Chapter 31 – Night Talk

Even though he knew that visiting Bamboo Branch Workshop didn’t guarantee seeing Xu Chun, he didn’t send someone ahead to notify them of his arrival. Instead, he leisurely rode his horse to the back gate, where bamboo branches swayed gently and the red door was weathered.

Xie Yi held his horsewhip on the horse, tapping it against the door. The old servant immediately came over to open the door, ready to take the horse, smiling broadly. “Young Master Nine, have you eaten yet? There’s fish soup in the kitchen, incredibly fresh. Shall I prepare a bowl of noodles for you? And there’s also scallion-braised broad beans, freshly shelled spring broad beans, paired with sweet rice wine, it’s absolutely delicious.”

Xie Yi smiled, suddenly feeling a sense of familiarity with the common life, as if he were truly a wanderer returning home after a long journey, being asked if he had eaten upon entering the door, his stomach felt comforted by a bowl of hot soup. Was this what it felt like to live an ordinary life?

He said, “I’ve already eaten. How about your young master? Has he gone out?”

Sheng Laoliu replied, “You came at just the right time. He had been going out every day recently for social engagements. Today, Young Master received a set of treasure ships, which he can’t put down. He’s playing with them upstairs and doesn’t even want to eat. Since you’re here, why don’t we have dinner together.”

He hadn’t eaten yet at this hour? Xie Yi glanced at the sky. “We can’t let your young master get away with such antics. Meals should be taken on schedule.”

Sheng Laoliu said, “Ah, our young master has a childlike temperament, good one moment and then bad the next. Who dares to discipline him? He passed the Imperial Academy exams, and Madam was so delighted she hosted banquets for three days! Now, he’s the apple of her eye. Regardless, the kitchen keeps the dishes warm. He still has a sense of propriety; when he’s hungry, he goes down to the kitchen himself to find something to eat.”

Xie Yi said, “Set the table then. I’ll join him for a meal.”

Sheng Laoliu’s wrinkles seemed to dissipate as he smiled. “I’ll tell Old Lady to make arrangements.” As he spoke, he pointed to the room furthest to the right on the second floor. “Young Master Nine, go up yourself. Chunxi and the others are out running errands—delivering gifts, replying to invitations, and dealing with the constant stream of visitors from the Duke Jing’s residence. Being accepted into the Imperial Academy means a lot of things come up.”

Sheng Laoliu continued chatting as he headed to the kitchen, while Xie Yi noticed how quiet the building was. None of the pages were around, presumably busy with other tasks.

His soft-soled boots made no sound on the wooden floorboards as he ascended to the second floor and entered the room furthest to the right. He found the room spacious and bright, with shelves lining the walls filled with various wooden carvings, corals, and many wooden treasure ships. It was clear that this was Xu Chun’s place for entertainment and leisure.

Xu Chun was crouched beside a large, flat round tank, dressed casually in a gauze robe, completely engrossed in watching a miniature wooden ship on the water’s surface. That set of sea ships could actually move on their own, sailing majestically across the water, creating ripples and splashes behind them.

Xu Chun reached out to scoop up one of the ships, about to wind the clockwork mechanism, when he suddenly sensed someone at the door. He looked up and saw Xie Yi enter, surprised and delighted. “Brother Nine?”

Xie Yi smiled warmly. “What are you playing with?” He had assumed that Xu Chun was either diligently studying or enthusiastically attending social gatherings and banquets, never expecting to find him secretly playing alone like a child, his innocence intact.

Xu Chun still held the wet ship in his hand, his face flushed red, as if caught by a strict teacher indulging in play. He stammered, “Brother Nine, I just got this set of ships today. I’m usually not like this.”

Xie Yi reassured him, “I’m not your teacher, there’s no need to be so nervous. I just happened to be free and decided to drop by for a visit.”

Xie Yi leaned down to examine Xu Chun’s set of ships. “They’re quite intricately made. They can move on their own?”

Xu Chun sighed in relief and lifted the ship. “Yes, there’s a leather strap inside, which you can wind to power the mechanism. Then, the paddle starts turning, and the ship moves forward.”

Xie Yi watched carefully for a moment, then tried winding the mechanism himself and placing the ship on the water. Sure enough, it started moving with a chugging sound.

Xie Yi commented, “It’s quite interesting. Where were they made?” They were more exquisite than those produced by the Ministry of Works.

Xu Chun explained, “In Minzhou, my maternal grandfather’s family runs a shipyard, which only builds ships for personal use. When I was a child and visited my maternal grandfather’s house, I saw my cousin playing with these small ships and liked them very much. Ever since then, every year when the shipyard produces new ships, they make a miniature set and send it to me to play with.”

Xie Yi glanced at the ships on the display rack. “Those ones? Are they all made of camphor wood?”

Xu Chun confirmed, “Yes.”

Xie Yi walked over to take a closer look. One group of small sailboats was entirely white, standing out prominently. Xu Chun hurried over to introduce them, proud as a peacock. “This is called the White Swan. It’s named by me. This ship isn’t large, fast and agile, but it can’t travel far out to sea. It’s only suitable for coastal navigation and can carry about twenty people… It’s ninety feet long, twenty feet wide, and draws three feet of water. This type of small ship is perfect for passenger transport.”

“This is called the Four Seas. It’s the oldest long-distance ship in my maternal grandfather’s family. It was built by the Sheng family ancestors and is now docked, no longer making long voyages. It remains in the harbor for us to admire and remember our ancestors.”

“This is called the Golden Scale. My maternal grandfather ordered it to be made in the year I was born. It’s eighteen years old now and is still making long voyages. This is a large ship, one hundred and eighty-five feet long, thirty feet wide, and draws eight feet of water. It can carry over a hundred people when it goes out to sea. Look, there are even gun turrets here. These are to prevent pirate attacks. However, pirates generally don’t bother us when they see it’s a Sheng family ship. They know they can’t win.”

Xie Yi picked up a ship and felt its bottom. “Are sea-going vessels all sharp-bottomed?”

Xu Chun explained, “Yes, sea-going vessels fear shallowness but not depth. A sharp bottom is better for long voyages.”

Xie Yi returned the ship to its place, contemplating the idea of establishing a naval administration bureau and choosing a location—whether it should be in Jin or Min. It now seemed that setting up in Min would save considerable effort—the Naval Administration School and the Naval Academy should be established together, but neither would be accomplished overnight.

However, seeing Xu Chun’s eyes sparkling with excitement and his cheeks still flushed red, but his spirit invigorated, he thought it would take some time to wait for this child to grow up enough to govern a region. Moreover, one couldn’t achieve anything alone. Wasn’t Scholar Qiongshan powerless due to his lack of support? In the coming years, he needed to carefully select a few capable ministers and lay some groundwork.

Xu Chun realized that Xie Yi had been staring at him, turning to look at him somewhat embarrassed. “Brother Nine, do you think this is uninteresting?”

Xie Yi assured him, “Not at all, it’s very intriguing. I was just thinking about the letter you wrote me a few days ago, saying that you’re currently studying the ‘Explication of the Great Learning’ in the Imperial Academy?”

Xu Chun confirmed, “Yes, thank you, Brother Nine, for explaining the ‘Great Learning’ to me before. Now, learning it isn’t very strenuous.”

Xie Yi nodded slightly. “Since you’re so interested in these sea-going ships and maritime trade, you should read Qiu Jun’s ‘Supplement to the Explication of the Great Learning.’”

Xu Chun immediately agreed. “Okay, I’ve been reading Mr. Zhuowu’s books that you gave me these past few days. I’ll ask Chunxi to help me find it.”

Xie Yi nodded. “You won’t be able to finish reading it in a short while. In that book, there’s a view on maritime transport. I vaguely recall it’s under the detailed section of ‘Regulating National Finances,’ titled ‘Suitability of River and Sea Transport.’ You should focus on reading that.”

Xu Chun was surprised. “What’s maritime transport?”

Xie Yi moved to a large, wide table beside a screen and spread a piece of paper on it, quickly drawing a wavy line and marking several circles. He explained, “Qiu Jun was from Qiongzhou, so he proposed that maritime transport is more efficient and convenient than river transport.”

“This is the current route of river transport. Rice from the south is transported twice a year during spring and summer. The entire transportation of southern rice to the north relies on rivers. Once the river becomes silted, river transport will be damaged, and land transport must be relied upon, consuming human resources. If maritime transport is carried out, the path will be smooth, saving time and effort. Moreover, not only can southern rice be transported, but grain from Min and Guang provinces can also be transported via maritime routes.”

Xie Yi drew a coastline and then sketched an arc-shaped maritime route straight to the mouth of the Jin River.

Xu Chun was surprised. “That makes a lot of sense. Maritime vessels can carry a lot and the costs are extremely low. But this maritime route needs to be carefully planned, otherwise, there are many pirates on the vast sea. Pirates scatter after plundering, and it’s impossible to retrieve what they’ve taken. It’s much harder to manage than river transport. Besides, traveling on the sea, encountering storms and capsizing, results in severe losses, and there’s no way to rescue the people. Even their bodies can’t be retrieved.”

Xie Yi remarked, “Yes, when he proposed combined river and sea transport, it was strongly opposed by the chief grand secretary at the time, who believed that maritime transport was extremely unsafe, endangering lives. He cited the sanctity of human life as a reason not to allow maritime transport.”

Xu Chun suggested, “But if the imperial court uses its power, dispatches more naval forces, forms convoys, and conducts multiple voyages to establish the route, trains experienced sailors, and carefully observe ocean conditions and weather to avoid sailing in bad weather, I think it’s feasible.”

Xie Yi smiled faintly. “You’re right, so you should pay more attention to this area. Perhaps one day your knowledge will be put to practical use.”

Xu Chun was unconcerned. “That’s something officials worry about. And I suspect that when the chief grand secretary said it was about preserving human life, I think it was more about offending too many people by opening another maritime route. So he used that grand principle to suppress others. Back then, constructing the canal caused many deaths! Building the Great Wall also led to deaths! Constructing mausoleums didn’t spare lives either! Did those emperors care?”

Xie Yi was somewhat surprised, turning to look at Xu Chun. “How did you come to see it as a struggle for interests? But…emperors should practice benevolent governance. Those actions of aggressive military campaigns, constructing canals, the Great Wall, and mausoleums, are still considered tyrannical by later generations, and emperors also need ministers to constantly remind them of benevolent governance and love for the people.”

He had previously worried that telling Xu Chun too much would make him fearful of the imperial court, so he hadn’t mentioned the underlying conflicts of interest. But how did Xu Chun come to see it as a struggle for interests?”

Xu Chun chuckled. “Brother Nine, it’s the same as doing business. Once a businessman crosses the line and disrupts others’ sources of income, it’s like killing their parents! Just a few days ago, my cousin came to the capital via the canal. Although he’s used to traveling by sea, using the canal should have been easy, but he still had to obediently pay tribute to the Canal Gang all the way. Along the canal route, besides paying taxes to the imperial court at various checkpoints, he also had to deal with the Canal Gang! Behind the Canal Gang in various regions, powerful local clans hold sway, and many people rely on this canal for their livelihood! This is a case of a strong dragon not suppressing local snakes, crossing the line is a major taboo for businesses.”

“Mr. Qiu thought too simply. Opening up maritime transport would simply be touching the money bags of so many prefectures and counties along the canal route! As a person from Qiongzhou who arrived in the capital, he had no power. Without anyone supporting him, if he wanted to accomplish this, he would at least need to have his own fleet. He could offer to transport goods for the imperial court for free for a period, only charging cost price. Once the sea route was established, whether profitable or not, how many people died, and how much cargo was lost, the imperial court would know the benefits after a year. Furthermore, negotiations with the canal transport side must be conducted. Profits from maritime transport should be shared, and the other side must also benefit. This is the only way to ensure peace and success. In business, we emphasize that everyone gets rich together. If one gets rich at the expense of destroying others’ means of survival, that business won’t last long.”

Xu Chun pointed at the map, adding details. “If the imperial court establishes ports in these coastal prefectures and allows them to share in port taxes, the locals will benefit. Officials from these prefectures will certainly support maritime transport. They might even fight over the construction of these ports. This is called luring them with benefits, which is more effective than using power.”

He raised his eyes to meet Xie Yi’s gaze, which was complex, suddenly becoming shy and unsure of himself. “I’m just rambling. If Brother Nine thinks what I said is wrong, please correct me.”

Xie Yi shook his head. “No, your thoughts are correct, and the solution you proposed…is quite good. Truly, the young phoenix’s voice surpasses that of the old phoenix.”

Xu Chun instantly blushed deeply, unable to meet Xie Yi’s eyes. “Brother Nine is praising me too much… I was just speaking casually. I don’t think the imperial court will open up maritime routes. Look, the majority of candidates in the annual imperial examinations come from Jiangnan. This vast area relies on river transport as their foundation. The officials of the imperial court are all from their ranks. How could they open up maritime routes?”

Xie Yi said indifferently, “The Son of Heaven oversees the four seas. If he dares not open up maritime routes, how can he claim to be the Son of Heaven?”

Xu Chun was speechless. Brother Nine really had a rebellious bone. He dared not continue the conversation and awkwardly changed the subject. “If maritime transport were truly opened, my great-grandfather would be overjoyed.”

Xie Yi smiled. As the child said, the imperial examinations focused on poetry and literature, indeed resulting in a clique of teachers and students. Officials from a certain region dominated, making it difficult to rectify the situation. To select officials who could handle practical affairs, changes probably needed to start with the examination system.

However, ministers only hoped that the emperor would rule with a light touch and not initiate reforms.

Outside the window, bamboo leaves rustled, but Old Lady Sheng shouted from downstairs, “Young Master, dinner is ready.”

Xu Chun was startled and turned to look at Xie Yi, somewhat embarrassed. “Old Lady Sheng has watched me grow up, so she doesn’t adhere to formalities. Brother Nine, please don’t mind.”

Xie Yi could indeed smell the aroma of food, finding the familiarity of this everyday atmosphere comforting. He smiled. “Mind what? I told them to set the table. I said you were so engrossed in playing that you hadn’t had dinner. Let’s go down and have a little together.”

Xu Chun was pleasantly surprised, happily following Xie Yi downstairs to the flower hall for dinner, asking, “Why didn’t Brother Fang come today? Also, why didn’t you bring Wu Xingxue and Wu Xingyun? That’s not good. What if something like the previous incident happens again?”

Xie Yi replied, “It won’t happen. They had something else to attend to.”

Xu Chun was somewhat disapproving but didn’t dare to say anything, only hurrying to hold the curtain for Xie Yi.

As soon as Xie Yi sat down, Xu Chun eagerly poured him some soup. “Brother Nine, are you feeling better? This is fresh fish soup, very flavorful. Here are some conches. Look at these conches grilled with a hot fire, paired with purple scallion garlic sauce. This is Old Lady Sheng’s specialty!”

“There are also zongzi wrapped in bamboo leaves over here. Brother Nine, try them. They’re all selected from the bamboo leaves in this courtyard, very clean. Old Lady Sheng’s zongzi are the best. There are salty and sweet ones. Take some later, and it would be nice to give some to Brother Zixing as well.”

Xie Yi slowly picked up a tender scallion-braised broad bean with his chopsticks and placed it in his mouth. It was fresh, tender, and glutinous, with a lingering taste. He said, “These broad beans should be paired with alcohol.”

Xu Chun hurriedly responded, “There’s sweet fermented yellow wine! It’s extremely rich and nourishes the blood and body!” He quickly called for Old Lady Sheng, who soon brought a jar of wine, reminding them, “It’s been warmed and mixed with preserved plum and rock sugar. You’re only allowed to drink one jar. Young Master Nine, aren’t you still recovering from illness?”

Xu Chun assured her, “Certainly, certainly.” He poured wine for Xie Yi and himself, Xie Yi drank a cup, feeling warmth spread through his body. In a slightly tipsy state, he felt relaxed and asked Xu Chun to pour another cup.

Xu Chun also drank a cup but didn’t rush to refill it, smiling apologetically. “Brother Nine, have some soup first. Drinking this wine too quickly can easily cause a headache.”

Xie Yi followed his advice, taking the spoon to slowly drink, not minding Xu Chun’s words. Xu Chun was overjoyed to see Brother Nine, having forgotten all his previous anxieties and suspicions. He couldn’t wait to pour out everything, drinking and talking animatedly.

Xie Yi listened to him speak, occasionally asking a question. “So your family celebrated for several days because you were admitted to the Imperial Academy?”

Xu Chun’s face reddened. “I used to be so disappointing, Brother Nine, don’t laugh at me. It was just a small celebration within the family. The relatives came to congratulate the next day, and the third day was a small banquet among my brothers and sisters.”

Xie Yi reassured him, “Why would I? I’m also happy for you. Didn’t I even write a congratulatory scroll for you? Do you have many brothers and sisters?”

Xu Chun elaborated, “There are only two households in my family. The eldest household only has an older sister who has married out and doesn’t like to associate with our household. Therefore, I only have my own siblings. I have two younger half-brothers and two younger half-sisters. My younger half-brother and half-sister are still young, so we don’t often play together.”

Xie Yi nodded. “Is your half-brother taking the Spring Exams this year?”

Xu Chun replied, “Yes, he’s very talented, but he has a strange personality and is usually cold, not speaking much to me. The other day, he came to congratulate me and offered me a few cups of wine. He said some cryptic words about feeling guilty towards my mother and me, and promised that if he succeeds in the Spring Exams, he will repay us. He also urged me to change my bad habits, sever ties with my unsavory friends, study diligently at the Imperial Academy, and under no circumstances should I associate with imperial relatives.”

Xie Yi commented, “Well, regardless of the rest, these words are quite reasonable.”

Xu Chun said, “Brother Nine, you don’t know! A few days ago, he went to my grandmother and complained about me, saying that I was criticized by Li Meiyao for being overly extravagant, that I fraternized with imperial relatives, and that I had a fondness for men, seeking out male prostitutes everywhere! It almost got me beaten. You tell me! He went to my grandmother to complain, and now that he sees me admitted to the Imperial Academy, he pretends to apologize sincerely, as if anyone cares about him!”

Xu Chun slammed the table, growing angrier as he spoke. “He looks down on me, yet he wants to act like an older brother and manage me. My…friends…” He caught sight of Xie Yi’s amused and bright eyes, his tongue seemingly stuck, belching clumsily as he corrected himself. “…companions, what does it have to do with him?”

Xie Yi heard his emphatic words and saw his flushed face, bright eyes with a watery shine, realizing that he was actually drunk. He couldn’t help but smile, consoling him. “Understood, just stay away from him. These are trivial matters. More importantly, you need to worry about your family’s dukedom. If your older half-brother has a virtuous reputation outside, and you are truly too frivolous, it’s easy for tricks to be played on you, and someone might impeach you.”

Xu Chun said, “Understood…” Speaking of it, he became somewhat sad. “He looked like he meant it somewhat genuinely that day and even cried. Actually, wouldn’t I want more brothers…Do you know what he said? He said that my friends are all after my money…Although he spoke the truth, it still hurt. He looked down on me like that.”

Xie Yi couldn’t help laughing, but he dared not laugh too loudly, fearing that the child would become angry and ashamed. After some thought, he said, “Speaking of which, since you’ve been admitted to the Imperial Academy, you should host a banquet for me in return.”

Xu Chun’s eyes, still moist, curved upward in a smile. “I’d be delighted!”

Xie Yi smiled. “Then where do you plan to invite me?”

Xu Chun suggested, “To Qianqiu Garden to watch a play? Several new plays have recently premiered.”

Xie Yi shook his head. “Didn’t you say you opened a bookstore near Chunming Lake, which is very tranquil? I happen to be free tomorrow, why don’t we go there and enjoy the scenery and people-watching in the springtime.”

Xu Chun’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Good! I’ll close the shop for a day tomorrow.”

Xie Yi shook his head. “No need. Wouldn’t it be better to find a spot where we can quietly sit and appreciate the scenery and people without being seen? I prefer to observe the hustle and bustle from a quiet place.”

Xu Chun was even happier. “Whatever Brother Nine wishes.”

It wasn’t until nightfall that Xie Yi returned to the palace. Su Huan didn’t dare to sleep, only guarding the palace gates. Seeing him return, he finally felt relieved. Approaching, he smelled the scent of alcohol and reproached him, “Your Majesty, you’ve just recovered. Why did you drink?”

A hint of red tinged Xie Yi’s eyes as he glanced at Su Huan. “Go to the Hongwen Hall and fetch the painting ‘Chess Gathering at the Double Screens’ for me. I’ll be giving it to someone tomorrow.” He handed Su Huan a carrying box. “Enjoy it with Fang Zixing.”

Su Huan took the basket in confusion. “This humble servant thanks Your Majesty for the reward. What is this?” He opened it and pulled out a string of exquisite zongzi, all wrapped in fresh green bamboo leaves.

Su Huan’s eyes widened in delight. It was the zongzi wrapped in bamboo leaves from Bamboo Branch Workshop.