Chapter 48 – Thunderclap

It was said that after the gathering at Huayun Pavilion, Xu Chun’s Chufeng Hall indeed thrived in business. He Zhiqiu and Fan Mukun had truly sent over silver and manuscripts one after another. Zhang Wenzhen, the second place scholar, somehow found out about it. While blaming He Zhiqiu and Fan Mukun for leaving him out, he also sent his manuscript over. Brash with wealth, he directly sent ten thousand taels: “Your Highness need not be polite with me. Use the best paper and ink, and take your time to produce a quality product. The three of us top scholars are having our books printed here, which is an excellent story. If their money isn’t enough, I’ll make up the difference.”

Xu Chun hadn’t expected Zhang Wenzhen to have such a personality, and was quite surprised, but he gladly accepted it. For a while, the printing hall was incredibly busy. Fortunately, Qing Qian was very capable. While managing things, she simply mobilized Qing Jin, Qing Yin, and Qing Zhu from Xu Chun’s quarters. After all, they could all read and write, were proficient in arithmetic, and were careful and meticulous. Immediately, they meticulously started working on those out-of-print books.

With everything in place, Xu Chun could see many white pieces of silver coming in, and felt extremely satisfied. Furthermore, peace reigned at home. Even Grand Lady never again found fault with Sheng Fu. Everything inside and outside was peaceful, and life was smooth. Xu Chun temporarily felt that from birth until now, there had never been a more prosperous period than this.

The only exception was that Mr. Shen suddenly became stricter with his studies, thoroughly reviewing what he had learned before. This made him very hardworking. Fortunately, everything else was peaceful, so he simply pushed away all social engagements. Outwardly, he claimed to be busy with printing books and some calculations. He buried himself in Bamboo Branch Workshop, diligently going through the lessons he had previously neglected and forgotten. He reviewed what he needed to memorize and wrote the required essays.

Life was stable, and time passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, the fifth lunar month arrived, and the Dragon Boat Festival was near. Xu Chun prepared early. He packed the zongzi made by his six aunties, the five-colored threads for warding off evil spirits, sachets of mugwort, and such items in a box to send to Xie Yi. He cautiously asked again if Elder Brother Jiu wanted to spend a day or two relaxing at the White Stream Estate for the Dragon Boat Festival?

Xie Yi looked at the letter and couldn’t help but smile. He didn’t find it inappropriate either, so he replied for Xu Chun to go to the estate first on that day and wait for him. He had some minor matters to attend to. Once he finished, he would come over, probably arriving around noon. Xu Chun should pass the time alone or paint a picture first. They would enjoy the painting together once Xie Yi arrived.

Xu Chun received the letter and was delighted. He completed the homework assigned by Shen Mengzhen first, then gathered everything up. On that day, he reported to his elders early and went to the estate to tidy up.

Xie Yi did indeed have something to do. Xie Fei reported that the Empress Dowager was seriously ill. The imperial physicians had visited twice and only said that she was depressed. Now, the Empress Dowager wanted to see him, and he had no choice but to arrange it.

Fortunately, it was a holiday on Dragon Boat Festival, so he went with a small entourage, only taking a few eunuchs like Su Huaibai and a squad of guards to the Imperial Temple. Before leaving, he calculated the time and thought that visiting the Empress Dowager and then going to Deer Horn Mountain would be perfectly timed.

The Imperial Temple occupied the entire mountain. As soon as Xie Yi dismounted, even before entering, his face was as expressionless as a dead tree, and his movements were cold and stern.

The Minister of Rites led the officials of his ministry to greet him at the entrance. Xie Yi, wearing his black satin mourning robe, went to the main hall of the Imperial Temple first to pay homage to the previous emperors. Then, he went to the courtyard where the Empress Dowager lived and first asked how the imperial physician’s treatment was going.

The Chief Imperial Physician and several other imperial physicians discussed the case and truthfully presented their prescriptions. Xie Yi sat down and read each one. Although the diagnoses and medications prescribed by the imperial physicians occasionally differed, most agreed on the condition. The Empress Dowager suffered from liver stagnation and dampness that had persisted without cure, qi stagnation and blood stasis, and liver dysfunction. Therefore, her appetite decreased, her waist and hips ached, her legs and knees felt heavy, her flanks were swollen and irritable, and she suffered from mental weakness and difficulty sleeping. Most of the prescriptions were decoctions for soothing and regulating the liver, causing him to sneer inwardly.

Xie Yi knew that the Empress Dowager was deliberately forcing him to visit her. It seemed that life in the Imperial Temple was too austere. In the past, the Empress Dowager disliked sweet and fresh foods, overindulging in rich and fatty dishes, which harmed her health due to excessive consumption. She also lacked physical activity, resulting in symptoms of phlegm-dampness and spleen-stomach disharmony common among the wealthy. Now, her condition had changed to liver stagnation, discomfort, and insomnia.

Xie Yi casually picked an old imperial physician who had served the late emperor, Zhuang Shouji, and asked, “Physician Zhuang, how do you think the Empress Dowager’s condition is? How has she improved compared to when she was in the palace? Back then, the palace was filled with official duties and noise, which the Empress Dowager found too noisy. That’s why she came to the Imperial Temple to recuperate peacefully. Why hasn’t her condition improved after a period of rest?”

Zhuang Shouji stepped forward and reported, “Your Majesty, after the Empress Dowager came to the Imperial Temple, she enjoyed tranquility and nourished her spirit. Her condition of abundant phlegm-dampness has improved significantly. Her current illness is likely due to the heavy dampness during the transition between spring and summer, leading to invasion by pathogenic factors and external discomfort, resulting in poor appetite. We have written a prescription to clear heat and promote tranquility for the Empress Dowager. After a few days of rest, she will certainly recover.”

Xie Yi nodded slightly, highly approving: “Physician Zhuang served the late emperor. Your pulse diagnosis is accurate. Since you say she can recover, I am at ease. I was originally worried that the Imperial Temple was too austere, but it seems to be beneficial for the Empress Dowager’s recovery. In that case, please continue to treat her well. Quietly recuperating with the ancestors’ blessings, she will surely regain her health.”

All the imperial physicians understood and echoed their agreement in unison.

As Xie Yi looked at them, he only sneered in his heart. The imperial physicians in the palace were all adept at self-preservation. They used mild medicines, never employing potent remedies, nor dared they prescribe drastic drugs. Let them slowly treat her.

After dismissing the imperial physicians, he went in to pay his respects to the Empress Dowager. The halls of the Imperial Temple were magnificent, planted with ancient cypress and locust trees. Their branches and leaves were dense, creating a deep and secluded landscape. Upon entering, one felt a chill. The beams of the great hall were all made of agarwood, emitting a rich and solemn fragrance.

Empress Dowager Fan was already in her fifties, but her appearance still resembled that of a woman in her thirties. Her complexion was ruddy, her features delicate, and her demeanor kind. She wore a dark yellow robe embroidered with myriad-character flowers. Seeing him, she said, “Your Majesty is preoccupied with state affairs. Why bother to see this widow?” At the same time, she ordered the attendants beside her, “Go down below. Just summon Concubine Jing to serve.”

Xie Yi said indifferently, “Concubine Jing shall not be admitted. Since the Empress Dowager doesn’t need service, all of you may leave.”

Imperial authority weighed heavily. The ladies-in-waiting and female officials around Empress Dowager Fan didn’t dare to linger and hurriedly bowed and withdrew, instantly clearing the room. Even Su Huaibai went out to the outer chambers.

Xie Yi then said coolly, “Son greets Mother. I’ve just consulted with the imperial physicians. They all said that the Imperial Temple is tranquil, and now Mother’s spleen and stomach are comfortable, her blood circulation is smooth, although she has lost some weight, she appears vigorous and energetic. If she feels her spleen and stomach are still out of balance, she might as well eat vegetarian meals for a few more days, perhaps it will settle down. As for the symptom of sleeplessness, the Imperial Temple is blessed by the ancestors. If Mother visits Father’s spirit often, perhaps she will feel at ease.”

Empress Dowager Fan laughed coldly, “I gave birth to a monster that imprisoned its mother and killed its brother. His eyes only see power, devoid of familial affection. What good is there to talk about with your ancestors, House of Xie? Now that Your Majesty is uncontrolled, do you live with a clear conscience?”

Xie Yi said indifferently, “Mother, wasn’t this taught by you? ‘If the people of all quarters have sinned, the sin lies in my body,’ you taught me since childhood to reflect constantly. When a comet appeared in the sky, I had to kneel in prayer. When the river flooded, I had to fast. Since you taught me to bear all sins, what’s wrong with me wanting to be the number one person under heaven? You can’t expect me to bear all the blame while someone else enjoys the glory of the emperor.”

Empress Dowager Fan laughed coldly, “You’ve always been a monster since childhood, just like your father, cold-hearted and emotionless, suspicious and aloof. I even specially arranged for Ai Ru to teach you. After more than a decade together, she failed to teach you to value relationships and loyalty. Instead, she only produced a callous, inscrutable monster.”

Xie Yi said coolly, “Mother’s sense of righteousness hopes that I turn a blind eye to your adultery and childbearing, the Empress’ adultery and childbearing, then pass the throne from brother to brother, replacing the rightful heir. Mother, you spent more than a decade teaching me how to become an emperor, yet you want others to violate and seize the emperor’s authority, and then suffer the backlash. Isn’t that to be expected?”

Empress Dowager Fan laughed coldly, “Prince Regent was loyal in assisting the young emperor, and he had the merit of supporting and aiding you. Ai Ru was gentle and virtuous, accompanying you since childhood. She was your first wife and Empress. Ling Er had the bond of brothers with you. Your maternal uncle was your mentor, teaching you propriety, righteousness, integrity, and shame. Yet, you betrayed them all, and for your suspicious and jealous heart, you slaughtered meritorious officials, deposed the Empress, killed your brother, imprisoned your mother, and destroyed your teacher. You forgot your benefactors, were ungrateful and unrighteous. Now that you have absolute power, can you sleep soundly?”

Xie Yi said, “I’ve already stated clearly about Prince Regent’s horse accident. It has nothing to do with me. There’s no need to mention it further. Regarding Fan Ai Ru, why hasn’t she reported this to Mother? I’ve never favored her. Since she’s pregnant, she’s naturally guilty and deserves punishment. How could she remain in the position of Empress? Granting abortion is justified. She should have been executed, but considering Mother needs someone to serve, I didn’t want the palace scandal to be exposed to others, so I spared her life to serve Mother. As for my maternal uncle’s execution out of fear of punishment, it was his own doing. The only one I personally ordered to be executed was Duke Duanping, Xie Ling.”

Empress Dowager Fan felt as if her heart had been pierced by a sharp cone, sobbing, “Wretched son! He was your younger brother, who admired you since childhood, and had a close relationship with you. You taught him writing, poetry recitation, archery, and horseback riding. You have no remorse!”

Xie Yi remained silent, suddenly thinking of Xu Chun. That day, I even taught him that when questioned, there’s no need to defend oneself. It turns out that even at this moment, I still can’t resist defending myself. Indeed, knowing is easier than doing. Coming here today was indeed a mistake.

Perhaps there was still hope, thinking that after being confined for this period of time, even if it was for returning to the palace, she would feign affection and say a few false and soft words to me, or repent a little. That way, we could feign affection and continue this so-called mother-son relationship.

It seems she hasn’t been confined long enough. Xie Yi nodded slightly and stopped talking, turning to leave.

Empress Dowager Fan didn’t expect him to no longer argue, and angrily said, “Wretched son, your cruelty and lack of gratitude, your reversal of right and wrong, and alienation of loved ones, I see you as this emperor, solitary and isolated, with a country but no family. You will never meet a person who genuinely cares for you in your lifetime!”

Xie Yi strode out. Turning past the curtain, he took a few steps and saw a woman wrapped in a lotus green cloak standing by the corridor. Her features were clear and cold, her bearing ethereal like a fairy. Seeing him, she gave a deep bow: “Your Majesty.”

Xie Yi said icily, “I’ve already issued an edict, forbidding audience. Why haven’t you withdrawn?”

Fan Ai Ru said softly, “Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has repented. This concubine knows that Your Majesty is not an unfeeling person. Please give the Empress Dowager a chance, which is also giving yourself a chance. Reconcile. The love between mother and son is innate. The Empress Dowager was only momentarily confused. If Your Majesty brings her back to the palace and spends time together day and night, things will naturally improve.”

Xie Yi shouted coldly, “Su Huaibai!”

Su Huaibai ran out from the side of the passage, bowed with his hands behind his back, and Xie Yi said, “All the palace maids serving Concubine Jing shall receive forty strokes of the cane. Any further violation of the edict will result in execution.”

Fan Ai Ru’s face turned as white as snow. Xie Yi looked deeply at her and said coldly, “You’re mistaken. I am indeed such an unfeeling person. Those who betray me will never be forgiven, even in death.”

When Xie Yi left the Imperial Temple, dark clouds rolled across the sky. He mounted his horse alone and galloped away. Fang Zixing hurriedly led the guards to closely follow him, but heard a loud thunderclap in the sky. It was going to rain.

==

The rain drummed loudly, and droplets fell like strings of pearls from the eaves.

Xu Chun leaned against the window on the upper floor. Both the north and south sides were equipped with a row of glass windows, all wide open. The mountain breeze swept through the hall, very refreshing. One could see the distant river view and the mountain path below. Seeing the rain fall, he couldn’t help but feel disappointed, thinking that Elder Brother Jiu probably wouldn’t come.

On the table lay the carefully painted Valley Spring Sunset he had worked on for half of the day. The valley was lush with spring foliage, waterfowl, mountains, and stones. He wasn’t entirely satisfied with it, but he had put in his best effort. He intentionally left half of it blank, reserving space for Elder Brother Jiu to inscribe. He felt somewhat guilty, thinking his painting wasn’t worthy of Elder Brother Jiu’s calligraphy.

He felt desolate but clung to a glimmer of hope, thus not leaving the window. He watched the raindrops splash onto the lush vegetation, making a pattering sound. The distant trees were blown sideways by the wind, their branches trembling. The world was shrouded in a vast expanse of whiteness. The loneliness he had felt since childhood surged up again.

As dusk approached, Xu Chun noticed it was nearly the hour of You, but the rain showed no signs of stopping. Instead, it grew heavier. Thinking that Elder Brother Jiu wouldn’t come anymore, his disappointment deepened. He had no appetite for food and only randomly grabbed a book to flip through, but couldn’t focus on reading.

However, just as the wind intensified and the rain became heavier, accompanied by rolling thunder, Xu Chun faintly heard the sound of hooves. He initially thought it was the thunder, but upon closer inspection of the mountain path, he saw a group of riders galloping towards him.

Overjoyed, he hurriedly called out, “Chun Xi! Quickly have someone prepare the hot spring corridor! Xia Chao, notify the kitchen to prepare food as soon as possible and cook a few bowls of ginger sugar water, perilla water, and cherry wine, and have them ready! Also, get clothes ready, quickly! Inform the gatekeepers to let Elder Brother Jiu and his party ride straight into the inner gate!”

In an instant, all the servants at the estate were bustling about. Xu Chun, however, grabbed a bamboo hat and rushed towards the inner gate, disregarding the torrential rain. The wind blew, and his clothes immediately became soaked.

Ignoring it, he stood at the inner gate, using the bamboo hat to shield his head. He looked down and saw the approaching riders getting closer. The leader had a tall and sturdy figure; it was indeed Elder Brother Jiu!

He waved his hands excitedly, “Elder Brother Jiu! Elder Brother Jiu!”

The sound of hooves was like thunder, and in a moment, they reached the courtyard in front of the inner gate. Xie Yi dismounted, and Xu Chun hurriedly greeted him, holding an umbrella above Xie Yi’s head. He saw Xie Yi looking down at him, his dark and bright eyes gazing intently. He wore a black outer cloak, but underneath was a snow-white robe. A sword hung at his waist. His hair and clothes were completely drenched, and rivulets of rainwater dripped down his temples.

Xu Chun smiled broadly. “Such heavy rain, Elder Brother Jiu, why did you brave the storm? Quickly come in and drink some soup to dispel the cold. I’ll take you to the hot spring corridor behind to wash up and change into clean clothes.” Meanwhile, he instructed Xia Chao and the stewards to arrange for Fang Zixing and the others to change clothes and have a meal.

Xie Yi didn’t speak, only took the umbrella and held it, lowering his head to look into the boy’s bright eyes, seeing them brimming with friendship. He sneered inwardly: Could this person not be true to me? If I want his heart, he could immediately offer it to me.

Xu Chun led Xie Yi through the walkway and directly to the warm spring walkway on the east side, smiling. “This is hot spring water, but to capture the wildness of nature, half of it is open-air, with pools and corridors built. Are you hungry, Elder Brother Jiu? I’ll have them bring over some snacks first.”

Xie Yi asked, “Do you have wine?”

Xu Chun hurriedly replied, “Yes! There’s cherry wine, brewed to be very mellow. I’ve tasted it, and it’s delicious. I had them mix honey and ice cubes into it. Elder Brother Jiu, try it later and see if you like it.”

As they walked into the bathhouse pavilion, it was indeed constructed with pure white cloud stone. The hot spring pool was built, and corridors hung over the water. On both sides, there were small wooden railings. In the open-air hot spring, raindrops fell into the spring water, creating billowing steam and a vast expanse of water. The water flowed down with a rushing sound. Standing on the corridor, the wind swept past. Looking down, one could see the lush greenery of the terraced hillsides, teeming with vitality and wild charm, with birds flying overhead.

Inside the bath area, steam rose from the bath pool. Along the stone walls surrounding the pool, there were screens and partitions, all made of huanghuali wood inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Chun Xi had led the servants to prepare fresh fruits, snacks, alcohol, and water in advance. They had also placed clean clothes, towels, bathing beans, tea oil, fragrant dew, and other items next to the screen. Xu Chun dismissed them, then turned around in surprise.

Elder Brother Jiu had already undressed himself, revealing his lean and muscular body. He was tall, with strong arms, a broad back, and muscles rippling like mountains, gracefully undulating.

Xu Chun’s face flushed, and he turned around hastily, waving to signal Chun Xi and the others to leave. Then, he turned back to see Xie Yi stretching his long legs and silently stepping into the water.

Xu Chun was momentarily at a loss, only able to stammer, “Elder Brother Jiu, take your time washing. If you need anything, just call, and they will come in to serve you. Here, there are bath towels, bathing beans, and rose-scented dew, all quite effective. Try them first. If they don’t suit you, ask them to replace them.”

After saying that, he was about to leave, but his eyes were reluctant to part, secretly observing Xie Yi’s back.

Xie Yi had already turned around in the water, sitting on the stone step built along the pool wall. Most of his body was submerged in the water. Leaning back, he casually instructed, “Bring the wine over to me.”

Xu Chun’s face burned, walking over with the jug of wine and cups, stuttering, “Elder Brother Jiu, you must have caught a chill riding in the rain. Is your stomach empty? Drinking on an empty stomach and soaking in the hot spring isn’t good. Why not eat some snacks first? These mung bean cakes and cream pastries taste quite good and aren’t too sweet. Also, there’s salty ham zongzi.”

Xie Yi said, “Mmm.”

Xu Chun wasn’t sure if this was an agreement. He just felt that Elder Brother Jiu seemed to be in a bad mood today, unlike the last few days when he was gentle and kind. He was more like the Xie Yi he met when he was poisoned and recovering, gloomy and indifferent. Had he been upset somewhere?

He picked up a few snacks and placed them on a carnelian plate, which looked quite tempting. Then, he also placed the jug of wine and cups on it. Walking along the edge of the bath, he placed it next to Elder Brother Jiu. He noticed Xie Yi leaning against the edge of the pool, his eyes closed. The steam added a touch of color to his pale face. His sturdy arm rested on the edge of the pool, the muscles bulging, very firm.

Unable to resist, he knelt down on one knee, picked up a mung bean cake, and offered it to Xie Yi’s lips. Xie Yi opened his mouth and ate it with his eyes closed, opening his eyes to glance at him. “Eat some yourself.”

Xu Chun grinned, feeding Xie Yi a lotus flower pastry, then genuinely eating one himself. However, he took a zongzi to peel, secretly thinking that peeling a zongzi takes a long time, allowing him to stay by Elder Brother Jiu’s side longer.

The zongzi was small and exquisite, white and tender, each bite-sized. The filling was honeyed ham. Xie Yi didn’t refuse anything offered, eating it all. Even the cherry-embedded cream pastries pinched one by one by Xu Chun, he ate them all. He then instructed, “Pour me a drink.”

Xu Chun hurriedly poured a cup of cherry wine for Xie Yi. However, Xie Yi didn’t take the cup. Instead, he grabbed the wine jug and drank directly from it, finishing it in one gulp.

This cherry wine was indeed rich and thick, mixed with honey and crushed ice. Drinking it, a line of warmth spread from the throat straight to the dantian. Xie Yi tossed the wine jug back onto the shore and looked at Xu Chun, whose clothes were actually half wet. He narrowed his eyes slightly.

Xu Chun clumsily caught the wine jug and put it back, saying, “Why is Elder Brother Jiu drinking so hastily? Wouldn’t it be better to drink slowly after washing up?” He turned his head and saw Xie Yi bend his long and powerful leg, placing one hand on his abdomen and lifting his chin. With eyes full of intimidation, he stared at him. “Take off your clothes and join me for a bath.”

Tonight’s Elder Brother Jiu seemed particularly unruly, his eyes dark and deep, but full of allure.

Xu Chun’s heart raced, swallowing hard. His body trembled unconsciously, as if facing a dangerous beast. Refusing Elder Brother Jiu seemed like a death sentence, but approaching him seemed equally perilous.

A gust of wind swept through the high corridor, extinguishing the lanterns and candles beside the screens with a whoosh.

The bath area plunged into darkness. Outside, Chun Xi vaguely asked, and Xu Chun quickly responded, “There’s no need to come in.”

The bath area suddenly fell silent again. Elder Brother Jiu seemed to be staring at him continuously, his eyes piercing. The room was too dark, and Xu Chun couldn’t see anything. But he could feel Elder Brother Jiu’s intimidating gaze fixed on him. His ears burned fiercely.

The rain continued to pour outside, splashing onto the water surface. Ultimately, Xu Chun didn’t light the lanterns and candles, only reaching out to gently untie the sash of his robe. The thin garment, heavy and wet, fell to the cool ground.

Thunder roared outside, continuous and relentless, as if to destroy everything. The downpour washed over everything, the rain falling heavily throughout the night.