The Resolute Cannon Fodder Teaching In Ancient Time

Chapter 23: Twenty-Three Treasures ✨

Hu Shi was in high spirits. Even while sitting alone, people came to chat with her. She welcomed the conversations, and after chatting with a few people, she noticed the Guozijijiu (Imperial Academy Libationer) approaching her. This official, known for her high status and fondness for wearing red robes, often visited Jiangling. Previously, she would only talk with the Minister of Works' granddaughter, but today she chose to speak with Hu Shi. Overjoyed, Hu Shi felt grateful for this opportunity she had earned through her efforts.

This was an opportunity she had worked hard for.

Thinking of her bright future, Hu Shi couldn't help but laugh heartily and raised her glass, walking over to the libationer. However, she did not expect the libationer to suddenly start discussing Lao-Zhuang philosophy with her. Hu Shi, merely a Confucian scholar who had not passed the imperial exams and had barely reached the teaching level, was almost ignorant of Lao-Zhuang philosophy. Although the Daqing Dynasty valued Confucianism, Daoism, and Mohism equally, it did not require students to master all of them. Therefore, not understanding Daoist philosophy was acceptable and not particularly shameful.

Unable to respond, she simply said, "I lean more towards Confucianism."

The implication was clear—she did not understand other schools of thought.

The libationer understood and immediately changed the topic to Confucian content. They discussed Confucian knowledge, mentioning the "Spring and Autumn Annals" and "Guliang Zhuan." Hu Shi, who taught the classics, had a fair understanding of these books but lacked deep personal insights. Listening to her, the libationer felt that Hu Shi did not seem as clever as rumored.

She asked a few questions involving various schools of thought. Hu Shi's knowledge was insufficient, and coupled with the nervousness of speaking with the libationer for the first time, led to her making several errors. The libationer grew increasingly curious.

After thinking for a moment, she asked, "Ms. Hu, are you aware of the recent heated discussions in the capital about the 'Gongyang Zhuan'? Everyone is debating whether it was compiled by Zixia. Do you have any opinions on this?"

Hu Shi had read the "Gongyang Zhuan," but she only knew the content and was clueless about the authorship, leaving her at a loss for words.

The libationer asked several more times, and Hu Shi, sweating, couldn't respond.

At that moment, a maid delivering wine approached. Wearing grass shoes on the velvet carpet, her posture was casual. Her fair hands held a tray with one hand, an unusual sight, as if she were a barbarian.

Stopping before Hu Shi, the maid loudly asked, "Are you Ms. Hu?"

Such disrespect was intolerable!

Already frustrated, Hu Shi's anger flared, "Who let you in, you ill-mannered temp!"

The maid, Xu Zhen, mistaken for a temp, had her hair casually tied back, appearing somewhat unruly.

"I let myself in," she replied.

"Should I come back after your conversation?" Xu Zhen asked.

Hu Shi was further shocked, thinking this maid couldn't understand speech.

"Do you know who I am?" Hu Shi demanded.