Chapter 128: Escorting the Wei Brothers to the Pass

Wei Renshi had not yet disclosed the news of his ennoblement. He had instructed his family and Jiao Haiqing to keep it quiet for the time being, and he had also requested Magistrate Dong to refrain from spreading the word.

The attendants who had arrived with Scholar Zhang had already left Changgu to return to Chang'an. Scholar Zhang, however, remained, intending to escort Wei Renshi to the capital to express his gratitude for the imperial favor. But because Wei Renshi was young and his household affairs required settlement, their journey would be rather slow.

"It is rare for an old man like me to have a legitimate reason to get out," Scholar Zhang said, walking with his hands behind his back. "Just consider this a trip to accompany me. As long as we reach Chang'an within two months, it will be sufficient. Besides, you have no residence in Chang'an at the moment; you can send someone ahead to rent or purchase a house so that you will have a place to stay upon your arrival."

"Was I not granted a mansion?" Wei Renshi asked. "I assumed it would be a house ready for occupancy."

"The mansion granted to you is to be built on your fief in Weinan County, since you have been enfeoffed as the Viscount of Weinan," Scholar Zhang said with a smile. "But since Weinan is not far from Chang'an, I believe it would be wise for you to have a dwelling in the capital as well."

"Very well, I have a friend who might be able to assist," Wei Renshi said, then asked, "Does Scholar Zhang have a residence in Chang'an?"

Scholar Zhang nodded. "I have a small courtyard there."

As the two strolled through Changgu, Scholar Zhang was curious about the various projects Wei Renshi had initiated, wanting to see and inspect everything.

"Is this the mechanism you created for automatic irrigation?" Scholar Zhang asked, gesturing toward the bamboo pipes along the fields.

"The weather is cold now, and I feared the water might freeze, so I have drained the pipes for the time being," Wei Renshi replied. "Otherwise, I would have demonstrated it for you."

"That is a pity," Scholar Zhang said with a smile. "When I was in Luoyang, I once visited Lianchang Palace and passed through Changgu. It has changed beyond recognition!"

Wei Renshi smiled. "It will only get better in the future."

Scholar Zhang wandered everywhere in Changgu, visiting the breeding farm, the greenhouses, the reclaimed wasteland, and the distillery, leaving no corner unvisited. Wei Renshi accompanied him for a day, but could spare no more time to act as his guide, as there were too many matters to settle before his departure.

He had to delegate the management of the greenhouses, the improved fields, and the breeding farm to Village Head Zheng, and task Jiao Haiqing with the coal mining, the production of coal stoves, and the operation of the coal yard.

Then there were the family affairs. The Matriarch was reluctant to leave Changgu, but it was unavoidable. After much discussion, she finally agreed to move once the house in Weinan was completed.

Before leaving, there was one final matter. In Li He’s study, the two sat opposite each other as they often did.

Li He’s new poetry was becoming increasingly brilliant, his technique more refined, and his unique style more distinct.

"Changji, I am going to Chang'an," Wei Renshi said after reviewing Li He’s latest work.

"Going to Chang'an?" Li He looked at him. "What for?"

"The strategies I entrusted to Master Liu for reclaiming wasteland and building dams in Weinan have proven successful. The imperial court has bestowed upon me the title of Viscount of Weinan. I am to go to Chang'an to thank the Emperor, and afterward, I will likely have to spend some time in my fief," Wei Renshi explained.

"What?!" Li He was first startled, then overjoyed. "Renshi! You truly are remarkable! With this, you can achieve great things!"

Wei Renshi laughed. "Achieve what? It is merely a title and an honorary rank, with no actual administrative post."

"That still means you can touch the world of the imperial court," Li He said with genuine excitement, as if the honor were his own. "Renshi, you have always lived a free-spirited life, and I know you likely disdain court politics. But there are few who can truly benefit the common people; you must be one of them!"

"Changji, you hold me in too high regard," Wei Renshi smiled. "I came today to ask you to come to Chang'an with me."

"Why would I go to Chang'an?" Li He asked.

Wei Renshi said, "Changji, once in Chang'an, I will certainly have to build connections to establish myself. Perhaps I could put in a good word for you to enter the Imperial Academy? Or introduce you to some of the great minds of our time? That would save you much trouble."

Li He laughed. "Renshi, I know you have my best interests at heart. But I do not wish to go. Though I may not be your equal, I am confident that I can make my way to Chang'an on my own merits!"

"That is certainly true," Wei Renshi nodded.

"Then there is nothing more to say. Just wait for me in Chang'an. When I arrive, we shall roam the city together!" Li He smiled, his face filled with a confidence that had not yet been crushed by the hardships of life.

The more he looked at Li He’s current confidence, the more Wei Renshi recalled the tragic suffering Li He endured in history.

Wei Renshi sighed. "But if I leave, who will critique my poetry, and whose poetry will I critique?"

Li He paused, a sudden ache in his throat, but he refused to show it. He forced a smile. "That is easy—I shall get to Chang'an as quickly as I can."

"Good!" Wei Renshi nodded heavily. "Changji, I will wait for you in Chang'an!"

The two fell into a brief silence. Wei Renshi rose to take his leave. Li He walked him to the door, and just as Wei Renshi was about to step out, he suddenly spoke up: "Renshi, wait for me!"

He turned and rushed back into the study. A moment later, he returned holding a sheet of paper, which he pressed into Wei Renshi’s hand. "Renshi, take care on your journey! We shall meet again in Chang'an!"

Wei Renshi looked down; the ink on the paper was still wet, bearing a poem entitled: *Seeing Off Brother Wei Renshi to the Capital*.

*Drinking farewell wine with a guest, a thousand cups cannot flush the face red.*
*What is most heartbreaking? The ringing of golden bells on the horse's bridle.*
*The wild landscape is vast and ownerless, amidst the empty, autumnal clarity.*
*Sitting here, my courage breaks; I cannot bear to look as you depart.*
*The row of pagoda trees lines the western road, their green tips clustering long and thick.*
*Wei, my good brother, your literary talents are like layered jade.*
*I remain in my mountain home, on an acre of barren, stony land.*
*Night rain brings the tax collector’s cries, spring sounds secretly entwine.*
*Who understands this weary toil? Only the abrupt and lonely Southern Mountain.*

Full of sorrow, drinking to bid farewell. A thousand cups drained, yet the drunkenness cannot mask the grief. What is it that breaks the heart? It is the sound of the bridle bells as we part... Wei, my good brother, after you leave, who will understand my bitterness? Only the lonely Southern Mountain remains!

Wei Renshi felt a sting in his nose as he read this poem, born prematurely. He took a deep breath, forced a smile, and pointed at Li He. "Hahaha, we were clearly drinking tea!"

Li He burst into laughter as well.

The two bid farewell with laughter, promising to meet again under the vast sky, amidst the green mountains and clear waters of the future.