Chapter 117: General Gongsun’s Residence

A smile appeared without a word—neither admitting nor denying. Yet from Fang Yiai’s confident expression, it was clear that this Liu family calligraphy must have a deep connection with Liu Yitiao.

“This Liu family calligraphy was uniquely created by Mr. Liu!” Seeing Liu Yitiao remain silent, Li Rusi eagerly stepped forward to clarify on his behalf, speaking with a proud air, as if he himself had invented the script.

Sure enough, Fang Yiai suddenly realized and inwardly felt fortunate that he had not spoken harshly to Liu Yitiao earlier. Otherwise, even their patriarch would not have let it slide so easily. Old Fang deeply admired Liu Yitiao’s calligraphy, often lamenting that he could only dream of meeting the person behind such writing.

“Mr. Liu, please accept my respectful bow!” Fang Yiai bowed politely to Liu Yitiao. The other scholars, having shed their earlier apprehension, also came forward to pay their respects. To have pioneered a new era of calligraphy, praised by contemporary masters like Ouyang Xun and Yu Shinan, Liu Yitiao was truly a calligraphy grandmaster. Though these scholars often acted arrogantly, they showed great respect to those with genuine talent.

“My earlier words were offensive, please forgive me, sir!” Wu Zitong, feeling somewhat embarrassed, approached Liu Yitiao and bowed. “I apologize sincerely.”

“Brother Zitong, no need for that,” Liu Yitiao gently touched Wu Zitong’s shoulder. “As the saying goes, no fights, no friends. We’ve made some acquaintance through our clash. Let bygones be bygones. No need to take it to heart.”

For these idle scions of Chang’an, Liu Yitiao preferred to avoid enmity unless necessary. One never knew which powerful patron stood behind them. If he were to encounter someone as fiercely protective as Gongsun Wuda, he might end up severely beaten.

“Mr. Liu, your magnanimity is admirable!” Fang Yiai poured a cup of wine and handed it to Liu Yitiao, then raised his own cup and addressed the surrounding scholars: “Brothers, let us toast Mr. Liu together to atone for our earlier disrespect!”

“To Mr. Liu!” “To Mr. Liu!” Over thirty voices echoed as they raised their cups. Liu Yitiao, reluctant to refuse, signaled to those around him and tilted his head back to drain the wine.

Afterwards, Liu Yitiao exchanged a glance with Li Jihe, still standing nearby, then cupped his hands in farewell to Li Rusi. “Young Master Li, thank you for your warm hospitality today. I am truly grateful. I had hoped to drink more with you, but it grows late toward evening. I must hurry on my way and cannot linger here. We shall meet again.”

Constantly praised and flattered, Liu Yitiao felt uneasy. First, the Song-style calligraphy was actually a counterfeit, not his original creation. Although no one in this era could expose the truth, it still cast a shadow in his heart. Second, he disliked the atmosphere—surrounded by these pretentious scholars and their endless chatter, he felt uncomfortable.

Thus, slipping away became his only option.

“Mr. Liu has important matters to attend to. Rusi cannot detain you. Let me see you out.” Although reluctant inside, Li Rusi understood Liu Yitiao’s true purpose in Chang’an and dared not obstruct him. He rose to escort Liu Yitiao from the Qingfeng Pavilion.

Watching Liu Yitiao and Li Jihe depart, Li Rusi stood at the pavilion’s entrance with his young servant. He softly asked, “Young servant, what kind of man do you think Young Master Liu truly is? Why does he seem even more inscrutable than before?”

“He?” The young servant, Xiao Qiong, curled her nose disdainfully. “In my eyes, he’s just a great lecher, humph!”

“Hey! You little brat, I’ll pinch your mouth shut!” Hearing this, Li Rusi’s cheeks flushed again. He lightly pinched Xiao Qiong’s face, recalling the moment he shook Liu Yitiao’s hand—large, warm, and comforting.

After bidding farewell to Li Rusi, Liu Yitiao settled sideways upon Liu Wuhen’s back and said to Li Jihe, “Jihe, since you have lived long in Chang’an, you surely know the location of General Gongsun’s mansion. Please lead me there. Now that I am in Chang’an, it would be improper not to pay my respects to the venerable General Gongsun. If possible, I shall stay at his residence during my time here.”

“Yes, Divine Doctor. Please follow me.” Though a bit disappointed—he had hoped to host Liu Yitiao himself—Li Jihe complied. Liu Yitiao’s connection to General Gongsun was extraordinary, sworn brotherhood with Gongsun Helan and possession of the Silver Moon Token. Who would have believed this Divine Doctor was once just a simple farmer? Li Jihe certainly wouldn’t have if not for witnessing Liu Yitiao’s home firsthand.

The Gongsun General’s mansion lay north of Chang’an, less than a quarter’s journey from the northern city gate. Under Li Jihe’s guidance, they soon arrived at the gate.

Li Jihe dismounted and knocked. After a moment, a young gate servant appeared. Eyeing the pair—a donkey and a horse, one plain, one fine—he scorned them as lowly, likely men of influence peddling favors, and arrogantly demanded, “What business do you have at the General’s mansion? Our master is very busy. If you have no important matter, I suggest you leave.”

“You!” Li Jihe, already furious from earlier frustrations, flared his eyes and grabbed the boy’s collar. “You little brat, do you dare let me knock you out with one punch?”

Of course, he spoke only in anger—no one dared fight within the General’s mansion.

“Hit me if you can!” The boy retorted defiantly, pointing to his own head with a fierce glare matching Li Jihe’s.

Such was the spirit of the General’s household. Liu Yitiao shook his head with a light smile—this servant’s arrogance was no different from young Gongsun Helan’s.

“Jihe,” Liu Yitiao called out, halting him. He leapt down from Liu Wuhen’s back and took the Silver Moon Token from his breast, handing it to the boy. “Please deliver this token to the old General Gongsun, saying that an old friend from Sanyuan County has come to visit. If the old General does not wish to see me, we will leave immediately.”

“Silver Moon Token?!” The boy exclaimed, dropping the hand Li Jihe still held at his chest. His proud demeanor vanished instantly, replaced by respect as he accepted the token with both hands. Bowing deeply, he inquired, “May I ask if you are Young Master Liu Yitiao from Sanyuan County?”

Upon Liu Yitiao’s nod, the boy quickly bowed again. “I am Gongsun Li. Apologies for my earlier offense, Young Master Liu. I beg your forgiveness. And to you, sir,” he bowed to Li Jihe. “I am sorry for my discourtesy. Please do not hold it against me.”

The boy’s quick wit easily dispelled Li Jihe’s anger. Li Jihe returned the bow.

“Young Master Liu, and sir, please come inside,” Gongsun Li said, stepping aside to clear the path. He eagerly took the reins from Liu Yitiao and Li Jihe, respectfully inviting them into the General’s mansion.

After handing the animals to other servants, Gongsun Li led them directly to the guest hall.

Pouring tea for Liu Yitiao and Li Jihe, Gongsun Li bowed and said, “Please wait here, Young Master Liu. I will fetch the old General. He will be delighted to know you are here.”

Indeed, within moments, they heard the booming voice of Gongsun Wuda: “Nephew Yitiao! You come to visit this old man so soon—I see you still have some conscience, ha ha ha!”

Liu Yitiao and Li Jihe quickly stood to greet the General as he entered.

“Greetings, Uncle Gongsun!”

“Greetings, General Gongsun!”

Both bowed deeply. Gongsun Wuda waved them off with a hearty laugh. “Enough, enough, no need for so much formality. Sit down! This is a private meeting, no need for such ceremony.”

Once seated, Gongsun Wuda cast a playful glance at Li Jihe. “Aren’t you the guard from His Highness the Crown Prince’s entourage? What’s your name again? Li Jihe, how is it that you’re running with my nephew here?”

At the question, Li Jihe rose promptly. “General Gongsun, your memory is remarkable. I am honored. This time, I come by order of His Highness the Crown Prince to invite Divine Doctor Liu to the palace.”

“Divine Doctor?” Gongsun Wuda looked at Liu Yitiao in surprise. In just a few days apart, how did this young man become a Divine Doctor? He gestured for Li Jihe to sit and turned to Liu Yitiao. “Nephew Yitiao, how come I’ve never heard you know medicine?”

“Ah, well,” Liu Yitiao smiled wryly. By now, the title of Divine Doctor was a mantle he could no longer shed.