Chapter 196 – Prince of Leisure

Upon returning to the palace, after the ministers had dispersed, Xie Yi was unable to have dinner with Xu Chun.

Xu Chun didn’t even take off his armor. He only told Xie Yi he was going to the harbor to prepare for tomorrow’s naval drill, and it would be too late if he went later.

Xie Yi knew how much importance he placed on this grand inspection, so he didn’t hold him back. Instead, he ordered Su Huaibei to pack some food for him, fearing that he wouldn’t eat properly when he returned.

But Xu Chun just stood there and smiled at Xie Yi. “There’s one more thing I need Your Majesty’s permission for.”

When Xie Yi heard him suddenly address him as ‘Your Majesty,’ he knew it was about state affairs. But he liked the radiant look on his face, the joy and mischief as he looked at him. Xie Yi asked with a smile, “Tell me.”

Xu Chun leaned in close and whispered something into Xie Yi’s ear.

Xie Yi laughed. “I grant your request.” But deep down, he knew that Xu Chun must have already arranged everything. However, since this involved the emperor’s health, he needed Xu Chun’s approval. This change was likely due to the bold declaration he had made in front of Shen Mengzhen the other day, as he wanted to regain face in front of the civil officials.

Xu Chun’s eyes curved into a smile, bright and filled with untamed wildness. “Then, Big Brother Jiu, I’ll be off now. Tomorrow, I’ll greet Your Majesty at the harbor. Big Brother Jiu, rest well tonight, don’t tire out the dragon body.”

Xie Yi couldn’t help but laugh at his words. He suppressed his laughter and said, “Go then, you’re actually reminding me. Be careful.”

Suddenly, he remembered something and asked, “You didn’t really punish Dading Xi and the others, did you? It was my fault; don’t blame them.”

Xu Chun replied, “No, but they’re very frightened. Big Brother Jiu, please don’t test me again next time.” He leaned in unexpectedly and suddenly bit Xie Yi’s earlobe before quickly saying, “Your subject takes his leave!”

Xie Yi’s smile hadn’t even faded from his lips when he felt a slight pain in his earlobe. Before he could scold him, he heard the sound of his sword hitting against the armor plates as he hurried away, the light and happy footsteps betraying a hint of guilt.

Xu Chun always managed to effortlessly make those around him happy. This was probably why he had been such a successful playboy in the past.

He could only take a handkerchief and wipe his ear, not taking it seriously. He’d repay this debt of offending the imperial body on the dragon bed another day. Looking at the sky, dinner was still early. He ordered Su Huaibei to summon He Zhiqiu and Fan Mucun to play chess with him.

He Zhiqiu and Fan Mucun were in the palace garden, just finishing up a poetry gathering with tea and sightseeing with the other scholars. Upon hearing that the emperor had summoned them, the scholars of the Imperial Academy all looked at them enviously.

Once the two men hurriedly straightened their clothes and followed the eunuch away, the scholars of the Imperial Academy started whispering amongst themselves. “This is the first time since leaving the capital that His Majesty has summoned a close minister to attend to him.”

“It’s said that the current emperor has a cold personality and prefers peace. A few years ago, it was said that his health wasn’t too good, causing great concern among the court. After all…” The lack of an heir was a sensitive topic, and the scholars dared not speak of it: “In recent years, he seems to be in better health. Today, during the grand inspection, he looked tall, mighty, and truly majestic.”

A few older scholars whispered, “Don’t think that just because the emperor is amiable now, it was easy serving beside him a few years ago. Tsk, who knows what kind of life we lived back then.”

Some new scholars hurriedly asked, “How so? Please enlighten us. We’ve always heard that the emperor ascended the throne at a young age, with great dignity and solemnity. Now, however, he seems quite affable towards his subordinates.”

The older scholar said, “The emperor used to be very serious and didn’t speak easily. He would think for a long time before speaking, each word worth a thousand gold pieces. He rarely raised his voice. Even when criticizing someone, he wouldn’t be harsh. He would slowly speak until the person was ashamed and couldn’t find a place to hide. Nowadays, he doesn’t criticize people as much, and his smiles have increased.”

All the young scholars were envious. “You still have the opportunity to serve as a scholar. Now, we can only write poems and compile books.”

“It’s already a great honor. We’re fortunate enough to serve our lord on tour and see the imperial countenance. It’s also a family honor.”

Zhuang Zhizhan suddenly laughed. “Opportunities do exist; it’s just that we aren’t ambitious enough.”

The scholars laughed. “Won’t the top scholar tell us?”

Zhuang Zhizhan said, “Today, everyone was painting or writing poetry, praising the emperor. Only He Shaoqing and Minister Fan wrote essays, one praising military prowess and the other advocating self-strengthening reforms. The emperor doesn’t like the artistry of words, only practical discourse. He Shaoqing and Minister Fan understand the emperor’s intentions deeply.”

All the scholars pondered this, and someone laughed. “I thought Zhuang Daren’s poem about the yellow crane soaring over the four seas was also exquisite, with extraordinary meaning. Before Minister Fan returned to the capital, His Majesty often summoned Zhuang Daren to play chess and draft edicts. Perhaps tomorrow, His Majesty will think of Zhuang Daren again.”

However, Zhuang Zhizhan heard the hidden provocation in these words and didn’t respond. He just smiled slightly. “Tomorrow, His Majesty will inspect the machinery factory and the naval camp, and go out to sea to observe the naval drill. At that time, everyone should try their best.”

He Zhiqiu and Fan Mucun entered the inner courtyard of the palace and saw paper kites hanging everywhere, colorful and large. Xie Yi was wearing casual robes and standing in the courtyard with his hands behind his back, watching Su Huaibei and the eunuchs hang them up for him to admire.

Turning his head and seeing them come in, he smiled. “Come in. Choose one for Me. Which one looks better when flown at sea?”

He Zhiqiu: …

Fan Mucun: …

Fortunately, He Zhiqiu was always quick-witted. He laughed and said, “Naturally, this big dragon spitting pearl kite is the most majestic. With the vast sky and sea, the bigger the kite, the better when flying it from a ship.”

Xie Yi clearly wasn’t satisfied. “The Office of Manufactures is now just going through the motions. The designs aren’t fresh.”

Beside him, Su Huaibei laughed. “Your Majesty only instructed to prepare many, brightly colored ones, but didn’t specify what kind. You were busy before and didn’t say you wanted to take a look. Now that we’re at the palace, you suddenly want to see them. If you complain about the design now, this old slave doesn’t know where to make changes.”

“Should this old slave go out and have them buy more from the kite workshops in Jinhai?”

Xie Yi thought for a moment and said, “Alright.” Then he turned to He Zhiqiu and Fan Mucun. “Please sit inside, My Lords.”

He Zhiqiu noticed that Su Huaibei dared to speak in front of them, the ministers, and Xie Yi didn’t get angry at all. He realized that the emperor must be in an excellent mood. Seeing the eunuchs bring out the chess set, Xie Yi took off his shoes and sat on the bamboo mat inside. Holding a black piece, he casually placed it on the board. “Mucun, you go first.”

Fan Mucun respectfully knelt down in front of the chessboard and placed a white piece in the corner.

Xie Yi was somewhat surprised. “Dongye, have you changed your chess style?”

Fan Mucun smiled faintly. “Your Majesty, be careful.”

He Zhiqiu also knelt down below and reminded Xie Yi with a smile, “Your Majesty, yesterday, I lost to Dongye in a friendly match.”

Xie Yi’s eyebrows raised slightly. “If you’ve improved, I’ll have to carefully consider my moves.”

Fan Mucun smiled but noticed a wildflower in a Ru kiln vase on the table behind Xie Yi. The flower was a little wilted, but the eunuchs hadn’t replaced it. The palace was now in full bloom with spring flowers, and there were countless prettier ones than this. Moreover, it was casually stuck in the vase without much trimming of the branches and leaves, looking as if it had been randomly picked. Even if it was meant to capture a sense of wilderness, it seemed a bit lacking.

He pondered this in his heart but saw that Xie Yi had already placed another piece, closely following the one he had placed randomly. The move was fierce, and Fan Mucun didn’t dare relax. He hurriedly focused and thought for a while before placing a piece.

Xie Yi placed another piece without hesitation.

Fan Mucun sighed. “Your Majesty, when did you start playing fast chess, and so aggressively? Unlike before, when your style was intricate and patient, setting up a web for your opponent to fall into.”

Xie Yi said, “Just play. Why are you fussing? It’s just a way to please oneself. Enjoyment is enough.” As he spoke, he remembered that this was clearly Xu Chun’s tone. He couldn’t help but want to laugh again. Xu Chun had previously pestered him to teach him chess, but if the game lasted too long, he couldn’t sit still. Every now and then, he would ask for tea or play with the chess pieces in his hand. Later, when they played chess, Xie Yi simply stopped thinking and moved his pieces randomly, fighting a quick battle.

Fan Mucun saw him laughing again and was even more astonished. He placed another piece, but this one was far away in the corner, clearly not wanting to engage in a protracted battle.

Su Huaibei brought over tea, and Xie Yi turned to pick up the cup. As he did so, he smelled the fragrance and asked, “Monkey King?”

Su Huaibei laughed. “Yes, I steeped it stronger.”

Xie Yi knew that this was probably prepared for Xu Chun to drink when he was around. Xu Chun didn’t like weak tea, but after trying Xie Yi’s tea, he found it bitter. Therefore, when they were together, Xie Yi would order the eunuchs to prepare weak tea. Now that Xu Chun wasn’t here and the tea was already prepared, Su Huaibei steeped it stronger for him without worrying about it. Xie Yi just took the cup in his hand and looked at the chessboard again.

But Fan Mucun, sitting in front of him, saw a clear tooth mark on his earlobe when he caught a glimpse of his profile. His heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly lowered his head, focusing on the chessboard. However, his mind was rolling with thoughts.

The emperor never enjoyed entertainment before, yet now he had people prepare paper kites and was nitpicking about them. There was also the weak tea that he didn’t usually drink, the wildflower casually stuck in the vase, and the much more open and cheerful demeanor compared to before. It seemed like there were answers to all these changes.

He Zhiqiu wasn’t as observant and just watched idly from the side.

Xie Yi chatted idly. “Dongye, you must be proficient in your writing now, with room to spare. I have a task I want to entrust to you.”

Fan Mucun said, “Your Majesty, please speak.”

Xie Yi said, “Yesterday, I visited the Myriad Nations Academy. I want to build a new-style school in the capital.”

Fan Mucun’s heart skipped a beat, a hint of joy mixed in. After all, he had always worried that the emperor had grown tired of him and was unwilling to reuse him. Now, willing to entrust him with a task, it showed that he was still useful. But his thoughts turned, and he asked, “Marquis Linhai is experienced in this matter. Why not let Marquis Linhai continue to oversee the establishment of the school?”

Xie Yi’s lips curled into a smile. “He’s very busy with the machinery factory, and I have other tasks for him. You’re familiar with Zhang Wenzheng. When establishing the school, you can ask him any questions. I’ll also have Marquis Linhai’s moneylender and machinery factory provide some teachers and students for you.”

Fan Mucun hesitated slightly. “Does Your Majesty want it to be the same as the Myriad Nations Academy?”

Xie Yi looked at him deeply. “No. My intention is that the school built in the capital should be a higher level institution than the new-style schools in various regions. For example, the maritime academy in Minzhou and the Myriad Nations Academy in Jinhai. In recent years, there have been a total of four or five new-style schools established in various prefectures and counties. Some old-style academies have also begun offering arts and crafts courses, emulating them.”

“After it’s built, outstanding students who graduate from public schools established in prefectures and counties can be recommended to enter the capital’s school for three to five years of study. They will have the opportunity to be recommended as officials in the Six Ministries.”

Fan Mucun was startled. Wasn’t this precisely what Zhuang Zhizhan had strongly advocated the day before? Graduates of new-style schools could directly enter the imperial court as officials, effectively abolishing the imperial examinations. He saw Xie Yi gently persuade Zhuang Zhizhan at the time, seemingly accepting advice with an open heart, but he didn’t expect that Xie Yi had already made up his mind. He could imagine the shockwaves this new-style capital school would cause among the literati once it was built. Now, it was just a small matter involving Zhuang Zhizhan, but once they returned to the capital, it would be a storm.

The emperor didn’t let Marquis Linhai handle this matter but chose his cousin to lead it. Everyone would naturally assume this was the emperor’s intention. The Fan family, as a prominent family in the east, had a reputation for poetry and propriety. If he oversaw the establishment of this school, it would mean that the Fan family was taking a stand against the literati.

Fan Mucun’s thoughts raced. He knew that the emperor still wanted to protect Marquis Linhai and was unwilling for him to be attacked by the literati of the world. That’s why he chose him, the most suitable pawn. Without issuing a direct decree, he privately inquired, giving him a way out. If he didn’t accept…

He glanced at He Zhiqiu beside him. He was staring at him, nodding slightly, clearly indicating that he shouldn’t miss this opportunity. In front of He Zhiqiu, he would seize this opportunity without hesitation.

The emperor… Although he was much milder than before, no longer carrying that gloomy aura, his actions remained the same as before. It was as if he gave you a choice, but you had no other path to choose. You could only walk along the path he arranged. If you retreated, you would forever lose your place in front of the emperor.

Xie Yi smiled and asked him, “What do you think? No need to rush to reply. You can think about it and tell Me later.”

But Fan Mucun already bowed solemnly. “Your subject will dedicate himself wholeheartedly to share the burden for Your Majesty. Your Majesty, please be at ease.”

Xie Yi seemed to have known that he would agree. He nodded slightly and placed a piece. “Dongye, you’ve indeed improved greatly after going out once.” He looked at He Zhiqiu and laughed. “No wonder you can’t beat him at chess anymore. In the past, when I played chess with him, it was hard for Me to win. When he needs to make a decision, he can still decisively take action. I wasted all My preparations.”

He Zhiqiu only smiled faintly. “Such a beneficial school for the country and the people, we all long for it. How could Dongye not accept it?”

Fan Mucun said, “Your subject hasn’t accomplished anything yet and isn’t worthy of Your Majesty’s praise. When Your subject goes down to discuss a preliminary plan with Jianwei, he will report it to Your Majesty.”

Xie Yi said, “Fine.”

He instructed, “The majors set up should differ from those in various regions. Increase law and history classes, such as the Four Books and Five Classics, historical records, edicts, memorials, poetry, literature, criminal law, etc. This is to prepare for entering the court. Additionally, set up courses in civil affairs such as ritual, music, calligraphy, mathematics, astronomy, geography, and military affairs such as strategy, land warfare, naval warfare, martial arts, archery, and so on. Set up arts and crafts courses in engineering, physics, mechanics, metallurgy, medicine, pharmacology, and other subjects.”

“In short, I want it to be comprehensive. I want the top talents in the world to be honored to be admitted to this school.”

“In ancient times, wise kings established rites and laws, cultivated education and culture, corrected the Three Bonds, arranged the Nine Categories, and achieved great harmony among the people and all things.”

“The Nine Categories are the great principles for governing the world. This school shall be named the Nine Categories Academy, where students learn the Nine Categories to govern the world.”