Chapter 66 – Thinking of Faraway Places

Fang Zixing was utterly baffled and thought that he should ask His Majesty about his intentions when he entered the palace for duty tomorrow. Regardless, the emperor doted on the crown prince so much that, although this sum of money was negligible, it still represented a token of affection. Since the crown prince had given it to the emperor, His Majesty should accept it and then find some other treasure to give back to the crown prince.

The two had been exchanging gifts these past few days, much like a couple playing around. This was something that Grand Eunuch Su excelled at.

The next day, upon entering the palace, he presented the emperor with a copper token. “The crown prince said he feared that your daily expenses might not be enough, so he asked me to hand this over to you. You can withdraw money from the Rongqing Hall in the capital with this.”

Xie Yi took the copper token and saw an engraving of a carp on it. He pressed on the fish’s eye and indeed found that it could open, revealing half of a fish-shaped token inscribed with the character ‘scale’. He knew this was the voucher for withdrawing money from the Sheng family, and each probably had their own token. His heart warmed slightly, but he still smiled and said, “What makes him think that I’m poor?”

Su Huaibai said flatteringly with a grin, “The pearl robe the crown prince sent the other day was also of unparalleled quality. We have a few in the palace, but the pearls are like strings of beads, sparsely scattered just to decorate the outer robe. Nothing compares to yesterday’s pearl undershirt, where the pearls were densely packed, making the whole garment shine brilliantly. The craftsmanship is incredibly rare, and the buttons are also exceptionally large, their luster shimmering, truly top-quality.”

Xie Yi chuckled softly, “I never really liked wearing those.”

In Su Huaibai’s mind, the emperor used to dress impeccably, even during his leisure time, never neglecting his appearance, and his behavior was always solemn. But now? After court sessions, he would casually change into the pearl undershirt and a gauze robe, wearing wooden clogs and lounging in his armchair. Years of imperial upbringing seemed to have dissipated overnight.

Fang Zixing said, “The crown prince also sent two of his underlings to meet me, one in charge of the Qianqiu Workshop and the other managing the Xianyun Workshop and the Chufeng Hall. He said that due to mourning, he could not personally attend to matters, so he left them under my command. If there’s ever a shortage of funds or any business affairs that are inconvenient to handle publicly, they can be dispatched. As for Doctor Zhou, he also mentioned that if Your Majesty feels unwell, he can be summoned for treatment.”

Xie Yi was taken aback. After a moment, he asked, “He’s in mourning, isn’t he? Did he invite you to the Duke Jingguo’s mansion?”

Fang Zixing replied, “No, he invited me to the Qianqiu Workshop. He thanked me for hosting his two cousins, and gave me a generous gift of excellent white medicine. He also said that his cousins were leaving the capital soon and wanted to thank me specifically. But at the banquet, his cousins were nowhere to be seen.”

A hint of surprise crossed Xie Yi’s mind as he asked, “Why did he give you healing medicine out of the blue?”

Fang Zixing answered, “…I don’t know, but my brother has unresolved internal injuries, and this medicine works wonders, both for internal consumption and external application.”

Xie Yi asked, “Does Xu Chun know that your brother is Marquis Wuying?”

Fang Zixing looked puzzled. “I don’t think so… He never asked about my family.”

Xie Yi turned to Su Huaibai and ordered, “Send someone to the Bamboo Branch Workshop to inquire if I can see the crown prince tonight, and see if it’s convenient for him.”

Su Huaibai’s smile vanished, and he quickly left. However, Xie Yi gave another order to Fang Zixing, “Find out about the Sheng family’s two cousins. See if they’ve already left the capital.”

Fang Zixing didn’t understand the implications, but sensing that something was amiss, he bowed his head and left to carry out the order.

Su Huaibai returned first, holding a box. “It’s from Sheng Lao Liu of the Bamboo Branch Workshop. He said that the crown prince had instructed that if the ninth master sends someone to inquire, this letter should be given to the ninth master.”

Xie Yi stared at the box, his palms slightly sweaty. The abnormal behavior of the night before, when Xu Chun insisted on his company, flooded his mind. He reached out to open the box, took out the letter, and unfolded it. Xu Chun’s cheerful handwriting read, “Brother Nine, my cousin and I are going overseas to broaden our horizons. We’ll be back soon. Sorry we couldn’t bid farewell in person. Don’t worry about us, take care of yourself.”

Xie Yi held the plain paper in his hand, staring at the words, his eyelashes drooping as his expression revealed neither joy nor anger. Su Huaibai stood beside him, not daring to breathe too loudly.

Fang Zixing returned soon, sweat beading on his forehead. “The Sheng family’s Rongqing Hall replied that the Sheng family patriarch and the two young masters set sail last night, taking advantage of favorable winds to return to Minzhou. By now, they must have traveled several thousand miles away.”

Silently, Xie Yi handed the plain paper to Fang Zixing to read. Fang Zixing, after reading it, was also drenched in sweat. “Yesterday, the crown prince didn’t mention leaving the capital. Should I pursue him now, my lord?”

Xie Yi said indifferently, “Summon He Zhiqu to the palace. I have questions to ask him.”

He Zhiqu hurriedly entered the palace, bowing hastily. Xie Yi sat above, holding a paperweight, and spoke slowly, “I heard that you, along with Fan Mucun and Zhang Wenzheng, went to the Duke Jingguo’s mansion recently to proofread some manuscripts. Xie Fei was also there. Write down everything that was discussed that day. I know you have a good memory. It’s only been three days, so don’t tell me you’ve forgotten.”

He Zhiqu bowed again, “Dare not, Your Majesty.”

Meanwhile, Su Huaibai had already arranged a writing desk and inkstone. He Zhiqu knelt behind the desk and wrote swiftly, recalling every detail from the moment he entered the mansion, not omitting a single sentence. Yet, he felt uneasy, but after finishing, he felt somewhat relieved, as it seemed there were no disrespectful remarks made. The current emperor had never punished anyone for their words… Perhaps there was another purpose for this?

Xie Yi did not look at him, only ordered Liu Shun to flip through the book manuscripts that had been sent over from Chufeng Hall the other day. That night, when he visited Xu Chun at the Bamboo Branch Workshop, the next day, Xu Chun had indeed sent over the completed book manuscripts. He had not paid much attention, merely instructed them to be put aside. Now, he took them out one by one, and then noticed The Anthology of Poetry from the Snow-Rejecting Hall.

He reached out to pick it up and flipped through it slowly. He could recite many of the poems, and some even brought back memories of the circumstances under which his uncle composed them. It was when heavy snow weighed down the bamboo branches, making snapping sound. It was when spring rain soaked the ground with fallen red petals. It was when they returned from afternoon fishing trips, hands full of lotus pods and a string of small fish barely bigger than a palm. It was when they collected osmanthus flowers in autumn for his aunt to make cakes, with Fan Mucun climbing tall osmanthus trees to shake down showers of golden petals.

The Snow-Rejecting Hall was his uncle’s study, where he had received his early education from his uncle himself. Occasionally, when he left the palace, he would go to the imperial uncle’s mansion, spending considerable time practicing calligraphy, studying books, and reading miscellaneous literature in the Snow-Rejecting Hall.

Imperial Uncle Fan Qingju was actually quite unorthodox in nature. Besides his profound expertise in Confucian classics, he had a broad interest in various fields. The Snow-Rejecting Hall housed numerous books, including many that would never appear in the imperial library—books that deviated from orthodox teachings.

Therefore, he preferred to leave the palace and visit Imperial Uncle’s mansion back then. For one, it was the only place where Empress Dowager relaxed her control over him; secondly, Imperial Uncle was an interesting person who, in the Snow-Rejecting Hall, would shed the serious mask he wore in the palace, speak humorously, and not be overly concerned with the formalities between ruler and subject. Instead, he treated him more like a beloved junior, guiding and caring for him like family.

He and Fan Mucun enjoyed searching the bookshelves for books that interested them and recommending them to each other. It was in his uncle’s study that he found the works of Li Zhiwu.

Fan Mucun chose to print this poetry anthology first, likely knowing that he wouldn’t oppose it, as it indeed held many memories for him.

He picked up the poetry anthology and flipped through it slowly. He could recite many of the poems, and some even brought back memories of the circumstances under which his uncle composed them. It was when heavy snow weighed down the bamboo branches, making snapping sound. It was when spring rain soaked the ground with fallen red petals. It was when they returned from afternoon fishing trips, hands full of lotus pods and a string of small fish barely bigger than a palm. It was when they collected osmanthus flowers in autumn for his aunt to make cakes, with Fan Mucun climbing tall osmanthus trees to shake down showers of golden petals.

It didn’t take long for him to reach the line “Death and life come without entanglement,” clearly preceding the word “Mingyi.” He didn’t remember composing this line very well, as such juxtapositions were common. But this one time, his uncle deliberately recorded it, finding it strange that the two of them, mere children, spoke in morbid tones. Looking back now, it seemed prophetic.

Did his uncle feel the same way when he swallowed the poison, believing that death would finally free him from all entanglements?

He put down the poetry anthology and glanced at the record written by He Zhiqu, which Su Huaibai had presented. He flipped through page by page. The beginning was filled with normal pleasantries, nothing but scholars showing off their learning. After Xie Fei arrived, they started discussing court affairs.

His eyes fell on “Suiyu Hall,” and he understood. Xu Chun deliberately asked what Suiyu Hall meant, but judging from the context, there was nothing unusual. It seemed like a casual question born out of curiosity, not surprise. This question seemed to confirm that it wasn’t a recent discovery. And Xie Fei deliberately explained that it coincided with the emperor’s taboo, while Fan Mucun, at this point, still showed childhood familiarity, boasting that he personally inscribed the plaque. Even if Xu Chun had doubts before, hearing this probably convinced him entirely.

That meant that sometime before the Three Scholars, Xu Chun had discovered his identity. Perhaps it was the poetry anthology, perhaps… He glanced at Fang Zixing. This simpleton hosted his two cousins in the capital and was unlikely to hide his identity and position well. It wasn’t surprising that they discovered it.

Every member of the Sheng family was astute and capable. Xu Chun’s maternal uncle, being the head of the household, who could raise three sons so outstanding, was probably not an ordinary man.

He never intended to hide his identity from Xu Chun for long. He planned to wait until he had finished mourning and returned to the Imperial Academy for classes. By then, the troubles at the Duke Jingguo’s mansion would have faded, and he would find a suitable opportunity to gradually reveal the truth to him. By then, Grand Lady Sheng would have passed away for a long time, and the eldest branch would be far away. Lady Sheng would be in charge, and even if Xu Chun knew that he had intervened in the case and learned about his grandmother’s and the eldest branch’s misdeeds, he wouldn’t bear resentment toward him or harbor any animosity in his heart.

Ultimately, it was his fault for acting on impulse. Seeing the talent in the Sheng family’s two cousins, who were indeed capable in maritime trade, he had been planning sea affairs for a long time. Unfortunately, in the past few years, he hadn’t been able to find the right people. Opening sea routes would inevitably affect the interests of many, and relying solely on the support of the sovereign wasn’t enough. It required a wise and brave official, someone who was both literate and martial, who understood maritime affairs and was adept at navigating the intricacies of the imperial bureaucracy. Such an official must also possess extraordinary resilience and not be overly straightforward, otherwise, the outcome would be disastrous.

Pursuing maritime affairs wasn’t simply about opening sea routes and conducting maritime trade. The southeastern region, a center of wealth, required strong naval support without which nothing could be accomplished. Zhu Qiuya, who pacified the red-haired pirates in Zhe East during the previous dynasty, was accused of wrongful killing and died in anger from poisoning. Tragically, he advocated for a naval ban to suppress the pirates, yet this placed him in stark opposition to the high officials and the people of Min and Zhe provinces, who supported maritime trade. Protecting merchant convoys and repelling pirates at sea should have been mutually reinforcing.

Subsequent officials were either reassigned or falsely accused of negligence and alcoholism, which led to their execution. Many high officials were consumed by maritime affairs and pirate suppression, demonstrating the complex web of interests involved. Only a capable official with unwavering determination could handle it.

Thus, the three resourceful sons of the Sheng family weren’t to blame for stirring his desire to recruit them. That’s why he instructed Fang Zixing to host and befriend them, laying a chess piece for the future. He planned to promote one or two of them once he disclosed everything to Xu Chun. Xu Chun himself didn’t wish to enter the court, so someone needed to protect him, and his three cousins were the most suitable candidates.

Xie Yi slowly finished reading the pages, remembering how Xu Chun’s sudden illness in the summer heat now appeared to stem from inner turmoil. On that day, Xu Chun’s behavior toward him was unlike before—he was no longer naive and playful, instead clinging to him more than usual and probing him about his views on the Three Scholars. At the time, he was careless and was overly critical. His praise and criticism likely made the child, who already disliked himself, feel even more inferior and despondent, believing himself shallow and fearing judgment from him.

Reflecting on it now, he must have felt a tinge of jealousy that day, bothered by Xu Chun’s excessive attention to them, unaware of Xu Chun’s inner struggles, and even praising his cousin’s courage and bravery in front of him…

Xie Yi put the pages back, glancing at He Zhiqu, Fang Zixing, and others still standing below, trembling and not daring to breathe too loudly. He ordered He Zhiqu to leave first and not to spread news of today’s events.

Su Huaibai, observing Xie Yi’s icy expression, whispered, “Your Majesty, if we send a fast horse to convey your orders to Xia Wan, the governor of Minzhou, it’s still not too late. I doubt the Sheng family would dare defy your will.”

Xie Yi said, “No.”

Fang Zixing also bowed and said, “My family also has a few fast ships. If Your Majesty allows, I will personally sail and persuade the crown prince to return.”

Xie Yi’s gaze fell on The Anthology of Poetry from the Snow-Rejecting Hall on the table. “There’s no need.” His voice was cold and rough. “If Xu Chun’s maternal grandfather or Lady Sheng misunderstands my intentions and decides to take poison, or if the three cousins, who are martial experts, encounter any mishaps during the pursuit…it would be impossible to resolve.”

Su Huaibai recalled a recent example—the grand lady of the Duke Jingguo’s mansion, a matter he botched. He held his breath, not daring to speak further.

Xie Yi said slowly, “Under the vast sky, all land belongs to the king; on the shores of the earth, all subjects are the king’s. As it is said, ‘Under the vast heaven, there is no land that is not the king’s; on the shores of the land, there is no subject who is not the king’s.'”

“Even across the four seas and nine continents, no one dares to defy the king’s will. But in the end, it’s just a matter of life and death. Once a person dies, no matter how great the king’s authority, what can be done?”

“If he can’t be retained, let it be.” Xie Yi thought he had already hardened his heart, but he still couldn’t resist the bitterness. One more departure would not change things. The name he bestowed upon him, ‘Siyuan,’ now seemed prophetic, as with the vast expanse of water now unreachable, all he could think of was the line, “a distant traveler and the early-morning officials.”

“A guest from afar comes, bringing me a letter. It speaks of longing, of long separation.”

Xie Yi sighed deeply, touching the plain paper. The handwriting was youthful and spirited, hiding the fear of love. He ordered Fang Zixing, “Have Jia Yi set out immediately for Minzhou. Let Xia Wan arrange a secret meeting with Sheng Changzhou and have him arrange for someone to be by the crown prince’s side, claiming to be a servant of the Sheng family.”

Fang Zixing hurriedly agreed and left to make arrangements.

Xie Yi sat in the hall for a long time before slowly sealing the box. He thought, because Xu Chun had aspirations and a heart for action, he had initially tempted and confused him, leading him down the path of a favorite, which wasn’t the way of a gentleman.

He was young and inexperienced, but Xie Yi, being older, had lost his judgment for a moment. In the future, when history was written and judgments were made about people, he would be included in the list of favorites, all due to Xie Yi’s mistake.