Chapter 10: Ode to the Willow
"Li Xuan, get out of the way and stop being an eyesore here."

Seeing the smiles of He Zhizhang and Li Bai, Li Yu could no longer tolerate it and issued an "order to expel" Li Xuan.

Li Yu is not a fool, he always knows his limits.

As for Li Bai, he just asked the servants to stop him and didn't take any action, acting as if he was eager to get a poem. Even if Li Bai told the emperor, it would eventually be a small matter.

Even though He Zhizhang had a high position in the court, Li Yu ignored him. He Zhizhang had no real power, and this kind of great scholar-like elder posed no threat to Li Linfu.

Although Li Yu hated Li Xuan, he would be criticized if he sent people to beat him up. Moreover, he heard that Li Xuan was as strong as a bear or a tiger, and a dozen servants might not be able to defeat him with bare hands.

"This is the Qujiang Lake of the Tang Dynasty, a place blessed by the emperor. Do you and your family want to occupy Qujiang?" Li Xuan had no intention of leaving and implied that Li Yu had ulterior motives.

Li Yu was so angry when he saw Li Xuan talking to him. He couldn't win the argument with Li Xuan, so he winked at Lu Hyun next to him.

Like a dog protecting its master, Roh Hyun immediately shouted at Lee Hyun, "Both the left and right prime ministers hold high positions, but the right prime minister is the head of all officials. I often hear that the young elk in the jungle cried out in disorder, causing the mother deer to be hunted and killed by a tiger. I believe that people will not be so stupid as to do this."

This is a naked threat.

It seemed that he was committing an insubordination and did not take Li Shizhi seriously.

But Li Xuan knew that this scene would happen soon.

Li Linfu's other two lackeys, Luo Xishi and Ji Wen, one of them opened his fierce tongs, and the other set up a sinister net.

Li Linfu's political enemies were either caught in the pliers or fell into the net.

Countless members of the royal family, relatives and ministers died in their hands. They made Crown Prince Li Heng look disgraced and brought Li Linfu's power and prestige to the peak.

What Li Xuan had to do was to prevent this scene from happening. He stared at Lu Xuan intently, making Lu Xuan feel uneasy and terrified.

But then Li Xuan looked at Li Yu again: "Since Wulang loves poetry, how about I write a poem and not embarrass Li Hanlin and He Jian?"

"Qi Lang from the Zuo Xiang Mansion can write poetry. This is the first time I've heard of it! In this case, let me admire Qi Lang's talent. Don't embarrass the Zuo Xiang's reputation."

Li Yu snorted lightly, which was considered as agreeing with Li Xuan.

The poem that Li Xuan gave to Wang Wei had not yet spread, or rather, had not yet reached Li Yu's ears.

He always thought that Li Xuan was an illiterate and rough man.

Li Yu planned in his mind that once Li Xuan's poems were finished, he would spread them throughout Chang'an, because he believed that Li Xuan's poems would be laughed at.

"I have heard He Jian's poems about willows since I was a child. I wonder who cut out the fine leaves. The spring breeze in February is like a pair of scissors. His originality amazes me. Today, I am honored to meet He Jian and Li Hanlin at the willow bank. I will now write a poem about willows to dedicate to Censor Lu and other "capable officials" like him!"

Li Xuan bowed to He Zhizhang and Li Bai, then spoke slowly.

At this time, He Zhizhang and Li Bai's curiosity was completely aroused by Li Xuan.

Li Bai was surprised that Li Xuan would help him out.

Because he "smiled at the powerful and had equal relations with kings and princes", there were few princes and nobles in Chang'an who liked Li Bai.

Li Shizhi, who was a member of the royal family and a powerful nobleman, was only a casual acquaintance of Li Bai. When they met, they would just nod at most.

Moreover, Li Bai saw in Li Xuan a demeanor that was very different from that of other children of the powerful and wealthy.

Li Xuan looked up at the willow tree and pretended to be thinking. He Zhizhang and Li Bai did not disturb him.

Li Yu whispered something in Lu Xuan's ear, and Lu Xuan understood and immediately went to the crowd not far away and shouted: "Seventh son of the Zuo Xiang family will chant the willow in public in front of the great poets Li Bai and He Jian. You can come close and watch and record this masterpiece!"

At the same time, Lu Hyun ordered the servants not to stop onlookers from approaching.

Join in the fun, who thinks it’s too much?

The Son of the Right Prime Minister, the Son of the Left Prime Minister, and the great poets Li Bai and He Zhizhang were also involved.

Onlookers immediately swarmed over and surrounded Li Xuan and others several feet away, making it impossible to get through.

Li Yu did this to embarrass Li Xuan even more and make him a laughing stock, in order to avenge the humiliation and beating of his eighth brother.

Li Bai and He Zhizhang were also whispering nearby. They had a unique vision and saw that Li Xuan was confident and believed that Li Xuan could compose poetry.

Young poems do not need to be too mature to be welcomed with applause.

"I have thought of the poem, please listen!"

In less than half a quarter of an hour, Li Xuan suddenly spoke.

The noisy crowd suddenly became quiet, with only the sound of willow catkins flying in the wind.

"The tangled branches have not yet turned yellow, yet they are growing wild with the help of the east wind.

"I know how to use flying flowers to cover the sun and moon, but I don't know that there is clear frost in the world."

Although Li Xuan spoke each word with emphasis, his pronunciation was clear and his expression was strong.

There were some curious people who wrote down every word Li Xuan said with the pen and paper they carried with them.

Of course, Li Yu also asked someone to record it!
Willow trees and flying catkins are dancing wildly, covering the sky and the ground.

Most literati immediately felt that this poem was catchy, vivid and could be considered a masterpiece.

But masters of poetry like He Zhizhang and Li Bai can understand the strong irony after reciting it twice.

The flying catkins of the willow tree are used to satirize the villains who become arrogant when they succeed, that is, people like Roh Hyun.

The scraggly willow branches, before they turn green and yellow, are already swaying in the east wind, looking arrogant.

They want to block out the light of the sun and the moon, but they don't know that when autumn comes, severe frost will fall, and they will surely wither.

It implies that people like Roh Hyun will sooner or later become clowns and be despised by the world.

At this moment, the banished immortal Li Bai glanced at Li Xuan.

It was easy to write a poem, but he couldn't write such a subtle and satirical poem in a short time.

Li Yu's face flushed. Although he did not write poetry, he could hear the beauty of Li Xuan's poem about willows.

At first Li Yu thought that Li Xuan had plagiarized, but so many people around him, including the great scholar He Zhizhang, did not criticize him, saying that this was Li Xuan's real talent and knowledge.

Is this still the brave and aggressive Li Xuan that people rumored to be?
"I know how to use flying flowers to cover the sun and moon, but I don't know that there is clear frost in the world. I am old, and I am afraid of the young!"

After He Zhizhang recited another sentence, he sighed that there were endless talented people in the world.

Wang Wei, Li Bai and Wang Changling were still in their prime, and Li Xuan's poem "Ode to Willows" when he was a teenager was comparable to Cao Zhi's ability to compose a poem in seven steps.

The funniest people at this time were Li Yu, Lu Xuan, and another official around them. They were not well-educated and thought that Li Xuan had just composed a good poem by chance, but they did not realize that it was ironic.

By the time they realized what was happening, they had become the laughing stock of the entire Chang'an.

"Wonderful! Wonderful!"

"The left prime minister is wise and virtuous, and you are no less capable than him."

"Zuo Xiang Qilang will surely become a great talent like Wang Mojie in the future."

"The toes of the unicorn, sir, are shaking. Alas, unicorn."

Some scholars saw through it but did not speak it out, and applause was thunderous. Some people used the Book of Songs to praise Li Xuan, saying that Li Xuan's demeanor was like that of an ancient gentleman.

Li Yu found this very irritating. Ashamed, he could only leave in disgrace with his servants.

After Li Yu left, Li Xuan bowed to He Zhizhang and Li Bai again and said, "I have always admired your poetry."

Especially for He Zhizhang, it was very rare to live to his age in the Tang Dynasty.

When He Zhizhang won the top spot in the imperial examination, Li Shizhi was still in his cradle and drinking milk!
"The Left Prime Minister and I are old friends. He has always been boastful but has never publicized the intelligence of his own son." He Zhizhang treated Li Xuan as a junior. He felt strange because with Li Shizhi's character, he would definitely publicize the fact that he had a son like Li Xuan.

"I taught myself poetry, but it's not mature yet, and my father doesn't know about it. The poem about willow was just a flash of inspiration, and I can't replicate it. Maybe this is the natural beauty of writing!" Li Xuan replied to He Zhizhang.

"Writing is a natural talent, well said! Qilang is still a minor, but he can do this. In the future, he will surely be able to write more famous works that will be passed down through the ages."

He Zhizhang knew that there were many factors that went into the creation of famous works throughout the ages, including artistic conception, experience, natural talent, rich knowledge, the environment, the setbacks experienced, and so on.

Like Li Bai next to him, he was like the star Taibai descended to the mortal world, with extraordinary talent and he could not even catch up with him.

After talking with He Zhizhang for a few words, He Zhizhang personally introduced Li Bai to Li Xuan.

"We met by chance, but you helped me out. Li Bai is very grateful."

Li Bai bowed to Li Xuan, which is a courtesy among peers.

He is a man who has a clear distinction between love and hate.

His happiness, sadness, excitement and indulgence will all be seen by the world.

If someone is nice to him, he will sing and enjoy himself.

"Meeting Li Hanlin is something I have always dreamed of, but after meeting Li Hanlin, I still have some regrets."

Li Xuan looked at Li Bai in front of him and sighed.

"Isn't this Li Bai's true appearance different from what is said? Without a mirror, I can't see myself clearly. If I am disappointed, I hope you will understand. People in Chang'an are saying that Wang Changling is a six-foot-tall, heroic and tall man, who, like Li Guang, can shoot tigers. When people see Wang Changling's true appearance, they will be even more disappointed!" Li Bai replied to Li Xuan very frankly.

The free and easy Li Bai didn't care at all if someone called him sloppy or unkempt.

In addition to making fun of himself, he also indirectly ridiculed the appearance of his good friend Wang Changling.

He Zhizhang, who was standing by, stroked his beard and laughed.

After hearing this, Li Xuan also smiled slightly and said, "Of course I don't judge people by appearance. I just regret that I didn't meet the exiled immortal when he was drunk."

For the past two months, Li Xuan has been fantasizing about meeting Li Bai in the most romantic way, while drunk and singing wildly.

This is the Li Bai in Li Xuan’s mind.

"If you are my confidant, we can all get drunk together. Your poetry is unparalleled, and Li Bai would like to learn from you again."

Seeing that Li Xuan was humorous and did not have the airs of a nobleman, Li Bai felt more favorable towards Li Xuan.

The colorful surroundings are no longer pleasing to the eye. I want to get drunk and recite poetry with Li Xuan.

"I don't deserve it. I have memorized Li Hanlin's poems thousands of times. I laughed out loud at the sky, saying that I am not a commoner. Once I enter the capital, I will be a member of the Hanlin Academy. The Hanlin Academy is where prime ministers come from."

Li Xuan said to Li Bai meaningfully.

A year ago when Li Bai came to Beijing, he wrote this famous poem.

How proud it is to laugh out loud to the sky?
Are the people of Penghao so conceited?
That kind of confidence and ambition made Li Xuan feel Li Bai's mood at that time.

Li Xuan hoped that Li Bai could wait patiently in the Hanlin Academy and learn to be flexible, instead of being "given gold and released" after a year.

Li Bai was too impatient. He had been in officialdom for too short a time, so it was normal that he was not given an important position.

If he could change his mindset, as a Hanlin attendant, he would have the opportunity to discuss current affairs with the emperor.

Hearing Li Xuan's words, Li Bai just shook his head slightly and smiled.

He Zhizhang looked at Li Xuan. He heard unique political wisdom from Li Xuan's words.

He also saw a kind of obsession in Li Xuan's eyes and a firmness in his words, and he was sure that he would achieve great things in the future.

It's a pity that he is old and can't see the future.

"what……"

Just as Li Xuan and Li Bai were chatting and thinking about drinking together later, shouting and commotion appeared in front of them, attracting the attention of Li Xuan, Li Bai and He Zhizhang.

At the same time, the tourists near Qujiang Lake hurriedly ran away.

After Li Xuan, Li Bai and He Zhizhang glanced at each other, they quickly headed towards the center of the riot.

The people who caught my eye were Li Yu, Lu Hyun and others.

The green-robed man next to Li Yu had lost his hat and was sitting in the grass, looking extremely miserable.

Not far away, a young man dressed in gorgeous clothes and dressed like a knight was pinned down by a group of servants.

There was also a short knife that fell to the side.

"You don't know how to live or die, and you dare to assassinate an official of the imperial court. Who ordered you to assassinate Fan Shaoyin?"

Li Yu, who was full of anger, kicked the assassin hard in the chest.

It was a false alarm and he was still frightened. When the ranger rushed out with a sword, Li Yu thought he was going to assassinate him.

After all, Li Linfu killed quite a few people.

Because he was afraid of assassins, Li Linfu would always have hundreds of servants surrounding his carriage when he went out, and he would even order the Left and Right Jinwu Guards who guarded the streets of Chang'an to clear the way.

Those who want to kill Li Linfu cannot get close to him, and will definitely take their anger out on Li Linfu's descendants.

The assassin might have wanted to kill Jingzhao Shaoyin Fan Ling so much that at the moment when the dagger was about to stab Fan Ling, a clever servant under Li Yu tripped the assassin.

A dozen servants rushed forward and captured him.

"Fan Ling, you are so cruel that you buried my sister alive. Even if I become a ghost, I will come after you and take your life."

The assassin ignored Li Yu and looked at Fan Ling with murderous eyes. Fan Ling screamed and struggled hard. A dozen servants almost couldn't hold him down.

"How dare you, you bold assassin, slander me!"

At this moment, countless eyes were attracted here. Jingzhao Shaoyin Fan Ling straightened his appearance, restored his official authority, and shouted at the assassin.

"Your son died of illness, but you buried five living people with him. Everyone in Weiyin Township knows this. I failed today, but you will get your retribution sooner or later..."

The assassin was still struggling, shouting at the top of his lungs.

But his head had been forcibly pressed to the ground by the servant, and his voice became smaller.

Li Xuan, who had just arrived here, happened to hear these words.

He immediately asked others about the whole story. He learned that an assassin disguised as a ranger guarding a flower horse had assassinated Fan Ling, the Shaoyin of Jingzhao, but was caught on the spot.

Jingzhao Shaoyin was the assistant official of Jingzhao Yin. There were two of them in Jingzhao Prefecture, and they were both of the fourth rank.

The assassination of such a high-ranking official, whether successful or not, would have a tragic outcome.

But from the assassin's words, Li Xuan keenly seized a glimmer of opportunity.

Although Fan Ling was a small figure, his superior, Jingzhao Yin Xiao Jiong, was Li Linfu's right-hand man.

In addition to being the Jingzhao Yin, Xiao Jiong was also the Minister of Punishments, and he also had a part-time job in the Criminal Department of the Zhongshu Menxiatang.

If Xiao Jiong could be implicated in this case, not only would one of Li Linfu's arms be broken, but at the very least his prestige would be severely damaged.

Regardless of whether the assassin's words are true or not, Li Xuan is determined to give it a try.

(End of this chapter)