Chapter 211 – Butterfly’s Intentions

Xu Chun was startled when he saw Xie Fei.

He had arrived at the Shun’an Prefectural Duke’s Mansion on time, but he did not meet Su Lin Yu, which was odd. However, the little palace attendants respectfully invited him inside, leading him straight into the inner chambers.

Xie Fei leaned against a large bolster pillow. He had clearly changed into grand attire for the guest and combed his hair, but his sickly frame, sunken eyes, and pale complexion belied his efforts. He smiled slightly at Xu Chun and said, “Brother Yuanshen has come.” He then attempted to rise from bed.

Xu Chun rushed over to support him, pressing him back down. Seeing him in such a dire state, his eyes inexplicably welled up with warmth as he whispered, “Your Grace needn’t rise. We’ve been through so much together; there’s no need for formalities.”

He recalled how he used to be an unpopular young man in the capital, only able to make friends by throwing money around. The first time he was invited to the Shunqin Prince’s Mansion, he saw Xie Fei, the center of attention, a god among men. At that time, he still harbored a secret crush on Ninth Brother, and seeing Xie Fei made him feel even more inadequate.

Time passed like flowing water. Wasn’t Xie Fei supposed to be mourning at home? After his mourning period ended, it was said that he merely read books behind closed doors. How did he end up in such a state?

Xie Fei was also observing Xu Chun, seeing how the once-precocious youth had grown into a dignified young man, broad-shouldered and slender-waisted. Though dressed in narrow-sleeved martial robes and long boots, ready to go somewhere else, his charisma had not diminished in the slightest. A closer look at his features and gaze revealed a charm that had grown since their last meeting, now at the zenith of his power. To see him now and how it was not easy to get an audience with him, caused a sigh to escape Xie Fei’s heart. A tinge of bitterness tinged his smile. “Brother Yuanshen, you are truly a splendid dragon soaring through the skies. It has been years since we last met, yet your spirit and elegance have only grown more pronounced.”

Xu Chun replied, “I am ashamed. I had no idea Your Highness was… If I had known earlier, I would have come to visit sooner. All I heard was that you were reading books behind closed doors, never expecting your health to deteriorate so severely.”

Xie Fei gave a bitter smile. “A chronic illness is hard to cure. I am already a lost cause. Brother Yuanshen just returned to the capital and was recently entrusted with a heavy responsibility by His Majesty, entering the Military Affairs Office. You must be very busy now. I apologize for troubling you to come here, but my illness has left me bedridden, and I have a matter to ask of you, which is why I had to impudently ask Su Lin Yu to invite you over.”

Seeing that Xie Fei seemed to truly have something to discuss, Xu Chun was somewhat surprised. “Your Grace, please speak. Whatever it is, just say it. There is no need to go through a third party; we were classmates at Taixue.”

Xie Fei’s eyes reddened, and the tip of his nose tingled. Thinking back to his days of youthful splendor and high spirits, his throat tightened, and he choked out softly, “Lord Marquis, you are now at the height of your power. Even though I am ill, I have heard about your establishment of schools, your involvement in industry, and your creation of weapons. You are brimming with confidence and ambition. I only regret that my health is poor; otherwise, I would have joined you to achieve great things.”

Xu Chun felt a pang of sorrow too, seeing how much weight Xie Fei had lost. He consoled him, “It is alright. Take care of yourself for a few more days. I am currently in need of help, and if the Prefectural Duke is not opposed, having your support would be perfect.”

Xie Fei reached out to clasp his wrist and smiled. “I know my own body. My illness is truly incurable. Thinking back on my painstaking efforts, yearning for fame and glory, I never imagined it would all be a dream.”

Tears rolled down his cheeks as he spoke. Xu Chun felt immense sympathy and tried to encourage him. “Why must you think like that? I have several Western doctors at my school. Perhaps if they take a look at you, you will recover. Do not lose hope, Your Grace. A peaceful mind helps heal faster.”

Xie Fei said, “In recent years, I have had time to reflect quietly at home. They say that some fall into filth while others into fragrance, but you and I could be considered buds of wealth and nobility. Considering the world’s path of glory and luxury, we should have lived carefree lives. I originally had great aspirations, but who would have thought that it would end up like this, unable to comprehend or accept it. Fortunately, now I have awoken from the big dream, about to shed this corruptible body and transcend worldly ties. I am actually happy about it. However, there is still one thing I cannot let go of, a worldly entanglement that prevents peace of mind.”

Xu Chun sensed the ominous tone of his words and grew more compassionate. “Your Grace, please speak.”

However, Xie Fei first signaled to a nearby palace attendant to bring over a book, which he handed to Xu Chun. “Brother Yuanshen, please take a look first.”

Xu Chun opened it and found it to be a list of properties: several manors, gardens, fertile fields, shops, deposits in silver houses, shares in various enterprises, a number of fine horses, and a number of servants.

Confused by the meaning behind this, Xu Chun looked at him. “Is the Prefectural Duke planning to invest?”

Xie Fei gave a bitter laugh. “Something like that. I am worried that after I am gone, my young child will have no one to protect him, and he will not be able to fend for himself, leaving him unable to retain these properties. It might be better to entrust them to Brother Yuanshen as an investment. Then, with annual dividends, he can at least survive.”

Xu Chun was taken aback. “Why does Your Grace hold such pessimistic views?”

Xie Fei then ordered someone, “Bring the crown prince over.”

After a moment, a wet nurse came in carrying a baby, seemingly less than a year old. The child, with a porcelain-like appearance and bright eyes, curiously stared at Xu Chun, as if carved from ice and snow.

Xie Fei instructed the wet nurse, “Carry the crown prince and perform three bows to Lord Linhai.”

Xu Chun hastily said, “No, the crown prince of the Prefectural Duke is of noble status; I cannot bear the honor.”

With tears in his eyes, Xie Fei said, “Brother Yuanshen, just consider my impending death and take care of this child. This child’s mother died of postpartum complications. I have no siblings, and his maternal uncle is avaricious and untrustworthy. I have been seriously ill and unable to remarry. I am now worried that after I am gone, no one will protect this child. The Imperial Clan Department will likely designate another member of the imperial family to raise him. At that time, living under someone else’s roof, he will be even more pitiful.”

“My title will be inherited with a demotion; by the time it reaches him, it will be a national duke. But he is far too young, and I have no trustworthy relatives to entrust him to. I can only turn to brothers. I know my brother has not married yet, and there is no lady of the house to take care of such a young child. I only hope this child can become your disciple, and one day, you can teach him a special skill, find him a way to make a living, and prevent him from becoming a wastrel.”

Xu Chun was somewhat stunned. Xie Fei held his hand earnestly and looked at him. “All my family’s assets, except for this mansion and some cash for daily living, are entrusted to Brother Yuanshen as capital for the factory. Half will be invested in your name, to repay Brother Yuanshen for taking care of him. The other half will be invested in my son’s name. I trust Brother Yuanshen. Just provide him with some dividends each year. He is just a little boy; he does not need much. Everything will be decided by Brother Yuanshen.”

Xu Chun noticed how pale Xie Fei looked, as if he could faint at any moment, and his voice was weak and urgent. Seeing his prolonged silence, Xie Fei became anxious. “I know Brother Yuanshen is indeed very busy and shouldn’t be troubled with this trouble, but I really have no one else to entrust him to… Half a lifetime’s dream, those I befriended in the past have all drifted apart… It is not that I do not have loyal and benevolent friends, but as a member of the imperial clan, my father… also committed crimes. I know that my brother is now in a high position and should avoid associating with members of the imperial clan, but I know Brother Yuanshen has a pure heart…”

Xie Fei looked ashamed. “I am taking advantage of your kindness… but…” Tears continued to fall from his eyes. Xu Chun hurriedly supported him. “Your Grace, do not worry. I agree to this matter. There are many students at the school who regard me as their teacher; your son is no exception. Do not worry about finances either; I will return everything intact. You really do not need to worry too much; you should focus on your health and get well soon.”

Seeing his agreement, Xie Fei sighed in relief and said softly, “Brother Yuanshen has always been generous and righteous, a man whose word is worth a thousand pieces of gold. I no longer have any worries and can rest peacefully outside the world.”

Xu Chun observed his despondent demeanor, though perplexed, he could only console him further. Seeing his ashen expression and depleted energy, after a few words, he wished him good health and took his leave. Before departing, Xie Fei insisted that he take the book, specifically writing a note on the front page, adding his private seal. Even the chief historian of the mansion came over to explain matters. The transfer would occur soon, indicating a profound level of trust in him. Xu Chun, to put his mind at ease, agreed to everything.

Exiting the mansion, he saw the entire place was cold and dilapidated, with few servants, untended flowers and trees, and pavilions and buildings with faded paint. It was reminiscent of the poem’s depiction of “prosperity turning to decay, halls growing thorns and dogwood,” evoking a sense of sorrow.

After leaving the Shunping Prefectural Duke’s Mansion, he felt somewhat disheartened. Glancing at the sky, he returned to the palace, sighing as he recounted his recent encounters to Xie Yi.

Xie Yi remarked indifferently, “Many times, people drive themselves to their deaths. If he can’t overcome his mental illness, no one can save him. I’ve already dealt leniently with Prince Shunqin. Since he inherited the title, the matter should have been settled. If he has ambitions and wants to do something, why wouldn’t I allow it? I’ve always been short on manpower to assist me, but he frightened himself into seclusion, shut himself away, and fell ill from worry. This is because he was too smooth sailing before; a little setback was too much for him to handle. I originally thought he could accomplish something.”

Xu Chun was speechless.

He pondered, “That is true. No matter what, he is still a Prefectural Duke. Why couldn’t he see things clearly? If he had been healthy, working alongside us, wouldn’t that have been delightful?”

Naturally, Xie Yi understood. Prince Shunqin died by taking poison, shattering the first half of Xie Fei’s dreams. Behind it all lay unbearable truths – his biological father truly plotted rebellion, and the Confucian classics taught him loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, and morality. He also feared being suspected by the emperor, making it impossible for him to withstand the pressure. However, he didn’t want to share these thoughts with Xu Chun. Instead, he said, “Su Hua will deliver an edict, ordering the imperial physician to check on him again.”

He looked at Xu Chun. “Just when you, my dear, returned to the capital, yesterday it was Zhuang Zhuangyuan in distress, and today it is Prefectural Duke Shunan entrusting his orphan to you. Poor me, I didn’t even get a day.”

Unable to resist laughing, Xu Chun hurried forward. “Your servant is here to serve His Majesty. Being favored solely by you, how could I not give my utmost effort!”

Xie Yi’s gaze fell on Xu Chun’s long neck, and he could not help but gently caress it. Xu Chun giggled and approached, leading to a night filled with intimacy and affection. That evening, indeed, nothing else occurred. After a brief reunion, Xie Yi revisited an old score, retrieving a sketchbook and searching for several candle-burning styles to try out. Xu Chun, feeling guilty, could not help but diligently attend to him, allowing Xie Yi to indulge his desires, finally settling into a peaceful sleep.

However, just before dawn, Su Hua quietly whispered outside the tent, “Your Majesty.”

Xie Yi was always alert when sleeping. Hearing Su Hua’s report, he woke up. Seeing Xu Chun sound asleep due to exhaustion, he pulled the blanket tightly over him before getting out of bed and putting on his clothes. He asked Su Hua, “What happened?”

Su Hua whispered, “The Imperial Clan Department reported that Prefectural Duke Shunan has taken a turn for the worse.”

Xie Yi briefly pondered. He knew that the imperial physician also believed the case was hopeless. Normally, this news should not have been reported, but since he had ordered the imperial physician to treat him earlier that day, the doctor, realizing the situation was terminal, reported it. Outside, they were not sure of the severity and reported it to the palace. The palace guards, knowing Xu Chun had visited earlier that day, remained vigilant and informed Su Hua.

He said, “Well, since he has already become Xu Chun’s disciple, it can be considered a stroke of luck for the child. You lead the imperial physician to Prefectural Duke Shunqin’s mansion and bring the child into the palace. Order the wet nurse and the maids who normally serve him to enter the palace to attend to him.”

Su Hua quickly acknowledged the order.

Xie Yi thought for a moment and said, “I remember he is not yet a year old and has not been named. Go tell Xie Fei that this child shall be named Qian, meaning ‘to soar,’ suggesting that with Xu Chun watching over him, he will surely fulfill his ambitions and achieve something, unlike his father’s futile life.”

He felt somewhat melancholic. “When Xu Chun finds out tomorrow, he will certainly be sad again. After all, they were classmates at Taixue. Returning to the capital at this time was ill-timed, with all these events coinciding.”

Su Hua acknowledged the order and indeed left the palace city that night, personally leading guards and eunuchs to Prefectural Duke Shunan’s mansion. Indeed, he found Xie Fei looking ashen, his breath barely there. Upon seeing Su Hua, he lacked the strength to rise, only shedding tears and unable to speak.

Even Su Hua felt sorrow, whispering, “Your Grace, be at ease. His Majesty has decreed that the crown prince will be raised in the palace and granted the name Qian. Qian, meaning ‘to soar’ like a bird, the crown prince is fortunate. With His Majesty and Lord Linhai watching over him, His Majesty’s word is golden: he will ensure that the crown prince fulfills his ambitions and achieves something in his life. Your Grace can rest assured.”

Xie Fei’s eyes first lit up, followed by a look of concern. Raising him in the palace, personally bestowing a name by the emperor, Lord Linhai as his teacher… The current emperor did not have any sons… Who knew if it would be a blessing or a curse? But after struggling for a while, he finally found peace. In the end, he would be protected by the most noble person in this world and have Xu Chun’s promise of righteousness. Regardless of the circumstances, his life would undoubtedly be better than his own tragic existence.

He slowly exhaled, recalling a day when snowflakes fell. He hosted a banquet in the garden to appreciate paintings. At that time, the hall was filled with the nobility, an endless display of poetic grace. Lord Linhai was still an eighteen-year-old youth then, casually painting a butterfly in the hall. That painting was subsequently taken away by someone from the palace. He only saw it once more with the Emperor in the palace, never again after that.

That butterfly was a spontaneous creation, merely to test Western pigments. However, in the following years, he lost interest in painting. Several times, he picked up his brush, but ultimately failed to produce any satisfactory works.

Reflecting on it now, he was once full of spirit and ambition, aiming for the horizon. That casually painted butterfly, blue like smoke and clouds, symbolized the grand dream of his early life. Wealth and nobility dispersed like drifting clouds, friends scattered and distanced, his spirit withered and desolate, leaving nothing but emptiness. It turned out to be his best work of art.

Slowly closing his eyes, his soul floated upward like that butterfly, soaring to the ninth heaven.