Chapter 38: Lament for the Empty Goblet (Part I)

Jiang Han smiled and said, "A few days ago, while sharing wine with the Great Scholar Zhongli at the Flower Pavilion, I noticed your fondness for it. Upon returning home, I began to brew my own... and today, the fine spirit is finally ready. I have brought two jars—first, to ask you to sample it, and second, to express my gratitude for your intervention at the magistrate's office that day."

Hearing this, Jiang Zhensheng was stunned. Is this really something my dull-witted son could say? And could he actually be capable of brewing wine?

Zhongli You laughed. "Oh? Since it is wine of your own making, I must certainly give it a proper taste!" He raised his voice and called out, "Zhou Hu, bring some bowls!" A tall, sturdy servant hurried off to comply.

Zhongli You introduced the others to Jiang Han. "This is Ruan Ziqian, the Purple Bamboo Hermit of the White Deer Academy, who is about to take office as the Governor of the Capital Prefecture."

Jiang Han was startled. While he did not know the Purple Bamboo Hermit, he knew that the Governor of the Capital Prefecture was a high-ranking official of the fourth grade. He quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "It is an honor to meet you, Purple Bamboo Hermit."

Ruan Ziqian nodded slightly and said, "I have heard Zhongli You mention your poetry. It is quite remarkable; I am very fond of it."

Jiang Han replied modestly, "You are too kind; my humble efforts are hardly worth mentioning."

"This is Li Qiushui, the Poet Laureate and one of the Four Talents of Luoyang," Zhongli You said, gesturing to Li Qiushui. "He attained the status of a scholar at thirteen and a provincial graduate at seventeen—a truly gifted individual."

Li Qiushui quickly humbled himself. "Master Zhongli is too generous. The title of 'Poet Laureate' is merely a casual moniker given by others, and as for being 'gifted,' it is nothing compared to Young Master Jiang. His ability to endure in silence for over a decade before finally stunning the world with his brilliance is a feat of perseverance few possess. I am truly impressed."

Jiang Han was taken aback. *I endured in silence for over a decade? Did you misunderstand something?* But since it was a misunderstanding, he decided to let it be. Jiang Zhensheng was equally bewildered. *What decade of silence? Why have I never heard of this?*

Zhongli You smiled. "Ziqian, that is exactly what I admire about him. Anyone can write good poetry, but to endure humiliation for over ten years—so well that even his own father could not perceive it—that is the most formidable kind of perseverance! With such character, what can he not achieve?"

Jiang Zhensheng cast a shocked look at his son. Had he really been enduring for so many years? As a father, he had failed to see it, yet the Great Scholar Zhongli had discerned it clearly.

Jiang Han sat up straight, maintaining a solemn expression. He knew the impact of Zhongli You’s words. This incoming Governor of the Capital Prefecture might now regard him with high esteem, which would prove beneficial in the future.

Zhongli You sighed with emotion. "He once said, 'How can I bow and scrape before the powerful, denying myself the joy of being true to my heart?' and 'I am but a man of the fields; why should I bow for five pecks of grain?' Such unyielding integrity is something even I find difficult to match. With his talent, attaining the rank of a provincial graduate would be as easy as reaching into his own pocket, yet he chose to remain amongst the common folk rather than sacrifice his principles for profit. So many are blinded by fame and fortune, yet this young man sees more clearly than them all."

Ruan Ziqian looked at Jiang Han with newfound awe. He had heard Jiang Han’s poems but had initially dismissed them, believing poetry to be a trivial pursuit compared to the weightier matters of state. Now, he realized Jiang Han’s indifference toward fame and his unbending spirit were rare qualities—qualities he himself had possessed in his youth, which led him to resign from office in frustration years ago. He felt as though he were looking at his younger self.

Jiang Zhensheng stared at his son in disbelief, realizing for the first time that he had never truly understood him. Li Qiushui was also struck, thinking, *So his decade of silence was for this reason.*

Only Jiang Han remained bewildered. *I was just boasting a little that day; why are you all taking it so seriously? If I could pass the exams so easily, I would have done it already!*

At that moment, the servant returned with the bowls. "Come, let us sample Jiang Han’s brew!" Zhongli You unsealed a jar, and a rich, fragrant aroma filled the air. His eyes lit up. He poured a bowl, took a sip to savor the bouquet, and then downed it. It felt like swallowing a burning coal, heat radiating from his throat to his stomach.

"Excellent wine!" Zhongli You exhaled, his eyes sparkling. "This is even stronger than 'Drunken Immortal'!" He drained the bowl in one go. "Wonderful! Truly wonderful!"

Ruan Ziqian and Li Qiushui were astonished. "Drunken Immortal" was a legendary, potent spirit; could Jiang Han’s brew truly be stronger? Ruan Ziqian poured himself a bowl and took a sip. His expression turned to one of genuine surprise. It was indeed better. As a connoisseur who had found all other wines increasingly bland, he found this drink deeply satisfying.

Jiang Han offered, "Allow me to join you, gentlemen." He poured five bowls.

Zhongli You gave the nod, and the others began to drink. Li Qiushui felt lightheaded after half a bowl, and Jiang Zhensheng’s face flushed red, his shock at his son’s hidden talent only growing. Ruan Ziqian, having a high tolerance, remained composed.

"Come, let us drink until we are drunk!" Zhongli You downed three bowls in quick succession, letting out a satisfied belch.

Jiang Han toasted him. "Master Zhongli, your capacity is legendary! Today, I shall risk all to keep you company!"

Zhongli You laughed. "Why the formal address? Though I am older, your poetic skill is not beneath mine. How about we address each other as brothers?"

Jiang Zhensheng and Li Qiushui were thunderstruck. This was an invitation to be treated as peers.

"Very well, Brother Zhongli," Jiang Han replied, recognizing the man's genuine nature. "On such a beautiful day, let us drink and sing to our hearts' content."

Li Qiushui stood frozen, wondering how he was supposed to address Jiang Han now, while Jiang Zhensheng felt his head spinning—the generational hierarchy had just been thrown into complete disarray.