Chapter 90 – Satisfaction

After chatting for a while, the trio began their final review, each taking a portion. With three people working together, they went through the manuscripts quickly and soon finalized the drafts. Qing Qian brought over two maidservants to collect the finished work, and presented them with a plate of freshly steamed hot cakes.

The new rice cakes, sprinkled with sesame seeds and skewered on long sticks for easy handling, were steaming warmly. Xu Chun preferred not to use the skewers; since childhood, he had liked to eat them whole. He reached out to pick up a piece, being careful not to soil the manuscripts, and walked to the window to enjoy his snack while admiring the view of Chunming Lake outside.

Summer winds blew gently as Xu Chun sat by the window, watching the vast expanse of water and the light clouds in the clear sky. He couldn’t help but recall the day when Ninth Brother spoke about the Chongping Conference here. Unintentionally, he raised his eyes, he noticed Fan Mukun, who had been engrossed in his papers, suddenly look up at him. Startled, Xu Chun held up the cake. “Do you want some, Third Place Scholar?”

Fan Mukun’s gaze fell on Xu Chun’s loose, wide-sleeved ramie robe, the edges intricately embroidered with cloud patterns—a style somewhat different from what Xu Chun usually wore. Most of the time, he dressed similarly to the high-born sons of the capital, clad in splendid brocade and silk robes adorned with gold and jade, which complemented his handsome features. Today, however, he was wearing this loose, wide-sleeved ramie robe with a coiled cloud headdress, accentuating his skin as fair as jade and eyes as clear as the sky, exuding an aura of reclusive elegance.

Ramie fabric could be somewhat rough on the skin, but making it thin, smooth, and dense required a complex process. After all, it was very easy to tear due to its thinness and prone to wrinkling. Only the ramie from the east of Guangdong Province was good enough to weave into smooth, fine, and sheer ramie gauze, often reserved as tribute. Most people wore ramie gauze at home for comfort and sweat absorption, typically hemmed and made into plain robes.

Embroidering cloud patterns onto the delicate ramie gauze with extremely fine silk thread was something the Imperial Weaving Bureau loved to do, as the emperor had favored simplicity since his youth and preferred to wear clothes made of cloth or ramie. However, as the Son of Heaven, how could the Imperial Clothing Bureau dare to give him a coarse ramie robe? Therefore, they used the finest silk thread to embroider patterns onto the ramie gauze for His Majesty’s use.

Fan Mukun looked at Xu Chun with a complicated expression. “What tea have you been drinking? There’s an almond scent.”

Xu Chun was taken aback as he picked up his teacup and sniffed. “It’s not almond tea; it’s jasmine tea.”

Fan Mukun replied, “…Perhaps I misidentified the smell.” In his mind, he recalled the medicinal fragrance emanating from the emperor yesterday while accompanying His Majesty during Master Huixi’s Dharma talk. It was likely due to his persistent coughing, which led to excessive consumption of cough-suppressing remedies such as loquat and almonds, leaving a faintly bitter almond aroma on the emperor.

On the other side, Luo Yuzhou arrived with several assistants carrying a box of books, his face brimming with energy. “Young Master, the books you requested have been delivered as per your instructions.”

Xu Chun’s spirits lifted upon seeing them. “Brother He and Brother Fan, come take a look. These are the newly printed editions of Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Dragon Picture, along with some other new books. Today, I’ll have two sets sent to each of you first.”

He Zhizhou held a volume of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, feeling its substantial weight. “Now we can finally beat Old Zhang to the punch.”

Xu Chun chuckled. “I also instructed someone to send a hundred sets to Minzhou to donate to the Maritime Academy.”

Fan Mukun slowly flipped through the pages, noticing not only Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Dragon Picture, but also medical texts. He came across The Book of Horses, which he remembered his father borrowing specifically from the palace to read. Fan Mukun himself had absorbed knowledge from various sources and developed a sudden interest in horse breeding during that period. He had mentioned that the book was an out-of-print edition available only in the palace, a pity indeed.

His Majesty…had said it was to repay the favor for saving the imperial carriage.

Now, Young Master Xu, should you know who the emperor is?

As noon approached, He Zhizhou needed to return to the government office, explaining that there was an urgent case to review. He left hastily, while Fan Mukun, lost in thought, also took his leave. Xu Chun had a full load of books packed, making sure that the servants accompanying them each received a set. He added several condiments and spices brought back from Nanyang as gifts, sending them off with warm regards.

Xu Chun then cheerfully returned upstairs, summoning Qing Qian and Luo Yuzhou to begin calculating costs and determining how many copies they needed to sell to break even.

Luo Yuzhou laughed. “Young Master used to treat this as a hobby. Until now, I assumed you were simply preparing gift boxes to give away. Now you’re serious about making money? A lot has already been invested, and if we really want to make a profit, we need to distribute the books properly. Unfortunately, literate people are few and far between.”

Sighing, Xu Chun remarked, “Yes, Second Place Scholar told me that our publishing house sells well in Jiangnan, but sales might be limited in the capital. Still, it makes sense to send some to classmates and friends first. Go ahead and prepare the gift boxes; I’ll make a list and send someone tomorrow to deliver them. Send a set to the Wuying Marquis’s residence and I’ll personally deliver one to Mr. Shen.”

Xu Chun glanced at the costs, thinking to himself: The expenses are so high; earning money isn’t easy. I boasted to Ninth Brother that I’d share the profits with him, but it seems we need to distribute more.

He stated, “Rarity is valuable; find some expensive lacquer boxes with mother-of-pearl inlay to package them. Sell the medical books at a regular price, but mark up the others significantly. These are rare books; tell the public that they’re suitable for family heirlooms. Focus on promoting The Book of Horses to merchants.”

Qing Qian chuckled. “Young Master is truly clever.”

Xu Chun then instructed, “Steward Luo, take a few skilled men to Tianjin Port in the coming days. Purchase a storefront there for Qingyun Workshop to open a branch. While you’re at it, discreetly gather information about the local maritime customs office. Avoid drawing attention while you find out details about the officials in charge and the lower-ranking bureaucrats.”

Luo Yuzhou laughed. “Young Master, why bother? Our lady has several shops there with spacious storefronts. The managers are our old stewards, adept at worldly affairs. If you want information, I’ll depart tomorrow and ensure I’m back quickly with everything you need.”

Qing Qian asked, “Is Young Master really going to serve as an official there? If Madam finds out, she’ll be thrilled.”

Xu Chun smiled. “Yeah, I’ll go home later to discuss with Mother who to bring to Tianjin. I should start preparing. How’s Father doing recently?”

Qing Qian replied, “Although Young Master is out of mourning, the marquis is still in mourning. He’s been quite serious lately. According to Madam, he became obsessed with landscaping and playing with rocks. Every day, he’s busy creating artificial mountains and streams in the garden, accompanied by a group of leisurely guests. They’ve been encouraging him, and Madam lets him indulge. The garden is vast; let him mess about as he pleases.”

Xu Chun laughed, but his thoughts were no longer as simple as before. He knew that these so-called leisurely guests and advisors were probably hired by his mother or uncle to lead his father into a love for nature and scenery, using this period of mourning to curb his habits of drinking, gambling, and womanizing. With Grandmother gone, no elder indulging him, and the state law in effect during the mourning period, things were relatively peaceful.

With that in mind, he returned to the marquisate without further mention.

In the palace, after court adjourned, Xie Yi asked Su Huaifeng, “Isn’t Xu Chun coming back?”

Su Huaifeng replied, “He said he went back to the marquisate. Since he’s decided to go to Tianjin Port, he needs to discuss matters with his family and make arrangements.”

Xie Yi nodded slightly, not saying anything else. After lunch, he saw the imperial physician check his pulse and change his medication. In the afternoon, he attended another cabinet meeting.

However, Xu Chun couldn’t stop thinking about Xie Yi. After a quick meal with his mother at the marquisate, he mentioned heading to Bamboo Branch Workshop again.

Lady Sheng was genuinely delighted upon hearing that he would be posted to Tianjin Port. “We have plenty of shops there, but regarding Tianjin Port’s maritime customs office, I remember it doesn’t have a good reputation. The taxes are extremely heavy, requiring constant bribes. If Youlin goes there, the waters might be deep, and he shouldn’t rashly cut off others’ financial paths. Moreover, since it was previously overseen by eunuch Su from the palace, he should proceed with caution. Our family doesn’t lack income; don’t be reckless.”

Xu Chun smiled. “Mother, don’t worry. Am I that kind of reckless person? By the way, Mother, get a few maids in my chambers ready; I’m taking them with me, including Sister Qing Qian.”

Lady Sheng, seeing her son, who had grown taller after only half a year away, excel in both exams and studies, she was willing to accommodate his every wish. “Why do you need so many maids?”

Xu Chun grinned. “Everyone says I’m a wealthy playboy who knows nothing, so naturally, I should surround myself with servants and beautiful concubines to enjoy the benefits of being an official. Besides, the people Mother trained are skilled in writing and accounting. Aren’t they better than those external accountants?”

Lady Sheng, observing her son’s lively and cunning expression, realized he was planning to feign naivety to deceive others. She smiled. “Speaking seriously, I’ll select a few leisurely guests and stewards for you. Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter may only be fit for personal service and may lack experience in the officialdom.”

Xu Chun waved his hands. “No need, Mother. I have someone in mind; don’t worry about it. Just focus on running your shops.”

Lady Sheng added, “I’ll take stock of the assets there and arrange a residence for you.”

Xu Chun thanked her. “Thank you, Mother.” Glancing at the sky, he bid farewell and hurried back to Bamboo Branch Workshop.

Lady Sheng then summoned Qing Jin, Yin Zhu, and the others, relaying Xu Chun’s instructions. They were all thrilled, but Yin Zhu asked, “Does the heir intend to take Meimei and Zhaolan as well?”

Lady Sheng replied, “Yes, take them along. I noticed that since Grandmother passed away, the two of them have been diligent. Perfume-making and tea preparation are skills appreciated by refined families, useful for socializing.”

They promptly agreed, but Lady Sheng inquired, “Make more outfits for the heir. Today, I saw him wearing a brand-new ramie robe, which seemed odd. It didn’t appear to be made by our family. Could it have been brought from Minzhou? But our family there doesn’t typically make clothes in that style.”

Qing Jin responded, “Yes, the heir used to wear silk and crêpe de chine during summer, never ramie gauze. But he spent a lot of time studying under Mr. Shen recently; perhaps Mr. Shen arranged for it.”

Lady Sheng reflected, “Right, I forgot about Mr. Shen. That style is indeed favored by scholarly families. The Shens are a noble clan. I see, embroidery on a ramie robe, but Youlin looks good in it. Since he likes it, have more ramie outfits made for him.” She then pondered, her son, a gentleman as pure as jade, was about to become an official with a promising future, yet he showed no interest in women. What could be done about it? She felt a pang of worry.

Meanwhile, Xu Chun rode his horse with his whip in hand, rushing back to Bamboo Branch Workshop. Carrying two heavy boxes, he had the guards escort him into the palace, rewarding them with two silver ingots.

This was the first time the two guards had accompanied the young marquis, surprised and unsure if they should accept the gift. They exchanged glances, checking the contents of the two boxes. Seeing that they contained books and various trinkets and condiments, they carried them into the palace on his behalf.

Anxious, Xu Chun headed to Suiyu Hall. Su Huaifeng greeted him. “Young Marquis, you’re back? Perfect timing to join His Majesty for dinner. However, the emperor is still in a meeting. Young Marquis, please wait a bit? It’s stuffy inside; why not sit under the tree shade and have some tea? His Majesty always enjoys sitting here alone, playing chess or reading.”

The eunuchs immediately prepared the area, and Su Huaifeng invited Xu Chun to sit down. Xu Chun noticed that beneath the lush green canopy, there was indeed a smooth armchair with a small table and footrest, along with boiling water for tea, as if envisioning Ninth Brother lazily seated there. His heart tingled, but he felt guilty upon seeing Su Huaifeng.

He sat down and called for the guards to bring the boxes, opening them for Su Huaifeng. “I was in a hurry yesterday, causing you trouble, Eunuch Su. Here are some trinkets and sundries I brought back from Nanyang—mainly decorative items and clocks, not particularly valuable but rare in the capital. Eunuch Su, please accept them as gifts for your subordinates.”

Su Huaifeng’s face bloomed with wrinkles as he smiled. “Ah, thank you, Young Marquis, for thinking of this old slave. I’ll shamelessly accept them. These are truly valuable items.”

Xu Chun continued, “I owe much gratitude to Eunuch Su for always looking after me. Today, I learned that Tianjin Port’s maritime customs office was under your jurisdiction.”

Su Huaifeng chuckled. “Young Marquis is worried about snatching food from this old slave’s bowl? Don’t worry, Tianjin Port’s maritime customs office has minimal revenue. Each year, it only collects around 140,000 to 150,000 taels of silver in tax revenue, giving me 10,000 taels annually. I haven’t complained; it all goes to the public treasury.”

“Being too busy with palace affairs, I haven’t had time to manage them. I suspect middlemen are profiting. The emperor, considering my advanced age and inability to oversee everything, decided to remove the eunuch supervisor and have local officials take charge. However, the local officials there might also be colluding. Young Marquis, you’re the right person for the job. Take action and rectify the situation.”

Seated in the rocking chair, Xu Chun admired Su Huaifeng’s frankness and eloquence, feeling a favorable impression. “Has Eunuch Su ever visited since taking over?”

Su Huaifeng replied, “How could I find the time? Palace affairs are numerous, and the emperor doesn’t like promoting newcomers. He keeps using the same old staff. Fortunately, Young Marquis has arrived to alleviate the emperor’s burdens.” He personally poured tea for Xu Chun.

Xu Chun accepted the tea, finding it neither too hot nor cold, savoring its sweetness as he squinted his eyes in delight. He asked Su Huaifeng, “I heard that Eunuch Su used to serve His Majesty in the Imperial Study?”

Su Huaifeng affirmed, “Yes, I was castrated and entered the palace as a child. Because I could read from a young age, I worked in the Imperial Study, organizing books and keeping records. I wasn’t particularly clever, never performing tasks that would put me in front of the master. One day, I fell ill and couldn’t report it. While sorting books in the library, I couldn’t hold on and fell asleep. When I woke up, I found the library door locked. Shocked and hungry, I spent the night inside. The next morning, I planned to sneak out quietly, but unexpectedly, the emperor personally went to the library to find a book. At that time, His Majesty was around five or six years old, entering alone to search for a book. Upon turning a corner, he spotted me and was startled. I thought I was doomed and knelt down, unable to speak.”

“He hesitated, silent, probably because I looked pitiful, trembling and speechless. He casually picked up a book, took a few steps, but then returned, handing me a string of colored eggs before leaving. I saw that they were boiled quail eggs, dyed and hung with colored threads, given to the young masters during the Dragon Boat Festival. They were still warm.”

Curious, Xu Chun asked, “How did he know you were hungry? You were originally serving in the Imperial Study; what was unusual about bumping into the emperor?”

Su Huaifeng explained, “Palace duties are fixed, with specific rules for when to be in certain places. Seeing me when the library doors opened meant I broke the rules by oversleeping. The punishment for such negligence is sixty strokes. Moreover, alarming the emperor could be treated as an assassination attempt, warranting a brutal beating and possibly even the extermination of nine generations of my family.”

“The emperor is a benevolent ruler. Upon seeing me holding a broom and wearing the clothes of a low-ranking eunuch, he knew I had missed the cleaning schedule and didn’t hold it against me. But he probably guessed I hadn’t eaten, so he gave me the colored eggs, truly saving my life…”

Xu Chun leaned forward on the armrest, eager for more. “And then?”

Su Huaifeng continued, “Later, there was a vacancy in the Imperial Study, and I gradually got promoted to serve in front of the emperor. He clearly recognized me, but never chatted idly. He only ordered me to find books and discovered that I was efficient. He then tasked me with keeping an eye out for certain books, and I always performed well, catching the emperor’s attention.”

Xu Chun listened intently. “His Majesty loves reading, doesn’t he?”

Su Huaifeng affirmed, “Indeed…there’s no one more diligent than His Majesty…”

As Xie Yi entered the courtyard, he saw Xu Chun lounging in the large armchair he usually occupied, chatting with Su Huaifeng. His posture was far from proper; both shoes were off, one foot resting on the footrest, the other bent and tucked under the chair—a relaxed pose. He caught sight of Xu Chun’s profile, eyes shining with laughter as he pressed Su Huaifeng for more details. “And then?”

Time seemed to slow down. Suddenly, all the troubles of the day vanished, replaced by a heart full of joy.