Chapter 61 – Inquiry

Shen Mengzhen threw the pile of messy policy essays back onto the table, wishing he could burn them all, and got up irritably, planning to go out for a few drinks to forget his troubles. He had enough of the paperwork. Just as he stood up, he heard someone lightly knocking on the door, “Sir.”

He replied curtly, “Today’s lessons are over, come back tomorrow!” He walked from the inner room to the outer hall, pausing when he saw Xu Chun dressed in plain robes, bowing deeply. “Sir.”

Seeing Xu Chun, Shen Mengzhen’s anger dissipated, and he said helplessly, “Sit down. Aren’t you mourning at home? Why do you have time to visit? Is there something about your studies you don’t understand?”

This outer hall was where students sat during his private lectures. He took his seat at the head of the teaching desk and looked at Xu Chun kneeling neatly on a cushion, looking up at him, obedient and well-behaved.

He was like this when he listened attentively in class, but if he didn’t want to answer questions, he would change the subject, his gaze wandering. But now, looking at him, it seemed he wanted an answer from him but was afraid that he would give him additional homework and burden him.

It was too easy to read him, Shen Mengzhen couldn’t help but smile. “Tell me, what’s the problem?”

Xu Chun said, “I shouldn’t disturb Sir while mourning, but my two cousins have come to the capital recently. They were treated to a banquet by Brother Fang amidst his busy schedule, which we are very grateful for. I want to return the favor to Brother Fang, but I don’t know much about his family situation. I don’t know what gift would be appropriate. Since Brother Fang and Sir Shen are good friends, I can only ask Sir boldly.”

Shen Mengzhen found his expression amusing. “In terms of closeness, Fang Zixing could attend a banquet and entertain your guests amidst his busy schedule. You should be closer to him than I am. I wouldn’t dare ask him to entertain my guests. The Shen and Fang families could be considered old acquaintances, but that was when my ancestors were prosperous. Now, the Fang family is in the limelight while the Shens are a cold hearth. Fang Zixing is honest, he doesn’t look down on me, but I know my place and don’t usually bother him.”

Xu Chun felt embarrassed. If he knew that Brother Fang was a first-rank military official, how could he have sent that invitation? Inviting Brother Fang to a banquet where the guest of honor was the Prince’s heir, now it seems even if Prince Shun held a banquet, he might not be able to invite a first-rank official, whether civil or military, who would have close ties with the imperial family?

He said softly, “Brother Fang is sincere. I can’t always rely on him to take care of me. Please, Sir, teach me. I should return the favor to avoid offending him.”

Shen Mengzhen said, “Hmm, Fang Zixing isn’t married. His grandfather came to the capital recently and was apparently sick, but he returned to Guangdong. Usually, he lives at his brother’s house. His elder brother married a princess. Speaking of wealth and glory, they lack nothing. However, I heard that his brother had some injuries in the past, I vaguely remember it was an arrow wound. If you have any valuable medicine for wounds, giving him some would probably make Fang Zixing happy.”

Xu Chun thanked him deeply, bowing. “Thank you, Sir, for your guidance.”

Shen Mengzhen smiled. “No problem. Since you’re mourning at home, it’s a good time to focus on your studies. I just made a reading list for you. I was going to send it to you, but since you’re here, it’s convenient. The usual rules apply. Free to write three policy essays per book, you can send them to me anytime. Good times should not be wasted.”

Xu Chun: “…” He could only bow again. “Thank you, Sir, for your instruction.”

Seeing Xu Chun’s familiar expression of guilt and avoidance, Shen Mengzhen was delighted. Bullying this kid was really too much fun; he was so transparent.

After leaving the Imperial College, Xu Chun asked Chunxi, “Has Xia Chao found Liu Sheng yet?”

Chunxi said, “I see that Young Master wants to have a private chat with Lord Liu. It’s not convenient on the street. Let him bring him to our Qianqiu Pavilion for a private room. You can go up from the back, otherwise, people may gossip seeing you walking around while mourning.”

Xu Chun nodded slightly, mounted his horse, and headed straight for Qianqiu Pavilion, entering the highest private room. Inside, snacks and vegetarian meals were already laid out.

Xu Chun had just eaten with his cousin, so he let Liu Sheng sit down and personally poured him wine. “I’ve been very busy since entering the Imperial College. A few days ago, my grandmother passed away. You came to pay respects, but there were too many guests, and I couldn’t talk to you properly. I’m truly sorry.”

Liu Sheng was flattered. “Your Highness had family matters, how could I blame Your Highness? Your Highness called me here, is there something you need me to do? Just tell me.”

Seeing that they were back to the familiar mode of him paying money and Liu Sheng doing the work, everyone was happy. Xu Chun couldn’t help but smile faintly. Knowing that he went to the Imperial College and distanced himself from these idle followers, now recalling it, he actually had a lot of fun with them. He didn’t have to worry about others trying to gain something from him; it was just eating, drinking, and having fun.

Looking at Xu Chun today, wearing a silver crown and plain robes, his smile added a few more points to his appearance, but there was also a faint air of elegance and nobility that made people dare not be disrespectful or overly familiar. Liu Sheng was surprised, thinking that it must be due to his frequent interactions with nobles that he developed a subtle aura of imperial bloodline.

Xu Chun said, “Today, I want to ask you about a family surnamed Fang in the capital that married a princess. The other day, a friend mentioned his brother, but it wasn’t appropriate to ask further. However, I have a small matter I need his brother’s help with.”

Liu Sheng laughed. “It’s no wonder you can’t remember. The Fang family, who married a princess, isn’t it Marquis Fang Zijing of Wuying? Strictly speaking, the princess marrying into their family could be considered a step up. Their family has always been in Guangdong, only coming to the capital in recent years, no wonder you don’t remember. Are you looking for Marquis Fang? He doesn’t often go out and socialize. I heard he’s sick.”

Xu Chun searched his mind. “Marquis Fang Zijing of Wuying?”

Liu Sheng said, “If you don’t remember Marquis Wuying, surely you know Prince Pingsouth? Who in Guangnan wouldn’t know?”

Xu Chun suddenly remembered. “Prince Pingsouth! That foreign prince?”

Liu Sheng laughed. “Exactly, the only foreign vassal prince of the court, enfeoffed in Yuexi for many years. There, he’s truly rich beyond measure and holds great power, with both soldiers and money. That’s why the previous emperor married a branch princess to his grandson, Fang Zijing, and gave him the title of marquis, thus he’s known as Marquis Wuying. During the current emperor’s suppression of the vassals, Prince Pingsouth, now Marquis Wuying’s grandfather, Fang Min, requested to voluntarily withdraw his vassal status and lower his rank to inherit his title. It was because of his lead that the other princes also withdrew their vassal statuses and returned to the capital.”

Xu Chun murmured, “Why did he agree to withdraw his vassal status?”

Liu Sheng whispered, “The current emperor is very capable. The regent died, and the border troops are all under the control of the court. Prince Pingsouth made a wise move. If a war broke out, he’s a foreign prince, and it’s not his turn to become emperor. Instead, he would be the target of everyone’s attacks. Moreover, I heard that the Crown Prince of Pingsouth, now Duke Pingsouth, is not in good health and isn’t good at fighting. They say he’s only good at reading. His legitimate grandson married a princess, and his future is not bad. Therefore, he led the way in withdrawing his vassal status to show loyalty. Because of this, although the vassal status was withdrawn, Prince Pingsouth remained in Guangdong. The emperor only took away the military power, leaving other things like salt mines untouched, still controlled by the Fang family. After Prince Pingsouth passed away, Duke Pingsouth continued to stay in Guangdong, while only Marquis Wuying brought the princess to the capital.”

Xu Chun murmured, “So that’s the case. Why does Marquis Wuying’s younger brother speak with a Beijing accent instead of a Guangdong accent?”

Liu Sheng said, “There’s something you don’t know. Marquis Wuying’s younger brother, Fang Zixing, was sent to Beijing for schooling when Prince Pingsouth was still alive, around five or six years old, following the usual practice of vassal states. Sending a legitimate son to study in the Imperial College in Beijing is a form of hostage. However, because Fang Zixing grew up with the current emperor, he is highly regarded by the emperor. He currently holds the position of Minister of Palace Guards and is titled Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, greatly favored. One day, he will certainly be a marquis as well. He’s not married yet, who dares to casually propose marriage to him? It’s said that perhaps the emperor himself will issue an edict to arrange it.”

Xu Chun felt sweat on his palms, unable to hold his chopsticks. “Minister of Palace Guards, Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince.”

Liu Sheng said, “He oversees the guards of the Palace Guards Office, protecting the palace. He serves the emperor every day, never leaving his side, extremely cautious. Therefore, he never socializes outside. You said you know him, could it be a distant nephew of the Fang family?”

Xu Chun murmured, “Serves the emperor every day, never leaving his side…”

Liu Sheng said, “Anyway, their family is probably afraid of the emperor’s suspicions, so they don’t often go out. If you have something you want to ask them for help, it will be difficult. You should be tactful.”

Xu Chun said, “Okay, thank you, Brother Liu, for telling me. Brother Liu, do you know if there’s another family in the capital surnamed Xie, ranked ninth… with the courtesy name Mingyi?”

Liu Sheng said, “Surnamed Xie? Could it be imperial family? But do you know the age? I’ve never heard of the courtesy name Mingyi. If Your Highness wants to know, I’ll find out.”

Xu Chun waved his hands hurriedly. “No need, no need. I’ll ask myself. You mustn’t inquire, for fear that he won’t be pleased if he finds out.”

Liu Sheng said, “Okay, since Your Highness has instructed, I will keep it to myself. Is everything peaceful in your residence? I vaguely heard that Su Huai, the eunuch of the Imperial Household Department, visited your residence a few days ago. There are rumors, but I couldn’t hear clearly.”

Xu Chun forced a smile, distractedly accompanied Liu Sheng for a bit, then got up and said that he had been out for too long, fearing that the people at home would talk. After bidding farewell, he returned straight to the Jingguo Duke’s residence.

Upon returning, he went straight to Lady Sheng and asked bluntly, “Grandmother didn’t die of angina, she committed suicide, right?”

Lady Sheng was startled, her face turning pale, but she forced a smile. “Where did you hear such nonsense? Don’t talk nonsense…”

Xu Chun, seeing his mother’s expression, knew that there was likely a high chance it was true. He slowly asked, “I heard that Eunuch Su Huai came to our residence.”

Lady Sheng sighed. “I knew I couldn’t hide it from you… You’ve always been so smart…”