Chapter 146 – Deliberation

Nong Siji suddenly stood up again and bowed deeply, “Brother Xu, you have a vast landscape in your heart; I underestimated you before. Now my life hangs by a thread, uncertain from morning till night. This time, it was Island Master Shaou who pointed out a path, telling me to seek help from the imperial court in the capital. But I’ve been unable to find an entry point, never expecting that Heaven would take pity on me today and let me meet Brother Xu. But I wonder if Brother Xu can help me?”

Seeing Nong Siji bow deeply, Xu Chun felt a little embarrassed and hurriedly laughed, “Island Master Shaou? So it was he who guided you? Indeed, it was a clear path.”

Nong Siji bitterly smiled, “Even he has been elusive lately, not seen for a long time. He was originally a man with unpredictable movements. I had previously wanted to seek his aid, but failed to find him after several attempts. Thinking about it, this seemed to be my last resort. The journey here was uneventful. But now meeting Brother Xu, seeing the rivers and mountains hanging on the wall, remembering your concern for coastal defense, and recalling how you dared to travel overseas despite not yet having come of age, it’s evident that your ambitions are extraordinary. I heard that Brother Xu is highly favored by His Majesty, so I’ll ask Brother Xu with a thick face.”

Xu Chun thought to himself, Fang Zijing has already guided you. If you really reach the capital, perhaps even Fang Zijing himself will arrange for someone to pave the way for you. However, hasn’t he gone to Zhejiang to take office? Big Brother Zi Xing might not handle such matters. Speaking of which, I was too hasty yesterday and forgot to ask Brother Fang. I’m truly neglecting my friends for the sake of beauty…

Thinking thus, his face flushed slightly, and he said, “Big Brother Nong, what do you plan to do?”

Nong Siji saw that he changed the address, knowing that this meant he was willing to help. Half of his worries were relieved, and he bitterly smiled, “I have nothing now, so I dare not say I can offer everything. But I can only offer my loyalty. I’ve prepared a memorial beforehand. Let Brother Xu take a look first and see what needs to be added or subtracted. But since I wasn’t good at studying as a child, my father didn’t think much of me, and I didn’t dare to show this memorial to others. I could only weigh it myself, and it might be a bit crude. If Brother Xu can help polish it, that would be better. I’ve seen your articles for the imperial exams. They indeed demonstrate excellent literary talent. I simply don’t have that ability and wouldn’t dare to let others modify it.”

Xu Chun thought, Big Brother Nong, you’re not wrong about me; my literary talent isn’t great. Suddenly, he remembered someone and said, “My literary talent is actually quite ordinary, but I have a friend who happens to be handling a case in Jinhai. He is outstanding in strategy and intellect, and his writing is top-notch. He’s also reliable. This matter can be discussed with him.”

Nong Siji was somewhat concerned, “Can this person be trusted?” To be honest, this Brother Xu is excellent in every way, except that he’s too kind-hearted and easily believes people. His chivalry and righteousness are undeniable, but when he says someone is good, you should discount it a little. Maybe they’re only befriending him for his wealth and power, and might not be trustworthy.

Xu Chun replied, “Trustworthy! He keeps his mouth shut, handling major cases without ever revealing a word to us! He’s incredibly intelligent! And he’s also deeply trusted by His Majesty. But looking at Big Brother Nong, if you’re worried, I can submit the memorial directly for you. That’s fine too.”

Nong Siji was startled, “Submit the memorial? Where to? The Cabinet? Or the Four Barbarians Coordination Office?”

Xu Chun said, “Not the Cabinet, seal it well and have the imperial guards close to His Majesty present it directly to him. This matter will be kept secret, known only by you and me.”

Nong Siji, “…” Looking at Xu Chun’s clear eyes, he thought, how many officials can present memorials directly to the Emperor? Did I get the wrong information about the Director of the Office of Maritime Trade, that it’s a high-ranking position?

He was somewhat lost, but quickly concluded that it was his lack of understanding of the imperial system. He thought for a moment and said, “No, don’t laugh at me, Brother Xu. I’m not good at strategy, so the memorial I wrote might not impress His Majesty. I only have this one chance. Originally, coming to the capital was to find a connection. Now that I have Brother Xu and this friend with excellent literary talent to advise, it’s naturally more complete. I won’t write those roundabout things. I also don’t know what conditions I can offer to persuade His Majesty to support me.”

He was somewhat melancholy, “My mother passed away early, and my maternal family declined. I’ve fought in the military for many years, but now I’ve discovered that there aren’t many loyal officers left. Truly, I have nothing.”

Xu Chun comforted him, “The sands of time sift through, leaving only gold. Those who remain in the end are truly loyal subordinates to you. Having nothing is your advantage; it allows you to move forward fearlessly.”

Nong Siji, “…” Seeing Xu Chun’s cheerful smile, he saw a youthful innocence, as if she were well-protected and pampered, untouched by the harshness of the world, allowing her to be carefree and bold.

He was somewhat envious, but quickly made a decision, “Please invite your friend, or just give me a calling card. I’ll visit personally to seek guidance, showing more sincerity.”

Xu Chun said, “No need, I was planning to invite him over for a banquet today anyway. It’s a perfect opportunity to introduce you.”

After saying that, he looked at the time and tapped the copper gong on the table. After the crisp sound, Nong Siji saw a beautiful woman gracefully enter with a teapot, refilling their tea while smilingly asking, “What does the master command?”

Xu Chun was somewhat surprised, “Why is Sister here?”

Qingqian said, “Both deputy directors of the office are absent. There are many official documents that need to be signed and processed, and Mr. Jiang said he couldn’t manage alone. Several sisters went to help, so I’m the only one here to serve.”

Xu Chun laughed, “Sister, please send a message to Qiuhu. Tell him that I’m hosting a banquet tonight and plan to introduce him to Prince Guangyuan. See if it’s convenient for him.”

Qingqian’s eyes sparkled as she smiled, “Yes.”

Nong Siji, no matter how straightforward, knew that this was subtly giving the other party a heads-up. If the other party didn’t want to attend the banquet, it meant they didn’t want to get involved in this murky water.

He didn’t feel offended or awkward, instead feeling reassured. If Xu Chun, driven by righteousness and kindness, readily agreed without consulting the other party and rashly introduced him; if the other party didn’t want to associate with foreign princes but couldn’t refuse the young Duke’s heir’s face and came reluctantly, they might inevitably blame him, turning into enmity.

Now, it seemed that this Brother Xu, although inexperienced in officialdom and still young, was very astute. Compared to his bold and ambitious nature when shouting a high price for the book at Island Master Shaou’s place, he now showed more maturity, not impulsively doing good deeds. This made him seem more reliable.

Nong Siji’s heart stabilized slightly, feeling somewhat ashamed, but still returned the favor, “I looked at your maritime map earlier and thought it must be used by the Sheng family’s merchant fleet, focusing more on the supply and business of merchant ships. But I have a map I use for combat operations, which I corrected multiple times during my personal voyages. It’s more detailed than yours, including more information about uninhabited islands favorable for combat, coastlines and beaches suitable for naval ambushes, etc. Perhaps it can supplement yours somewhat. I dare not speak of repaying your kindness, but I can repay you for running around on my behalf.”

He spoke humbly, but he saw the eyes of the young official in front of him light up as if receiving a very precious gift, “Thank you, Your Highness, for your generosity! You’re right; this is indeed a maritime map used by the Sheng family for business purposes, naturally focusing more on commerce and travel. Your map is too precious!”

Suddenly, Xu Chun remembered that this Prince Nong was a general skilled in warfare. He joyfully introduced the achievements of anti-smuggling efforts in recent days and some commonly used tactics, emphasizing the reed beach iron chain encirclement and blockade tactic previously adopted by Qin Jie. Then, he unhesitatingly sought advice on maritime anti-smuggling tactics.

Seeing that he was genuinely seeking advice, Nong Siji didn’t hide anything. He picked up a brush and drew several battle formations on the desk, “Generally, our naval combat tactics are based on the enemy’s troops, ships, and firepower. But regardless of the changes, the essence remains the same: avoid the enemy’s main firepower range while trying to sink the enemy’s flagship. Tactics for auxiliary ships, guerrilla fast boats, etc., are all established and practiced.”

He explained each formation to him, clearly having considerable expertise in tactics. Unlike his earlier embarrassment and clumsiness when discussing literature and his situation, he spoke confidently and fluently. Xu Chun treasured this knowledge like a rare gem, listening intently, constantly asking questions, and busily taking notes. Nong Siji saw him incessantly call him Big Brother Nong, seemingly afraid of missing any detail, treating his words as gospel truth. Feeling comfortable, he laughed, “Don’t bother writing it down. I have a handbook I wrote myself on naval exercises. It includes battle formations and drills, intended for commanders to facilitate training. I’ll have someone copy it for you after I go back.”

Overjoyed, Xu Chun saw Nong Siji as an unparalleled treasure, staring at him with shining eyes, his mouth sweet, showering him with flattery as if it cost him nothing, describing Nong Siji as a peerless star general unmatched in heaven and earth.

Bathed in Xu Chun’s endless flattery, Nong Siji was momentarily dazzled, almost believing he was indeed an overlooked and unparalleled military genius, a war god held back and delayed. Filled with passion and boiling blood, he only wished to display his prowess with Xu Chun on the seas, making a mark in the world. Not daring to compare himself to Sun Wu or Han Xin, war gods, at least he could emulate Qiu Yuanjing and Li Rusong of the previous dynasty, not wasting his time on earth.

Speaking with intense fervor, thinking of his current predicament, he slammed the table, his hand on his waist-hung saber, tears in his eyes, “Look at the Wu Hook Saber! I’ve pounded the railing countless times! No one understands my intentions!”

Unexpectedly, when he slammed the table, a guard suddenly appeared from somewhere in the study, pressing his saber against him with eyes like lightning.

Seeing Dinhai suddenly appear, Xu Chun knew he was nervous and hurriedly waved for him to leave.

Nong Siji, under Dinhai’s gaze, felt as if he was plunged into a world of ice and snow, instantly reminded of his current situation and uncertain future. His lofty aspirations were nothing but a grand dream. Feeling disheartened, he saw a green-velvet-clad servant at the door, reporting, “Master, Master He heard of the arrival of a distinguished guest and is delighted. Master He has just finished his business and is already at the gate.”

Xu Chun was delighted and hurriedly descended with Nong Siji. At the second gate, they met He Zhiquiu with a warm smile. They exchanged greetings, and upon hearing that He Zhiquiu was the top scholar of the imperial exams and served at the Ministry of Justice, Nong Siji was deeply respectful, speaking cautiously and carefully, afraid of disgracing himself in front of the scholar.

Xu Chun set up a small banquet in the inner courtyard hall. Since the matter was confidential, no outsiders were invited, only the three of them at the table. They selected fine wine and exquisite dishes, first discussing local customs and scenery.

He Zhiquiu laughed, “When I entered the door earlier, I noticed you were short of people to serve, so several maids were handling the signing and processing of official documents. They were quick and efficient, quite capable.”

Xu Chun said, “My sisters are much better than the slick clerks before. They can talk, write, calculate, and think fast. In what way are they inferior to them? With them around, I’m even more relaxed! Unlike before, I don’t have to scrutinize every document, much more at ease.”

He Zhiquiu nodded, “This is still due to a shortage of people. The crimes of the two deputy directors have been determined, their positions revoked, and it might take some time to fill the vacancies. But your maids are officially handling business at the gate, so who is attending to your daily needs? Now that it’s getting cold and snow seems imminent, remember you were ill last year; you should be careful.”

Xu Chun said, “Thank you for your concern, Big Brother He. Originally, I mostly used servants for my daily needs, so it’s fine. But you came from afar to handle a case and refused to stay here to avoid suspicion. You might be short of people to attend to you. I’ll send a couple of servants over to listen to your orders. If there’s anything else you need, I’ll have someone deliver it together.”

He Zhiquiu laughed, “It’s enough, no need to worry. I’m not as pampered as you. What’s a little inconvenience?” Chatting casually for a few sentences, he feared ignoring Nong Siji and asked him with a smile, “Prince Nong has come from afar. The weather here might feel cold to you. Do you have winter clothes?”

Nong Siji smiled, “Indeed, it’s much colder than where we are, but fortunately, I was prepared and brought winter clothes.”

Seeing that they chatted for a few more casual sentences, Xu Chun then revealed Nong Siji’s purpose, asking He Zhiquiu what to do.

He Zhiquiu frowned slightly upon hearing this, looking at Nong Siji, “Prince Nong, this matter isn’t easy to handle. The internal affairs of vassal states are usually not interfered with by the imperial court. You must first consolidate the overall situation yourself. If everything is ready and you have absolute power, even if you’re not the prince, the imperial court can issue an edict to recognize your legitimacy. But now that power isn’t in your hands, the suzerain country is not in a good position to interfere. There’s no righteous cause or proper title.”

Nong Siji gave a bitter smile, “How could I not know this is difficult? But it’s my last resort.”

He Zhiquiu said, “Can I see this memorial first?”

Nong Siji hastily took it out from his sleeve and handed it to him, “It’s just a rough draft, lacking polish. But my thoughts are still uncertain, so I hesitated, not carefully revising it.”

He Zhiquiu opened it and skimmed through it, frowning, “Prince Nong, you’ve written extensively about how, as the prince’s eldest son, you’ve made many contributions, fought many battles, and been framed, etc., but none of these are beneficial. Let me be blunt: what His Majesty cares about is, if he supports you, what can you offer him?”

Nong Siji hurriedly said, “I’d be happy to hear Scholar He’s insights.”

He Zhiquiu pointed out, “Trade, taxes, stationing troops, obeying imperial orders to dispatch troops, etc. Yizhou is now obedient to orders but not to summons. What will you do?”

He continued, “Have you heard of Prince Pingnan’s Fang family? The Fang family is still extremely powerful, effectively still the Prince Pingnan. One son is a close minister and commander-in-chief of the imperial guards, greatly favored, and a marquis title is within reach; the other son is a marquis, serving as governor-general of Zhe and Min, married to a princess.”

“The first thing they did was lead the withdrawal of their fief.”