Chapter 230 – Slander

In September, the Jiuchou Academy was completed and began organizing entrance examinations. Xie Yi personally crafted several essay questions, attracting over three thousand people from across the nation to flood into the capital for the exams. Screening their qualifications alone took considerable time. The exams lasted for three days, with different subjects having distinct questions.

Fan Mukun, busy with organizing the recruitment and other tasks, finally finished on this day. Fan Mukun stayed late at the academy building and saw Zhuang Zhan still writing at his desk in the hall. He approached him with a smile and asked, “Why haven’t you gone back yet?”

Zhuang Zhan looked up at him and gave a proper bow, “Secretary Fan, I’ll head back once I finish recording the students’ names.”

Fan Mukun said, “I think they’re just taking advantage of you, giving you all the tedious work. Don’t we have clerks?” He had heard rumors about how Zhuang Zhan had been ostracized recently.

Perhaps it was because he used to be very talented, which made many jealous. Now, after being openly scolded by the Emperor for poor conduct and labeled a traitor to his clan, people took pleasure in his misfortune and became even more brazen in excluding him. Those who used to be friendly with him now avoided him like the plague.

Zhuang Zhan wasn’t a man to sit idly by. He had submitted a memorial recently, suggesting reforms to the tax laws. The Emperor approved and ordered the Ministry of Revenue to deliberate further. It seemed he was determined to walk the path of an isolated minister to the end.

Fan Mukun admired his talent and found him graceful. Despite his pitiful circumstances and everyone distancing themselves, Fan Mukun couldn’t help but feel sympathy, being reminded of himself.

Zhuang Zhan smiled, “It doesn’t matter; it’s what I’m supposed to do.”

Fan Mukun felt uneasy and invited him, “There’s no need to rush. It’s still early. Why don’t we go to Huayun Pavilion for a casual meal? I fancy their lamb broth. I had them reserve a private room and order some dishes today. I originally invited He Zhiquiu, but he sent word that he has a case to secretly review and can’t make it. I thought it would be boring eating alone; luckily, you’re here. Let’s go together.”

Zhuang Zhan wasn’t one to put on airs and gladly stood up, saying, “Then I’ll enjoy Secretary Fan’s company and taste the famous lamb broth of the capital—don’t take this the wrong way, Secretary Fan, but I’m currently without salary, a poor scholar. If not for your treat, I wouldn’t be able to afford it.”

Fan Mukun laughed, “It’s not that serious.” He bowed, “Brother Zhuang, please.”

Huayun Pavilion was bustling. This place was well-known in the capital for its view of the Imperial Palace, drawing many elites and high officials. Fan Mukun and Zhuang Zhan went upstairs to the previously reserved private room. They sipped wine and discussed poetry, sharing anecdotes about the capital.

Both were well-versed in history and literature, reminiscing about their days of scholarly elegance, feeling a mutual admiration as they drank more, gradually getting tipsy. After several rounds, Zhuang Zhan got up to use the restroom downstairs.

As he passed through the hall towards the courtyard, he was called by his courtesy name, “Mingbo.”

Zhuang Zhan turned to see Bao Sijin. His face was flushed, and his speech slurred, probably drunk from dining with his fellow scholars, and was quite drunk. Zhuang Zhan knew him to be crude and didn’t want to get entangled with him, so he casually bowed, “Brother Bao.”

Bao Sijin noticed the rosy flush on Zhuang Zhan’s face, reminiscent of a rain-drenched hibiscus, his appearance akin to a beautiful woman, graceful and handsome. He felt a sudden stirring and grinned, reaching out to hold his hand. “I haven’t seen Brother Mingbo for a long time. How are you doing at the Ministry of Revenue? I’ve heard you spend every day at the Jiuchou Academy and don’t socialize much. I imagine life must be tough without your salary and having to support your mother. We used to be close; if you have any difficulties, just let me know…”

Zhuang Zhan recoiled from his foul breath and attempt to grab him, stepping back and avoiding his touch. “Thank you for your concern, Secretary Bao, but I’m fine reading and working at the Jiuchou Academy. It’s peaceful, and I have no needs.”

Bao Sijin moved closer, noticing his skin as smooth as congealed fat and color rivaling peach blossoms. He felt a shiver of desire and smiled, stretching out his hand to grab his arm. “Why is Brother Mingbo so distant? I’m sorry I didn’t visit you when you were under house arrest while you were healing. Truthfully, I was very worried about you, but public opinion was harsh, and I had to appear distant. In my heart, though, I was very concerned, wishing I could personally apply medicine for you…”

Zhuang Zhan felt his breath reek of alcohol and his words become indecent, his eyes filled with lecherous intent. He seemed to be treating him like a courtesan or an actor, trying to flirt. Zhuang Zhan grew furious and stepped back. “Secretary Bao, you’re drunk. Please compose yourself.” He then tried to leave.

Bao Sijin, seeing him leave, panicked and reached out to grab his arm, slurring, “Brother Mingbo! Even though you’ve been abandoned by His Majesty, don’t lose heart. That Linhai Marquis envies your youth, beauty, and talent, and has been maligning and ostracizing you out of jealousy and arrogance. There will come a day when he loses the Emperor’s favor… Brother Mingbo’s restoration is just around the corner…”

Zhuang Zhan saw his outrageous behavior, including dragging the Emperor into his slander, and sternly warned, “Brother Bao! Watch your words in public!”

Bao Sijin chuckled, ignoring the warning. “No problem… No one’s here… Besides… Who doesn’t know that the Linhai Marquis is a sycophant… And that Fan Mukun is also a young and handsome scholar… In the Hanlin Academy, only Brother Zhuang was charming, favored by His Majesty. The Linhai Marquis envied you and ostracized you. Fan Mukun was similarly ostracized by the Linhai Marquis and left the capital in disgrace. Brother Zhuang, you’ve been set up; everyone feels sorry for you…”

Before he could finish, Zhuang Zhan slapped him across the face. “Bao Sijin! Today, we sever ties and won’t associate anymore!”

Bao Sijin covered his stinging cheek and raged, “You’re no different from the Linhai Marquis and Fan Mukun, seducing and flattering the Emperor, using your looks to gain favor and secure the title of top scholar. You think you’re so talented? Bah! You’re just a deceitful flatterer!”

Before he could finish his rant, he received a heavy slap on the head.

He turned around, “Who did that?!”

Zhuang Zhan was equally surprised and saw a middle-aged, wealthy man in a purple robe. His plump face suggested a life of luxury, but he wore an angry expression. Several attendants followed him, trying to calm him down. “Your Grace, be careful not to hurt your hand!” “Don’t get angry over such a small person!” “Just send him to the authorities for punishment!”

The man in the purple robe was none other than Prince Jing Xu Anlin. His Buddhist garden was almost complete, and he was hosting guests at Huayun Pavilion today. He had come down urgently and happened to overhear someone mention the Linhai Marquis. Curious, he stopped to listen, but the more he heard, the angrier he became. He had been a playboy in the capital for years and didn’t care who the speaker was. He personally grabbed a fan and rushed forward to strike him.

Even after hitting him himself, Xu Anlin was still not satisfied. He stood there and shouted loudly, “Take this shameless man away for me. Slap him ten times on the mouth first!”

Several fierce servants pounced on Bao Sijin like wolves. One of them raised his arm and slapped him ten times, leaving his face instantly swollen and purple.

The commotion had drawn attention, and many people came downstairs. The scholars who had been dining with Bao Sijin earlier rushed out, shocked, and angrily intervened. “This is an official of the court! Who dares to slap an official of the court? What about the dignity of the court?”

Xu Anlin stood there arrogantly. “What dignity of the court? This man spews filth and insults the nobility. Are you defending him because you agree with his disloyal and immoral words, defaming the Emperor and the loyal subjects?”

Bao Sijin’s fellow scholars exchanged glances, unsure how to respond. They tried to defend him, “Brother Bao has always been loyal and cautious. How could he speak nonsense? Perhaps it’s a false accusation? Even if it’s just a verbal dispute, an official of the court can only report it to the court. How can you privately punish an official of the court?”

Xu Anlin, a crude man, ignored the idea of keeping family ugliness behind closed doors. He roared furiously, “Ask him what he said just now. Tell me! You said the Linhai Marquis and others seduced and flattered the Emperor, serving him with your looks. Which eye did you use to see that? Did you witness it yourself? What are you? Do you qualify? You’ve probably never even seen the Emperor’s face a few times, yet you dare to spread rumors! Accusing the Emperor and slandering the loyal subjects, what kind of person are you?”

Bao Sijin’s face was swollen like a swollen pig’s head, and he was speechless. Xu Anlin pointed at him and yelled, “My son is a reincarnation of a brocade carp from the Purple Bamboo Grove before the Buddha’s seat. He has the will to save the world and bring peace to the people. He has merited for his military exploits, establishing factories, and founding schools. He has the potential to become a general or a chancellor. The court bestowed the title of marquis upon him for his contributions. Who are you to mock him behind his back?”

“The Emperor is wise, with discerning eyes for talent. He and my son have a harmonious relationship. You beasts, with your filthy minds, dare to slander the Emperor! Insane and depraved!”

All the guests at Huayun Pavilion had gathered to watch. Xu Anlin didn’t care about the crowd and arrogantly commanded, “Break one of his legs for me! Let him remember the meaning of speaking cautiously!”

One of Xu Anlin’s guards bowed and swiftly moved forward. His long sword flashed out of its sheath, and he struck down hard with the flat side. Bao Sijin let out a blood-curdling scream! Everyone looked in horror as his leg bone bent unnaturally, broken in one hit. Bao Sijin’s face turned ashen, his head drenched in sweat, and he collapsed to the ground.

Xu Anlin said, “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. I, Prince Jing Xu Anlin, broke your leg as a lesson. If you have any complaints, sue the court! If anyone dares to slander my son again and I hear about it, I’ll break their legs too!”

He then led his attendants away, strutting off.

People started discussing the incident. Some were enraged by Prince Jing’s bullying and disrespectful behavior, while others clenched their fists, ready to impeach Prince Jing for allowing his servants to harm an official of the court.

Zhuang Zhan stood there, watching coldly for a moment. Suddenly, he coughed and said, “Bao Sijin publicly slandered the Emperor and spread rumors about me, the Linhai Marquis, and other ministers seducing and flattering the Emperor. I will testify on behalf of Prince Jing regarding today’s events. Fellow scholars, considering we were colleagues, don’t forget that His Majesty demoted me and mentioned ‘deceptive speech disrupting governance, attacking loyal subjects, monopolizing the right to speak, and frivolously discussing court affairs.’ Reflect on yourselves, colleagues, and avoid repeating my mistakes.”

Everyone fell silent.

Another person spoke up loudly, “I can also testify. Brother Zhuang’s words are true. Although Prince Jing injured an official of the court, the Linhai Marquis was openly slandered. Prince Jing’s love for his son is sincere. As a noble hero, he was momentarily overwhelmed by anger, which is understandable.”

Everyone looked over and saw a refined scholar under the lamp, elegant and scholarly. It was none other than Fan Mukun, who had just been falsely accused of “seducing and flattering” alongside Bao Sijin.

Everyone was stunned as they saw Bao Sijin with his eyes closed, unconscious or pretending to be. After all, due to jealousy, he had spoken recklessly in private, carelessly spreading rumors about three “favored concubines” serving the Emperor with their looks. Coincidentally, all three had heard the slander firsthand.

Good news travels slowly, but bad news spreads far and wide. Prince Jing Xu Anlin’s servants attacking and breaking the leg of an official of the court in broad daylight spread to the palace overnight.

Xu Chun had just finished dinner with Xie Yi and was discussing memorials with him when they heard the news. He was speechless.

Xie Yi laughed, “Good beating, good scolding.”

Xu Chun: “…”

Xie Yi instructed Su Hui, “Pass My decree to the Ministry of Personnel. Bao Sijin slandered the Emperor with utmost disrespect. Dismiss him and send him to Qiongzhou to serve and redeem his sins.”

Seeing Su Hui acknowledge the order, Xie Yi reached out to comfort Xu Chun. “It was a good beating. We should use this opportunity to suppress these small-minded people who don’t focus on their work and only slander others with their tongues. This will improve the court’s atmosphere and prevent the disillusionment of dedicated ministers.”

Xu Chun feared Xie Yi might misunderstand and think he cared about the slander, so he hurriedly explained with a smile, “My father is confused, but he loves me. Ninth Brother is also protecting me. I understand that. I just feel sorry for Secretary Fan and Secretary Zhuang, unfairly burdened with the false reputation of seducing the Emperor.”

Xie Yi teased, “Why do you seem a bit jealous?”

Xie Chun glared at him. “If you hadn’t lavished gifts so extravagantly these past few days without restraint, how could this slander have arisen?”

Xie Yi laughed. “It’s all My fault.” However, he didn’t show any remorse.

Xu Chun huffed. “No more gifts. I’ve been discussing with Duke Wuying lately about starting military reforms. It’s already an unpopular move. With all this commotion now, it will be difficult to proceed.”

Xie Yi asked, “Previously, I discussed with Fang Zijing that we would wait until the treasury was more full next year before starting the military reforms. Why begin now?”

Xu Chun frowned. “Do you remember the smuggling investigation a while ago? Minister Li Meiyao dispatched an exceptionally capable magistrate from the Censorate to go with Chang Tian to investigate in Jinhaiwei. During the investigation, they discovered that occasionally, firearms were damaged or lost in the military.”

“At first, we assumed it was due to poor management. But because of the smuggling issue, Chang Tian became more cautious. He found soldiers whose firearms were missing and had the magistrate question them separately. It turned out that corruption ran deep; some people were buying firearms at high prices. Lower-ranking soldiers dared to falsely report damaged firearms and sold them. Some division commanders were strict and kept everything, but some were lax. Altogether, in the twelve battalions of Jinhaiwei, three firearms couldn’t be accounted for.”

Xie Yi said solemnly, “Three firearms may seem small, but this isn’t a trivial matter.”

Xu Chun looked at Xie Yi. “Yes. Considering the strict discipline in Jinhaiwei, if it’s like this, other places are even more worrying.”

“Ninth Brother, I later ordered someone to write to General Helan to conduct a thorough investigation. Indeed, border troops also had incidents of privately selling firearms and reporting them as damaged.”

“It’s also because we’ve been able to manufacture firearms ourselves these past few years. Since we don’t sell them abroad, they’ve only been distributed to the borders and coastal regions. The arsenals in each army are indeed well-stocked, but inevitably, management has become lax. I’m worried that someone with ulterior motives is secretly buying military weapons, or perhaps foreign spies.”

Xie Yi asked, “So you plan to reorganize the military system?”

Xu Chun replied, “Isn’t this also something Ninth Brother has wanted? Although the feudal domains have been abolished, the military systems vary, and generals don’t know their soldiers, nor do soldiers know their generals. Lax management can lead to problems. These aren’t traditional armor and swords, but firearms with tremendous power. Just one leaking out is a disaster.”

Xie Yi reassured him, not wanting him to worry too much. “No need to be too tense. These things require ammunition. Besides, if someone really wants to, they could buy from foreigners or pirates. It’s impossible to ban everything completely.”

Xie Chun said, “We should manage it sooner rather than later.”

Xie Yi saw that Xu Chun wasn’t bothered by the slander and was instead deeply concerned about state affairs and military matters. In recent days, he had been calm during court discussions and in the Military Affairs Office, speaking with dignity and grace, unperturbed by praise or criticism. Xie Yi loved him and smiled warmly. “Good. Go ahead and do what you need to. I will always support you.”