Chapter 47 – Testing

Upon entering Huayun Tower, Xu Chun was immediately teased and coerced into drinking his penalty shots. He could only smile apologetically and drag Shen Mengzhen out as his shield.

“I can’t, I can’t. Mr. Shen gave me these blueprints today, and I haven’t finished calculating them yet. It took some persuading, saying that because His Highness the Young Duke’s school for the poor opened today, and I had to come and join in the celebration, that’s why he let me go. I still have to continue calculating tonight, and I need to submit them to the Ministry of Works tomorrow. I can’t calculate anything if I’m drunk.”

Xie Fei smiled. “It’s true, there’s important business at hand. Don’t get him drunk. I heard that it’s precisely for the maintenance of the moat and city walls that the Ministry of Works keeps calling on the mathematics scholars from the Imperial Academy for help with calculations. I guess Brother Xu has been busy with that today. Look, even Lord Jiang just left, and said he was still busy with the city wall repairs. This is a top priority assignment personally assigned by His Majesty.”

“There’s an empty seat right here. Siyuan, come over here. The top scholar has arrived today. You haven’t met him yet, let me introduce you.”

When Xu Chun heard the words ‘top scholar,’ his heart skipped a beat. Although he knew that Scholar He would eventually meet him after entering the imperial court, it still caught him off guard. He could only follow Xie Fei with gritted teeth, wearing a forced smile as he bowed deeply. “Greetings, Scholar He. I am Xu Chun. I’ve long admired your talent, and it’s an honor to finally meet you.”

He Zhizhou was surprised when Xu Chun walked in. Though his attire wasn’t as rich and splendid as when they met during the New Year, dressed simply in a blue scholar’s robe with a matching black hat, his strikingly handsome appearance and vibrant spirit were unmistakable. Who else could it be but the young master of Xianyun Workshop?

Previously, he had been tormented by guilt for wronging the young master, but he was afraid that years of hard work would go to waste. So, taking the bold step of a man, he reported him first. Just as Cao Cao killed Lu Boshe and became a notorious hero, he preferred to betray the world than let the world betray him.

But now, seeing the victim standing right in front of him, his years of cultivated composure almost broke down, and he almost wanted to run away. The shame and humiliation he felt before the Emperor surged back into his heart. But everyone was watching him, and he couldn’t escape for the moment.

However, Prince Xu acted as if nothing happened, bowing and speaking with a smile on his face, sincere eyes showing no signs of resentment or contempt. Instead, he seemed somewhat apologetic and timid, just like the last time they met.

He Zhizhou calmed himself slightly and returned the courtesy. “I’ve heard about Prince Xu’s eloquence and chivalry. Your demeanor is truly impressive; I regret meeting you so late.” In his heart, he secretly rejoiced that Lord Jiang, the Governor of Jingzhao Prefecture, had already left. Otherwise, how could he utter such shameless words today?

The others saw that He Zhizhou was only gloomy today. They assumed that since he had just become the top scholar and was then demoted, they didn’t dare to touch on his sad story and merely kept him at arm’s length. Now, seeing him suddenly lowering himself to make friends and being very humble, they were all puzzled.

Xie Fei then ordered Xu Chun to take his seat and poured wine. After several rounds of toasting and drinking, He Zhizhou found a chance to speak to Xu Chun. “Brother, let’s talk privately.”

Xu Chun thought that He Zhizhou was still worried about him leaking his secrets, so he naturally got up from the table, and said he was going to admire the flowers. They went downstairs and strolled under the flower trees while talking.

He Zhizhou looked at his face and laughed. “So, Young Master, you’re actually the Prince of the Duke’s Mansion. I offended you the other day.”

Xu Chun said apologetically, “Xianyun Workshop is something I started for fun when I was idle. It’s not a decent affair, please, Brother He, do me a favor and keep it a secret.” He thought that now he had given He Zhizhou something to hold over him, so he wouldn’t have to worry about him leaking information. Besides, it didn’t matter if he told others; there were plenty of high-ranking families in the capital who did similar things, they just didn’t personally handle matters.

He Zhizhou probed, “After receiving such great kindness from Brother Xu, helping in times of danger and hardship, I should repay you tenfold. However, my current situation is unbearable, and I’m ashamed to see Brother Xu again, feeling guilty for your previous good intentions.” He was using innuendo. If Xu Chun harbored any resentment, he would surely complain now, right?

Unexpectedly, Xu Chun comforted him instead. “I’ve heard that Brother He has encountered setbacks in his official career, but luck plays a big role in such situations. Brother He’s talent is astonishing, and you have a strong character. There will certainly be a time when you’ll achieve greatness again. Brother He, don’t lose heart.”

He seemed to know nothing about the fact that He Zhizhou had reported him. He Zhizhou asked, “The other day, you mentioned that your brother confiscated your book… I assume it’s Xu Gu, your fellow scholar from the same exam who passed the imperial examination this year.”

Xu Chun waved his hands. “No, Brother He, you mustn’t mistake the person. It was another…my highly respected elder brother. He usually disciplines me quite strictly. You can rest assured; he has a pure nature and a stern disposition. He is very intolerant of flaws. That book he took away, he must have destroyed it. It definitely won’t circulate outside, Brother He, you can be completely at ease.”

He Zhizhou was speechless.

He thought for a moment and asked, “Today, I saw the students’ book boxes at the school for the poor. They were meticulously made. The textbooks inside were beautifully bound, the handwriting clear, and the paper of the highest quality. I heard that Brother Xu ordered them to be printed. I also have a poetry collection and am thinking of printing it when I have time. All expenses will be covered by myself.”

Xu Chun happily replied, “Just leave it to me. I’ll ensure that the best paper and ink are used for you.”

He Zhizhou said, “Today, I saw the hall name of Zhubeng Hall. The writing is excellent.”

Xu Chun smiled. “That was the hall name my elder brother gave to my printing workshop and personally wrote it. I also think it’s fantastic, which is why I printed it on the books. Brother He, your discerning eyes truly see everything. My elder brother also said that your handwriting was superb when he first saw your book.”

He originally wanted to say that if fate allowed, he could introduce them, but then he remembered what Ninth Brother said about not liking to meet people. He held back his desire to brag and tried to find a way to explain things fully so that Scholar He wouldn’t always suspect that he was holding onto those few books as leverage.

Xu Chun could only cover up. “However, my elder brother doesn’t like publicity, so please, Brother He, don’t spread it around.”

In He Zhizhou’s heart, however, everything was crystal clear. He knew that Xu Chun’s strict elder brother was probably the supreme ruler himself. Wasn’t he known for hating evil and not tolerating any impurities? If he hadn’t responded properly back then, he might have been beheaded and his body left to cool by now.

His heart was filled with mixed feelings. On one hand, he was puzzled that Prince Xu seemed unaware of how prestigious his elder brother was. On the other hand, he wondered why the Emperor didn’t tell Prince Xu about the matter but protected him behind the scenes.

Although he couldn’t understand it, he still exchanged a few more casual words with Xu Chun before the two returned upstairs. Seeing them return together, the others only teased them, demanding penalty drinks.

Xu Chun, however, was troubled. Seeing He Zhizhou’s attitude towards him, he feared that He Zhizhou believed he was holding his secret against him. He didn’t know how to resolve it. Perhaps he should ask Ninth Brother boldly. What if the book was still there? Maybe he could retrieve it. Ninth Brother was always accommodating to his requests…

Unexpectedly, Fan Mukun also came over to toast him. Xu Chun was taken aback and hurriedly stood up to drink. Fan Mukun smiled. “The other day, we met briefly, and I only felt that Your Highness had a radiant bearing, like a phoenix or a qilin, a mythical hooved chimerical creature in Chinese and East Asian mythology. We didn’t have the chance for a deep conversation, which was quite regrettable. Today, it’s fortunate that we have another opportunity, but the top scholar beat me to it. I didn’t know what to talk to you about, making me wait for a long time before finding the chance to have this drink with you.”

Xu Chun said modestly, “Third Place Scholar, you flatter me.” He didn’t mention what He Zhizhou said to him and only smiled as he drank.

Fan Mukun was increasingly astonished. He had been away from the capital for a few years. Upon returning, he only heard that Prince Xu had lavishly donated 100,000 taels of silver to the Ministry of Works to obtain a noble title for his mother, and that he had been criticized by Li Meiyao for excessive hospitality. He was extremely dissolute and extravagant, spending money like water.

He initially thought that Xie Fei befriended him because he coveted his wealth. But now, it seemed that wasn’t the case. Judging from their two meetings, Prince Xu wasn’t a crude, frivolous, shallow, or stupid person. When donating, he didn’t compete with Zhang Wenzheng over the amount of silver, but rather chose the more practical option of donating books. Clearly, his vision and character were extraordinary, and his words were smooth and insightful. Despite his youthful spirit, he never made enemies with anyone, no wonder everyone here was close to him.

Looking at He Zhizhou today, this person appeared amiable, but in reality, he was extremely proud. Having been unjustly demoted, he became even more aloof. Why did he seem to be somewhat subdued in front of Xu Chun?

Fan Mukun smiled. “Today, I saw the books Your Highness printed. They were exquisite. Coincidentally, my late father had a handwritten manuscript that I’ve always wanted to print. I’ll cover all expenses, but I hope it can be printed carefully.”

Xu Chun hastily said, “Leave it to me. I’ll ensure that Third Place Scholar gets the best paper and ink.”

Fan Mukun smiled. “That’s wonderful. Today, I saw the hall name and the two words ‘Zhubeng’ written excellently. I wonder if they were written by Your Highness…”

Xu Chun hurriedly waved his hands. “No, no. These trivial matters aren’t handled by me. Everything is arranged by my subordinates. I guess they hired a calligraphy master from somewhere outside to write it.” In his heart, he was greatly surprised. Why did the top scholar ask, and now the third place scholar was also asking? Indeed, Ninth Brother’s handwriting was too good?

Fan Mukun’s eyes flickered, and he smiled faintly. “I was going to say that if they were written by Your Highness, this handwriting truly has the aura of a master. I was planning to ask Your Highness for another piece of calligraphy.”

Xu Chun politely declined with a smile. “Third Place Scholar Fan, you’ll find out that I’m unlearned and terrible at this. Please don’t praise me anymore. I’m barely passable at math.”

Fan Mukun warmly took his hand. “I’ve been mourning my father and have been away for many years. Now that I’ve finally returned to the capital, I didn’t expect to find someone of your character here. If there’s anything in the future that requires Your Highness’s assistance, I’ll have to trouble you.”

Xu Chun could only humbly decline repeatedly.

After much effort, Fan Mukun finally left, and then Zhang Wenzheng came over. He was a straightforward person. He raised his cup and said, “Today, I saw the educational aids Prince Xu prepared, and they were very meticulously made. The other day, I underestimated Your Highness. Because I saw that your brother disliked me, I offended you. Today, I offer you wine as an apology. Please don’t consider me rash and rude.”

Xu Chun hurriedly smiled. “You flatter me, Sir Zhang. As a scholar with the rank of juren, a title granted to successful candidates in the imperial examinations at the provincial level in Imperial China, teaching us brothers, how could we bear any grudge?”

Zhang Wenzheng chuckled. “In our region, we distinguish very clearly between legitimate and illegitimate children. I saw that Your Highness has a kind personality and is too easy to bully. Today, your brother didn’t come. This is a good opportunity for me to talk to you seriously. The hearts of such people grow bigger day by day. By choosing the word ‘Bo,’ meaning elder or eldest brother, also a title of nobility, for his courtesy name, he was bullying you. If you endure it, one day you’ll retreat entirely, ending up in complete ruin. Don’t underestimate him.”

Seeing that Zhang Wenzheng had clearly drunk too much and his speech was slow, his wild and arrogant scholar’s temperament was revealed without doubt. Xu Chun was at a loss, could only agree reluctantly, and finally coaxed him to return.

Only then did he sit back down at his seat. Xie Fei, sitting at the head of the table, observed all this, and his heart was filled with surprise. He knew that the three top scholars of this year, he had also tried to befriend them. Apart from Fan Mukun, whom he had known before, the other two had only recently become acquainted, and although they respected him as a member of the imperial clan, they kept some distance.

All three of the top scholars had their own personalities. No matter how humble and friendly they appeared on the surface, they were extremely proud at heart. Whether they were poor or wealthy, they didn’t actively seek to make friends. But today, they all seemed to treat Xu Chun with special consideration.

Why was that?