“The Ministry of Revenue has been controlled by Junior Preceptor Li as if it were an iron barrel,” Jiang Yuanlin sighed. “That treacherous villain and the Minister of Revenue are colluding together; the national treasury was hollowed out by them long ago alas!”
Wen Qiantan had come to the capital with the intention of discussing with Lu Xiao how to pressure the imperial court once more for the disaster relief funds intended for Fuzhou’s winter calamity. However, the imperial court had clearly made up its mind to procrastinate; having already dragged the matter past the winter months, trying to demand those funds now was almost an impossibility.
Lu Xiao remained silent for a moment, his expression growing somber. Even with the advantage of rebirth and knowing how things would unfold, the reality remained the same: being broke meant being broke. Avenging his father and brother… was something he could not achieve in the short term. He would likely need to hibernate and scheme for several years to accumulate enough foundation.
“Fortunately, the Prince is not currently the old Emperor’s number one target for extermination,” Jiang Yuanlin smiled. “When the snipe and the clam grapple, the fisherman benefits. Your Highness can take your time and plan slowly.”
He spoke the truth. Back when the old Prince and the heir were alive, their great achievements threatened the monarch, and their popularity among scholars made the muddled ruler unable to sleep soundly. But after the two died, and Lu Xiao inherited the title of Dingbei Prince, the ruler likely felt a sense of relief: Lu Xiao was fierce, disliked the ways of scholars, never attended banquets hosted by influential families, and had failed to accumulate much praise among the literati—nor were there any renowned scholars willing to follow him. In the court, few powerful families stood on Lu Xiao’s side. In the eyes of the muddled ruler, an unpopular Lu Xiao was not a major threat, especially since he still needed Lu Xiao to guard the northern frontier.
Furthermore, the court was currently roiled by dark undercurrents of a succession battle following the fall of the former Crown Prince’s faction. The most prominent contenders were the Second Prince and the Sixth Prince. This was the ruler’s greatest headache. At the moment, the old Emperor was likely pouring all his energy into desperately maintaining the balance of power between the two sides.
However, neither the Second Prince’s faction nor the Sixth Prince’s faction would easily try to win Lu Xiao over. After all, while the old Emperor bore the primary responsibility for the conspiracy that killed the old Prince and the heir, both the Second and Sixth Prince’s factions had played their parts as well. Both sides likely hoped to crush Lu Xiao while they were already locked in a power struggle; if they couldn’t crush him entirely, they would ensure his forces remained weak and crippled. Junior Preceptor Li and the Ministry of Revenue stood with the Sixth Prince. Any funds or grain that were technically meant for Lu Xiao’s army or Fuzhou would be picked over until nothing remained sometimes even being stripped bare. Under such circumstances, demanding money from the court was harder than climbing to heaven.
“Yanzhou, Hezhou, and other places are filled with the starving; there are already markets for ‘human-flesh’ (cannibalism),” Lu Xiao said in a deep voice upon hearing Jiang Yuanlin’s suggestion to plan slowly. “Moreover, those suffering under corrupt officials have risen in rebellion; chaos is appearing everywhere—”
Jiang Yuanlin’s expression stiffened. The world was becoming increasingly chaotic and the people were suffering, yet the court remained mired in factional strife. Lu Xiao commanded the 36 divisions of the Xuan-Ying Iron Cavalry in the Northern Court, alongside the Tiger-Might Army of the Northwest that would respond to his call… But despite holding military power, the court held the grain and funds in the palm of its hand. Otherwise, why would Lu Xiao need to “plan slowly”?
“Your Highness,” a personal guard reported at this moment. “Wen-ge’er and that ‘Snow Demon’ have arrived at the West Pavilion.”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuanlin chuckled and gestured to Lu Xiao. “Your Highness, shall we head over as well?”
The previous topic had been too heavy. Ever since Lu Xiao returned from Jibei, his aura had become increasingly somber and solemn. He guessed it was likely due to the bout of malaria—a dangerous and severe illness—which had inevitably intensified Lu Xiao’s desire for vengeance for his father and brother. But Lu Xiao had underlying ailments, and harboring such heavy thoughts was not good for him. With this in mind, Jiang Yuanlin urged Lu Xiao to head to the West Pavilion together: listening to some lighthearted storytelling might just cheer Lu Xiao up.
The West Pavilion was located on the west side of the manor’s library and was connected to it, separated only by a large, ornate mica screen. There were bookshelves along the walls and a massive rosewood table spanning the center of the pavilion, fully equipped with the “four treasures of the study.” After being brought there by a familiar guard from Lu Xiao’s retinue, Shen Shangling immediately spotted Jiang Sanwen and felt a wave of relief: Truly a little savior.
“Old Shen, why did you change into these clothes?” As soon as Jiang Sanwen saw him, he ran over to take his hand, looking up at him with a puzzled expression. “They aren’t as pretty as the previous ones. The original clothes made you look like an immortal.”
“These are better,” Shen Shangling said quickly. “The sleeves are narrow, so it’s easier to work.”
Early that morning, Lu Xiao had ordered his residence, Qiyu Courtyard, to be sealed. The clothes he had worn previously were burned in front of him, and he was only given two sets of these: plain, round-collared, narrow-sleeved robes made of material similar to what the household servants wore. Compared to his original wardrobe, they were certainly much humbler. But honestly, he didn’t care. The fabric was coarser, but it was new. He would much rather wear these than the clothes worn by the original owner. Besides, they were truly convenient.
Fortunately, Jiang Sanwen didn’t think much of it and excitedly handed over the two large sheets of calligraphy he had brought to show Shen Shangling.
“Old Shen,” the little brat said earnestly. “These are the characters I practiced yesterday. Do you think they are good? If they are, can you tell more of Journey to the West today?”
Shen Shangling looked them over carefully, feeling a pang of shame: The kid is still so small; how does his writing already look decent? If he were to write alongside the boy, he couldn’t even guarantee he would write better than the child.
“Very good,” Shen Shangling praised him sincerely. “Wen-ge’er is amazing. If you keep practicing like this, your calligraphy will be good enough to be a model for future scholars!” Encouraging children was the right way to teach. Sure enough, Wen-ge’er’s face turned red with excitement at the praise.
Li Yan, the personal guard standing stiffly on the side with orders to watch Shen Shangling, couldn’t help but show a trace of disdain in his eyes as he listened to their exchange: This Shen Shangling—no, this “Snow Demon”—is just relying on flattery to coax the young master.
Shen Shangling didn’t pay attention to the guard, who stood there like a wooden stake; he knew the man was watching to ensure he didn’t harm the child. He had no malice toward the boy, so he wasn’t worried. He had already finished telling the story of the Monkey King’s rampage in the Heavenly Palace a few days ago. He didn’t rush, and since Jiang Sanwen was still small, he improvised, turning the entire process into a fairy-tale style that was better suited for a child’s ears.
Shen Shangling continued the story, all the while pondering how to instill some positive values.
“Do you think, Wen-ge’er, that when the Great Sage was pressed before the Goddess of Mercy and said he knew he was wrong—” Shen Shangling smiled, guiding him, “—was he truly repentant?”
“Maybe he was lying to the Goddess?” Wen-ge’er blinked, pondering. “To trick her into letting him out sooner?”
Shen Shangling pursed his lips; the little brat was sharp.
“No,” Shen Shangling explained, guiding him toward a positive message. “The Great Sage is no ordinary person. He possessed great talent. Initially, he thought that excellence in study leads to an official career, so when the Heavenly Court offered him a position, he took it—whether he became an official or resigned because he felt the position was too low, it was all out of personal desire.”
Jiang Sanwen furrowed his small brows, looking at Shen Shangling intently.
“After being trapped for five hundred years, the Great Sage began to reflect,” Shen Shangling said, gently tapping Jiang Sanwen’s little nose with a smile. “Fighting purely for personal desire may make one a tough guy, but it doesn’t make one a true hero. He could use his skills to achieve a higher realm.”
“Then what is a true hero?” Jiang Sanwen asked curiously.
“A true hero naturally cares for the world,” Shen Shangling said. “When the Goddess instructed him to protect the pilgrim, he agreed to embark on the journey to the West. Because only by obtaining the true scriptures could he save all sentient beings.”
Jiang Sanwen’s eyes widened: “Save all sentient beings?”
“That’s a Buddhist phrase,” Shen Shangling said quickly. “You have acquired great skills, Wen-ge’er, and naturally, you must serve the country and the people. That is what makes a true hero.”
Li Yan, standing off to the side like a piece of background scenery, had initially been captivated by the Journey to the West story. He had been listening intently, but upon hearing these words from Shen Shangling, he was overcome with disbelief: Is this… is this really something Shen Shangling could say? Isn’t that man nothing but a dandy scholar who only knows how to dance and recite poetry?
With this thought, Li Yan quickly glanced toward the screen: his internal energy allowed him to sense that someone had arrived behind it long ago. Although they hadn’t made a sound, he knew it must be the Prince. Behind the screen, Jiang Yuanlin raised his eyebrows at Lu Xiao after hearing Shen Shangling’s words. Lu Xiao narrowed his eyes, listening silently.
“Then how does one serve the country and the people?” Wen-ge’er asked in his crisp voice.
“By finding ways to make the people’s lives better,” Shen Shangling’s voice was warm and clear. “Ensuring they have enough to eat and warm clothes to wear, taking it one step at a time… You are still young, Wen-ge’er, so if you cannot do great things, start with the small ones. As long as you care for the world, you are a true hero.”
“How does one do small things, and where does one start?” Jiang Sanwen pressed him step by step.
“Then start with yourself,” Shen Shangling had to be patient and added, “Cultivate your character, um… go to bed early and wake up early, study hard and improve every day. Don’t be a picky eater, eat well and exercise. Do your own chores—” That’s what they teach in kindergarten, right?
Li Yan: “…” Lu Xiao and Jiang Yuanlin behind the screen: “…” This Shen Shangling is truly shameless; how does he have the face to say ‘do your own chores’? Everyone in the manor knew that even the Prince didn’t use servants for everything, yet as soon as Shen Shangling moved into Qiyu Courtyard, he had the Prince send several maids there. It was said that every day, he even had several maids help him dress and wash.
Just then, Jiang Sanwen seemed to ask the question on their behalf.
“Old Shen,” Jiang Sanwen said with a very serious little face. “My father says that you are kept by the Prince and do nothing, that everything you eat and use is not earned by yourself. My father must be wrong.” He decided he would go home and clear it up with his father and stand up for Old Shen. Old Shen isn’t like what Father says at all.
Shen Shangling: “…”
Behind the screen, Lu Xiao swept a glance at Jiang Yuanlin. Jiang Yuanlin touched his nose and continued to listen with bated breath to how Shen Shangling would squirm out of this. A famous scholar who only knows how to fool a child! But he had to admit, the way Shen Shangling blended folk storytelling with moral lessons made it incredibly easy for children to absorb.
“Um…” Shen Shangling laughed, his expression quite calm. “I will naturally support myself—after all, I haven’t been in the manor for very long, have I?”
Before he could finish his sentence, a cold voice rang out from behind the screen: “The ‘Snow Demon’ has such lofty ambitions? I was unaware.”
Shen Shangling: “…” He turned his face and saw Lu Xiao walking out from behind the screen, accompanied by another man. Shen Shangling’s heart skipped a beat: It really is Lu Xiao. His hearing was exceptional after the spiritualization; he had sensed someone behind the screen, but he hadn’t expected it to actually be him.
“Your Highness,” Shen Shangling seized the opportunity. “I… this humble servant means what he says; I will certainly be able to support myself.” As he spoke, he hurriedly pulled a piece of soap he had prepared from his sleeve. “Please take a look at this, Your Highness.”
It was his first probe; he hadn’t directly spoken of earning money for the Prince, starting instead with the trivial matter of supporting himself. But if Lu Xiao wasn’t an idiot, he would see the value of this item once he tried it.
“What is this?” Jiang Yuanlin asked with a puzzled look. He picked it up, examined it carefully, and sniffed it, feeling rather dismissive: “Perfume?” It was oily and slightly translucent, with a fragrance that was quite soothing. But if it was just perfume, it didn’t seem particularly impressive.
Shen Shangling smiled and gently explained.
“Truly?” Jiang Yuanlin was stunned.
Lu Xiao immediately ordered someone to bring over a basin of water. Jiang Yuanlin picked up the small bar of soap, wet his hands, and rubbed it, creating a rich, snow-white lather. He washed his hands… and felt his skin become more refined. He lifted his hands and sniffed it was fragrant!
“It can also be used for washing clothes and hair,” Shen Shangling added at the right moment. “It’s also good for removing grease. If more effort is put into it, this can be made even more exquisite. If you carve floral or text patterns onto it, it will be even more elegant.” This is a luxury good for this era, isn’t it?
“Your Highness!” Jiang Yuanlin’s eyes were burning with intensity. He didn’t dare say it would sell to the common people, but to the noble families and wealthy landlords… they would surely fight tooth and nail for it. Money!
Li Yan’s breath hitched.
Lu Xiao narrowed his eyes, but his expression didn’t change much. He didn’t speak; he just waved his hand. Jiang Yuanlin understood immediately, walked over, and coaxed Jiang Sanwen to go outside. Li Yan also retreated immediately.
Seeing that he and Lu Xiao were the only two left in the large West Pavilion, Shen Shangling wondered what medicine Lu Xiao was brewing in his gourd. He had been feeling a bit expectant, but now, he suddenly felt a wave of unease. He had practically presented a financial lifeline to Lu Xiao, yet Lu Xiao remained remarkably calm.
“The honey bees in Qiyu Courtyard—are they your doing?” Lu Xiao asked suddenly.
“Yes…” Shen Shangling’s heart tightened. “I… this humble servant learned a method of taming bees from a nameless traveler. Wen-ge’er likes those bugs… the honey bees. I guarantee they will never hurt anyone in the manor.” He hurriedly used the little brat as a shield.
“And this soap?” Lu Xiao asked again. “Did that nameless traveler teach you this as well?”
Shen Shangling: “…I read many chaotic, miscellaneous books when I was young and happened to pick up some odds and ends.”
Lu Xiao suddenly reached out and pinched his chin, forcing him to look up, his smile inscrutable: “That small mole at the corner of the Snow Demon’s eye at what age did it appear?”
Up close, the warmth radiating from Lu Xiao and the scent of his breath enveloped him, exuding an invisible pressure. Shen Shangling was suddenly panicked: “Ah, this… it’s been there since… since I was born.” He had been born with that little red mole. He didn’t know why Lu Xiao was asking him about this suddenly. Could it be that the original owner’s mole had some significance?
“Undress,” Lu Xiao commanded coldly again. “Take them off.”
Shen Shangling: “…” His spine tightened, and his eyes widened in shock. No, wait, why?