Chapter 109 – Apology

Xu Chun saw that it was Lady Chu Wei, whom they had just mentioned, and was greatly surprised. He returned her greeting from afar, but saw that Lady Chu Wei had already approached, apologizing with a smile, “Meeting unexpectedly is better than planned. Today, I came to Thousand Autumns Garden to see an old friend, and didn’t expect to see Young Master here. I disrupted your fun last time. I wonder if Young Master would grace me with the opportunity to make amends by hosting a dinner in apology?”

Xu Chun felt somewhat embarrassed. Seeing that no one had noticed them in this secluded place, he explained, “Lady, there’s no fault on your part; why apologize? Rather, it was my friend Li and I who disturbed your peace.”

Lady Chu Wei smiled. “Young Master must come from a noble family. That day, you were too shy to refuse Li Da Ren’s face, so you stood up for him, right? After that day, I was interrogated many times, but never saw Young Master again. Rumors flew, yet they had nothing to do with you, Young Master. Li Da Ren was demoted, yet you escaped unscathed. Your background is deep, and naturally, you have people protecting you.”

Xu Chun didn’t expect Lady Chu Wei to be so perceptive. He smiled awkwardly, and she continued, “I won’t hide anything from you, Sir. I’m currently caught in a whirlpool, unable to act freely, so I can’t help but want to borrow your power for a bit of protection. Besides, my old friend was once a concubine in the former Wang Manor. Before entering the manor, she performed Southern Opera.”

“After being sold, the original troupe’s martial artist redeemed her. They grew up together learning opera, so they married. Now they run a troupe, traveling to perform for a living, and they’re currently performing at this Thousand Autumns Garden.”

“In recent days, I’ve also found the events of those years suspicious, wanting to ask her if she remembers anything I don’t. That’s why I invited her and her husband to meet tomorrow at this Thousand Autumns Garden. I also invited Li Mei Ya, Li Da Ren, all of them old hands from the Wang Manor. Young Master, with your high status, whether you come or not is entirely up to you.”

Lady Chu Wei had been smiling, but when she inadvertently looked up, her expression suddenly changed, taking on a hint of panic. Hurriedly, she bowed to Xu Chun. “Young Master, please be at ease. I have disturbed you.”

She turned and left, her usual graceful demeanor now hurried. Xu Chun turned his head and saw He Zhiqiu looking down at Lady Chu Wei with a stern gaze. It seemed she had been scared away by him?

Xu Chun knew that He Zhiqiu had interrogated Lady Chu Wei before, and that she had been frightened away by him. He also knew that since He Zhiqiu was the presiding judge, he naturally knew what he and Li Meiya had done that day. However, he couldn’t admit in front of He Zhiqiu that he had read the interrogation transcripts and knew the Emperor’s intentions.

He put on a thick skin and returned, smiling at He Zhiqiu. “Lady Chu Wei said she’s inviting Li Meiya Da Ren and other old hands from the Wang Manor to a small banquet here tomorrow. She says it’s a reunion of old Wang Manor acquaintances, and she’s invited me to attend, hoping I might remember something.”

He Zhiqiu’s expression returned to gentleness. “If you want to attend, I can accompany you.”

Xu Chun hesitated. “Let me think about it.” He wanted to ask Xie Yi back home.

He Zhiqiu laughed. “I just used the excuse of looking for you to escape the feast and take a breath of fresh air.”

Xu Chun sensed that He Zhiqiu wanted to say something to him, so he suggested, “There’s an empty tea room nearby. Brother He, come in for a cup of tea to sober up. I’ll have some pear juice brought for Brother He to help you recover.”

He Zhiqiu took the cue and entered. This tea room was actually the one Xu Chun usually used, which was very quiet, with several of his favorite paintings hanging on the walls, and seasonal silver osmanthus flowers arranged in vases. The moment they entered, the room was filled with fragrance.

He Zhiqiu knelt on a cushion across from Xu Chun, watching him expertly brew tea. His wrists were as white as jade. The entire set of teapots was carved from jade, exquisite and extraordinary. He was a meticulous person, and seeing the expensive and tasteful calligraphy, paintings, tea utensils, furniture, and vase arrangements on the wall, he knew this wasn’t a tea room for ordinary guests.

A page soon brought up fresh pear juice to help with sobriety, bowing respectfully before leaving.

With all these details, He Zhiqiu saw how familiar Xu Chun was with the place and realized, “This place is actually also part of your family’s business, isn’t it? Like Leisun Pavilion.”

Xu Chun laughed. “Brother He has sharp eyes like a god of judgment.”

He Zhiqiu said, “To be honest, when I first met you at Leisun Pavilion, I merely admired you as a rich young master who didn’t know the hardships of life, throwing away dozens of taels of silver just to order a book of South Wind tales. I thought you were a rich scion, unaware of the difficulties of farming, and that you were absorbed in the frivolities of romance and poetry, indulging in South Wind, which was a great pity.”

Xu Chun’s face flushed slightly. “Brother He, you remained true to yourself despite poverty and adversity, self-motivated and striving. You came from the imperial examinations, while I was born into wealth and ignorance of the world, making a fool of myself in front of Brother He.”

However, He Zhiqiu corrected him seriously, “No, later I realized that you merely used the excuse of collecting South Wind books to support me, while preserving my dignity, and intentionally spoke convincingly so that I would believe you truly wanted to buy them at a high price. I thought I was earning money based on my own talent. At the time, I was blinded by a single leaf, arrogant and conceited, failing to recognize the nature of my benefactor. Instead, I looked down on my benefactor with my limited perspective, even repaying kindness with ingratitude. Speaking of it, I’m truly ashamed!”

“I’ve been looking for an opportunity to speak to Yuanlin about this, to apologize and thank you, but either you left the capital or went on a tour of study, and I couldn’t find a suitable time. Now that I see you’re about to leave the capital again, this matter has been stuck in my heart for a long time. I can’t let it go, and today I have the chance to apologize.”

As he finished, he knelt deeply in the seat and gave Xu Chun three formal bows.

Xu Chun, seeing this, hurriedly shifted slightly to avoid receiving the bow. “Brother He, you’ve helped me a lot in the past. That day, I merely did my best to assist. How could I accept such a grand gesture? Moreover, I was indeed frivolous back then. It’s understandable that Brother He looked down on me. It’s just a matter of thinking less of me, how could you use such a heavy word as ‘apology’? Absolutely not.”

He Zhiqiu straightened up, his face full of shame. “Although the Emperor covered for me and didn’t expose my small-mindedness in front of you, Yuanlin, I’ve suffered from my conscience every day. How could I let it pass ambiguously? After I passed the exam, I worried about the South Wind erotic books I had left with you. In the end, they would be improper. If they spread in the future, they’d tarnish my reputation and hinder my prospects. So I borrowed money from others, hoping to buy back the South Wind books from you. Unexpectedly, you said your brother had taken them, and you looked guilty, avoiding my gaze.”

Xu Chun was speechless.

He Zhiqiu continued, “Everyone in our neighborhood knows about my family. I imagine you also knew I became the top scholar. At the time, I judged a gentleman by the standards of a petty person, assuming you knew I was the top scholar and saw me as a valuable commodity, wanting to hold onto my handwriting to profit.”

Xu Chun admitted with shame, “That day, I really couldn’t produce the book, so I don’t blame Brother He for suspecting me.”

But He Zhiqiu said, “I’m well-versed in legal codes, but at the time, I conceived a malicious plan. Using the fact that your bookshop contained banned books as an excuse, I reported it to the Capital Prefecture, hoping to seal your bookshop and eliminate any future problems.”

Xu Chun was shocked; he hadn’t known about this at all.

He Zhiqiu looked at his expression and inwardly smiled bitterly. Indeed, the Emperor hadn’t told this little duke anything. He was full of guilt. “The Capital Prefect likely knew the roots of your bookshop. As your local official, he reported the matter to the Emperor. That’s when the Emperor publicly berated and demoted me.”

Xu Chun was speechless. So the reason Imperial Scholar He was demoted by Ninth Brother that day was actually this!

Xu Chun’s eyes darted around. Did Brother He know that the South Wind book was with Ninth Brother? So early on, Ninth Brother was already favoring me… He was in a complex mood, but He Zhiqiu continued, “This matter has troubled me for a long time, only because I wronged my benefactor. But the Emperor left me a shred of dignity and didn’t expose my despicable behavior in front of Little Duke.”

“I originally thought I’d just let it pass ambiguously and repay my benefactor in the future as best I could. But after a few years of acquaintance, Yuanlin remains as chivalrous as ever, insightful about the world, yet treats people with utmost sincerity. Every time I see you as pure as a child, with a heart as clear as ice, treating me with honesty, my conscience can’t bear it. Today, I tell you, firstly, so Little Duke knows my true face. Whether you resent or despise me in the future, I’ll bear it; secondly, so Little Duke understands that there are many people in this world with wolf hearts and dog lungs. In the future, when you go out to serve as an official, there may be many who wish to exploit you. Please be very careful and don’t mistakenly associate with wicked people again.”

Xu Chun was speechless. Was this person, who cursed himself as having a wolf heart and dog lungs, so harsh?

He Zhiqiu could almost guess what he was thinking from his expression. “Little Duke, if it weren’t for the one above protecting you, or if you were just an ordinary merchant, you probably wouldn’t have ended well. I’ve spent many years among commoners, witnessing the most evil hearts and the most cunning people. Perhaps they may call you brothers in daily life, but when it comes to conflicts over interests, they can abandon parents and siblings alike. From now on, He Zhiqiu will be at your command, never daring to harbor two minds, nor dare to hope for forgiveness.”

Xu Chun’s face showed some emotion. He composed himself and returned the bow solemnly. “Brother He, your heartfelt words today show your sincerity and integrity. I’ll speak frankly with you. I’ve received much of your assistance in the past. In the case of my elder brother’s birth mother, you protected and clarified the truth. Later, in the case of the shipwreck at Sui Xi Lou, you covered for me. Although Elder Brother was ruthless that day, it was also a struggle for survival. I won’t say I don’t have resentment, but I can understand. Putting myself in his shoes, who dares say they’re a saint? Now that I’m safe, and Brother He seems to have genuinely repented, I presume… Presumably, His Majesty has also given you a lesson. Just change from now on.”

“That Brother He can confess to me, only to remind me of how to handle matters in the future, I’m very happy. How could I have any resentment? Let’s wipe the slate clean of past matters.”

He Zhiqiu’s eyes reddened slightly, but he insisted, “I dare not wipe the slate clean, only to be at your disposal.”

Xu Chun replied, “In that case, Brother He, offer me a cup of tea, and I’ll drink it. From now on, we’ll get along as we did before, with mutual trust and support.”

He Zhiqiu gladly got up to pour the tea, left his seat, and knelt in front of Xu Chun again, offering him the tea with respect.

Xu Chun accepted the tea and drank it in one gulp, showing the empty cup. “Now, Brother He, can you let it go?”

He Zhiqiu replied sincerely, “I’m precisely reminding Little Duke, that Lady Chu Wei, who survived in the Regent Prince’s rear residence, is no ordinary person. She approaches Little Duke because she wants to use you. Now that she’s bait that the court released to lure out other fish, everyone knows it, and she herself knows it’s dangerous. That’s why she’s seeking Little Duke for protection. Little Duke mustn’t, out of momentary soft-heartedness, agree to her and personally venture into danger. Tomorrow, I can attend the banquet in your stead, just to take a look.”

Xu Chun agreed. “Okay.”

After clearing things up, they returned to the feast. Everyone inevitably scolded them for being away for too long and drank a few more cups before dispersing.

Xu Chun and Sheng Changzhou’s three cousins returned to the Jingguo Duke’s Mansion, but they received an invitation from the Wuying Hou’s Mansion. Fang Zixing invited Sheng Changzhou and the other three to go horseback riding.

Lady Sheng, looking at the invitation, was somewhat puzzled. “It’s strange that Commander Fang, with his status, only invites Changzhou and the other three brothers, without including Yuanshen.”

Changyun and Changtian laughed. “Last time we came to the capital, we were also generously entertained by Commander Fang. We should be returning the favor now, but his status is so high that we didn’t dare to be presumptuous. Now that Cousin is coming along, it should be fine.”

Xu Chun quickly interjected, “Big Brother Fang knew I had many social engagements these days and was likely afraid of neglecting my cousins, so he sent separate invitations to them. Cousins, don’t worry about me. I’ll go see Mr. Shen tomorrow, and I was going to neglect my cousins anyway. Now that Big Brother Fang has invited you, it’s perfect.”

With this arrangement, they each returned to their rooms.

Xu Chun, however, was well aware of Ninth Brother’s arrangement, which was naturally to facilitate his escape. Taking advantage of the darkness, he deliberately bathed again before entering the palace, refreshed and clean.

Xie Yi hadn’t slept that night and was reading under the lamp. Seeing him enter, he smiled. “To spare you the trouble of entering the palace late at night and returning to the mansion early in the morning, I asked Fang Zixing to accompany your cousins. Tonight, you came in earlier.”

Xu Chun grinned and leaned close. “Ninth Brother, what book are you reading? Thank you for arranging everything, and thank you, Brother Zixing, for entertaining the guests on my behalf. I’ll send him a generous gift tomorrow.”

Xie Yi showed him the cover, which was Caihao Ji, a play script. He was surprised. “Ninth Brother is actually reading a play script? If you want to watch a play, why don’t we go see one?”

Xie Yi smiled faintly. “Just flipping through it idly. Only to wait for you.”

Hearing this, Xu Chun felt a tender warmth and held onto Xie Yi’s arm, remembering He Zhiqiu. “Speaking of watching plays, today when I went to Thousand Autumns Garden, Imperial Scholar He privately apologized to me—I only now learned that he suspected I hid his book to coerce him, and he even reported my bookshop for having banned books. Fortunately, Ninth Brother protected me that day. I was completely unaware, thinking the emperor’s will was unpredictable…”

He suddenly stopped, and Xie Yi said, “Yes, I remember. That day, you said the emperor’s will was unpredictable, difficult to serve. One moment appointing the top scholar, the next demoting him to the clouds.”

Xu Chun’s face flushed red, and he apologized repeatedly. “It’s all my fault. I didn’t know Ninth Brother was doing it for me. Please forgive me, Ninth Brother.”

Xie Yi said, “Since you drank He Zhiqiu’s apology tea today, then I think I can drink your apology tea too.”

Xu Chun offered, “I’ll pour tea for Ninth Brother.” He knew that Dinghai had followed him today and naturally reported the situation to Xie Yi.

But Xie Yi said, “An ordinary offering of tea won’t do.”

Xu Chun was confused, but Xie Yi smiled. “We’ll settle it in detail later.”

Soon, they entered the inner hall, and Xie Yi ordered a fragrant Snow Joy tea to be prepared. He personally poured the tea and fed it to Xu Chun. Xu Chun drank a mouthful without understanding, finding the aroma particularly heart-penetrating. He was somewhat surprised. Xie Yi lowered his head to kiss him. Xu Chun was suddenly ambushed, his tongue numbed by the suction, turning red.

Xie Yi chided, “You drank all the tea yourself, this cup lacks sincerity. Let’s try again.”

Xu Chun had to take another mouthful of tea. This time, the two of them sipped slowly, tasting it for a long time before Xie Yi seemed to taste a bit of flavor. “This cup has a bit more sincerity, but it still needs more fire.”

Xu Chun was already aroused, his face burning hot. He pushed Xie Yi down on the bed and moaned, “Ninth Brother, allow me to apologize to Ninth Brother properly.”

No one knows exactly how Xu Chun apologized in the end, but in any case, the tent was filled with fragrance, laughter was endless, and the two of them didn’t calm down until late at night before sleeping quietly.