There are no walls in the world that don’t leak wind. Xie Caiqing’s remark at Yixian Lou, “Nan Huaiyi is worthy,” spread among the examinees and half the city within just a night or two of fermentation. Busybodies soon dug up every detail about Xie Caiqing.
Daning was prosperous, and its people lived in peace and contentment. With warmth and fullness came a thirst for gossip. Xie Caiqing’s “glorious” feat of passing the provincial exam at fifteen but abandoning the Metropolitan Examination, coupled with his unparalleled looks, made him an overnight sensation in the capital. In teahouses and taverns, his name frequently rolled off many tongues.
In a teahouse, a shabbily dressed scholar slapped five copper coins onto the table: “I’m betting on Xie Caiqing! There may be no one else who became a Jieyuan at fifteen, but as for having a prefect untie his belt—in Daning’s hundreds of years, he’s the only one! And that was Qian Haozheng—there’s no possibility of any falseness there!”
“So what? When it comes to solid foundations, can he compare to Zhang Ninghan? Wasn’t it already dug up that he lost both parents and never even attended a private school? Has he had any renowned mentors? Any notable works? Zhang Ninghan has!” retorted those backing Zhang Ninghan.
The scholar argued heatedly, “He’s only eighteen, while Zhang Ninghan is already twenty-three!”
“He’s eighteen, but do you think he’s Prince Duan of Nanruo at eighteen? Now that’s true talent that crowns the world. He may be better-looking than Zhang Ninghan, but the Imperial Examination isn’t a beauty contest. Do you think His Majesty is selecting concubines?”
“Exactly, Xie Caiqing is too young. He needs a few more years of study. And it’s not just his lack of family background—he doesn’t even have a patron.”
The scholar argued until his face flushed red and his neck thickened: “There are still a few days left. It’s not entirely impossible for him to seek mentorship under some official.”
The group backing Zhang Ninghan, the son of the Zhang family of Yuanqi, laughed, looking disdainfully at the few unsophisticated Hanmen scholars opposite them. “Young Master Zhang has already said that the Zhuangyuan title is his for the taking. Wake up! Don’t pin your Zhuangyuan daydreams on Xie Caiqing. Do you even know who’s behind Zhang Ninghan? For Xie Caiqing to find a patron…”
The speaker said with sarcasm, “He’d have to go knocking at the residence of the Commander-in-Chief to possibly have a patron bigger than Zhang Ninghan’s, right?”
The surrounding crowd burst into laughter.
“You!” The scholar flushed with anger.
Even remote local officials knew that Xie Zhe, Commander-in-Chief of the Changling Guard, was the only long-standing favorite by the Emperor’s side. He kept his doors closed to visitors year-round, formed no factions, took no disciples, made no friends, engaged in no private interactions, and never involved himself in court disputes, focusing solely on loyalty to the Emperor.
He was the most famous solitary official of the court. Though only of the second rank, even first-rank officials, upon encountering his carriage on the road, would hurriedly instruct their coachmen to make way. When meeting him in person, they would greet him warmly, fearing to offend him.
For someone to suggest that Xie Caiqing seek patronage under the Commander-in-Chief was undoubtedly blatant mockery.
Just as the two sides were about to continue arguing, a man clambered up the stairs, gripping the railing with an exaggerated, mysterious expression: “Xie Caiqing has gone to visit the Commander-in-Chief!!”
The noisy teahouse fell silent for a second.
The next moment, uproarious laughter shook the teahouse to its foundations.
“You actually called it, hahahaha!”
“As expected of someone from Junzhou—so naive! Without even understanding the Commander-in-Chief’s temperament, he actually dared to visit. Truly, a newborn calf fears no tiger.”
“I must report this to Young Master Zhang and claim a reward!”
…
Xie Caiqing had gone to visit the Commander-in-Chief.
This news was even more sensational than his remark “Nan Huaiyi is worthy” in the teahouse the other day.
Many onlookers gathered near the Commander-in-Chief’s residence.
Rushi, holding Jiang Huaichu’s belongings, stood behind him. Sensing the slightly peculiar gazes from the surroundings, he frowned and said in a low voice, “Should I have someone take care of them?”
Jiang Huaichu: “…”
Jiang Huaichu turned to look at the tall, silent man behind him, who was asking with a serious expression, and replied gently, “No need. If I go in later, you can head back first.”
Rushi’s frown deepened. “I’m not at ease leaving you alone, young master.”
Word had come from their informants that Xiao Yun had gone to Xie Zhe’s residence after court and was currently inside. Given that the young prince had offended Xiao Yun just yesterday, Rushi couldn’t possibly feel comfortable letting him enter alone.
“Don’t worry,” Jiang Huaichu reassured him with a calming look and a faint smile. “If he truly wanted my life, he wouldn’t have gone through the trouble of sending me jade. Besides, I’m here today to visit the commander, not to see the emperor. He’s not the type to seek out awkward situations—someone of his status wouldn’t meet me.”
Rushi fell silent for a moment before reluctantly nodding.
The gatekeeper had already taken the visiting card inside. While waiting, Rushi hesitated briefly before lowering his voice again. “If you truly can’t meet Xie Zhe, there are many nobles in Daning who have received favors from Milo or have secrets in our hands. I compiled a list last night. If you give me the Young Master’s Command Token, I can approach them privately. They’ll surely be willing to help you—whether they want to or not…”
“Let’s wait a little longer,” Jiang Huaichu interrupted him.
The more people who knew, the more trouble and risk it would bring.
If something could be resolved through Xie Caiqing, he wouldn’t want Jiang Huaichu to handle it.
Rushi still looked uncertain.
The commander’s longstanding habit of refusing visitors had never been broken over the years. Two days ago, when Jiang Huaichu proposed visiting Xie Zhe, Rushi had already explained the situation clearly. Yet Jiang Huaichu insisted on going. When Rushi suggested preparing an extravagant gift, Jiang Huaichu declined that too.
Today, Jiang Huaichu brought nothing except a deliberately broken, worn-out qin.
And so, he had come to visit the Daning commander of the Changling Guard, a trusted second-rank official and the emperor’s favorite…
Rushi swallowed his untimely words.
Jiang Huaichu stood before the tightly shut gate, the spring breeze gently rustling his plain robes.
…
At the same time, in Xie Zhe’s residence.
Xie Zhe rested his palm against his temple, holding a black chess piece in his other hand, suspended mid-air for a long time without placing it down, his expression thoughtful.
Xie Zhe waited with slight impatience, grabbing a piece of ruyi cake from a tray held by a servant nearby. After taking a bite, he saw that Xie Zhe still hadn’t made a move. “Hesitating, hesitating—if you keep this up, you’ll wear the chess piece away. By the time you finally decide, I’ll have eaten my fill.”
“…” Xie Zhe stopped his subconscious habit of rubbing the chess piece and reluctantly placed it in a decent but not entirely satisfactory spot.
Xie Zhe casually grabbed a white piece from the chess pot and placed it almost without hesitation.
Xie Zhe’s brow instantly furrowed, and he picked up another piece, unconsciously repeating his earlier motions.
“…” Xiao Yun couldn’t help but laugh. “It’s not like you’ll owe me money if you lose. Why not just go with your instincts? You may not regret your moves after making them, but you seem to regret every possibility before even placing a piece, don’t you?”
“…” Xie Zhe looked slightly embarrassed. “Your Majesty, this isn’t like archery or hunting. Chess is meant to be slow—the process of immersing oneself in thought is the most enjoyable part.”
“So you’re saying I’m ruining your fun?”
“I dare not, Your Majesty.” Though he said so, he still let out a quiet sigh.
The Emperor learned everything quickly, acted swiftly, thought like a gale, and moved like thunder. Although he wasn’t particularly fond of the slow-paced game of chess, his skill was undeniably masterful.
He played chess as if waging war—charging, battling, and slaughtering, making moves with no regrets even when they were wrong, so fast it hardly seemed like a game of chess.
If he played that way alone, it would be one thing, but he also loved to hurry others along.
His constant urging left one anxious, unsure whether to make a move or not.
Even when he wasn’t rushing, he was either eating something or pacing back and forth, never idle for a moment, making it impossible for anyone to sit still and focus.
The Emperor could even listen to eunuchs reading memorials while playing chess with him. One moment he’d be chatting, and the next he’d suddenly say to a eunuch, “Tell so-and-so to get lost,” leaving Xie Zhe’s mind filled with nothing but “Tell so-and-so to get lost.”
Yet, despite all this, the Emperor never fell behind.
…Truly, those destined for greatness are born with extraordinary talent.
Xie Zhe’s feelings were complicated. Just as he was about to make a move, the gatekeeper entered quietly. With the Emperor present, he dared not look up, standing respectfully at the doorway, awaiting inquiry.
“Is something the matter?” Xie Zhe asked almost immediately, unable to contain his eagerness.
Xiao Yun said irritably, “So unwilling to play chess with me?”
“…” Xie Zhe kept a straight face as he looked at the gatekeeper. “Speak.”
Xiao Yun also waved his hand dismissively.
Only then did the gatekeeper lower his head and approach the chess table, presenting a visiting card to Xie Zhe. “Xie Caiqing from West City, Junzhou, is outside requesting an audience.”
Xiao Yun’s hand, which had been reaching for a chess piece, suddenly froze. Astonished, he said, “He actually came to visit you? Quite bold for a newcomer.”
He clicked his tongue, revealing an expression of rare and keen interest.
After experiencing so many storms and waves, things that could surprise him grew fewer and fewer. Such an amusing occurrence was truly a rare find.
Xie Zhe was also taken aback. This name had appeared rather frequently these past few days. It had to be said that being memorable was an unparalleled skill—even His Majesty, who often forgot yesterday’s events today, recognized him immediately.
Xiao Yun said with a faint smile, “His ambitions are quite grand, aiming for the Commander. Let’s see if he has the ability.”
Xie Zhe knew him well—the Emperor never looked down on others, nor did he despise greed. What he hated was when people aimed high but lacked the skill to match their ambitions.
He glanced discreetly at Xiao Yun sitting across from him.
Xiao Yun said lazily, “Just act as if I’m not here. Handle it as you normally would. If he really comes in, I’ll condescend to make room for him.”
“…I obey, Your Majesty.”
Xie Zhe took the visiting card from the gatekeeper.
The gatekeeper added thoughtfully, “I’ve checked it. Nothing is hidden inside.”
Previously, those presenting visiting cards would often conceal thin sheets of gold or silver between the pages.
Xie Zhe secretly breathed a sigh of relief for Xie Caiqing. If he had openly tried to bribe under the Emperor’s watchful eye, it would have been like handing a knife directly to the Emperor.
Xie Zhe returned the visiting card to the gatekeeper and said calmly, “Tell him that this official never receives guests. It’s not personal. Have him return and take his gifts back as well.”
The gatekeeper looked slightly awkward and remained standing in place.
Xie Zhe looked at him in surprise. “What is it?”
The gatekeeper coughed. “…He didn’t bring any gifts.”
Even Xiao Yun, who had started reviewing memorials nearby, looked up in astonishment.
Xie Zhe was so shocked he couldn’t speak for a long moment. “Then why did he come to visit me?! He came empty-handed?”
Only after the words left his mouth did he belatedly sense something amiss—it sounded as if he were asking Xie Caiqing for a gift.
In the past, when others came to pay their respects, they always brought lavish gifts worth at least a thousand taels.
Xie Caiqing, seeking him out at this moment, was clearly attempting to bribe him into handling some matter, yet he had arrived empty-handed.
The gatekeeper said, “He asked this humble servant to relay a message to you, saying…”
Noticing His Majesty looking over with keen interest, the gatekeeper nervously continued, “He said that while money is of great importance to others, to you, my lord, it is akin to scrap metal. What precious thing has my lord not seen or used? Why would he bring something you neither need nor desire, only to waste your precious time in receiving him?”
Xie Zhe was taken aback.
This reasoning was truly novel and precise, articulating the very annoyance he had felt for years.
In his position, if he wanted money, it flowed in like water. There was no need to accept trivial bribes he disdained, expend time and effort to do favors for others, and risk damaging his reputation and the emperor’s trust.
“Then what good thing that I need did he bring?” Xie Zhe curled his lips slightly, maintaining a reserved tone.
The gatekeeper fell silent for a moment before replying with an extremely stiff expression, “He brought nothing. Moreover, he has a request for you. He… he said his qin is broken and wishes to ask… for your help in repairing it.”
Xiao Yun, who had just lowered his head, looked up again in astonishment.
Xie Zhe was proficient in qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. With a calm and steady disposition, he enjoyed tranquility and often indulged in such refined pursuits, making him highly skilled at repairing qins.
Yet no one had ever dared to ask him to repair one.
“…” Even the usually unflappable Xie Zhe struggled to maintain his composure. He took a deep breath, nearly grinding out the words through clenched teeth, “What is he playing at?”
“He said that since he is asking you to repair the qin, and you, out of fondness for nurturing the younger generation, are willing to help without seeking anything in return, the people will admire you. It is not a case of him bribing you to handle matters on his behalf, so you need not worry about public opinion. Since he is not a guest, my lord would not be breaking the rule of refusing visitors.”
Xie Zhe’s expression shifted slightly.
His refusal to receive guests was not due to aloofness or arrogance but because only by rejecting all attachments could he gain the trust of one person.
His ability to remain steadfast for years was because he understood that struggles were meaningless—the emperor was the sole granter and taker of all things. As long as he pleased the emperor, he could rise smoothly.
The emperor was the loneliest person in the world, trusting and relying only on ministers who, like him, stood alone without support, not on ambitious schemers who formed factions and expanded their influence.
He was not avoiding contention; he was advancing by retreating.
A flicker of surprise also crossed Xiao Yun’s face.
Xie Caiqing had, after all, considered Xie Zhe’s situation completely.
Xie Zhe had not expected that a mere eighteen-year-old scholar from Junzhou could penetrate such subtleties, taking his concerns into account and removing the obstacles to receiving a visitor. His expression softened considerably, though he still spoke with a hint of irritation, “First, he said my time is precious, then he asks me to waste it repairing his qin. Isn’t that contradictory? Why should I help him?”
Xiao Yun glanced at Xie Zhe, his expression playful, suppressing a slight smile.
This showed a flicker of interest. If Xie Zhe had no intention, why would he even ask? He would have simply told the person to leave.
Asking in such a petulant manner was merely because the visitor had brought nothing, leaving him unable to save face.
The gatekeeper coughed again. “He said that while a thousand pieces of gold are easy to obtain, a smile from you is hard to earn. The wealthy may have ample food and clothing, but their worries and concerns are many, and joy is rare. You lack nothing except happiness, and he can… bring you joy.”