Chapter 51 – The Floral Invitation

The days of vacation were so leisurely, especially since Xu Chun had tasted the pleasures of life, he became even more indulgent. Every day, he would only pester Jiu Ge by the lake for barbecues, mountain sightseeing, horseback riding through the forest, and hunting in the mountains.

Xie Yi discovered that Xu Chun was indeed very skilled at passing time. Not only did he arrange each day in an interesting and rich way, but he often acted on impulse and returned when he was satisfied. For instance, what was originally supposed to be fishing and roasting fish by the lake might have turned into swimming and playing in the water because it was too hot, which then turned into rowing a boat drifting far away, and then returning on horseback.

Or it could have been mountain sightseeing, but due to the sudden discovery of a cave, it ended up becoming an adventure into the cave, holding torches, until they emerged from the other side of the mountain, picking some sour and astringent but colorful fruits to take back. These colorful fruits were then carefully placed into vases, and he insisted on lighting a lamp to paint them in the evening. There seemed to be unexpected events happening every day, but when they returned to the villa, it was always carefree.

Xie Yi patiently accompanied him, commenting on Xu Chun, “You have quite the style of the Wei and Jin dynasties.”

Xu Chun laughed, “Second Place Zhang also praised me like that. So being carefree and playing is the style of the Wei and Jin dynasties? How scholars praise people is truly unique.”

Xie Yi said, “Directness, spontaneity, clear intelligence, accessibility, nonchalant freedom, self-admiration of elegance—these are probably the meanings.”

Xu Chun and Xie Yi rode together slowly on the mountain path, with rustling bamboo leaves on both sides. Xu Chun still held a handful of wildflowers in his hand, listening to him speak and laughing teasingly, “Jiu Ge is actually saying that I’m capricious and extravagant, frivolous and not doing practical work, spending all my energy on these useless matters.”

Xie Yi said, “Hmm… Since you’ve grown up without guidance, loving to play is quite normal. However, youth fades easily…”

Xu Chun turned to look at him, his bright eyes shimmering, “Jiu Ge, live for today with today’s wine; be happy for a day if you can be happy for a day.”

Xie Yi smiled, no longer trying to persuade him. In the past, his days were slow, going through the schedule day by day. After finishing one thing, he moved on to the next, methodically and strictly. He had been disciplined for many years, and even after he thoroughly grasped power, he had already become accustomed to this rigorous and repetitive life. His only indulgence was occasionally riding alone at night.

He never imagined that someone could carefully match their clothes, hairpins, hats, and shoes, and meticulously choose their meals, planning the next day’s activities the night before. And it was indeed meticulous, arranging everything—soup and snacks, wine and fresh fruit, sugar and milk. Of course, most of this was to please him, and it did indeed please him.

For example, today’s hunting. In such a small forest, it was just hunting rabbits and pheasants, yet he played with great enthusiasm, coming up with all sorts of tricks. One moment, he wanted to pluck the pheasant’s tail feathers to make shuttlecocks, and the next, he said he would make winter gloves for Jiu Ge out of the rabbit fur he personally hunted.

They had already thoroughly explored Mount Lujiao these days, and today was another day of enjoyment. Xu Chun regretfully said, “It’s a pity that Brother Fang only played for a day before leaving.”

Xie Yi said, “He’s rather old-fashioned. Whether he’s here or not doesn’t matter much; in fact, it’s restrictive.”

Xu Chun laughed again, “Why does it sound like what Mr. Shen said. He also said that Brother Fang is too rule-bound and it’s not fun to play with him.”

Xie Yi said, “His family and the Shens are old friends, but since the Shen elders are no longer around, they’ve had less contact. A few years ago, there was a falling out over something, and later they reconciled, but have become somewhat estranged.”

Xu Chun was surprised, “Brother Fang, such a proper and warm person, would also fall out with others? Speaking of which, Mr. Shen and Minister Li Meiyai seemed to be very incompatible before, but recently, I saw Mr. Shen wanting to speak to Minister Li.”

Xie Yi said, “Yes, officials serving in the same court, even if their political views differ, can still enjoy poetry and wine, and laugh and talk together. But when they impeach each other in court, their words are like knives, as if they are mortal enemies.”

Xu Chun said, “All so hypocritical. Big Brother insists that I enter government service…”

Xie Yi said, “I just think you have great talent for governance, and you’re smart and adaptable. Eventually, you’ll have to inherit the title, and you’ll have to deal with ministers. If you really don’t want to be an official, then don’t be one.”

Xu Chun was overjoyed, “Really?”

Xie Yi said, “Of course, it’s not a matter of great importance.”

Xu Chun was somewhat suspicious, “Why has Jiu Ge suddenly changed your mind?”

Xie Yi said, “Suddenly realized something. That is, since I can protect you, why rush your steps? You’re still young; being happy for a day is good, and walking slowly, the scenery is absolutely wonderful.”

Xu Chun felt warmth in his heart and leaned towards Xie Yi, “Jiu Ge, I’ll earn money to support you!”

Xie Yi smiled slightly, “Supporting me isn’t easy.”

Xu Chun made grand declarations, “Jiu Ge, just ask for money whenever you need it.”

Xie Yi stroked his hair, “Okay.”

In late spring, the woods on the mountain were lush, and birds chirped. They only hung a few pheasants and rabbits behind their horses, slowly riding through the forest without haste.

When they returned to the villa, Chunxi reported, “I don’t know why, but there were checkpoints set up on the way back to the city today, saying they were investigating bandits and preventing people from entering and exiting freely. Did you encounter them, Sir?”

Xu Chun said, “We came out of the mountain, so we didn’t encounter them.”

Both of them were sweaty and inevitably had to wash and change clothes. Xie Yi let Xu Chun go in first while he came out to have Liushun summon Fang Zixing.

Since settling down in the villa, he had already arranged for an imperial army to be stationed at Mount Lujiao. Fang Zixing personally went to the Five Military Governorates to mobilize several thousand people, scattered throughout the mountain and below, with guards planted inside and outside the walls. But the people coming in and out of Bixi Villa were unobstructed. For them to suddenly say they were checking must mean something happened.

Fang Zixing said, “Not long after Ninth Master and the Prince left today, the guards below the mountain saw a chief constable from the Jingzhao Prefecture arrive. They stopped him from entering the villa and made it clear that it was the Jingzhao Prefecture Grand Hall summoning the Prince of Jingguo for questioning. The guards didn’t dare to act on their own initiative, so they reported it to me, and I took the initiative to stop him and took the magistrate’s token. I sent someone to the Jingzhao Prefecture to inquire.”

“Jiang Xian saw that it was me sending someone to inquire, and truthfully reported that there was a murder case in Sweet Stream Lane in the northern part of the city. A woman died from poisoning, and she was a maid dismissed from the House of Jingguo, reported by Xu Gu, the eldest son of the House of Jingguo. He said the deceased was his birth mother. In the room, they found the handkerchief worn by the Prince of Jingguo, suspecting that it was his younger brother, Prince Xu, taking revenge for his birth mother and forcing her to death. Because Xu Gu is a scholar and a reserve official, the Jingzhao Prefecture could not neglect this and could only summon the Prince to the hall for questioning.”

“I wasn’t sure for a moment. Logically speaking, the Prince has been at White Stream Mountain Resort these past few days, and the servants here, as well as the city gate seal at the capital’s entrance, can serve as evidence. In my opinion, the Jingzhao Prefecture wouldn’t dare to trouble him. I thought that after asking a few questions, the suspicion would be cleared. Xu Gu is, after all, his real brother. According to what Lord Jiang Xian said, Xu Gu didn’t dare to believe it either. But his mother lived a secluded life, had no contact with her neighbors, and had no enemies or grudges in daily life. The handkerchief and the bottle containing the poison left at the scene were the only clues. He didn’t intend to harm his real brother, but he needed to seek justice for his birth mother, so he had to report it to the Jingzhao Prefecture.”

“I haven’t received instructions from you, so I temporarily ordered Jiang Xian not to rush. Please give us guidance.”

Xie Yi’s face sank, and he gave a cold laugh, “Xu Chun has been here these past few days; everyone in the House of Jingguo knows that the Prince is relaxing here for the Dragon Boat Festival. This isn’t framing the Prince; the person behind this, using Xu Gu as a tool, their intention targets the Lady of the House of Jingguo.”

Fang Zixing was startled, and Xie Yi mocked him, “You’re also from a high-ranking family; can’t you see these tricks? If you don’t pin some sort of reputation on Madam Sheng, how could the position of Prince return to the eldest branch? Xu Chun has always loved and protected his mother. If they try to protect each other, it would be convenient to frame them. Also, it’s a two-for-one, getting rid of Xu Gu’s birth mother. Wasn’t she sent away and married far away long ago? Why is she still in the capital? No wonder Xu Gu was eager to be assigned elsewhere. Originally, he wanted to take his birth mother away from the capital. Now that his birth mother died unexpectedly from poisoning, how could he not pursue it?”

Fang Zixing said, “Should we inform the Prince?”

Xie Yi said coldly, “No need. Pass on My Imperial Command. Since this case involves court officials and meritorious ministers, it shall be transferred to the Ministry of Justice. The Zhuangyuan, He Zhiqu, shall handle and investigate the case, and within seven days, find the true culprit and report to Us.”

Fang Zixing calculated in his heart. Seven days. He couldn’t help feeling slightly sympathetic for the new Zhuangyuan. He hurriedly agreed. Xie Yi added, “Tell He Zhiqu, Xu Chun has been with Us these past few days, so there’s no need to interrogate Xu Chun. This case needs to be handled secretly, without making a big fuss, and without publicizing it.”

Fang Zixing agreed again and hurriedly went to attend to the matter without further mention.

Xie Yi washed and changed clothes under the service of Wufu and Liushun, had his hair redone, and then went to Xu Chun’s study, where he saw him focusing intently with a brush in hand, coloring.

He leaned over to take a look, seeing a small mud-gold note. Xu Chun was painting a branch of wind-swept crabapple on it, so he asked, “What are you drawing this for?”

Xu Chun looked up at him and smiled, “When you’re bored, I might as well draw a few patterns and send them to be printed. Don’t underestimate these invitations; they sell very well. I can earn fifty thousand taels of silver a year from them.” He held up five fingers, quite proud.

Xie Yi laughed, lowered his head to take a look, and said, “Your brushwork is wrong. This crabapple should lean in this direction.” He held Xu Chun’s hand and slowly dipped the brush heavily in rouge, drawing a stroke.

Xu Chun immediately broke out in a sweat, almost unable to hold the brush. Jiu Ge’s hand was hot and steady, and he was momentarily distracted again.