Seeing that his own Teacher Zhu had actually gotten into a fight with the famously renowned Han Qi (even if being unilaterally beaten up still counted as a fight), Cao Tun felt a bit excited.
The Great Song Dynasty, as a feudal dynasty, was like a stagnant pool of putrid water. The Cao Family was also cautious and timid, like a silent, unmoving pond.
Cao Tun had always felt stifled and listless.
Since gaining memories of his past life, this was the first time Cao Tun felt ripples appear in that unbearable stagnant pool. Those vague silhouettes from the history books now felt like living people.
Pfft, reading history books would certainly never reveal that the steady and mature Han Qi would beat up a friend.
Cao You was also shocked, never expecting that Han Zhongxiang Gong from the history books had this side to him. Hearing the muffled giggles, Cao You lowered his head and saw his little nephew covering his mouth with both hands, laughing like a little cat that had stolen a steamed fish from the table.
Tun'er usually seemed disinterested in everything; this was the first time he had seen his little nephew laugh so mischievously.
"Alright, quiet down, don't be discovered," Cao You patted his short, stout nephew's head.
He actually wanted to tell Cao Tun not to laugh—it was impolite. But he also felt like laughing himself, so he wouldn't ask Cao Tun to do something he couldn't do either.
Cao Tun shuffled in small steps behind Cao You, still covering his mouth with both hands, giggling softly.
Cao You thought for a moment, then asked the post station clerk for a small stool. Holding Cao Tun, he sat in the corridor, waiting for Teacher Zhu and Han Zizheng to finish their "emotional exchange."
Nestled in his Little Uncle's arms, Cao Tun could hide his face and laugh freely without being noticed.
After laughing his fill, Cao Tun let out a big yawn and dozed off in his Little Uncle's embrace.
Cao You took out a scroll of historical records and began reading with great interest, soon oblivious to the outside world.
Han Qi had already opened the door and, together with Teacher Zhu, was quietly observing the uncle and nephew sitting outside. Cao You remained unaware.
Han Qi lowered his voice, "I still don't believe you went to teach the Cao Family just to live in seclusion out of disillusionment."
Teacher Zhu rubbed his bruised eye corner and whispered, "Just assume that's the case. Don't ask too much."
Han Qi shot Teacher Zhu a sidelong glance and said sourly, "Your Majesty truly trusts you. I can't compare."
Teacher Zhu fell silent for a moment, then said, "Zhigui, even in private, we should not refer to His Majesty as 'Your Majesty' in that manner. This is likely the most important reason for our failure."
Han Qi's eyes widened abruptly.
After a long pause, he slowly closed his eyes, his voice sorrowful, "Perhaps so."
"Your Majesty" was a term of humility from Emperor Taizu's time and also a folk, informal reference to the emperor. Just as during the Later Han Dynasty, commoners referred to the emperor as "County Magistrate."
But a folk reference and the emperor's humble title should not be how ministers address the emperor. Even if officials often used it privately.
Emperor Taizong had once expressed dissatisfaction with commoners calling him "Your Majesty," asking his ministers Xu Xuan and Du Gao the same question in succession: "What is the meaning behind the title 'Your Majesty'?"
Both ministers cited classical texts, finding an explanation from the "Book of Han" that satisfied Emperor Taizong: "The Three Sovereigns governed the world as officials; the Five Emperors ruled the world as family heads. Thus, it refers to the emperor."
During the era of the Three Sovereigns, virtuous and capable individuals were elected and abdicated in favor of successors. After the Five Emperors, the throne was passed only to one's own descendants. Just as Qin Shi Huang took the characters "emperor" from "Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors" as his title, "Your Majesty" was also derived from this phrase, carrying the same meaning.
Emperor Taizong, though satisfied with his minister's explanation, needed the minister to specially clarify this matter, which proved he was actually dissatisfied with the common people addressing him as "Your Majesty."
Fan Zhongyan and Han Qi strictly adhered to etiquette, always respectfully addressing the emperor as "Your Majesty." Master Zhu… Fan Zhongyan's words were not meant to say that he and Han Qi had offended the emperor in their manner of address.
He was asking Han Qi, and also questioning himself: Had they taken the emperor's humility as truth? Had they harbored the delusion of letting the emperor "rule with folded hands"?
Had they… truly believed that scholar-officials could govern the empire together with the emperor?
Fan Zhongyan had reflected that the failure of the New Policies lay in being too black-and-white, leading to factional strife and disrupting court affairs.
But when the emperor privately informed Fan Zhongyan of the Crown Prince's identity and tasked him with instructing the Crown Prince, Fan Zhongyan realized he had not lost the emperor's trust. The emperor had not wavered in their ruler-minister bond due to others' attacks.
So what was His Majesty wavering about? And what was his wavering meant to admonish?
Han Qi smiled bitterly: "Although Ouyang Yongshu's memorial 'On Factions' argued that gentlemen forming alliances was not for private gain, to His Majesty, whether for public or private purposes, it was not for the ruler—that was the mistake."
Fan Zhongyan nodded gloomily but still comforted Han Qi: "His Majesty is a benevolent ruler. He is only admonishing us slightly. After some time, he should recall us. Let us remember this lesson."
Remember the lesson… Han Qi's mood sank further.
The confidence behind their series of radical measures was built on the belief that the emperor truly shared their ideals, was a supremely just sage ruler, and was willing to govern the empire together with capable scholar-officials.
Had they been wrong from the very beginning?
Han Qi changed the subject: "Which Cao Family son are you the master of?"
Fan Zhongyan replied: "The empress's nephew Cao Tun, who is a Langjun (Young Master)."
Since the Han Dynasty, children of officialdom could refer to themselves as "Langjun." But since the Tang Dynasty, "Langjun" had also been an alternative title for the Crown Prince.
Han Qi wanted to say something but pressed his lips together, only a trace of anxiety appearing on his face.
As close friends, even if Han Qi did not speak, Fan Zhongyan knew what he wanted to ask.
Thus, when the emperor hinted to him, giving him ample trust to disclose the Crown Prince's identity to others, Fan Zhongyan initially had not considered telling any friends.
In the end, Han Qi still restrained his inner desire and did not voice the question.
He did not ask about the Crown Prince's temperament or whether they could influence him through instruction to become the wise and benevolent ruler they hoped for.
Struggling for a long time, Han Qi slowly exhaled a breath of insatiable greed and said with a bitter smile: "Xiwen, you should not have come to find me."
Fan Zhongyan said calmly: "I did not plan to seek out anyone. I just happened to run into you and couldn't help myself."
Han Qi looked at the bruise on Fan Zhongyan's face, clenched his fist against his lips, and whispered apologetically: "I'm sorry."
Fan Zhongyan shook his head: "It's nothing. Just don't tell anyone else."
Fu Bi was too far away—such an important matter could not be revealed in letters; Ouyang Xiu and others were too impulsive and might not keep the secret.
Although Fan Zhongyan's visit to Han Qi was impulsive, Han Qi was indeed someone who could keep a secret and was about to take up a provincial appointment in Yangzhou. Telling him would not affect the overall situation.
Han Qi nodded in promise: "I will absolutely not leak the secret."
After promising, Han Qi felt somewhat frustrated: "But isn't His Majesty's action too absurd?"
The court officials are deeply anxious about Your Majesty's heir. How could Your Majesty hide the Crown Prince from the world?
Fan Zhongyan said, "Perhaps it is because too many of His Majesty's children died young, and he worries the palace is not clean. This is an inner court secret; we should not inquire."
Han Qi recalled that Emperor Zhenzong had only one son. Now, His Majesty is fond of women… ahem, his harem is well-staffed, and the named princes and princesses he fathered number ten. Yet, among them, only Princess Fukang survived infancy and remains alive today. Having lost nine princes and princesses, it is impossible for His Majesty not to feel fear and suspicion. Hiding the legitimate son born to Empress Cao is understandable.
However…
Han Qi wondered, "How did the Empress conceal her childbirth from the court officials without being discovered?"
Fan Zhongyan did not know either. But there was one thing he guessed: "The Empress likely also fears someone in the palace might harm the Crown Prince. She may not even trust His Majesty."
Han Qi patted his frantically beating heart and gritted his teeth, "Didn't we agree not to mention palace secrets?"
Fan Zhongyan gave Han Qi a look that said, "You were the one asking."
Han Qi's fists itched again.
When the two were on the northwestern Song-Xia battlefield, they often quarreled due to differing opinions. Fan Xiwen appeared aloof and noble, but when he was annoying, he was truly infuriating.
Fan Zhongyan gave Han Qi a light push. "Since we've encountered them, shouldn't we go pay our respects to the Young Master?"
Han Qi snorted coldly and walked up to Cao You, who was engrossed in reading.
Cao You had not yet noticed anyone's arrival.
Han Qi stroked his beard and smiled. We scholars should be this focused.
Originally, after reading Cao You's military treatise, he was only eighty percent impressed. Seeing Cao You read as if no one else were present, that eighty percent naturally rose to one hundred percent.
Moreover, seeing how he protected the little young master in his arms while reading, allowing the child to sleep soundly, one hundred percent was not enough to describe Han Qi's satisfaction.
Although many scholars envied Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, Han Qi understood well that imperial relatives are naturally the emperor's right-hand men. If a loyal and talented person becomes the emperor's right-hand man, it is a blessing for the nation.
However, if Cao You were to become disloyal in the future, his own pen could also become a weapon to kill.
Han Qi suddenly realized that they could not influence the Crown Prince's thoughts, but they could influence Cao You's thoughts.
Thinking this, the more Han Qi observed Cao You, the more satisfied he became. Should he take on a disciple?
Fan Zhongyan noticed Han Qi's delight in discovering talent and lightly kicked him.
Behave! Cao You was also chosen by His Majesty and is on His Majesty's list!
Han Qi set aside his thoughts and said softly, "My apologies. My friend and I were overjoyed at our reunion after a long separation and kept you waiting."
Cao You snapped out of his immersion in the sea of books, hurriedly stood up holding Cao Tun, and said, "It's nothing, nothing. Han Zizheng, you are too polite."
Cao Tun kicked his legs slightly, snoring soundly, with no intention of waking up.
Han Qi gazed longingly at the little young master in Cao You's arms, wanting to speak to him but unwilling to wake him.
Cao You gently patted Cao Tun's bottom. "Tun'er, wake up."
Han Qi quickly said, "No need… ah!"
Cao Tun was already awake.
He rubbed his eyes, drowsy for a while before coming to his senses and seeing the middle-aged man leaning in to look at him.
They stared at each other for one second, two seconds, three seconds…
Cao Tun blinked, then clasped his hands. "This humble one pays respects to Han Zizheng."
Han Qi beamed with joy, the gloom on his face vanishing completely, his expression bright and relaxed.
Cao Tun took a small, sharp breath.
Ah, when I saw Han Qi looking so gloomy earlier, I thought he and Teacher Zhu were of the same generation.
How is it that when Han Qi smiles, he transforms into a dashingly handsome uncle, with even his short scholarly goatee suddenly looking pleasing, instantly appearing twenty years younger?
The rigid historical caricatures not only beat up my own Teacher Zhu but also turned into a handsome man. Cao Tun felt an illusion that his world had come alive.
Author's Note:
Random musings (please ignore the author's note):
This year, Fan Zhongyan is 56 years old, and Han Qi is 37. Han Qi, you heartless middle-aged man, actually beating up an elderly person!
However, during the Song-Xia War, Fan Zhongyan was personally on the battlefield, while Han Qi stayed in the rear. So if it really came to a fight, young Han might not necessarily beat old Fan.
Han Qi was truly handsome. Most of the Literary Titan Group from the Northern Song Dynasty were recorded as good-looking. Don’t dislike the beard—with the attire of ancient times, without a beard, it just wouldn’t hold up. The beard is essential!
"Your Majesty" refers to the emperor of the Song Dynasty, similar to how "County Official" referred to the emperor of the Eastern Han Dynasty. It was a colloquial term used by the common people to refer to the emperor (like calling someone "the Great Leader" or "Emperor Chuan"). "Your Majesty" was the respectful form of address.
When ministers spoke to the emperor in person, they had to address him as "Your Majesty". Calling him "Emperor" was considered very flippant. Palace maids could use this term when flirting with the emperor.
This is recorded in The Records of Xiangshan.
One evening, Emperor Zhenzong of Song ordered a huge goblet to be filled for Li Zhongrong to drink, wanting to test his capacity. After several rounds, Li became heavily intoxicated. He stood up and firmly declined, saying, "I beg Your Majesty the Emperor to remove this large vessel."The emperor, taking advantage of his drunkenness, asked, "Why do you refer to the Son of Heaven as 'Your Majesty'?"" Li quickly replied, "I recall Jiang Ji’s Discourse on Myriad Affairs saying, 'The Three Sovereigns governed the world as officials, and the Five Emperors ruled the world as a family.' Combining the virtues of both, it is called 'Your Majesty' (the Emperor)." The emperor was very pleased. After leisurely drinking a few more cups, the emperor added, "This is truly what is meant by 'a meeting of ruler and minister spanning a thousand years.'" Li promptly replied, "I only have 'a heart of loyalty and filial piety for a lifetime.'" Even deep contemplation could not surpass this.
Emperor Zhenzong of Song was drinking with Li Zhongrong. When Li became drunk, he addressed Emperor Zhenzong as "Your Majesty" (the Emperor) to his face. Emperor Zhenzong immediately questioned him, startling Li sober. Li quoted classics and pledged his loyalty, drinking cup after cup vigorously.
However, the emperors of the Northern Song Dynasty were generally lenient, so using such an address wasn’t a major issue, though they didn’t like it. If you tried calling an Eastern Han emperor "County Official" to his face, even Cao Cao wouldn’t dare address Liu Xie that way directly.
The ministers of the Great Song Dynasty really had it comfortable.