The Historian's Pen Is a Leaky Ladle

Ming Xiao transmigrates into the body of the sole heir of a family of historians, the third generation in a row. His grandfather says that a historian must dare to speak and know how to speak. He gives him the name Xiao, hoping no power will ever be able to silence him.

Ming Xiao: "I thought it meant arrogant, but it turns out it's because I talk too much."

Talking too much is good. It means you don't get taken advantage of.

When Ming Xiao comes of age, he takes the historian's brush from his grandfather and enters court.

At the time, the dynasty is beset by turmoil. Prince of Chu Xiao Ding comes north from the south to rescue the emperor, then helps the young emperor ascend the throne, becoming the first regent of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

The regent is cold and lazy. On the surface, he seems untroubled by anything, but in reality he holds all power in his hands.

When a eunuch takes Ming Xiao to meet the regent, the latter is fishing by the water, holding a gold-threaded fishing rod and hook.

The regent asks, "The Ming family has kept the historical records for hundreds of years, never bending its proud spirit. If I ask you to record what I'm doing right now, how would you write it?"

Ming Xiao raises his historian's brush, but his mouth immediately disobeys him. "On the Xin You day of the Xu Zi month in the Yi Si year, the regent went fishing and caught nothing but boredom."

Xiao Ding's silence is deafening.

Another day.

The regent plays chess with the young emperor while Ming Xiao stands nearby with his brush. "On the Gui You day of the Xu Zi month in the Yi Si year, the regent bullied a child, but didn't win."

Xiao Ding tosses down a chess piece, his shadowed eyes fixed on Ming Xiao. "Aren't you afraid of dying?"

Ming Xiao, the historian: "The regent made a threat."

Furious, Xiao Ding laughs instead. "I'll let you write whatever you want. Let's see how much more you dare record."

And then:

"The regent didn't change his underwear for three days."

"The regent acted like a white lotus for a moment."

"The regent argued with the Minister of Rites and made him sit at the children's table."

Ming Xiao's brush flies across the page. Everything he says comes straight from the heart.

Until one day, the regent corners Ming Xiao against a wall and unties his jade belt.

Ming Xiao: "The regent is unsatisfied and trying to seduce me."

Xiao Ding grins fiercely. "Your name suits you, my dear. You talk a lot, and sweetly too. How lovely."

Ming Xiao's brush sweeps across the page: "The regent risks losing his virtue to seduce me."

Theme: Courage is a virtue