Xie Zhe’s lips twitched imperceptibly. “…This humble official was foolish.”
Xiao Yun’s tone was playful. “But I still can’t punish him, because punishing him would mean fighting over trivialities, lacking vision, and not caring for the people or having the magnanimity to tolerate others.”
“Tell me, isn’t this person clever? How many high hats has he placed on my head, Xie Zhe? Listening to flattery isn’t as pleasant as it seems—you have to act according to what he says, or else everyone in the world will know that I’m petty and narrow-minded.”
“…” Xie Zhe controlled his facial muscles with practiced skill and echoed, “Your Majesty is wise. This person deserves death.”
“Smile. Smile for me.” Xiao Yun shot him a sidelong glance.
Xie Zhe pressed his lips together and shook his head.
Xiao Yun untied the jade pendant from his waist, holding it in his palm and rubbing it lazily. “Have you ever thought about who he was really speaking to?”
Xie Zhe was taken aback.
It was impossible for that person to know His Majesty was at Yixian Tower, yet His Majesty asked, “Who was he speaking to?”
Xie Zhe replied truthfully, “This humble official does not know.”
Xiao Yun smiled ambiguously. “In the largest teahouse in the capital, what words can’t reach the ears of designated high-ranking officials by the next day?”
Reminded by this, Xie Zhe froze for a few seconds, his expression suddenly changing. “‘A great nation is one that is strong yet does not bully the weak; the nation belongs to a single family name, but the people belong to all under heaven’… That’s a line from Liu Yun’s work, Discourse on the State!”
No wonder it sounded familiar.
Liu Yun, the esteemed elder, was a renowned literary master, prolific in his writings, with disciples all over the world. He was the current Grand Academician of the Hanlin Academy and also the chief examiner for this year’s Metropolitan Examination.
Compared to the others… he held more influence, even the authority to make the final decision.
He was known for his integrity, uprightness, and concern for the world…
“A thousand pieces of gold cannot buy Liu Yun’s favor”—this saying referred to the old man’s disdain for wealth and his hatred of those who flattered or sought backdoor connections. For years, he had closed his doors to visitors, only promoting like-minded scholars.
“You thought he was flattering me? He was flattering Liu Yun,” Xiao Yun clicked his tongue. “When these words reach that old man’s ears, he’ll surely slap the table in admiration and exclaim, ‘This person cares for the world, unites knowledge with action, and possesses the talent of a Zhuangyuan!’”
Xiao Yun even vividly mimicked the gesture of slapping the table.
Xie Zhe was so astonished he didn’t know what to say: “…”
He glanced at the wise and mighty emperor, then swept his gaze over the young man below. Despite having navigated the officialdom for many years and being well-versed in power and human nature, he fell silent in shame.
His Majesty was a seasoned veteran with over twenty years of experience, his heart as dark as could be, but the one below… was only eighteen this year.
Xiao Yun said, “He’s read quite a few books, even remembering such an obscure line. His learning is evident.”
Xie Zhe observed His Majesty’s expression and, seeing that he didn’t seem angry but rather amused, cautiously asked, “Your Majesty… how did you recognize that line?”
His Majesty usually never read books, especially not those long-winded, pedantic texts.
Xiao Yun gave him a half-smile. “That old man kept repeating that line in front of me a few days ago to admonish me.”
“…” Xie Zhe’s heart skipped a beat, thinking how unlucky that person was.
The meaning of that line was that while the nation’s surname might change with the royal family, the people remained the same—emperors come and go, but the people endure.
Thus, for His Majesty to win the hearts of the people, he must govern diligently, love the people, and guard against arrogance and impatience.
Xiao Yun turned the jade over and over in his hand, as if toying with someone. He often had this little habit when encountering something amusing.
“He’s a candidate scholar this session. Go find out his name.”
Seeing Xie Zhe standing there motionless with an odd expression, he asked in confusion, “What’s wrong?”
“Right,” he remembered something and laughed, “Remember to tell me later whether that old man Liu Yun buys into it or not… Xie Zhe? I’m talking to you!”
Xie Zhe hesitated for a moment, but ultimately thinking it better to sacrifice others than himself, he said with slight embarrassment, “Your Majesty… this person, this humble official knows him, and Your Majesty knows him too.”
Xiao Yun was surprised: “Who?”
Xiao Yun coughed and lowered his head: “Junzhou West City… Xie Caiqing.”
Xiao Yun’s hand movements suddenly halted, his face visibly darkening, and he remained silent for a long time.
Xie Zhe felt his scalp tingle.
When Xie Caiqing first entered, he had been about to tell His Majesty, but then His Majesty said before him, “Is Xie Caiqing as beautiful as him?” So he didn’t dare to follow up with the fact that it was Xie Caiqing.
Xiao Yun had previously rejected His Majesty, and now right under His Majesty’s nose, he said His Majesty wasn’t the most handsome man in the world, yet His Majesty still praised his beauty…
After a long while, Xiao Yun gritted his teeth and gave a lazy smile: “I was wondering why that sharp, eloquent mouth felt so familiar. So it’s him. No wonder then. Before, he praised me in memorials as if I were unparalleled in heaven and earth, but now he’s here confidently saying ‘Nan Huaiyi is worthy’? Truly, one cannot fully trust those who are glib and deceitful.”
Xiao Yun tried hard to suppress his laughter and considerately added, “This person is two-faced and insincere. Does Your Majesty wish to charge him with the crime of deceiving the emperor?”
“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you? Enjoying it secretly,” Xiao Yun pointed at him irritably.
Xie Zhe remained respectful and expressionless.
Though he agreed, he understood clearly that this was a bitter pill to swallow. His Majesty couldn’t openly punish Xie Caiqing; at most, he could make him fail the Metropolitan Examination and send him back to Junzhou.
“Xie Zhe.”
“Your servant is here.”
“He’s dancing right under my nose. Shouldn’t I play along with him?” Xiao Yun gave a lazy smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Seeking attention through sensationalism is just for fame. I can’t deny him the chance to rise above others.”
He looked around and finally settled his gaze on the jade in his hand.
Today, while traveling incognito, the eunuch had coincidentally given him a piece of white jade.
The image of that person in plain clothes, leisurely and fair-skinned, flashed through Xiao Yun’s mind. After pondering for a few seconds, he curled his lips and casually tossed the jade to Xie Zhe.
Xie Zhe agilely caught it, held the jade with both hands, and leaned in to hear Xiao Yun’s instructions. When he came out of the private room to summon his subordinates, he sighed for Xie Caiqing.
Of all people to offend.
But His Majesty didn’t seem truly angry or intent on punishing him severely. He probably found him amusing and wanted to tease him a bit, to see what other tricks he could pull.
Still, it was quite a wicked thing to do.
…
Meanwhile, on the first floor.
After Jiang Huaichu finished his rebuke, the room below remained quieter than the brothel next door during the day.
The candidate who had been scolded flushed red, sweating profusely, and pointed at Jiang Huaichu, stammering “you” for a long time. Finally, under the gleeful gazes of the other candidates, he left in humiliation.
Just as Jiang Huaichu was about to go out and call Rushi, Rushi, disguised as a tea customer, had already entered. He wandered around the first floor for a while before approaching Jiang Huaichu’s table, which had an empty seat: “Is anyone sitting here?”
“Please make yourself at home,” Jiang Huaichu said gently.
No one around noticed Rushi. After Rushi sat down, Jiang Huaichu took a sip of tea and said in a low voice, “Find someone to follow that candidate from earlier.”
“Eliminate him?” Rushi asked expressionlessly, his eyes cold.
Jiang Huaichu: “…No, just keep an eye on him until after the Palace Examination.”
He had never liked conflict, but once an enemy was made, he would never give them any chance to bite back.
“Coming in at this time… is there something?” Jiang Huaichu frowned.
Rushi lowered his voice. “Xiao Yun left the palace over an hour ago.”
Consort Dowager tensed and immediately looked over.
Jiang Huaichu’s brows furrowed slightly. “Why is this news only coming now?”
“Xiao Yun is secretly protected by the Changling Guard. Our informants didn’t dare follow too closely and lost track,” Rushi summarized the key points. “We only know he’s currently within the capital and hasn’t returned yet. His exact whereabouts are unknown.”
Consort Dowager decisively said, “Then let’s forget it.”
She looked at Jiang Huaichu and explained, “Xiao Yun frequently travels incognito and has visited many places. He’s hard to find, and time is tight. With the Metropolitan Examination approaching, the Changling Guard is secretly monitoring movements throughout the capital. If we make too much noise searching, we risk exposure.”
Jiang Huaichu nodded.
He hadn’t made any preparations either.
For a first meeting, it was better to plan carefully. Consort Dowager had taught him that first impressions were extremely important in such matters. Even if she hadn’t, for a first meeting with someone important, he needed to prepare appropriate attire, think about what to say and do, consider possible contingencies, and have backup plans.
It was best to mentally rehearse several times in advance, handle every detail, and minimize the possibility of failure.
Jiang Huaichu said calmly, “No need to rush this—”
Rushi’s pupils contracted.
Someone descended the stairs behind them and lightly tapped Jiang Huaichu’s shoulder.
Rushi subtly reached for the dagger hidden in his sleeve.
Jiang Huaichu turned around calmly, a faint smile on his lips. “Is there something I can help you with, sir?”
The man also appeared to be a servant, with a very refined face, around twenty years old. His left hand was tucked into his right sleeve, which seemed to conceal something, bulging slightly.
The man said softly, “Could the young master spare a moment for a private word?”
Jiang Huaichu feigned a moment of surprise and replied gently, “Of course.”
Consort Dowager and Rushi watched with slight wariness.
The man led Jiang Huaichu to a secluded, unoccupied spot, then took out an exquisite vermilion brocade box from his sleeve and respectfully presented it with both hands. “My master has a gift for you.”
Jiang Huaichu frowned slightly but did not reach for it. “I cannot accept a reward without merit.”
He never touched things he didn’t intend to accept, as doing so could easily lead to complications.
The man smiled. “Please do not misunderstand, young master. My master greatly admired your earlier remarks and specifically sent this gift. It is not an attempt to buy your favor with wealth. My master says that wealth is easy to come by, but a kindred spirit is rare. Please do not be constrained by formalities. He offers this gift only to wish you a smooth rise to prominence. May you meet again in court, share wine, and speak of life’s joys.”
Someone from the court?
In Nanchao, it was not uncommon for people to generously give gifts after a single conversation, especially since he was currently dressed shabbily, appearing poor and without support.
But Jiang Huaichu was determined not to accept anything from strangers in Beining, no matter how eloquently it was presented. After all, in a foreign land, he could not afford any unnecessary or avoidable risks.
This matter was entirely unexpected.
It was better to avoid trouble than to invite it.
He took a step back, his face apologetic, and said sincerely, “I am unworthy of such a gift. If by chance I pass the imperial examination, I will personally visit to apologize.”
The man clearly hadn’t expected him to refuse so firmly—not only unmoved by wealth but even uninterested in befriending the powerful. Anxiety crept into his brow as he said, “Won’t you take a look first, young master?”
Without waiting for Jiang Huaichu’s consent, he opened the brocade box first.
Jiang Huaichu reluctantly glanced at it, unmoved.
He looked again, and his usually calm and composed expression was suddenly replaced by overwhelming stiffness.
Xiao Yun’s belongings, and he himself was here.