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For a moment, Fei Qian was utterly baffled. What did this mean?
Both Cai Yong, who had studied the Xiping Stone Classics, and Pang Degong of Jingxiang could understand, but what was the meaning of the two characters "Yin Kun" that had suddenly appeared?
"Kun" actually referred to a whale, didn't it? The ancients had never seen a whale, so they called it "Leviathan."(Kun) Thus, "Yin Kun" would mean—a hidden giant whale? (T/N: Orignally it's "Hidden Leviathan", but its just didn't fit into the context, so I go with whale. I hope it make sense)
Cough, cough…
Fei Qian nearly choked on his own saliva.
Which unreliable fellow had come up with such a nickname for him?!
Fei Qian said, "I am indeed Fei Ziyuan of Heluo, a disciple of Master Cai and Master Pang. However, I have never heard of this 'Hidden Whale' moniker. May I ask…"
Chang Huai replied, "This elegant title was mentioned by my elder cousin."
"May I ask who your esteemed cousin is…?"
"My elder cousin is Chang Lin, styled Bohuai, of Henei!"
"An honor to meet you, an honor!" Fei Qian exclaimed, though inwardly, he was racking his brain. I know who the King of Mount Tai, Yang Lin, is—but who is this Chang Lin? Some lofty figure?
He truly had no impression of the man.
Was it this Chang Lin who gave me this nickname? Why would he call me a giant whale? It's really not that flattering…
After a while, the retainer from the Chang family who had gone to deliver the message returned with a group of people.
At the forefront was a middle-aged scholar, tall in stature, draped in a dark blue cloak, walking slowly under the flickering light of torches.
Fei Qian rose to greet him. After exchanging pleasantries and names, he confirmed that the newcomer was indeed Chang Lin, the elder cousin Chang Huai had mentioned.
Chang Lin was tall and broad-shouldered, with a square face adorned by a long, flowing beard that fluttered slightly in the night breeze. At a glance, he did have the dignified bearing of a learned man.
Once seated, Chang Lin first apologized again for the earlier incident and said with a self-deprecating smile, "I am but a startled bird! I hope you can forgive my offense!"
Fei Qian naturally replied that he, too, had resorted to some measures due to the late hour and concerns for safety, and he hoped Chang Lin would understand.
He then ordered an evening meal to be prepared, along with a large pot of tea brewed with ginger to serve both Chang Lin's party and his own soldiers, helping everyone ward off the damp chill.
Soon after, the roasted wild rabbit was brought out, and Fei Qian invited Chang Lin to share the meal as a gesture of reconciliation.
With both sides expressing goodwill, the atmosphere grew much more harmonious.
Chang Lin, of course, was curious about Fei Qian's presence here and couldn't help but ask.
Fei Qian explained that he was returning to Luoyang to visit his teacher, but since the southern bank was completely blocked by troops from both sides, he had no choice but to take a detour along the northern bank…
Chang Lin stroked his beard and nodded approvingly. "Ziyuan, you brave danger without hesitation, honoring your teacher and upholding righteousness. Truly, the conduct of a nobleman." Ordinary people, upon seeing war, would flee as far as possible. Yet Fei Qian, for the sake of his teacher, marched straight into peril—this was indeed worthy of admiration.
Chang Lin had initially harbored some slight resentment over the earlier misunderstanding. But upon hearing Fei Qian's explanation, he felt that even he might not have been able to act so nobly. Moved by this realization, the lingering displeasure in his heart dissipated entirely.
Naturally, Fei Qian also inquired about Chang Lin's circumstances—why was he, too, spending the night in the mountains?
Chang Lin sighed softly and began his tale.
It turned out that the Chang family was an old and established local gentry clan in Wen County, Henei. Though they had never produced any high-ranking officials, they were still a somewhat renowned scholarly family in the region.
Yet this very family had nearly been ruined over a trivial matter—all because of the Henei Prefect, Wang Kuang.
When the proclamation denouncing Dong Zhuo spread throughout the Guandong region, Wang Kuang, the Prefect of Henei, also raised the banner of rebellion against Dong Zhuo. However, the commandery's coffers were insufficient to recruit more troops.
Thus, Wang Kuang dispatched some of his disciples to investigate the officials and commoners in the subordinate counties for any wrongdoing. Once an offense was discovered, the accused would be immediately imprisoned, convicted, and forced to redeem themselves with money or grain. If they failed to meet the deadline, their entire clan would be exterminated—all to establish his authority.
Chang Lin's uncle had once slapped a retainer a few times over a minor issue. When Wang Kuang's disciples learned of this, they reported it to him, and Wang Kuang ordered Chang Lin's uncle imprisoned and charged.
The entire Chang family was thrown into panic, unsure how much wealth they would need to surrender to satisfy Wang Kuang's greed. In the end, Chang Lin sought out Wang Kuang's fellow townsman, Hu Mubiao, and begged him to intercede. Only then did Wang Kuang release Chang Lin's uncle.
Though Wang Kuang had spared the Chang family this time, they feared he might revisit the matter later. Deeming Henei Commandery unsafe, they decided to relocate the entire household. They had been traveling for several days and had just arrived here, taking the opportunity to rest near the hot springs. Unexpectedly, they spotted Fei Qian's group. Seeing that his soldiers resembled government troops, they worried Wang Kuang had sent men to capture them, which was why Chang Lin had led a covert scouting party…
Wang Kuang, Wang Gongjie—he was such a man?
"I once heard that Wang Gongjie of Henei had the demeanor of the 'Eight Paragons,' renowned for his chivalry and righteousness. How could he act in such a manner?" Fei Qian was puzzled. He had heard of Wang Kuang before, and his reputation had been relatively positive—even praised for his generosity and knightly spirit. How had he become so avaricious upon assuming the prefect's office?
Chang Lin smiled bitterly. "When Wang Gongjie first assumed office in Henei, we celebrated, overjoyed. Never did we expect… However, there are whispers that Wang Gongjie's actions were not of his own will but carried out under another's orders…"
Another's orders?
Who could command a Prefect of Henei?
Fei Qian began to understand.
So even those who raise high the banner of righteousness engage in such deeds behind the scenes. Truly, it seems all crows under heaven are equally black…
Whether Wang Kuang was truly acting under orders or not, the fact that he would resort to such methods to extort wealth from his own jurisdiction spoke volumes about his moral compass.
But how had he ended up with this "giant whale" nickname? This Chang Lin before him spoke in a measured, serious tone—hardly the type to coin such a moniker. Moreover, this was their first meeting…
Fei Qian turned to Chang Lin and asked, "Earlier, I heard Zishun mention that I bear the title 'Hidden Whale.' May I ask where this name originated?"
"Oh? Ziyuan, you do not know? This was spoken by Master Shui Jing!" Chang Lin replied, his tone tinged with surprise and envy. This was an evaluation from the revered Master Shui Jing!
Chang Lin continued, "…Some time ago, I paid a visit to Sima Jiàngong and happened to meet Master Shui Jing there. When the conversation turned to the talented individuals of the land, Master Shui Jing spoke of you, saying you possess keen perception and attentive ears, a gentle demeanor and respectful speech, a sharp mind and love for learning. Though brimming with knowledge, you conceal it deeply; though steadfast in righteousness, you remain humble and amiable—just like the great fish of the northern seas, cultivating in obscurity within the depths. Hence, he named you 'Hidden Whale.'"
Despite years of self-cultivation in his past life, Fei Qian couldn't help but feel his ears grow warm upon hearing Master Shui Jing's praise through Chang Lin's retelling. He quickly demurred, "I am but a man of little virtue and talent, unworthy of Master Shui Jing's commendation. I am deeply ashamed!"
Why had Sima Hui, the Water Mirror, placed such a lofty hat upon his head? What was his intention?