“Can strategists really not ascend the throne?”
Chapter 265: The Hospital and the Painting Institute
If Chen Qun knew about Lu Zhi’s current slander, he’d probably end up crying foul right there.
Sure, he had some doubts about being summoned by Qiao Yan to Chang’an for some law enforcement stuff, thanks to his father “selling him out,” but at the end of the day, it was just a passing thought, nothing truly devastating.
What he taught Lu Yu was how to clearly define rewards and punishments when creating laws to prevent over-penalizing or going too lenient. He was definitely not teaching anything about—
How to make his father’s colleagues feel inferior.
How to secretly raise a dog under his father’s nose and pull a fast one on him in court.
In short, he had no idea about Lu Yu sneaking off to paint with the papers he got.
Fortunately, before he could explain his innocence to Lu Zhi, someone else jumped in earlier.
Seeing everyone think this anonymous submission was just Lu Zhi being fidgety, only Lu Zhi himself looked like he was completely in the dark. Suddenly, Zhao Qi, the Grand Commandant, spoke up, “This painting was done by my student.”
Once those words dropped, jaws were practically hitting the floor.
Everyone turned their heads as one.
This old fellow here was already eighty-four years old; even when Qiao Yan showcased strong liquor, she had to consider his tolerance level. So for him to pop out with that, talk about unexpected!
He asked quite casually, “Is there a rule that children from the Three Dukes can’t submit? Or that the young ones are disqualified? If I’m not mistaken, anyone without an official title can participate, and my student fits the bill completely.”
Lu Zhi, the Grand Commandant; Chen Ji, the Grand Minister of Rites; and Zhao Qi, the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, all belong to the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers circle. Plus, they’re all about the same age, pretty knowledgeable, so it was only natural they moved into the same area after the housing reshuffle in Chang’an.
Lu Yu followed Chen Qun around because they were neighbors, so Zhao Qi teaching him some painting skills wasn’t surprising at all.
Zhao Qi then elaborated on how he and Lu Yu got entangled.
While the painting conditions at the end of the Han Dynasty didn’t match up to the Tang or Song, it wasn’t unusual to see literati dabbling in painting alongside politics—people like Cai Yong and Zhao Qi were pretty good at it.
Even before the mulberry bark and qingtan paper reached Chang’an, there was still mulberry bark paper available, way more durable than what they had before.
With a decent amount of paper in hand, how could Zhao Qi not get excited?
Even at over eighty, his legs were still solid; once he got his hands on the paper, he had his attendant lug a painting box and hustled out to the outskirts, coincidentally bumping into Lu Yu who was wandering around Chang’an.
Seeing Lu Yu so captivated watching him paint, Zhao Qi hit it off with him and had Lu Yu learn from him—it’s been about four or five months now.
And poor oblivious Lu Zhi was left scratching his head.
So if it wasn’t for this submission, how much longer would it have taken him to catch wind of this?
“Isn’t this a good thing?” Qiao Yan said, trying to hold back a chuckle. “Not long ago, Lu Gong was saying that because his son followed along with Chang Wen for schooling, he fell a generation behind Chen Gong; now his son is learning painting from Zhao Gong, and he’s right back in the game.”
Lu Zhi was a disciple of Ma Rong from Fufeng, and Zhao Qi’s wife is Ma Rong’s brother’s daughter, meaning Ma Lun is her cousin. So really, Lu Zhi and Zhao Qi are actually on the same generational level; Lu Zhi’s son learning from Zhao Qi painting could very well be a lovely tale.
“But speaking of painting, it reminds me,” Qiao Yan bowed to Liu Yu who was listening nearby. “Based on the original regulations from Leping Academy, we now have all aspects covered—agriculture, engineering, medicine, and literature. With the addition of Liu Yuanzhuo and Ma Deheng, we’ve created a separate Leping Academy for technical students. Since farming leans heavily on practice, we’ve gradually moved that out; I also intend to separate the medical department and establish it directly in Chang’an, and I’d like to ask for Your Majesty’s approval.”
All conditions for establishing the medical department were utterly ready.
Alcohol, cotton, and iron control were firmly in her hands, with no other forces able to grab a slice of the pie—these were all guarantees for medical practices.
Medical literature represented by the “Emergency Formula Book” could spread quickly with the arrival of cheaper bamboo paper.
Plus, with renowned doctors like Hua Tuo and Wu Pu leading the pack, they had gradually cultivated a batch of capable assistants. If all goes well, the famed physician Zhang Zhongjing, currently in Jing Province, should also have a solid chance of coming as well.
After all, deciding whether to remain in Jing Province for personal research or to conduct studies supported by the Chang’an court, given Zhang Zhongjing’s passion for medicine and concern for the people’s livelihood, he’d surely make a wise choice.
These were all guarantees for Qiao Yan’s dream of establishing a fully equipped medical department.
Liu Yu asked, “This matter should be organized by the Grand Marshal, but what does this have to do with painting?”
Qiao Yan responded, “I plan to establish a painting institute alongside the medical school, where the focus would still be on practicality.”
“Painting, as we saw after the improvement of paper-making in Leping, has many students already trying their hand at it, especially for promotional materials and roadside signs, using painting to explain many matters to folk who can’t read, and communicate official edicts. That’s one use.”
“Maps for military formations or plans for waterway projects can’t just be scribbled down with a few lines; they need some painting skills to explain properly. That’s another use.”
“As for the medical aspect, illustrations of acupuncture points, charts for handling different injuries, and representation of illness states, if someone can draw these, it would certainly enhance diagnosis and treatment effectiveness. That’s a third use.”
“In the past, the former Emperor compiled a children’s rhyme for literacy in Leping, documenting lore in a comic book format—way more effective than just text, other books are the same. For instance, the practical guide on farming and raising pigs in the ‘Books of Fan Sheng’ is far easier to understand with illustrations. That’s a fourth use.”
“These four uses aren’t everything, but they’re enough to justify the need for a painting institute. I’d like to set this up in Chang’an for centralized management.”
Listening to Qiao Yan discuss this, Zhao Qi originally wanted to say, if that’s the case, doesn’t this turn the purpose of painting a bit too pragmatic?
But he thought better of it; clearly, Qiao Yan had deeply considered this.
Agriculture had already shifted to the Grand Minister of Agriculture’s control, while medicine would soon be managed centrally, and now with the practical painting institute set to establish in Chang’an, it sounds like they were purposely segregating the more academic Leping Academy and Leping Academy of Science to Bingzhou, creating a nice mirroring system.
Chang’an for practical action, Leping for scholarly pursuits.
This division definitely had its perks.
Then reflecting on his past experiences with all the perils, sitting comfortably in court now, he didn’t need to fuss over what cultural refinement means. Plus, this was just Qiao Yan’s arrangements for the painting institute.
When Liu Yu asked him what he thought, Zhao Qi quickly replied, “I believe the Grand Marshal’s proposal is feasible, but sadly, most of my works involve landscapes, so they might not help much.”
Qiao Yan seized the chance and asked, “If I hoped for you, Zhao Gong, to hold the title of the painting institute’s head, though just in name, would you be okay with that?”
Zhao Qi hesitated a bit.
But he reasoned this was another new innovation; if they were to stabilize the situation, they definitely needed someone of great virtue and respect to lead the charge. From that angle, he really was a fitting choice. So he nodded in agreement.
However, as he stepped out of the Zicheng Palace, he couldn’t help but mention to Qiao Yan, “Though I’ve agreed to take this position as the institute head, I haven’t touched on the uses you mentioned; I’ll definitely need to arrange some assistants and skilled guidance.”
Clearly, he had only taught Lu Yu a couple of painting techniques, helping him shine in the Chang’an painting selection and happened to catch a glimpse of Lu Zhi’s drama; he had no idea how it escalated to this grand stage.
Zhao Qi had weathered many storms in life, but suddenly realizing painting, usually overlooked, now had one, two, three, four real uses; he felt at a loss for where to stand.
In fact, compared to being the unfamiliar head of this painting institute, Zhao Qi would’ve much preferred to just hang around Leping Academy with Xun Shuang and teach “Mencius” when his body’s not up to par.
But now, he had to navigate this new thing.
Qiao Yan reassured him, “Don’t worry, Zhao Gong, we won’t trouble you with the selection, construction, or staffing of the painting institute.”
Moving the more practical departments to Chang’an was something Qiao Yan had discussed earlier with her strategists.
Part of the students from Leping Academy would also be sent over once the development directions were confirmed to ensure both the new medical and painting institutes were directly accountable to her, and…
No need for the bureaucracy of the court.
As for Zhao Qi, his very existence was meant to correct the public’s misconceptions in Chang’an about the Painting Institute, preventing it from being wrongly perceived as a place for idle indulgence, thereby smoothing the way for future recruitment.
So whether Zhao Qi would teach or if his painting style leaned towards landscape interpretation didn’t really matter much to Qiao Yan.
In short, he would be a successful figurehead.
Especially now that he had a student named Lu Yu.
Lu Yu was completely unaware that aside from being talented in the law, he was also subtly being set up to gain skills in painting.
At this moment, he stood right in front of Lu Zhi.
With him was a little dog cradled in his arms.
Lu Zhi sized his son up for quite a while, failing to see any of the “shy little brother” traits his older brother had described since Lu Yu had arrived in Chang’an.
From his perspective, Lu Yu was doing exceptionally well when it came to socializing.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he was thriving.
However, considering that Lu Yu wasn’t straying off the straight and narrow, Lu Zhi looked sternly at him for a moment before shifting his gaze to the little black dog, and asked, “You didn’t steal that, did you?”
Lu Yu quickly shook his head, “Of course not! I paid for its appearance in the artwork.”
If you asked him, this dog was enjoying a treatment unmatched by other canines in Chang’an.
The dog’s owner ran a soup and pancake shop in the city and clearly had a knack for business. After hearing Lu Yu’s reason for wanting to borrow the dog, he proposed a rather amusing idea to Lu Yu—
Aside from a daily wage, Lu Yu wouldn’t have to pay a deposit for the dog, but he would need to give the owner an additional copy of the artwork once completed to be displayed in the shop.
No matter if Lu Yu’s artwork could even make it into the top three among the submitted pieces, just having the opportunity to participate made the dog’s owner recognize the potential.
After hearing about Lu Yu’s artistic idea, he felt that even if Lu Yu didn’t win, displaying that piece in his shop would be a nod to the new route in Chang’an.
Whether this would lead to actual benefits was debatable, but at least the stance was solid, and it brought a fresh perspective.
Moreover, if he had to hire someone else to create such a piece, considering the costs of paper and brushes, finding someone capable would be far more expensive than collaborating with Lu Yu.
As Lu Yu spoke, his eyes sparkled with excitement, “Father, through this matter, I saw that these little people who have no chance to enter high society also have their own ideas and thoughts on how to improve their lives. Each of them has a unique way of living and can teach me something. Isn’t that fascinating?”
“Must be someone from Bingzhou…” Lu Zhi couldn’t help but mumble.
Lu Yu didn’t catch what Lu Zhi was saying and looked puzzled.
“It’s nothing,” Lu Zhi waved his hand, “I just think he’s quite sharp.”
With Lu Yu landing in the top three, it was practically a top-notch promotion for the soup and pancake shop, and essentially for free!
But seeing his son so content and making gains from it, Lu Zhi hesitated to crush his spirits.
After pondering for a moment, he asked one final question: “Putting aside the fact that you were taught by Lord Zhao, your artwork has also been placed among the top three in the painting category. According to Ye Shu, your strokes are still a bit naive, yet they capture the subtleties and emotions beautifully, making it a fine piece. This means you must now be ready for the critiques from various prominent figures in Chang’an. Do you feel prepared?”
Lu Yu’s earlier nonchalance vanished, and with a serious expression, he replied, “Father, asking me that is underestimating my capabilities. If I feared such things, why would I even participate?”
Lu Zhi suddenly burst into hearty laughter upon seeing Lu Yu’s earnestness.
With a son like this, what more could he possibly worry about!
The true father-son dynamic had transformed from the initial surprise of being outsmarted to a heartwarming scene filled with joy.
Meanwhile, on the other side, the faux father-son duo was shrouded in gloom.
The wine gathering held by Qiao Yan was not just a big deal in Chang’an, but Tian Feng was also keeping a keen eye on the developments.
Having climbed to a position hard to achieve for outsiders in Hongwen Hall, he still considered himself a minister from Ye City and would never be easily swayed by the others.
So, deep down, he genuinely hoped that the alcohol ban would face some resistance so that after Qiao Yan seized control over the authority of wine sales, the gap between her and Ji Province would widen further.
This hope of Tian Feng could hardly be called extravagant.
Although there had been early support from the Son of Heaven and the court officials, thinking about the stubborn temper of the noble students, Tian Feng subconsciously believed they wouldn’t easily compromise and would drag out negotiations to meet ridiculous demands.
Yuan Xi felt similarly.
While flipping through Tian Feng’s books searching for more intel on the local area, he tried to verbally console Tian Feng that there was still a chance for a comeback.
However, by the next day, they received news that the objectives set by the Grand Marshal during yesterday’s gathering had all been successfully negotiated, and the attendees would shortly return to their families to collect the excess inventory from various wineries and assist the court in confiscating the remaining private ones.
Tian Feng was dumbfounded, “Did they really give in that quickly?”
This flip-flop was a hundred times faster than he’d anticipated.
“Don’t they have any principles as noble families?”
Hearing Tian Feng’s question, Yuan Xi agreed with a pained expression.
Their expressions turned darker upon hearing the news that Qiao Yan intended to establish a medical school with Hua Tuo and possibly Zhang Ji as the dean, and also create a Painting Institute with Zhao Qi at the helm.
If only Tian Feng was alone, he might have kept his worries at bay—even when alone he wouldn’t show such overt worry.
But with the two of them together, thinking about how smoothly everything was unfurling on this side compared to Ye City just added to their mutual distress.
At a glance, their shared expressions bore a striking resemblance to a caricatured father-son duo, as though sketched by Guo Jia.
“Second Young Master,” Tian Feng began, “I suspect that Qiao Yan must have some kind of leverage that would benefit the noble families, and it’s not just a matter of threatening to take control of the wine business through force. Something like garlic essential wouldn’t be sufficient. Even if it appeared on the market, there are certain technical barriers that won’t be easily broken through.”
Tian Feng imagined himself among the attending noblemen in the wine industry, feeling that only this could provide a reasonable explanation.
Yuan Xi asked, “Are you suggesting we try to uncover the secret behind this and inform Ye City?”
“No, quite the opposite,” Tian Feng replied, “We have to make some choices.”
Seeing Yuan Xi’s confused expression, Tian Feng explained, “If that sort of bargaining chip has been kept under Qiao Yan’s control until now, there’s no way we could easily find it out, and if we rashly probe at this sensitive moment, it will only expose our intentions without any benefit. It’s better to quickly bring back whatever we manage to learn to Ye City, so that Ming Gong can prepare in advance.”
He paced back and forth in the room, deep in thought, feeling regret over not breaking free from this predicament sooner.
In his current position, it wasn’t hard to keep his secrets hidden, but deepening his contact with anything proved quite troublesome.
He was also worried that Xun Yu would suspect his identity due to his unusual behavior, which kept him from taking risks and became a hindrance to his actions.
Fortunately, they couldn’t leave this endeavor empty-handed.
Tian Feng continued, “In terms of medicine, garlic essential is enough to report back to Ming Gong; just bring back a handbook of remedies I’ve seen for urgent situations; I’ve also covered agricultural tools and farming methods I’ve learned; and as for military affairs, using mules instead of horses can be considered…”
He was just getting to this point when someone knocked on the courtyard door.
Tian Feng immediately paused, stepping into the courtyard to hear a voice from his colleague outside, “Zigou, Jun Hou says we’re invited to a celebratory banquet, bring your son along, let’s go together!”
Tian Feng hurriedly responded in agreement.
Seeing Yuan Xi come out too, he lowered his voice and said, “Remember as much as you can; stay as inconspicuous as possible at the banquet, and after it ends, I’ll find a way to send you back to Ye City.”
For heaven’s sake, don’t let anymore rumors about talents ruffle the waters! Get back to Ye City quickly!
