As the final performance concluded, Lu Xun remained eager for the next act, much like the citizens of Linzi. However, after waiting for some time, it became apparent that the show had ended.
"That's it? I wanted to see Xu Hanwen complete his cultivation and slay the Green Snake too," Lu Xun complained to Fa Zheng, clearly dissatisfied with the abrupt ending.
Slap! Lu Xun received a light smack, one from Chen Xi for his lack of empathy toward the Green Snake, and another from Fa Zheng, who was annoyed that Lu Xun found fault with one of the rare long plays.
"Is there more?" Fa Yan, who had been seated for quite a while, asked lazily, tapping Fa Zheng's foot with his cane.
"The show is over, Father. I only arranged for one performance tonight, and this was one of the longer ones. Look at the moon; it's already high in the sky," Fa Zheng replied, pointing to the nearly full moon now positioned at its zenith.
"Ah, it was a good show. Since it's over, make sure the citizens disperse safely. We don't want any incidents," Fa Yan said, using his cane to stand up and politely gesturing to Lu Kang to follow.
Fa Zheng sighed and quickly signaled the arranged troops to start dispersing the crowd. It didn't take long before the once-crowded area was nearly empty.
"This Magistrate of Qi, Fa Xiao Zhi, is truly remarkable," commented a weathered old man in his fifties, gazing in Fa Zheng's direction. "Not even twenty years old, and within a year of governing Qi, the region is thriving. I wonder what kind of brilliance Chen Xi, often called a genius, will display."
"They are indeed impressive, far better than we were at that age," another man in a green robe said with a smile. "Kong Wenju's recommendation seems well-founded. I wonder how Liu Xuan De fares."
"Hmph. Are you still chasing after official titles?" scoffed a small, white-haired old man. "Isn't bringing peace to the people more important than wealth or rank? Do you really want to be seduced by worldly splendor?"
"How can you help the people without a position of power? Morality can inspire, but I believe in the authority of the government. Trust in the officials will lead the people to follow. But how long can one man's virtue and reputation last?" the man in the green robe retorted, casting a displeased glance at the white-haired elder.
"Even if it lasts only a day, it is better than chasing an official title and achieving nothing. Besides, as long as the people are educated and virtuous, the world can be governed well," the white-haired elder responded calmly, seemingly indifferent to everything.
The older man standing between them watched the two forty-something men argue with an expression of indifference. After all these years, he was used to their constant debates whenever they met.
"Alright, let's give it a rest," the man in the middle said, scratching his ear. "This debate seems to be dragging on for too long. What's the deal?"
"Hmph. There's no point in arguing with you. We have comparable knowledge and unwavering resolve. To prove who is right, we'll have to rely on facts. The three of us have traveled from Liaodong, partly on Kong Wenju's request, but also with a desire to see Liu Xuan De. So let's not argue anymore and let him be the judge," the man in the green robe said with a snort, knowing that neither side would easily yield.
"We'll see. As I said before, I'll continue teaching, and you can continue being a minor official. Whether we're right or wrong, history will judge us," the white-haired elder said with calm certainty before heading toward the city inn.
The man in green shook his head and refrained from further debate, following behind. He was already planning when and how to approach Fa Zheng. He didn't want to meet Liu Bei too early—he wanted to rely on his own abilities to impress Liu Bei, rather than being promoted based on reputation alone.
Early the next morning, Chen Xi casually washed up and went looking for Fa Zheng. Bang, bang, bang! Chen Xi knocked loudly on the door. He had seen clearly the previous night that Fa Zheng was not alone. Fa Zheng had often disturbed his rest in the same manner, and now, Chen Xi had the chance to return the favor.
"Who is it? It's early morning—can't a person get some rest? Disturbing someone's dreams!" Fa Zheng shouted, frustrated. He had been enjoying a warm embrace and was just about to make a move when the knocking ruined his mood.
"Young Master, just ignore him," grumbled the concubine in Fa Zheng's arms.
"It's probably Chen Zi Chuan. That guy..." Fa Zheng chuckled helplessly. "You go back to sleep. I'll go out and talk to him. He really holds a grudge."
"I'll help you get dressed," the concubine said as she got up, signaling the two maidservants to fetch Fa Zheng's clothes.
Soon, Fa Zheng emerged, dressed but clearly sleep-deprived, his eyes a bit swollen. He yawned and waved at Chen Xi, who stood outside the door. "You really hold grudges, huh? If I'd known, I would have arranged for a concubine for you too."
Normally, Fa Zheng would have arranged for a concubine for Chen Xi when staying overnight, but given Chen Xi's temperament, he had refrained. However, seeing the situation this morning, Fa Zheng regretted that decision.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk," Chen Xi clicked his tongue as he inspected Fa Zheng. "Didn't see this coming."
"Alright, alright. You need to leave this afternoon, so let's not waste time with pointless jabs," Fa Zheng replied nonchalantly. His skin had thickened considerably, and Chen Xi's teasing no longer fazed him.
"You..." Chen Xi raised an eyebrow. "You're just like Feng Xiao, picking up all the bad habits!"
"'Waste is just misused treasure,' wasn't that your saying?" Fa Zheng quipped, completely unfazed. He now had an air of indifference similar to Guo Jia, who wouldn't be deterred from his ways, no matter what.
Chen Xi shook his head, feeling somewhat helpless in the face of Fa Zheng's stubbornness. It seemed that early mornings dulled people's minds, making them less sensitive to criticism.
As Chen Xi and Fa Zheng left the courtyard, Zhuge Liang, who had been reading nearby, closed his book and joined them. Unlike the others who enjoyed sleeping late, Zhuge Liang woke up at dawn every day to read. Though he had read those books many times before, he firmly believed in the principle of "reviewing the old to learn the new."
As they walked through the alleys, Chen Xi curiously listened to the sound of children reciting texts. He turned to Fa Zheng, wondering why the education plan seemed to have reached Linzi earlier than expected.