Chapter 64 – Yearning

He Zhiqiu held a book in his hands, but a pure gold ginkgo leaf bookmark slipped out from within. He pinched the leaf-shaped bookmark, feeling a tinge of melancholy.

Zhang Wenzheng had sharp eyes; he spotted it at once and exclaimed, “I think I’ve seen Xiao Jianwei with a similar gold bookmark.”

Xu Chun glanced up and smiled. “If Brother Zhang likes them, I can gift you a set. There are leaves, flowers, and beauties depicted on them.”

He Zhiqiu caught Fan Mukun looking at him with an odd, pensive gaze. Suddenly, his hair stood on end, and he quickly laughed. “The Prince Consort gives gifts to anyone he meets. His generosity knows no bounds. Indeed, he should see how the poor live.”

Zhang Wenzheng said, “So, Old He’s bookmark was also a gift from Xiao Xu?”

Xu Chun chuckled at Zhang Wenzheng’s casual use of nicknames. “Ah, don’t blame me for this. In the West City, there’s a place called Idle Cloud Workshop. It’s a bookstore and part of my family’s business. These bookmarks are sold there. Grand Secretary He has helped me a lot, so I gave him one. To treat everyone equally, I’ll give one each to Secretary Zhang and Secretary Fan as well. When your poetry collections are published, they’ll be sold there.”

He thought about how book sales usually started from that shop. Since these three asked him to print their books, they would find out eventually. It was better to tell them now to avoid misunderstandings later.

Zhang Wenzheng nodded and laughed. “It’s that shop, then. I know of it. When I first came to the capital for the imperial exams, I couldn’t find a certain anthology. Someone directed me to the Idle Cloud Workshop. They’re good at doing business, but I was in a rush to find the book that day. I took the book and left without properly exploring the place. Now that it’s the Prince Consort’s property, I’ll have to visit again when I have time.”

Fan Mukun, holding a few books, mused, “These are all out-of-print books. Once printed, they’ll surely sell well. Therefore, we should buy some books now while prices haven’t risen yet.”

As they were discussing animatedly, Xia Chao rushed over and announced, “Prince of Shun’s heir has arrived.”

Xu Chun hurriedly got up to greet him. The three of them accompanied him outside, where they indeed met Xie Fei. Xie Fei smiled. “Being bored during my day off, I intended to discuss scriptures with the top scholar. However, I was told that Scholar Lang went to the Jingguo Duke’s residence to proofread books. Then, I planned to invite Mukun for fishing, only to hear that he also went to the Jingguo Duke’s residence for manuscript editing. Since everyone ended up here, I decided to come along too.”

Xu Chun bowed. “In mourning, I am inauspicious. I fear I won’t be able to entertain the young prince well.” During mourning, alcohol, meat, and music were not allowed. With distinguished guests arriving one after another today, he felt caught off guard.

Xie Fei replied, “No problem, it’s my rudeness. Fortunately, we’re all friends. Just consider me here for proofreading and book editing. Don’t be formal and treat me as a guest.”

They stepped into the water corridor. Xu Chun promptly ordered someone to serve tea. Xie Fei sat down and picked up a book to read. He laughed. “I knew the top three scholars were having their books printed here, and it’s true that the quality is excellent. I have a rare copy of the ‘Sutra of Perfect Enlightenment’ written by Letian. It’s hard to come by. Perhaps I’ll send it to you for printing later. It could be considered accumulating merit.”

Fan Mukun was surprised. “You actually possess such a valuable item? I’ve only seen rubbings of it. The brushstrokes are simple and restrained, yet profound and weighty.”

Xie Fei smiled. “It was an unintentional purchase. I didn’t dare believe my luck. Later, I asked someone to appraise it, and it turned out to be genuine. Unfortunately, I came on a whim today and didn’t bring it. Next time, I’ll invite you all to appreciate it properly.”

Everyone was envious. Xu Chun, previously uneducated, didn’t know the rarity of such items. He simply smiled. “That’s great. Your servant will not fail in the mission to print this scripture well.”

Seeing Xie Fei’s naive and innocent appearance unchanged, Xie Yi still found it puzzling. Although he admired Xie Fei’s exceptional appearance and enjoyed his spiritual aura, leading him to befriend him, Xie Yi couldn’t understand why Xie Fei seemed to have suddenly reformed and stood out in the capital. Even his father, the king, asked him to inquire about Xie Fei, as his sister was nearing adulthood, and he was supposed to look for suitable talents. Besides the current scholar candidates, he was particularly instructed to observe the Prince Consort of the Jingguo Duke’s House to see if he was a potential match.

Xie Yi wondered why the top three scholars were so close to him. In the royal family, he often pondered the benefits and relationships involved. He didn’t believe that the top three scholars befriended him for his talent or wealth. Though he harbored doubts, he merely asked, “Mr. Shen said he hasn’t received your homework for several days. He mentioned wanting to ask you about it the other day.”

Xu Chun was speechless.

He Zhiqiu laughed. “It’s been hot lately. We heard he wasn’t feeling well, so we came to visit him today, taking advantage of our day off, and to check the manuscripts. By the way, isn’t the young prince rumored to have taken on another assignment at the Board of Rites? I heard it’s quite busy.”

Xie Fei smiled faintly. “His Majesty bestowed his grace upon me, allowing me to take charge of the duties at the Board of Rites. Today, I have fewer official matters, providing a rare opportunity to enjoy the beautiful words and exquisite phrases with all of you.”

When Xu Chun heard him mention the emperor, his eyes involuntarily drifted toward Xie Fei. Seeing his concern, Xie Fei felt even more triumphant. After all, among the imperial clan, he was the only one repeatedly given important positions. Zhang Wenzheng said, “Just the other day, Jianwei and I discussed how His Majesty favors pragmatic and diligent people. Just like Fei, who possesses dragon-like and phoenix-like qualities, he was entrusted with another important task. Congratulations, congratulations.”

Xie Fei said, “Indeed, I heard that His Majesty visited the Hanlin Academy the other day. I assume all of you had the chance to meet him.”

Zhang Wenzheng, somewhat sour, replied, “When His Majesty visited the Hanlin Academy and saw that the top scholar wasn’t present, he only praised the top scholar’s recent sincere efforts in handling cases. He specially summoned him to accompany him. Later, the third-place scholar served the emperor in a chess game, while I merely watched from below.”

Fan Mukun and He Zhiqiu were amused by Zhang Wenzheng’s tone. Fan Mukun said, “I remember your poem receiving the emperor’s praise, and you were rewarded with many things. Now, you’re still talking about it.”

Zhang Wenzheng sighed. “His Majesty doesn’t favor such poetry and literature. He focuses solely on practical governance. I’ve learned nothing but these since childhood. Although I passed the exam, I’m now serving as a scholar at the Hanlin Academy. It may be prestigious, but I’m still learning nothing. Now, I envy Brother Jianwei, who can go to the Ministry of Justice. Thinking about it, I might as well join one of the six boards or seek an external appointment to gain practical experience.”

Xie Fei nodded and sighed. “His Majesty’s focus on pragmatism is indeed true. Every time he sees me, he mostly asks about state affairs. The other day, he summoned me to play chess at Suiyu Hall. During the game, he frequently asked about the customs and goods of the capital’s citizens or details about the Imperial University. He never indulges in poetry or paintings.”

Unable to resist, Xu Chun asked, “Suiyu Hall, is that where the emperor resides?”

Xie Fei replied, “Yes, it’s where the emperor usually reads. Suiyu means the phoenix’s feathers fluttering as it flies. It subtly aligns with His Majesty’s honored name.”

Xu Chun finally understood the meaning behind Jiu-ge’s choice of the name “Suiyu Hall Master” for the seal. Initially, he wondered if he had guessed incorrectly, but now it was clear that he was right.

Fan Mukun said, “Suiyu Hall was personally named by His Majesty. He actually has considerable skill in calligraphy and painting. His poetry and calligraphy are excellent. However, he once said that as an emperor, indulging in these arts is not beneficial. Moreover, if the emperor has a preference, others will follow. If he favored calligraphy, painting, and poetry, officials would vie for positions based on those skills. However, governing a country doesn’t rely on such things. To save the times and stabilize the world, to establish a country and ensure its safety, to enrich the people and strengthen the borders, one needs experts in practical economics and administration, capable of both civil and military affairs, entering and leaving the roles of chancellor and general. That’s why he decided to abandon those pursuits.”

Zhang Wenzheng slapped the table. “His Majesty is truly a wise ruler! Although I only excel in poetry and literature, I am convinced and humbled! I must seek an external appointment by the end of the year to show His Majesty my ability to govern the people and manage the world!”

He Zhiqiu noticed Xu Chun sitting silently beside him, seemingly lost in melancholy. He felt a twinge in his heart and smiled. “His Majesty possesses the appearance of a dragon and the bearing of a phoenix. Mukun grew up accompanying the emperor and received his teachings, which we all envy.”

A hint of bitter smile appeared on Fan Mukun’s face. He waved his hand. “No need to mention it. Now, His Majesty’s thoughts have become increasingly profound. I’ve just entered court and am like all of you, striving to improve. His Majesty doesn’t care about personal connections; he only looks at one’s achievements.”

Xie Fei agreed. “This is indeed one of His Majesty’s wise qualities. In selecting officials for the court, he only considers performance evaluations. When using people, he only looks at their actual achievements. For instance, Minister Meiyao often opposes the emperor and criticizes him openly, but the emperor sees his capability in handling affairs and never holds a grudge against him. As a result, we don’t have to worry about pleasing the emperor. We can focus solely on administrative matters.”

Listening to them talk about ministers, imperial edicts, and so on, Xu Chun realized that they were all exceptionally talented, knowledgeable in history, and proficient in administration. They were familiar with the workings of various government offices. They talked nonstop, and in their mouths, Jiu-ge was truly a sage emperor like Yao and Shun. The ministers in the court were all eager to compete, grateful for even a word of praise from Jiu-ge.

He couldn’t help but think to himself: Compared to these outstanding individuals, I’m like a speck of dust or a weak blade of grass. Each of them possesses extraordinary talent, whether it’s Jiang Yan’s pen or the abilities of a prime minister. On the other hand, I, claiming to be a scholar of the Jade Hall and a golden stallion, only owe my status to my ancestors’ blessings and being born into my mother’s womb. My maternal grandfather’s wealth ensured I had no worries about food and clothing, allowing me to associate with these people. But deep down, they probably look down on me. No wonder Jiu-ge has always urged me to study. In my current state, forget about serving as an official in court; I’m probably not even qualified to assist them in their work.

Time flew by, and it was evening again. The four of them engaged in high-spirited discussions for the entire afternoon. They proofread the manuscripts, wrote prefaces and poems, and even inscribed many plaques for the Jingguo Duke’s residence as a token of gratitude. Only then did they depart with satisfaction.

After sending off the guests, Xu Chun collected the plaques to send to his mother. Knowing she would be delighted, he planned to renovate the garden after the mourning period, making good use of them.

He had been busy for the entire afternoon, but his heart remained heavy. Not wanting to stay in the mansion, he quietly left through the back door with Chunxi and returned to Bamboo Branch Workshop. Liu Po, who hadn’t seen him for a long time, was overjoyed. She carefully prepared a few vegetarian dishes to nourish his stomach.

Xu Chun ate casually but then went alone to the large hall where the boats were stored. Like before, he played with the boats in the water tank, thinking about the sea route project Jiu-ge once mentioned to him.

He leaned against the water tank, gently pushing the large boats with his fingers. He thought, I used to think that attending the Imperial University wasn’t that bad. But now, after meeting the top three scholars, I realize that even the Imperial University is full of idle sons of wealthy families, useless to the country. Studying poetry, literature, and etiquette might not even help Jiu-ge.

Just as he was lost in thought, he suddenly heard a voice. “Why are you dressed so lightly?”

Xu Chun looked up in surprise. “Jiu-ge!”

Xie Yi walked in from the door. Seeing Xu Chun’s unchanged, exquisite appearance, he noticed that he had removed all his previous adornments of jade pendants, gold clasps, embroidered robes, and red boots. He wore a plain robe as thin as cicada wings, with the collar slightly open. Through it, the golden bracelet on his left arm was visible. His sleeves brushed the ground, and he was barefoot, wearing bamboo sandals. This added a touch of innocence and unconventionality to his demeanor. Xie Yi smiled faintly. “Didn’t you say you were sick? You’re dressed too lightly, and you’re playing with water. You’ll catch a cold if you get wet again.”

Seeing Xie Yi in his dark silk robe with narrow sleeves and gold thread embroidery, Xu Chun naturally helped him adjust his damp sleeves as before. Instantly, he forgot the recent days filled with thoughts of rulers and ministers. His body seemed to have a memory of its own, eagerly drawing closer. “Jiu-ge! I missed you so much!”

Xie Yi smiled faintly, one arm around his waist, the other grasping the spot where the armlet was. “I also missed you dearly.”