Chapter 217 – Peach Appreciation

When they returned to the palace late at night, Xu Chun washed up and returned to the bedroom, only to find Xie Yi leaning against the pillow on the bed, his eyes lowered in contemplation while wearing a plain silk robe. It was unclear what he was looking at. The candlelight illuminated his skin, which gleamed like jade amidst the light silk, his beautiful face shining with a gentle radiance. Xu Chun quickly approached him, asking, “Brother Jiu, what are you looking at?”

As he spoke, he had already rubbed up against Xie Yi’s body, ready to begin their nightly activities, when he noticed that Xie Yi was playing with a pair of fans in his hand. The pink peach-shaped tourmaline hanging from the fans was the very same one he had seen earlier…

His face flushed. “Brother Jiu… how did you…” Brother Jiu was too mischievous, not mentioning it in front of him, but after he left, he sent someone to buy it, waiting here for him.

Xie Yi said, “I saw that these two peaches were delicately carved, truly exquisite craftsmanship, so I had them buy them to enjoy together with Qingqing. Only upon closer inspection did I realize that there was more to them than meets the eye.”

Xu Chun was speechless.

Xie Yi then solemnly closed the two peach pendants, suddenly forming a complete pink tourmaline peach. Pink and green, the gemstone shimmered, exquisitely beautiful.

Xu Chun was speechless again.

Xie Yi looked at him with a smile. “It turns out to be the meaning of ‘split peach’. Since the fan pendant is like this, we can only imagine what the painting on the fan surface is like.”

Xie Yi slowly unfolded one of the fans. Inside, the paper was filled with affectionate scenes, the peaches bright and vibrant. Two men were depicted appreciating peaches, their skin as delicate as ripe peaches, their clothes thin and flowing, half undone and draped loosely, adorned with soft red and light green.

The artist clearly possessed exceptional skill, using colors superbly. The two men appeared composed, their features radiant, both handsome men of rare beauty. The entire painting did not make one feel lewd or vulgar, as their dignified expressions and tender affection meant that even with their clothes half undone and their arms around each other, there was no hint of frivolity.

Xu Chun’s face was flushed red, yet he could not resist carefully examining the painting’s elegance. He admired the brushwork that flowed like water. Xie Yi turned over the fan, seeing the back inscribed with Jueji’s poem in fine script: “In days of yore, Anling and Longyang, the prosperous sons; Peach blossoms and plum flowers, bright and lustrous with radiance…”

Xu Chun praised, “This poem matches the painting perfectly, indeed, it casts a glance and emits charm, speaking and laughing, exhaling fragrance.” Then he curiously looked at the other fan. “What’s about that one? What’s painted on it?”

Xie Yi handed the fan to him but did not open it. Xu Chun, who was in high spirits, eagerly opened it, only to feel as if he had been doused with ice-cold water, startled. “Ah…”

He saw that the fan was filled with a chilling scene of snow-covered branches and fallen snow burying two graves, stretching out endlessly. The previous scene of spring blooms and elegant charm had turned into desolate winter snow and cold, silent graves.

Xu Chun’s eyes widened. He looked at Xie Yi and then turned over the fan, seeing the words “white hair” on the back.

He felt as if he had been struck heavily in the chest. His nose tingled, and his eyes grew hot. Lowering his head to look at the fan, the owner of the fan had first painted prosperity, then decay, first depicting joy, then separation. They could have continued with Jueji’s poem, “Before the graves, the flickering lights,” painting the meaning of “the glory does not last long,” but instead, they chose snow falling on the graves, just like the vow of white hair, simple in words but profound in meaning.

Xu Chun’s gaze lingered on the words “white hair,” feeling moved and unable to find the right words.

Seeing Xie Yi’s expression, he felt a pang of sympathy, but he also knew that the maker of this pair of fans had a profound intention. No wonder the shopkeeper was willing to sell them when he saw them; fortunately, he had sent someone to buy them back, otherwise, in a few days, when the investigation into smuggling began, the Marquis of Linhai would act swiftly and sternly to rectify military discipline, and the shopkeeper would likely be implicated.

Well, considering the shopkeeper’s quick thinking and selling such a pair of fans to them, he would spare his life and give him a chance to redeem himself through meritorious service.

Xie Yi closed the fan and slowly said, “May I see the completion of joy, not the sorrow of separation.” He held Xu Chun’s hand. “Shall we rest now?”

Xu Chun’s eyes were red-rimmed as he nestled into Xie Yi’s embrace, his voice muffled by his runny nose. “Mmm.”

Xie Yi thought to himself that he had made a mistake. He originally thought that admiring the peach blossom before sleeping would help set the mood, but he didn’t expect it to touch his heart. Well, this child was prone to melancholy. Tonight, after getting angry, he became sentimental again. Seeing that tonight, they could only sleep peacefully.

Unexpectedly, Xu Chun suddenly turned his head and kissed him firmly, sucking on his lips with a fierce intensity. Xie Yi was startled and couldn’t help but laugh. “Why are you in such a hurry?”

Xu Chun’s eyes were slightly red. “Life is short. I’ve been separated from Brother Jiu for so long. Suddenly, I’m regretful. From now on, I must cherish every moment.”

Xie Yi was touched and became affectionate, and after their passion subsided, Xu Chun, still panting, continued to kiss Xie Yi’s skin, whispering, “In a blink of an eye, our hair will turn white, and our skin will wrinkle. At that time, Brother Jiu mustn’t disdain me for not having the black hair and red lips of today.”

Xie Yi laughed again. “At that time, I’ll grow old faster than you. I should worry that you’ll despise me.”

Xu Chun grumbled. “Brother Jiu will always be a beauty in my heart. In the west, there is a beautiful woman, as bright as the sun… her beauty shining brightly, her grace wafting with the wind.”

He suddenly sat up. “Have them prepare ink and brushes. I want to paint Brother Jiu.”

Xie Yi was amused and exasperated. Seeing that he was still naked, his skin firm and taut, glowing faintly, he loved him dearly, reaching out to pull his wrist and forcing him to lie down. “Rest. You’re full of ideas one after another. Tomorrow, you still have to investigate your smuggling cases. It seems you’re about to go to court soon, and there’s a lot to do. Yet, here you are, indulging in leisure.”

Although Xu Chun obediently snuggled up to Xie Yi, he felt unsatisfied. “Right now, I have a flash of inspiration. If I paint Brother Jiu now, I’m sure it will be the most beautiful.”

Xie Yi reached out to hold him in his arms and smiled. “Yes, I’m preventing you from achieving everlasting fame. I was originally worried about you being tired during the day and wanted you to rest early. Now that you still have the energy to think about this and that, serving your lord is the proper way. Turn over. Qingqing is right. Life is short, and the spring night is worth a thousand gold coins. We must not waste it.”

His fingers caressed Xu Chun’s particularly firm waistline, feeling the vitality belonging to youth. He said meaningfully, “Youth fades with time, morning dew awaits the sun.”

=====

The next morning, Xu Chun went out early, privately ordering people to investigate smuggling and also visiting some old friends. Thus, he was busy running around.

On Xie Yi’s side, after attending court, he returned and saw Su Hua holding a box and presenting it to him, reporting, “In accordance with Your Majesty’s orders this morning, this humble servant personally led people to Xianyun Workshop to copy all the rumors unfavorable to the marquis back.”

Xie Yi opened the box and took out the copies to read, sneering as he flipped through them. Su Hua said, “They are just idle gossip from common people in the market. Your Majesty need not take it to heart; getting upset will only harm Your Imperial health, causing the marquis to worry.”

Xie Yi asked, “Who is currently managing Xianyun Workshop?”

Su Hua replied, “Xianyun Workshop was originally managed by Luo Yuzhou, later taken over by Miss Qingqian for a period, establishing the rule of collecting and copying rumors in teahouses. After Miss Qingqian went to Zhenhaiwei to handle matters for the marquis, and Luo Yuzhou also spent some time in Zhenhaiwei, two maids appointed by the princess, Ziyin and Zhuyi, respectively managed Qianniu Garden and Xianyun Workshop. Currently, they are both under the unified management of Qiu Hu, who serves the marquis.”

Xie Yi nodded slightly. “I heard that he has entrusted his own businesses to Qiu Hu. He is only busy with official duties and doesn’t even have time to attend to his own businesses.”

Su Hua smiled. “The marquis is loyal and devoted, wholeheartedly dedicated to Your Majesty.”

Xie Yi asked further, “Did you find out anything about the scholar who ranted wildly and spewed nonsense last night?”

Su Hua replied, “Upon Your Majesty’s instructions, Qiu Hu hurriedly sent someone to inquire. The speaker was an old scholar named Ding Ruyu, who had repeatedly failed the imperial examinations and was already in his fifties. Despite not having passed the juren examination, he highly regarded his own talent and often complained about the current dynasty’s preference for young people and society’s tendency to flatter those who are young and wealthy. He would say that although he is as talented as Jiang Ziya, his fate has been unfortunate.”

Xie Yi sneered. “This year, I appointed a white-haired third-place winner. What does he have to say about that?”

Su Hua, seeing Xie Yi’s anger showing on his face and taking the words of this ignorant scholar seriously, hurriedly replied, “He didn’t dare to slander the sovereign. He only said that there’s hope and plans to take the autumn examination again this year, probably aiming for a jinshi position. His family is poor. He teaches a subject at Weixian Academy daily and occasionally serves as a private tutor for wealthy families, relying on tuition fees for his livelihood. Hearing that the bookshop here pays for copying books, and enjoying discussions on literature and poetry with fellow scholars, he is a regular customer at Xianyun Workshop.”

Xie Yi thought for a moment. “Do you remember that Weixian Academy? Wasn’t it the charity school that Xie Fei and others raised funds to establish?”

Su Hua replied, “It’s precisely the charity school that Prince Shun’an established before his death. With the increasing number of new-style schools in various prefectures and counties, students are flocking to Zhenhai to study in those new schools. Currently, Weixian Academy is also considering reforming its subjects to include some vocational courses. He can’t learn those foreign affairs and new studies, and he’s also old. Afraid of losing his livelihood, he naturally opposes the new-style schools.”

Xie Yi said, “Xu Chun is still a donor of textbooks and student stationery for this charity school. How could he not know about teaching at Weixian Academy? Not to mention that the books sold at Xianyun Workshop are all printed by Chufeng Hall. Anyone in the capital with some connections would know that Chufeng Hall and Xianyun Workshop are both businesses of the Marquis of Linhai. Even if he didn’t know, he has truly received benefits from Xu Chun. Yet, for his own selfish interests, he publicly criticized court affairs and criticized government officials in front of everyone.”

“Can this be tolerated?”

Su Hua held his breath, waiting for Xie Yi’s instructions. Indeed, Xie Yi said, “After Xie Fei’s passing, who is in charge of Weixian Academy?”

Su Hua replied, “After Prince Shun’an completed mourning, this matter was handed over to Prince Keqin’s heir, Xie Li.”

Xie Yi said, “Find Xie Li and have him expel this Ding Ruyu from the charity school. The reason is misconduct, disrespect as a teacher, shallow knowledge, and misleading students.”

Su Hua hurriedly agreed. Xie Yi added, “Also, find the governor of education in his prefecture and county. Have him reprimand this sour scholar a few times. If he continues to be careless with his words and actions, his future prospects will be jeopardized.”

Su Hua agreed and smiled. “Your Majesty is truly merciful and wise, actually preserving his future prospects.”

Xie Yi said, “Xu Chun doesn’t care about these things, so I don’t have to crush him completely. If he truly has genuine talent and learning, I’ll wait for him to pass the exams. But if he only spews sour words, then indeed, his life will be like this forever.”

Just then, Wufu reported from outside, “The Marquis of Linhai has entered the palace.”

Xie Yi, having just vented his anger, his smile surfaced when he heard that Xu Chun had arrived. He asked, “What have you prepared for lunch? Yesterday’s meal was a bit varied, I instructed to make it lighter.”

Su Hua hurriedly replied, “Light dishes, all seasonal fresh bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, locust tree flowers, and other beans and vegetables, as well as fresh fish and river shrimp.”

But Xie Yi said, “He has a big appetite. If everything is too bland, he might lose his appetite and blame me for being tasteless again.”

Su Hua quickly added, “There’s also a stewed rabbit meat soup, very fragrant and easy to digest.”

Only then was Xie Yi satisfied. “Prepare the meal.”