The drumbeat fell silent!
Eight gentlemen, each holding a red ticket, stepped onto the stage in succession. Cao Pi and Cao Zhi were among them. Besides them, there was also a young man specifically summoned by Cao Cao for appraisal – He Yan!
The great-grandson of a former Grand General, the son of Lady Yin.
Out of affection for his mother, Cao Cao doted on He Yan immensely, even taking him and Qin Lang, the son of Lady Du, as "adopted sons"!
He Yan, with his uninhibited nature, wore attire no different from Cao Ang, Cao Pi, and Cao Zhi.
It was for this reason that Cao Pi particularly disliked him, always referring to him as "my father's adopted son"!
And the first to be appraised at this Yue Dan Ping was none other than this He Yan!
At this moment, Cao Cao remained concealed within the crowd. Countless assassins scanned the throng, their gazes filled with killing intent, searching for Cao Cao. However, with the press of people, finding Cao Cao was no easy feat.
Then again…
Jia Xu, clad in a Daoist robe, had, at some point, squeezed his way to Cao Cao's side.
Cao Cao asked with a smile, "When did you return, Mr. Jia? Why are you here? Where is Yu'er?"
"Lu Situ, I have no idea!" Jia Xu stroked his beard. "As for me… I've only just returned. To be present at this grand occasion, to witness the reopening of the Yue Dan Ping, such a lively spectacle, how could I miss it?"
Heh heh…
Cao Cao saw through Jia Xu's thoughts instantly. This man was exceptionally shrewd.
He must have known… that his side was the safest!
Speaking of which…
Cao Cao exchanged a knowing glance with the old fox, who had recently been appointed his strategist. They shared a knowing smile!
On the stage, Cai Zhaoji surveyed the assembled guests. Seeing the eight gentlemen waiting in the designated area, she finally spoke:
"Cao Sikong has issued the 'Recruitment Order,' hoping that talented individuals from across the land will come forward enthusiastically. Those with talent but lacking virtue can also be greatly employed. This endeavor is to end the chaotic times and establish peace for all people."
"Today's Yue Dan Ping in Xudu city will proceed as usual, with only me, Cai Yan, presiding. After the Xu brothers, the Yue Dan Ping has been silent for twenty years. This humble one, by order of the Son of Heaven and by order of Cao Sikong, reopens this appraisal, welcoming scholars from all four directions!"
With these words, Cai Zhaoji waved her sleeves, making a "please" gesture.
He Yan was the first. He elegantly stepped forward, bowing to both Xun Yu and Cai Zhaoji, "He Yan, from Wancheng County, Nanyang Commandery. It is an honor to meet Chief Director Cai. Please appraise my poetry and prose!"
As he spoke, He Yan presented a bamboo slip.
His graceful movement, coupled with his fair complexion, made the crowd below feel, for a fleeting moment, that the person being appraised on stage was a beautiful woman!
Indeed, He Yan was renowned as a child prodigy in his youth, favoring the philosophies of Laozi and Zhuangzi, advocating for Xuanxue (Metaphysical learning), and engaging in pure discourse. This was a departure from orthodox Confucianism and classical scholarship.
The bamboo slip he presented was titled "Collected Annotations on the Analects," expounding on Confucianism from a Daoist perspective.
To his surprise, Cai Zhaoji gently shook her head. "I have read all of your 'Collected Annotations on the Analects.' Without wishing to deceive, I will give my honest appraisal."
Upon hearing this, He Yan was somewhat surprised and also greatly honored. While he was indeed arrogant due to his talent, in the realm of literature, he only admired Cao Sikong and Miss Cai Yan.
He immediately cupped his hands and said, "My 'Collected Annotations on the Analects' has only just been written and shared with a few close friends for their perusal; it has not yet been compiled into a volume. To have it gain the favor of Chief Director Cai is truly fortunate for three lifetimes!"
Cai Zhaoji said no more, but walked to the suspended white cloth. A young attendant handed her brushes and ink.
Her eyes turned towards Xun Yu. "Lord Lingjun Xun, this first appraisal, this humble one will write directly."
"Chief Director Cai, please proceed as you see fit!" Xun Yu was naturally happy to have leisure, and furthermore, his mind was not on this matter.
Cai Zhaoji, with her elegant posture, wrote on the white cloth: "Thoughtful strength perfected, unique style, spirit over substance, superficial without depth, Second Grade!"
Upon hearing this…
The crowd below began to murmur, "Young Master He's literary talent? Is it… only Second Grade?"
He Yan also furrowed his brow. "Superficial without depth," was this a commentary on his writing being ornate but insubstantial?
At this moment…
The Imperial Uncle Dong Cheng, along with the Commander of the Yueqi Cavalry, Wang Zifu, the Commander of the Changshui, Zhong Ji, and the Advisor, Wu Shuo, had joined the crowd.
They were all dressed in plain clothes, quietly gathering together. Wang Zifu asked in a low voice,
"Has Cao Cao arrived?"
Wu Shuo nodded. "I saw some familiar faces among the Huben Guards. It is likely that Cao Cao has arrived, but he has not yet been found."
Zhong Ji quietly inquired, "Why isn't Liu Xuande here? Could he have fled from the battle?"
"No!" Dong Cheng waved his hand gently. "Xuande's absence is the Emperor's will! The Emperor needs to leave some fallback and hope…"
Wang Zifu's eyes narrowed, and his tone was filled with indignation. "Even giving our all might not be enough to kill that Cao bandit, and we still need to leave fallback?"
Dong Cheng replied calmly, "His Majesty has his own thoughts. We are going all out, but His Majesty must protect the Han court. Do you truly wish to see the destruction of the Han court if things go awry? In any case, even if unsuccessful, we cannot implicate His Majesty!"
While they whispered amongst themselves, they continued searching for Cao Cao.
On stage, He Yan felt a touch of indignation.
"Chief Director Cai has awarded me Second Grade, and I dare not question it. However… 'spirit over substance, superficial without depth,' what is the meaning of this?"
Although Cai Zhaoji was usually amiable, when it came to literary talent, her judgment was exceptionally discerning.
Among the contemporary literary works, besides those left by her father, only the poems and lyrics that her brother Yu had painstakingly recalled, such as the 'Three Hundred Tang Poems' and 'Song Lyrics,' had astonished her.
Compared to He Yan's "Collected Annotations on the Analects," the difference was indeed vast!
With this thought, Cai Zhaoji smiled and replied, "Young Master He has his strengths, but today's appraisal is not about flattery. It is appropriate to mention Young Master He's shortcomings. Poetry should not be limited to mountains and rivers, nor prose to local customs. Reinterpreting the Analects is merely pandering to worldly trends. It is euphemistically put as returning to the source, but more bluntly, it is a change of packaging for the same old contents! For the present world, being ranked Second Grade is already quite remarkable!"
As these words left her mouth…
Cao Cao nodded slightly, smiling as he said to Jia Xu beside him, "Wenhe, listen to this. To have trained Yu'er so exceptionally, my virtuous sister's skill is truly considerable, and her appraisals are also very sharp."
Jia Xu, understanding the underlying meaning, stroked his beard and smiled back, "Does Cao Sikong feel that Miss Cai Yan is a good teacher? Or that Miss Cai Yan herself is good!"
Heh…
The implication of these words was clear. Jia Xu was hinting that Old Cao was not just praising his virtuous sister Cai Yan, but was practically broadcasting his desire to call Cai Yan "daughter-in-law"!
"Hahaha…"
Cao Cao chuckled lightly… This Old Poison Jia's insight was truly sharp!
He Yan on stage felt somewhat unconvinced. "If my appraisal of the Analects is Second Grade, then is there anyone in the present day who has appraised the Analects as First Grade? Is there a First Grade appraisal work on the Analects! So that I may have a path to learn and emulate."
This…
Anyone could tell that He Yan was deliberately creating a difficult situation for Cai Zhaoji. Scholars, after all, had their pride. Who wouldn't feel a bit displeased when appraised as Second Grade?
To their surprise, Cai Zhaoji replied without hesitation, "Since Young Master He asks, then I shall offer a few more comments. The foremost in appraising the Analects today is the Chief Director of the Imperial Academy, the Grand Minister of the Han Dynasty, and also my younger brother, Lu Yu!"
"Five years ago, Yu'er wrote a book called 'Insights on the Analects,' which is currently available in the Imperial Academy Library for the students to borrow and read. Since Young Master He is curious, I will elaborate on one or two points."
This "Insights on the Analects" was written by Lu Yu specifically for his sister Zhaoji.
At that time…
She had lost her father and wept daily. Lu Yu had painstakingly recalled "Yu Dan's Insights on the Analects," intending to comfort Zhaoji with a modern understanding of the Analects.
To his surprise, Zhaoji, with her photographic memory, had read it several times and could recite it by heart, treating it as a cherished treasure!
With this in mind…
Cai Zhaoji began, "May I ask Young Master He, what does 'thirty and established' mentioned in the Analects mean?"
"This is quite simple," He Yan replied without hesitation. "It comes from the 'Wei Zheng' chapter of the Analects, where the Master said: 'At fifteen, I set my heart on learning. At thirty, I stood firm. At forty, I had no doubts. At fifty, I knew the decree of Heaven. At sixty, my ear was attuned. At seventy, I followed what my heart desired, without transgressing the bounds of propriety.' Thirty and established, as the name suggests, means that around the age of thirty, a man should have achieved something!"
He Yan eloquently expounded his understanding, which was, in fact, the common interpretation of the era.
Many scholars in the audience nodded in agreement.
Cai Zhaoji, however, shook her head. "Does 'thirty and established' as mentioned by my brother Yu not mean this? According to Young Master He's understanding, how many people in the world today can truly be 'thirty and established'? Even Confucius did not achieve this, and even Cao Sikong, with his current achievements, is already well past the age of no doubt…"
As she spoke, Cai Zhaoji's tone became more instructive.
"My brother Yu's understanding is that 'thirty and established' is not an outward manifestation of how successful you have become. Rather, it is an inner spiritual standard, measuring whether your life has begun to have inner introspection, and with composure, you possess confidence and determination in what you do.
"Confucius learned the rites at the age of thirty, hence he was assured in his speech and actions. We, too, should find our goals at the age of establishment… and pursue them with composure and confidence! Thus, we will achieve the spiritual growth expected of this age!
"Looking at this one point alone, 'thirty and established,' it is sufficient evidence to demonstrate the superiority of your 'Collected Annotations on the Analects' and my brother's 'Insights on the Analects'! Esteemed scholars, please judge for yourselves!"
Cai Zhaoji's profound discourse elicited rounds of applause and cheers from the audience.
It seemed that even Cao Cao had gained some insight, let alone… Cao Ang, Cao Pi, and Cao Zhi.
Everyone was thinking that after the Yue Dan Ping concluded, they must visit the Imperial Academy Library to borrow Lu Yu's "Insights on the Analects" and read it thoroughly.
Applause erupted!
Cao Cao was the first to lead the applause, though his clapping seemed somewhat deliberate.
However, hearing Cao Cao's applause, Xun Yu lowered his eyelids further, remaining outwardly impassive.
It was at this moment that, guided by the applause, Wang Zifu finally located Cao Cao. He exchanged a glance with Dong Cheng in the distance, and Dong Cheng followed his gaze, also finding Cao Cao. He immediately signaled a liaison assassin in the crowd with his eyes!
Instantly…
Countless assassins quietly moved towards Cao Cao's location.
On stage, He Yan felt a sense of relief. In the past, he played the role of the "Hidden Dragon," but now… almost all scholars in the world knew that Lu Yu was the true Hidden Dragon. To lose to the true Hidden Dragon's work was not a disgrace.
He immediately scratched his head…
He Yan bowed sincerely, "There is always someone better. This understanding of the Analects, being second to Director Lu, makes this Second Grade appraisal truly convincing. I accept it!"
A young attendant then took down the calligraphy for He Yan. He left the stage with it. Cai Zhaoji smiled slightly, then turned to a clerk, who then shouted loudly:
"Next!"
Cao Cao's eldest son, Cao Pi, was next to appear on stage…
And as Cao Pi ascended the stage, there was a slight stir in the crowd, with more and more assassins closing in on Cao Cao.
Jia Xu seemed to notice something, scanning his surroundings without uttering a word.
Cao Cao, however, fixed his gaze entirely on the stage, as if the commotion around him did not concern him in the slightest.
Instead, he smiled and said softly to Jia Xu,
"Wenhe? Are you afraid?"
Jia Xu paused for a moment, surprised by Cao Cao's abrupt question. He then waved his hand and replied with a smile, "How could I not be afraid? I am merely afraid for those who are about to die!"
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao burst into laughter.
…
"I am Cao Pi, courtesy name Zihuan, from Qiao County, Pei Commandery. I have come to seek Chief Director Cai's appraisal and guidance!"
Hearing Cao Pi's name, Cai Zhaoji's spirits lifted. She called Cao Cao "brother," making Cao Pi her nephew. Appraising her nephew would require some consideration for her brother's reputation.
Indeed, the Yue Dan Ping appraised people and current affairs, but in reality, it also appraised human relationships and social etiquette!
"So it is Young Master Zihuan. It is an honor. Young Master Zihuan, do you wish to have your calligraphy and painting appraised? Or your writings?" Cai Zhaoji asked.
"May I request Chief Director Cai to appraise me, this person…" Cao Pi said loudly.
Appraising a person…
It should be known that even at the Yue Dan Ping, those who dared to request a personal appraisal often held a certain reputation in the community, making their presence at the Yue Dan Ping more assured!
Otherwise… "What is praised is like a dragon ascending, what is criticized is like falling into the abyss." A poor appraisal at the Yue Dan Ping…
Was enough to ruin a young man's reputation forever!
Of course, appraising a person required greater caution, often… requiring the host and the subject to converse for at least an hour before reaching a conclusion.
It was clear that the ambitious Cao Pi had prepared himself!
Cai Zhaoji immediately began asking Cao Pi about his evaluations and views on current affairs. Cao Pi responded fluently, and when he heard Cao Pi express his desire to study at the Imperial Academy, Cai Zhaoji slightly raised her eyebrows, seemingly quite approving.
Cao Pi's performance was quite surprising to Cao Cao…
He listened with increasing fascination, but… assassins were already positioned within five paces of him!
Just as Cai Zhaoji was about to ask her next question.
"Swoosh…"
Countless short swords flew towards Cao Cao from all directions!
Jia Xu, with eyes in the back of his head, immediately shouted, "Cao Sikong, be careful!"
Unexpectedly!
In almost an instant, "Swish, swish, swish" – countless warriors disguised as commoners beside Cao Cao drew their swords. Their movements were lightning fast, piercing the attackers who had revealed their short swords with a single strike!
Fast, too fast!
Over a hundred assassins were instantly killed, about ten of them. However, the remaining seventy to eighty remained fearlessly charged towards Cao Cao.
Conversely, Cao Cao remained composed and fearless. He even took the initiative to ascend a corner of the appraisal stage and picked up a drumstick, beating the drum with force…
Under the rapid and urgent drumbeats, more and more hidden armored soldiers revealed their weapons and joined the fray. The entire area around the Yue Dan Ping stage became a scene of flashing blades and splashing blood…
Countless civilians fled in panic, and those who could not escape in time collapsed to the ground…
Numerous women cried out incessantly!
Xun Yu frowned, sighed, and let out a helpless sigh.
Cai Zhaoji's face turned pale. Who could have imagined that the day the Yue Dan Ping resumed would be fraught with such bloodshed? She stumbled back, almost knocking over, but at this moment… a pair of heavy gauntlets supported her!
Turning her head, she saw none other than Dian Wei!
"Dian… Commander Dian?"
She subconsciously called out.
Dian Wei blocked Cai Yan's path. "Miss Cai, rest assured, everything is within Young Master Lu's calculations. With me, Dian Wei, here, no one can harm you!"
This…
Dian Wei's words made Cai Zhaoji's mind race.
What did "everything is within the plan" mean?
Was this…
Was this bloodshed also part of brother Yu's plan? What… what was he doing?
At this moment…
Countless assassins were madly attacking Cao Cao, but… strangely, Cao Cao's guards were increasing, and despite the loss of more than half of the hundred elite guards, they couldn't even approach Cao Cao within three steps!
At this point, the Imperial Uncle Dong Cheng, hidden in the crowd, could no longer remain calm. He removed his bamboo hat, drew his sword, and roared:
"All of you, charge with me!"
"Cao bandit, take your life!" Da Feng Novel Network
His shout instantly caused Wang Zifu, Wu Shuo, Zhong Ji, and the death warriors around them to charge towards Cao Cao.
Hundreds of death warriors ambushed in the surrounding alleys also emerged!
"Heh heh, it really is you! Come on, I've long wanted to clear out the internal threats!"
Cao Cao laughed heartily while beating the drum!
At that moment…
Everyone on stage scattered, and the crowd below surged in chaos. The entire Yue Dan Ping scene… turned into a boiling pot of porridge!
Dong Cheng had not expected Cao Cao to have so many hidden warriors.
Cao Cao had not expected Dong Cheng to be able to gather so many death warriors?
Just then…
With a "bang," countless more death warriors emerged from beneath the appraisal stage.
They came from below, wearing bamboo hats and veils covering their faces, leaping up… and charging directly at Cao Cao!
These death warriors emerging from underground truly startled Cao Cao. He dodged a sword thrust directly at him, but was unable to cope with the multi-directional killing intent!
"Hmph, truly… unavoidable!"
Cao Cao dodged extremely clumsily. Had it not been for Cao Pi taking a sword for him, he would have been wounded by now!
And countless death warriors' swords rained down again!
Who would have thought that Cao Cao, who had been prepared, was now on the verge of death!
Truly…
Had he been careless?
Had he underestimated the Han court, underestimated Dong Cheng!
He had calculated all his enemies, but had not accounted for the area beneath the appraisal stage!
Sword light flashed…
Cao Cao's heart turned cold…
He subconsciously muttered – "It's bad."
…
…