Chapter 171 – Glory

Historically, when the Emperor bestowed banquets, they were usually for civil officials. In recent years, there hadn’t been much warfare, so this sudden victory had bolstered the Ministry of War’s spirits.

Since taking up his post in the capital as Minister of War, Secretary Lei Ming had felt rather stifled, having grown accustomed to freedom and indulgence during his time in the provinces. Although the Secretary of War was also a member of the Grand Council, in times of peace, he wielded less power than the other five ministries. He was also overshadowed by the Chief Cabinet Minister and Deputy Chancellor, and the Emperor rarely sent him on missions. At this moment, he was holding back a surge of emotion, relishing the rare honor that had come his way today. As he awaited the arrival of the imperial entourage, he conversed with Fang Zijing, a smug expression on his face.

Fang Zijing had already removed his armor and was dressed in a magnificent red uniform with the emblem of a qilin, a one-star governor. He wore pomegranate flowers in his hair, enhancing his handsome features. After years of suppressing his ambitions, his eyes now gleamed with sharpness, and his every word and action carried an aura of dignity and authority.

The leaders of the Grand Council and the six ministries were naturally present at today’s banquet. They all secretly sized up the new rising star, the Martial Hero Marquis Fang Zijing, who held sway over the southeastern region. Everyone knew that Fang Zijing was one of the Emperor’s most trusted ministers, but no one had anticipated that the Emperor would continue to place such great trust in the Fang family.

After Xie Yi took his seat, he warmly praised the generals and ordered them to enjoy themselves today without formality, allowing them to roam freely through the Imperial Gardens to admire the flowers and drink wine.

Soon, the musicians from the Imperial Music Bureau began their performances once more. The garden, already blessed with clear skies and lush blooms, was filled with the sounds of music and laughter. The generals, who had endured the hardships of war for so long, were delighted by this unexpected honor. Gradually, the atmosphere at the banquet became more relaxed as everyone realized that the Emperor bore no grudges.

Amidst the music, Fang Zijing stepped forward to toast the Emperor. Xie Yi graciously drank all the cups offered, his demeanor not as stern as before. He kindly asked Fang Zijing, “Marquis Martial Hero, your campaign lasted half a year. I heard that your household has welcomed a firstborn son? Princess Fang couldn’t have you by her side during childbirth; it’s my fault.”

Fang Zijing hastily bowed. “Your Majesty, I am humbled. I dare not let personal matters interfere with my duties. The princess also urged me to prioritize state affairs and military responsibilities. During her delivery, the court bestowed generous rewards and dispatched female medical officers to assist. We are deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s kindness, which we can never repay. All we can do is fight bravely to repay the country’s grace.”

Xie Yi encouraged him. “Your literary and martial talents are unmatched in the entire court. Both you and Zijing are my loyal advisors. Now that you’ve been blessed with a son, I am pleased. Has a name been chosen?”

Fang Zijing smiled. “We’ve given him a nickname, Qian. I boldly ask for Your Majesty’s favor in granting him a formal name.”

Xie Yi said, “Fang Qian, then? Hidden potential and suppressed virtue? Are you planning to keep your light hidden? The Fang family’s achievements are renowned; your heir should carry on the legacy. How about Chengxun?”

Fang Zijing hurriedly thanked him. “I thank Your Majesty for bestowing a name upon him.” A hint of joy appeared on his face.

Everyone seemed to ponder the implications of this exchange.

Only Xu Chun was unaware of the subtle undercurrents. Upon hearing Xie Yi inquire about Fang Zijing’s son, he whispered to Nong Sijizhi, who sat beside him, discussing where to host a celebration for Martial Hero Marquis and what gifts to bring.

Nong Sijizhi, who hadn’t explored much of the capital last time due to his preoccupations, couldn’t help but ask Xu Chun about the city’s attractions. Suddenly, Xu Chun remembered that Nong Sijizhi still lacked a residence and quickly asked, “Brother Nong, you don’t have a place to stay in the capital yet, right? Why don’t you come live at my house for now? Changtian and Changyun are staying there too; we’ll get along well, and then we can look for a house together.”

Nong Sijizhi waved his hands. “Thank you, but Marquis Fang has invited me to stay at the Martial Hero Marquis Mansion. He also mentioned introducing me to his younger brother, saying we’d hit it off instantly.” He then quietly explained to Xu Chun, “Your elders are all at home, and Changtian and Changyun are your juniors, so it’s fine for them to live there. But if I stayed, it would be too formal.”

Xu Chun thought about it and agreed that, considering his father was still in mourning, it wouldn’t be convenient to have guests. Indeed, the Martial Hero Marquis Mansion would be a better choice. He smiled. “That works. Let me find you a house then.”

But Nong Sijizhi declined. “No need. Once the Ministry of War and the Board of Personnel deliberate on the rewards and determine my posting, it’s likely I’ll return to Zhejiang and Fujian. In the future…” A faint wistfulness crossed his face. “In the end, I’ll probably go back to Ilan. There’s no need to buy property.”

Xu Chun asked, “How do you know you’ll be returning to Zhejiang and Fujian?”

Nong Sijizhi replied, “Marquis Fang told me privately. He said that since he controls the southeastern military, his influence is too great. The court will definitely want to keep me there to deter Ilan and my father’s side while also serving as a check on Marquis Fang, preventing the Fang family from becoming too dominant.”

Xu Chun wondered, “Why did the Marquis tell you all this?”

Nong Sijizhi looked at him blankly. “Isn’t it normal? I’m his deputy commander. He must plan for my future.”

Xu Chun thought to himself, The Marquis clearly knows that Nong Sijizhi can’t keep secrets and will tell me everything. He probably said the same thing to Brother Zijing… Brother Zijing would certainly tell Brother Jiu… So, he suggested naming the child Qian? Is this a sign of weakness and a declaration of loyalty?

Then Brother Jiu granted the child the formal name Chengxun, meaning “I will remember your merits,” which is also a declaration?

Is this how the political arena operates? Questions and answers, back and forth, Fang Zijing making declarations and asking questions. Brother Jiu is reassuring Fang Zijing and making promises.

Xu Chun suddenly understood. He looked at Xie Yi and saw that he was holding a wine cup, seemingly listening to Grand Chancellor Ouyang Shen’s words, but his eyes were casually fixed on him.

Xu Chun… He couldn’t resist smiling at the throne, then realized his lapse in etiquette for looking directly at the Emperor and hurriedly turned to engage Nong Sijizhi in conversation. “Has Marquis Fang mentioned where I might be posted?”

Nong Sijizhi whispered, “He guessed that I might remain in the capital. He said that your qualifications are sufficient now, and your talents lie in economics rather than valor. The Emperor values and cultivates you; he’ll likely keep you here.”

Xu Chun recalled Brother Jiu’s suggestion to leave him in the Ministry of Revenue and was even more in awe of Fang Zijing’s insight into the Emperor’s thoughts. When he discussed his future plans with Fang Zijing, he had mentioned wanting to stay in Jinhai. How did Fang Zijing guess that Brother Jiu wanted to keep him in the capital?

Unable to resist, Xu Chun stole another glance at Brother Jiu and saw that Xie Yi was looking their way. “Prince Guangyuan, have you been longing for home?” he asked.

Startled, Nong Sijizhi quickly rose and bowed respectfully. “Although I miss my homeland, I think more of serving the country. I wish to guard the sea borders for Your Majesty.”

This answer was obviously prepared by Martial Hero Marquis. Knowing Nong Sijizhi’s character, he had instructed him beforehand. At such banquets, the Grand Council ministers were present, and Nong Sijizhi shouldn’t draw attention by personally toasting the Emperor. However, the Emperor would surely address and console him during the feast to express goodwill towards Ilan. Therefore, he taught Nong Sijizhi how to respond and carefully chose a short and easy-to-remember answer for him to memorize.

Sure enough, this response was eloquent and graceful. Xie Yi said, “That’s excellent. You possess military talent, are brave and skilled in battle, and stand out among the troops. With you and Zijing in the southeast, no bandits dare invade. I can sleep soundly.”

Nong Sijizhi’s face lit up with excitement as he recited several passages praising the Emperor’s virtues and expressing loyalty. His words were as splendid as blooming flowers, as skillful as a lotus tongue. Xie Yi complimented him again, granted him wine, and ordered further rewards. “Since you’re willing to continue serving the court, I shall grant you a residence and three thousand taels for settling down.”

Nong Sijizhi hurriedly thanked him, drank the wine bestowed, and retreated.

Xie Yi then turned to Xu Chun with a smile. “Duke Jingguo’s heir, you showed exceptional bravery and loyalty. At the Battle of Longhu Gorge, you won against the odds, displaying great integrity.”

Xu Chun promptly stood, left his seat, and bowed. “Devotion and courage are the duty of a minister. The victory at Longhu Gorge was achieved through the unity and dedication of the soldiers, fighting with all their might. Heaven favored our dynasty, allowing us to triumph. I do not dare to claim undue credit.”

Xie Yi said, “Your sincere service deserves recognition. I have inscribed a plaque to bestow upon you.”

As he finished speaking, Su Huai beckoned, and several eunuchs brought out a plaque, revealing the four large characters “Faithful Valor Remains Fragrant.”

Caught off guard by such an honor, which Brother Jiu hadn’t mentioned, Xu Chun was momentarily stunned, his face flushed with excitement. He hurriedly bowed to express his gratitude.

Xie Yi merely smiled as he watched Xu Chun’s startled and flustered reaction. Once Xu Chun returned to his seat, he asked Fang Zijing, “I saw in the merit recommendation that there were two generals, Sheng Changyun and Sheng Changtian, who contributed to logistics and led troops in battle. Are they brothers? Did they come to the capital together today?”

Fang Zijing bowed and replied, “Your Majesty is wise. They are indeed brothers. The Sheng family is full of loyal and courageous individuals. Sheng Changyun and Sheng Changtian are brothers, and there’s also their elder brother Sheng Changzhou, who serves in the Fujian army. This time, Sheng Changtian came to the capital to present the captives, while Sheng Changzhou and Sheng Changyun remained at the border to handle post-war military affairs and logistical matters.”

Xie Yi then summoned Sheng Changtian, praised him similarly, and rewarded him with gold, silver, and silk. He also said, “The Sheng family’s unwavering loyalty is commendable, with all three sons serving in the military. I shall grant four characters to the Sheng family, which they may hang in their ancestral temple.”

Another eunuch then presented a plaque with the four characters “Virtue Prevails Through Generations.” The officials and generals couldn’t help but marvel.

Some high-ranking ministers, aware of the Sheng family’s connection to Duke Jingguo’s household, couldn’t help but plot in their hearts. It seemed Duke Jingguo’s household was about to gain prominence, and the Sheng family was clearly emerging as a new aristocratic family. They wondered if the Shengs would develop roots in the capital and decided it would be wise to establish connections with them.

Xie Yi then called several other distinguished generals to ask them questions one by one, such as General Huo Shedu, General Pei Dongyan, General Lu Xiaozhi, and General Guan Wanwan, each receiving their own rewards. The generals were all highly excited as they received their awards.

Xu Chun couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed that Xia Chao was still recuperating and hadn’t come to the capital. Although Chunxi and Donghai had both obtained official positions, their appointments were handled privately, and their public titles were still just attendants. Therefore, they couldn’t participate in the banquet. But when the Ministry of Rites and the Board of Personnel issued the official rewards, they would restore their original surnames and receive their ranks. By then, they would be as elated as Generals Huo Shedu and Pei Dongyan.

Lost in thought, Xu Chun saw Xie Yi rise from his seat after bestowing the rewards, prompting all the officials and generals to stand and send him off respectfully.

Xu Chun noticed Xie Yi glancing at him before turning and boarding the sedan chair, making him feel an unbearable itch. He didn’t want to linger at the banquet any longer, but once Xie Yi left, a steady stream of officials and generals approached to toast him. Suddenly, he had become the second most popular figure after Fang Zijing.

After drinking for a while, realizing he couldn’t handle the alcohol, Xu Chun excused himself to use the restroom and slipped away to the rear garden gate. Sure enough, Wufu was waiting for him, smiling as he welcomed him inside.

Back at the banquet, Fang Zijing finally managed to deal with the officials and generals who wanted to toast him. Seeing that the Grand Council ministers had left, he naturally wanted to escape as well. However, he couldn’t leave without taking Xu Chun and Nong Sijizhi with him. But he couldn’t find Xu Chun, only spotting Nong Sijizhi entertaining others.

Nong Sijizhi, following Fang Zijing’s advice, spoke little and drank sparingly, taking only small sips, appearing mysterious and enigmatic. This made the other generals somewhat wary, not daring to force him to drink too much.

Fang Zijing asked Nong Sijizhi, “Where’s Xu Chun?”

Nong Sijizhi looked around. “He said he was going to the restroom earlier. I guess he went somewhere else to wander. Maybe he went to tour the garden with Changtian.”

Spotting Sheng Changtian, he called out, “Brother Changtian, where’s Xu Chun?”

Sheng Changtian’s gaze flickered. “I haven’t seen him. Earlier, he said he drank too much and wanted to find a chance to slip away. He probably left the palace.”

Fang Zijing said, “Let’s go then.”

Nong Sijizhi was somewhat worried. “Shouldn’t we ask the palace staff to look for him? He’s young and might cause trouble by wandering around randomly. The palace isn’t a place for random wandering. Look at the crepe myrtle flower he just picked. I only saw the Emperor wearing that flower, and no one else had it. He must have plucked it from somewhere in the palace. There weren’t any in the flower baskets. He’s really quite mischievous.”

Fang Zijing… He said, “Forget it. I’ll inform the palace guards and ask Zijing to keep an eye out for him. Let’s head back first.”

He then called over a nearby guard on duty and asked, “Please, General, if you see Duke Jingguo’s heir, Xu Chun, tell him that we’ve left the palace. If he needs anything, he can seek help from Zijing.”

The guard bowed. “Replying to Marquis Martial Hero, Master Xu has already left the palace. He said he couldn’t handle the alcohol and feared losing his composure within the palace grounds, so he left hastily. Marquis Fang arranged for a carriage for him, so please rest assured.”

With that, Fang Zijing felt relieved and turned to Nong Sijizhi. “Let’s leave the palace too.”