Chapter 70
Mr. Fang Shanchang did not wish to bestow a courtesy name upon Xie Meiying.
He had been a teacher for over thirty years, with disciples spread all over the country, both in court and among the common people. He was a true titan of the literary world. Highly virtuous and prestigious, his status was transcendent; those he associated with were all eminent scholars and celebrated literati. He had even been ordered by the Emperor to give lectures to the Crown Prince.
With such reputation and standing, it would be inappropriate and unbecoming to confer a courtesy name upon a concubine. It would be a disgrace to his scholarly integrity, and if word got out, those old acquaintances of his would surely ridicule him.
Thus, he did not agree on the spot. However, Xie Rongmo was one of his most admired students in the past decade, so out of consideration for his disciple’s dignity, he did not explicitly refuse, only said he needed a few days to think it over.
Xie Rongmo did not press him further, instead saying with great remorse, “This student was wrong. I should not have put you in such a difficult position, Teacher!”
Mr. Fang sighed and said, “You are doing this for your aunt; your filial devotion is clear as day.”
Xie Rongmo lowered his head with tears. “Even a crow knows to feed back to its mother. How could this student ever forget my aunt’s kindness in raising me?”
Mr. Fang was moved upon hearing this, but still did not give a definite answer.
Xie Rongmo respectfully took his leave, then immediately went to find Liu, a teacher whom Mr. Fang highly valued.
That night, Teacher Liu came to play chess with Mr. Fang. After losing a game, he swept the chess pieces aside, frowned, and said, “Shanchang, you are being too harsh on Rongmo.”
Mr. Fang already understood his purpose and said with a bitter smile, “Rongmo is filial, but it is improper for me to bestow a courtesy name upon a concubine.”
Teacher Liu said, “That concubine is no ordinary concubine. She is the aunt of the Marquis of Yuanchang.”
Mr. Fang replied, “She is still a concubine.”
Teacher Liu nearly beat his chest in frustration. “Shanchang, you are mistaken! The Xie family woman is not lowly. She comes from a noble family, pure and kind-hearted, and in Huainan she saved countless disaster victims. She is called the Immortal Maiden of Mei, and the local people are so grateful they even built a living shrine for her. If it were not for an accident, she would have been the official primary wife of Jiang Shilang, upright and honorable!”
Mr. Fang: “……Immortal Maiden of Mei?”
Did Xie Meiying truly have such a reputation in Huainan?
Teacher Liu said, “Yes, this title has even reached the capital. You have not heard of it?”
Mr. Fang shook his head.
After thinking for a moment, Teacher Liu suddenly understood. “Ah, right. You are the Shanchang; no one dares to speak gossip in front of you.”
Mr. Fang slowly said, “Is the living shrine also real?”
Teacher Liu replied, “I have not seen it myself, but people speak of it in great detail. It is likely true.”
Mr. Fang stroked his beard and said disapprovingly, “To build a shrine for someone who is still alive is inauspicious.”
Teacher Liu took a sip of tea and smiled. “I thought the same. I even reminded Rongmo to send people back to Huainan when he has time to tear down the shrine and inform the people not to build it again.”
Mr. Fang looked thoughtful. “So the Xie woman is quite well-regarded among the people?”
Teacher Liu said, “Naturally. When people heard she suffered such injustice, they all felt indignant on her behalf, but with imperial authority above them, they dared not speak out.”
After a pause, he continued, “Anyone with clear judgment knows that the Xie woman is a victim of court struggles. She should never have been made a concubine! But how can we scholars fear power? We should speak up righteously and help the weak!”
Mr. Fang lowered his gaze and drank tea, saying nothing.
Teacher Liu pressed on, “Shanchang, what are you still hesitating for? This is a rare opportunity for our Yunshan Academy to gain fame again! Let the world see the integrity and backbone of our academy!”
Mr. Fang’s expression shifted slightly as he weighed the pros and cons.
Yunshan Academy was not without its troubles. The capital’s literary scene was flourishing, with many academies. In particular, the newly established Xingjian Academy five years ago had risen rapidly, even taking several promising talents that Yunshan Academy had set its sights on.
Teacher Liu added another decisive push. “I heard His Majesty intends to choose another teacher for the Crown Prince to lecture on the Spring and Autumn Annals. Shanchang, you and the Shan Shanchang of Xingjian Academy are both masters of the Spring and Autumn Annals. The Emperor will likely choose between the two of you.”
No need to say it explicitly.
Those familiar with the Emperor knew he did not truly favor the Princess Shun’an. On the contrary, he often tried to embarrass her. If not for Tang Pu stepping in, he would have arranged a marriage for her to marry into the Jiang family in glory, suppressing Princess Shun’an.
Now that Xie Meiying could only be a concubine, the Emperor still wanted her and Princess Shun’an to clash within the inner household.
In other words, supporting Xie Meiying would please the Emperor greatly.
“Shanchang, there are only benefits and no harm in this matter. Why hesitate?”
Teacher Liu pleaded earnestly.
To gain a reputation for righteousness, to gain imperial favor, and yet pay almost nothing—only bestowing a name.
If he were the Shanchang, he would have already agreed.
Mr. Fang looked at him and suddenly said, “Were these arguments taught to you by Rongmo?”
Teacher Liu: “……”
“It’s not really teaching, just a few casual remarks.”
He quickly added, “But the matters about Immortal Maiden of Mei and the living shrine were not his idea. Those rumors already existed; many in the academy know about them.”
Mr. Fang smiled faintly. “He must be the one who spread them.”
Instead of anger, he actually felt pleased.
Rongmo was scheming and deeply strategic—very good.
Years of experience told him that those who could truly rise in court were never bookish pedants, but intelligent people with schemes and foresight.
Even better, Rongmo still had a sincere side.
From how he treated his aunt, one could see he was filial and grateful.
A talent worth cultivating.
Teacher Liu asked carefully, “Shanchang, what is your decision?”
Mr. Fang said calmly, “Since this is about helping the weak, there is no need for secrecy. It should be done openly and aboveboard. Tomorrow, summon the students. Let them witness me bestowing a courtesy name upon the Xie woman.”
Teacher Liu was overjoyed. “Yes!”
He respectfully withdrew and hurried off to inform Xie Rongmo.
