Chapter 216 – Not Greedy

Xie Yi picked up an apricot from the table and handed it to him. “Eat an apricot then. With such a large business, involving so many people, and goods traveling through so many places, it would be strange if there wasn’t any corruption or smuggling. You see, even during the previous dynasty, skinning corrupt officials alive didn’t deter others. Human greed knows no bounds; it can’t be eliminated, only strictly managed.”

Xu Chun took the apricot and bit into it fiercely. After thinking about it, he realized Xie Yi was right and couldn’t help but admire Brother Nine. “Brother Nine, governing a vast country like this, you must have more headaches than me.” He looked at Brother Nine. “I’ve heard that Brother Nine doesn’t tolerate sand in your eyes, but over the years, I find that Brother Nine has been very patient, and you’re quite flexible when it comes to using people. As long as they’re not great evildoers, you still give them opportunities. Why do they still speak ill of Brother Nine?”

Xie Yi also picked up an apricot and slowly ate it while wearing his green robe. “Perhaps it’s because they’ve grown accustomed to the so-called ‘impartial governance, balancing the empire’ way of using people that emperors used in the past. Emperors governing with scholars, they always think they have merited the nation and are useful to the emperor, so the emperor should turn a blind eye. Ruling by doing nothing, laissez-faire governance, that’s what they consider a benevolent ruler in their hearts.”

“Sometimes, I don’t give them much face. Those who deserve demotion get demoted, those who should work on river repairs go do that, those who should guard the mausoleum do that, and their properties are confiscated. The dignity of the scholars is gone.”

Xu Chun wondered, “But those matters, if judged by the law, shouldn’t they have been punished long ago?” He thought of how Brother Nine had treated the Empress Dowager, treating her with utmost kindness and righteousness.

Xie Yi smiled slightly. “Some people suffer more from losing their dignity, honor, glory, and reputation than death itself.”

He continued, “Especially when I often make their lives miserable, forcing them to work tirelessly to redeem themselves, enduring the humiliation of public condemnation… That’s why they think I’m not a benevolent ruler.” He looked at Xu Chun and smiled. “These civil officials love to earn a reputation for loyalty and integrity. If I killed them, their students and relatives would spread their poetry and writings everywhere, extolling their righteousness throughout history, their loyal and upright struggles, and all the blame would fall on me. They receive the state’s salary for doing little work, earning all the fame for themselves, and I find that terribly unprofitable.”

“Therefore, their crimes must be proclaimed to the world, their glory stripped away, leaving them destitute, continuing to labor to redeem themselves. They must be kept alive. Alive, they cannot be judged posthumously, and gradually, due to losing their official positions, dignity, and wealth, they become isolated and abandoned by friends and mentors, and no one speaks up for them anymore.”

“So this time, you handled the matter with Zhuang Zhizhan well. Qingqing, you’re truly my lucky general.”

Xu Chun was delighted by Xie Yi’s praise. “It’s because Brother Nine treated Zhuang Zhizhan well that he didn’t want to die easily. He also told me that he couldn’t bear to let our father bear the blame.”

Xie Yi saw how innocent he was and smiled warmly. “He knew that you only have me in your heart, so of course, he would say it was for me in front of you. These people always pull out a big banner when they do anything, unlike Yuanlin, who acts based on emotions and desires, pure and natural, never scheming.”

Xu Chun had completely forgotten about the anger he had felt earlier. He just watched Xie Yi holding the teacup that was the color of clear sky after rain, smiling and relaxed, his eyes deep. His heart pounded. “Brother Nine, it’s not early. Let’s go back to the palace.”

Xie Yi was originally worried that he was harboring resentment, so he had tried to comfort him, but he hadn’t expected him to be so easy to appease. A few words, and he went from being angry and upset to now smiling with bent eyes, his speech becoming casual again. Even though they had been together for the past two days, he still looked at him with burning eyes, like a cat that had been starving for a long time.

Xie Yi found it amusing and liked his character of not holding grudges overnight. Moreover, he was somewhat proud that Xu Chun remained so infatuated with him. Although he wanted to return to the palace as well, thinking that tonight he had eaten a lot of miscellaneous food and had gotten angry again, it was likely that the food was still undigested, which wouldn’t be good for his health. He put down his cup. “Since we’re here, let’s take a look around.”

Xu Chun, as long as he could be with Xie Yi, naturally followed him obediently, happily walking downstairs with Xie Yi. Indeed, they first went to the first floor to look at various books. Xie Yi picked out a few and ordered Xu Chun to hold them. “Read them when you have time. I read them before, they’re quite interesting.”

Xu Chun took them and led Xie Yi to see paintings and calligraphy, secretly saying, “Brother Nine, if you like any piece, just tell me, and I’ll have them pack it up for you.”

Xie Yi walked a few steps and stopped in front of a landscape painting, smiling at Xu Chun. “Fan Mucun’s painting is actually on consignment here?”

Xu Chun admired him. “How did Brother Nine know? He didn’t use his real name.”

Xie Yi smiled. “His study is called Snow Hermitage, showing some progress. This landscape painting has broken free from the melancholy of spring and autumn, gaining a lot of grandeur.”

Xu Chun said, “Yes, Brother Nine used to learn painting with him, right? He even gave me a painting of Brother Nine as a gift for my coming-of-age ceremony.”

Xie Yi was speechless, looking at him. “Where did you put it? That was when I was just learning to paint, and it wasn’t painted well. It’s better to return it, and I’ll paint another one for you.”

Xu Chun wouldn’t hear of it. “If Brother Nine wants to give it to me, give it to me. How can I return a gift someone gave me?” He was delighted. “That kitten was so adorable. I had the maids make me a sachet based on it.”

Xie Yi hadn’t seen him carry it. “Where’s the sachet?”

Xu Chun said, “This is Brother Nine’s handwriting. Afraid of losing it, I use it to store the incense pills Brother Nine gave me, and then I put it under my pillow. Before sleeping, when I miss Brother Nine, I take it out to play with, as if I can smell Brother Nine’s scent. In the long night, it brings comfort.”

Xie Yi laughed quietly. Even though he appeared to be flourishing with spirit and vigor these past few years, in front of him, he still openly displayed his affectionate and passionate nature. Xie Yi looked ahead and saw many famous calligraphy and paintings, demonstrating how his business was growing bigger and bigger. No wonder he could casually throw out ten thousand taels of silver to go fishing.

The two walked forward through the corridor and onto the second floor, which housed tea rooms and the scholars’ study rooms for copying books. Just as they passed the counter outside the tea room that sold small stationery and desk decorations, Xie Yi saw a cat-shaped handpiece made of Xiuyu jade, glowing adorably, its appearance like ice, with white cotton-like patterns inside resembling dandelion fluff or the fur of a kitten. It was ingeniously carved.

Because they had just talked about the painting of the cat, when Xie Yi saw this jade-carved cat handpiece, he reached out to pick it up. Seeing the cat’s eyes shining with precious light, he could tell the jade was of high quality. If placed on a desk for playing with, it could remind one of the person and bring a smile. He couldn’t help but gently rub the cat’s head with his fingertips.

Xu Chun saw Xie Yi’s fair fingers set off by the jade, like pearls and jade, and his heart fluttered slightly. He only said, “Brother Nine, if you like it, take it.” But his eyes seemed glued to the fingers and palm, wishing that Brother Nine was now caressing him.

Xie Yi rolled the jade cat in his palm and was about to speak when he suddenly heard a scholar in the adjacent copy room speaking loudly. “That Zhuang Zhizhan, disobeying the command of his elders to die in remonstration, instead selling his kin for glory, living under the authority of the powerful, if I were him, I would have died of shame long ago. How dare he still live in the world, still living among the scholars!”

“But this is just hearsay, only one side of the story from the Marquis of Linhai. It may not be true. We shouldn’t jump to conclusions so quickly.”

“This matter is most likely true. The eyewitnesses said that Zhuang Zhizhan’s uncle was ashen-faced and wanted to run away. It seems that forcing him to die in remonstration did happen, but Zhuang Zhizhan must still be alive and has taken refuge with the Marquis of Linhai. The Marquis of Linhai ordered the arrest of the Zhuang family, so isn’t he acting with impunity? If we talk about it on a larger scale, it’s deceiving the emperor. On a smaller scale, it’s deceiving the world and stealing a name.”

“I think the Zhuang family, although a bit hasty, had a point. Nowadays… the court is determined to establish new schools, and if this continues, the imperial examination system will surely be neglected. Everyone will be eager for quick success and instant benefits, seeking those skillful ways and fortunate advancements. We, who have studied hard, are still inferior to craftsmen and women. If there were a senior minister willing to die in remonstration, that would be the right thing to do. Unfortunately, Zhuang Zhizhan was afraid of death and lost his integrity. Originally, the elders in the clan had given orders, which was a far-sighted act that would have left a name in history!”

“But it might not be Zhuang Zhizhan. We haven’t seen Zhuang Zhizhan himself yet. Previously, the Zhuang family reported to the authorities that he was abducted by a breach in the courtyard wall caused by explosives at night. Perhaps he was really abducted? Without him, everything is said by the Marquis of Linhai. With his current power and influence, military officials backing him, whatever he says is what it is. The three people caught and brought to the capital’s administration office, even if they weren’t, would probably be forced to admit it. The three people of the Zhuang family escaped, unable to resist the power of the other side, naturally plotting their future path.”

“Why has the Marquis of Linhai suddenly risen to prominence like the sun at noon? They say the current emperor has always been wise and practical, extremely revering Confucianism, and usually dislikes arrogant and domineering people. Why does he value the Marquis of Linhai so much? It’s truly puzzling.”

“Isn’t it said that he’s skilled in rhetoric and has business acumen?”

“Haha, he’s only in his twenties, how could he support such a massive enterprise? It’s all done in the name of the court, after all. I think that in the past few years, with the expedition to Silla and the shortage of treasury funds, coupled with frequent locust plagues and floods in various regions, the court naturally needs to consolidate financial management.”

“Descendant of a meritorious family, with a wealthy sea merchant as an in-law, and contributions in the military expeditions, is there anyone more suitable than him? Therefore, we shouldn’t always talk about the Marquis of Linhai. I think that everything is fundamentally the court’s attempt to reform the economic system. If it succeeds, the national treasury will be full, and the court will be stable. If it fails, it will be like Shang Yang and Wang Anshi, executed or dismissed to apologize to the world.”

“That Marquis of Linhai might have the wealth of Shi Chong and the riches of Wan San. I heard that nowadays, as long as you serve on naval ships for a few years, it’s a lucrative position, fattening with oil. Naval ships are tax-exempt, and they can freely trade rare items like ginseng and furs. Even leaking some foreign goods from ocean-going ships can make a fortune. You say that if this continues, the atmosphere will be ruined. How can we expect these soldiers to fight bravely?”

“Not to mention studying for the imperial examinations. Now that there are new-style schools, you can work in government offices after three or four years. Who would bother to study diligently for ten years in the cold window?”

“Haha, seeing how much wealth he’s amassed, if it were really confiscated… I wonder how much fuller the national treasury would be… It seems that it’s just temporarily stored. How long can he be smug for?”

Xie Yi’s expression changed. Xu Chun, seeing his face, knew something was wrong. He turned to order someone to drive away these scholars, but Xie Yi caught Xu Chun’s wrist. His eyes were calm, and he shook his head, pulling him aside and walking straight out of the corridor.

Xu Chun sighed with relief and whispered to Xie Yi, “Brother Nine, don’t be angry. These poor scholars, with nothing to do every day, just gossip. Their knowledge is shallow, and they don’t understand the kindness and righteousness Brother Nine has shown me, nor the breadth of your magnanimity. Brother Nine, don’t take them seriously.”

Xie Yi looked at him and guessed that this wasn’t the first time he had heard such remarks. Remembering that the bookstore was opened by him, he asked, “It seems you’ve heard these idle rumors before?”

Xu Chun laughed. “Of course, in this tea room, Sister Qingqian arranged for employees to pay attention to recording some of the words spoken and some of the secret affairs in the capital, then had them compiled for me to read. How could they not record when people speak ill of me? Ever since I started establishing bonds in Tianhaiwei, these words haven’t stopped.”

He held Xie Yi’s hand and whispered, “Brother Nine, when I was about to enter the court, Brother Nine reminded me. How could I not know that if I want to do things and be Brother Nine’s beloved partner, slander will fill the world sooner or later. What’s this? Let them say what they want. I’ll work diligently and cautiously, keeping myself clean and correcting myself. One day, when I achieve a great cause, who will care who they are? These words can’t be stopped. Brother Nine doesn’t punish people for their words, so naturally, I don’t need to take them to heart.”

Xie Yi stared at Xu Chun and whispered, “My Yuanlin has a great and upright heart, truly not greedy.”

Xu Chun chuckled secretly. “Who said not greedy… but I’ve already obtained the most supreme and honorable position in the world, how could I dare to covet anything else?”