Chapter 27 – Consolation

Xie Yi suddenly arrived at Bamboo Branch Workshop, and Chun Xi, Xia Chao, and the others were taken aback. They were about to go report when Xie Yi said, “No need to report. I’ll go find him myself. Is he asleep?”

Xia Chao replied, “He hasn’t slept yet. Ever since he returned from outside the city walls, he’s been sullen. After freshening up, he asked for wine and has been drinking alone on the rooftop pavilion…”

Xie Yi turned to look at him, his gaze stern. “Your Prince is still young, and he just came back from a banquet. He said he wanted wine, and you actually gave it to him? Aren’t you afraid that excessive drinking might harm his health?”

Dong Hai hurriedly explained, “We didn’t dare to give him strong liquor. We only sent up plum ice wine made from yogurt cheese. It’s sweet and sour. It’s just to help him relax a bit. Even a child could drink a few cups without getting drunk.”

Only then did Xie Yi nod slightly, heading straight upstairs. Wu Fu and Liu Shun quickly stopped the four pages, Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. “Come on, brothers. Let’s go have some snacks. Fresh pastries have just arrived.”

As Xie Yi walked in, Xu Chun was already asleep, sprawled on the couch in the rooftop pavilion. Clearly, he had been leaning against a large bolster pillow, looking down through the glass window at the scenery below while drinking his sorrows away. There was only a single glass lamp burning in the corner of the room. The moonlight shone like molten silver, bathing the small pavilion in a clear glow, bright as day. A low table beside the bed held a wine pot, fruits, grapes, and so on.

Xie Yi noticed that Xu Chun’s hair was disheveled, and he wore only a loose silver satin robe. His bare feet were exposed, and his calves were casually draped over the soft quilt. Most of the blanket had slipped off the couch onto the floor. He hugged the large bolster pillow as he gazed downward. From the side, Xie Yi could see that Xu Chun’s eyelashes were wet. Looking closer, half of the pillow was damp. One hand still clutched an empty crystal cup, nearly falling off the couch. Fortunately, there was a thick carpet beneath it.

Xie Yi stared. “How could you be so heartbroken?” Not even bothering to cover himself, in this cold weather, he lay barefoot and thinly dressed. The pages were usually clever enough to take care of their young master, but now they seemed oblivious.

He placed the book box he brought to the side and waved his hand to dismiss the servants following him. Reaching out, he took a blanket and covered Xu Chun with it, careful not to wake him. His sharp eyes caught sight of the dragon-scale sword he had given him, pressed under the pillow, its scabbard visible. Xu Chun didn’t mind sleeping on it.

Unlike the spacious bedroom below, this pavilion was small, making it feel cramped with just the two of them inside. However, it was spotlessly clean and faintly fragrant. A painting hung on the wall, depicting a bird about to take flight, with a few sparse blades of grass nearby. Beside it, the phrase “The Lone Crane Takes Flight” was scribbled, clearly painted by Xu Chun himself.

Beside the bed, under the lamp, there was a comfortable bamboo recliner, topped with a thick fox fur cushion. Sitting down, he noticed a treasure box on the low cabinet next to him, open. Inside, a set of lively wooden carvings depicted cute pigs, cats, dogs, and more. They were polished smooth, seemingly ordinary. But upon closer inspection, a rich fragrance emanated from them, revealing that they were made from agarwood. Among them were several large uncut gemstones. Though unpolished, their quality was evident. Alongside these were intricately colored shells, conch shells, and carved flower balls of hawthorn, thrown haphazardly into the treasure box. Clearly, they were mere playthings for a child.

Xie Yi picked up a few of the gemstones, caressed them, and threw them back. Glancing under the low table, he saw a few books stored in the drawer. Pulling one out, he realized it was either a novel or an art book. He took an art book, opened it, and discovered that each page depicted him. The lines were simple; some showed only a profile, some standing under bamboo in a courtyard, some sleeping peacefully, and some with a bandage over his eyes, half-dressed… Even colors were applied, skin tones delicate. On the left shoulder, slightly turned, was a small vermilion mole.

Xie Yi stared. He almost wanted to check if there was really a mole there.

After flipping through it casually, he tucked it into his sleeve. Then he took another novel and started reading. At the same time, he picked a crystal goblet from the table, poured some yogurt cheese wine, and drank. Indeed, the taste was pleasantly sour and sweet, crisp and refreshing. Leaning back into the recliner, he found that his neck, shoulders, waist, and elbows were all comfortably supported. He felt as if he were sinking into a cloud, extremely relaxed.

Xie Yi had never been so casual before. After flipping through a few pages of the novel, he glanced at Xu Chun. His breathing was steady, and he even snored softly. In this tiny pavilion, all was quiet. The moon shone like water. Xie Yi closed his eyes, a line from Song Dynasty poetry popping into his head: “Drunk, I hug my quilt and sleep soundly. Why can’t it be like this?”

Since he became emperor, he had always been aware of the phrase “The king must govern diligently, and all nations shall pay homage.” The well-being of the people was his responsibility, and the ministers required his leadership. He learned diligence and frugality, practiced diligence and perseverance, and studied the virtues of diligence and self-discipline. Yet here, at this little playboy’s place, he felt relaxed and at ease.

Xu Chun lay half-asleep, unaware of how long he had been out. Rolling over, he opened his eyes and suddenly saw Xie Yi sitting at the head of the bed, head bowed, engrossed in a book. He thought he was dreaming. Staring intently, he mused that what one thinks during the day appears in one’s dreams at night. Ninth Brother was truly handsome.

He stared at Xie Yi for a moment, lost in thought. Xie Yi noticed and looked at him, his expression dazed as though he hadn’t fully woken up from his drunken stupor. “Are you awake?”

This wasn’t a dream? Xu Chun was startled and sat up hastily, but the sudden movement caused a wave of dizziness. Seeing this, Xie Yi helped him sit back on the couch and pulled the blanket to cover his waist and abdomen. “There’s no need to get up. I heard from Fang Zixing about today’s banquet. I thought you might have suffered some injustice, so I came to see you.”

Xie Yi’s words struck a chord in Xu Chun’s heart. Initially, seeing Ninth Brother had filled him with surprise and joy, and he wanted to ask about his health. But now, being reminded of the humiliation he faced earlier, he felt both shame and guilt. How humiliating that Ninth Brother knew about this. It made sense, though. Shen Mengzhen was Fang Zixing’s friend, so naturally, he would have told him. Xu Chun’s eyes welled up with tears, unable to hold back the emotion.

He was frustrated with his own uncontrollable tears. What was this? A man should bear insults stoically, but Ninth Brother…Ninth Brother was different from others.

True to form, Xie Yi didn’t laugh at him. Instead, he took out a handkerchief from his sleeve and wiped away his tears. “Don’t cry. Li Meiyi was out of line. We won’t bother to argue with him.”

Xu Chun wiped away his tears and choked back sobs for a moment before regaining his composure. “I’ve embarrassed Ninth Brother. I brought this humiliation upon myself. They, the literati, have always looked down on us. Prince Wang was merely courteous due to the gifts I sent. I foolishly thought he genuinely favored me and rushed to offer myself to receive a slap in the face.”

“My cousin and I spent considerable effort preparing for this banquet, fearing we might offend our esteemed guests. Little did I expect…to drag my cousin into this disgrace along with me. I wonder what he thinks of me now. Initially, he praised me for growing up and being able to share the family’s burdens. Now, he must be terribly disappointed. My cousin thinks I’m too frivolous, unable to bring honor to the Sheng family. My grandfather and cousin have always promptly sent me anything good. Now, I’ve dragged him into this mess.”

Xie Yi said, “What does it matter? Your cousin has been in business for years. Would he take this to heart? Moreover, they’re using a tactic of first suppressing then elevating you. First, they belittled you and the Sheng family. Afterward, you’d naturally feel unworthy. Inevitably, you’d listen to them. Don’t doubt it. Just watch, in a few days, that Prince Wang will surely invite you again, trying to mend relations. After you and the Sheng family have been knocked down, you’ll naturally feel that life in the capital is tough, and the court is fraught with peril. He’ll patiently guide you, and you’ll naturally think he’s a good person.”

Xu Chun was stunned. “So that’s how it was? Prince Wang seemed quite embarrassed at the time, not as if he anticipated it… He kept apologizing to me before leaving.”

Xie Yi shrugged indifferently. “Who in the court doesn’t know about Li Meiyi’s temper? Xie Fei took him to your banquet without ill intentions, but regardless of whose idea it was, it couldn’t have been well-intended. Didn’t they know you were hosting imperial kin? You’re known for being generous with your wealth, never treating money as money. Naturally, you’d spare no expense to entertain your esteemed guests, fearful of any negligence. Li Meiyi comes from a poor background. His family endured extreme hardship, and after his mother remarried, he experienced countless difficulties. He’s always harbored resentment towards the extravagance of the wealthy. Known for his integrity and righteousness, no matter the nobility, he doesn’t treat them differently. Seeing your lavish spending here, how could he remain silent?”

Xu Chun felt wronged. “To entertain esteemed guests, the food naturally should be abundant. People know the Sheng family are imperial merchants. If we serve ordinary fare to imperial kin, they might consider it disrespectful. Moreover, banquets in the capital are typically prepared on a grand scale, not an attempt to flaunt wealth.”

“The Sheng family are maritime traders. Sea delicacies are valuable inland, but to us, they’re common. They’re all processed by us. Also, due to the lighting, the paintings always seemed somewhat shadowy. To better appreciate them, I thought of using silver mirrors to reflect candlelight, allowing for clearer viewing…”

Xie Yi reached out and gently pressed his finger to Xu Chun’s lips. “No need to explain…”

Feeling the touch of that finger on his lips, Xu Chun’s ears burned hot, momentarily forgetting what he intended to say. His heart was filled with grievances he wanted to defend himself against, wishing to grab Li Meiyi’s hand and argue his case. But now, he could only stare at Xie Yi’s face. Under the moonlight, he could vaguely see Ninth Brother wearing the auspicious light fur cloak he gifted him. His brows and eyes remained as cold and proud as ever, but the gaze directed at him was filled with genuine concern and warmth.

Xie Yi explained slowly, “You’re still young. When faced with a situation, you rush to defend yourself, not realizing that at such times, any defense puts you at a disadvantage. I’ve heard about today’s events. Shen Mengzhen’s reaction was typical of seasoned politicians attacking each other, directly accusing him of impropriety, seeking fame and reputation, and being overly critical of others.”

As he withdrew his finger, he smiled. “This is just the beginning. If someday you inherit the title of Marquis, you’ll inevitably face similar situations. When censors report rumors to the court, the first response of the accused officials is often not to defend themselves but to submit a resignation letter to the court. Do you know why?”

Xu Chun felt awkward. “My father is still quite young, and the court thinks he’s useless, giving him no responsibilities. Ninth Brother, what’s the reason?”

Xie Yi replied, “Officials know that defending themselves would put them at a disadvantage. Submitting a resignation letter directly, if the court refuses, it indicates that the higher-ups still support them, and the emperor trusts them. If the resignation is rejected, the court officials immediately understand the emperor’s stance, leaving room for maneuver. At this point, the wind changes direction. Naturally, officials from another faction will seek out the flaws of the accuser and launch a counterattack. Once the other party’s weakness is exploited successfully, the accusations made against them become false charges.”

Xu Chun murmured, “So that’s what it means to not defend oneself.”

Xie Yi continued, “If you argue with him in court or submit a memorial to defend yourself, it should be done after the dust has settled and victory is assured. Otherwise, all previous efforts are futile, leading to endless entanglement and suspicion.”

Xu Chun whispered, “But if someone is falsely accused, can one really bear to not defend oneself?”

Xie Yi responded, “After being attacked, defending oneself is human nature. Even emperors aren’t exempt. Once, an emperor was criticized for obtaining his throne unjustly. Unable to resist, he issued an edict to the court, his subjects, and future generations, defending himself. Therefore, if you can’t resist defending yourself, don’t blame yourself for lacking resilience.”

Xu Chun looked at Xie Yi with wide eyes. Xie Yi smiled. “As far as I know, in the past, a minister fed piglets with human milk, steamed them, and presented them to the emperor to eat. Another official enjoyed eating yellow oriole vinegar, and his warehouse was filled with it. An official’s mother loved duck tongues, so he slaughtered hundreds of ducks daily just for the tongues. A former prime minister of the inner cabinet traveled with a thirty-two-man sedan chair…”

“Let’s not talk about distant examples. Speaking of recent ones, the late regent, who died from a horse fall, used copper coins to pave the ground in his palace. He loved hunting, and his palace housed countless hunting dogs and prized horses. Just feeding them cost millions of coins per day, and there were over a hundred dog slaves and horse slaves responsible for their care.”

A hint of sarcasm flashed across Xie Yi’s face. “If the regent were still alive today, Li Meiyi, who once received his favors, wouldn’t have dared to openly criticize his extravagance in front of guests. Therefore, you should understand that others dare to rebuke you face-to-face precisely because you’re weak, powerless, and unable to do anything to them. You can only endure it.”

“Of course, aside from the intentions of those who deliberately brought Li Meiyi, speaking solely about Li Meiyi himself, he’s a grand scholar in the inner cabinet and has served as a censor. He could even impeach and remonstrate with the emperor in person, and the emperor couldn’t do anything to him. During his time as a censor, which official in the court wasn’t investigated? Even the empress dowager wasn’t spared. Yet, no one truly changed their ways. Therefore, his criticism of you shouldn’t worry you. Your food and clothing come from your own wealth. What can he do to you? Take note of his criticisms, improve where necessary, and don’t take it to heart.”

“To the starving in poverty-stricken areas, having three meals a day and clothes for the seasons is considered luxurious. To the poor and common folk, embroidered robes, satin shoes, gold and jade adornments, and exquisite food and delicacies are extravagant. To scholars and officials, wine pools and meat forests, building pavilions, keeping concubines, and indulging in unrestrained pleasures are considered extravagant. Whether something is extravagant or not depends on your personal judgment. Always prioritize cherishing resources and caring for the people. If you indulge in extravagance without working hard, it’s excessive.”

Xu Chun apologized. “I understand, Ninth Brother. Your comfort and guidance mean a lot to me. Did Ninth Brother find my lifestyle extravagant when you stayed here before?”

Xie Yi shook his head. “I only felt your sincerity towards me.”

Xu Chun didn’t quite believe him, staring into Xie Yi’s eyes. “Ninth Brother is still comforting me. I know that Ninth Brother is rather frugal and disciplined, not particular about food.”

Xie Yi chuckled softly. “Everyone has their preferences. Why wouldn’t I have any? When I was a child, one year, I fell ill with a fever. I had no appetite for anything. A nursemaid serving me spent some money to have the kitchen prepare a pike and tofu soup for me to drink. It was my first time tasting it, and I found it incredibly delicious. I finished it all and told the nursemaid that I wanted to have it again at night.”

Xu Chun imagined a young Xie Yi, undoubtedly adorable. “I noticed that Ninth Brother likes fish soup.”

Xie Yi shook his head. “But before nightfall, my mother brought the nursemaid to my room and ordered her to kneel, scolding her for encouraging my extravagance. She then told me…how frugal my father had been. Pike fish are very difficult for the common people to catch. They die as soon as they leave the water, and transporting them from the south to the capital requires much manpower. Because of the many bones, preparing them also consumes labor. All this effort, just for a bowl of soup for me. Once it becomes a regular offering, it must be provided every year, which is indeed a great sin. Right in front of me, she ordered someone to beat the nursemaid to death.”

Xu Chun looked at Xie Yi in shock. Xie Yi looked at him and smiled. “At that time, I felt as you do now, deeply remorseful. I regretted causing the death of the nursemaid who served me because of my gluttony. I also hated myself for indulging in the pleasure of food, disregarding the suffering of the people, and lacking self-restraint. For an entire month, I didn’t eat a single piece of meat.”

Xu Chun sat up in shock. “Ninth Brother, it wasn’t your fault!”

Xie Yi smiled faintly. “Right. Later, I learned that the pike fish was originally intended for my mother’s consumption. She had a separate kitchen that could prepare whatever she wanted. Regardless of whether it was pike fish or any other delicacy, it could be supplied. Not only that, but to ensure she had fresh fruit and vegetables out of season, ice cellars were built, and greenhouses with charcoal heaters were specially constructed in the hot spring estate. Thousands of coins were spent annually on this.”

Xu Chun’s eyes widened. Xie Yi laughed. “She treated me this way to control me. Of course, the reasoning she used was perfectly justified. To this day, whenever I eat something valuable or wear something that consumes much labor, I feel guilty, thinking that it’s the blood and sweat of the people, something I shouldn’t enjoy.”

Xu Chun couldn’t help reaching out to grasp Xie Yi’s hand. “Ninth Brother!” He had grown up in luxury, never subjected to such strictness. He vaguely knew that Ninth Brother came from a noble and extraordinary background, wielding immense power, but he never expected that Xie Yi had been so rigorously disciplined. His heart filled with pity and affection, wishing he had met Xie Yi sooner.

Xie Yi looked down at Xu Chun and smiled. “Does that make you feel better? Whenever someone wants to criticize you, they can easily pick out lofty principles. This is called ‘fabricating crimes where none exist.’ It all depends on the purpose of the critic. Are they genuinely concerned for your well-being, or do they have ulterior motives? No one is perfect. Don’t let others’ harsh standards burden you.”

Seeing Xu Chun’s emotions stabilize, he said, “I’ve also brought you something good. Brighten the lamp a bit, so you don’t strain your eyes.”

Xu Chun hurriedly adjusted the oil lamp on the table, brightening the room. Only then did Xie Yi notice that there were lamps on the table and walls. Across from him, Xu Chun knelt on the couch to light the lamps on the wall, his bare feet exposed. His calves were thin and translucent, veins clearly visible, brimming with youthful vitality. His hair was tousled on his shoulders, his robe rumpled. His nose was red, his eyelids still swollen, and his lashes moist. His eyes, washed by tears, sparkled transparently in the lamplight.

Xie Yi sighed inwardly, turning around to unroll the scroll on the table.

Xu Chun turned to see the painting unfold, the paper covered in lush greens. Palaces were dotted with cranes flying overhead. “Is this the Auspicious Crane Painting?”

Xie Yi smiled. “Yes.”

Xu Chun was surprised and delighted. Lowering his head, he examined it closely. “This…seems to be Emperor Huizong’s original work? I thought it was kept in the inner palace collection?”

Xie Yi replied, “From time to time, the palace holds charity sales. Items from the inner treasury are sold through the Board of Household Affairs to imperial merchants and purchasing agents. The sales are recorded, but no cash is collected. After returning to their respective regions, the merchants convert the money owed into grain, storing it in local granaries to prepare for famine. This is a regular practice. This painting was sold last year. Its owner happens to be a friend of mine. Knowing you like bird paintings, I asked him for it some time ago. I had planned to give it to you but got busy and kept it. Coincidentally, I heard about it from Fang Zixing today, so I decided to bring it over.”

Deeply moved, Xu Chun knew that only someone extraordinary could buy items from the palace’s charity sales. Ninth Brother must have paid a great favor to obtain this painting. And it might not have been something he requested before. Perhaps knowing that Xu Chun had been wronged today, he hurriedly fetched it and brought it over late at night. Xu Chun murmured, “Such an original work, the palace is willing to sell it in a charity sale…”

Xie Yi dismissed it lightly. “It’s the painting of a fallen emperor. Keeping it is ominous. Selling it can save lives. It’s too dark to see the painting clearly. Put it away for now. When the light is better tomorrow, you can slowly admire it. I have something else to give you.”

Then, he lifted a book box and handed it to him. “Read these books when you have time. If you have any questions, come ask me. These are banned books, so don’t let outsiders see them.”

Xu Chun opened the box in a daze, finding several old books inside. Their pages were flat, and the titles were The Book of Hidden Knowledge, Historical Critiques, The Book of Burning, and The Initial Pool Collection, among others. They contained numerous annotations, the handwriting elegant and refined.

Xu Chun focused on the calligraphy, asking, “Banned books?”

Xie Yi smiled. “Yes, these are the works of Master Li Zhiwu. I stumbled upon them in my youth and found them beneficial. I spent some effort collecting his books and studied them for years. This last book contains some notes I wrote while reading. You can read it too.”

Xu Chun gazed at the precious books, gently stroking the characters. He thought about how these were Ninth Brother’s words, written so beautifully. Feeling ashamed, he hesitated. “But Ninth Brother, I’m unlearned. Such precious books should remain with you. Leaving them with me would be a waste…”

Xie Yi said, “Reading them won’t be a waste. This Mr. Zhiwu is also from Fujian, like your maternal family. He’s also from a maritime merchant family. Originally surnamed Lin, his ancestors offended a censor, and his family was accused of treason. His family fell into ruin, forcing him to change his surname to Li to avoid disaster. Later, he passed the imperial examinations and entered government service. He was exceptionally talented, with profound insights, but unfortunately, he defied convention, was arrogant and unruly, and was eventually framed and imprisoned. He committed suicide in jail. He once said, ‘I have twenty points of knowledge, twenty points of talent, and twenty points of courage.'”

Xu Chun asked, “Why were his books banned?”

Xie Yi replied, “Because he said ‘everyone can be a sage,’ ‘commoners are not inferior, princes and kings are not superior.’ His ideas were wild and deviant, going against orthodoxy and the law, considered treasonous. Thus, the orthodox court couldn’t tolerate him.”

Xu Chun’s eyes widened, seeming puzzled and shocked. Xie Yi noticed the lingering swelling around his eyes and didn’t want to scare him further. He smiled. “You’ll like him. Mr. Zhiwu had some thoughts, like opposing the emphasis on agriculture and suppression of commerce. He said, ‘Those who do not discuss finance cannot pacify the world.'”

Xu Chun cautiously asked Xie Yi, “Ninth Brother, reading these books, is it because you oppose the orthodox court?”

It was a surprising question. Despite the clues he had observed, the youth never cared to inquire or probe. He never asked about Xie Yi’s enemies, where he lived, or what he was busy with every day. Yet, he suddenly blurted out this question, as if struck by lightning, asking if he opposed the court.

Xie Yi stared at him for a moment. The other’s gaze was sincere, as if he would think about how to help if Xie Yi were truly plotting rebellion. Xie Yi wanted to ask if he would stand behind him without hesitation, but he couldn’t bear to frighten him. After all, he had a family behind him, the vast Sheng family. Why should he bear the burden of fear? With that thought, he smiled faintly. “Reading his books doesn’t mean I believe everything he says. Trusting books completely is worse than not reading them at all. He had a saying that makes sense, ‘A scholar values himself and seeks his own comfort.’ Everyone has their own path, whether it’s the orthodox teachings of the ages or heretical ways. Whatever serves me is my own path. Sages also make mistakes. You should read more. The more you read, the less you’ll blindly trust books.”

Xu Chun carefully put away the books, looking at Xie Yi. Even though he still had some confusion, he now understood that Xie Yi cared for him deeply. A warm feeling surged in his heart. He thought to himself, Although Ninth Brother isn’t interested in me romantically, he treats me with neither contempt nor disdain. He simply hopes that I’ll study well.

Xie Yi watched him staring blankly at him, finding the child quite interesting. He gently stroked his head, smoothing his messy hair. “Alright, it’s almost dawn. I have things to attend to at home. I’ll head back. Read your books well.”

Xu Chun held the book in a daze, watching Xie Yi step off the couch to leave. Panicked, he jumped off the couch. “I’ll see Ninth Brother off. When will you come again? How can I consult you if I don’t understand something?”

Xie Yi turned to see his bare feet and frowned. “Put on your shoes first. Don’t catch a chill.” Then he continued, “I’ll be very busy in the coming days. When I have time, I’ll visit you. Start reading. If you have any questions, write them down and send them to the Lamp Grass Lane. Wu Fu and Liu Shun are there. They’ll help you deliver your letters.”

Xu Chun was reluctant to part. Hurriedly putting on his shoes, he escorted Xie Yi downstairs and out the back door. Fang Zixing and a few guards waited for him, bowing slightly to Xu Chun from a distance.

Xu Chun watched longingly as Xie Yi still wore that auspicious light fur cloak, mounting his horse under the moonlight. The clip-clop of hooves echoed as he rode away.