GBP Chapter 134 Yuan Tianxi
Chapter 134 Yuan Tianxi
蒋府
Jiang Zhengming had expected Wen Zongji to come looking for him, but he didn't expect Pei Rujing to come along.
After a moment of surprise, Jiang Zhengming greeted her, "County Princess."
Pei Rujing raised her hand: "Scholar Jiang is an elder, so there's no need for such formality. I'm here with my husband today, so please feel free to talk about your own business and don't mind me."
After saying that, she walked over and sat down on the side.
Jiang Zhengming immediately ordered, "Serve tea."
After saying that, his gaze couldn't help but linger on Pei Rujing for a moment.
Jiang Zhengming was the Grand Academician of the Hanlin Academy and frequently entered the palace to lecture Emperor Shun'an on Confucian classics. He saw Pei Rujing more often than ordinary people.
In his memory, this Princess Anhe was a fearless person who, relying on the favor of the Princess and the Emperor, did not take anyone seriously.
Unrestrained and fearless!
This was the impression that Princess Anhe had left on Jiang Zhengming.
After talking with Wen Zongji a few times, Jiang Zhengming admired Wen Zongji. But when he thought about how Wen Zongji had married the Princess of Anhe County, Jiang Zhengming couldn’t help but sigh.
There's no peace at home!
But now, when Jiang Zhengming saw Pei Rujing again, he found that he seemed to have fallen into the same old trap, always looking at people with outdated perspectives.
People change!
Princess Anhe is now completely different from her former flamboyant self. Every move she makes is graceful and noble, and every gesture is measured and proper.
Is marriage really that influential on women?
Thinking this to himself, Jiang Zhengming gave Wen Zongji a strange look.
Wen Zongji asked in confusion, "Grandfather, what's wrong?"
Jiang Zhengming coughed lightly, pulling himself out of his wandering thoughts, and said, "Zongren has already told me that you want to set up a literary section called 'Recommended by Great Confucian Scholars' in the Beijing Daily, select an excellent article, have a great Confucian scholar comment on it, and then publish the article and commentary in the Beijing Daily."
Wen Zongji said, "My maternal grandfather also knows that scholars of your prestige are extremely rare, and their articles are not always available. The 'Recommended by Great Confucian Scholars' section is used as a substitute when there are no articles written by well-known scholars, so that the Beijing Daily will not be left without content to publish."
Jiang Zhengming praised without reservation: "Your idea is excellent. In this way, scholars all over the world will probably submit articles to the Beijing Daily. The Beijing Daily will not only have alternative content to publish, but it will also further solidify its readership."
"My maternal grandfather had a keen eye; Zongji had exactly this idea."
Jiang Zhengming said, "You need a great scholar willing to comment on articles for the Beijing Gazette, and the Beijing Gazette must be willing to pay a fee, is that right?"
"Exactly. The Beijing Daily pays remuneration based on the number of articles published, and the price is negotiable."
Jiang Zhengming said, "If that's the case, then I do have someone in mind."
Wen Zongji asked in surprise, "Who is it?"
"Yuan Tianxi!"
"Yuan Tianxi?"
Pei Rujing, who had remained silent and uninvolved until now, exclaimed in surprise.
Upon hearing this name, Wen Zongji knew why Jiang Zhengming had recommended him.
Yuan Tianxi was indeed a recognized great Confucian scholar and a recognized genius. When he participated in the imperial examination, he passed the provincial examination at the age of sixteen and wrote a magnificent article in the palace examination that is still being circulated today.
At that time, Emperor Shun'an had just ascended the throne. Upon seeing Yuan Tianxi's essay, the money-loving emperor was immediately moved and appointed Yuan Tianxi as the top scholar in the imperial examination.
At that time, everyone thought Yuan Tianxi's career was bright.
However, Yuan Tianxi started arriving late frequently after only a few days on duty, and he always smelled strongly of alcohol.
But because he was truly talented, the scholars of the Hanlin Academy were quite tolerant of him.
However, Yuan Tianxi's behavior worsened after that. He not only became more frequently late, but also started borrowing money from his colleagues, to the point that he couldn't repay even after using up his salary.
In just six months, Yuan Tianxi went from a promising top scholar to a drunkard despised by everyone.
It was then that everyone realized Yuan Tianxi was a true genius, and also a true alcoholic, unable to control his urge to drink excessively.
A person who lacks self-control cannot possibly succeed in officialdom.
Emperor Shun'an gave him many opportunities, but Yuan Tianxi failed to seize them.
Ultimately, Emperor Shun'an dismissed Yuan Tianxi from his post, not allowing this rotten apple to spoil the atmosphere of the entire court.
Even now, more than a decade later, although Yuan Tianxi has lost his official position, his talent remains unquestioned. Whenever the great Confucian scholars of the Great Chu are mentioned, Yuan Tianxi is always brought up.
Moreover, over the past ten years or so, Yuan Tianxi has published excellent articles from time to time. A bookstore once offered him a generous signing fee in order to obtain an exclusive contract with him.
This shows just how amazing Yuan Tianxi is!
What does it mean for God to steal your food?
This is!
Jiang Zhengming looked at Pei Rujing: "I almost forgot, didn't the Eldest Princess ask Mr. Yuan to tutor the County Princess?"
Pei Rujing nodded, a look of reminiscence in her eyes: "Mr. Yuan was a very interesting person, knowledgeable, humorous and witty, an excellent gentleman, it's just a pity that he always smelled of alcohol."
Wen Zongji had never met Yuan Tianxi, but the fact that Pei Rujing spoke so highly of him shows that he is an extremely charismatic person.
Jiang Zhengming said, "Mr. Yuan is indeed interesting."
He then looked at Wen Zongji: "The reason I recommended Mr. Yuan to you is because Mr. Yuan is unrestrained and unconventional. He doesn't feel ashamed to help the Beijing Gazette select articles for a fee, nor does he have the aloofness and arrogance of a great Confucian scholar. In many ways, he acts more like a trustworthy contractor; you pay him, and he does the work."
Wen Zongji believed that Jiang Zhengming would not betray him: "Then I will visit Mr. Yuan another day."
Jiang Zhengming said, "I am only responsible for making recommendations. After you meet him, if you feel he is not suitable, I will help you think of someone else."
"Thank you, maternal grandfather."
"No need to be so polite, we're all family."
……
Because Pei Rujing was also present, Wen Zongji did not stay at the Jiang residence for long after finishing his business.
Back in the carriage at the Marquis's residence, Pei Rujing said, "Husband, when you go to see Mr. Yuan, I want to go with you."
Wen Zongji looked at her with a smile: "It seems that the county princess has a very good impression of Mr. Yuan."
Pei Rujing said, "Compared to other old scholars, Mr. Yuan is not pretentious and does not urge me to read 'Admonitions for Women'. Most of the time, he is more like a friend, and he can communicate with me on an equal footing. He does not treat me perfunctorily just because I am young."
With just a few words, Wen Zongji seemed to have some understanding of Mr. Yuan's character.
She became increasingly curious about him.
How could such a talented and humorous person be such a heavy drinker?
Could they even ruin their future because of this?
Is it because he became famous at a young age and got carried away, unable to control himself?
Or is it that they truly don't care about fame and fortune, and are simply too willful?
Wen Zongji began to look forward to meeting this Mr. Yuan.
"I have never met Mr. Yuan before. If you come with me, my wife, it will give me a reason to visit him."
Upon hearing this, Pei Rujing immediately declared confidently, "I will definitely help you persuade Mr. Yuan."
Wen Zongji smiled and said, "Then I'll thank you in advance, my lady."