Chapter 38: The Ambitious Head of the Grand Library Makes His Entrance

A bold and prominent "Hero List" was posted at the entrance—an ingenious tactic to recruit new members, though it inevitably stirred complications beneath the surface.

Luo Gan entered to take a rest, while Yan Shan flitted about the crowd like an energetic flea, enthusiastically promoting the business of the Grand Guild.

A mysterious scholar arrived for a visit, and Yan Shan went up to greet him.

Yan Shan said, "May I ask if you are here on business?"

The scholar smiled brightly, clearly in high spirits, and bowed. "I am an acquaintance of Manager Luo."

Yan Shan hesitated for a moment, observing the visitor's refined attire and noble bearing—certainly no ordinary man.

Yan Shan replied, "President Luo prefers we not call him 'manager.' Commerce is only the surface; in truth, we serve the people here without distinction of rank or status."

How intriguing! Ever since the chaos descended upon the land, it was rare to encounter such a person with such a heart for the world, denying any hierarchy.

The mysterious scholar followed Yan Shan to meet Luo Gan. Upon seeing Luo Gan, he felt an immediate kinship and bowed with reverence.

He introduced himself, "I am Chu, curator of the Hongwen Pavilion. It is my honor to become acquainted with President Luo."

Luo Gan was surprised—Hongwen Pavilion? It seemed familiar, as though he'd heard of it somewhere before.

"I'm afraid I'm not very learned and haven't heard of your esteemed pavilion. Are you here to sell medicines, perhaps?"

Chu and Yan Shan exchanged glances.

Yan Shan explained, "President, Hongwen Pavilion is under the Secretariat. It houses precious books and classics, and the curator is in charge."

So that was it. Luo Gan finally understood the significance of the Hongwen Pavilion, but something felt amiss.

He hurriedly gestured for Chu to take a seat. "My apologies, I misspoke. I hope the curator will forgive me."

Chu did not mind at all, laughing as he followed Luo Gan to his seat. Yan Shan, ever attentive, fetched the teapot, brewed fine tea, and served the two guests.

"It's my first day of opening. I never expected the curator himself to visit..."

Chu smiled, "The day you displayed your prowess at the arena was awe-inspiring. You have earned the admiration of thousands."

Luo Gan replied, "Oh, it was but a trifling skill—nothing compared to a master like yourself."

Chu, delighted by the praise, could not contain his joy. "A master? Ha ha ha! To be called a master is too much. If anything, I have only a little bit...," he pinched his fingers together to show a sliver, "just a bit of talent, not much at all."

Luo Gan was momentarily at a loss for words, so he continued to flatter, "Curator, your humility is admirable. Such accomplishments are worthy of eternal praise and the respect of all."

Lifted by the compliments, Chu was elated. Yan Shan poured more tea, and Chu, riding the wave of enthusiasm, requested brush, ink, and paper. Luo Gan was puzzled by this unfamiliar guest's request.

After some bustling, the brush, ink, and paper were placed before Chu, and Yan Shan stepped back.

Chu spread the rice paper, swiftly dipped his brush in ink, and poised himself with a forceful presence. His gaze was sharp, his momentum unstoppable.

With a flourish, Chu wrote five large characters: "Grand Bamboo Grove Guild." The script was upright and elegant, broad and stately, as if the brushwork possessed a divine touch, blending strength and grace, bone and rhythm in perfect harmony.

The inscription drew applause and praise from Luo Gan and Yan Shan, and Chu beamed with satisfaction.

Chu said, "A spontaneous creation, offered to President Luo."

Luo Gan touched the rice paper with both hands, still savoring the forceful spirit Chu had shown moments ago, deeply moved.

"Curator Chu, your visit today truly graces this humble place. I gladly accept and thank you."

Chu nodded, though barely over thirty, his spirited demeanor resembled that of a youthful boy.

Chu continued, "Of course, I did not come today merely to show off my calligraphy. I would like to have a proper conversation with President Luo."

Luo Gan straightened his posture, fully prepared to listen.

Chu asked, "May I ask how President Luo views the current state of the realm?"

The state of the realm? Luo Gan had read some history and possessed basic knowledge. The Tang Dynasty was renowned for its strength in Chinese history, especially under Emperor Taizong and during the flourishing Kaiyuan era. The future seemed promising, but for now...

Luo Gan replied, "At present, foreign invaders have brought endless warfare. The nation was once divided, and it took great effort to achieve unity. Peace is still far from being realized."

Chu furrowed his brow. "To us scholars, it is a constant source of anxiety. Dynasties change, and one wonders if this is ever the end."

Luo Gan looked at Chu with fervor. "Curator Chu, the current emperor is a wise ruler. Perhaps this is your opportunity to realize your ambitions."

"Emperor Taizong?"

Luo Gan realized he had made a historical mistake and hastened to correct himself.

"The present sovereign is indeed a wise ruler."

Chu gave a bitter smile. "I've grown accustomed to deceit and intrigue. Years ago, I followed the emperor when he was still Prince of Qin, but to this day, I have achieved nothing—only sorrow."

"How could the curator of the Hongwen Pavilion, admired by all, feel such sorrow? Compared to you, I am the one who should feel ashamed."

Chu gazed into the distance, worry etched on his face. Thick frost gathered on the tiles outside; though there was no snow, the cold felt deeper than when snow melts. Luo Gan signaled to Yan Shan, who hurried off to build a fire for warmth.

"Earlier, I heard President Luo speak of universal harmony. What did you mean by that?"

Luo Gan recalled his earlier boast made in a moment of happiness—spoken with no intention, yet someone had listened.

"Curator Chu, I am not talented. I wish for a place where people are not divided by status. Here, whether male or female, anyone can work."

Chu remarked, "But that's hardly realistic... In the palace or among wealthy merchants, who doesn't have servants or slaves? Even here, isn't this young man your servant?"

A hint of self-doubt flashed across Yan Shan's face. Lacking background or wealth, he was fated to serve others, summoned and ordered about—a destiny.

Luo Gan took Yan Shan's hand holding the teapot, placed it on the table, then stood and patted Yan Shan's shoulder.

"In the Grand Bamboo Grove Guild, there are no servants. I am merely the president, responsible for managing affairs. To me, Yan Shan is not a subordinate, but a partner, a member, a friend."

These words moved Yan Shan, and equally touched Chu.

Chu waved his hand as if pointing out grand vistas. "But isn't the world the emperor's? Aren't all the people his servants?"

Luo Gan's own experience had left him less sensitive to issues of class. To see even such a talented scholar as Chu with a servile mindset stirred his emotions.

Luo Gan replied, "The ruler is the boat, the people are the water. Everyone in this world is but a traveler. No one is born a true master or a slave. What we strive for is to leave our mark on this world, to leave behind something for others to remember."

Yan Shan could not grasp Luo Gan's ambition, but Chu burst out laughing.

"Interesting! I thought President Luo's greatest wish was to command thousands of troops, but it turns out you are a true sage!"