Chapter 152 – Ambition

That afternoon, Helan Jingjiang personally escorted Helan Baozhi to the residence. Xu Chun introduced Mr. Wright with a smile, then invited Lady Sheng to meet them. With Jiang Mei’s assistance, and Mr. Wright’s decent command of the language, they conversed pleasantly.

Wright took out the portrait of the queen he had prepared and handed it to Xu Chun. “Please, Sir, review it carefully. Have it painted on a set of oriental pastel porcelain.”

Xu Chun passed it to Lady Sheng. She and Helan Baozhi looked at it. Helan Baozhi smiled. “This portrait is unique, but it doesn’t quite fit with our style of leaving ample white space on the pastel porcelain. Let me think about it and sketch a few designs.”

Lady Sheng said, “Your taste in selecting these things is usually impeccable. We await your drafts.”

Helan Baozhi replied, “Thank you, Lady, for your trust.”

She turned to Mr. Wright and asked, “I’d like to see what the tableware from Mr. Wright’s homeland looks like. Do you have any references?”

Wright bowed slightly. “Yes, I happened to bring a set of our silverware this time, which I intend to gift to the esteemed Lady.”

Lady Sheng laughed. “Mr. Wright is too polite.” She then asked about the cargo volume and tax rates for regular voyages. Seeing that Lady Sheng was very knowledgeable, Wright was secretly surprised.

They finalized some details and arranged contacts for future communications. Sheng Changtian saw Wright off first, while Xu Chun personally escorted the Helan siblings out of the residence, smiling all the while. “General, you’ve sent me an invitation; I should visit tomorrow, but it’s fortunate we met today. Why not stay for dinner?”

Helan Jingjiang said, “We came hastily today, unprepared with gifts. Moreover, my mother-in-law has already been troubled enough. We shouldn’t impose further on Sir Xu.” He smiled slightly. “When I went to fetch the carriage earlier, I saw your bodyguards inspecting the vehicle, checking every inch from the horses to the axles and undercarriage, meticulously. I assume Sir Xu has plans to go out tonight, perhaps for another engagement.”

Xu Chun felt a slight flush on his face, knowing that his bodyguards were indeed very cautious. However, he didn’t realize that before their departure, the Fengxiang Guards would also inspect his carriage. He was even more impressed that Helan Jingjiang noticed such minute details and deduced that he would be going out again that evening. It seemed that his military achievements weren’t solely due to his ancestors’ fame but stemmed from genuine talent and capability.

Xu Chun evaded the topic, clasping his hands together. “General, there’s no need to be so formal with me. Mother has said that General should guide me more often. We’re close family friends, so call me Yuanlin, General.”

Helan Jingjiang responded, “If we’re close family friends, Brother Yuanlin keeps addressing me as General Helan, so I’ll continue to refer to you formally.”

Unable to resist a chuckle at his teasing, Xu Chun bowed. “Brother Helan.”

Helan Jingjiang laughed again. “My courtesy name is Shoucheng.”

Xu Chun promptly changed his address. “Brother Shoucheng.”

Satisfied with his reaction, Helan Jingjiang patted his shoulder with a laugh. “Brother Yuanlin, it’s I who should thank you, for taking care of my sister’s future.”

Feeling somewhat intimidated in front of Helan Jingjiang, Xu Chun whispered, “Since she’s your sister, she’s naturally… my…” Realizing suddenly that Miss Helan was likely older than him, he awkwardly corrected himself. “I naturally regard her as my own sister…” Then, remembering his strained relationship with his cousin and younger half-sister, his words became increasingly perfunctory. He coughed to cover up his clumsiness with words.

Watching Xu Chun’s expression change repeatedly, almost mirroring his thoughts, Helan Jingjiang couldn’t help but laugh. When Lady Sheng entrusted him with this matter, he never imagined that Xu Chun would be this kind of character. Suddenly, Helan Baozhi lifted the curtain of the carriage and gracefully stepped down, bowing deeply to Xu Chun. “Prince.”

Xu Chun returned the bow. “Sister Helan.”

Helan Jingjiang added, “Since we’re close family friends, you should use her given name. It’s Sister Baozhi.”

Xu Chun obediently complied. “Sister Baozhi.”

Helan Baozhi raised her eyes. “I feel guilty, Prince. I apologize to you and don’t dare accept the title of ‘sister.'”

Confused, Xu Chun said, “Sister Baozhi, you’re too polite.”

Helan Baozhi’s eyes reddened slightly, but she continued, “In the brothel, I learned to read people’s expressions and guess their thoughts, to engage in power struggles. I thought I was clever, seeing through the cruelties of the world. My temperament was extreme, believing everyone acted out of self-interest. I misunderstood you before, thinking you were frivolous and reckless, causing your aunt to worry.”

“I never expected that the rumors were greatly exaggerated. Your aunt and you treat others with genuine sincerity. Today, your aunt told me that the business deal with the foreigners, which involved me, was your suggestion. You don’t know me, yet you have a noble heart, helping the weak. I mistakenly believed you were the spoiled and frivolous child of the rumors. Now, I see that I’m as shallow as the rest of the world. From now on, Helan Baozhi wishes to serve at your command, Prince.”

Caught off guard by her praise, Xu Chun felt a bit embarrassed. Seeing Helan Jingjiang bowing deeply alongside his sister, he quickly stepped back. “Ah? There’s really no need to be so formal. We’ve already said we’re close family friends… My mother is indeed lonely in the Duke’s residence, so it’s great to have Sister Baozhi keeping her company. My business truly needs someone to manage it, and I must thank Sister Baozhi for her future efforts. This is a mutually beneficial arrangement, so there’s no need to be overly polite…”

Seeing that Xu Chun genuinely didn’t view his actions as a grand act of kindness, Helan Jingjiang smiled. He found Xu Chun’s natural disposition endearing. Turning to Helan Baozhi, he said, “Enough, don’t scare Yuanlin. Actions speak louder than words, and we’ll take things slowly from now on.”

He comforted Helan Baozhi for a moment, helped her into the carriage, then turned to Xu Chun and whispered, “She was young back then and hadn’t encountered anyone who genuinely cared for her. Yuanlin, don’t hold it against her.”

Xu Chun bowed repeatedly, finally sending Helan Jingjiang away after much effort. Wiping his sweat, he glanced at Dingshai behind him and coughed twice. “Next time you inspect the carriage, avoid doing it around people.”

Dingshai responded, “It’s within the stables of the residence, how can we avoid people? Who would have thought that a high-ranking official like General Helan would personally go to the stables to drive the carriage?”

Xu Chun sighed, realizing that Dingshai was right. He muttered, “Didn’t they have a coachman at their residence?”

Dingshai replied, “Perhaps they hurriedly arrived in the capital and brought along only servants from the military. A precious lady going out, especially to a distinguished residence like yours, they might have wanted to avoid any mishaps, so he drove the carriage himself. I heard he didn’t plan to stay long in the capital, temporarily assuming a position in the Ministry of War. It’s probably just to clear his grandfather and father’s names and tidy up their estate. The border does indeed need him. Believe it or not, once the southeast sea becomes turbulent, the north won’t remain peaceful either. They’ll surely try to take advantage of the situation.”

Noticing the time, Xu Chun originally intended to boldly enter the palace, but after Helan Jingjiang’s teasing, he felt somewhat embarrassed. He first went inside to talk to his mother for a bit, then instructed Sheng Changtian briefly before quietly returning to the palace.

Upon seeing him, Su Huan immediately ordered dinner to be served. Xu Chun felt very apologetic and whispered, “Thank you, Eunuch Su, for your trouble. Is His Majesty still waiting?”

Su Huan replied, “Waiting, but he hasn’t rushed you. He finished reviewing the memorials and has been reading a book. Did you go to see An Yannian today, Prince? Was it successful?”

Xu Chun answered, “Thank you for your introduction, Eunuch Su. Eunuch An was very accommodating, everything is settled.”

Su Huan commented, “I mentioned that An Yannian, due to his artisan background, could have a peculiar personality, fearing he might offend the Prince. If he hadn’t handled things well, I would have reprimanded him for you. Since everything went smoothly, that’s the best outcome.”

Xu Chun bowed gratefully. “Thank you for the trouble you’ve taken for my small, insignificant business.”

Su Huan smiled. “It’s not a small business.” Whispering, he added, “His Majesty even inquired about it.”

Xu Chun asked softly, “What did His Majesty ask?”

Su Huan replied, “His Majesty asked whether the personnel and budget for the imperial workshops have been sufficient over the years, considering they’ve been gradually reduced. He wondered if more craftsmen could be hired and additional budget allocated.”

Feeling touched, Xu Chun quietly entered the warm pavilion. Xie Yi lay on the heated bed, leaning against a brazier, holding a book in his hand. A large vase beside him held a plum blossom branch, its subtle fragrance floating in the air. Wrapped in a fox fur robe, Xie Yi appeared like a celestial being.

Xu Chun approached him immediately upon entering. “Brother Jiu, you’ve waited long. What book are you reading?”

Xie Yi shifted to make room for him, showing him the book cover while asking, “Why were you chattering outside with Su Huan when you arrived?”

Xu Chun saw the title, Water Conservancy Discussion, and replied, “I thanked Eunuch Su for recommending Eunuch An to oversee the production of the pastel porcelain for me. Of course, the greatest gratitude goes to Brother Jiu, for allowing me to conduct business using the imperial kiln.” As he removed his shoes and snuggled next to Xie Yi, he leaned on his shoulder and also looked at the book.

Xie Yi chuckled. “Supplying exclusively to the palace was indeed extravagant, but the artisans depend on it for their livelihoods, and I didn’t want to easily cut positions. I could only gradually reduce redundancies. Now that you’re concerned about it, selling the imperial kiln’s products is a good thing. Though beautiful, they don’t satisfy hunger nor defend against enemies. The barter system you proposed is feasible. Think of ways to introduce better Western items, and when the time is right, bring in some of their technicians as well. That’s the right path.”

Xu Chun agreed, “I also believe so. There’s a shortage of talent, and there are too few people who can be of use to me. Since no one in the capital is in charge of the pastel porcelain, I had to ask Mother to take responsibility for this matter. Brother Jiu, please watch over it for me. After all, it’s the imperial kiln, and I fear some may covet it. Don’t let anyone bully Mother.”

Xie Yi reassured him, “Don’t worry. The imperial clan is currently as docile as turtles. The imperial kiln is mine, who would dare say anything? Who did you meet today? Why did you come to the palace so late?”

Xu Chun hurriedly explained, “Ah, don’t mention it. First, I visited Master Shen, who scolded me thoroughly. He said the questions in my policy paper were copied here and there, lacking originality, embarrassing me to no end.”

Xie Yi laughed. “Although your viewpoints may seem derivative, it’s not exactly plagiarism. You’ve only been there for a few months, but you’ve read many books and drawn from various sources. Shen Mengzhen is treating you too harshly. For instance, your proposal on garrison farming clearly shows the influence of this book, Water Conservancy Discussion. It’s also evident that you’ve truly visited the coastal area… And you’re quite familiar with the regulations of the eight camps in Jinhai. You spent a fortune building warships and are now purchasing military supplies under the guise of raising military funds. Do you want to take command of the army?”

Knowing that he couldn’t hide his intentions from Xie Yi, Xu Chun chuckled. “Brother Jiu didn’t allow Your Prince to go to Jinhai, wasn’t it to leave Jinhai for me? Qin Jie is mediocre, yet Brother Jiu allowed him to remain in the capital, for two reasons. Firstly, you and Eunuch Su were watching him, preventing him from stepping out of line. Secondly, you assigned me to that region and gave me the military rank of Yangwei General, to see how far I could advance, didn’t you?”

Xie Yi looked intently at him. Xu Chun met his gaze unflinchingly, his amber tiger eyes filled with ambition. Xie Yi smiled gently. “I’m reluctant to let you go.”

He gently stroked Xu Chun’s hair and whispered, “Though I yearn to see how far you can go, I’m also fearful of the storms at sea.”