Chapter 77 – Birth

The head of the Lu clan sat within the flower hall, his face filled with anger, eyes closed in silence.

It wasn’t until Fang Zijing stepped out that the head of the Lu clan reluctantly rose to make a bow, “This old man has seen the island lord, I wonder what the buyer had to say?”

Fang Zijing smiled, “Clan head, please sit down. The mission was successful, it’s good news. Upon hearing that the clan head came personally to negotiate, they were quite surprised. They gladly stated that if our auction house doesn’t mind, they can pretend nothing happened, return the original book, and take no payment.”

All the members of the Lu family breathed a sigh of relief. They had come to the Seagull Island Lord with determination, but they knew that anyone who could pay 1.2 million taels must have extraordinary resolve. They feared that Seagull Island Lord would take advantage of the situation and extort an additional hefty sum. Everyone felt their hearts bleed at the thought, and at this moment, they harbored more resentment towards Lu Jiugao. Even those who had some sympathy for him earlier now saw the enormous amount of 1.2 million taels and dared not speak up.

Now that the other party was willing to do the Lu family a favor, they probably wouldn’t have to pay much more than that. Now, they were afraid that Seagull Island Lord would mercilessly fleece them. Although the Lu family had wide connections, they still couldn’t compare to these ruthless characters who seemed to have pirates and armies backing them.

The head of the Lu clan said, “We thank the island lord for your mediation. Our entire clan is deeply grateful.”

Fang Zijing laughed again, “Canceling an auction is unprecedented in our auction house, but since the other party is so generous, I won’t play the villain…”

The head of the Lu clan said, “We’re willing to pay the auction house a handling fee of 120,000 taels. Additionally, we can offer some compensation to the buyer.”

Fang Zijing said, “The clan head is reasonable. The buyer did have a request they asked me to convey.”

The head of the Lu clan was feeling relaxed and casually asked, “What kind of request? If it’s about shipbuilding, we can prioritize their order.”

Fang Zijing said, “No, the buyer said that last year when they placed an order with the Lu family, they were repeatedly mocked and humiliated by a manager. Eventually, even their order was rejected outright due to some requests they made. This buyer felt humiliated, which is why when they heard about the theft of the Lu family’s heirloom book, they spent a large sum to bid on it, just to vent their anger.”

“Now, upon hearing that the very same manager who rejected them stole the book from the Lu family and sold it to treat his mother’s illness, they propose that since the Lu family intends to punish and execute him, they should consider him already abandoned. Therefore, they only want the mother and son of this abandoned member of the Lu family to be sold to them as slaves.”

The head of the Lu clan’s expression changed slightly, “Even if we punish him, it will only be within our clan. Handing him over is absolutely out of the question, let alone involving his innocent mother. How can she be sold along with him?”

Fang Zijing maintained his smile, “Is the venerable sir refusing? Well, the Lu clan has integrity. At the time, I also felt that handing people over to be humiliated by these foreigners was too much. We might as well be decisive. I was worried that the interpreter might not convey things accurately…”

He suddenly realized he had spoken out of turn and hastily covered it up, “Since the clan head refuses, I’ll go inform him. Let’s see if he’s still willing. After all, he’s already vented his anger, and he might be willing to compromise.”

After saying this, he stood up and bowed again, “Please, clan head, stay seated. The other party is indeed wealthy and is a very important guest. They spend millions in goods here every year, so I have to be cautious.” With that, he turned and went inside.

However, he didn’t come out for a long time.

The Lu family waited until late at night, but the island lord didn’t emerge. The maids and servants nearby merely offered them tea and snacks and didn’t relay messages from inside, making their anxiety grow.

Some of the clan members quietly advised the clan head, “Lu Jiugao, this wicked scoundrel, is usually extremely arrogant and aloof. I’ve heard that he often declines orders from foreigners and speaks very rudely. Seeing how wealthy the other party is, if they took him, it would likely be to humiliate him as a slave.”

“Anyway, since Lu Jiugao committed such a grave offense, he should atone for the ancestors. Apologizing and atoning is only right. Aunt Fourteen failed to discipline her son properly, and besides, I’ve heard that her illness is severe, and the doctors say it’s incurable. She’s unconscious at home and may not survive the journey… We might as well give them each a vial of poison. If the situation becomes unbearable after they leave, they can end their lives quickly with poison.”

The head of the Lu clan opened his eyes, his eyes clouded and his face showing signs of fatigue, “I’m afraid the other party’s true intention is to obtain Lu Jiugao’s shipbuilding techniques.”

A clan member whispered, “Lu Jiugao is so proud that he’d rather die than pass on his skills to foreigners. Moreover, these foreigners likely intend to humiliate him. I understand this about him. Besides, they’re both dying anyway. Why drag out the inevitable, clan head? The ancestral book is more important.”

“Furthermore, honestly speaking, the shipbuilding technology of the foreigners isn’t necessarily much worse than ours. Coupled with the language barrier, Lu Jiugao has that sort of personality, and Aunt Fourteen is on her deathbed. By then, he’ll be heartbroken and a slave to foreigners. He may not even survive, destined to die painfully. Now, we’re just asking him to become a slave. We’ll give them each a vial of poison. Whether they live or die is up to them. The clan has already treated him with utmost kindness.”

The head of the Lu clan furrowed his brows but didn’t say anything.

When the moon was high in the sky, Fang Zijing finally arrived, apologizing, “I’ve kept the clan head waiting. In fact, after hearing the interpreter convey the clan head’s intentions, the other party changed their expression, saying they didn’t understand whether our so-called integrity in the Central Plains could be eaten. Later, they simply ignored me. I had no choice but to find the interpreter and relay the message several times. Only then did they give a definitive response, stating that if we value integrity and view money as dirt, then they would double it and give us a discount. They would return the original 1.2 million taels, and we would need to add another two million taels to buy it back from them, a million per person.”

All the members of the Lu clan were shocked. Someone couldn’t help but gasp softly. Fang Zijing empathetically said, “I assume the clan head rushed out this time and probably didn’t bring that much money. If you’re short on funds, I can lend some silver to the clan head. In my opinion, this matter should be handled as soon as possible. I’ve heard that he’s leaving tomorrow. Once he leaves for foreign lands, the ocean is vast, and there’s a language barrier, making him impossible to track down. Money is a minor issue. With the head of the Lu clan present, the debt can be repaid slowly in the future.”

Some members of the Lu clan couldn’t help but say, “Adding the original 1.2 million taels, it’s three million taels in total! The cost to build a large ship is only tens of thousands of taels. It’s just a book. It’s useless to him. How dare he ask for such a price?”

Another clan member muttered, “Three million taels? In my opinion, we should just go along with it. Sell this book for 1.2 million taels. We can get one million taels. When we return, we can do a lot with it. We’ve already…”

Before he could finish, the young clan member was silenced by the clan head’s stern gaze, standing with hands behind his back. The old clan head scolded, “That is the foundation of our entire Lu clan! An ancestral treasure. If we can’t protect it, how can we face the world!”

Fang Zijing sighed, “Now that the money has been exchanged, the other party paid 1.2 million taels to the auction house after the auction. I’m also in a difficult position. I originally wanted to return the money and forge a good connection with the Lu family…”

The head of the Lu clan opened his eyes and said, “The island lord has gone to great lengths to mediate. Two million taels exceeds our clan’s ability. We’ll stick to the previous agreement. We’ll send the two slaves for exchange tomorrow morning. We’ll prepare the indenture documents. Once the book and people are exchanged, we won’t go back on our word.”

Fang Zijing was taken aback but then smiled, “Those who know how to adapt are wise. The clan head truly has decisiveness. Three million taels sounds excessive to me as well, but I’m afraid that due to the language barrier with those barbarians, if we continue bargaining, there might be some miscommunication from the translators, causing the other party to change their mind.”

“In fact, looking at the buyer, they seem like a young master type of person. I guess they’ve never been wronged. Also, I’ve heard that Westerners have the habit of buying slaves and take many slaves wherever they go. Previously, I even saw them having Kunlun slaves serving them on their ship. Their living conditions aren’t bad. They’re not necessarily people who abuse their slaves. I’ve heard they plan to have them work as laborers back home. The clan head can rest assured; they probably won’t be excessively humiliated.”

The head of the Lu clan said sternly, “This matter started with them, and they should atone for it. The other party simply wants to humiliate our Lu family. Isn’t it about integrity? One million taels per person. Now that the book is in their hands, this is clearly intentional. We have no choice but to endure the humiliation and disgrace to retrieve the ancestor’s handwriting and reorganize the clan’s affairs. Rest assured, island lord, the previously promised handling fee of 120,000 taels will also be handed over to the auction house. It’s a disgrace to the clan, and you’ve seen our family’s ugliness.”

For a moment, both sides bowed to each other and bid farewell. Fang Zijing sent them off. Turning back, he saw Xu Chun and Sheng Changtian looking at him and laughed, “How about it? Are you relieved now?”

Xu Chun looked at him and said, “Island lord, your strategy of feigning retreat to advance is truly ingenious.”

Sheng Changtian also extended his thumb, “Island lord is amazing. You made it sound like there really was such a foreign merchant. Now, the other party’s focus is entirely on that barbarian plantation owner from the West. There are countless of them, with nations too numerous to count. They only think that Lu Jiugao and his mother will be enslaved abroad. They never would have imagined that we intercepted them. Moreover, we saved the 1.2 million taels and got two people for free.”

Xu Chun said, “The island lord even earned an extra 120,000 taels. I now understand that it’s more profitable to specialize in this commission business. Regardless of who wins the auction, the island lord gets money.”

Sheng Changtian said, “This business isn’t easy to handle. You have to be able to control the situation.”

Fang Zijing repeatedly bowed, smiling helplessly, “Fourth Young Master Sheng’s mouth… I’m indeed scared. That 120,000 taels will be fully gifted to Lu Jiugao to cover his and his mother’s medical expenses. I’ll also provide clothing, luggage, and medicine, delivered to the Sheng family’s ship tomorrow. How about it? It’s already late tonight. Why don’t you two stay here for the night? Allow me to entertain you as the host.”

Sheng Changtian said, “My second brother might worry, so we should head back.”

Both sides bowed and parted ways. This time, Fang Zijing personally escorted them out the door. Only then did he sigh slightly. Today, he had played a risky move, but he didn’t know what the future would hold. To gain the emperor’s true trust, the Fang family needed an opportunity. Grandfather had directly bypassed Father and entrusted this business to him. The current generation of the Fang family faced two paths: entering court or retreating from the world. However, today, something unexpected happened. He adapted to the situation, responded flexibly, and made a move. It all depended on how the emperor reacted.

Speaking of which, after Xu Chun and Changtian returned to the ship, Sheng Changyun was indeed waiting for them on board. Sheng Changtian recounted everything that had happened that day.

Sheng Changtian glanced at Xu Chun and asked, “After Young Lin spoke privately with him, he agreed to take the people instead of the book. Was he coerced?”

Xu Chun said, “No, he… was actually the older brother of someone I knew in the capital city. Both of you have met him. He’s the brother of Fang Zixing.”

Changyun and Changtian immediately sighed in relief, “It’s Brother Zixing. This person has upright character. His elder brother must also have good conduct.”

“Who would have thought that Zixing has such wealth.”

“Brother Zixing is a gentleman, full of passion and righteousness. His brother indeed has a heart of chivalry.”

Xu Chun was speechless, torn between laughter and tears. He had originally thought he would need to concoct some story to gain his cousins’ approval. He hadn’t expected that just mentioning Fang Zixing would reassure his elder brothers. Had the few days of hospitality in the capital left such a good impression on his brothers?

Sheng Changyun said, “The island lord’s analysis is correct. Compared to that book from hundreds of years ago, a shipbuilding talent is more useful. But I wonder if Doctor Zhou can cure that illness. Our doctor on board probably can’t treat it either.”

Sheng Changtian said, “Donghai can try. I heard Doctor Zhou say that Donghai can practice independently now. Let’s hold on until we reach land and figure out a solution then.”

Xu Chun asked, “Don’t the two elder brothers blame me for being rash or worry that I’ve been deceived?”

Sheng Changyun was surprised. “Looking at the results, no money was spent, and we can get the people right away. Young Lin, you bought these books to get the people, right? Do you want to print a book on shipbuilding, or start a school? Since the other party knows you and is helping you wholeheartedly, there are only two reasons. Firstly, they’re trying to help you for a longer-term benefit. Secondly, they see a benefit in what you’re doing. Currently, it doesn’t seem to have any negative impact on you. It’s a fair deal.”

“The only reason is how you perceive this person’s character. From a long-term perspective, is it worth cooperating with them? Does the other party have grand ambitions? Would we unwittingly get involved in something we can’t back out of? Especially since you mentioned his brother is in the capital, meaning they’re also from a prestigious family. Being able to open such an auction house overseas and handle all these pirate forces… Could their family have grand ambitions? However, merchants at sea typically operate with huge profits. His actions are naturally for the benefit of his clan, and it’s all quite transparent. We like dealing with people like that in business.”

“At this moment, it’s just about buying books and people. It’s not a dirty affair, and it’s not as if we’re getting on a pirate ship that we can’t wash clean. It’s a normal transaction. We owe him a favor, and we can repay him in the future through other means.”

“Before we left, Grandfather called me over and told me to fully cooperate with you. Young Lin, I can see you have your own plans. I think politics is similar to our business dealings. When someone helps you, they must be seeking profit. It seems this favor can be repaid, so there’s no need to worry too much. Tomorrow, I’ll accompany you with Third Brother. We’ll turn this into a business transaction between the Sheng family and their Fang family, removing the Xu family from the equation, minimizing the involvement with the imperial court.”

Xu Chun’s eyes welled up slightly with tears. “Thank you, Cousin. Thank you for Grandfather’s trust…” He thought about how he could only hide the fact that Brother Nine was the emperor from his grandfather and cousins. But the Wu Ying Marquis had unexpectedly revealed everything, catching him off guard. The Wu Ying Marquis probably hadn’t anticipated running into him, but once they did, he decided to go along with it. Clearly, his aim was the emperor behind him. What would Brother Nine think about this?

Naturally, these matters couldn’t be discussed with his grandfather for the time being. And with Brother Nine taking charge, he wasn’t afraid of the Sheng family getting implicated. Suddenly, he remembered something and laughed. “I forgot to mention that the island lord said the imperial court has ordered the establishment of a maritime bureau in Minzhou and the founding of a maritime academy. A government official has been dispatched to oversee it, with a eunuch supervisor assisting. It’s said that we, the Sheng family, are supposed to assist in its construction.”

Sheng Changyun and Sheng Changtian perked up, delighted. “Such good news! The island lord has reliable information. It’s probably true!” Both cousins were beaming with joy. Xu Chun knew that sea merchants were often suppressed. They couldn’t find suitable matches for marriage discussions and mostly had to rely on relatives or ordinary merchant families. His grandfather had refrained from arranging marriages for his three cousins due to this. Now, being able to participate in imperial affairs meant boundless prospects for the future. The prosperity of the entire clan would begin from this point.

In his heart, he guessed that Brother Nine had likely done this for him. But since learning that Brother Nine was the exalted emperor, he had slowly begun to see the emperor and Brother Nine as one and the same.

To outsiders, Brother Nine was a puppet emperor who broke through adversity, with strong and decisive means, a deep and unpredictable ruler. He eliminated the regent, imprisoned the empress dowager, deposed the primary empress, quelled rebellions, and abolished the fiefs. He was a capable ruler, but no one saw him as a trustworthy sovereign or a loving partner.

But Xu Chun compared this to the bits of family history that Brother Nine had inadvertently revealed to him. The regent was dead, but it wasn’t Brother Nine who killed him. Yet, his family believed he was responsible. His birth mother had an affair and plotted power for her illegitimate child. Brother Nine had no choice but to kill his so-called younger brother, imprison his mother, and depose his mother and the regent’s appointed primary empress. Each step appeared cold and ruthless to outsiders, a deep and scheming emperor. But to him, it evoked thoughts of Brother Nine’s anguish behind his cold exterior.

Would Brother Nine suspect that he had guessed his identity after sending someone to be by his side?

After bidding farewell to Sheng Changyun and Sheng Changtian, he stepped outside and saw Ding Hai following him closely. His heart ached, wondering how Brother Nine had managed to arrange for this inner guard to be by his side. But he felt guilty for leaving without saying goodbye, knowing that Brother Nine wouldn’t hold it against him. Instead, Brother Nine was concerned for his safety and had sent a bodyguard across a thousand miles to protect him. The sincerity of his intentions only made Xu Chun feel more remorseful.

His heart churned like tumultuous waves, but he didn’t dare ask Ding Hai. He lay down but couldn’t fall asleep. As the days away from home lengthened, memories of their sweet past flooded his mind. He drifted off into a light sleep as the dawn broke and sunlight filled the room. Chunxi woke him up, smiling. “The island lord and General Ji are on board. They’ve brought the two people with them. Second Master and Third Master are entertaining them and have asked Fourth Master to join them. They’ve also said not to rush, and you should take your time to freshen up.”

Xu Chun got up, somewhat stunned. “So fast? Didn’t they need time to go back and bring the people over?”

Chunxi explained, “I heard that originally, that Mr. Lu planned to escape with his mother and take the money to sail overseas. But he was caught by the pursuing Lu clan members. So, when it came to exchanging for the people, they were brought over early this morning.”

Xu Chun hurriedly changed his clothes and washed up before going out. Indeed, in the flower hall, a few people were chatting merrily. The moment Xu Chun entered, Fang Zijing stood up with a smile. “Fourth Master, I’m glad to report that I’ve fulfilled my mission. Let me introduce you to Mr. Lu Jiugao. His mother, who is seriously ill and in a coma, has been arranged by your brother to be taken to the cabin and treated by a physician.”

He saw a man rise from his seat and bow deeply. “Mr. Lu Jiugao and his mother are deeply grateful to Fourth Master Sheng for saving us. From now on, we are at your disposal as slaves!”

Xu Chun observed that Lu Jiugao was around twenty years old, wearing an old blue robe with multiple patches and marks of being tied up and whipped. He looked haggard and was in poor spirits. Xu Chun hurriedly said, “Mr. Lu, there’s no need for formalities. Do you have any injuries? Have you eaten? Your mother is seriously ill, so there’s no need for idle chatter. I have a medical apprentice here whose skills are decent. Why don’t you go attend to your mother first and treat her.”

Ji Sinen also smiled. “Fourth Master’s kindness is truly admirable. Brother Jiugao, you should focus on attending to your mother. I’ve also told you that the Sheng family’s young masters are exceptional individuals. Brother Jiugao, you can rest assured. Your mother will receive treatment and recover her health sooner rather than later.”

Lu Jiugao bowed deeply to Fang Zijing and Ji Sinen. “Everything in the past was like a dream. Now that I’ve awakened from it, all of you are my benefactors, my reborn parents. Departing for the vast seas of China, it’s unlikely we’ll meet again. I vow to serve the Sheng family with all my heart and find an opportunity to repay the kindness of the two of you.”

Fang Zijing’s smile was peculiar as he returned the bow. “There’s no need for modesty. Life is unpredictable. Who knows what the future holds? Perhaps fate will bring us together again soon.”

Ji Sinen genuinely felt saddened as he returned the bow. “Brother Jiugao, take care on your long journey!”

Lu Jiugao was preoccupied with his mother and hurriedly left. Xu Chun instructed Donghai to follow and treat her, then made arrangements for someone to attend to Mr. Lu.

Sheng Changyun invited the guests to a banquet, a feast of gratitude. Soon, everyone was seated at the banquet. All the people present were skilled in socializing, and for a while, the atmosphere was lively and harmonious.

Xu Chun had matters on his mind and didn’t speak much. Fortunately, Changyun and Changtian excelled in socializing, so the scene wasn’t awkward. Xu Chun glanced at Donghai standing by the door and got up, finding an excuse to step out of the cabin. He asked Donghai, “How is it? Can she be treated?”

Donghai replied, “It’s indeed a common condition for women known as lithiasis. Gynecological diseases include five accumulations, six masses, seven symptoms, and eight types of tumors, none of which are easily treatable. Most can only be controlled by maintaining a peaceful state of mind. Now that it has grown so large, common medications won’t work anymore.”

“I’ve prescribed some softshell turtle shell, cuttlefish bone, fern rhizome, and salvia, medicines that promote blood circulation, dissolve blood stasis, and soften hard lumps. I’ve had someone brew the decoction. I’ve also administered acupuncture. She fell into a coma mainly due to worry about her son. Now that she’s aware she’s safe and rescued, her anxiety has eased, stabilizing her condition. Her spirit has improved significantly, and there’s no immediate danger.”

“That Western doctor had a point. If they could surgically remove the tumor using Western methods and stitch her back up, that would be best. Or they could directly remove the uterus…”

“But I wouldn’t dare perform such a surgery. My master has tried it on cows and sheep before but not on human females. He’s eager to give it a shot, believing he can manage it. But as you know, China is conservative. How could a woman undergo such a shocking abdominal tumor removal? Therefore, my master doesn’t have any experience. Young Master, why not find a way to invite that Western doctor to Minzhou as well. If a Western doctor and my master could consult together, the chances of success might be higher.”

“Mr. Lu said that the Western doctor had some genuine skills. He personally witnessed the doctor draw diagrams of the abdomen. I heard the doctor is also unable to settle in Java. Originally, he planned to take the money from selling the book and bring the doctor to the West for surgery. Now that they’re on our ship, I wonder if it’s possible to bring the Western doctor along as well. Of course, I wouldn’t dare expect too much.”

Xu Chun said, “That shouldn’t be too difficult. However, we can’t approach them directly. Let me talk to the island lord.”

With that, he instructed a servant to invite Fang Zijing out.

On the deck, seagulls cried out, and the sea breeze blew pleasantly against his face. Fang Zijing walked out and saw Xu Chun alone by the deck railing, with his servants and guards keeping a distance. He knew Xu Chun had something to say.

The clear sky of the early morning, under the unique golden sunlight of the South Seas, the crown prince of the Jingguo was so young, his features bearing the distinctive sharpness of youth. The sea wind blew fiercely, fluttering his plain clothes, making him look vibrant like a young tiger or a phoenix chick.

He sighed inwardly, feeling old and worn out. He approached and clasped his hands in greeting with a smile. “Fourth Master Sheng?”

Xu Chun looked at him and repeated Donghai’s words with a smile. Fang Zijing chuckled. “Of course, it’s possible. That Western doctor wanders around without a stable place to stay or food to eat. He was willing to follow Lu Jiugao. It’s all about money, after all. I’ll deliver the doctor to the Sheng family’s ship before departure.”

Xu Chun said, “Thank you, Island Lord. Your generosity and attentiveness are truly overwhelming. I feel uneasy.”

Fang Zijing laughed. “Fourth Master, I’m doing this for the person behind you. How could I not do my utmost to serve? Any hint of neglect, and the consequences would be dire. How could I ensure my survival under the threat of punishment?”

Xu Chun looked at him and said, “Your words carry a bitter undertone, akin to the lament of a forsaken woman.”

Fang Zijing was taken aback. Xu Chun continued, “Island Lord, in this secluded place, you are surrounded by beautiful flowers, your cup brimming with fine wine, and your carriage adorned with exquisite decorations. Your life is akin to that of a celestial being. Although it was by chance that we met, given your abilities, you could have found various ways to eliminate the potential trouble. The simplest option would have been to kill me and Ding Hai. But you went along with it, openly admitting your identity and revealing your clan’s secrets. Your clever strategies and tireless assistance to me—aren’t they because you also harbor the ambition to establish a legacy in the world?”

Fang Zijing was stunned.

Xu Chun said, “Your ancestors rode horses and wielded swords, achieving great deeds in China and establishing a vast enterprise. I see that your brother also has the aspirations of an eagle. This small business in the South Seas can hardly satisfy the talents of the island lord.”

“You, sir, handle matters with ease, clearly possessing first-rate wisdom and competence. Now that your brother has entered the court, you chose to retreat from the world. How could it not evoke a sense of a pearl buried in the dust, a talent wasted?”

“Given the current enlightened and diligent ruler, why not emerge from seclusion and emulate the former sleeping dragon and phoenix cub, displaying your prowess? It would not be in vain for the talents bestowed by heaven, nor for a wise sovereign and virtuous ministers. Such a contribution would be a blessing for the world!”

Fang Zijing looked at Xu Chun, whose eyes sparkled like stars, his words carrying a strong sense of encouragement and suggestion. Unable to resist, he teased, “Fourth Master is truly eloquent—but you’ve forgotten that emperors are suspicious. Favor comes from above. What assurance do you have that the current emperor won’t be wary of us brothers and our entire clan?”

Unfazed, Xu Chun proudly declared, “I once overheard the top three scholars of the current imperial examination discussing among themselves. They said that the current emperor values upright officials, fears ambitious generals and rebels, but most dreads mediocre and lazy officials idling away their days. Sir, if you possess talent, why not boldly enter the court and test your abilities?”

Fang Zijing sighed inwardly. The young replace the old like waves on the river, and the young are unafraid of tigers. Had he truly lost his edge in the years of luxury and comfort? Had he genuinely felt a sense of unwillingness due to his grandfather’s will to retreat from the world and remain dormant? Had he truly harbored jealousy towards his brother for being able to serve a wise ruler and display his talents?

His actions yesterday, going along with the flow and giving his best efforts, were merely to showcase his talents and loyalty to the emperor behind this young man.

The subtle intentions he couldn’t even detect himself were revealed by the youth in a manner that didn’t embarrass him. Looking at the bright eyes of the youth, his straightforwardness left Fang Zijing speechless.