Royal Road

ng into the Sinosphere were of the Hinayana school, which focused on self-enlightenment and understanding.
The idea that one needed to preach scripture to others in order to earn merit was extremely uncommon.
Yet the scripture teemed with ancient wisdom, each word was indescribably exquisite.
There was no way it could’ve been fabricated by a twenty-something young man.
If even two short chapters could leave one with such profound after-impressions; what if he had the fortune to read the whole thing?

For a moment, even Wang Wen’s heart raced uncontrollably.

Du Cheng observed all the changes on his good friend’s face and finally couldn’t resist scooting over to take a peak.
With one glance, he understood why Wang Wen had lost his composure.
Though the brushstrokes lacked strength, the font was robust and each word was written with meticulous rigor.
It had the composed poise of clerical script and the delicate beauty of Zhong Yao’s regular script.
In due time, it would become a school of its own!

“Excellent script! Is the script as its writer?” Du Cheng blurted. 

“It’s exactly as its writer!” Wang Wen replied.
Like the saying, “a person’s writing reflects their person.” Just looking at those words, he could envision his willowy figure, his breathtaking demeanor.
The script was exactly as its writer!

Wang Wen was a descendant of the Jinyang Wang Clan, his associates were all famous scholars of lofty backgrounds, his eye for people was naturally exceptional.
No ordinary layperson could earn his regard.
After Du Cheng managed to suppress his awe, he carefully examined what was actually written on the letter.
Though the words were few, he couldn’t resist slapping the table and uttering, “‘Thus we shall perceive them,’ what a brilliant phrase!”

Seeing as his good friend was also excited, Wang Wen asked, “Have you ever seen such scripture, Anqi?”

“I have not.” 

“Is this not the essence of Buddhist philosophy?”

“It’s as if the clouds have parted for the sun!”

“I can only wonder what the rest of the scripture is like!”

At that moment, there was no more question that he had seen Buddha in his dream.
Who else could bequeath such a scripture if not a deity? 

The two pored over the letter again and again, completely forgetting the people around them.
Several minutes later, Wang Wen suddenly remembered Jiang Da, and questioned, “Did Mister Jiang say whether Liang Zixi’s sickness was curable?”

“He still needs time to recuperate.” Jiang Da hesitated before continuing, “I don’t know whether I should say it or not, but according to my grandfather, Master Liang isn’t only afflicted by cold-food powder, he also showed signs of arsenic poisoning!”

“What?!” Wang Wen said in shock, “He was poisoned?”

“Perhaps.” Liang Feng had likely wanted to make the information known when he’d told his grandfather about the arsenic poisoning.
Naturally, Jiang Da would make sure it reached Wang Wen’s ears. 

“That Li Lang is indeed treacherous!” Wang Wen wasn’t slow at all, he instantly remembered Liang Feng’s parting words to Li Lang.
It seemed he’d let that Li family brat off too lightly!

He was dismayed, but he had no proof or evidence.
Even he couldn’t do anything to the Li family.
Wang Wen sighed and instructed, “In that case, send someone to the Liang Estate and look after him.
I will take care of all the medical expenses.”

Yet Jiang Da didn’t immediately agree, “Even if you hadn’t ordered it, controller, my grandfather and I would still try our utmost to cure Master Liang.”

Wang Wen was a bit stunned, not expecting that a mere doctor’s grandson would dare to talk back so impolitely, “And why is that?” 

“According to Master Liang, the guidance he received from Buddha revealed that ‘cold damage’ disease originates from something called ‘blight.’ My grandfather told me of this when he returned from the Liang Estate.
I think, there may be some truth in the matter.” Jiang Da said honestly.
He’d studied medicine ever since he was a child; not only did he inherit his grandfather’s learning, he had his own insights into the “Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases.” When he heard of the blight that Liang Feng mentioned, he’d immediately taken interest.
It was because of that that Physician Jiang had sent him to deliver the letter to the Wang Estate.

Wang Wen suddenly got up, “Buddha imparted to him knowledge of how to cure cold damage?”

“No, it’s just the source.
Although, my ancestors once studied cold damage disease under Imperial Physician Prefect Wang.
If we find the source, we may yet come up with a solution,” Jiang Da said, his tone somewhat proud.

Wang Wen couldn’t be bothered with the particulars.
Even the noble and rich suffered greatly from cold damage.
The people of this era only had a life expectancy of about four or five decades, any day could be their last.
It was for that reason that drinking and using drugs became so popular amongst the literati.
Curing that terrifying disease would indeed be a laudable accomplishment. 

Du Cheng was struck silly as well.
He muttered, “Perhaps this is Buddha’s true intention in entering his dream?”

Wang Wen jolted.
Of course! If Buddha had appeared in a dream, of course he’d leave behind more than just scripture! It was likely that “blight” was the true key to saving the people.
It seemed that Liang Feng, Liang Zixi, was more important than he had imagined!

“Don’t spread this information for now!” Wang Wen said decisively, “The Jiang family needn’t worry about expenses, just focus on finding the blight.
If you really do discover the source of cold damage, I will immediately notify the imperial court and have you promoted to the ranks of nobility!”

That was what Jiang Da really wanted to hear.
As someone from a family of doctors, no one knew more about cold damage than he.
If he and his father really did overcome this disease, they might even leave their names in history, just like Zhang Changsha.
Despite his experience and knowledge, Jiang Da’s enthusiasm was plainly visible.
He nodded forcefully, “I will do my utmost!” 

“Good!” Wang Wen circled restlessly around the table, “Bailu, go help Jiang Da retrieve a hundred thousand coins, if he requires any rare herbs, fetch them from the stores.”

The servant girl by Wang Wen’s side bowed.
Jiang Da made as if to refuse, but Wang Wen already waved him off, “Go, quickly, quickly! If there’s any progress, inform me at once!”

He was already giving his full support.
Jiang Da bowed deeply and took his leave.

Du Cheng sighed at his friend’s utter loss of composure, “It’s rare to meet with such fate.
Maoshen, do you still intend to travel to Luoyang?” 

Wang Wen dithered for a moment and answered, “I’m afraid I won’t be going to Luoyang with you, Anqi.”

It really would be better to stay in Luoyang and wait for news concerning the blight.
At any rate, he wasn’t particular to either the Prince of Changsha or the Prince of Chengdu, what was the point in carrying out his duties so industriously? As for the Liang family’s noble title, he could just write to his cousin and let him take care of it… ai, not a single day went by where he didn’t have to worry over such trifling matters.

Wang Wen sighed, then picked up the letter again, “Anqi, let’s discuss this delightful work.”

The author has something to say: 

On the outside, it seems like Ji Kang’s death is because of Sima Zhao, but in the Jin Dynasty, it’s taboo to speak badly of previous emperors, so it’s not strange that they would blame it on Zhong Hui’s slander.
It’s also because of the court’s heavy oppression that scholars and learned people rarely talked about current politics, and instead indulged in empty philosophical debates.