Chapter 193 – Tempting the Monarch

When Princess Chunhe, Xie Tan, was led in by the guards, her heart was pounding with trepidation. She walked in with her maidservant, only to run into Lord Linhai sending off Minister Shen. Seeing her, he was taken aback.

Xie Tan hadn’t expected there to be an outsider present. Her face flushed red, and she hurriedly curtsied slightly, greeting him, “Greetings, Lord Linhai, greetings, Minister Shen.”

Shen Mengzhen noticed the two female students wearing blue school uniforms but didn’t think much of it, assuming they must have come to Xu Chun for some matter. He simply told Xu Chun, “I’ll take my leave first. You needn’t see me out; get on with your business. Judging by the sky, His Majesty will soon return to the palace. You should rest early since we have to head to the army camp tomorrow.”

Xu Chun could only order someone to escort Shen Mengzhen away. Then, he dared not invite Xie Tan into the room but instead asked, “Which academy do you girls belong to?”

Xie Tan was startled. Hadn’t the guard who came in earlier sought permission from Lord Linhai before letting them through? But at that moment, she didn’t dwell on it, merely curtseying again. “My lord, I am Princess Chunhe, Xie Tan. My father is Prince Keqin.”

Princess? Xu Chun looked thoroughly confused. He turned to Chunxi, who stood at a distance, and could only return the courtesy while asking, “Greetings, Princess Chunhe. Did the princess come here to see this lord about something?”

Xie Tan replied, “My lord, I heard that you’re still unmarried, so I’ve come forward to recommend myself. I wonder if my lord is interested?”

Xu Chun: “…” He blurted out, “Why? This is the first time I’m meeting you today!” After finishing, he suddenly realized that arranged marriages were quite common.

Xie Tan, however, said, “My younger brother, Xie Xiao, has always admired Lord Linhai’s noble conduct and actions. He just never had the chance to make your acquaintance. He’s righteous and skilled in martial arts. In the past two years, he has been praised several times by His Majesty during archery lessons. If my lord sees him, you would surely like him too.”

Xu Chun: “…” What did this have to do with him?

He cautiously asked, “Did the princess come here today regarding your brother?” He wanted to ignore the shocking statement about self-recommendation she had made earlier.

Xie Tan explained, “I heard that Lord Xu has close ties with Xie Li. My lord must have your own plans and ambitions. Xie Li is shallow and frivolous. His Majesty has criticized his unstable behavior multiple times. Why doesn’t my lord consider investing in my younger brother, Xie Xiao? He is loyal, steady, young, yet ambitious… My father is gravely ill and doesn’t have much time left. My sister and I wish to seek shelter under my lord’s protection. If I am fortunate enough to become Lady Xu, I will be a virtuous wife and will never interfere with any of my lord’s decisions. The dowry prepared by my father and mother can also be entirely managed by my lord.”

Xu Chun: “…” He understood what she was getting at. She was suggesting that if he wanted to invest in the crown prince, he should choose her brother instead. Prince Keqin probably didn’t have long to live, and this woman wanted to find a protector for her brother.

Xie Tan had prepared many drafts in her mind beforehand, but due to her youth and the limited time, her words now became jumbled and incoherent. Her face burned like the evening sky. She knew that Lord Linhai was her brother’s last hope, and only with his assistance could her brother have a chance…

Xu Chun glanced at the sky and waved to stop Xie Tan from speaking further. Instead, he said gently, “Princess, my relationship with Xie Li is merely a financial cooperation on some bonds. There’s no other connection. Fraternizing with the imperial family is a major taboo for military officers. I understand that the princess is worried about your brother, but using your own marriage to pave the way for him isn’t wise. And your brother might not appreciate your sacrifice. He will marry and have children. How much power can a sister wield in his hands? Power held by others will never truly belong to you.”

Seeing the blue robe Xie Tan wore, he spoke meaningfully, “Since the princess has already enrolled in the Academy of Ten Thousand Nations, haven’t you seen other paths ahead?”

Xie Tan was speechless.

Xu Chun continued, “Princess, rest assured. What happened today is known only by you and me. I won’t reveal it to anyone else. Please go back, princess. The choice of consort for a prince should be someone who cherishes the princess and loves her for life.”

He sternly looked at Chunxi. “Escort the princess out and arrange for two guards to send her back to the women’s dormitory. Additionally, you and Dinghai should each receive ten strokes of the military cane for failing to guard the entrance properly.”

Chunxi bowed her head, not daring to raise it. Seeing Xu Chun’s smile disappear and his face turn cold, Xie Tan didn’t dare to speak either. Her face was flushed red as she softly said, “My lord, please forgive me. I’ll take my leave.”

She hurriedly followed Chunxi out, her back betraying her haste and embarrassment.

Xu Chun was already seething with anger. He strode out, ready to continue questioning Dinghai about why no one had reported Princess Chunhe’s arrival. However, he caught sight of Xie Yi standing under the crabapple tree, smiling at him.

Xu Chun: “…” His anger instantly dissipated as he took a few steps forward. “Brother Nine, how did you come here?”

Realizing that Xie Yi might have seen the scene earlier, his face heated up again. “Brother Nine… Why did you let Princess Chunhe in for no reason…”

Xie Yi laughed. “It was I who ordered Chunxi and Dinghai to let her through. Don’t blame them. Xie Xiao has indeed been outstanding in recent years. With Prince Keqin’s grave illness, I thought Princess Chunhe wanted to ask you to send a doctor.”

Xu Chun replied, “Why would she need to ask me to send a doctor? There are plenty of doctors available every day at the Pear Blossom Clinic. As a princess, she could have easily mentioned it to Mrs. Shen and asked Guan Wanwan for a favor. Failing that, Donghai is around, and Doctor Zhou Biao is also here.”

Xu Chun rattled off a list of options, but seeing Xie Yi only smiling, his thoughts suddenly turned. Brother Nine was just making excuses. Was he feeling jealous? Brother Nine would never admit it… Xu Chun chuckled. He couldn’t bear to see Brother Nine unhappy, so he pulled Xie Yi’s hand. “Brother Nine, come sit over here, out of the wind. It’s getting chilly in the evening.”

Xie Yi said, “I came over to comfort you. Don’t be angry. The scholars of the Imperial College are following the orthodox path of the imperial examination system, so naturally, they can see that your new-style school is thriving and training talents at a much faster rate than the triennial imperial examinations. In the long run, the imperial examinations will become obsolete. Now that I’ve made such a grand tour and expressed my support for the new-style school, they naturally oppose it.”

Feeling wronged, Xu Chun said, “I have no grudges with Zhuang Zhan. I treat the literati officials respectfully and courteously. How could he make such malicious speculations? The students admitted to the school may not be well-versed in classics and law, but they are literate and can count, and are not completely ignorant. They can work in the army or factories. How could they become officials? Why are they so afraid?”

Xie Yi replied, “The school has only been running for three years, but it has already allowed so many people from commerce, industry, agriculture, and the military—people who were even illiterate before—to grasp the methods of manufacturing these powerful weapons. They now have the opportunity to meet the emperor, advance based on military merit or industry, and stand alongside those who have passed the imperial examination after great hardship. What do you think they fear? You haven’t realized that the willow you planted casually will grow into a mighty pillar.”

“For thousands of years, the interpretation of classics and the evaluation of poetry and literature have been firmly controlled by aristocratic families and the wealthy. To pursue a career in the imperial service, which academy to attend, which teacher to follow, and what kind of article to write to please the examiner—all these paths have been tightly controlled by them. From the lowest level of student to the highest imperial scholar, every step has been carefully screened to select the best candidates from millions of examinees to participate in the palace examination and become the emperor’s disciples. Even I, the emperor, am helpless and can only choose the top three scholars from among those selected by them.”

Xu Chun asked, “Brother He and Brother Zhang are both top scholars and second-ranked scholars in the imperial examination. Why didn’t they share the same concerns?”

Xie Yi replied, “Because they know my decision is firm. Going against the tide is futile.”

Xu Chun asked, “Then why did Zhuang Zhan defy the emperor’s will?”

Xie Yi explained, “Because only by doing so could he catch my attention—make me notice him. He wasn’t wrong. Once the people’s wisdom is awakened, scholars, workers, farmers, and merchants will all be dissatisfied with their positions. Using internal laws and external Confucianism to weaken and control the people is the art of kingship. When the royal authority weakens, civil strife arises, and when civil strife erupts, foreign troubles follow. But he didn’t see the threat of foreign warships and cannons looming on the horizon because he stands too low, like a frog in a well, unaware of the approaching enemy.”

Xu Chun fell into deep thought, no longer pressing for answers. Xie Yi smiled and held onto Xu Chun’s wrist. “Shall we return to the palace now? We’ll tell everyone you stayed at the academy and go back together in my carriage?”

Xu Chun felt Xie Yi’s fingers caressing his wrist. Normally, Xie Yi maintained strict self-discipline and kept himself aloof, but now he was as gentle as a spring breeze.

Xu Chun’s heart melted as if feathers were brushing against it. He clasped Xie Yi’s hand and grinned foolishly.

Su Huai had quietly retreated and brought in the carriage.

Soon, the dragon carriage arrived. Indeed, Xie Yi held Xu Chun’s hand and boarded the dragon carriage. It was Xu Chun’s first time riding in a dragon carriage. Sitting next to Xie Yi on the soft couch, he curiously looked around, reaching out to touch the golden dragons and auspicious flowers carved on the seats, then pinching the yellow silk cushions. Then he felt disappointed. “Is this it for the imperial carriage? I thought it would be more magnificent and luxurious.”

Xie Yi remarked, “It’s not as comfortable as your carriage, right?”

Xu Chun chuckled. “I know Brother Nine is frugal. The emperor’s jade chariot must be very luxurious. I’ve seen the previous dynasty’s ‘Illustrations of the Emperor’s Departure and Arrival.’ The emperor’s grand chariot was pulled by elephants, impressive and awe-inspiring!”

Xie Yi picked up a book to read, smiling. “Yes, keeping elephants is too expensive, and it’s not easy to build roads for them, so I won’t trouble you. If we really used elephants, it would be too difficult for you to welcome me.”

Xu Chun said, “I know Brother Nine specially came to see me from the capital.” To support me. His heart filled with sweetness as he leaned closer to Xie Yi and collapsed onto him. Xie Yi didn’t care if the exquisite silk brocade embroidered with dragons got wrinkled. He reached out to hold Xu Chun’s waist but felt the youth’s solid abdomen under the thin clothing. Unable to resist, he squeezed it again.

Xu Chun was rarely treated like this, and now his passion burned like fire. Knowing that Xie Yi was compensating him for the injustice he suffered today, the slight grievance vanished the moment he saw Brother Nine. However, how could he pass up an opportunity like this?

He kicked off his boots and straddled Xie Yi’s lap, kneeling on the short couch, facing him as they locked lips. Xie Yi didn’t expect him to be so bold, but since his hand was still supporting Xu Chun’s waist, he could only open his mouth and let Xu Chun take the lead, who was unyielding and relentless.

The dragon carriage was spacious, and the short couch was actually very comfortable, like a soft bed. Xu Chun pressed his entire body against the dragon’s body, pressing the dragon robes into wrinkles in a disrespectful manner. His kisses rained down like a storm as Xie Yi only intended to comfort Xu Chun but didn’t expect that the young man would ignite a wildfire with just a little provocation. Now, the other party was setting the fire, and he couldn’t help but feel that acting in the dragon carriage seemed inappropriate. However, he couldn’t bear to scold the other party since it was he who had indulged him first.

The sun was about to sink below the horizon, casting a soft and pale afterglow. Fang Zixing, dressed in a bright red robe adorned with qilin and clouds, rode his horse at the front. He waved his hand, signaling the imperial entourage to return to the palace.

Six white horses, adorned with coiled dragon jade decorations on their foreheads, galloped like dragons. The copper lotus petal wheels creaked as they turned, and the eight-jewel pearl curtains on both sides swayed. The golden copper bells rang crisply. On the sides of the wooden carriage boxes, golden lacquered embroidery depicted fierce creatures like qilin, celestial horses, auspicious elephants, phoenixes, and white cranes, poised and ready to pounce. Imperial guards, eunuchs, and palace attendants surrounded the carriage, their splendid clothes glowing like clouds and stars. Swords and halberds were like a dense forest, and golden dragon banners fluttered majestically.

The emperor’s departure was accompanied by a thousand mounted followers. The ministers climbed aboard their carriages and followed, forming a procession stretching for miles. Slowly, they made their way toward the palace.

The road was mountainous, causing the dragon carriage to jolt violently.

At some point, Xu Chun lay on the soft couch, one foot dangling by the edge, his toes brushing against the vibrant wool carpet as the carriage swayed. His arm was tightly grasped by Xie Yi and pressed into the soft mattress, restrained by the dragon scale arm ring.

Xu Chun felt that the carriage was too bumpy. While he was dealing with Xie Yi’s intense kisses, his brain turned into a mushy mess, confused.

He watched the curtains of the carriage window sway, the dimming rays of the last light flickering and occasionally shining in his eyes. This gave him the illusion that he could be discovered at any moment, causing his consciousness to fall into chaos. He thought about the many people outside, Fang Zixing riding his horse near the dragon carriage… as well as Mr. Shen and Marshal Wu Ying… Brothers He and Fan Mukun… They were Brother Nine’s trusted ministers, following behind the carriages.

Although they absolutely wouldn’t dare to peek into the carriage, the intermittent rays of light still made him feel a surge of nervousness. He clenched his teeth to avoid making a sound but was occasionally forced to open his lips by Xie Yi’s passionate kisses.

He should have felt ashamed, but instead, he became even more excited thinking about it. He sensed that Xie Yi was comforting him more passionately than ever before.

Time seemed to stretch endlessly. He wanted to return to the palace quickly but also worried about arriving too soon. Amidst the tangled thoughts in his mind, he pondered that the imperial etiquette Xie Yi had learned in the past would never allow such absurd and disorderly behavior.

He was defiling the holy emperor. Those young ministers of the Imperial College outside would never have imagined what their revered sovereign was doing inside the carriage. If they knew, they would surely condemn him, pinning upon him even more severe charges… branding him as a favorite minister who had tempted the monarch and caused harm to the country.

As this favored minister, he was indeed now enjoying the emperor’s favors.