WK Chapter 55

After the heavyweight figures left, the New Year’s banquet truly became a place for drinking and chatting.

 

Xie Jingshan didn’t stay long. After saying goodbye to his colleagues, he returned to his mansion. Grand Tutor Xie was still awake, obviously waiting for his news.

 

“Father, it indeed erupted.”

 

Grand Tutor Xie poured him a cup of water: “Take it easy, speak slowly.”

 

Xie Jingshan recounted what had happened in the hall today, “I really didn’t expect that the first to jump out would be the Censorate. Censor Zheng? I’ve never noticed this person before.”

 

“This is different from our investigation. There’s no consort behind Censor Zheng. His speaking up definitely has nothing to do with Noble Lady Chu’s framing of the Seventh Prince. Do you think he genuinely couldn’t stand the marquis killing someone, so he spoke up?”

 

“Are you still a three-year-old child? Even if he genuinely couldn’t stand it, he wouldn’t say it at the New Year’s banquet. The Censorate always submits memorials before criticizing people. This is their belief in courtesy before force.”

 

Grand Tutor Xie pondered for a while: “I don’t know whose man Censor Zheng is, but this secretary from the Ministry of Justice… his joining the conversation was too coincidental.”

 

The secretaries of the six ministries, though low in rank, had great power. They supervised their own ministries and held key positions.

 

Xie Jingshan said: “He has some connection with Noble Consort Lan’s maternal family.”

 

Grand Tutor Xie pondered: “Is Noble Consort Lan the one who instructed Noble Lady Chu from behind the scenes…”

 

–

 

Zichen Palace.

 

Emperor Chongzhao arrived at the West Warm Chamber, “Provide a seat for Marquis Xu.”

 

Xu Jin and Prince Ming both sat on chairs. Head Eunuch Yu served them milk tea.

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “A fresh drink, Marquis Xu, please try it.”

 

Xu Jin didn’t think much of it and took a sip.

 

What milk flavor, all fancy, wine is still better.

 

“Speaking of which, it was made by Xiao Qi. That little head of his is full of all sorts of strange ideas.”

 

Xu Jin carefully tasted it again, finding it had endless charm: “It’s quite good.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “Marquis Xu has come to see me alone, what for?”

 

Xu Jin sat steady and square: “I know Your Majesty is wary of me, so I’ve come to hand over my power.”

 

“Pft—”

 

Prince Ming spat out a mouthful of tea, repeatedly patting his chest, and stood up saying: “Royal Brother, this younger brother suddenly remembered there’s something at home that hasn’t been dealt with, so I’ll leave first, no need to see me out.”

 

Was this something he should be hearing?

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “Be more composed, sit down!”

 

“What makes Marquis Xu say this? You are still my father-in-law. We are all family. How could I be wary of you?”

 

Xu Jin was silent for a moment, “Yueqing is dead. This old man no longer has a daughter. I didn’t even see her one last time. If it weren’t for this damned—”

 

“Xu Jin!” Emperor Chongzhao’s face turned cold, “Mind your words.”

 

Xu Jin’s voice suddenly rose: “If Your Majesty hadn’t insisted on Yueqing entering the palace, if it weren’t for this damned northern frontier military power, if it weren’t for the righteousness of family and country weighing on my shoulders, how would I, Xu Jin, as an elder, have to send off a younger one!! How would my wife have to wander between Buddhist temples and Taoist monasteries, seeking from all the gods and Buddhas under heaven, yet unable to obtain even a bit of peace!”

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “Enough!”

 

Head Eunuch Yu’s heart began to pound.

 

“I killed the assassin just to vent my anger. This point Your Majesty should understand clearly. Between us, we are both in-laws and ruler and subject, long knowing each other’s temperaments. If Your Majesty wants to balance the northern frontier military power, why the need for concealment! Put all the chips on the table, and let’s talk directly!”

 

“Even the previous emperor dared to place all the northern frontier military power in this old man’s hands. Now with Your Majesty, you don’t even dare to talk about it!”

 

Emperor Chongzhao gripped his teacup tightly, throwing it to the ground where it shattered, already extremely angry: “I said enough!”

 

All the thoughts of both sides were completely torn apart and laid out in the open. Prince Ming covered his heart, holding his breath amidst his royal brother’s furious breathing.

 

In normal ruler-subject relationships, even probing and concessions are hidden in conversations without leaving traces. No matter how many calculations are in one’s heart, at least on the surface, everything is calm and casual.

 

This kind of hardcore negotiation, pointing fingers and tearing off masks, was something Prince Ming had never seen in his life.

 

Xu Jin suddenly stood up, then abruptly crouched down. The white-haired man covered his head and wailed.

 

“I have no daughter anymore… I have no daughter anymore…”

 

“My daughter is gone, who will compensate me, who will compensate me…”

 

“I, Xu Jin, have saved so many people in the frontier, who will save my daughter…”

 

Emperor Chongzhao was stunned.

 

The boiling anger was like having a bucket of cold water poured over his head.

 

He pressed his hand on the armrest of his chair, slowly sat down, and supported his still-throbbing forehead with one hand.

 

For a time, the West Warm Chamber was filled only with crying and silence.

 

After a long while.

 

Emperor Chongzhao, supporting his head, said hoarsely: “Regarding Yueqing’s matter, I don’t want to say much. I know you think the Astrology Bureau might have been involved in this, but I watched Zhang Fanming for two years back then and found nothing unusual.”

 

“That Zhang Shiming, you killed him, whether to vent your anger or out of suspicion. I’ll pretend I never heard about this. The Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review will just go through the motions.”

 

He spoke slowly.

 

Xu Jin sat cross-legged on the floor, his back to the emperor, took out a military tally from his bosom, and tossed it in Prince Ming’s direction.

 

Prince Ming caught it with one hand, not daring to breathe in this strange atmosphere, and gently placed the military tally beside Emperor Chongzhao’s hand.

 

The military tally was a double-headed tiger, two pieces, top and bottom, that combined into one, able to command the northern frontier troops.

 

Originally, the emperor or the supervising official held one piece, and the northern frontier general held the other. During the previous emperor’s time, in order to suppress unrest and improve efficiency, the form was changed directly, allowing the northern frontier commander to control the military power and dispatch alone.

 

Later, after the unrest subsided, Fang Hechuan, the Commander of the Five Armies and Minister of War, retired. Only the Sword-Holding Marquis was stationed in the northern frontier, resisting the covetous eyes there.

 

It gradually became Emperor Chongzhao’s greatest concern.

 

Today, this military tally was placed before him.

 

Emperor Chongzhao didn’t reach out to take it. Prince Ming looked left and right, feeling like he was about to suffocate. He really wasn’t suited for such a depressing atmosphere.

 

“Father Emperor?” Qu Dubian peeked in quietly from outside, “Can I come in?”

 

Prince Ming felt like he had been granted amnesty: “Little nephew? Come in, come in!”

 

Xu Jin, who was sitting cross-legged on the floor crying, hurriedly covered his face, listening to the child’s light footsteps running past him.

 

Qu Dubian resisted the urge to look at his maternal grandfather and ran to Emperor Chongzhao, poking his leg, “Why aren’t you going to sleep? You’re not even reviewing memorials. I’ve been waiting for you.”

 

He was wearing a thick cloak, stepping in shoes, and had only brought a small pillow with him.

 

He had been waiting anxiously. Heaven knows how restless he became when he vaguely heard the sounds of argument from this direction.

 

Feeling that his maternal grandfather had a stubborn temperament, he couldn’t gauge the specific situation in the northern frontier or the relationship between his maternal grandfather and his cheap father, and was worried that his cheap father might really kill him.

 

So after there was no more noise from this side, he ran over.

 

Of course, he was a child now, knowing nothing, and couldn’t openly speak for his maternal grandfather.

 

Emperor Chongzhao took a breath and stroked his head, “Father Emperor is handling matters. You go back and sleep first. I’ll return soon.”

 

“Yu Decai, carry the Seventh Prince back, don’t let him catch a chill.”

 

“Yes.”

 

Head Eunuch Yu bent down and took Qu Dubian’s hand, “Your Highness, shall we go?”

 

Qu Dubian: “Then hurry back before I fall asleep.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao nodded.

 

Only then did Qu Dubian leave, but when he walked past Xu Jin, he caught a glimpse of the moist tear tracks on the face of this marquis who was beginning to show signs of age.

 

He covered his face, sitting cross-legged, like a silent and huge stone.

 

Qu Dubian’s footsteps faltered, and he couldn’t move forward.

 

In the span of a second, he urged himself countless times that it wasn’t appropriate to stop now, but his feet still wouldn’t obediently move forward.

 

Qu Dubian sighed inwardly and pulled his hand away from Head Eunuch Yu.

 

The small child crouched in front of the big man, seemingly curious, and asked: “Why don’t you look at me? Are you shy?”

 

Xu Jin’s fingers moved slightly, revealing a gap between them. His bloodshot, frightening eyes finally saw clearly the child his daughter had left behind. His little grandson.

 

With this look, he could no longer hold back his tears. He still covered his face that might scare the child.

 

He cried silently, but his tears fell like a mountain collapse.

 

The resemblance was striking, too striking.

 

This child looked so much like his mother when she was young, especially the eyes.

 

Through this face, he was crying for his own child.

 

Xu Jin covered his face with one hand, while the other reached out, wanting to touch but not daring to.

 

Emotions can sometimes truly spread and infect others. Qu Dubian only felt a blockage in his chest, a stifling pain. He lowered his head to hide his expression for a second, then picked up his small pillow.

 

“Do you want this? But Father Emperor said this was given to me by my maternal grandmother, and I should cherish it. I can’t give it to you.”

 

“No, I don’t want this,” Xu Jin said hoarsely, hurriedly waving his hand, “I’m just… sick, not feeling well.”

 

“You’re sick?” Qu Dubian rummaged in his small pocket, took out a few candies, and placed them in Xu Jin’s palm.

 

“I get sick often too. Every time my mouth tastes bitter, I eat these. I’m giving them to you. You’re such a big and tall adult, don’t cry. I’ve never cried.”

 

Xu Jin held the candies: “Good, good…”

 

Seeing Qu Dubian’s thin sleeping clothes inside, he urged: “You should go quickly, go back, it’s so cold.”

 

Qu Dubian: “Bye-bye!”

 

He had Head Eunuch Yu pick him up, curled into a ball, and left the West Warm Chamber. Lying in Head Eunuch Yu’s arms, he turned around, rested his head on Head Eunuch Yu’s shoulder, and waved to Xu Jin.

 

Xu Jin instinctively raised his hand and waved back.

 

Only when the child’s figure was no longer visible did he slowly withdraw his gaze.

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “He has always been brave. You didn’t need to cover your face at the beginning. The eyes, they’re very similar, aren’t they?”

 

Xu Jin didn’t respond.

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “Let’s stop here for today. Since we’ve laid everything out, I’ll also tell you, the northern frontier still needs you to hold it steady, so you can’t completely let go.”

 

“But I now know your attitude. After the New Year, when court sessions resume, I’ll handle it all together. After all this commotion, what result do you want?”

 

Xu Jin slowly stood up, “From now on, can the Seventh Prince openly be close to the marquis’s family? Is Your Majesty also at ease now?”

 

Emperor Chongzhao was silent for a few seconds, then said: “I never intended to block it too much.”

 

Xu Jin: “Your Majesty, you still have many children, but the Xu family only has this one left. My wife and I already have white hair, and our mansion is cold and quiet. During the New Year, let this child come over to keep us company.”

 

Emperor Chongzhao detached half of the military tally and tossed it towards Xu Jin.

 

Xu Jin caught it with a backhand.

 

Emperor Chongzhao: “I grant it.”

 

–

 

Late night.

 

Xu Mansion.

 

Xu Tingfeng had lit a large iron pot in the courtyard. Fragrant chicken soup with floating oil bubbles, and a messy, oddly shaped pile of noodles on a winnowing basket.

 

Xu Jin climbed over the wall to enter.

 

Xu Tingfeng’s ear twitched. He stirred the pot with extra-long chopsticks, shaking his head: “I knew it was right not to leave the main gate for Elder Uncle.”

 

“Judging by the time, you’ve come just right. The soup has just been seasoned, waiting for the noodles to cook.”

 

Xu Jin, with his hands behind his back, passed by the pavilion and kicked the stone bench inside. The bench landed with a clang precisely opposite the iron pot.

 

He leisurely sat down: “Bowl.”

 

“How crude,” Xu Tingfeng handed over the bowl, while putting the noodles in to cook, “Still need to wait a bit, add some chili at the end.”

 

“Why don’t you ask if things went smoothly?”

 

“Elder Uncle is so relaxed, it must have gone smoothly. Elder Uncle is powerful in the northern frontier, and the division of power is inevitable. Rather than waiting for the emperor to act, it’s better to take the initiative.”

 

Xu Jin: “How did you know that I returned to the capital to resolve this matter? I never mentioned it to you in advance.”

 

Xu Tingfeng smiled without speaking.

 

When the noodles were cooked, he scooped up a chopstick-full and served Xu Jin.

 

“You value relationships. If you returned to the capital just to vent anger or… you would definitely have taken the Seventh Prince away first. Sister Qing’s child, you would never neglect him.”

 

Xu Jin didn’t speak, slurping down a bowl of noodles, then suddenly: “Censor Zheng is your man.”

 

Xu Tingfeng’s hand stirring the noodles didn’t stop, his eyebrows slightly raised: “Is it obvious?”

 

“Just a wild guess. You’re not even in officialdom, almost invisible in the capital. Who would think it would be your man? But the conversation Censor Zheng initiated was too easy to pick up. Other capital officials are as cunning as ghosts and wouldn’t leave me such an easy opening. The degree was just right.”

 

Xu Tingfeng sighed: “Alright, I’ll be more careful next time.”

 

The ugly noodles aroused one’s appetite, sliding into the stomach with a bowl of fragrant chicken soup, leaving one satisfied.

 

“White-robed young general, one spear decides Wolf Mountain, calculating all battlefield matters with chess, not a scholar but surpassing the literati.” Xu Jin said, “Tingfeng, do you want to return to the northern frontier? Ersen and Langqi have both come. The Ninth Regiment misses their little commander.”

 

“In the current situation, the capital, Elder Aunt, and my little nephew need someone to watch over them from the shadows,” Xu Tingfeng’s voice paused slightly, his fingertips gently rubbing his thigh, his smile unchanged as he shrugged.

 

“And as you can see, Elder Uncle.”

 

The chicken soup in the iron pot bubbled, steam dispersing in the cold night.

 

“I now prefer cooking.”

 

 

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