Chapter 111 – Epiphany

After the banquet, Li Meiyai personally escorted Xu Chun and He Zhiqiu out. Xu Chun was flattered, saying, “Minister Li, there’s no need for such courtesy. How’s your injury?”

Li Meiyai’s face showed a hint of shame as he replied, “It’s much better now. I’ve also received the medicinal ingredients and food from the Marquis’s residence, but I haven’t been able to return the favor. Before, I led the young marquis into danger of my own accord, and I should have come to apologize in person, but I heard you were traveling outside. Moreover, the Marquis was mourning at home, so it wasn’t appropriate for me to pay a sudden visit. Yet today, I still received assistance from the young marquis and Minister He, which leaves me feeling truly embarrassed.”

Xu Chun looked at the once proud and stubborn Li Meiyai, whose face now appeared dispirited, his shoulders slightly hunched. For some reason, he felt a pang of pity. This man seemed to have been sustained by a certain spirit, but now that that spirit had dissipated, he suddenly lost his vitality, appearing no different from an ordinary old man on the street.

Xu Chun felt a sense of regret and quietly consoled Li Meiyai, “Minister Li, I once saw the Regent King write a plaque inscribed with ‘Unmoved by the Eight Winds’. Your integrity is unmatched; even against a multitude, you march forward. You’ve never worried about slander or feared criticism. Now, though you may be in a low point, you should remain steadfast, unaffected by the Eight Winds.”

Li Meiyai was taken aback, looking at Xu Chun before asking, “On Mount Xifeng, the Pavilion of the Eight Winds, has His Majesty not replaced the plaque?”

Xu Chun didn’t expect Li Meiyai to be so perceptive, his ears heating up slightly. He answered honestly, “I suppose it hasn’t been replaced.” In his heart, he wondered if he could say he had seen a rubbing of the inscription if asked when he saw it.

Li Meiyai suddenly smiled, “In the past, I served as the Chancellor of the Regent’s Palace. The Regent King loved hunting, and I often accompanied him to the hunting palace. I repeatedly advised him against his extravagance, but he told me that without training soldiers, defeat would come. Being ready for battle and unmoved by the Eight Winds is what makes a great ruler.”

“I personally watched the king write the plaque for the Pavilion of the Eight Winds, along with ‘Eight Directions Heavenly Horse’… When I heard that the emperor was still young but had single-handedly protected the lives of tens of thousands of people in the hunting palace, preserving the magnificent horses that had consumed countless resources to raise, I was moved. I thought the emperor was a young genius, but I never imagined that after over a decade, the emperor hadn’t changed those plaques.”

Xu Chun noticed a sudden glow on Li Meiyai’s face, his back straightening. He Zhiqiu laughed, “When Minister Li was demoted and imprisoned by the crown prince, it was His Majesty who pardoned you and sent you away to protect you. Later, he promoted you from a provincial position to serve in the Censorate again. Minister Li, in terms of the grace of recognition, I’d say His Majesty has treated you no less kindly than the Regent King. And speaking of loyalty to a great ruler, who in our dynasty can match the current emperor’s actions of abolishing feudal domains and repelling invaders, with such ambition and strength?”

Li Meiyai bowed deeply, “I have always known of His Majesty’s protective intentions, yet I became arrogant due to His favor. Today, the young marquis’s words have awakened me, leading to an epiphany. Thank you, thank you!”

His expression was a mix of joy and sorrow, his eyes seemed to glisten with tears. They bid each other farewell with clasped hands and returned to their respective homes.

Xu Chun thanked He Zhiqiu, “Thank you for coming today, Minister He. Unfortunately, we might have returned empty-handed.” He was somewhat worried that He Zhiqiu would ask when he had seen the plaque at the hunting palace, but unexpectedly, He Zhiqiu didn’t inquire, simply smiling and saying, “It’s not entirely fruitless; there were still gains.”

Xu Chun asked, “What gains?”

He Zhiqiu replied, “The young marquis used the imperial service to delay them, likely concerned about the dangers they might encounter if they returned home.”

Xu Chun was surprised that even this fleeting thought hadn’t escaped He Zhiqiu’s notice. “Indeed, when Minister Li met Daoist Chu Wei, we immediately suffered misfortune. With such a large troupe, if they left the capital without power or influence, wouldn’t they be even more vulnerable to schemes? It might be safer for them to stay under the emperor’s watchful eye. But it was just a fleeting thought; given their fear of trouble, they might not be willing to stay. We’re all strangers to them, so the more we persuade, the more resistant they become. So I casually mentioned the imperial service, hoping to buy some time for a possible change of circumstances. How did Brother He guess that?”

He Zhiqiu smiled faintly, thinking to himself that if anyone else casually mentioned the imperial service, he might believe it was just a passing comment. But if Xu Chun said it, even if it was offhanded, the emperor would surely make it happen, let alone something as trivial as performing in the palace, which didn’t even require the emperor’s involvement, merely a word from Grand Eunuch Su.

But he said aloud, “The young marquis is always chivalrous and pure-hearted. When you take on matters, it’s naturally because you’re considering others’ situations, not seeking credit. Indeed, you’re a righteous person.”

Flustered by his praise, Xu Chun changed the subject, “According to Brother He, can we glean any clues from what they said?”

He Zhiqiu replied, “Those concubines indeed didn’t participate in anything that day. However, the Regent King must have been aware. Since the Regent King only mentioned Lady Chu Wei, it’s highly probable that the other concubines weren’t involved. Most likely, Lady Zhu’er is also unaware of what happened that day. Therefore, the young marquis need only extend a slight protection to her. I’ll also instruct the Five Military Commands to dispatch soldiers to patrol with particular attention.”

Xu Chun then asked, “What about Prince Yu?”

He Zhiqiu advised him, “This matter is undoubtedly linked to the secrets of the imperial family. His Majesty will handle it accordingly. You can see that Minister Li, knowing he’s in a precarious situation, doesn’t want to involve others, hence his behavior. After Mid-Autumn Festival, you’ll be assuming your post, so it’s best not to delve too deeply into trifles. I think this case will mostly require waiting, waiting until the other side can’t hold back. The Emperor always has his unique wisdom and likely already has plans in place.”

Xu Chun thought to himself that his Ninth Brother indeed planned three steps ahead, but he must also be exhausted.

He chatted with He Zhiqiu for a while, then returned to the Jingguo Marquis’s residence. Indeed, Sheng Changzhou and the others had also come back, telling him with smiles about how Fang Zixing had taken them to tour the Northern Hunting Garden earlier that day. Xu Chun spent dinner with his uncle and cousins. Once the banquet ended, he quietly entered the palace again.

Xie Yi was indeed still waiting for him. Tonight, he was reading a book called Zhexi Sea Defense Manuscript. Xu Chun thought to himself that indeed, his Ninth Brother didn’t randomly read play scripts. Smiling, he sat down and said, “Ninth Brother read Caihao Ji yesterday and Sea Defense Manuscript today. Are you suggesting I should focus on serious matters?”

Xie Yi laughed, “I just picked up a miscellaneous book. How was your day?”

Xu Chun recounted the events of the day in detail, then asked, “Is Prince Yu really innocent?”

Xie Yi replied, “Regarding the imperial mausoleum, I’m the junior, and without evidence, it’s inappropriate to rashly disturb the imperial mausoleum and senior members of the royal family based on mere rumors.”

“But your concerns are valid. Since Li Meiyai has found the Xiuxi Troupe, letting them return home might actually invite harm. It’s better to keep them close. Coincidentally, the Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching. We can have the Xiuxi Troupe perform for the festival by setting up a stage beside the Imperial River. The palace will provide rewards, fulfilling your promise. The matter of the Longevity Festival is in December, so there’s no rush.”

Xu Chun, however, felt a sense of longing, holding onto Xie Yi’s arm. “For Ninth Brother’s birthday, I’ll find a way to secretly come back and accompany Ninth Brother.”

Xie Yi said, “I’ve usually kept the Longevity Festival celebrations simple. But since I’m turning thirty this year, I plan to make it a bit more festive. There’s no need to think that far ahead. The Mid-Autumn Festival is right around the corner, and I’ll accompany you on the Imperial River.”

Xu Chun felt a little embarrassed. “After the Mid-Autumn Festival, Uncle and the cousins will leave the capital and return home. They came from afar, so I need to spend time with Uncle and my cousins first.”

Xie Yi agreed, “That’s proper. You should spend time with your family, and I also need to visit the imperial temple to see the Empress Dowager before the afternoon feast in the palace. It won’t interfere with us enjoying the moon tonight.”

Holding Xie Yi’s hand, Xu Chun, afraid that he would recall the Empress Dowager and become unhappy, changed the subject. “Today, I mentioned ‘Unmoved by the Eight Winds’ to Minister Li. He was very moved, saying that the Emperor hasn’t replaced the plaque, indeed showing the mark of a great ruler.” He then recounted Li Meiyai’s words in detail, concluding, “I think when Ninth Brother pardoned him, it was certainly because you valued his talent and respected his character. It’s a waste to have someone of his caliber guarding city gates. If the person behind the scenes remains inactive, should the Emperor waste a capable person just waiting for them? That’s not worth it.”

Xie Yi chuckled, “Keeping him idle wasn’t just to fish for information, but also to temper his arrogance. Since he was devoted to his former master, causing harm to state affairs, he should remain loyal to his former master. It’s only been a short time, but if these people don’t learn their lesson, they might commit further rebellious acts in the future. Don’t be soft-hearted. Guarding the city gate is already leniency from me. If I didn’t do this, he might only think that I’m easy to bully. Let’s see if there’s a suitable position for him to resume his duties next year. Since our time together is short, let’s not talk about these annoying people. I’ve granted the Xiuxi Troupe a favor for your sake. Why aren’t you thinking of ways to repay me? Instead, you’re talking about that boring old man.”

Xie Yi slowly caressed the bracelet on Xu Chun’s arm, causing his face to flush slightly. The two of them then retired to bed.

The next day, Su Huan indeed sent someone with an order for the Xiuxi Troupe to perform by the Imperial River during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Xu Chun happily thanked Su Huan and left the palace, sending Xia Chao to deliver the order to the Xiuxi Troupe.

Su Huan went to see Xie Yi and reported, “I’ve instructed the Ministry of Rites to prepare the invitation for the young marquis. Minister Li is quite cunning. Is the Emperor comfortable with the young marquis dealing with him? However, it seems that Minister Li has shown signs of repentance, which is a good thing.”

Xie Yi said indifferently, “The old fellow thought he had been abandoned by me, feeling disheartened and resigned to diligently handling his duties. The Pavilion of the Eight Winds was originally a place for the imperial hunt, accessible only to those close to the Emperor. A single phrase ‘Unmoved by the Eight Winds’ from Xu Chun made him realize that he hadn’t been abandoned by me. Naturally, he would put on a show of loyalty. Only Xu Chun, in his innocence and purity, thinks he’s genuinely repented… I initially intended to suppress him further, but forget it. Let Youlin sell him this favor.”

Su Huan said with a smile, “The young marquis is truly kind-hearted. Even toward a troupe he’s never met before, he wants to ensure their safety. Who wouldn’t appreciate his chivalrous heart?”

Xie Yi replied, “A ruler who is too lenient and benevolent finds it difficult to govern. I hope he learns how to use human nature to skillfully control others, but I’m also afraid he’ll become like me, always suspecting the worst in people… Actually, Old Man Li probably has some sincerity, but I dare not trust it. How many people in the world can I truly trust?”

Surprised, Su Huan said, “To be like Your Majesty, one would need exceptional natural abilities. Could one find such a person among ten thousand? Your Majesty is overly worried. I think the young marquis has a firm will, and he’s been carefully educated by a merchant family like the Shengs. He’s not completely ignorant of human relations. Using benefits to attract others and sincerity to exchange for sincerity, the old slave thinks the young marquis does it very well. It’s just that he’s young, his rank is low, and he lacks experience, authority and tactics. How could he possess the natural majesty of a young Emperor like Your Majesty?”

Xie Yi chuckled, “You know how to speak well.”

Smiling, Su Huan said, “Your Majesty possesses divine might. Give the young marquis some time. I think the young marquis is doing fine. Talents like Minister Li and Minister He, cunning veterans of the bureaucracy, are willing to help him. This is what it means to have many helpers when one is virtuous. Your Majesty has laid the groundwork for so long, and the young marquis will surely live up to Your Majesty’s expectations, growing into a virtuous official, splitting lands and founding duchies, serving as a trusted advisor to Your Majesty.”

Xie Yi said, “Naturally so.”