Chapter 180 – Painting Colors

The polo match was still fiercely contested on the field. With guards at his side to shield him, Xu Chun had managed to avoid any unwanted company. However, upon reaching the base of the Wuxiang Tower, he encountered an uninvited guest.

“This humble one is Prince Nong Anbang, the second son of the Guangyuan King. Greetings to the Duke Jing’s Heir Apparent.”

Xu Chun looked over and saw a young man dressed in a precious blue scholar’s robe, handsome and refined. He paused slightly; standing on Nong Siji’s side, he naturally assumed that Nong Anbang would be repulsive, but considering how this person could nearly jeopardize Nong Siji’s position as heir despite his heroic and capable eldest brother, he must have some extraordinary qualities.

As Xu Chun pondered this, he returned the greeting, “So it’s Prince Nong. May I ask what brings you here?”

Nong Anbang had heard that Nong Siji had been introduced to the emperor through Duke Jing’s Heir Apparent and was expecting cold words from him. But up close, he saw the Duke’s Heir Apparent with eyes bright as crystal, skin luminous and smooth, his bearing elegant. He couldn’t help but feel a hidden resentment that such a person had been befriended by Nong Siji first.

However, Xu Chun returned the greeting with a smile, graceful and polite, not meeting his expectations with harsh words, even addressing him respectfully as “Little Prince.” Nong Anbang was momentarily taken aback, then took a closer look at Xu Chun’s silk robe, and noticed not a single wrinkle. His embroidered shoes were virtually spotless, and his waistband was meticulously tied with a new, fashionable knot, clearly indicating that a servant had carefully matched the colors for him.

This pampered heir probably struggled to untie the complex sash of his clothes himself. The quality of his jade pendants and accessories, the faint scent of dragon spittle incense wafting from his inner azure garments as he bowed, all spoke of understated luxury and pampering. He must have enjoyed exquisite food and fine cuisine, traveling in high carriages and resting on soft cushions, completely different from the crude Nong Siji. A glimmer of hope suddenly arose in his heart.

He bowed deeply again. “I heard that my brother was recommended by your Highness and thus had the opportunity to meet the emperor. Now, he has established significant military achievements. Our Yizhou is thrilled, and my father wishes to come to the capital to thank the emperor personally. But due to his advanced age and frail health, the journey to the capital is too far, so he sent me to express our gratitude. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to see the emperor yet. I wonder if Your Highness can introduce me?”

Xu Chun replied, “Little Prince, you’re flattering us. Your brother truly possesses military talent and a patriotic heart. With the nation at war, he stepped forward, and naturally, the emperor met him personally to commend him. It wasn’t my doing; I’m just the commissioner of the Tianhai Maritime Customs, responsible for introducing envoys from vassal states.”

Nong Anbang saw how eloquently Xu Chun spoke, and realized that such a politically astute person was beyond his foolish brother’s capability to befriend. It was merely luck, after all. This person was lively and spirited, and he had heard about his extensive social network. He should befriend him. He hurriedly smiled, “Your Highness is too modest. Today, my brother was playing polo here. I heard the emperor also came, so I planned to ask Marquis Wuying to intercede for me to see the emperor and thank him personally. Unfortunately, Marquis Wuying was too busy and didn’t see me. But now, meeting Your Highness is great too. I wonder if Your Highness would grace me with your presence? I’ve prepared a banquet at the Clear Moon Tower. Would you honor me with a chat?”

Xu Chun smiled, “Considering my brother’s face, I shouldn’t refuse, but I have an appointment tonight. Soon, I’ll be going to Tianhai again. My return to the capital was merely to present captives. I cannot chat with Little Prince, what a pity! But seeing Little Prince’s sincerity, I’ll give you a bit of advice. Take it as you will; if you don’t believe me, consider it a joke. The current emperor selects people based on their abilities and virtues, practical governance above all. As long as Little Prince can relieve the emperor’s worries, the emperor will surely see you. If you merely bring lychees and local products, how is that different from other envoys from vassal kings? Why would the emperor need to see you?”

Nong Anbang was moved. From south to north, transporting lychees was difficult, so he hadn’t publicized his delivery of lychees to the palace, fearing that if other powerful nobles knew, they might demand some and he wouldn’t be able to provide, offending them. How did this person find out?

He hurried forward and bowed deeply, filled with sincerity and respect. “Please, Your Highness, guide me! How can I relieve the emperor’s worries and have the honor of seeing his face?”

Xu Chun smiled, “Your brother’s talent lies in commanding troops and using force. But now that the borders are peaceful, what does the emperor need? As the saying goes: in troubled times, use force; in stable times, favor literature. I see you’re a smart person, no need for me to elaborate… Yizhou is a very important place in the South Seas. My maternal grandfather is a sea merchant, and he often mentions that trade in the South Seas often involves trading in Yizhou. Moreover, Yizhou’s navy is strong, protecting merchants, ensuring safety. It’s a shame the court doesn’t have a port there, which makes exports less convenient.”

He smiled, bid farewell, and took out his pocket watch to check the time, remembering Ninth Brother. He hurried inside.

Nong Anbang didn’t fully understand his meaning, but looking at Xu Chun’s mischievous smile, he wanted to ask further about what this prince could do to relieve the emperor’s worries and gain the emperor’s attention, rather than just supporting Nong Siji. He took a few steps forward to speak, but was stopped by several guards. He watched dejectedly as Xu Chun walked gracefully, his steps light, turning onto the mountain path and disappearing behind the flowers.

He stood there feeling melancholy, hating himself for not coming earlier to the capital to befriend such a wonderful person. Nong Siji had left Yizhou like a beaten dog, but unexpectedly, he was able to serve as a general in the imperial court under the name of the Guangyuan Prince’s heir, even establishing military merit and winning battles.

At first, his father was furious, considering him a traitor for daring to act on his own without his father’s consent and serving the imperial court. He had already ordered that his title as heir be revoked.

But when news came that the Guangyuan Prince’s heir was leading the navy against the pirates in the East Sea, there were ministers who privately advised his father to bear with it.

Nong Siji was straightforward and impetuous, and in recent years, he had added a layer of depth and coldness. Now, with the imperial army at his command, if he learned he had been stripped of his title, he might turn around in anger and lead his troops southward to Yizhou, giving the imperial court an excuse to annex Yizhou.

Moreover, who knew if this wasn’t the court’s original intention? Was the expedition against the pirates for the sake of Silla merely a facade, while the real target was Yizhou and the South Seas? Otherwise, why would they dare let Nong Siji command the navy?

His father indeed changed his expression upon hearing this and finally swallowed his anger.

Afterwards, Nong Siji really did establish military merit, and the court issued rewards. There were also edicts and rewards for Yizhou and his father, and they were bestowed with the imperial plaque. After that, his father never mentioned revoking the heir’s title again. When his mother approached his father about it, his father said they couldn’t give the imperial court an excuse to attack Yizhou. Having just won a major victory against the pirates, if they took advantage of the situation to annex Yizhou, what would happen?

He felt a deep resentment. Although his maternal uncle wielded considerable power, there was nothing they could do. They could only send him to the capital with advisors and valuable gifts to see if there was a chance to sow discord between Nong Siji and the court and seek support.

The emperor only valued those who were useful?

That was true. The emperor wanted to fight the pirates, and Nong Siji, with his experience in naval warfare and familiarity with the southeastern seas, was indeed useful at the time. But now that the sea borders were clear, did he have a chance? His talents…

He felt uncertain. His literary talent could only be appreciated in Yizhou, and there, with the help of his maternal uncle, his studies were assisted by scholars, and compared to the foolish Nong Siji, he naturally appeared more talented in literature. But coming to the capital, every person here was a scholar, well-versed in classics, speaking eloquently and quoting ancient texts. He held several literary gatherings, and everyone could recite poetry on the spot, leaving him almost speechless.

Literary talent…that definitely wouldn’t work. He mentioned commercial ports…could this be the court’s intention?

He thought about it and returned to the embassy, discussing today’s events with his advisor. The advisor asked, “Stable times value literature? Is Prince Xu particularly outstanding in literary talent?”

Nong Anbang shook his head, “I think he’s quite young, only in his early twenties. He’s from a noble family and received a hereditary title, not known for particularly outstanding literary talent. But at such a young age, he became the commissioner of the maritime customs and commands the Tianhai Navy. It’s said he should be granted a marquisate soon. Moreover, he knew we delivered lychees to the palace just a few days ago. Yesterday was the tribute presentation ceremony, and he had just arrived in the capital. His well-informed nature isn’t to be underestimated.”

The advisor thought for a moment, “Although he’s a noble, he hasn’t shown exceptional prowess in martial arts or commanding troops. Of course, with our crown prince in front and Marquis Wuying around, it’s normal that he can’t stand out. But since he serves as the commissioner of the maritime customs, and considering what we’ve learned about his mother’s family being merchants, perhaps his talent lies in economics.”

Nong Anbang’s eyes lit up, “Isn’t that similar to me?”

The advisor coughed lightly, “Second Prince, the scale of Yizhou is smaller compared to the imperial court…”

Nong Anbang wasn’t angry, “I know. I relied on my father’s power to operate, naturally making huge profits. Coming to the capital, I realized that before, my vision was short-sighted. I only saw Yizhou, not the vastness of the world. Nong Siji had our people around him and was guided by a wise man to seek opportunities in the capital. By coincidence, the situation favored him, allowing him to rise from the ashes. But…”

He remembered the young commissioner’s handsome and refined appearance and the lingering smile from earlier, sighing, “Prince Xu is right. In troubled times, force is used. Now that the sea borders are clear, Nong Siji’s importance is limited to this one time. He’s an outsider, how could the court sincerely use him? What use could he have later? Once the matter fades, can he remain in the court and guard the borders for the court forever? When the emperor forgets him, that’s our chance.”

“Prince Xu is right. The emperor has cleared the sea borders and likely plans to set up ports along the coast to promote maritime trade and collect taxes to enrich the treasury. Speaking of maritime trade, our Guangyuan Principality is also knowledgeable. We can respond to the court’s call, establish a port, and open a maritime market. Isn’t that my opportunity?”

Seeing his ambitious spirit, the advisor was somewhat worried, “But this way, the court’s control over Yizhou will deepen… I fear the king won’t be pleased.”

Nong Anbang laughed coldly, “Now, Father favors me and dislikes Nong Siji, so what? He didn’t dare to depose him, did he? If things continue like this, what chance do I have? When the court gives Nong Siji a powerful marriage… or even a princess consort, it’s highly possible.”

“You didn’t see how the emperor controlled the Pingnan Principality? A princess married the Pingnan Prince’s heir, and the Pingnan Prince was suspicious, otherwise the princess would not have remained childless for so many years. The emperor was extremely clever, directly promoting the Pingnan Prince’s second son to the position of commander of the imperial guards, ultimately weakening the principality and compensating the Pingnan Prince’s heir with the title of Marquis Wuying.”

“Marquis Wuying can’t continue like this, otherwise his younger brother will soon surpass him with the help of the court. He can only let the princess bear the legitimate eldest son. Then the emperor readily let him regain military authority, the governor of Zhejiang and Fujian, controlling half of the southeast. The emperor is truly generous.”

Nong Anbang quickly paced back and forth, his heart pounding, his face flushed with excitement. “How could I not realize, two brothers, both powerful princely kings, this is the same! Indeed, the emperor’s strategy of balance, high, indeed high! Everyone says the current emperor is profound and cunning, unmatched in strategy even by the regent prince. Indeed!”

“If they really grant Nong Siji a princess consort and he bears a legitimate eldest son, what chance do I have then? Regardless of whether Father likes him or not, he can only endure it. No matter how much Father likes me, what does it matter? I see clearly now, only having power and influence in hand provides an opportunity.”

“Being loved by Father isn’t a skill, making Father wary is a skill.”

“Write to Uncle, I want to open a commercial port in Yizhou for the convenience of the court. Please have Uncle persuade Father for me. Also, I plan to seek marriage with a royal lady. Find out which royal ladies are of suitable age for me.”

Seeing the logic in his words, the advisor could only agree.

==

Xu Chun didn’t know that a casual remark from him had excited Nong Anbang so much. He hurried back to the Wuxiang Tower, thinking about Ninth Brother waiting for him.

Upon entering, he saw Xie Yi intently focusing, brush in hand, carefully detailing the sketch he hastily made earlier. The dining table next to him had dishes laid out, looking somewhat cold, suggesting he had waited for a long time. Feeling guilty, Xu Chun rushed over, “Ninth Brother finished painting for me?”

At a glance, he saw that the figures he drew earlier were now colored and detailed. He could recognize everyone on the field at a glance—Fang Zixing, Nong Siji, He Zhiqiu, as well as princes Xie Li and Xie Xiao, and the nineteen-year-old top scholar Zhuang Zhizhan. Each person had a distinct pose, facial features vivid, personalities unique. Even the horses were depicted as if galloping, the entire paper filled with magnificent men and horses, as if bursting out of the paper.

Next to them, many more people were added under the viewing pavilion, two standing out. One had slender brows and beautiful eyes, standing with hands clasped, an arrogant expression—it was Fang Zijing. The other pointed to the field, laughing and talking, a mischievous expression—it was clearly him.

His face reddened. Seeing Xie Yi carefully drawing the details of the dragon-shaped pendant on his waist, the lines of his clothing clear, he chuckled, “Ninth Brother is biased. You drew everyone else with just a few strokes, but only drew me in detail. Oh, in Ninth Brother’s eyes, I’m this good-looking. Did Ninth Brother watch me from upstairs all this time?”

Xie Yi slowly finished the last stroke, placed the brush back on the rack, and glanced at him with a smile, “Knowing I was watching you, you still talked for so long?”

Xu Chun grinned and leaned against him, admiring the polo painting. “It was all trivial matters. Everyone wants to do business with me.” He recounted everything that Xie Li and Nong Anbang told him earlier, laughing, “I was worried about money, but now they’ve come to me themselves, wanting to take advantage of me. I’ll borrow Ninth Brother’s influence to make some interest.”

He laughed with his eyes curved like a proud cat catching a mouse, proudly seeking credit from Xie Yi, “Is Ninth Brother impressed with me?”

Xie Yi said, “Mmm, since you’re borrowing my influence, I should have some benefits too.” He took a seal and stamped it onto the painting, signed his name, put down the brush, and led Xu Chun’s hand to the dining table. They ate together, the meal indeed carefully prepared. Xu Chun had long forgotten yesterday’s unease and unhappiness.

He was naturally an optimistic person, focused on the present, and knowing that Ninth Brother’s arrangements today were meant to make him happy, he wouldn’t spoil the mood. After their meal, they strolled along the mountain path, enjoying the scenery. The sunset was golden, the sky awash with red clouds. They walked shoulder to shoulder, slowly returning to the Su Yu Palace. That night, they shared intimate moments, sleeping under the same covers.

Xie Yi personally taught him a lesson, thoroughly collecting interest. When Xu Chun was teary-eyed and trying to refuse, Xie Yi merely took out a handkerchief and brought up the topic from earlier, “Didn’t you say you would give me all your accumulated wealth? Is this little bit all you’ve accumulated in your life?”

Xu Chun was red-faced and tearful, “Ninth Brother, you said to preserve oneself.”

Xie Yi said, “My dear, you made a promise. I see that you’re in the prime of youth, and accumulating too much isn’t good for your body. You should properly relieve yourself.”