[History of the Song Dynasty Palace] [02] [Author: Xu Muxi]

page views:1 Publication date:2023-03-24

Chapter Two: Shi Shouxin Displays His Power with Amazing Martial Arts; Kuangyin
Vents His Anger by Drilling a Hole in a Chamber Pot. It is said that Kuangyin was studying under Xin Wenyue. Because Mr. Xin was a learned man, his morality and writing were unparalleled, and Kuangyin greatly admired him, so he studied very quietly there. However, Xin Wenyue's rules were extremely strict, and Kuangyin, being naturally active and disliking quiet, found it unbearable to be confined for more than half a month. Moreover, the students in the school were all young and playful. When Kuangyin first entered the school, they were not very familiar with each other and therefore had nothing to say. Later, as they spent more time together, they became friends, and inevitably some trouble ensued.
It turned out that there were two students in the school who were Kuangyin's closest friends. Who were these two? One was named Luo Yanwei, and the other was named Shi Shouxin. Both were only seventeen or eighteen years old, with imposing figures and boundless strength. They hit it off immediately with Kuangyin and became very close. Every day after school, the three of them would arrange to meet in the open fields outside the city to ride horses or practice archery. The students in the academy were all of similar age, and who wouldn't enjoy such activities? Knowing that the three practiced their martial arts outside the city every day, everyone went to watch. Among them was a student named Wang Bodan, who was extremely cunning. He often spoke ill of others to the teacher, inciting him to beat or scold one another. Because Wang Bodan was particularly adept at currying favor, the teacher greatly favored him. Although the other students resented him, they had to endure it because he was the teacher's favorite. Kuangyin, being of a very upright nature, was displeased to see Wang Bodan constantly gossiping to the teacher. However, since Wang Bodan hadn't offended him, he didn't want to interfere in other people's affairs, so he had been holding back for a long time.
That day, as fate would have it, after school, Kuangyin invited Luo Yanwei and Shi Shouxin to a martial arts contest outside the city. Wang Bodan overheard them and stepped forward, saying, "You're going to have a martial arts contest? I've also practiced diligently in the past and have a good grasp of boxing. I'll have a match with you today. Do you dare to challenge me?" Kuangyin was already displeased by this, and seeing Wang Bodan's arrogant manner only fueled his anger. He said, "If you want to challenge us, why wouldn't we? But martial arts have no eyes; if you get hurt, don't blame us." Shi Shouxin chimed in, "If you want to challenge us, then go ahead. Anyone who wouldn't dare is a coward. If you boast without real skill and get injured, don't regret it."
With that, he, Kuangyin, and Yanwei headed out of the city. Wang Bodan, confident in his brute strength, naturally followed them. These students, all deeply resenting Wang Bodan, had heard he was dueling with Kuangyin and the others today. They all hoped Kuangyin would defeat him, and thus came to see who would win.
Kuangyin and the other two arrived at an open space outside the city and stood down. The students, who had been watching the spectacle, had formed a circle, clearing a large open area in the middle for the contest. Then, a cunning student pushed Wang Bodan, saying, "Since you said you wanted to compete with them, why don't you go now? When will you?" Although Wang Bodan possessed some brute strength and had learned a few martial arts techniques, he lacked proper instruction and was not very proficient. Having boasted so much, he was now surrounded and unable to retreat. He had no choice but to bite the bullet and jump into the arena, saying, "I am alone, while there are three of you. Will you all attack me together, or will you take turns fighting me one by one?" Before Kuangyin could answer, Shi Shouxin shouted, "A coward like you doesn't need three men to fight you! If it weren't for your boasting, I could defeat you with just one hand!" Wang Bodan knew the strength of the three men, but a careless remark had caused this trouble. He wanted to step forward, but feared he couldn't withstand them; retreating would affect his reputation. He hesitated, caught in a dilemma. The students watching the spectacle shouted in unison, "Wang Bodan, you're usually so arrogant and powerful! Why are you so cowardly and useless today?"
Startled by the shouts, Wang Bodan blushed, realizing he had no choice but to compete. He immediately tightened his belt, leaped into the open space, and set up his stance, ready to fight. Shi Shouxin had already removed his long robe, concealing his left hand within his waistband, and raised his right fist to strike. Wang Bodan quickly dodged and returned the punch. The two exchanged blows for several rounds. Suddenly, Shi Shouxin shouted, "Go!" and kicked Wang Bodan, sending him flying more than ten feet away. The onlookers, seeing Shouxin's superb boxing skills, erupted in thunderous cheers! Although Wang Bodan had fallen, he was fortunately unharmed and quickly scrambled to his feet, fleeing.
Seeing Wang Bodan running away without even looking up, the crowd clapped and laughed heartily. Seeing that it was getting late, Kuangyin cupped his hands in greeting to the crowd and said, "It's getting late, and Wang Bodan's interruption has ruined my martial arts practice. Please go back to your quarters; the three of us are leaving as well." Hearing this, the crowd knew there was nothing to see and dispersed. Kuangyin and his two companions, after everyone had left, also went home. Being of heroic nature, they considered defeating Wang Bodan nothing and didn't take it to heart.
However, Wang Bodan was narrow-minded and held a deep grudge after being kicked by Shi Shouxin. Determined to avenge this, he rushed to the school, relying on Mr. Xin's favor, and tearfully complained to Xin Wenyue. He concealed his intention to fight them, only saying that Kuangyin and his companions had bullied him and that he needed the teacher to avenge him. As he spoke, he burst into tears. Mr. Xin favored Wang Bodan the most. Upon hearing this, he carefully examined Wang Bodan and saw that his long silk robe was torn to shreds, and he indeed had several bruises on his head and face. He said to Wang Bodan, "Don't be sad! Tomorrow I'll find a way to punish them, and that will vent your anger.
" Wang Bodan was delighted that his teacher promised to punish Kuangyin and the other two, anticipating a severe beating. Thinking this, he bid farewell to his teacher and went home.
The next day, Kuangyin and the others came to the school. Mr. Xin, having heard only Wang Bodan's side of the story, summoned Kuangyin, Shouxin, and Yanwei, saying they had caused trouble outside and, without allowing them to explain, each received twenty strokes of the cane. He added that if they didn't correct their behavior next time, they would be expelled from the school and forbidden to study there.
Shouxin and Yanwei, after being beaten, didn't seem to care about the matter. Only Kuangyin, after being struck twenty times, was filled with resentment! He thought to himself, "Our teacher only listened to Wang Bodan's one-sided story and treated us so badly. How can we not avenge this? But how can I vent my anger? He is the teacher, and we are his students. Can we really fight him?" After thinking for a while, he had no idea and was very anxious.
Suddenly, he looked up and saw a chamber pot next to the steps, which was used by Teacher Xin at night. Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he thought to himself, "Why don't I do this to his chamber pot? First, I can vent my anger, and second, he won't know who did it, so he can avoid punishment." He made up his mind and, without making a sound, took advantage of a moment to drill several holes in the bottom of the chamber pot with his iron drill, found some mud, and plugged the holes one by one, then put it back in its original place.
Little did Mr. Xin know that someone was playing a trick on him. That night, upon waking, he followed his usual routine, taking the chamber pot to bed and filling it almost completely. Unexpectedly, the mud at the bottom of the pot had vanished with the urine. The urine and feces inside were now gushing out of the holes. Just as Mr. Xin was about halfway through, he suddenly felt a cold draft beside his legs. Startled, he wondered if he had been careless in his sleep and had urinated outside the pot. He hurriedly reached down and touched the bedding, finding it completely soaked. He immediately jumped up, lifted the chamber pot, and saw three or five holes at the bottom, from which urine and feces were still dripping. Mr. Xin suddenly realized, "This must be some student who harbors resentment towards me and secretly plotted against me. I'll find out who did it tomorrow and I won't let them get away with it." Thinking this, he angrily threw the chamber pot on the ground, wiped his legs clean, and changed all the bedding on the bed. After a flurry of activity, he finally got everything sorted out. He hadn't slept for long before dawn broke, and the students began to arrive one after another.
Mr. Xin had no choice but to get up and get out of bed. After washing up, he returned to his seat. Seeing that all the students had arrived, he began to speak: "You have been studying with me, and everything I have taught you has always prioritized morality. Although I have repeatedly punished you, it was only because you refused to strive for improvement that I used my authority to correct your mistakes. It was not intended to humiliate you, but entirely out of good intentions. Yet you have held a grudge because of this. Yesterday, someone even made several holes under the chamber pot, completely ruining the bedding on the bed, and I had to clean it up." He hadn't slept all night. Was this the behavior of someone who studied poetry and morality?
Whoever did this, confess immediately! If you refuse to confess now, I will investigate and punish you severely without leniency.”
Just as Mr. Xin finished speaking, one of the students stood up, bowed, and said, “Sir, your chamber pot is broken. You said the students held a grudge and intentionally played a trick on you. Sir,
your words are too disrespectful!” Mr. Xin looked at the man. He saw that this man had dragon-like eyebrows and phoenix-like eyes, a square mouth and large ears, a nose like a hanging gall bladder, and lips like painted vermilion. He was truly elegant and dignified, quite different from the other students. Mr. Xin recognized him; his name was Chai Rong, who also studied under him. He was exceptionally intelligent, able to read ten lines at a glance and remember everything he read, so Mr. Xin favored him greatly. He treated Chai Rong much better than the others. Mr. Xin then asked Chai Rong, "You say I look down on my students, why don't you explain your reasoning?" Chai Rong replied, "Sir, you say the students damaged the chamber pot, do you have any evidence?" Mr. Xin pondered for a long time before saying, "Although there is no evidence, besides the students, no outsiders have come here. If they didn't intentionally damage it, who else would do such a thing?
" Chai Rong said, "Sir, consider this: your chamber pot is placed on the steps, visible to everyone. There are more than twenty students in the school, all under the watchful eyes of the public. If someone intended to damage this chamber pot, how could it not be seen by others? Therefore, the chamber pot suddenly developed a hole, either because it was too old and should have been damaged, or because it was carelessly bumped against a stone during washing. I think the students, having been influenced by your gentle and kind teachings, all know to restrain themselves and would not do such a despicable thing." "This is a matter of great importance. Besides, the students all come and go together, so they don't have time to do such unintentional things. For these two reasons, what I said, sir, is perhaps too dismissive of the students." Mr. Xin, speechless after Chai Rong's words, could only nod and say, "Your words have some merit. However, to say that it has nothing to do with the students is probably not entirely true. I will investigate slowly, and once I have solid evidence, I will have a solution." Hearing this, Chai Rong, not wanting to say more, returned to his seat.
At that time, during the debate between Chai Rong and Mr. Xin, the students in the school, because it had nothing to do with them, didn't care at all. Kuangyin, however, was initially surprised when Mr. Xin told him that the student had harbored a grudge and intentionally caused the damage. He feared that if the teacher investigated, he would be punished for not being able to conceal the truth. Later, after hearing Chai Rong's eloquent argument, which rendered Mr. Xin speechless, he secretly rejoiced, thinking, "I never expected young Chai to have such eloquence. If it weren't for his efforts to cover things up, things would have been quite troublesome!" From then on, Kuangyin felt a deep connection with Chai Rong. Chai Rong, seeing Kuangyin's martial arts skills and courage, knew he was a useful talent and sincerely wanted to befriend him. The two respected and loved each other, becoming inseparable.
One day, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, the school was closed. Kuangyin had lunch at Du Sanweng's house and sat alone in the quiet room, reading for a while. Feeling lonely and bored, and wondering where Shi Shouxin and Luo Yanwei had gone, he went to Chai Rong's residence to chat and dispel the loneliness. Kuangyin, a frequent visitor, knew that Chai Rong had finished eating and was taking a nap. Without waiting to be announced, he went straight to the bedroom. Pushing open the door, he was astonished by what he saw! Why? Kuangyin entered and went straight to the bed, intending to wake Chai Rong, but instead, a red light surrounded the bed curtains. Where was Chai Rong? Instead, there was a white dragon coiled on the bed, seemingly asleep. Upon seeing this strange sight, Kuangyin cried out, "Ah!" and took a few steps back. In his haste, he knocked over the tea table behind him with a loud thud. The white dragon on the bed had vanished without a trace. Chai Rong, who was sleeping in bed, suddenly awoke with a start, sat up, and saw that it was Kuang Yin. He immediately asked, "Where did you come from? Why do you look so frightened? You even knocked over the tea table!" Kuang Yin couldn't tell Chai Rong that he had seen the white dragon coiled on the bed, so he covered it up with words, saying, "I'm fine. I just had a day off today and nothing to do, so I was home alone. After lunch, I read a few pages of a book, but I felt quite bored.
I looked for Shi Shouxin and Luo Yanwei, but couldn't find them, so I came to chat with you to pass the time.
I was in a bit of a hurry and knocked over the tea table, hence the slight look of fright on my face.
" Chai Rong, without suspicion, got out of bed and sat down with Kuang Yin, and they chatted for a while.
As Kuangyin spoke, he thought to himself, "Xiao Chai has an auspicious sign of a white dragon coiled around his bed, indicating he will surely accomplish something earth-shattering in the future. The world is in turmoil, with war raging everywhere, and there is no one capable of restoring order and unifying the Central Plains. Since Xiao Chai has such an auspicious sign, he might be the true Son of Heaven, capable of transforming a family into a nation—that would be to be expected. I should take advantage of my humble beginnings and become sworn brothers with him, so I can rely on him later. If I hesitate and wait until he rises to power, it will be too late." Having made up his mind, he said to Chai Rong, "We studied together in the same school, and our spirits are aligned. Although we are of different surnames, we are no different from brothers. Why not follow the example of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei's oath of brotherhood in the Peach Garden and become sworn brothers, so we can support each other in the future? What do you think?" Chai Rong, recognizing Kuangyin's exceptional talent, had long intended to become sworn brothers with him, hoping he would become his right-hand man, but due to the difference in their social status, he had not yet dared to speak of it. Now that Kuangyin is willing to become sworn brothers with me, this is the perfect opportunity, how could I refuse! However, he deliberately declined, saying, "Being sworn brothers might be inconvenient." Kuangyin was surprised and said, "We are as close as blood relatives, as close as brothers. What's inconvenient about becoming sworn brothers?" Chai Rong laughed and said, "You come from a prominent family, and your father is an official in the court. How illustrious you are! My grandfather and father also served in the government, but they have both passed away, and our family is very poor. How can we compare to you? If we become sworn brothers, won't people gossip about us?" Kuangyin shook his head repeatedly and said, "Your words are too pedantic! It has been said since ancient times that heroes are not judged by their birth. As long as they achieve something and establish a career, what does family background matter? Besides, your father also served in the government, and your uncle-in-law Guo Wei was a minister in the same court as my father. Our families are of equal standing. What's wrong with becoming sworn brothers? My mind is made up. You don't need to refuse. Let's choose an auspicious day and become sworn brothers." Seeing that Kuangyin's intentions were genuine, Chai Rong nodded in agreement. After discussing for a while and consulting the almanac, they determined that tomorrow would be an auspicious day and decided to go to the Guandi Temple outside the North Gate the following day to formally become sworn brothers. Kuangyin took out a silver ingot from his waist and instructed Chai Rong's family to prepare sacrificial offerings of three animals. He instructed them to take the offerings to the Guandi Temple early the next morning, and once everything was ready, wait for him and Chai Rong to proceed with their sworn brotherhood ceremony.
The family received the silver ingot and went to make the preparations. Kuangyin then made an appointment with Chai Rong that he would definitely come to the temple before noon the next day to accompany him to the Guandi Temple, and Chai Rong agreed.
Seeing that it was getting late, Kuangyin bid farewell to Chai Rong and returned to Du Sanweng's house. After dinner, he slept soundly. The next morning, after changing his clothes, he went directly to Chai Rong's residence.
Chai Rong, also dressed in clean clothes, was waiting for Kuangyin in his residence. Seeing him arrive, he was overjoyed. He then asked Kuangyin, "Shall we eat first, or should we go immediately?" Kuangyin replied, "We have prepared sacrificial offerings of three kinds of animals to offer to Guan Yu. After our sworn brotherhood, we can use them as a snack with our wine. There's no need for a meal; let's go now." Chai Rong readily agreed, stood up, and left the residence with Kuangyin, heading straight for the North Gate and towards the Guan Yu Temple.
As they approached the Tianhan Bridge at the North Gate, they suddenly saw a large crowd standing on the bridge, seemingly looking at something, completely blocking the way. Unable to proceed, the two grew increasingly anxious. Kuangyin, unable to contain himself, told Chai Rong to follow behind him. He stepped forward and parted the crowd with his hands. The crowd, unable to withstand the force, quickly parted like waves, creating a path. Kuangyin hurriedly led Chai Rong onto the bridge, wondering what the reason for the crowd's congestion.
The two men reached the bridge and looked around carefully. On the north side of the bridge stood a dark-skinned man with over a dozen bows laid out before him. A crowd had formed a large circle around him. Kuangyin and Chai Rong were quite puzzled by this scene. They asked an old man nearby, "Where did this dark-skinned man come from? Why are people surrounding him? And what's the reason for those dozen bows?" The old man, seeing that Kuangyin and Chai Rong were of distinguished appearance and neatly dressed, knew they were from official families. He quickly smiled and said, "Gentlemen, you don't know, this dark-skinned man came here to sell bows the day before yesterday. He first told everyone: 'The bows I sell are different from others. When people do business, they charge money. But with the bows I sell, if someone can draw them, not only will they not have to pay, but I'll give them a bow for free. I will never break my promise.'" "Gentlemen, please come and draw!" Hearing this, everyone was intrigued and amazed. Those with strength wanted to get the bow for free. One man stepped forward and said, "Hey! Black man, you said you'd give me a bow if I drew it, is that true?" The black man replied, "I've never lied in my life. Whoever draws the bow fully will receive a bow. If you're strong enough, just draw it." The man bent down, took a bow, and used all his strength to draw it for a long time, even using every ounce of his strength, but he couldn't budge it. He couldn't draw the bow even a fraction. The man was filled with shame! He had no choice but to put down the bow and turn away. Then came a burly man, over ten feet tall, with a fierce appearance and seemingly considerable strength. Seeing the man unable to draw the bow and leaving in embarrassment, the burly man was indignant. He strode forward, without speaking to the burly man, picked up a bow from the ground, and pulled with all his might. His face turned bright red, but the bow still wouldn't be drawn. He too had to put down the bow and retreat in shame. After these two men's disgraceful display, no one dared to draw the bow. The burly man, however, didn't move from place to place because no one was drawing the bow; every… Tian still stood on the north side of the bridge until sunset before finally putting away his bow. Today was the third day; he wondered if any strong man could draw his bow.
Kuangyin, hearing the old man's words, thought to himself, "This dark-skinned man said he was selling the bow for free; there must be a reason." As he thought this, he looked at the dark-skinned man. He saw that the man's face was as black as lacquer, with a gleaming sheen, and his eyes were like copper bells. His left eye was slightly blind, and he had a thick, wispy beard. He was over seven feet tall, standing there like an iron tower, inspiring awe and fear! Upon seeing the man's appearance, Kuangyin said to Chai Rong, "This dark-skinned man is imposing and handsome; he's truly a hero! He must have something else going on, using the pretext of selling bows to lure the crowd. You wait here for a moment while I go and draw the bow, and see how he reacts." Chai Rong also found the dark-skinned man's arrival strange. Seeing Kuangyin about to draw the bow, he didn't stop him, but simply nodded and waited.
Kuangyin parted the crowd, walked to the dark-skinned man, and bowed deeply, saying, "I've heard that your bow, brother, can be drawn by anyone. I presume to ask to borrow your precious bow for a test. Would you be so kind as to grant me permission?" The dark-skinned man returned the bow, saying, "I have stated beforehand that whoever draws the bow will receive one. Since you wish to draw it, please choose any bow you like, and I will give you the bow." Upon hearing this, Kuangyin didn't reply, but picked up a smaller bow from the ground, took it, and began to draw it with both hands. Suddenly, a loud sound was heard.
The reason is unknown; we'll find out in the next installment.

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[History of the Song Dynasty Palace] [02] [Author: Xu Muxi]

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