Chapter 192 – Lotus Courtyard

After settling the verbal dispute, Xie Yi ordered a feast for the teachers and students.

Before the banquet began, Xie Yi personally inscribed three plaques for the hall of the Myriad Nations Academy, the Reading Pavilion, and the Council Hall, with the inscriptions “Harmony Among All Nations,” “Knowledge Through Inquiry,” and “Sincerity and Righteousness.” He also had the ministers inscribe plaques for each educational institute. Some institutes, which previously had overly direct names such as the Agricultural Institute, Naval Administration Institute, and Mathematical Institute, were renamed to Hongnong, Chengbo, and Mingsuan respectively.

Additionally, he summoned Lu Jiugao separately, and with his imperial brush, inscribed the four characters “Indestructible Loyalty” for the Lu family ancestral hall. He then ordered the Hanlin scholars to compose poetry based on their observations of the day. Any teachers and students skilled in poetry could also present their work, and the Hanlin scholars would comment and instruct the students. After a few cups of wine, he allowed the ministers and teachers to enjoy themselves freely, then retired to the back hall to rest.

After the emperor left, the hall became lively. As the emperor had decreed impromptu poetry composition, Lu Xiufu was an ancient loyal minister, and the emperor had personally inscribed a plaque for the Myriad Nations Academy. The meaning was clear. Everyone who could write poetry did so; who would miss the opportunity to display their talent and loyalty? Moreover, this day would undoubtedly be recorded in the national history. The emperor’s intention was to establish a shrine for Lu Xiufu, and these poems would be engraved on steles and bestowed upon the shrine, ensuring they would last forever. Future generations visiting the shrine to pay homage to Lu Xiufu would see their calligraphy.

The literati could not resist such temptation, and soon, verses as elegant as embroidered snowflakes circulated. Lu Jiugao had never seen such glory; his eyes were red with emotion, and Guan Wanwan stood beside him, secretly holding his hand under her sleeve. Lu Jiugao turned to look at her and whispered, “Only today do I feel like I’ve returned home.”

Guan Wanwan said, “His Majesty is wise, and now your mind can rest easy.”

In the midst of the commotion, Bao Sijin approached Zhuang Zhan to offer him a toast, saying, “Thank you for defending me today. I am truly grateful.”

Zhuang Zhan, after having a few drinks, his face flushed like peach blossoms, smiled and said, “We are peers from the same year, we should watch out for each other. But you were too hasty today. You’re the foolish one. Clearly, Lord Linhai excels in business and economic matters, yet you seriously debated accounts with him. Could you possibly out-calculate him?”

“He naturally understands better than anyone whether educating female students is profitable. Look how he even lured royal and noble ladies to come? Those admitted are either talented young women from aristocratic families or daughters of wealthy merchants, skilled in writing and calculation. Their powerful families are not ones you can afford to offend.”

“Behind Lord Linhai’s unconventional methods of employing people, he claims to value talent above all, but it’s clear he’s profit-driven, meticulously planning his strategy. Eunuchs’ sons, princesses of the imperial clan, ministers’ wives, overseas subjects, aristocratic youths, Taoist nuns, maidservants, scholars, farmers, artisans, merchants, and people from various walks of life, all aspects are covered. How dare you question the value of the tuition fees with him? You’ve underestimated him.”

Bao Sijin awkwardly poured tea for him, “It’s clear that the Imperial Scholar sees through things clearly. I didn’t think of that layer, and he even invoked Minister Li to pressure me. I was afraid of provoking Minister Li, who might hold a grudge against me later, so I didn’t dare to argue further.”

Zhuang Zhan chuckled, “Even if Minister Li were here, he wouldn’t help you. Did you see anyone willing to speak up for you today? Your argument was easily refuted. What does it mean when they say that virtue in a woman lies in her lack of talent? But in every aristocratic family, when they seek a bride, don’t they choose literate and cultured daughters from scholarly families? When they say that virtue in a woman lies in her lack of talent, it means that if she lacks talent, her modesty and propriety are also virtues. In the future, don’t misunderstand your daughter.”

Feeling embarrassed, Bao Sijin changed the subject and looked around. Seeing Lu Jiugao and Guan Wanwan standing together and toasting others, he said, “I just found out that Guan Wanwan is actually Lu Jiugao’s wife! With such eloquence, since the Emperor came here to bestow honors and win over the descendants of Lu Xiufu, I indeed shouldn’t have clashed with her.”

Zhuang Zhan sighed, somewhat helplessly, “Brother Bao, even if Guan Wanwan hadn’t come out, do you think Minister Shen’s wife wouldn’t have? Lord Linhai is Minister Shen’s disciple. Don’t think that the Emperor appeared to rebuke Minister Shen today, it was merely to use him to make a statement, to express his determination to reform the Imperial College. Minister Shen is a trusted confidant of His Majesty, and today’s performance by Duke Wuying was all about the unity between the emperor and his ministers, set the stage for the Emperor’s reforms to the Imperial College’s regulations. Haven’t you realized it yet?”

“Duchess of Wuying, Princess Hexun, is the supervisor of the academy. Lord Linhai served in Duke Wuying’s army. They are all interconnected. Naturally, the Emperor would protect Lord Linhai, and among all these old ministers, the military officers need not be mentioned, they would all look to Duke Wuying as their leader.”

“Just look at the civil officials. Take Undersecretary He, for example. He dares to speak up before the Emperor regularly, but what did he say today? And Fan Mukun, the Fan family is a true family of great scholars, and he himself is incredibly talented. They all rose through the imperial examinations. Adding today’s Chancellor Zhang Wenzheng, the three of them were the top three scholars of the previous examination. They must know that once this new-style academy is implemented, the imperial examinations would be rendered meaningless in practice, right?”

Bao Sijin was shocked, “Indeed, it’s like that. I wondered why everyone in the capital usually says that Lord Linhai is young and radical, that he’s unlearned, and that he only gained the Emperor’s attention due to his business acumen and the abilities of a merchant like his grandfather. Yet, his actions were disliked by many. Before the Four Seas Bonds were redeemed en masse, the censors attacked him collectively. Both in court and outside, most people criticized him for being too hasty, greedy for profit, deceiving the people, colluding with foreigners. Why, upon coming here, has no one criticized him? Everyone only speaks of the Emperor’s wisdom.”

Zhuang Zhan laughed, “One received a favor from Lord Linhai, and the other married his cousin. They long ago betrayed the pure scholars. Having spent time in court, they understand the Emperor’s intentions well and have already obtained substantial benefits. Naturally, they won’t oppose him openly, go against his will.”

Bao Sijin exclaimed, “Imperial Scholar, seeing this, you still spoke up for justice. Indeed, your integrity is admirable.”

Zhuang Zhan smiled slightly, “I’m merely fulfilling my duty to the Emperor. Now, the sovereign is forced to rely on powerful ministers. Duke Wuying, Lord Linhai, and General Helan have united the military officers solidly. Having received the Emperor’s grace, we civil officers should naturally stand by his side, assisting and advising him.”

Bao Sijin said happily, “Brother Zhuang is indeed insightful.”

After thanking Zhuang Zhan a few more times, Bao Sijin got up to socialize with other ministers.

However, Zhuang Zhan went to Fan Mukun, who had been sitting alone in a corner, sat down, and asked, “Everyone is joyful, why is Minister Fan sitting alone, looking lonely and unhappy?”

Fan Mukun held a wine cup in his hand and said, “I find solitude enjoyable.”

Zhuang Zhan laughed, “I’ve disturbed your peace, Minister Fan.”

Fan Mukun replied, “No problem, please speak, Minister Zhuang.”

Zhuang Zhan saw that Fan Mukun looked like a poet fond of wine, but for some reason, he was mostly silent and quiet, rarely speaking. This was likely related to the Fan family being heavily suppressed by the Emperor. He felt some sympathy and asked, “Minister Fan comes from a family renowned for poetry and propriety, how could you not know the flaws of this new-style academy? Now, the Emperor clearly values you, why haven’t you privately advised His Majesty?”

Fan Mukun glanced at Zhuang Zhan indifferently, “Imperial Scholar, you’ve been in the central government for a long time and come from a distinguished family. Perhaps you don’t know about local people’s lives. Nowadays, to educate a child, one not only needs to provide a teacher’s salary but also cover accommodation, food, paper, ink, and brushes. Raising a child for ten years costs about a hundred gold coins per year, not to mention that this child doesn’t contribute to production and merely consumes resources from the family, which adds to the burden. Now, the imperial examinations are declining, and children from poor families almost have no chance of success through the proper channels of the imperial examinations. If it’s like that for poor families, how much more so for children of farmers, merchants, and craftsmen?”

“The court has always lacked capable people to use. The Emperor has repeatedly said in court that there are too few capable people and too many idle officials. This new-style academy accommodates the orphans of fallen soldiers, educates the children of farmers, merchants, and craftsmen, and opens the door wide for those from humble backgrounds. The curriculum focuses on military training and practical skills and prepares good generals for our dynasty, and can even cast cannons and other heavy weapons. Furthermore, it can even support itself financially, without needing funds from the court. Minister Zhuang, can’t you see these benefits for the country and the people?”

Zhuang Zhan laughed, “These issues can be resolved by local officials establishing charity schools, but we cannot touch the fundamental system. If the Emperor didn’t consider all factors, as officials who receive the Emperor’s favor, how can we sit idly by watching it flourish? We should advise the sovereign to stop it early. Dispatching scholars from the Imperial College to take over the academy, supervising the teachers and students, and standardizing the rules would help uphold ethics and norms. I am thinking of taking advantage of this momentum to submit a memorial to the Emperor. If I can get the Hanlin scholars to co-sign, it would be even better. I wonder if Minister Fan would be willing to co-sign?”

Fan Mukun said, “Minister Zhuang, His Majesty always detests factions, alliances, and slander. I see that you have a large following today, attacking the military officers. Now, you even want to have a joint submission. You’ve probably offended the Emperor’s taboo. Lord Linhai serves the country wholeheartedly. We can’t let the hearts of those who work hard be chilled. Please be careful, Minister Zhuang. I’m willing to mediate for you. You are also loyal to the Emperor. Why not clear up the misunderstanding? You can apologize, and this matter will be over.”

Zhuang Zhan laughed, “I’ve heard that Minister Fan has accompanied the Emperor since childhood. How can you not understand me better than a latecomer like me? The Emperor has a broad mind and vast capacity. Many censors have directly advised the Emperor on his gains and losses in court, and the Emperor has always been receptive to good advice. Since the Emperor ascended the throne, he has never punished anyone for their words or convicted anyone based on their writings. Scholars often lament that they have encountered a sage ruler and should serve their country and family.”

Fan Mukun smiled slightly, “My position is different. I won’t participate. Minister Zhuang, please do as you wish.”

Zhuang Zhan smiled, “When I read the poetry and prose of the late Minister Fan, I only felt the elegance of the words and the purity of the spirit. Because he was the Emperor’s teacher, the Emperor’s wisdom was surely greatly influenced by his teachings. I admired him. After entering court, I heard that the son of the Emperor’s teacher was serving elsewhere, and I very much admired him. I only wished to meet you sooner. Now, I sincerely wish to befriend you, but you keep people at arm’s length. Zhuang Zhan is indeed disappointed!”

Fan Mukun smiled faintly, “If you infer the Emperor’s thoughts based on my father’s poetry and prose, you’d be a thousand miles off. Birds of a feather flock together. If you genuinely regard Mukun as a friend, how could you not know my awkward position and still persuade me to co-sign a submission to impeach the Emperor’s favorite? If you want to be friends with Mukun, how could you not know that I have a good relationship with He Zhiqiu and Zhang Wenzheng, and these two have close ties with Lord Linhai? If I do such an unjust deed, how could I face my dear friends in the future? Sir Zhuang seeks not friendship, but power. If you want to use power, why look at a cold stove like me? Find some influential people instead.”

Zhuang Zhan’s smile didn’t waver, “Minister Fan has misunderstood me deeply! I bear the responsibility for the world. I’m neither cowardly nor willing to curry favor with the powerful.”

Fan Mukun, however, said, “Why don’t you pick a prefecture or county, go to the local area, and train for a few years. If you see the hardships of the common people, you’ll probably understand the Emperor’s intentions.”

Zhuang Zhan was somewhat surprised, “Does Minister Fan think I’ll be sent away?”

Fan Mukun smiled faintly, “I’ve accompanied the Emperor since childhood, so I know his temper well. Minister Zhuang, rest assured. I won’t tell anyone about the joint submission. However, I still advise you to think twice before acting. If you want to reconcile with Lord Linhai, you can find me anytime.” He thought to himself, the Emperor certainly knew that Lord Xuchun’s academy would be attacked in the court, just like the bond redemption incident last year. Vultures in the court chose their prey, and that was the nature of the court.

Therefore, he brought his trusted and capable ministers, as well as the young ministers from the Imperial College and the Hanlin Academy, to observe who would oppose Xuchun and who would be detrimental to the new academy policies. Then, he would trim the branches, either persuading them privately or finding ways to remove the thorns. Only then could the new policies be smoothly implemented.

This was his usual tactic… Anyone who had spent over ten years in court was familiar with the Emperor’s methods. Therefore, everyone remained silent and waited until problems arose before pouncing collectively… But in recent years, the Emperor’s methods had become more sophisticated. The new policies he introduced were carefully prepared, and after being promulgated, they were mostly implemented smoothly. Xuchun was perhaps his only weakness. How could he not protect him?

Zhuang Zhan was too young. The new-style academies and factories were policies the Emperor must implement. Xuchun was the Emperor’s trusted aide, and everything he did aligned with the Emperor’s thoughts.

He thought he had seen through its flaws and rushed out to oppose it, even gaining some influence in the court. After this inspection tour, Xuchun would surely return to the capital with rewards for his merits. Such a person, the Emperor wouldn’t let you stay in the capital to cause trouble for Xuchun, right?

Fan Mukun understood this clearly but didn’t elaborate to Zhuang Zhan. He simply drank his wine, then said he had something to do and got up to find He Zhiqiu.

Zhuang Zhan wasn’t discouraged. He hadn’t pinned high hopes on Fan Mukun anyway because he knew him to be aloof. He first provoked him to prevent him from obstructing the other Hanlin scholars. After all, he had only returned from the local area this year, and as the son of the Emperor’s teacher and the Emperor’s cousin, if he really tried to obstruct, the Hanlin scholars might listen to him.

He thought to himself that if he had a background like Fan Mukun’s, no matter what, he could have captured the Emperor’s heart. How could he have ended up like a cold stove? It seemed that the late Imperial Teacher hadn’t taught his son the art of politics.

Meanwhile, Xie Yi had drunk a few cups and returned to the room designated for the Emperor’s rest. He had a cold and detached personality, not fond of noise. Today, he was here to support Xuchun, and he couldn’t leave too early. Thinking there must be a courtyard where Xuchun lived, he ordered Su Huaibai to summon Xuchun and ask where he usually rested. In the midst of their busy schedule, he could secretly visit.

But Su Huaibai went out and returned to report, “Lord Hou isn’t at the banquet. It’s said that Minister Shen wanted to talk to him. I asked Commander Fang, who said he saw them head toward the lotus pond. It seems Minister Shen had something to convey. If Your Majesty urgently wants to see him, he can fetch him.”

Xie Yi thought Shen Mengzhen was probably worried that Xuchun would lose heart and wanted to comfort him away from others. It wasn’t a bad thing, so he got up and said, “There’s no need to summon him. I’ll go see.”

The entrance to the Lotus Courtyard was guarded by Dinghai and Chunxi. Upon seeing him approach, they bowed in greeting. Xie Yi instructed, “Don’t announce my arrival. I’ll find them myself.”

It was sunset, and the sky had darkened. A cool breeze blew across the water. New leaves sprouted in the lotus pond, small like copper coins, with a fresh green hue. In the center of the pond, a winding walkway and pavilion had been built for teachers and students to enjoy the scenery.

Xie Yi walked in along the walkway and heard Shen Mengzhen, who had changed from his previous absent-minded and wooden demeanor, scolding Xuchun as if he were iron that refused to harden, “Did Duke Wuying suddenly act like this because he knows about your private relationship with the Emperor? Otherwise, why would he suddenly pave the way for you out of nowhere? He used to be very aloof. Now, this set of actions clearly shows he’s protecting you. The Emperor, seeing this, might feel uncomfortable. You mustn’t speak carelessly in front of Duke Wuying.”

Xuchun cried out in injustice, “Have I said a single word to Duke Wuying? We haven’t seen each other for years! The other day, when he came over, he criticized me first and didn’t mention anything about this. Perhaps he noticed something from Zi Xing?”

Shen Mengzhen said, “How would he make it obvious? Regardless of whether it’s true or not, you mustn’t utter a single careless word! Others can spread rumors as they please, but you absolutely cannot admit it!”

Xuchun said, “Understood, understood, Master, you’re so talkative.”

Shen Mengzhen angrily said, “I don’t know how much worry I’ve had for you! Did you see how the Hanlin scholars came aggressively today? You should be careful!”

Xuchun said, “Am I afraid of them? I only regret that the Emperor didn’t let me speak today. Otherwise, I would have verbally attacked him until he didn’t know his own surname! We’ve done so much, and he’s given us such a huge accusation?”

Shen Mengzhen said, “You’ve seen too little. In the struggle of the court, it’s always a fight to the death. Verbal sparring, naturally, the accusations are as severe as possible to be effective. Losing the battle, exile and confiscation of property are still light punishments. Not ending up with the entire family executed is already leniency from political rivals. Today, the Emperor stopped you in time; otherwise, you would have immediately become unacceptable to all the literati in the world! Do you think the literati are easy to provoke? The pen is mightier than the sword. Even Old Fox Fang Zijing didn’t say a word, clearly knowing that he couldn’t argue with the literati and risk giving them ammunition. Can you argue with them? They quote classics and scriptures, you might not even understand what they’re saying! The military officers have seen this kind of thing happen many times. No matter how many victories you achieve, they can erase them with a stroke of the pen.”

“Now, the Emperor clearly intends to arrange for you to return to the capital. Your achievements over these few years are evident to everyone in the court, they can only make sour remarks. If you get riled up and start arguing with them, wouldn’t it be a waste of your hard work over these few years? More importantly, you would be disappointing the Emperor’s efforts. Let them say what they want, you continue doing your work. The Emperor took it upon himself to handle the situation for your benefit, to prevent you from offending the literati. The literati wouldn’t dare to pin the blame on the Emperor. This matter will be minimized.”

“This time, the people accompanying the Emperor on the inspection tour were chosen by the Emperor. Clearly, he was observing who would jump out. There will definitely be follow-up measures. You mustn’t act rashly, and you certainly can’t take advantage of Jinhaiwei being your territory to arbitrarily punish the Hanlin scholars, understand?”

Xuchun said, “Master, am I the type of person to seek revenge out of personal grievances?”

Shen Mengzhen glared at him, “Your character is unpredictable, and you have a group of capable subordinates. I’m merely giving you some advice to control your subordinates. Don’t let your now hardened wings lead you to commit taboo actions because the Emperor favors you. His Majesty has always acted openly and honestly, never punishing anyone for their words. You should understand. I think you’re angry today. Angry as you may be, you mustn’t cross the line.”

Xuchun gritted his teeth and said, “Naturally, I’ll regain my dignity in the court, in front of the Emperor! Just wait and see!”

Shen Mengzhen: “…” He was quite spirited!

Xie Yi couldn’t help laughing outside the pavilion. Turning around and seeing Chunxi bowing by the lotus pond, he quietly left the winding walkway and asked Chunxi, “What happened?”

Chunxi reported, “Lady Chunhe requested to see Lord Hou. She said Lord Hou had promised to see her before. But I didn’t actually see Lord Hou agree to this. He probably doesn’t even know her, but since she studies at the academy, she might have something important. Therefore, I came to ask for the Emperor’s instructions.”

Xie Yi couldn’t quite remember. Turning his head to look at Su Huaibai, Su Huaibai smiled and said, “Lady Chunhe is the eldest daughter of Duke Keqin, and her brother is Prince Xie Xiao, the heir of the marquisate.”

Xie Yi recalled, “Oh, right, Xie Xiao. Xuchun even praised his polo skills.”

He pondered for a moment and said, “Let her in.”