Chapter 187 – Afternoon Rest

The palace was basking in the spring beauty, with blossoms and orioles singing amidst lush new grass. The feast was held beside the Water Pavilion garden, with pavilions and terraces meticulously decorated, which was an enchanting sight to behold.

Xie Yi merely had a couple of sips during the banquet, excusing himself soon after. Seeing that the emperor had left, the officials relaxed, enjoying their rare leisure. The literati from the Hanlin Academy couldn’t wait to compose poetry inspired by the splendid spring scenery.

Fang Zijing lost sight of Xu Chun in the blink of an eye, knowing he must have rushed to accompany the emperor once again. He rolled his eyes inwardly. There was nothing he could do but find Sheng Changtian to relay some matters.

Sheng Changtian agreed without hesitation, clearly aware of where his cousin had gone. Observing his discretion and the manner in which he handled affairs, Fang Zijing found him admirable. He then instructed Sheng Changtian on the inadequacies of today’s guard arrangements and how they should be improved tomorrow.

Unbeknownst to Sheng Changtian, and unfavorably compared to his vexing cousin, he had now caught Fang Zijing’s attention, even though he was previously considered the least promising by his grandfather. He listened earnestly to the guidance, much to Fang Zijing’s satisfaction. After a few more instructions, Fang Zijing sighed, “You’re much more obedient than that little brat Xu Chun. Xu Chun just doesn’t listen; sooner or later, he’ll cause trouble.”

Sheng Changtian: “…” His cousin was as sweet-talking and submissive as honey in front of Duke Wuying. How was he disobedient? What was wrong with Duke Wuying to suddenly start complaining?

A man nearby laughed, “With a brother as outstanding as Commander Fang, how can anyone else meet your eyes?”

Fang Zijing glanced over and saw a scholar from the Hanlin Academy, handsome with a face like jade, adorned with flowers. Not recognizing him, he rolled his eyes and walked away.

The dashing scholar didn’t expect Fang Zijing to be so dismissive. Feeling slightly awkward, he smiled and turned to Sheng Changtian, saying, “It seems Duke Wuying is quite busy. This young general has gained Duke Wuying’s favor and tutelage, surely an outstanding hero. I am Bao Sijin, an attendant scholar at the Hanlin Academy. May I ask your name, sir?”

Sheng Changtian returned the greeting, “Greetings, Scholar Bao. I am Sheng Changtian, the commander of the naval camp at Jinhaiwei.”

Bao Sijin asked, startled, “There’s a director at the Ministry of Revenue named Sheng Changyun…”

Sheng Changtian replied, “He is my elder brother.”

Bao Sijin hurriedly smiled, “My apologies, I’ve heard of you. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Sheng Changtian knew from his smile that it was insincere. He thought to himself, indeed, Duke Wuying was perceptive, turning away without bothering to socialize. It seemed not worth the effort after all. After a few courteous exchanges, he said, “I have official duties to attend to. I’ll take my leave.”

They bowed to each other and parted ways. As Bao Sijin watched Sheng Changtian leave, he turned back to the Fragrant Reading Pavilion. The scholars accompanying the emperor from the Hanlin Academy were gathered there, composing poetry and writing calligraphy. Seeing him return, they laughed, “We saw you trying to approach Duke Wuying from afar. You certainly got a cold shoulder, didn’t you? Duke Wuying never socializes with others, let alone a civil official like you.”

Bao Sijin feigned embarrassment, “I just happened to pass by. I saw him instructing a young general and casually joined the conversation.”

Zhuang Zhizhan said, “That must be a military officer protecting the emperor. Duke Wuying has been in command for years, high in rank and power. His younger brother is also the chief commander of the imperial guards. Which of the generals here wouldn’t respectfully listen to his advice? Today, I saw Lord Linhai also showing great respect towards him.”

Bao Sijin said, “Scholar Zhuang is correct. That’s Sheng Changtian, the commander of the naval camp, and he’s brothers with Director Sheng Changyun at the Ministry of Revenue. They must have gotten their positions through Lord Linhai’s connections. No wonder Duke Wuying scolded Lord Linhai in front of him without any argument from Sheng Changtian.”

He Zhiqiu and Fan Mukun, who were playing chess on the side, looked up at him. Fan Mukun asked, “Duke Wuying scolded Lord Linhai?”

Bao Sijin, surprised that Fan Mukun, who usually kept to himself, was asking him, said with delight, “I didn’t hear the full conversation. All I heard was Duke Wuying calling out Lord Linhai’s name with anger, saying he was disobedient and would sooner or later cause a disaster. It seems Lord Linhai did something against Duke Wuying’s wishes. Sheng Changtian remained submissive and didn’t dare say anything.”

He Zhiqiu couldn’t help but laugh. Bao Sijin sensed the ridicule in his laughter and felt embarrassed, asking, “Does Undersecretary He have any advice?”

He Zhiqiu didn’t embarrass him, smiling to himself, “Lord Linhai is indeed stubborn and defiant, otherwise, he wouldn’t have established such a vast territory at Jinhaiwei. When he wanted to issue bonds, the cabinet opposed it entirely. The court explicitly told him to act according to his own judgment and bear responsibility for his actions. He truly didn’t ask the court for a single silver coin, starting from scratch. Now, even the emperor wants to bring us along to see it, probably planning to implement it in various states and prefectures.”

Zhuang Zhizhan looked at He Zhiqiu and said with a slight raise of his head, “Undersecretary He is always mindful of the emperor’s intentions. But regarding the various measures taken by Jinhaiwei, when the ministers discuss them, they say they are too radical, with significant risks and unstable public sentiment. Why is Undersecretary He so certain that the emperor intends to promote it in the states and prefectures?”

He Zhiqiu glanced at Fan Mukun, who had been silent, and smiled, “Gentlemen, look at the officials accompanying the emperor this time. Besides the trusted ministers from the six departments, almost all the young scholars from the Hanlin Academy are present. Additionally, there are capable officials like Zhao Yu, known for their abilities. Can’t you understand the emperor’s intentions?”

Zhuang Zhizhan pondered in silence. The other young scholars also reflected on the matter. One laughed, “I’ve always heard that the emperor prefers young officials and values appearances. He goes on tours, and the ministers chosen to accompany him are mostly in their prime, able to endure long journeys. They can also recite poetry and tour with the emperor, presenting a dignified image to local officials. Now, hearing Undersecretary He’s explanation, it seems the emperor has deeper intentions and high hopes for us young officials?”

He Zhiqiu said, “The emperor doesn’t prefer young officials; he prefers capable officials who aren’t bound by conventions and are diligent and loyal. It just happens that many of these officials are young. You gentlemen achieved high ranks in the imperial examinations, naturally thinking outside the box. Lord Linhai’s methods may be radical, but what the emperor values is his pioneering spirit and his unwavering loyalty to the emperor and the country, regardless of personal gain.”

Zhuang Zhizhan chuckled, “Undersecretary He speaks highly of Lord Linhai – but Lord Linhai is known for his extravagance in the capital. The welcoming ceremony prepared by Lord Linhai was dismissed by the emperor before he even disembarked, perhaps indicating he doesn’t appreciate such ostentation.”

“His Majesty is frugal and solemn. Although he likes using capable officials, he often emphasizes prudence and doesn’t favor those who are reckless, greedy for merit, or extravagant. He frequently reprimands frivolous ministers in court. Even Undersecretary He is diligent and cautious, isn’t he?”

He Zhiqiu slowly fanned himself and smiled, “Sir Zhuang, you asked for my opinion, so I’m just guessing. Whether it’s true or not, how dare I presume to know the emperor’s intentions? We’re just expressing our own views.”

Someone said, “Pioneering spirit is there, but selflessness for the emperor and the country is debatable. I heard he made a lot of money from Jinhaiwei’s port. His maternal family, the Sheng family, who are maritime merchants, profited greatly due to his influence. His three sons rose through nepotism.”

Fan Mukun suddenly said sternly, “Gentlemen, be careful with your words. Those are well-documented military achievements. The merits were discussed by the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War, and the rewards were granted by the court. His Majesty is wise, always rewarding and punishing appropriately. Has he ever appointed officials based on his personal likes and dislikes? Furthermore, last year, a censor accused Lord Linhai of corruption. Li Meiyi personally came to investigate. Sir Li is known for his integrity and ferocity, detesting evil like thunder striking. After thorough investigation, he proved Lord Linhai’s innocence and integrity, not a hint of corruption. If he had found any wrongdoing, would Sir Li have colluded with him? Do not speak ill of others behind their backs or denigrate meritorious officials. This is highly inappropriate!”

Everyone fell silent for a moment.

He Zhiqiu stood up, smiling, and said to Fan Mukun, “I’ve been sitting here for too long, feeling rather drowsy. Let’s go for a walk to clear our minds.”

They left together, side by side.

After watching them walk away, one of the young scholars from the Hanlin Academy, who had been criticized earlier, said, “He spoke so righteously, but Li Meiyi and Lord Linhai have a grudge, that’s true. But Li Meiyi is just a censor, not proficient in economics. He might not have been able to match Lord Linhai’s business acumen in calculating the accounts. Perhaps he was deceived. There are plenty of private discussions about this in the court and the public, why focus only on our few words?”

An older scholar from the Hanlin Academy laughed, “I’ve heard rumors that Undersecretary He was poor and received financial support from Lord Linhai before passing the imperial examination. He himself isn’t particularly evasive about this past event.”

“Is that true?” Everyone discussed, “No wonder. It turns out there’s a debt of gratitude, making it difficult for him to be accused of ingratitude. How could he establish himself in court otherwise?”

“But why did Sir Fan, who usually keeps quiet, speak up for Lord Linhai?”

Zhuang Zhizhan smiled, “You spoke out of turn first, mentioning nepotism. You forgot that the Fan family is related to the Empress Dowager. Although they have declined, the emperor still remembers this connection and heavily relies on Sir Fan, not only granting him the title of third place in the imperial examination but also sending him out of the capital to gain experience for a few years. With an impressive resume, he was recalled. You mentioned nepotism, wasn’t that like cursing a monk in front of a bald man?”

Everyone suddenly understood, covering their mouths and laughing.

Another person said, “But Undersecretary He, despite being an undersecretary, has been handling most of the cases at the Ministry of Justice since the minister has been ill for a long time. He is usually good at understanding the emperor’s intentions, and what he said makes sense.”

Zhuang Zhizhan said, “We’ll see how Jinhaiwei’s endeavors are doing this afternoon when we visit the school. I heard that because it’s not the orthodox path to the imperial examinations, they can’t attract proper scholars. Most students are children of military households and artisans, so they have to start teaching them how to read. Therefore, they can’t compete academically with female students. However, the virtue lies in the large number of people involved and their usefulness, which is a commendable virtue in educating the people.”

Someone shook his head, “They’ve resorted to admitting female students due to a lack of students. Even if they are useful, their impact is limited. Instead, they bear the blame for disrupting the natural order and harming social morals. Why bother? If the emperor really intends to promote it in the states and prefectures, none of the states and prefectures have Lord Linhai’s authority. Who could withstand it?”

Zhuang Zhizhan said, “Undersecretary He said that what the emperor values is loyalty, bravery, diligence, and the courage to be the first in the world. Just based on the audacious move of admitting female students, we are indeed inferior.”

Everyone laughed again, saying, “Scholar Zhuang is absolutely right.” “Indeed, we dare not challenge him.” “Let him lead the way. We don’t have the courage to bear the burden.”

“The emperor didn’t eat much at the banquet today, clearly finding it excessively lavish and wasteful. The food served for the reception included many expensive southern delicacies. Today, I saw plenty of bear paws, abalone, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and other delicacies. It’s truly extravagant. Some dishes I didn’t even recognize.”

“Speaking of which, Li Meiyi’s enmity with Lord Linhai started because Li Meiyi publicly rebuked Lord Linhai for his overly luxurious banquets, right?”

“Is that true?”

“I heard that during the daytime painting appreciation, he even found it insufficiently bright and lit candles.”

The group began discussing animatedly.

However, the disturbances outside couldn’t reach the inner chambers of the palace. The guards, eunuchs, and palace maids inside were all silent, maintaining tranquility.

The wind stirred the curtains, allowing the spring greenery to permeate the green window screens.

Xu Chun lay on the bed wearing only silk trousers. Rose oil had just been applied to his back to stimulate blood circulation, warming his entire body. His eyelids were heavy, and he barely moved his fingers, wanting to pull the blanket close at hand to cover himself. But he couldn’t resist the overwhelming sleepiness and fell into a sweet slumber.

Xie Yi washed the rose oil off his hands in a golden basin with soap, dried them with a towel, and noticed that Xu Chun had stopped talking. Turning around, he saw that he had fallen asleep. The gossamer-thin silk robe shimmered with pearl-like luster under the bright spring light. The oiled skin was enveloped in a silken glow, gleaming like precious pearls, exuding smoothness and allure.

The young body was so beautiful. Simply admiring it seemed to waste the spring scenery. Xie Yi recalled that he hadn’t fully enjoyed himself last night and felt a slight stirring of desire. However, he had to visit the school in the afternoon. He reached out and pulled the thin silk quilt over Xu Chun’s waist and back.

Seeing how Xu Chun struggled last night, he couldn’t straighten his back when riding his horse this morning. During the banquet, he drank some mutton soup and began sitting there with a vacant gaze, barely able to keep his eyes open. Shen Mengzhen was oblivious and kept talking to him. He answered with short replies, obviously lost in thought, occasionally rubbing his eyes, clearly exhausted.

He simply excused himself from the banquet and ordered someone to call Xu Chun over, claiming he would rub some oil on him to relieve the soreness in his waist and legs. Indeed, Xu Chun was chattering about trivial matters earlier, mentioning Sheng Changtian waiting for Miss Helan, how the court should send troops to escort goods, how Fang Zixing treated Fang Zijing like a child, and how an older brother was like a father. He asked about Fan Mukun returning to the capital… He rambled on for a while until his voice grew softer. Sure enough, once he stopped talking, he immediately fell into a deep sleep.

Xie Yi gently touched the youth’s overly rosy lips with his finger, afraid of waking him up. Sitting here for too long, even a gentleman couldn’t maintain propriety. He stood up and ordered the eunuchs to draw the curtains, blocking out the bright spring light from outside. Then, he left the room.

Su Hua hurriedly offered him a bowl of soup, “This is the fish soup specially prepared by the small kitchen for Your Majesty, much more carefully stewed than the one at the banquet. Since you’re going to visit the school this afternoon, why not have a sip and rest for a bit?”

Xie Yi said, “No need. Did you bring his clothes? Change him into another set later. His current clothes are stained with rose oil, greasy and dirty. Given his temperament, he definitely won’t wear them again. If you didn’t bring any, he can wear mine.”

Su Hua hurriedly smiled, “How could I not bring them? The spring clothes that Your Majesty had newly tailored a few days ago are all made from the best materials tributed by Jiangnan, including some Western fabrics. After careful selection and tailoring, they include shoes, socks, hats, and belts, as well as gold and jade sachets to wear. I’ll arrange for them right away. By the way, it seems that the marquis has grown taller today. Fortunately, I had them leave some room for adjustments.”

Xie Yi nodded slightly, proud and satisfied with Su Hua’s arrangement, “Don’t disturb him. Let him sleep well. He barely slept last night and seems very tired.”

Su Hua whispered, “Your Majesty should also rest.”

Xie Yi slowly drank some fish soup, “It’s fine. I slept a lot on the ship out of boredom. Unlike him, who was busy preparing for the reception and strategizing about the foreign trade ports and was mentally and physically exhausted, and insisted on traveling at night. He clearly looks very tired. I also heard Donghai say that he doesn’t follow a regular schedule for eating and sleeping. Someone needs to manage him on this aspect. He’s lawless and no one can control him.”

Su Hua secretly laughed, “After this inspection, with his remarkable achievements, he should be promoted. The marquis is more obedient when he’s in the capital, under the watchful eyes of the emperor.”

Xie Yi smiled slightly, “He’s just sweet-talking, making people reluctant to discipline him strictly.”