Chapter Eighty: The Sage Scholar Zhang Taixu

"On the Theory of Qi... Zhang Taixu..."
The appraisers exchanged glances, then carefully took the book, "On the Theory of Qi," and began their examination with utmost caution.
In their profession, everything depended on the accumulation of miscellaneous knowledge and keen judgment. Indeed, upon hearing the name Zhang Taixu, they had already deduced much.
But since the inquiry came from the Inspector General himself, they treated the matter with even greater care, determined to make a solid assessment before reaching a conclusion.
One squinted through a lens at the texture of the cover; another sniffed the pages for their scent; a third opened the book to examine the handwriting and script.
The gravity of the situation was such that even when naming their own sons, they had never been so meticulous.
After a while, each appraiser had inspected the book. They exchanged a look and all nodded slightly.
"Sir..."
One of the appraisers stepped forward, trembling, and spoke: "This book is made with exquisite materials, from the previous Great Yan dynasty. Its author, Zhang Taixu, was a renowned scholar of that era.
We all agree that your 'On the Theory of Qi' is not a printed copy, but Zhang Taixu's original handwritten manuscript."
"The previous Great Yan... Zhang Taixu... a venerable scholar..."
Xu Boqing murmured, his brows furrowed, recalling that when he studied history in the academy, there had indeed been such a figure in the texts—no wonder the name felt familiar.
His departure from the palace was officially to fulfill the Emperor Yonghe's command, resolving the emperor's worries, yet in truth, it was to fulfill Steward Huang's final wish.
Beyond that, he had an even deeper purpose—
To seek traces of immortals!
His current identity was awkward: his body was mere mortal flesh, but his learning far surpassed that of ordinary men.
And with nothing to compare himself to, he could not even discern what state or realm he himself occupied.
This journey outside the palace, aside from fulfilling the steward's wish, was also an opportunity to encounter cultivators of this world.
Ideally, he wished to 'know' this world—and to 'know' himself.
Fortune favored him; not long after leaving, he encountered a spider spirit and an elderly cultivator.
Yet the spider spirit was, on the surface, a brothel madam, but beneath the facade, fierce and fiery;
The old cultivator, despite his advanced age, frequented brothels and did not seem a proper person.
The former, having lost her purity, now hated him to the bone; the latter, after a misunderstanding, fled on first meeting.
He had gleaned no useful information from either.
Now, by chance, he encountered an extraordinary book: after hundreds of years, it showed not a mark of rodent or insect, remained unsullied and pure, and radiated clear, vibrant energy.
Reading its lofty discourse, he felt his spirit tremble.
Naturally, he was deeply curious about Zhang Taixu, the author of "On the Theory of Qi."
Xu Boqing clasped his hands and said, "I beg you, sir, tell me of this venerable scholar Zhang Taixu, as detailed as you can..."

The appraiser, seeing the Inspector General's keen interest in Zhang Taixu, pondered for a moment before cautiously introducing him:
"Zhang Taixu was born at the decline of the Great Yan dynasty...
He was remarkably intelligent from childhood, rumored to be the Literary Star descended from heaven.
Upon entering the academy, he topped every examination—county, prefectural, institute, provincial, metropolitan, imperial—earning the saying, 'Three firsts in the world, six tops never seen.'
He rose to the rank of Prime Minister, serving his lord and country, and accomplished much.
It could be said that Zhang Taixu, by his own strength, extended the dying Great Yan's life by fifty years.
Later, for reasons unknown, he resigned his post and labored at home, pouring his heart into writing and establishing theories.
No works were published during his lifetime; only after his death did his children make his writings public.
Yet most of these works were... were... books beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.
There were even rumors that Zhang Taixu had glimpsed the secrets of heaven, and recorded them in his books.
In the marketplace, it was said that anyone who understood Master Zhang's writings could become immortal, attain enlightenment, and ascend to heaven.
Countless sought to unravel their mysteries, but rumors were merely rumors; after printing copies, innumerable readers found little benefit...
Much less immortality or enlightenment.
With the collapse of Great Yan's lands and the nation's turmoil, those rumors soon faded, the printed copies lost their value, becoming mere piles of waste paper.
Now, centuries later, many copies survive, but most are incomplete.
Your 'On the Theory of Qi,' whether in script or material, surpasses any printed version, so I am certain this is one of Zhang Taixu's original handwritten manuscripts."
He paused, then continued: "As Zhang Taixu's original manuscript, this book holds immense value for collectors. If you found the right buyer, it could fetch three to five hundred taels of silver."
"..."
Xu Boqing frowned, uninterested in its monetary value, but intrigued by Zhang Taixu's scholarly legacy.
After a moment's thought, he asked, "Just now, you mentioned that after Zhang Taixu's death, his children released his writings. What other works of his survive?"
"There are indeed a few more..."
The appraiser nodded, pondering, then said, "Besides 'On the Theory of Qi,' I know of 'On Dialectics,' 'On Cognition,' and 'On Human Nature,' all authored by Zhang Taixu.
Because their contents are obscure and difficult, they hold little value, and few printed copies were made, so few survive to this day."
"'On Dialectics'... 'On Cognition'... 'On Human Nature'..."
Xu Boqing nodded thoughtfully, and asked, "Do any of you have these books by Zhang Taixu? I am willing to pay handsomely to acquire them."
"..."
The appraisers exchanged glances, then shook their heads with wry smiles.
One seemed to recall something, stepped forward, and bowed: "Sir, I have a friend fond of collecting such ancient works...
A few years ago, when I visited him, he mentioned having a handwritten manuscript of 'On Dialectics' by Zhang Taixu...
But as much time has passed since, I cannot say for certain if it is true."

Xu Boqing felt a surge of joy—
He had hoped for a printed copy, but unexpectedly, there was news of another original manuscript.
"Sir, might your friend be willing to part with it?"
"..."
The appraiser's face twitched, replying, "Sir, your words are too generous. If that book finds favor with you, it would be my friend's great fortune; he would gladly offer it with both hands, how could he hesitate?
But my friend is not here, he lives a thousand miles away in Xingyuan Prefecture. Even if I wished to introduce you, it would take some time."
"Xingyuan Prefecture..."
Xu Boqing's gaze sharpened—
Xingyuan was far from here; unless one rode hard, it would take a month or more by ordinary means.
This journey was for official business, and his party could not remain here waiting.
Moreover, the Tiger Fiend Sect, which they were to eradicate, was said to be within Xingyuan's territory—so after dealing with the nearest Five Venoms Sect, they could proceed directly to Xingyuan...
Xu Boqing considered for a while, then said, "Our route passes through Xingyuan Prefecture. Please, sir, write a letter of introduction for me."
"Sir, your words are too kind. I shall write it at once..."
"Jiang Jin, fetch some silver for the gentleman as a gratuity..."
"Yes!"
The appraiser withdrew, beaming with joy, while the others seemed to discern something as well.
Another stepped forward: "Sir, I too have a friend fond of such ancient works, and he may have printed copies of Zhang Taixu's books.
Moreover, this friend lives here in the capital, quite nearby. If you do not mind printed copies, I can fetch them for you and present them tomorrow."
"Printed copies will do..."
Xu Boqing's eyes flickered, then he called, "Kong Qing."
"At your service!"
"Take some silver and accompany the gentleman to the capital, purchase those printed copies, and return with them tomorrow..."
Xu Boqing paused, glancing at Kong Qing, and recalling his irascible temperament, cautioned, "Remember, if the seller refuses, treat him with courtesy; do not cause trouble."
"Heh, I understand."
Kong Qing accepted the order, grinning at the appraiser and gesturing politely, "Sir, after you..."
Broad-shouldered and rugged from his military background, Kong Qing's forced smile startled the appraiser quite thoroughly...