Zhu Yuanzhang maintained a calm, solemn expression, though the muggy night had left his forehead covered in sweat.
How am I supposed to explain this?
Should I drag out the all-purpose Chen Guorui to take the blame again? But what if these two great scholars insist on paying Chen Guorui a visit?
Some people present had already begun to suspect that Zhu Yuanzhang’s “Well-Field System” had come from Chen Guorui.
Chang Yuchun was one of them.
He looked around the room in confusion. Such an important meeting had taken place without Chen Guorui’s attendance.
Could Chen Guorui really be Commander Zhu’s “Shadow Guard,” secretly commanding an elite force that answered only to him?
Remembering the stories he’d heard from popular tales, Chang Yuchun found himself feeling even more awed by Zhu Yuanzhang.
Xu Da quietly signaled Zhu Yuanzhang with his eyes.
Snapping back to his senses, Zhu Yuanzhang walked over and helped Song Lian and Ye Zheng to their feet one after the other.
“Master Song, Master Ye, it is true that I have the guidance of a great sage. But this sage…”
After a moment’s thought, Zhu Yuanzhang decided not to make Chen Guorui carry any more blame.
“…sigh. The sage only advises me from the shadows and refuses to let me reveal his identity.”
Xu Da shot Zhu Yuanzhang a puzzled glance.
Seeing Xu Da’s expression, Chang Yuchun became even more convinced.
Commander Zhu claimed it was some anonymous reclusive sage—but was it really?
In his opinion, Chen Guorui was still the most likely candidate.
Song Lian and Ye Zheng, however, believed him without question.
After all, history books were full of stories about hidden sages appearing whenever dynasties changed.
Such sages usually appeared wrapped in thick mist. The protagonist would wander into it by chance and encounter an old man tossing one shoe into a river, demanding that it be retrieved.
After throwing away the left shoe, the old man would throw away the right one, tormenting the protagonist until he nearly drew his sword in anger. Only then would the old man leave behind a book before floating away into the distance.
Yes—the story of Zhang Liang, courtesy name Zifang.
Zhang Liang wasn’t even the earliest recipient of a heavenly book from a great sage. Ever since the age of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, wise rulers in the histories had always been aided by immortals descending from heaven.
Having read so many books, Song Lian and Ye Zheng genuinely believed these romanticized stories from history, so Zhu Yuanzhang’s lie fooled them with ease.
After all, this “Zhu-style Well-Field System” was obviously the work of a sage deeply versed in the Confucian classics.
The only question was who that sage was.
Song Lian’s face fell.
“I have devoted my entire life to studying the Well-Field System. Today I finally encounter a great sage who truly understands it… yet I cannot seek his guidance…”
Before he could finish speaking, his voice caught with emotion.
Confucius once said, “If one hears the Way in the morning, one may die in the evening without regret.”
To Song Lian, the Well-Field System embodied that “Way.”
Now the Way had unfolded before his very eyes, yet he was unable to behold the person behind it.
How could he not feel heartbroken?
Ye Zheng sighed.
“A sage of such caliber cannot be forced to appear. Jinglian, do not become attached.”
Song Lian covered his face with his sleeve and said shamefully,
“I know… I know… Commander, I’ve made a fool of myself.”
Zhu Yuanzhang wiped the sweat from his forehead.
“It’s nothing, it’s nothing. Master Song, are you all right? Someone! Bring hot tea!”
The young officers who had no right to speak during the meeting and were only there to handle odd jobs immediately panicked.
In the end, Chen Ying was the first to arrive with a cup of warm water.
“Commander, we’re out of tea leaves. Will warm water do?”
“It will.”
Zhu Yuanzhang accepted it and handed it to Song Lian.
“Master Song, have a drink and calm yourself first.”
Li Bao’er soon brought another cup of warm water.
Zhu Yuanzhang passed it to Ye Zheng.
“Master Ye, you should have some too. Although I can’t arrange a meeting with the great sage, if he ever gives me another book, I promise you’ll both be the first to read it.”
Song Lian and Ye Zheng froze.
Then, at the same moment, they drained their cups in one gulp.
Crash!
Both hurled the cups to the ground, where they shattered into pieces.
Every general in the hall jumped.
What happened?
What are these two scholars doing?
Why did they smash their cups?
Song Lian and Ye Zheng cupped their hands in a deep salute.
“I, Song Lian…”
“I, Ye Zheng…”
“…am willing to die in Commander Zhu’s service!”
The generals all shuddered again.
What happened?!
Why did smashing two cups suddenly turn into pledging their lives to the Commander?!
Xu Da seemed to understand something.
His usually expressionless face twitched slightly as he desperately suppressed the look of disdain in his eyes.
Chang Yuchun continued secretly observing Xu Da.
Seeing Xu Da’s subtle facial changes once more, he sank into deeper thought.
So the mysterious hidden sage really was Chen Guorui…
Or perhaps the hidden sage was Chen Guorui’s own teacher?
Chang Yuchun remembered that Li Shanchang had actually entrusted the education of the generals’ sons to five-year-old Chen Biao.
Even Song Lian and Ye Zheng had recommended borrowing Chen Biao’s primers.
Perhaps the hidden sage had not only taught Chen Guorui, but had also accepted Chen Biao as a disciple?
An unexpected feeling of jealousy welled up inside Chang Yuchun.
That father and son of the Chen family truly had extraordinary luck.
But after the jealousy came another thought.
Chen Guorui and Chen Biao must themselves possess exceptional qualities. Otherwise, why would a hidden sage accept them as disciples? Why would Commander Zhu entrust Chen Guorui with his secret forces?
Chang Yuchun immediately resolved to find some way to become closer to the Chen family.
His eldest son, Chang Mao, was already four years old—only one year younger than Chen Biao.
The two children could become playmates.
Thinking of his sturdy little son, Chang Yuchun’s fierce face unconsciously softened into a warm, fatherly smile.
Unfortunately, that only made the terrifying visage of the God of Slaughter look even more frightening.
Even Xu Da quietly shifted his backside a little farther away.
Zhu Yuanzhang himself hadn’t expected that inventing a hidden sage to elevate his own prestige would actually earn him the absolute loyalty of two great scholars.
His original plan had been to use the hidden sage not only to increase his own standing, but also to pave the way for restoring Chen Biao’s identity as Zhu Biao in the future.
Gradually, he intended to reduce Chen Guorui’s presence until everything was attributed to the hidden sage.
Once Chen Biao came of age, he would simply announce that Chen Biao had studied under the hidden sage all these years.
By then, all of the subordinates who had already witnessed the sage’s brilliance would naturally admire Chen Biao as well…
…Wait.
Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly realized something.
His Biao’er was about to become the little teacher for the second generation of generals.
By then, the youngsters would already hold him in extremely high regard.
There was no need for all this extra effort.
No…
Extra effort didn’t hurt.
He could simply say that Chen Biao had studied under the hidden sage and had been personally prepared by the sage to assist his own eldest son.
The hidden sage had declared:
“Helping Zhu Yuanzhang conquer the empire is only enough to win the world.
“But raising a child to assist Zhu Yuanzhang’s legitimate eldest son—that is how the people will enjoy a hundred years of peace.”
Zhu Yuanzhang felt incredibly pleased with himself.
Damn, I’m amazing.
I actually came up with a fairy tale like that!
As expected of you, Monk Zhu!
If those Yuan barbarians hadn’t burned down my monastery, with my brains I’d surely have inherited the abbot’s position someday!
Having successfully tricked two great scholars into pledging their lives to him, Zhu Yuanzhang continued explaining the “Zhu-style Well-Field System.”
Chen Biao had long since become accustomed to teaching the illiterate members of his household.
Even policies that required serious brainpower could be explained until these illiterate generals understood… sort of.
Sort of.
Zhu Yuanzhang rubbed his forehead.
The tiny bit of pride he had just felt at his own brilliance was immediately replaced with frustration.
Why start an academy for the generals’ sons?
Just throw these idiots into Biao’er’s classroom!
Every last one of them can take turns studying!
Song Lian and Ye Zheng, however, understood everything perfectly.
They wrote notes frantically while staring longingly at the stack of papers in Zhu Yuanzhang’s hands.
The “Well-Field System” Chen Biao had designed was only a framework.
The details would still require Zhu Yuanzhang to send officials into the countryside to investigate local conditions and survey farmland before implementation.
Even a policy proven excellent in later generations had to be introduced cautiously when applied in another era and another place.
Zhu Yuanzhang planned to test it first in Yangzhou.
After that, it would be expanded to Yingtian, then gradually introduced throughout his territory.
Though “gradually” probably meant within a single farming season—about half a year.
By the end of next year at the latest, the new land tax policy would be implemented across every city under his control.
Land policy was the foundation of national policy.
Only after establishing it could he begin laying the groundwork for founding a new dynasty.
Zhu Yuanzhang dearly wanted to hammer out the overall framework that very night.
Unfortunately, the generals spent so much time merely trying to understand the policy that the entire evening was consumed by explanations.
By the time they finally understood it, every one of them wore a dazed expression, looking as though every ounce of mental energy had been exhausted.
Left with no choice, Zhu Yuanzhang rubbed his forehead and waved them away.
“Go back and sleep. We’ll continue tomorrow.”
The generals bolted out of the hall as though their backsides were on fire.
They ran even faster than they did when competing for military merit on the battlefield.
Watching them flee only made Zhu Yuanzhang’s chest ache even more.
He cursed to Xu Da,
“Those bastards! I should’ve forced them to study properly!”
After everyone had left and only the two of them remained in the hall, Xu Da finally relaxed his stiff expression and lazily replied,
“I’ve been telling you that for ages. Weren’t you the one who insisted they’d study on their own?”
“They betrayed my trust!”
Zhu Yuanzhang slapped the table furiously.
Xu Da immediately offered a wicked suggestion.
“When Biao’er teaches the Chen household servants, doesn’t he have some kind of study plan? Periodic exams? Do the same to this bunch.
“You can grade their papers yourself.
“Anyone who fails doesn’t get to go to the battlefield.”
Zhu Yuanzhang gave him a thumbs-up.
“Your brain really does work. That’s exactly what we’ll do.”
Xu Da hurriedly added,
“Boss, don’t ever tell them it was my idea!”
“Fine, fine. I’ll say Chen Guorui suggested it.”
Xu Da rolled his eyes.
“Can you stop making your two identities throw the blame back and forth? In the end, it’ll all land on yourself anyway.”
Zhu Yuanzhang spread his hands.
“That’s a problem for ten years from now. By then, even the sturdiest pot will have rusted.”
While Zhu Yuanzhang and Xu Da happily chatted away, coming up with one terrible idea after another to torment their generals, Ye Zheng had only just stepped out of the Commander’s residence when he suddenly exclaimed,
“Oh no! I left something inside!”
Song Lian was still completely absorbed in thoughts of the Well-Field System and absentmindedly replied,
“Can’t you get it tomorrow?”
“My wife embroidered the safety charm I left behind. If one of the servants cleaning the Commander’s residence throws it away, I won’t be able to explain myself when I get home.
“I’ll go back now.
“Jinglian, you go rest first. I’ll return on my own afterward.”
Chang Yuchun had been assigned to escort Song Lian and Ye Zheng back to their temporary residence.
Hearing this, he immediately said,
“I’ll accompany you.”
Ye Zheng shook his head.
“General Chang, Commander Zhu will surely continue discussing the Well-Field System tomorrow.
“Jinglian should return now to organize today’s notes on the land policy.
“You should accompany him and learn from him while you have the chance.
“Simply assign one of your personal guards to escort me.”
Chang Yuchun considered it reasonable.
Looking behind him, he spotted Lan Yu nodding off and couldn’t help sighing in disappointment.
“Lan Yu! Escort Master Ye!”
Lan Yu jolted awake.
“Y-Yes!”
He nervously bowed.
“Master Ye… this way, please.”
Although Song Lian and Ye Zheng had always remained rather distant toward Lan Yu, people in this era generally respected scholars all the more if they themselves were illiterate.
Whenever Lan Yu faced solemn scholars like Song Lian and Ye Zheng, he always became extremely nervous.
Since he was troubling someone to escort him, Ye Zheng spoke kindly this time.
“Thank you for your trouble, Young General Lan.”
Just hearing himself addressed as “Young General” left Lan Yu so delighted he nearly floated into the air.
He hurried after Ye Zheng with eager enthusiasm, looking as though an invisible tail were wagging behind him.
Chang Yuchun rubbed his eyes.
Perhaps Lan Yu shouldn’t spend all his time following him onto battlefields earning military merit.
Perhaps the boy ought to study properly instead.
That would smooth away some of his bandit-like roughness and violent temperament.
It might even sharpen his brain a little.
As long as Chang Yuchun remained alive, Lan Yu would have countless chances to distinguish himself.
But with his current personality, even great military achievements would eventually bring disaster upon him.
Helping the absent-minded Song Lian into the carriage, Chang Yuchun sighed inwardly.
This time, he would definitely persuade his wife to harden her heart.
If those relatives of the Lan family dared fill Lan Yu’s head with nonsense again, he would personally beat them.
Ye Zheng hurried back to the meeting hall.
The guards at the entrance quickly went inside to announce his arrival.
Zhu Yuanzhang and Xu Da immediately straightened their clothes and expressions, assuming serious faces as though they had been discussing important affairs all along.
With great dignity, Zhu Yuanzhang asked,
“Master Ye, why have you returned?”
“I left something behind.”
Ye Zheng glanced back at Lan Yu, who was still standing there foolishly holding a lantern.
After only a brief moment of thought, Zhu Yuanzhang understood what Ye Zheng meant.
“Lan Yu, wait outside. I have something to discuss with Master Ye.”
Lan Yu turned to leave.
Only after running all the way to the doorway did he suddenly realize he’d forgotten something.
He hurried back.
“Yes, Commander!”
Then he dashed back outside.
Xu Da couldn’t help complaining,
“I heard Chang Yuchun’s brother-in-law is a fierce fighter and the biggest bully among those half-grown boys—their unofficial leader.
“But he doesn’t really seem like it today.”
Having spent the past few days living with Chang Yuchun and Lan Yu, Ye Zheng had come to understand Lan Yu a little better.
He spoke in Lan Yu’s defense.
“The person who leads a group isn’t always its true leader.
“Sometimes, it’s simply the one who bears everyone else’s burdens.”
Zhu Yuanzhang’s eyes flickered.
He pondered the words for a moment before smiling casually.
“Chang Yuchun can worry about his own brother-in-law.
“Master Ye, you’ve come back. Is there something important you wished to discuss?”
Ye Zheng glanced toward Xu Da.
Xu Da pointed at himself.
“Should I leave first?”
Unable to hold back, Zhu Yuanzhang burst out,
“Leave my ass! Stay right here!
“Ahem… Master Ye, just speak freely.
“There isn’t anything here Old Xu doesn’t already know.”
Xu Da sighed.
“That’s exactly the problem.
“I know too much.
“One day it’s bound to get me killed.”
“If you keep talking nonsense, I’ll make that day today!
“And stop acting like Xu Da. Go back to being Xu Da!”
Xu Da wanted to complain.
What do you mean ‘go back to being Xu Da’? You’re the one acting like you’ve split into two different people.
But seeing the amused smile on Ye Zheng’s face, he obediently covered his mouth with one hand, indicating that he would remain silent.
Ye Zheng nearly laughed aloud.
After seeing all those terrifying-looking generals suddenly transform into simple-minded fools tonight, and even witnessing Zhu Yuanzhang occasionally reveal a rather honest, rustic side of himself, he’d begun wondering whether the famously inscrutable Marshal Xu Da also had another side hidden from outsiders.
Now he had his answer.
Who would have imagined that the cold, taciturn Marshal Xu was secretly such a chatterbox with a sharp tongue?
Perhaps it was precisely because this was his true nature that he deliberately maintained such a stern, silent image in public to preserve a marshal’s dignity.
Seeing how naturally Zhu Yuanzhang and Xu Da interacted, Ye Zheng realized Xu Da was probably already aware of the speculation he was about to voice.
So he no longer hesitated.
“Commander… is the student taught by that hidden sage… Chen family’s Biao’er?”
Zhu Yuanzhang’s eyebrows shot upward.
“Why would you think that?
“Even if it were someone from the Chen family, shouldn’t it be Chen Guorui?
“Why Biao’er?”
Ye Zheng looked at him quietly.
“Commander…
“Is Biao’er truly Chen Guorui’s son?”
Zhu Yuanzhang frowned deeply.
“Master Ye… what exactly do you mean?”
Xu Da’s expression darkened as well.
Seeing their reactions, Ye Zheng’s utterly absurd suspicion grew from one part certainty… to three.
“Commander.
“Biao’er’s age is almost identical to that of the legitimate son you’ve kept hidden.
“Biao’er… is actually your child.”
With his hands still cupped in salute, Ye Zheng delivered a conjecture he was only thirty percent sure of as though it were absolute fact.
Before Zhu Yuanzhang could react, Xu Da’s hand had already fallen onto the hilt of his saber.
Shing.
Half the blade slid from its scabbard, glinting coldly.
Ye Zheng remained utterly fearless.
Maintaining his salute, he stood upright and met Zhu Yuanzhang’s eyes without flinching.
Xu Da’s palms were already slick with sweat.
He knew that killing a great scholar—one who had only moments ago pledged his life to Zhu Yuanzhang—would create enormous problems.
But Chen Biao’s true identity could never be allowed to come to light.
After a brief struggle, a ruthless look appeared on Xu Da’s face. He stepped sideways, blocking Ye Zheng’s path.
Zhu Yuanzhang sighed.
“That’s enough, Xu Da. Put the knife away. We might still have bluffed our way through this, but the moment you drew your blade, you confessed everything.”
Xu Da blinked.
“Huh?”
Zhu Yuanzhang said sternly, “Xu. Da.”
Only then did Xu Da realize Zhu Yuanzhang had deliberately emphasized “Xu Da” both times rather than casually calling him “Old Xu.” That meant the order was serious.
He reluctantly sheathed the blade.
“But Boss, can you blame me? Weren’t you scared too?”
Zhu Yuanzhang replied calmly, “Do I look scared?”
Dear heavens! I was scared stiff! If I hadn’t heard the sword being drawn, I still wouldn’t have snapped out of my blank daze!
Zhu Yuanzhang gestured.
“Sir, have a seat first. We’ll talk slowly. Xu Da, pour Sir Ye a cup of water.”
Xu Da answered, “Sure… Where’s the water?”
After a long silence, Zhu Yuanzhang said, “Forget it. Sit down and listen.”
Xu Da awkwardly sat back down.
Ye Zheng also took his seat, though his back was already soaked with sweat.
He had come to serve Zhu Yuanzhang because he wanted to secure a future for the Yongjia School and restore the prestige of his ancestors’ teachings.
He had never expected Song Lian to emerge as such a formidable rival.
Nor had he expected Zhu Yuanzhang to make the Well-Field System the very foundation of his future state.
The Jinhua School inherited by Song Lian centered precisely on restoring the Well-Field System. Song Lian’s greatest expertise perfectly matched the national policy Zhu Yuanzhang intended to implement.
If Ye Zheng did nothing now, Song Lian and Zhu Yuanzhang would likely become the legendary ruler and minister whose partnership would be celebrated for generations.
As for him, he would merely become one of Zhu Yuanzhang’s trusted civil officials.
That little phrase—”one of”—would never be enough to elevate his school.
Scholars, like generals, had to fight when it was time to fight.
Ye Zheng had sharp eyesight.
He had caught a glimpse of the handwritten draft Zhu Yuanzhang was holding.
His memory was exceptional. At once he recognized the handwriting—it closely resembled Chen Biao’s, the child whom both he and Song Lian regarded as a young confidant.
Was this “Zhu-style Well-Field System”… written by Chen Biao?
No.
At Chen Biao’s age, no matter how widely he had read, he couldn’t possibly have accumulated enough practical experience to formulate policies this detailed.
Then someone else must have been speaking while Chen Biao recorded everything.
Assuming the hidden sage truly existed…
Then the one recording the sage’s teachings—Chen Biao—must be the sage’s actual disciple.
Ordinarily, that wouldn’t have mattered.
Every founding emperor was expected to have a virtuous minister educated by a hidden sage—or even an immortal. Such figures were considered one of the auspicious signs accompanying a Heaven-chosen ruler. Every dynasty had stories like that.
Though Chen Biao was still young, Zhu Yuanzhang could simply claim that the hidden sage had raised him to become the worthy minister who would one day assist Zhu Yuanzhang’s son.
One of the scholars’ biggest criticisms of Zhu Yuanzhang was that although he could conquer the empire on horseback, he lacked the learning to govern it afterward.
If Zhu Yuanzhang played the Chen Biao card, it would prove that the hidden sage had already acknowledged Zhu Yuanzhang as the future ruler of the realm, and had even prepared a loyal minister for Zhu Yuanzhang’s heir.
The hidden sage and Chen Biao together would become the perfect weapon for overturning scholarly opinion.
So why wasn’t Zhu Yuanzhang using it?
Surely he couldn’t have overlooked something so obvious.
A man who had climbed from a penniless commoner to his current position couldn’t possibly be lacking in intelligence.
Ye Zheng thought carefully and ventured a bold guess.
There was only one possibility.
Chen Biao’s identity was problematic.
He recalled Li Shanchang and several veteran generals’ excessive trust and affection toward Chen Biao.
Although he hadn’t noticed anything strange at the time, he had instinctively paid attention to those generals’ identities.
Every one of them had been fellow villagers whom Zhu Yuanzhang recruited when he first returned home.
Even someone like Chang Yuchun, who had joined later and was deeply trusted by Zhu Yuanzhang, seemed unfamiliar with the Chen family.
At the time, Ye Zheng had assumed Chen Guorui was simply another hometown companion recruited early on, which explained why they were closer.
But now…
A ridiculous thought entered his mind.
What if Chen Biao wasn’t Chen Guorui’s son at all… but Zhu Yuanzhang’s?
And those veteran companions all knew the truth?
If Chen Biao were Zhu Yuanzhang’s son, personally taught since childhood by the hidden sage…
Wouldn’t that perfectly explain why Li Shanchang had entrusted a mere five-year-old with educating all the generals’ children?
But if Zhu Yuanzhang possessed such an extraordinary son, why hide his identity?
Could it have been the hidden sage’s advice—to protect Chen Biao?
Throughout the meeting, Ye Zheng hadn’t spent much time thinking about the Well-Field System itself.
He knew that no matter how hard he thought, he could never surpass Song Lian, who had devoted over a decade to studying it.
He had to find another way to distinguish himself, earn Zhu Yuanzhang’s favor, and then display his own strengths.
The moment the meeting ended, he finally made up his mind.
He secretly left the peace talisman embroidered by his wife on his chair.
His own future didn’t matter.
But the future of his school might depend on this single gamble.
Perhaps there would be another opportunity someday…
But Ye Zheng knew courage was like morale in battle—it surged once, weakened the second time, and was exhausted the third.
If he missed this chance, he didn’t know whether he’d ever gather the courage to take such a risk again.
He would gamble that his deduction was correct.
And he would also gamble that Zhu Yuanzhang was rational enough to give a newly sworn follower one chance.
The moment he sat down, he clenched the embroidered talisman tightly in his hand.
His wife’s worried eyes as she had seen him off flashed through his mind.
Xiaojun… you know me well.
But this time, I won.
Taking a deep breath, Ye Zheng calmly said,
“My wife and child are still living in our mountain home. In these troubled times, I worry greatly for their safety. Would the Marshal be willing to send someone to bring them to Yingtian so our family may be reunited?”
A flicker passed through Zhu Yuanzhang’s eyes before he smiled.
“Of course. Tomorrow I’ll send people to escort your family here.”
Xu Da finally relaxed.
Then sleepiness hit him.
He yawned enormously.
“Boss, you don’t really need me here anymore, do you? I’m sleepy. You two can keep talking.”
The profound expression Zhu Yuanzhang had worked so hard to maintain nearly collapsed.
“No! Stay right here!”
Xu Da looked aggrieved.
“But what’s the point of me staying? How about I go tell Biao’er that Marshal Zhu kept you working late, so you won’t be back for a while? Maybe he’s waiting for you and refusing to sleep.”
Zhu Yuanzhang replied,
“Biao’er definitely went to bed early!”
Then he remembered the promise he’d made to Chen Biao and suddenly became worried.
“…Go check on him. Hurry.”
Xu Da grinned triumphantly.
“On it.”
He wiped his thumb across his lips and happily headed outside.
Comforting Biao’er was a minor matter.
Raiding the kitchen for a midnight snack was the real priority.
Given how much Biao’er doted on his father, there would definitely be late-night food waiting in the kitchen so Chen Guorui could eat whenever he returned.
Sigh… I slept all day, only ate two beggar’s chickens and three huge steamed buns, and I’m hungry again already.
Before leaving, Xu Da instructed the guards outside to watch the entrance carefully and allow absolutely no one inside before hurrying off.
While Boss is busy, I’ll eat all his midnight snacks and let him go hungry!
Completely unaware of Xu Da’s malicious intentions, Zhu Yuanzhang continued,
“Sir, how did you realize Biao’er is my son?”
Ye Zheng snapped out of his daze and gently wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Judging from Xu Da’s words…
Did Biao’er himself not know Zhu Yuanzhang was his biological father?
What did Xu Da mean by, ‘Marshal Zhu kept you working late’?
Could it be that Chen Guorui…
He asked,
“I’ve heard that Chen Guorui, the man said to command your hidden forces… is actually you yourself?”
Zhu Yuanzhang stared blankly.
“What hidden forces?”
Ye Zheng explained,
“Everyone says the Marshal secretly commands an elite force that handles matters which cannot be done openly. Chen Guorui supposedly leads that force. That’s why he enjoys your complete trust despite rarely appearing in public.”
Zhu Yuanzhang scratched his head.
“People are saying that? That’s actually a pretty interesting rumor. I’ll remember it and flesh out Chen Guorui’s background later.”
Then he asked again,
“But you still haven’t answered me. How did you figure out Biao’er’s identity?”
Ye Zheng recounted his reasoning.
Zhu Yuanzhang pulled Chen Biao’s handwritten draft from his robes.
“You… scholars can identify someone’s handwriting?”
Ye Zheng replied helplessly,
“Any educated person can.”
Really?
No way!
Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly realized that the “educated people” Ye Zheng referred to and the “educated people” he himself knew were apparently two completely different species.
Setting the manuscript on the table, Zhu Yuanzhang sighed.
“Well… Sir, you actually arrived at the truth by complete accident.”
Ye Zheng frowned.
“By accident?”
Zhu Yuanzhang said helplessly,
“Almost every part of your deduction was wrong… but somehow you still accidentally exposed Biao’er’s identity. This is really…”
Ye Zheng grew even more confused.
“Everything was wrong? Isn’t Biao’er being taught by a hidden sage?”
Since everything had already been exposed, and since Ye Zheng was even moving his family to Yingtian, Zhu Yuanzhang saw no reason to keep hiding it.
“No.”
“Biao’er…”
“He is the hidden sage.”
Ye Zheng froze completely.
“How is that possible?! He’s only five years old!!”
…
Chen Biao had already slept through one nap.
When he got up in the middle of the night to relieve himself, Chen Guorui still hadn’t returned.
Chen Biao was furious.
Dad broke his promise!
But he also knew Chen Guorui couldn’t decide whether he returned or not.
Only Zhu Yuanzhang could.
So all he could do was storm into the courtyard and angrily practice the health-preserving boxing routine he’d recently learned from the physician, venting his frustration in complete helplessness.
“Sigh, Biao’er, what are you doing?”
Xu Da walked past carrying an entire chicken.
Chen Biao replied,
“I can’t sleep, so I’m practicing boxing… Ah, Uncle Xu, you’re back? Where’s my dad?”
Xu Da tore off a drumstick.
“Marshal Zhu kept him. He’s discussing the Well-Field System in detail with Old Chen. Did hunger wake you up? Want a bite?”
Chen Biao rubbed his stomach.
He actually was a little hungry.
He accepted the drumstick and sat beside Xu Da on the stone steps.
Together they gazed at the moonless, starless night sky while eating their midnight snack.
The servants attending Chen Biao brought them hot water to soothe their throats before quietly retreating into the distance.
Chen Biao complained,
“He promised he’d come back early. Dad broke his word. People who break promises get fat. Dad’s definitely going to turn into a huge fatty.”
Xu Da mumbled through a mouthful of chicken,
“I don’t know what ‘people who break promises get fat’ actually means, but I’m guessing it isn’t supposed to be taken literally.”
“I don’t care.”
“My dad’s going to become a huge fatty.”
Xu Da laughed.
“Fine, fine. Your dad will definitely become a huge fatty.”
The two fell silent again, the only sound being their quiet chewing.
By the time they’d stripped the entire chicken down to the bones, Xu Da was satisfied, but Chen Biao felt a little too full.
So he resumed practicing boxing in the courtyard.
After eating a while longer, Xu Da also became stuffed.
He washed his hands and face before walking over to guide Chen Biao’s movements.
Chen Biao’s punches were slow and soft, completely unlike Xu Da’s battlefield techniques.
However, after years of campaigning, Xu Da had collected countless martial manuals to learn better ways of generating strength.
A general couldn’t rely on brute force alone.
Otherwise injuries and illness would soon accumulate, and one day he might suddenly die without warning.
Xu Da still wanted to live long enough to enjoy peaceful days after Zhu Yuanzhang conquered the empire, so he took great care of his health.
As a result, he was actually able to give Chen Biao’s gentle exercises a fair amount of guidance.
Little chubby Chen Biao couldn’t squat properly or jump properly.
Yet Xu Da could still praise him with a straight face as a once-in-a-generation martial arts prodigy.
Even Chen Biao found it embarrassingly over the top.
While the two were fooling around in the courtyard, Zhu Yuanzhang walked in with Ye Zheng and immediately kicked Xu Da sprawling onto the ground.
Xu Da shouted angrily,
“Boss! What’s wrong with you?!”
Zhu Yuanzhang scolded,
“Biao’er is still growing! Instead of letting him sleep, you’re making him practice martial arts? Even if he’s going to learn martial arts, this isn’t the time!”
Xu Da rubbed his sore backside.
“I wasn’t the one who woke him up! You didn’t come home, so Biao’er refused to sleep. How is that my fault?”
Zhu Yuanzhang replied,
“Then it’s Marshal Zhu’s fault, of course!”
Turning to Chen Biao, he continued,
“Biao’er, let me tell you—I wanted to come back ages ago, but Marshal Zhu wouldn’t let me. I had no choice. See? Not only did Marshal Zhu keep me here, he also wouldn’t let Sir Ye leave.”
“Sir Ye is already over fifty. How can someone his age stay up all night? His lodging is quite far away, so he’ll be staying here tonight.”
The moment Chen Biao saw Ye Zheng, he jumped far higher than he had while practicing boxing.
In an instant he darted behind Zhu Yuanzhang, grabbed the hem of his clothes with both hands, peeked out with only half his face visible, and stared warily at Ye Zheng.
Zhu Yuanzhang looked puzzled.
“Biao’er, what’s wrong?”
Suppressing a laugh, Ye Zheng said,
“Perhaps because Jinglian and I have been lecturing him nonstop ever since we arrived in Yingtian. We’ve probably annoyed him.”
Chen Biao shrank farther behind Zhu Yuanzhang.
“No, no. It’s just that this junior is too slow-witted to understand the teachings of either gentleman.”
Remembering Empress Ma’s letter describing how Song Lian and Ye Zheng had constantly pestered Chen Biao, Zhu Yuanzhang couldn’t help feeling immensely proud.
“The two gentlemen value you highly. Why are you hiding? Come out. What’s with all this shyness?”
He reached behind himself, grabbed Chen Biao, and pulled him out.
Chen Biao obediently greeted Ye Zheng before immediately hiding behind Zhu Yuanzhang again.
What’s wrong with being shy? I want to be shy! You have no idea how much he and Sir Song nag!
Chen Biao loved reading.
He did not enjoy quoting classics back and forth in conversation.
Zhu Yuanzhang sighed helplessly.
“My apologies. I’ve spoiled this child too much.”
Ye Zheng smiled.
“It’s no matter. Children should be lively. Would you mind lending me your study? I still haven’t organized tomorrow’s documents for the Marshal.”
Zhu Yuanzhang warmly replied,
“I’ll take you there myself! Biao’er, go to bed first. I’ll be back shortly.”
Now that Zhu Yuanzhang had returned, Chen Biao finally felt sleepy.
Yawning, he said,
“All right. I’ll take a bath first… Dad, you have to bathe before sleeping too. Otherwise you’ll stink.”
Bending down, Zhu Yuanzhang pinched his nose.
“I know, I know. You’re so particular.”
Chen Biao swaggered away with an exaggerated, bow-legged gait.
“What do you mean ‘particular’? Our Chen family is a wealthy merchant family. Before long we’ll crush the Shen family and become the greatest merchant house in the late Yuan!”
Zhu Yuanzhang waved dismissively.
“Yeah, yeah. Now go to sleep.”
Xu Da opened his mouth.
“Boss, I—”
Zhu Yuanzhang grabbed him and whispered,
“Come. We’re going to the study to read the Heavenly Book.”
Xu Da shuddered.
“I-I-I can read it too?”
“I’m already going to show it to Sir Ye. You tell me whether you want to read it.”
The provocation was old-fashioned.
But effective.
How can I, Xu Da, lose to someone who only pledged loyalty to Boss today?
Damn it, I’m reading it!
…
The next morning, Zhu Yuanzhang looked full of energy.
Ye Zheng seemed strangely exhilarated.
As for Xu Da…
He wore two swollen eye bags beneath his eyes and yawned nonstop.
While pinching his nose and forcing down a cup of bitter medicinal tea to keep himself awake, he complained,
“I really don’t understand! We’re all human! I even slept for the second half of the night, while you two stayed up until dawn. So why are both of you so energetic? Especially you, Sir Ye—you must be over fifty!”
Ye Zheng replied excitedly,
“If one hears the Dao in the morning, one may die that evening without regret. After hearing such profound truth, how could I possibly feel sleepy?”
Zhu Yuanzhang scolded,
“Look at Sir Ye! Then look at yourself! Learn something!”
Xu Da rolled his eyes.
Learn what? Am I supposed to swallow a scholar whole and become a great intellectual overnight?
The Heavenly Book truly deserves its name.
I didn’t understand a single word!
Zhu Yuanzhang dragged Xu Da away to prepare for the meeting.
Ye Zheng was just about to head toward the hall when Song Lian arrived at the Marshal’s residence ahead of everyone else and walked over briskly.
“Brother Zizheng, it certainly took you a long time to retrieve your lost item last night.”
A gentleman as refined as the spring breeze, Song Lian actually managed to sound sarcastic.
Ye Zheng smiled serenely, unmoved.
“I happened to run into the Marshal and ended up talking a bit longer than expected. Since it was already quite late, the Marshal arranged for me to stay at Marshal Xu’s residence. Didn’t Lan Yu return and tell you? Jinglian… were you so worried about my safety?”
Song Lian took a deep breath and smiled back.
“Naturally.”
The smiling gazes of the two great scholars met in midair, sparking invisible flashes like clashing steel.
Had there not been so many generals present, they might already have rolled up their sleeves and started punching each other.
Song Lian: Crafty scoundrel!
Ye Zheng: Hah.
A familiar general draped an arm around Chang Yuchun’s shoulder and remarked,
“Sir Song and Sir Ye really get along well.”
Chang Yuchun remained silent.
Well?
Why do I feel like those two are practically drawing swords at each other?
Must be my imagination.
What could Sir Ye and Sir Song possibly have to fight over? It’s not as though Sir Song is jealous that Sir Ye got to spend the night at Marshal Xu’s residence…
Chang Yuchun’s eyes suddenly widened.
He stared in disbelief at the elegant, refined Ye Zheng.
Ye Zheng had already finished greeting Song Lian.
The two smiled warmly as they walked toward the meeting hall together, chatting cheerfully in quotations from the classics that none of the surrounding generals could understand.
Seeing Chang Yuchun standing there in a daze, one of the generals asked in confusion,
“General Chang, why are you suddenly sweating so much? Is it that hot?”
Chang Yuchun wiped his forehead.
“…Yes. Very hot.”
Let me wipe my sweat. Just wipe my sweat…