“Young Master, something happened in the Document Room today.”
Today, the wind and snow were heavy, so Yan Dong didn’t go out to play. He stayed in the Plum Garden helping Cui Fulai organize silk threads. Upon hearing the news, he immediately stood up with a ball of red thread in his hand and openly moved to the door to eavesdrop.
“Oh,” Yan Zong leaned against the door, looking at his younger brother with a half-smile, “Since when did our Dongdong become so interested in court affairs? More eager than listening to gossip.”
Inside the room, Cui Fulai looked up at the door upon hearing this. Yan Dong, like a little puppy, rubbed his forehead against Yan Zong’s back and said righteously, “I just want to listen, so what!”
When Yan Zong got serious, he couldn’t do anything about this little ancestor. He shrugged and surrendered, glancing at Duan Qiu, who continued, “The Censor Yu Qing accused the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Zuo Qian, of accepting bribes by taking advantage of his position. Zuo Qian denied it vehemently and instead accused Yu Qing of seeking fame and secretly keeping a young boy from a respectable family at his home, damaging his private virtue and being unworthy of the Censor’s reputation.”
“Is it true?” Yan Dong exclaimed with a small round mouth, “Yu Qing is over sixty, right?”
“It’s true. The Court of Justice went to Yu’s residence to investigate, and guess what? There really was a secret room in Yu Qing’s bedroom, with a handsome young man locked inside, and a room full of…” Duan Qiu cleared his throat, embarrassed, “those things.”
Yan Dong was curious, “What things?”
Duan Qiu couldn’t say it outright, and Yan Zong didn’t dare to either, lest he corrupt his brother. Yan Song would definitely break his legs. He reached out to pat his brother’s head, shooing him away like a little chick, “Don’t ask what you shouldn’t. Go play elsewhere.”
“No.” Yan Dong leaned against the door frame, refusing to leave, “And then?”
“The matter was confirmed, and His Majesty ordered Yu Qing to be stripped of his Censor position and demoted to a commoner,” Duan Qiu said.
“Serves him right.” Yan Dong rolled the red thread ball on Yan Zong’s back, mocking, “The old man can’t even walk properly, yet he’s doing such perverted things. And he’s a Censor, always scolding others while he’s rotten to the core!”
“Indeed, it’s said that today the people at the Censorate have all turned mute,” Duan Qiu shrugged, “With such a scandal, they all have to feel ashamed, don’t they?”
No one would allow someone with damaged private virtue to be a Censor responsible for supervising and impeaching officials, at least not on the surface. Yan Zong said, “What about Zuo Qian’s case, any word on that?”
“The Third Prince requested that Zuo Qian be temporarily suspended at home, and the Court of Justice is investigating by imperial order, but there’s no conclusion yet,” Duan Qiu said.
Zuo Qian is a protégé of the Third Prince, and the Third Prince is trying to prove his innocence. Yan Dong said, “I don’t know if Zuo Qian is corrupt, but as an Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, he sure is well-informed. Logically, someone like Yu Qing, who seeks fame, would be extremely cautious when doing such disgraceful things, yet there was no prior hint.”
That’s a good point. Yan Zong pondered for a moment, then glanced at Duan Qiu, signaling him to investigate further. The latter nodded, saluted, and quickly left.
The brothers went inside, and Yan Dong approached the chaise longue, saying, “Mother, do you remember this Yu Qing? He used to submit memorials accusing Big Brother of being ruthless and merciless, making himself sound so righteous, but who knew he was such a bad old man!”
“I remember,” Cui Fulai said, “You can know a person’s face but not their heart. There are all kinds of people in the world.”
“Pity the innocent young man who was abused and humiliated,” Yan Dong called Chang Qingqing in, “You heard what Duan Qiu said earlier, right? Go to the Ministry of Justice and inquire about the young man’s situation, consider how to comfort and settle him, and remember to tell Big Brother that I’ll pick him up in the evening.”
Chang Qingqing responded with an “eh,” saluted, and left.
Yan Zong, on the side, rubbed his brother’s round head, praising, “Our Dongdong is kind-hearted, a good child.”
“What’s the big deal? It’s just a small effort.” Yan Dong had a sudden realization, “Hey, do you think the reason I escaped my original fate of dying young is because I do a good deed every day, accumulating some good fortune?”
Cui Fulai paused her embroidery, looking at Yan Dong’s bright eyes, feeling a momentary sting in her heart. She reached out to touch Yan Dong’s face, and her youngest son leaned on her shoulder, acting spoiled. She smiled and said softly, “Of course, although doing good deeds without expecting anything in return, heaven has eyes.”
After a while, Yan Qingyun came over, carrying a puppy, calling Yan Dong, the dog’s rightful owner, to come and see the new doghouse he made in his spare time.
Yan Dong immediately ran out.
“Chen Zhen is in trouble, and now Zuo Qian is caught in a storm. The Fifth Prince and the Third Prince have both suffered setbacks, so it’s the Second Prince’s turn to be pleased.” Cui Fulai shook her head, “This child has a big heart but is always not steady enough.”
Yan Zong also didn’t think highly of the Second Prince, smiling, “Does Mother have any instructions?”
Cui Fulai also smiled, “The matter of the Fourth Prince, perhaps the news was leaked from the palace.”
She first mentioned the Second Prince and now brought this up, Yan Zong understood, “You mean Consort De?”
“I heard from Song’er before that the people who targeted the Song family mother and son were from the Second Prince, but he was only two years older than the Fourth Prince, just a child who didn’t know better back then. And the incident happened suddenly, not like it was planned for a long time,” Cui Fulai said.
Yan Zong nodded, “But why did Consort De suddenly bring up the past to the Second Prince and have him take action?”
“It’s hard to say, but since the Second Prince has made a move, the enmity is already formed.” Cui Fulai sighed, then looked at Yan Zong, “Has His Majesty ever talked to you about the matter of establishing a crown prince?”
Yan Zong shook his head.
Cui Fulai asked, “Do you have any thoughts yourself?”
Yan Zong raised an eyebrow, “I do, I listen to Big Brother.” He countered, “What about you, Mother?”
“Your mother is old, too lazy to think. However you choose, I’ll follow,” Cui Fulai said, “But as the elder brother, you need to worry more than your younger siblings and support this family.”
Mother and son exchanged a glance, Yan Zong showed no expression, only kneeling and offering his hands, “Mother, rest assured, I’ve chosen my path and will walk it well. I’ll do my best to uphold the Yan family’s reputation and protect my siblings… Brotherly love and harmony can’t be faked, both publicly and privately, I listen to Big Brother.”
“They seem to be talking about something very serious.” Across the corridor, Yan Dong held Grape in one hand and covered half his face with the other, whispering to Yan Qingyun.
Yan Qingyun held Snowball in one hand and wrapped an arm around his son’s shoulder, whispering back, “Your second brother is kneeling, how can it not be serious? Your second brother hasn’t caused any trouble lately, so it must be official business.”
“Mm… I think so too.” Yan Dong nodded in agreement.
Yan Qingyun had also heard about the Document Room incident this morning, pondering, “It’s probably related to the establishment of a crown prince. Your second brother’s position can’t openly take sides, or he’ll be caught. Your mother must be advising him. Hey,” he changed the subject, “what about our Dongdong? Do you have any opinions of your own?”
“I do, Father, I do,” Yan Dong said seriously, “I stand with Big Brother.”
Yan Qingyun’s eyelid twitched, “Big Brother?”
Yan Dong didn’t miss the flash of guilt and surprise in Yan Qingyun’s eyes, smiling, “Yes, whatever Big Brother says, I’ll do. Isn’t that good? Or do you and Big Brother have opposing views on this matter?”
So that’s what he meant, Yan Qingyun breathed a sigh of relief. Indeed, given the little ancestor’s temperament and reliance on Big Brother, if he knew Big Brother wasn’t really Big Brother, he wouldn’t cry three thousand miles, would he? How could he be so calm?
“No, no,” Yan Qingyun said, “Of course, it’s good!”
But speaking of this, Yan Qingyun was also very worried. The truth can’t be hidden forever, and Yan Dong will find out eventually. When that time comes, who knows if this child can accept it.
*
“I think it’s good too.” In the evening, Yan Song listened to Yan Dong’s recount, smiling as he watched the person sitting cross-legged on the couch carving wood, “You just follow me, don’t worry about anything else, that’s the most relaxing.”
“No.” Yan Dong didn’t take his eyes off his work, his hands steady, the plum blossom branch already taking shape, “I’m not a child anymore, I can’t not worry about anything. I also want to do my best to share your worries, otherwise, if you meet someone my age but better than me in the future—”
“Don’t talk nonsense.” Yan Song didn’t like hearing that and interrupted directly.
Yan Dong pursed his lips, feeling quite happy, but seeing that Yan Song was unhappy, he hummed and pleaded, “I said something wrong.”
Yan Song looked at Yan Dong’s aggrieved expression, reached out to tap the embroidered stool beside him, “Come sit here and carve.”
Yan Dong obediently stretched his legs off the couch, carrying the small box of carving knives to sit beside Yan Song. He held the plum blossom branch next to Yan Song’s hair bun, quite satisfied, just needed to refine it like a plum blossom.
Yan Song flipped through the documents in his hand, but his gaze fell on Yan Dong’s profile, “Since you say so, which office do you want to work in next year?”
“Can I decide? Last time His Majesty also asked me, and from what he said, it seems like there’s already an arrangement.” Yan Dong said, “Does His Majesty think I’m lazy and will push me, using me like a donkey?”
That won’t do, Yan Song said, “If you have an idea, tell me first, I’ll handle it.”
Yan Dong looked up at Yan Song, seriously saying, “I want to be with you.”
Yan Song was silent for a moment, somewhat hating Yan Dong’s straightforwardness, but then those innocent eyes curved into a smile, “Can Big Brother be my superior again?”
“At home, I have to manage you, and at the office, I have to manage you too.” Yan Song feigned helplessness and sighed.
“That’s your blessing,” Yan Dong huffed, “I don’t like being managed by others.”
Yan Song laughed, rubbing Yan Dong’s head, then turned to look at the person hesitating at the door, “Come in.”
Ren Qi walked to the table, saluted, and placed the account book on the table, “The Zuo family’s treasury and properties have been thoroughly checked, no issues, and the Zuo residence has also been inspected, no abnormalities.”
“You’re quick,” Yan Song praised, quickly flipping through the account book and lightly tapping the cover, “Then submit it to the imperial court.”
Ren Qi was stunned, so soon?
Yan Song noticed and said, “If you have something to say, feel free.”
Ren Qi hesitated for a moment, then cautiously said, “Embezzlement and bribery, misappropriation of public funds are not minor charges. This is aimed at replacing the Ministry of Revenue’s personnel. Yu Qing wouldn’t accuse Zuo Qian without reason, offending the Third Prince. Should we delay submitting it for a few days to be safe?”
Yan Song easily relented, “Makes sense, let Lord Zuo have a good New Year at home first. Chief Clerk Ren, please check again carefully.”
“To relieve the lord’s worries, I dare not speak of hardship.” Ren Qi saluted and respectfully retreated.
Yan Dong glanced at Ren Qi’s back, “Did Chief Clerk Ren do something to wrong you?”
Yan Song was amused by this, “What could he do to wrong me?”
“I’ve noticed lately that he’s particularly cautious around you, like he’s always on edge… It seems to have started after you returned from your last mission.” Yan Dong said, “Last time he brought me camellias, said a lot, I felt he wasn’t trying to bribe or please you, but more like he wanted to show his stance.”
“He’s His Majesty’s man.” Yan Song said.
Yan Dong was stunned, frowning slightly, “What does His Majesty mean by this? Doesn’t he trust you?”
“The Court of Justice holds the power of life and death, it’s natural for His Majesty not to trust me.” Yan Song saw Yan Dong frowning and couldn’t help but smile, pinching his chin, “Alright, I have my plans, don’t worry too much.”
Yan Dong huffed, still muttering, and Yan Song listened attentively, occasionally responding with an “mm,” his attitude impeccable, only then did Young Master Yan stop talking, quietly accompanying his brother in handling affairs.
The plum blossom hairpin was almost done, Yan Dong stretched lazily, soon leaning on Yan Song’s shoulder to read a storybook. Yan Song glanced at it midway, it seemed to be a love story, full of sappy poems, Yan Dong was engrossed, though he didn’t like such stories before.
When someone suddenly develops an interest or changes their preferences, there’s usually a reason. Yan Song thought of the man in Yan Dong’s dream, his eyelids drooping, suddenly asking, “Have you had any strange dreams lately, any more dreams about improper people?”
“No.” Yan Dong remembered the last time he accidentally let it slip and quickly explained, “I’ve been pure-hearted and desireless these days, sleeping well!”
Little did he know, this rather excited tone sounded more like he was hiding something.
“Really,” Yan Song turned his ring, leaning his forehead against Yan Dong’s cheek, his tone softer than usual, coaxing, “If you have strange dreams again, tell Big Brother, so he won’t worry… If you fancy someone, tell Big Brother, he won’t be angry.”
The warm breath on his ear and cheek felt like a cloth soaked in medicinal juice, making Yan Dong’s breathing uneven. He felt dizzy, his mind light, and didn’t answer for a moment.
Yan Song lowered his eyes, reaching out to touch Yan Dong’s face, his thumb sliding from the warm, smooth cheek to the chin, squeezing it warningly, “Don’t want to tell Big Brother?”
Yan Dong’s Adam’s apple moved, swallowing, “Mm,” the sound seemed squeezed from his throat, very light, fearing Yan Song didn’t hear, he added, “I will… I know.”
The voice was unsteady, not very convincing, Yan Song smiled, “Dongdong, don’t lie to me.”
“No,” Yan Dong shook his head, a bit guilty, not daring to meet Yan Song’s eyes, whispering, “Not lying… not lying.”
Yan Song: “…”
He stared expressionlessly at the “quail” huddled on his shoulder, at the face that might as well have “guilty” written on its forehead, silent for a long time, as if thinking a lot, but when he came to, he realized he hadn’t thought of anything, just that his heart felt uncomfortable.
The heart is a very important place, when it feels uncomfortable, it affects other parts, Yan Song started to have a headache, like something was tearing at him.
The ink official outside was rattling the cage, noisy, Yan Song’s ears buzzed, he frowned, but when he spoke, it was still in a casual tone, “You’re eighteen now, who knows when the palace will discuss your marriage. Just in case, if you truly like someone, tell me first, I’ll handle it.”
Yan Dong suddenly sobered up, after a moment, he said, “Do you care so much about my marriage?”
“I care about everything about you, marriage is no exception.” Yan Song said.
Yan Dong looked up, staring directly at Yan Song, “Do you want me to marry?”
“I want you to be well.” Yan Song and Yan Dong locked eyes for a long time, speaking warmly, “If you truly like someone, I’ll make sure you get your wish.” He smiled, as if promising Yan Dong, or perhaps warning himself, “Really.”
Yan Dong was a bit angry, though without reason, just didn’t like what Yan Song said, didn’t like that reasonable elder brother demeanor, “Can I like anyone? Will you agree?”
Is this a test, or laying the groundwork? Yan Song stared at Yan Dong, like looking at a child who didn’t understand, who made a mistake, but then he reflected, Yan Dong has the right to like anyone, that’s not wrong. He has the authority to decide Yan Dong’s marriage, but not the power to control Yan Dong’s feelings, just like he can control Yan Dong’s daily whereabouts, but not where Yan Dong’s ears, eyes, and heart are focused.
“Not exactly, you have to pass my test first,” Yan Song said matter-of-factly, “I have to be your judge.”
“If,” Yan Dong stared unblinkingly at Yan Song, “if I like someone I shouldn’t—at least in others’ eyes, what would you do?”
Yan Song was sure, his brother had someone in mind.
Someone others think he shouldn’t like… Yan Song counted everyone Yan Dong knew, finally guessing it might really be some wild man.
Most likely He Du.
Outside, there was noise again, Yan Song couldn’t bear it, got up and went to the window, releasing the hawk that had been causing a ruckus in the cage.
The little beast circled in the air, but without orders, it didn’t fly out of the Court of Justice. Even if it wanted to run wild, it only dared to dive recklessly onto the plum tree, pecking at innocent plum branches, not daring to covet the pet birds under the corridor. See, no matter how arrogant and greedy a wild creature is, once tamed, it will restrain itself even when out of the cage.
“It’s okay,” Yan Song let his hawk run wild, turning to look at his brother, his dark eyes holding a strange glow, perhaps he didn’t even know, but Yan Dong shivered inexplicably, hearing him say calmly, “It’s okay, Big Brother won’t be angry.”