Chapter 145 – Old Acquaintance

Nong Siji sat on his seat with some irritation and asked, “You’ve been here for half a year, and you haven’t made contact with any officials who can speak on our behalf?”

The subordinates below hung their heads dejectedly. One envoy said in a low voice, “Your Highness, it’s not that we didn’t try. The officials of this imperial court look down on us envoys from vassal states to begin with. When we tried to make connections, most of them turned out to be greedy people. Before we even entered their doors, their gatekeepers and secretaries would already have extorted quite a bit from us. Our matters are also confidential, and the other party doesn’t have the patience to listen. Those who can speak before the Emperor simply ignore us. They probably don’t want to get involved in trouble.”

Nong Siji felt somewhat helpless. “Forget it, it’s not your fault. This place is filled with scholarly atmosphere, and I blame myself for being too focused on martial arts, unable to respect scholars and nurture talents. It’s my second brother who has more capable people around him.”

His staff looked at each other, their faces flushed, knowing that the Prince was criticizing them for their lack of scholarly prowess, which prevented them from entering the mainstream circle of literati.

Nong Siji said, “What about the military officers? See if there are any we can talk to. My time in the capital this time is limited. Look for anyone we can connect with. I’ll think of ways to pay them a visit.”

An envoy replied, “Making connections with military officers is even more cautious than with civil officials. It seems that the Regent King and the Empress Dowager have been suppressing them fiercely, so they all prioritize self-preservation and dare not make contact with foreign vassals. There’s a General Helan who just returned from the border. He now serves as a military advisor at the Five Military Directorates. It’s said that he is highly trusted by the Emperor, and General Helan comes from a family of famous generals, and enjoys considerable prestige among the border troops. But because his entire family was executed in the past and was only recently rehabilitated, he is also very cautious in making connections. However, his age is similar to Your Highness’s. Perhaps we could find a way to connect with him during this trip to the capital.”

Nong Siji asked, “General Helan? Is he a descendant of Helan Mo and Helan Yan?”

The civil official replied, “That’s right.”

Nong Siji clasped his wrist and sighed, “So he’s their descendant. Indeed, we mustn’t miss the opportunity to connect with him. Helan Yan was both a scholar and a warrior. His poems about the frontier were unparalleled. Who knew that his whole family would suffer such injustice? Now that they’ve been vindicated, it’s truly fortunate. Regarding General Helan, after arriving in the capital, I’ll think of ways to deliver an invitation and pay him a visit.”

The staff members said, “I’m afraid it won’t be easy to connect with him. He doesn’t accept invitations. Previously, we tried to send him gifts, but they were returned untouched.”

Suddenly, an envoy said, “By the way, speaking of military officers and aristocrats, there’s a hotshot nowadays. The Prince of Jingguo, born into a hereditary post, currently serves as the Chief Inspector of the Port Customs Office in Jin Harbor, and enjoys the Emperor’s favor. He’s young, just coming of age, and is said to be affable and generous. Now that we also need to report tribute to the Port Customs Office, why not start by delivering an invitation and meeting him? It could be another avenue.”

Nong Siji asked, “The Prince of Jingguo? What’s his character like? Since he’s deeply favored by the Emperor, how did he end up in this small Port Customs Office?”

The envoy replied, “The Port Customs Office is very lucrative. But it’s rumored that he offended Li Meiyao and was afraid of retaliation, so he came here to serve as an external official to avoid the limelight. Upon arrival, he launched a major crackdown on maritime smuggling, posting notices for people to report smuggling leads. Therefore, due to his outstanding achievements, he received commendation from the Emperor and was promoted to a fourth-rank General Yangwei, albeit a nominal title.”

Nong Siji asked, “Before I came, I also inquired about the situation with the cabinet and the important ministers here. This Li Meiyao is known for his integrity and austerity. Since this Prince of Jingguo offended him, I wonder if there’s something wrong with his character?”

The envoy choked and said, “It’s said that he had a dispute over a courtesan with Minister Li Meiyao after drinking, leading to false accusations and causing the pleasure boat to sink, greatly embarrassing the court. The Emperor was furious and directly demoted Li Meiyao to watch the city gates for several months. Later, perhaps after cooling off, he was reinstated to the Censorate to continue serving as an Imperial Censor. But he lost his position as a Grand Secretary, and that’s how this grudge was formed.”

Nong Siji was surprised. “That indeed is a deep grudge. But why did the Emperor only punish Li Meiyao and not the Prince of Jingguo?”

The envoy smiled ambiguously. “Who knows? This matter is shrouded in secrecy, and no one knows the inside story. Although it caused a commotion, it ultimately remained mere speculation. Even Li Meiyao himself doesn’t speak about it. But at that time, the Prince of Jingguo had not yet entered government service. Presumably, going to a brothel wasn’t considered punishable. The Emperor was angry that Minister Li lost the dignity of a high-ranking official and didn’t know how to show respect.”

Nong Siji was even more puzzled. “Since Li Meiyao himself was hesitant to speak about it, how did you come to know?”

An envoy laughed, “This was due to the Prince of Jingguo’s own flamboyant behavior. Upon taking office in Jin Harbor, he issued a notice stating that he wouldn’t accept a single coin and wouldn’t attend any banquets. Privately, he told other officials that he had a grudge with Li Meiyao and was afraid of being targeted by the censors. He came here to serve as a peaceful official and avoid the limelight.”

Nong Siji was speechless.

After thinking about it, he said, “This man acts so frivolously and absurdly. Making contact with him won’t do us any good. Instead, he might spread our affairs everywhere. We shouldn’t seek a connection.”

Just as he finished speaking, someone from outside delivered an invitation. “Reporting to Your Highness, the Port Customs Office sent an invitation, stating that their Chief Inspector invites you to his residence tomorrow for a chat.”

Speak of the devil, and the devil appears. Everyone was momentarily at a loss for words.

Nong Siji took the invitation. It seemed to have been written by a secretary or advisor on behalf of the Chief Inspector. At the bottom was the seal of the Chief Inspector, “Xu Chun”.

In principle, meetings between officials of the Port Customs Office and envoys from vassal states fell within their duties. Most officials would be haughty and condescending, sending a messenger to inform them, and they would not dare to refuse to go. However, Nong Siji could send subordinate civil officials to meet them. Now that a formal invitation had been extended to him, it showed respect, and it wouldn’t be good to decline.

Thus, Nong Siji could only say, “Tell them that I am honored by the Chief Inspector’s invitation and will definitely attend on time.”

After dismissing the messenger, Nong Siji ordered his men to prepare gifts. His subordinates inevitably added more items to the gift list. Nong Siji looked at it and said, “Since he comes from a wealthy background, these things won’t catch his eye. Besides, isn’t he claiming not to accept a single coin? There’s no need to prepare such lavish gifts. Just make sure they’re presentable.”

A subordinate said, “Your Highness, the list of tributes we submitted this time isn’t very impressive. Compared to those submitted by other vassal states, ours are much thinner. If we offend this Chief Inspector, it might not be good.”

Nong Siji was annoyed but still said, “We’ve already offended him anyway. One more won’t make a difference. As long as it’s presentable, it’s fine.”

The next day, Nong Siji arrived at the Port Customs Office on time. A scholar and a magistrate came out to greet him into the flower hall of the Port Customs Office, leading him to his seat and offering him tea. They hurriedly went to the back hall to invite Master Xu.

Nong Siji sipped his tea a few times, mentally preparing for the possibility that the Chief Inspector might question them about why their annual tribute was so meager. He planned to plead poverty. Last year, Yizhou suffered from floods and locust plagues, resulting in reduced crop yields. The Emperor’s birthday festival happened to fall in winter, so they didn’t have many impressive tributes. They could only offer some sugar, taro, cinnamon, spices, orange peel, and spices. Additionally, they sent a pair of deer, a pair of gibbons, and a cage of phoenix butterflies. Unfortunately, many died along the way due to the cold.

Thinking about this, he grew increasingly frustrated. On this trip to Central Plains, he saw the abundant produce, and his desire to strengthen his state grew stronger. However, he was now suppressed tightly. Forget about implementing policies freely, even his military power was in danger.

As he was feeling troubled, he heard the beads of the bead curtain stir. An official dressed in azure official robes walked out, wearing a new round collar and wide sleeves. A light green jade belt wrapped around his waist, and he had a straight and elegant posture. The pink-green dragon pendant hanging from his waist made him stand out from ordinary people, even just by observing his demeanor.

He was slightly surprised and couldn’t help standing up. Then, he saw the young official bow and smile, saying, “Busy with official duties, I kept the esteemed guest waiting for a long time. I apologize sincerely.”

He was about to return the bow, but when he heard the voice, he couldn’t help raising his head to look. Their eyes met, and they were both startled.

Xu Chun exclaimed, “General Ji?”

Nong Siji exclaimed as well, “Fourth Young Master Sheng?”

There was a momentary pause.

Jiang Mei coughed lightly. “Chief Inspector, this is Prince Nong, the Crown Prince of Guangyuan. Prince Nong, this is our Chief Inspector of the Port Customs Office, Master Xu.”

Both sides quickly put on smiles. Xu Chun’s face was full of joy. “It turns out to be Prince Nong. I’ve heard of your reputation for a long time.”

Nong Siji’s smile carried some embarrassment and shame. “Master Xu, I was forced by circumstances and was disrespectful and negligent before. Please forgive me, Master Xu.”

Xu Chun noticed Nong Siji’s sincerity and felt somewhat awkward. After all, he had disguised his identity as a merchant at that time. But it wasn’t convenient to say much now. He just smiled, stepped forward, and held Nong Siji’s hand. “I thought it was a routine official reception, never expecting an old acquaintance to come from afar. Since the distinguished guest has arrived, I cannot neglect you. Please follow me to the study room inside. Let’s catch up on old times. Prince, your subordinates can wait here. I’ll have my subordinates entertain them well and won’t neglect them.”

After finishing, he instructed Jiang Mei and took Nong Siji’s arm without further ado, leading him toward the back of the residence. The envoys from Yizhou hesitated. “Prince?”

Nong Siji waved his hand and laughed. “Don’t worry. Master Xu has a favor to repay me.” After finishing, he happily followed Xu Chun.

They walked into the third-floor study room of the Chief Inspector’s residence. Xu Chun smiled and invited Nong Siji to sit down. “Your Highness hid it well from me.”

Nong Siji didn’t sit down but gave Xu Chun a serious bow. “I concealed my identity first. I’m sorry for not reciprocating Master Xu’s kindness. I haven’t repaid the life-saving grace yet. I never expected to meet Fourth Young Master here today. The ceremony today is simple, I’m ashamed, I’m ashamed!”

Xu Chun’s face flushed slightly. “Sheng is my mother’s surname. At that time, I traveled with my cousins. Since I was away from home, I followed my cousins’ ranking.”

Nong Siji understood. “It should be so. You come from a noble family, yet you personally go out to gain experience. Admirable, admirable.” However, he secretly felt ashamed for believing hearsay and judging people based on rumors. This young master, although young, had a sense of righteousness, which was quite rare. Yet, he had judged him based on rumors and thought he wasn’t worth connecting with. If it weren’t for Xu Chun’s invitation, he would have surely missed the opportunity to meet his benefactor this time.

Feeling guilty, his expression became warmer. “Master Xu didn’t know about me, so why did you invite me with this invitation? Was there something else you wanted to discuss?” He couldn’t help feeling uneasy, recalling the thin tribute his vassal state had offered. If the other party originally intended to confront him…

But Xu Chun suddenly seemed to remember something. “Right! Your Highness, look!”

He led Nong Siji to one side of the study room and pulled open the curtain. Nong Siji saw a huge tapestry map. Mountains, rivers, seas, and islands were vividly embroidered on the map, leaving him stunned.

Xu Chun casually picked up a bamboo stick and pointed at the map. “Little Prince, on your journey from Yizhou by sea to the capital, did you hear any news? Merchants from Guangzhou informed me that the Great Queen of Silla is having conflicts with the Crown Prince and is in the midst of internal turmoil. Japan plans to take advantage of the situation.”

Nong Siji stared at the luxurious and precise map for a while, speechless. After a moment, he reacted. “I’ve heard about the internal turmoil in Silla. Japan indeed is purchasing ships and buying grain from our Yizhou. But there’s no concrete information about their plans to attack Silla. Mainly…”

His face turned vague and embarrassed. “My military power has been drastically reduced. Now, when the King discusses military matters, he often doesn’t let me participate in discussions.”

Nong Siji laughed bitterly. “I can’t help Master Xu. After the naval battle, I was mysteriously sabotaged. When I returned, even though I had evidence, the King ignored it and turned a blind eye. Still, he stubbornly favored my younger brother. Although I’m still nominally the Crown Prince, it’s just a title. I’m afraid it won’t be long before I’m deposed.”

Xu Chun was taken aback. “So that’s how it is. I was wondering earlier why, as a Crown Prince, you would personally venture into danger. Last time, you ended up in such a predicament. It turns out you were betrayed by your own people, even during war. This behavior is really shameless. Not mentioning national duty, don’t they care about brotherly affection?”

Nong Siji laughed bitterly. “It’s just the law of the jungle. What’s the point of talking about country and brothers?”

However, Xu Chun looked at Nong Siji’s face and pondered. “But I see that you don’t seem like someone who’s willing to admit defeat… In the past, when Yizhou submitted tribute, they only sent a Chief Secretary as an envoy. The tributes were mostly local products, while the court generously bestowed gold, silver, and silk to appease them. But this year, Prince Nong personally came to the capital to celebrate the Emperor’s birthday… Are you trying to win the support of the central court?”

Nong Siji glanced at the magnificent map and then at Xu Chun, who wielded power with vigor and youthful spirit. The young official before him was heroic and vigorous, far more spirited than the handsome youth he had seen a year ago. Like a sword that had undergone meticulous forging and honing, it finally emitted a dazzling brilliance.