Chapter 25

Eunuch Zhang, around fifty with narrow eyes and long brows, said leisurely, “What’s the matter?”

Little Fuzi recounted what he had seen and heard at Marquis Pingjiang Manor: “—Grandfather, just look at this. His own father lying on the bed, and Lord Fang didn’t even glance at him when he entered the room. He just kept pulling me aside to talk endlessly. Later, when I announced the imperial decree, it was Fang Da Gongzi who moved first, and only then did he follow. If I hadn’t reminded him, and if Fang Da Gongzi hadn’t been there, he would’ve let Old Master Fang crawl out of bed and kneel on his own! Truly an unfilial son through and through. For Old Master Fang to pass the title to him—I say it’s a downright waste.”

Eunuch Zhang narrowed his eyes: “It’s their family’s business who they pass their fortune to. What’s it to you?”

Little Fuzi said, “I just feel sorry for Old Master Fang. Back in the day, he was such a hero—beating the barbarians into submission up north, then transferred to the waters where he subdued all those river pirates, whether seasoned or not, and helped establish the canal’s checkpoints. But now, in his twilight years, his sons and grandsons are either dead or unfilial, leaving only one eldest grandson who seems decent—only for him to be struck mute by bandits. What a pity.”

Eunuch Zhang looked as if he was about to fall asleep, but his thin lips parted, and his words cut straight to the point, chilling in their implication: “How much did you pocket?”

Little Fuzi: “…” He chuckled and pulled out a pouch from his sleeve. “I knew my little act wouldn’t escape Grandfather’s sharp eyes. Here, take a look.”

He turned the pouch upside down and shook out a small golden horse.

The golden horse wasn’t large, but it was solid—making its weight significant—and exquisitely crafted, with its four hooves mid-gallop and its head held high.

“Though Fang Da Gongzi couldn’t utter a single word, he’s sharp-minded. The way he handles things—so open and straightforward—it just puts people at ease.”

Eunuch Zhang glanced at it indifferently: “You think Fang Da Gongzi gave this to you?”

Little Fuzi nodded: “Fang Da Gongzi personally slipped it into my hand. How could that be wrong? Lord Fang was polite enough too, seeing me all the way out the door. Though, to be fair, I wasn’t there to deliver the decree to him, so it’s no surprise he didn’t offer anything.”

Eunuch Zhang scoffed: “Fool!”

Little Fuzi: “…” He asked cautiously, “Grandfather, are you scolding me… or Lord Fang?”

Something about this didn’t sit right with him.

Eunuch Zhang said slowly, “Lord Fang and I have no grievances. Why would I scold him for no reason? Naturally, I’m scolding you, you little fool.”

Little Fuzi’s brows drooped as he knelt on the ground. “I am a fool. I haven’t eaten as much salt as Grandfather has lived years—that’s why I acknowledge you as my elder. Please enlighten me, Grandfather.”

This young disciple was youthful and handsome, slick in wit but occasionally sincere. Though Eunuch Zhang spared no harsh words, he favored him most in his heart. He kicked him lightly, signaling him to rise, then said, “You think Lord Fang didn’t offer anything just because you weren’t there to deliver the decree to him? He was trying to set up his eldest nephew. Think about it—you made this trip in good faith, delivering favorable news, yet came back empty-handed. Would you really feel so comfortable?”

Little Fuzi froze. Delivering a message to Marquis Pingjiang Manor was clearly a plum assignment. These old noble families were never short on money—those sent from the palace rarely returned empty-handed. The same couldn’t be said for the residences of civil officials; some were so obtuse they might not even offer a cup of tea.

The emperor wouldn’t assign tasks directly to a minor attendant like Little Fuzi. Originally, the order had been given to Eunuch Zhang, who, looking out for his disciple, had sent Little Fuzi instead.

Little Fuzi began to grasp the situation: “Of course, it’s uncomfortable. But in that case, I wouldn’t hold a grudge against Lord Fang—after all, the message wasn’t meant for him.”

Not holding a grudge against Lord Fang meant directing it at Fang Hanxiao instead—though “grudge” might be too strong a word, since he owed him nothing. Still, missing out on the customary reward left a sour taste in his mouth.

If Lord Fang hadn’t been present, the reward wouldn’t have been his responsibility. But since he was there, Fang Hanxiao, as the junior, couldn’t bypass him in etiquette. And if Fang Hanxiao had hesitated, waiting for Lord Fang’s signal, Little Fuzi would have been sent away empty-handed, with no chance to make amends.

“Second,” Eunuch Zhang raised two fingers and wagged them at him, “this reward wasn’t given by Fang Da Gongzi either. Look at this pouch—it’s a maid’s design. Does it match the value of such a precious golden horse?”

At his words, Little Fuzi looked down and noticed the pouch holding the golden horse was pink, embroidered with a border of crabapple flowers. The material was plain, without gold or silver thread. Even if Fang Hanxiao had a taste for such feminine designs, he wouldn’t use something so simple.

Earlier, upon leaving Marquis Pingjiang Manor, Little Fuzi had immediately taken out the golden horse to admire it. Dazzled by its gleam, he hadn’t paid any attention to the pouch’s appearance.

“This golden horse wasn’t made for gifting either. It must have been a sudden decision—Old Master Fang likely grabbed it from his room and used a maid’s pouch to hand it to you, you little rascal.”

Eunuch Zhang’s explanation finally made things clear to Little Fuzi: If the golden horse had been Fang Hanxiao’s personal possession, it wouldn’t have been in such a pouch. Since it wasn’t, and he had come from Old Master Fang’s room, it could only have belonged to the old master.

“Grandfather, your sharp eyes are something I’d need lifetimes to cultivate!” Little Fuzi said sincerely. “Though you’re in the palace, it’s as if your eyes followed me to Marquis Pingjiang Manor. You saw what I couldn’t.”

“Old Master Fang’s efforts were not in vain,” Eunuch Zhang sighed. “Despite his illness, he still thought to smooth things over for his grandson. Only someone like him could be so generous. Had you received a reward from Lord Fang, who knows if that golden horse would’ve been hollow or solid?”

Little Fuzi chuckled. “Well, you can’t blame Lord Fang for that. Old Master Fang held power over rivers and seas for over a decade, but under Lord Fang’s watch, that authority was lost. And with it went not just the position, but a fortune flowing like rivers. How could he afford to be generous after that?”

Eunuch Zhang shot him a sidelong glance. “Now you’re talking sweet, you little monkey. Earlier, what did you call Lord Fang? Straight out accused him of being unfilial! I’d say you’re even harsher than his own father, Old Master Fang.”

Little Fuzi protested, “Grandfather, I only spoke the truth, without exaggeration. Lord Fang acted exactly as I described. He might not have realized it himself, but seeing it broke my heart for Old Master Fang.”

“Because he doesn’t feel grateful to Old Master Fang,” Eunuch Zhang cut straight to the point. “Though he inherited the title, it passed through Fang Da Gongzi’s hands first, taking a detour before landing in his. That detour changed everything—to him, it wasn’t Old Master Fang who gave it, but something he earned himself.”

Little Fuzi glanced at the small golden horse in his hand, his bias already showing. “Who knows how that detour really happened back then. I reckon Old Master Fang wasn’t too confident either—otherwise, he’d have just told Lord Fang to give the reward directly. Instead, he waited till he left and had Fang Da Gongzi chase after him.”

Eunuch Zhang nodded approvingly. “Now that’s a meaningful observation. When I send you out, you must carry not just your hands, but also your eyes and your heart.”

Little Fuzi bobbed his head eagerly. “Yes, thank you for teaching me, Grandfather.”

Then, smacking his lips, he added, “Having descendants is such a hassle. The Fang family isn’t even that big, yet they’re already fighting across generations like this. Seems to me it’s much quieter being rootless like us.”

Eunuch Zhang shot him a glare. “Just when I thought you were clever, you spout nonsense again! You’re still young. Wait till you reach my age—no mountain of gold or silver can buy a descendant of your own blood. Only then will you understand what true emptiness feels like.”

Little Fuzi shrugged carelessly. “No big deal if I don’t have any. I’ll just feed myself and call it a day. In the future, I’ll serve only you, Grandfather, and see you off properly when the time comes. I’m no Old Master Fang with some grand legacy to pass down.”

A sudden silence fell over the room after his words.

The lamp wick flickered as Eunuch Zhang spoke slowly, “Words like these may seem harmless, but from now on, don’t say them again.”

Little Fuzi lowered his eyes and murmured an obedient “Yes.”

Speaking lightly of Old Master Fang wouldn’t matter much even if word got out.

But within these palace walls lived the most exalted man in the world—one who possessed the greatest legacy of all, yet had no heir to inherit it.

If this sovereign were to overhear and take it to heart, Little Fuzi’s future would hang by a thread.

“In this palace, even a hundred layers of caution wouldn’t be enough,” Eunuch Zhang reminded him once more before continuing, “Alright, tomorrow I won’t assign you any duties. Wait outside the palace gates to escort Fang Da Gongzi inside. Since you’ve accepted such a generous gift, be more diligent—don’t let them feel their presents were thrown into the river.”

Little Fuzi hurriedly replied, “Understood.” Then, with an ingratiating smile, he added, “Grandfather, look how finely crafted this little golden horse is. Later, I’ll place it in your residence—it’ll bring good fortune.”

Eunuch Zhang scolded, “As if I need your trinkets or your flattery.”

“Of course, of course,” Little Fuzi chuckled. “But I just love spoiling you, Grandfather. Even if you refuse, I won’t take no for an answer.”

He tiptoed out on his heels.

Eunuch Zhang sighed helplessly, shaking his head at the retreating figure. “That little rascal.”