The Most Powerful Young Master of the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 4: The Legendary Old Liao

After releasing his wrist, Wang Anshi asked with a puzzled expression, “Bing’er, what are your thoughts on entering the study this time?” “I didn’t have any particular thoughts.” Wang Bang looked like a carefree little brat—since his head had been kicked by a donkey, that explained a lot of things. Wang Anshi wasn’t sure if this was a blessing or a curse. In the past, Bang’er had been a child prodigy—capable of composing poetry in seven steps and coming up with lyrics on the spot. When he entered this study, he couldn’t get by without composing a poem. Now that he’d been kicked by a donkey, his mental issues seemed to have cleared up, but had he lost his talent? Yet he was, without a doubt, his own son. Shao Qing later, Wang Bang looked curiously at a calligraphy scroll in cursive script hanging on the wall; it was indeed very scrawled, making it rather difficult to decipher. Wang Anshi noticed this and asked, “Ying’er used to love this calligraphy scroll. I’d like to hear your thoughts on it again.” Wang Bang said nothing, merely shaking his head slightly. Wang Anshi couldn’t help but grow impatient. “In the past, every time you came, you would always comment on this handwritten scroll by Fan Zhongyan—without fail. And each time, you had slightly different insights. Because you liked it, I hung it right in the center. Bang’er, what on earth is wrong with you?” Wang Bang thought to himself with relief that this time through his time-travel adventure, he’d been quite clever—that donkey had really come in handy. Wang Bang also felt he would have to face this eventually—better to admit it sooner than later—so he said awkwardly, “Father, please allow me to explain. I don’t know why, but I just can’t make sense of it. Ever since I suffered that head injury, everything has felt very strange.” Wang Anshi’s anxiety was beyond words. But upon closer reflection, this boy had suddenly undergone a tremendous transformation—not only had his heart condition healed without medicine, but although his tone and manner were peculiar, they also exuded a unique kind of spiritual vitality? With this thought, he felt a little more at ease. After all, when he stroked the boy’s little head, the sense of their blood ties felt even more real than before. So no matter what, Wang Anshi could not deny that this was his son. So Wang Anshi said in a gentle voice, “It seems Bang’er has lost some of his memory after being kicked by a donkey, and his tone and grammar have become strange. Now, Father will teach you from the beginning. This note was written by Lord Fan during a time of heavy military duties in Shaanxi; he had no spare time, so he wrote it in cursive script. Its central theme is ‘worrying about the world’s troubles before one’s own,’ and it had a profound impact on the Shaanxi region at that time. Do you understand, Bang’er?” Wang Bang then bowed and said, “I understand, Father. It seems the significance of this manuscript lies in Lord Fan’s mindset and code of conduct at the time. Under his influence, the foundation of unity between the military and civilians established along the border has deterred the Western Xia from daring to encroach on our borders, allowing the people of Shaanxi to live in peace. His legacy continues to protect the Great Song to this day.” “You’re a teachable lad. Your understanding of this matter is far more profound than before—haha, your father is pleased. That must be thanks to the donkey kicking you.” At this point, Wang Anshi was in high spirits and ordered, “Bring some wine to feed my donkey—to reward it.” Wang Bang felt a pang of disappointment; he’d been hoping the donkey would get a better meal, but instead, they were going to feed it wine. Although donkeys raised on wine are exceptionally tasty, it was still too extravagant—in later generations, beef of the same quality would cost several hundred dollars per jin. After Wang Bang left, it would be a lie to say Wang Anshi wasn’t worried, so he furrowed his brow once more. Geng Tianji thought for a moment before saying, “Sir, you really don’t need to worry so much about the young master’s affairs.” Wang Anshi replied, “Bing has been bright since childhood, but now he’s suddenly become so strange, and I can’t figure out why. It’s as if he’s a completely different person.” Geng Tianji, however, replied, “Though his talent may have waned, I feel his spirit has grown even stronger. I’ve been observing him in secret; his interactions with Erya are quite interesting. That chicken drumstick he hid—it actually ended up in Erya’s mouth in the end.” “Oh,” Wang Anshi said, twirling his mustache as he pondered. “Fortunately, with what is lost, there is also a gain. Whether Bang’er will have his name called at the Donghua Gate in the future isn’t actually my greatest concern. Having his name called would certainly be the icing on the cake, but it’s no big deal if it doesn’t happen. As long as he has a good conscience, a steady mind, and lives out his life with integrity and diligence, that’s good enough.” Geng Tianji understood deep down that by uttering the phrase, “Even an upright official finds it hard to settle family matters,” the Minister was revealing that Erya and her mother were what weighed most heavily on his mind. He was currently building a private residence with the intention of providing them with a place to rely on. Now that he’d heard Wang Bang—who seemed like a completely different person—was getting along well with Erya, from his husband’s perspective, this presented an opportunity to resolve the family’s problems… What a waste. Wang Bang and Wang Xiaoya were watching the donkey drink. The way this donkey is treated speaks volumes about Wang Anshi’s sense of loyalty. However, “Loyal Dad” has fattened the donkey while starving his own family. Just because he’s fat doesn’t mean we all have to lose weight too, does it? “Are we really going to get back at it? It only kicked you once,” the little girl said, not quite convinced her big brother should hold a grudge like this. Wang Bang picked her up and held her in his arms, saying, “Give me one more reason, and I’ll give up on the idea of killing this donkey.” “Dad says we should have a conscience. This donkey is still young, and its mother has worked hard for our family—she’s made a real contribution,” Erya said in a flowery tone. “Besides, it only kicked you once. But just this year alone, you’ve kicked me several times.” “All right, I’ll spare it.” Wang Bang thought her quote was absolutely classic… There definitely won’t be any chicken drumsticks today. But they’d collected two eggs today. Following the usual routine, Wang Bang would get one at dinner, Grandma would get one, and the rest of them would just have to watch enviously. Erya carefully cradled the two eggs, her eyes brimming with tears. Curious, Wang Bang pressed her for an explanation, and she said she was worried she’d be scolded because there weren’t enough eggs. It’s just that in those days, chickens laid eggs on a whim, and collecting them was a matter of luck—it was never reliable. Her beautiful mother wasn’t one to take things lying down; whenever there were few eggs, she’d scold Erya, almost going so far as to accuse her of “stealing them.” “Erya, would you like to have a little snack?” Wang Bang asked. The little girl licked her lips but, looking a bit timid, shook her head and said, “Our dad won’t let us go play by the river—he says it’s dangerous. Since we can’t go catch fish, and we don’t have any money, we can’t have any snacks.” “To be honest, I’m a very resourceful person. I wouldn’t go catch fish in the river. You’re so tiny—sneak into the accounting office and steal some money, and the two of us will go to the restaurant to eat some fancy dishes,” Wang Bang urged. “Don’t encourage a little kid to do bad things,” the little girl said, turning and running away. “Why are you shouting so loud? Are you afraid people won’t hear you?” Wang Bang caught her and brought her back, then said, “All right then, let’s go out and get some supplies. We’re starting our business, so you have to obey me unconditionally and support me unconditionally.” The little girl bit her finger and said, “If you don’t go to the academy to study, just wait until Dad makes you cry.” “Stop nagging. Do you want something to eat or not?” Wang Bang asked. “Sure.” Hearing there was food to eat, Erya slung the basket over her back and followed along, skipping happily. To be honest, she really liked the way Da Bang was now, and she really loved eating… The brother and sister had just stepped outside when they were caught by the legendary “Old Liao,” who happened to be returning at that very moment. Old Liao planned to send Wang Bang to the provincial academy. This was Wang Bang’s first time meeting this guy. The little girl revealed that his name was Liao Qingluan, known as the Sword Saint of Linchuan, and rumored to be able to fight the great hero Zhan Zhao to a standstill. Wow, having a little girl who’s like a walking encyclopedia right from the start really provided a lot of information. Classical Chinese gives him a headache just hearing it, so Wang Bang really didn’t want to go to school—he couldn’t even walk properly. Old Liao was impatient. He picked up the frail Wang Bang, hoisted him onto his shoulders, and set off with long strides, moving with remarkable grace as he weaved through the dense crowd in the marketplace. Even though he didn’t know him, clinging to Old Liao’s big head felt surprisingly reassuring at a time like this. “Uncle Lao Liao, you’re amazing, but why do you have to take me to the academy?” Wang Bang asked. Old Liao felt that the young master had become quite mischievous lately; his speech had taken on a peculiar tone, yet he was far more entertaining than before. So Old Liao asked in return, “Why exactly do you dislike going to the academy, young master?” From this, Wang Bang concluded that the previous incarnation of Wang Bang also disliked going to the academy. Wang Bang replied, “Mainly, I don’t think there’s anything there to teach me, and I wouldn’t be very happy there. I thought you’d understand.” “That makes sense. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t be happy either,” Old Liao said, nodding as he walked. “Since we’re on the same page, could you cut me some slack?” “No. Young Master, you’re so smart—why don’t you just spend some time at the academy and figure out why you can’t learn anything there?” After saying this, Old Liao forcibly ushered the little brat inside…