of my visit coincides with Cai Yong's return home...
That means I can't claim ignorance, Fei Qian thought. Telling obvious lies in front of a smart person not only exposes my low intelligence but also reveals my flawed character...
So, what should I do? This is really nerve-wracking!
*****
A/N: The *Zuo Zhuan* is indeed an extraordinary book, containing a wealth of knowledge. However, the ancients were limited by bamboo slips, which restricted the length of their records. This was a necessity of the time.