Volume One: The Overseer and the Scholar Chapter Forty-Three: After the Imperial Lecture

With the granting of the jade pendant by the Jiajing Emperor, it was clear at a glance who stood higher in his regard—Huang Ming or Yang Shen, who was right and who was wrong. As Huang Ming descended from the platform after offering his thanks, today's lecture court had drawn to a close, though Zhang Bi would take the stage next. Yet neither the emperor nor the other officials seemed likely to pay him any heed; each was lost in their own thoughts, completely disregarding his performance.

In truth, not only Zhang Bi, but even Yang Shen, who had until now performed flawlessly and without fault, saw his limelight utterly eclipsed by Huang Ming today. As the lecture court ended and the ministers gradually dispersed, their discussions revolved solely around Huang Ming’s unconventional yet logically sound arguments. Of course, the vast majority did not accept his reasoning. The judgment upon those late Han ministers and the Ten Attendants had been settled for a thousand years; what place did a mere youth have to offer his opinions?

“This is nothing but a contrarian ploy to draw attention, not worthy of the court.”

“Lord Li speaks true. His argument is not even worth refuting!”

“I believe this fellow is malicious—clearly prepared, intent only on twisting right and wrong.”

“How so?”

“Do you not know the background of this Guozijian student called Huang Ming? He is the son of Huang Jin, the trusted eunuch by the emperor’s side.”

“Given his origins, how could he not speak in his own interest, using his defense of villains like the Ten Attendants to champion his father?”

“So that’s the reason…”

Many were suddenly enlightened, and their disdain for Huang Ming grew even stronger. They could only regret that he was not before them now, or else they would surely teach this reckless, disrespectful youth a lesson.

At this time, Huang Ming was actually not far from the dispersing officials, but he was surrounded by an even more excited throng of young men—his fellow students at the Guozijian. As the lecture ended and Huang Ming emerged from Minglun Hall, he was instantly encircled by hundreds of students, layer upon layer.

Not only did the students from Xuanzitang quickly gather around him, those from other halls did the same, all sharing in the glory. Once they had him surrounded, a wave of cheers erupted.

“Huang, you have truly brought honor to our Guozijian! Seeing the great scholar, the top-ranked Yang Shen, rendered speechless—I couldn’t help but laugh!”

“Yes, let those who look down on us see! Clearly, we from the Guozijian are not inferior to any Hanlin scholar!”

“Not only are we not inferior, I’d say we’re far stronger!”

Among the laughter, Xu Qingzhi’s excitement was palpable, his face flushed as he shouted, “Do you know how Huang managed to silence those so-called geniuses? It’s because these past days, I—and others—have been with him, poring over those tedious histories: Book of the Later Han, Records of the Three Kingdoms. I could recite them backwards now! Isn’t that right, Huang?”

Faced with his friend’s boasting, Huang Ming could only smile and nod in agreement; maintaining good relations with them could only be to his benefit.

Hearing this, the crowd burst into another round of cheers. Were it not for the presence of so many officials and guards, these exuberant youths might have hoisted their proud champion and tossed him into the air.

Just then, a slightly effeminate voice came from the edge of the crowd: “Is the distinguished Mr. Huang, who presented such a remarkable argument at the lecture court, among you?”

As the speaker approached, the previously noisy students fell silent, quickly parting to reveal Huang Ming. He saw the newcomer and was slightly startled, immediately stepping forward to greet him. “May I ask what guidance you have for me, sir?”

The man wore the scarlet robes of a eunuch, his face smiling amiably. He was the very attendant who had delivered the emperor’s jade pendant to Huang Ming earlier.

“What guidance could I possibly offer you, Mr. Huang? There is a noble personage who wishes to meet you.” He gestured for Huang Ming to follow.

Huang Ming instantly grasped the truth and felt a twinge of nervousness. Only the Jiajing Emperor himself could send such an attendant to fetch him. He dared not refuse, nodded in assent, and followed toward the rear of the Guozijian.

Though he had been studying at the Guozijian for several days, there were still many places at its rear he had never visited. Much like students in later generations, there were always corners of the school forbidden to them…

The pair walked along a winding path for a while, and soon came upon a secluded courtyard.

At this point, the leading eunuch lowered his voice and smiled, “To be honest, I must thank you for speaking so boldly today. Without your intervention, we servants would have been unfairly maligned by them.”

“You flatter me, sir. I merely spoke my true feelings—and besides, my father…”

“Yes, your father and I both serve the master closely, and our relationship is very tight. As his son, you are like my nephew. We should get along well in the future.”

“You are a colleague of my father, so you are an elder to me. I will naturally respect you and heed your guidance.”

“Haha, nephew, you certainly know how to speak! Far better than my own sons at home.”

He paused as if struck by a thought, turned to glance at Huang Ming, and said, “By the way, you don’t know my name, do you? I am Li Fang, and I came with the master from the Anlu Prince’s residence.”

“So it is Eunuch Li. I am honored.” Huang Ming bowed deeply, and so a formal acquaintance was established.

Yet Huang Ming would not truly regard him as a family elder, and his wariness grew. There was no helping it. Both he and his father served by the emperor’s side; colleagues they may be, but rivals as well. The higher one climbs, the narrower the ground beneath one’s feet—and those who attend the Son of Heaven stand at the very summit. Thus, open and hidden struggles were inevitable; who could say if they were friend or foe?

After leading Huang Ming to the tranquil courtyard, Li Fang halted, smiled, and nodded toward the entrance. “The master is inside. You may enter.”

He exchanged a glance with the burly guards at the door, who stepped aside to make way.

Huang Ming quickly straightened his attire, then, somewhat anxious, stepped into the courtyard.