Chapter 175 – Heresy

Shen Mengzhen indeed looked weary. Upon seeing Xu Chun, he asked, “I heard you were injured? How’s your recovery?” He sized up Xu Chun, who was flushed with vitality, and nodded. “It seems you’re recovering well. I’ve been worried about you for several days.”

Xu Chun replied, “How has Master been? I heard about your promotion! Congratulations, Master! Also, my mother mentioned that you’re engaged now? When’s the wedding date? What double happiness, what a grand occasion.”

Shen Mengzhen’s exhaustion was evident. “Let’s get straight to the point: those are trivial matters. The wedding is in December.”

Xu Chun promptly handed him the folded document, recounting his previous intention to stay in Jinhai and the Emperor’s instruction to submit a report. Then, he curiously asked, “Why is the wedding so rushed?” Just enough time to complete the six rites, could there be some urgency on Master’s part?

Shen Mengzhen explained, “Her father and I could be considered close friends despite our age difference. After her father passed away, she lived under her uncle’s care. Though she had no lack of food and clothing, it’s still life under someone else’s roof. I heard her uncle intended to arrange a marriage for her, to a wealthy family, but the man was quite licentious and older than me, even. Her uncle must have been after the dowry.”

“She didn’t know what to do. She remembered meeting me once when she was young, accompanying her father on an outing. So, she took the bold step to send me a letter, asking for help. She also mentioned hearing that I wasn’t married yet, and she would be willing to serve as a concubine. Once her situation was resolved and she left home, she planned to leave the secular world herself, not wanting to cause me any trouble.”

“I thought about it. I did consider her father a good friend, and this young lady seemed courageous and intelligent. I vaguely recall her father praising her wisdom. She played a game of chess with me once, she was just seven or eight years old back then, but her moves were quite strategic. Anyway, I’m destined to marry eventually. Now that I’m an official, not having a wife can be quite troublesome. I decided to marry her. I met with her to ask if she agreed. She responded that marriage is a partnership, and any damage to one affects the other. Her family is crude and greedy, she feared they might bring me trouble through a marriage alliance. She was only looking to escape her predicament, not hinder my career.”

“I saw that she acted boldly and had remarkable insight. She had a sense of righteousness. I told her what’s the fuss, I’ve always been disrespectful and unruly, offending relatives is nothing. Rather, now that I’m in the cabinet, the political climate is treacherous. I fear I won’t wait for them to drag me down, but instead, I might stumble due to my rivals. I need a virtuous wife to help me manage both inside and outside. She listened to my response, thought about it, and gave me her jade pendant as a gift, indicating her agreement. I then arranged for the betrothal gifts to be sent.”

Xu Chun remarked, “So that’s how it happened. With you, a high-ranking official, sending the betrothal gifts, her uncle naturally agreed. This is truly a good deed.”

Shen Mengzhen said, “Marriage is simply that, either this family or that family. This young lady has a forthright personality, even without me, she could live well on her own. I like her straightforwardness. After all, I’m rather rough around the edges. I have a bad reputation for being licentious outside, ordinary young ladies probably couldn’t handle my temper.”

Xu Chun hastily praised, “Master has a graceful demeanor, a poetic and wine-soaked life. Now, with your high position and power, your dignity grows. You are indeed a first-rate match.”

Shen Mengzhen glanced at him. “Don’t talk about me. What about you? Your father will soon be out of mourning. Shouldn’t you be considering marriage? Which family are you eyeing? Or should your wife look around for prospects for you when the time comes?”

Xu Chun blushed slightly, shaking his head. “No need for your wife to worry, Master, please don’t bother with me.”

Shen Mengzhen stared at him, suddenly saying, “In the past, I acted recklessly, I had many acquaintances among the opera troupe actors and famous performers. I’ve seen many people tormented by love.”

Xu Chun clumsily changed the subject. “Master, if you have time, could you take a look at the document?”

Shen Mengzhen said, “When His Majesty chose me to be your teacher, perhaps he also valued my disregard for conventional norms and my free-spirited nature. At first, I found it strange. The Emperor has always been dignified and doesn’t like frivolous people.”

“If he really cared about you, why would he pick me to be your teacher? Although I didn’t understand His Majesty’s intentions at the time, Fang Zixing personally conveyed the imperial decree, and I met you myself. I liked you. I then realized that the Emperor was far-sighted. He was truly lacking in people with talent, finding a suitable person like you to plan maritime affairs was daring. After all, he’s a young emperor, reforming the old and establishing the new, his methods are certainly not bound by convention.”

“Later in Minzhou, I saw His Majesty making preparations for you, but you refused to stay in Minzhou and insisted on returning to the capital. Seeing your condition back then, I had some suspicions.”

“For over a year, I’ve been observing quietly, curious. He genuinely cares for you, yet you stubbornly returned to the capital. Still, he arranged for you to work outside, carefully selecting your positions, personally bestowed your courtesy name and title, put you in charge of the maritime trade office, and led to this major battle. You indeed proved yourself by returning with military achievements. This is meticulous planning for your future. However, why does he delay taking a consort and establishing an heir, even tarnishing his own reputation? Doesn’t he know where this puts you?”

“Can you bear the burden of bewitching the sovereign, cutting off the direct lineage, hindering the imperial offspring?”

Xu Chun’s face paled slightly, but he remained silent. Shen Mengzhen observed his stubborn expression and sighed. “Forget it, I’ll only say this once. You’re a stubborn one, the Emperor probably thinks I’m a heretic, that’s why he made me your mentor. To me, societal norms are bullshit. But the imperial offspring is the foundation of the country, if that foundation is shaken, it could affect the common people. That’s why I’m advising you. However, the Emperor is wise, he allows this, so he must have his plans. I won’t say more.”

Contrary to his joyous entrance, Xu Chun sat upright on the mat with his eyes downcast, his hands resting on his knees, his long sleeves hanging motionless, devoid of his previous lively and mischievous demeanor.

Shen Mengzhen regretted his harsh words, silently scolding himself. In his youth, he hated those old fossils crawling out of their graves. Why had he become such a fossil himself?

Yet… he had seen many love-struck people, even elderly couples in a same-sex relationship. But they were ordinary people, no thrones to inherit! Moreover, who dares to speak of love with someone who can take their life on a whim? That’s a ruler who could order your entire clan’s execution with a single frown!

This student of his is just a reckless fool!

He looked at Xu Chun, dressed today in a light green silk robe, tightly buttoned, properly tied with a waistband and belt, adorned with a coiled dragon pendant, his attire perfectly in order. After going out to fight, he returned with heroic grace, shedding the ostentatious grandeur, seeming much more composed. Yet, the charm was deeply ingrained in his bones. His movements were gentle and courteous, but between glances, one could glimpse the captivating aura and innate elegance. True feelings, unwilling to feign, this was the true embodiment of transcending conventions and embracing nature.

And the one above, appearing dignified and steady, who would have guessed his inner world was so shocking and unconventional! Shen Mengzhen had once boasted of defying norms and ignoring rituals, but compared to the rebelliousness of the one above, what was he? This feeling of calm mixed with madness made him feel alarmed. He had previously believed the one above was a sage both internally and externally, but now that the sage has emotions, what then?

In front of these two, Shen Mengzhen, who once prided himself on his free-spirited disregard for rituals, suddenly felt ashamed, common and unbearable.

His tone softened, speaking gently, “Leave the document, go back for now. I just glanced at it, the main points aren’t fully elaborated. Go back and find a few more books from the past to read. I remember that issuing bonds by banks isn’t something new, but the most famous case is the story of ‘building a debt mountain’. You need to be wary of political rivals using this against you.”

Xu Chun replied, “Yes.”

Shen Mengzhen watched his originally spirited and enthusiastic student enter, only to have the atmosphere cooled by his words, and he felt even more regretful. He only gave a few more instructions before saying, “I won’t mention that matter again. Just follow your heart, the Sage must have his plans. Listen to his arrangements.”

Xu Chun looked up at Shen Mengzhen, still replying with a simple “yes”.

The teacher and student sat in silence, Shen Mengzhen felt guilty, but could only dismiss him for now, taking the document to read.

Leaving Shen’s residence, Xu Chun indeed felt elated and victorious. After receiving the tender care from his Ninth Brother, he was riding high on the wave of success. Now, reflecting on it, his victory relied on sturdy ships and powerful cannons, on the elite troops provided by his Ninth Brother… his own contribution was merely sheer courage. But on that day, every person on the ship fought bravely, which one of them hadn’t?

Was he worthy of his Ninth Brother’s sacrifices for him? And… what did Mr. Shen mean by self-tarnishment?

He mounted his horse, Chunxi asked him, “Are we heading back to the palace? Or to the residence?”

Xu Chun thought for a moment. “To Qianqiu Workshop, send invitations to the students from the Imperial Academy and the University. Tell them I’ve reserved a private room at Qianqiu Workshop, set up a banquet, invite them to come and catch up if they’re free.”

Chunxi agreed and hurriedly went to arrange the feast and deliver the invitations.

Indeed, by midday, a banquet was set up at Qianqiu Workshop, hosting his former classmates. He was now a young man achieving fame, riding high on success, clearly a rising star in court. Sending invitations, who wouldn’t come? Even those with engagements pushed them aside and hurried over, no one cared about the sudden invitation.

The table was filled, Xu Chun personally raised a cup of wine and toasted everyone, saying that due to his busy public duties, he hadn’t been able to catch up with his classmates for a while. He apologized for any neglect and asked for their understanding.

Although most present were sons of royalty and nobility, they hadn’t taken up actual posts yet, unlike him, who held real authority and had actual military merits. His humility, combined with his likable personality, soon filled the hall with laughter and joy, indeed ending the gathering on a happy note.

Xu Chun returned to the palace with a drunken air. Su Hua hurriedly instructed the eunuchs to prepare sobering soup, helped him bathe, and changed all his clothes. Xie Yi returned from the morning court session, seeing this tipsy little kitten, couldn’t help but laugh. “Where did you drink so much? Did you drink with Fang Zixing and Nong Siji again? Don’t you remember you’re still recovering from your injuries?”

Xu Chun giggled, clinging onto Xie Yi, kissing him repeatedly, his hands wandering everywhere, igniting flames. “Ninth Brother, I like you so much.”

Xie Yi was helpless, unable to reason with a drunk. He could only carry him back to bed, but Xu Chun clung onto him, refusing to let go. Previously, due to Xie Yi asking him to restrain himself for health reasons, he had been obedient. Although he clearly yearned, he only softly pleaded. Unlike today, drunk and emboldened, he got physically affectionate, using his hands and mouth, sticking close and refusing to let go. Xie Yi was roused into a sweat by him, ultimately spending a long time calming him down and getting him to sleep soundly.

Xie Yi then got up, ordered water for bathing, and summoned Chunxi and Ding Hai for questioning.

After changing his clothes, Xie Yi’s face returned to its usual cold and aloof expression. Su Hua reported that the men were present, and Xie Yi ordered them into the study. “Who did Xu Chun drink with today? What did they talk about at the banquet?”

Chunxi stepped forward to reply. “He drank with his former classmates from the University and the Imperial Academy. Most of the conversation was catching up, talking about various families in the capital, nothing special.”

Xie Yi asked, “Why did I see him depressed and upset today, somewhat unusual? Think carefully, did no one say anything?”

Chunxi and Ding Hai exchanged glances. Chunxi cautiously replied, “As it was just catching up, we guards were arranged to dine in another room, not serving inside. But the atmosphere at the banquet was harmonious, there were no quarrels.”

Ding Hai added, “If there was any discomfort, it seemed to appear after the Prince left Mr. Shen’s place. His face didn’t look good. Later, he suddenly ordered invitations to be sent out for a banquet. The Prince usually doesn’t spontaneously invite these classmates, mostly noble families, such invitations on short notice could be considered impolite.”

Xie Yi repeated, “Shen Mengzhen? Are you sure?”

Ding Hai confirmed, “Yes, he first went to the Imperial Academy. Later, hearing about Mr. Shen’s promotion, he had us prepare gifts. Since Mr. Shen hadn’t finished his court duties, he went to the Wuying Marquis’s residence first. Commander Fang and General Nong went hunting, it was the Wuying Marquis who met with the Prince in the study. We didn’t serve inside, but when he came out, the Prince was still smiling happily, checking each gift prepared by Qiuhu and the others, thinking they weren’t festive enough because he heard Mr. Shen was engaged.”

Xie Yi slowly stroked the paperweight on the table. “Understood, you may leave. Don’t tell Xu Chun I asked about this.”