Chapter 104 – The Pair of Geese

Xu Chun and his entourage dashed into the woods, whereupon the guards scattered with skillful precision to drive away the beasts. They herded smaller animals such as rabbits, pheasants, and foxes toward Xu Chun.

Xu Chun took out his blunderbuss and fired at a pheasant with practiced ease. Bang!

The pheasant dropped dead on impact.

The guards cheered as hunting dogs rushed over to retrieve the bird. Xu Chun reined in his horse and chuckled. “They say the imperial hunting grounds have unique game compared to the outside world. Since we’re all here today, we should hunt more than usual to get some rare prey. Now, if all of you just stand around while I do all the shooting, how many can I possibly bag? Besides, my skills are average.”

Pei Dongyan explained with a smile, “Prince Xu, the bullets from blunderbusses can ricochet and hurt people, and arrows don’t have eyes. If you’re following him, it’s best to stay cautious.”

Xu Chun waved his hand and grinned. “Isn’t hunting supposed to be fun and exciting? Plus, His Majesty is waiting for us to bring back game as an offering. With my amateur skills, how much can I possibly bag by then? I’ll end up losing face before the Emperor. And think about the brothers who came along today. They are also expecting rewards. If I present just a few pheasants and rabbits to the Emperor, what would he reward them with? That would be a huge embarrassment for me.”

Pei Dongyan smiled. “When the prince is tired and resting, we can send some men out to hunt more.”

Xu Chun shook his head. “We only have so much time. I want to hunt some delicious food for His Majesty to enjoy for lunch. How about this: everyone, don’t just surround me. Disperse in groups of three. Dinhai and Chunxi can stay by my side. Go hunt, and remember to count your kills. After His Majesty has chosen, I’ll ask him to reward all of you.”

He waved his hand to signal everyone to scatter. Everyone exchanged glances. Pei Dongyan looked at Dinhai and Chunxi’s plain black uniforms without any insignia and realized that they were the Tiger Guards’ secret agents. He considered for a moment and said, “Prince, there are fierce beasts in the imperial hunting grounds. Leaving just two men with you isn’t reassuring.”

Xu Chun laughed. “It’s fine. You won’t be far away. We all have whistles. If a fierce beast does appear, just blow the whistle, and you’ll come running.”

His words struck a chord with everyone. Most of the guards here were martial experts and battle-hardened warriors. Seeing the hunting opportunity, how could they not itch to join in? However, since the noble was hunting, they were there to guard, and they didn’t dare fire their blunderbusses recklessly for fear of accidentally injuring the noble. Now, this Prince Xu was so understanding, instructing them to hunt separately and promising that His Majesty would reward them with the game. He was truly considerate! Moreover, if they managed to hunt something rare, it would be a chance to shine before the Emperor and the prince.

Everyone turned to look at Pei Dongyan. As the leader, no one dared speak until he did. Pei Dongyan knew that His Majesty favored this Prince Jingguo greatly. Fang Zixing had personally informed them of their new assignment, ordering them to protect Prince Jingguo from now on and to be stationed in Jin Harbor for three years on an overseas mission. They would follow Prince Jingguo’s orders for everything.

Commanding personal guards was usually reserved for princes and nobles, unless a prince received a special decree requiring the assistance of personal guards. But after receiving the order, they hadn’t formally introduced him, their leader, to Prince Xu. They were merely instructed to wait for further orders. It was only for this hunting trip that Master Fang summoned him and Qi Luan. He instructed them to follow His Majesty’s orders upon arriving at the hunting lodge, officially assigning them to Prince Jingguo’s command for this autumn hunt.

As the Fengxiang Guard, the second most prestigious guard unit in the Imperial Guard, they mostly protected the empress dowager, empress, and palace concubines throughout the dynasty. But since the empress dowager retired to the family temple and the empress was deposed, their unit had been completely idle except for occasionally escorting the imperial consorts during their visits home.

Currently, the Fengxiang Guard’s status among the twelve guards was inferior not only to the Dragon Cavalry and Tiger Guards but even to the Wude and Shenwu units led by eunuchs. After all, Su Huai was notorious for favoritism, often sending his guards on lucrative missions. Relying on his position as the Emperor’s eunuch, he disregarded propriety and reserved the best missions for his own unit, leaving others embarrassed to compete.

Master Fang wasn’t neglecting them, but he was the commander of the Inner Guards, with too many units under his command. The Dragon Cavalry and Tiger Guards were his core forces. Other units each had their assignments, and they were like illegitimate children, receiving only their monthly stipends while training nonstop in the inner camp without any perks.

It was a rare opportunity to receive a proper assignment. Although they didn’t know what Prince Xu was ordered to do in Jin Harbor’s maritime customs office, it was undoubtedly related to sea routes. Rumors had it that the Fujian Maritime Administration had been established, and the maritime academy was thriving. Several members of the Fengxiang Guard had been selected to study there, writing letters back saying that their prospects were excellent, unprecedented opportunities for a grand career.

Today, during the official hunt, they met Prince Xu for the first time. Watching him climb the mountain side by side with the Emperor, speaking freely without restraint, and showing no signs of nervousness when addressing the throne, he appeared somewhat carefree and unbound by rules. Yet, the Emperor didn’t seem to mind, indicating that he held the prince in high esteem. They didn’t have many chances to see the Emperor, but in their memory, although young, he was extremely dignified and solemn. Had they ever seen him treat a minister so intimately?

Pei Dongyan was silent for a moment before saying to Xu Chun, “Prince Xu, the hunting grounds are dangerous, and your safety is our responsibility. Although these two Tiger Guard brothers are each worth ten ordinary men, if we fail in our duty and the Emperor punishes us later, our careers will be ruined. We might be sent to the border troops or relegated to guarding tombs.”

After his speech, the other guards tightened their grips on their bows and straightened their backs, all feeling a chill in their hearts. Indeed, Commander Pei understood! If they indulged in temporary pleasures from hunting, sacrificing their bright futures, how could they bear it?

Dinhai sneered. “Commander Pei knows that we’re each worth ten men, and with blunderbusses in hand, what fierce beasts in this hunting ground can withstand a single shot? Bears may have thick hides that are hard to penetrate, but they run slower than horses. As long as we fire behind to slow them down, you can protect the young master while he rides away on his horse. What could possibly happen?”

Pei Dongyan saw that Dinhai had remained silent until now, but once he spoke, it made him seem inexperienced in hunting. If he didn’t convince Dinhai, it would make him appear incapable of leading. He couldn’t help but chuckle coldly. “Brother, I know you boast of your martial arts prowess and fear nothing with firearms. But do you realize that the greatest dangers in this world aren’t just wild beasts? What if there’s an assassin? What if the prince gets lost? What if the weather suddenly changes and we get separated?”

He asked a series of questions before slowly continuing, “If we want more game, we should travel farther and quickly find good game. His Majesty assigned us a task, and we should loyally fulfill it. Focusing solely on our own entertainment and neglecting our duties is dereliction of duty.”

Dinhai countered, “Don’t you know that His Majesty instructed us to follow Prince Xu’s orders? Prince Xu has instructed everyone to disperse and hunt, resulting in more and better game to offer the Emperor, which would be honorable. It also allows the brothers to have a good time. It’s a win-win situation. Instead of finding a solution that ensures both the prince’s safety and fulfilling his instructions, you stubbornly oppose it. Who hasn’t followed orders?”

Xu Chun smiled and nodded. “Dinhai is absolutely right. The brothers rarely get a chance to come here, so don’t let me spoil their fun. Hunt more game, and I’ll have face before the Emperor. Why would an assassin target me, a mere prince? There’s no need to be so tense.”

Pei Dongyan mocked Dinhai. “I’d like to hear your perfect solution, Sir Dinhai.”

Dinhai replied, “Four of us will stay close to the prince. The remaining eighteen men are all second-class guards, forming six teams of three. First, send two teams of three to hunt, with a half-hour limit. Count and register the game caught by each team, then switch with another two teams. By noon, each of the six teams can return with their own game, and we’ll tally everything. The team with the most and best game wins a reward.”

Xu Chun laughed. “That’s great. With seventeen men still accompanying the main group, it’s more than enough. Besides, the outer perimeter is heavily guarded! What could possibly happen! I’ll add one more thing: mark the arrows of each team, and the game they catch counts towards their team’s total. I’ll put up a hundred taels as a prize for the winning team!”

“The hunting season lasts for half a month. Even if you don’t win the prize today, don’t be discouraged; there’s another chance tomorrow!”

At that moment, Chunxi, who had been following Xu Chun, raised his arms and cheered. Encouraged, the guards joined in the applause. Cheering was a skill that guards mastered well. Applauding and blowing whistles when a nobleman caught game was mandatory. As Chunxi led the way, everyone joined in the cheering.

Pei Dongyan felt stifled. Caught between Dinhai and Xu Chun’s pressure, he seemed unable to make arrangements and lacked concern for his subordinates! Sending out six men each time wouldn’t affect the situation and could even allow them to explore the outer perimeter. Moreover, there was a prize: dividing a hundred taels among three people was quite substantial, considering that second-class guards’ monthly stipend was only thirty taels. Not to mention, with fifteen days ahead, everyone would have a chance every day. Who wouldn’t be eager to try? And there was the game…

If he persisted in his stubbornness, he would likely lose the hearts of his brothers. He wasn’t foolish and bowed. “Your subordinate obeys the order.”

Xu Chun seemed worried that he would be disappointed and consoled him. “Commander Pei and Deputy Commander Qi must stay with Dinhai and Chunxi to guard me and cannot hunt. I’ll compensate each of you with a hundred taels.”

Pei Dongyan felt a surge of frustration at his words: Was it about the hundred taels? He had heard that Prince Xu was a spoiled brat, indeed ignorant of court etiquette! By recklessly spending money for the sake of saving face, he wouldn’t be able to command people without money in the future!

But Dinhai was delighted and gratefully bowed. “Thank you, Prince Xu! I don’t want the money. I’ve been eyeing Chunxi’s cleaver for a long time! Can the prince arrange for someone to forge one for me?”

Pei Dongyan was taken aback. This was a new level of audacity, demanding a reward in such a manner! If it were a less tolerant lord, he would immediately turn hostile!

Unexpectedly, Xu Chun wasn’t offended and smiled. “Why not? I’ll have someone forge one for you, but it will take a long time. I heard that it requires waiting for the seasons and repeatedly refining the steel.”

Dinhai rejoiced. “I can wait as long as it takes.”

Behind Pei Dongyan, Qi Luan couldn’t resist asking, “What’s so special about this cleaver?” The Tiger Guards’ secret agents rarely transferred to the open, but their treatment was much better than those in the guard units. They got first pick of the best swords and knives, let alone the blades forged by the Ministry of Works’ armory, which were already of the highest quality.

Xu Chun smiled. “It’s not a rare cleaver, just a Hundred Refinement Blade. Chunxi, show it to them. As you know, my maternal grandfather is a maritime merchant. The sea is rough, and saltwater easily corrodes ordinary blades. Therefore, he found artisans to customize them, primarily using the forging method of the Hundred Refinement Blade, incorporating some techniques from the Mian Dao and Japanese swords. Due to long voyages and exposure to sea winds and seawater corrosion, durability and rust resistance were prioritized, while sharpness was maintained.”

Chunxi unsheathed his long blade, and under the sunlight, its luster was dazzling. The water patterns, hammered hundreds of times, were striking, and the edge was so thin it seemed translucent.

Dinhai urged, “Give everyone a demonstration.”

Chunxi looked at Xu Chun, who smiled. “Go ahead.”

Chunxi, riding his horse, casually swung his hand to cut a nearby branch. Seeing the branch, as thick as a bowl, was cleanly severed by Chunxi’s single-handed swing, leaves and branches fell in a flurry, stunning everyone. Looking at the smooth, mirror-like cut surface, Chunxi passed the blade around for everyone to inspect.

Qi Luan, who enjoyed collecting weapons, couldn’t resist taking it to examine. Indeed, the blade’s edge showed no damage, remaining as sharp as ever. Feeling its weight, he couldn’t help but praise, “Indeed a fine blade! But Sir Chunxi’s arm strength is truly astonishing.” He handed the sword to the other brothers for a brief look before returning it to Chunxi with both hands.

Chunxi smiled shyly. Xu Chun laughed. “It just takes a long time to forge, but if any of you are interested, I’ll slowly provide them for everyone.”

Everyone’s eyes gleamed with excitement. Pei Dongyan noticed even Qi Luan’s spirits lifted. He sighed inwardly, knowing that such a precious blade was worth more than a hundred taels. But Dinhai dared to ask for it, and they had achieved nothing, so how could they accept such a valuable reward? He said, “It’s getting late. Let’s quickly divide into teams and start hunting.”

Teams were formed, and they resumed hunting. Xu Chun continued to shoot aimlessly, only focusing on large beasts. With Chunxi and Dinhai by his side, he only needed to fire the first shot or bullet, and other guards would finish the job for him.

As the sun began to set, it was time to wrap up the hunt. Xu Chun led his guards back to the Pavilion of Eight Winds, where he saw Xie Yi approaching with a cheerful expression. He bowed to Xie Yi. “Your subject greets the Emperor!”

Xie Yi smiled. “Rise. Judging by your appearance, it seems you’ve had a bountiful hunt?”

Xu Chun proudly waved his hand. Dinhai and Chunxi carried a cage forward, removing the cover to reveal a pair of geese inside, alive but with injured legs, bound with cloth.

Presenting geese held significant meaning, and Xie Yi was slightly surprised, feeling a faint joy in his heart. “Did you personally shoot these geese?”

Xu Chun replied, “I fired the first shot, but I’m not sure if I hit. After all, they had to be alive. Anyway, everyone else shot together, and we managed to shoot them down alive. Your Majesty, consider them my personal hunt.”

Xie Yi couldn’t help but chuckle, noticing even the guards behind Xu Chun were trying to suppress their laughter. He smiled. “You’re honest. Since you led the team, it naturally counts as your personal hunt. I appreciate your gesture, Xu Chun. After the imperial physician treats their injuries, let’s raise them in the imperial garden.”

Xu Chun winked at Xie Yi. “I caught a lot today, all to offer to Your Majesty. Commander Pei, report our recent achievements to His Majesty.”

Pei Dongyan stepped forward and reported, “Prince Xu hunted a pair of live geese, two wolves, twelve yellow sheep, one fox, thirty-two turtle doves, and twenty-six pheasants…”

Xie Yi praised, “Quite a haul. You’ve worked hard, Prince. I’ll keep this pair of geese. You can distribute the rest. You’ve all worked hard today.”

The guards’ faces lit up with joy. Xu Chun asked, “Didn’t His Majesty go into the mountains to hunt today?”

Xie Yi replied, “I went for a leisurely walk on horseback to enjoy the scenery and clear my mind. I shot one fox, and they caught quite a bit, which they offered as sacrifice.”

Xu Chun knew that with his grand hunting display, His Majesty, as the emperor, would certainly unleash thousands of arrows to supplement the first shot, making it quite dull. Hunting was probably more about military training than the thrill of the hunt.

As Xie Yi and Xu Chun descended the mountain and returned to the hunting palace, Su Huai directed people to take good care of the geese and nurse them back to health. Once back at the hunting palace, Xu Chun was attended to by eunuchs. Smiling, he approached Xie Yi and asked, “Isn’t His Majesty curious about how I hunted today?”

Seeing Xu Chun’s proud expression, Xie Yi laughed. “Since you managed to shoot live geese and are this happy, it seems the Fengxiang Guard protected you well. They deserve a reward.”

Unable to contain his excitement, Xu Chun recounted the day’s events. “Dinhai usually acts like a wooden block, but when it mattered, he proved to be very useful. Still, His Majesty’s people are reliable. With ten more days left, I’ll give out prizes day by day. Gradually, they’ll start seeing me as their leader.”

Xie Yi smiled. “The Tiger Guards serve as secret agents and hold a superior position, capable of commanding other guards in emergencies, but it requires your authorization. You know how to use both my people and your own. Well done. This art of managing people, you seem to have a knack for it. I see that the four pages—Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter—are very loyal. Who taught you?”

Xu Chun laughed. “From the beginning, when I started practicing business, the people I used were my maternal grandfather, uncle, and my mother’s people. Often, they underestimated me, thinking I was young and frivolous. At first, they weren’t easy to command. Naturally, I had to work to win them over, borrow some power, give them some money, and promise dividends or incentives. If someone was particularly arrogant, I’d sideline them and use others instead. Eventually, things would smooth out. There were those who never submitted to me, so I dismissed them without forcing the issue.”

He glanced at Chunxi standing outside and whispered, “Even when Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter first came to me, they weren’t as loyal as they are now. It just took time to warm up to each other.”

Xie Yi silently nodded in approval, smiling. “In that case, I feel a bit more reassured about you going to the customs office.”

Xu Chun wanted to hear something else. “Just reassured? Since I answered well, shouldn’t Big Brother reward me? I gave Big Brother a pair of geese. How will Big Brother repay me?”

Xie Yi smiled. “What reward does Young Lin want?”

Xu Chun replied, “I haven’t decided yet. You owe me.”

Xie Yi struggled to contain his laughter. “Then take your time thinking…I owe you.”