Chapter 22 – Taking People

On the other side, Lady Sheng was talking to Sheng Changzhou, “Now that you’re in the capital, aside from investigating the origins of this royal merchant affair, you should also counsel and instruct your cousin. He has suddenly developed a taste for men. For some time now, he has even had a young man staying at his private residence. I am very worried about it, but I cannot talk to him about these matters. Fortunately, you’re here now.”

“You were always praised by your father back home for being the most level-headed. You’re just the right person to counsel your cousin.”

Sheng Changzhou was taken aback, “My cousin has a man living in his private residence?”

Lady Sheng shook her head, “I’ve only heard rumors that he’s keeping a handsome man, who is a bit older than him. He dotes on him greatly, spending money like water. In recent days, he has collected countless rare and exotic treasures from various shops, all to please that man. I’m also worried, unsure what to do.”

Sheng Changzhou was slightly surprised, “If Aunt thinks it’s inappropriate, just discipline your cousin. I think your cousin is very filial. If Aunt manages him strictly, he will certainly obey. Besides, young people’s hearts are fickle. Perhaps he was tempted or lured by those idle scoundrels out of curiosity or for novelty. If Aunt properly teaches him, forbidding him to associate with bad company and encouraging him to study diligently, he might be fine in a few days.”

Lady Sheng shook her head, “A leopard cannot change its spots. If he truly prefers men and pretends to comply with me while secretly doing otherwise, there’s no point. A few days ago, I originally asked Prince Helan to counsel him, but Prince Helan had something come up and went to the borderlands. He didn’t have the chance to counsel him, but he did help me obtain this imperial decree.”

Lady Sheng explained the cause and effect of obtaining the imperial decree in detail, then continued:

“This child has always been stubborn since childhood. If he decides something, he will never admit his mistakes. Once, when he was six, his father beat him, and he knelt there silently, refusing to beg for mercy. That time, his father beat him half to death over a trivial matter. I was so frightened that I begged Grandfather to send Doctor Zhou to the capital to nurse him for a long time. I also got a few capable servants to serve him, and that’s how he slowly recovered.”

Sheng Changzhou was startled, “When I paid my respects to the Duke earlier, the Duke seemed amiable towards my cousin. Why would he discipline his child so severely?”

Lady Sheng gave a cold laugh, “For that matter, I made him eat plain food and vegetables for a whole year, without a penny to his name, and he couldn’t go out socializing. I also cut the allowances for the concubines and illegitimate children in the back courtyard. Since they are the Duke’s concubines, they should be supported from the Duke’s official income. I only gave birth to this one child. If he dared to do such a thing, we could all perish together. We wouldn’t have to live anymore! If my son hadn’t improved later, who knows what would have happened today.”

Sheng Changzhou chuckled, “Aunt handled it well.”

Lady Sheng said, “Even so, I don’t know how to teach my cousin. You’ve always been level-headed, and you’re around the same age. Please gradually persuade him for me.”

Sheng Changzhou was puzzled. He only felt extremely strange about this aunt of his. Rumor had it that she was very capable and strong-willed back home. She managed the entire business alone, and no chief manager could match her. Why was she so indulgent in raising her child now?

Which of the Sheng family’s descendants dared to seek out courtesans and entertain actors outside their homes, setting up private residences? Punishments like kneeling in the ancestral hall and being spanked were considered light. Deducting allowances, restricting movement, and prohibiting dividends were common practices. Even the parents would be punished if their offspring weren’t well-disciplined. Those who failed to raise their children properly didn’t deserve to take on official duties or conduct business. Their shares and dividends were also deducted.

Therefore, although the Sheng family’s descendants were financially well-off, they absolutely dared not indulge in drinking, gambling, or prostitution outside. They might visit brothels for business entertainment, but they never privately set up residences or kept male lovers.

He was surprised, but he didn’t dare criticize his elder’s shortcomings. He respectfully agreed, watching Xu Chun come over with a pattern and even bring several large bags of tea leaves. “This is some good tea that my mother has been hiding. I know Uncle loves tea, so I brought some over. There’s also a bag of medicinal powders prescribed by the imperial physicians. They include Heart Nourishing Pills, Health-Preserving Pills, and Strengthening Scatters. Doctor Zhou says they’re effective too. Cousin, take them back for Grandfather’s use.”

Sheng Changzhou quickly smiled and said, “Thank Aunt for the generous gift.”

Lady Sheng smiled, “This is your cousin’s initiative, showing his heartfelt intention. I’ve already arranged for the counter to prepare it. Medicinal herbs, tonics, fabrics, and so on are all of high quality. Sheng An will send them to you later. Provisions for your grandfather and each household in the family have also been arranged. However, these are indeed good things. Since your cousin gave them to you, you should keep them.”

But Xu Chun laughed, “Mother doesn’t know, but I just heard that my third sister saw Cousin and thought he was a talented man. Both aunts hurried to pay their respects to Grandmother, probably with designs on Cousin.”

Lady Sheng laughed and looked at Changzhou, “Mischievous. Your second and third sisters naturally need to marry into official families. Don’t joke around.”

Sheng Changzhou also smiled slightly, bowed, and didn’t mention it again. After some idle chatter, he rose to take his leave. Xu Chun saw Sheng Changzhou off. Sheng Changzhou then probed, “I heard that you have a residence outside? Aunt said that since I just arrived in the capital, I might not be accustomed to it, and it’s inconvenient for the Duke’s Mansion to arrange accommodations. I can stay at your residence outside, and we brothers can foster a closer bond.”

Xu Chun immediately agreed, “Brother Changzhou wants to live with me. I naturally can’t ask for anything better; it’s perfect.” Then he ordered Chunxi, “Go with him and have Brother Changzhou’s luggage sent to Bamboo Branch Workshop. Tonight, let the Old Madam make a few excellent dishes of the capital for Cousin.”

Sheng Changzhou was merely probing. If Xu Chun really had a lover living in his private residence, he would surely refuse on grounds of inconvenience. Unexpectedly, Xu Chun readily agreed, making him even more curious. He laughed and said, “No rush. I still have a few merchants I frequently deal with that I need to visit. I’ll stay at your residence after that, so as not to disturb your peace.”

Xu Chun didn’t care, “I feel lonely living alone. Brother Changzhou coming over is perfect. I’m delighted. By the way, I’m planning to host a banquet for the Shun Prince’s heir. With Cousin’s help, it will be even more thorough and proper.”

Hearing this tone, Xu Chun seemed to be living alone, which was even stranger. Since he specially obtained the Auspicious Light Fur Coat for his beloved, he must cherish him very much. How could he speak as if he didn’t treat that person like a human? Or was he going to send him away when he came over?

Sheng Changzhou felt suspicious inside, but he didn’t say anything. He only smiled and exchanged a few words with Xu Chun before leaving with Chunxi. Later, he indeed found Chunxi and seriously asked him, “I heard from Aunt that your young master keeps a favorite at his private residence? Now that I’m moving in, will it be very inconvenient? Aunt instructed me to counsel your cousin, so you must tell me honestly. Don’t you corrupt the young master.”

Chunxi lowered his hands, “I dare not hide anything from Young Master’s cousin. A few days ago, the young master did shelter a Prince Helan at Bamboo Branch Workshop, but only because he was injured by poison and stranded outside. The young master took him in and treated his injuries. Coincidentally, he left yesterday after recovering. Therefore, only the young master is currently residing at Bamboo Branch Workshop. This Prince Helan helped Madam obtain the imperial decree. He has a favor to the Duke’s Mansion. Our young master was returning the kindness and admired him, but there was no indecent behavior. They only interacted as friends.”

Sheng Changzhou was taken aback, surprised. Didn’t Aunt say that this Prince Helan had already left the capital? How could another Prince Helan appear here? Was it possible that he had fallen victim to a con as a young boy?”

However, Sheng Changzhou didn’t say anything. He only asked Chunxi in detail and learned that the young master indeed had a deep infatuation with Prince Helan. During his stay, he provided everything he could – ancient books, rare paintings, exquisite meals, fine clothes, medicinal herbs, and tonics – all of the highest quality. But Prince Helan remained cold and proud throughout. Therefore, although the cousin was very enamored, he never got close to him.

He was an extremely capable person. He didn’t discuss his speculations with Chunxi. He put his doubts aside and arranged for capable family members to carefully investigate Helan Jingjiang, Su Guan’s background, and Fang Zixing’s details in this matter.

As he had just arrived in the capital, he was naturally swamped with trivial matters. He wasn’t in a hurry about Xu Chun’s matter for the time being. He only ordered someone to investigate while he went out to attend a banquet. It turned out that upon the young master of the Sheng family’s arrival in the capital, merchants with longstanding relationships naturally reserved banquets to welcome him. He couldn’t decline.

He entertained guests until almost midnight when the banquet finally dispersed. He descended from the restaurant with a slight buzz and waited for his servants to call the coachman to drive the carriage over. The restaurant was extremely luxurious. Lanterns and candles illuminated the courtyard and corridors, making the features of the guests passing through clearly visible.

Standing under the eaves, Sheng Changzhou caught sight of a group of attendants escorting a noble young master across the courtyard. Everyone was in a hurry. The noble young master didn’t look around, and was quite tall, wore a sword at his waist, and his robe fluttered gracefully. Outside, he wore a splendid cloak with scattered gold embroidery. Under the lamp, the golden embellishments shimmered like flowing sunlight, dazzlingly brilliant.

At first glance, he recognized it as the Auspicious Light Fur Coat and was startled. Distracted by alcohol, he blurted out, “Prince Helan?”

The entourage initially didn’t react, but the noble young master suddenly stopped, turning to look at him. Sheng Changzhou only saw the noble young master’s dark and profound eyes, scanning him from head to toe meticulously.

He felt a chill run through his body, and his hair stood on end. Having been in business for years, he had met countless people. The noble young master’s sharp gaze and imposing manner were far from what a courtesan or actor could possess. In the blink of an eye, he hastily clasped his hands in a bow to apologize, “Sorry, I was drunk. I mistook you for someone else.”

The noble young master stood afar, not responding. He tilted his head slightly and instructed someone beside him, “Bring the person. Don’t alarm the locals.” Then he turned around and left directly.

Among the group of attendants, four people immediately split off, pressing their hands on their swords and swiftly surrounded him. All the Sheng family’s servants and guards changed color, pressing their hands on their swords and pushing forward, “What are you doing!”

Tensions were on the verge of exploding. The leading attendant stepped forward with a smile on his face, “Young Master, our Ninth Master invites you to speak with him. Please ask your servants to wait here. Otherwise, if anyone gets hurt, it won’t be nice.”