Chapter 26

Early the next morning, Fang Hanxiao set out. Although Little Fuzi hadn’t specified an exact time when delivering the imperial summons, an audience with the emperor was naturally better attended sooner than later. It was preferable to wait outside the palace all day rather than risk not being present when summoned.

Old Master Fang was deeply uneasy and gave Fang Hanxiao numerous instructions, which he listened to silently, nodding one after another. However, his continuous silence only heightened Old Master Fang’s anxiety—it wasn’t unusual for the emperor to summon a member of the Fang family to inquire about his illness. After all, Old Master Fang had held the lucrative position of Grand Canal General Commander for over a decade, enjoying a harmonious relationship with the emperor. But if the emperor wished to demonstrate imperial favor, why summon the mute Fang Hanxiao instead of Lord Fang?  

Old Master Fang was a man of action rather than deep thought. Unable to make sense of it, he could only watch Fang Hanxiao depart with a heavy heart, anxiously awaiting his return.  

Fang Hanxiao’s journey into the palace went smoothly, as Little Fuzi was already waiting for him at the gates. With a cheerful smile, the eunuch guided him, saying, “Good morning, Young Master! Yesterday, Lord Fang kept me talking so long that I forgot to remind you to come early. Fortunately, you’re sharp enough to have arrived on your own.”  

Fang Hanxiao smiled in response. Though mute, his refined features—deep-set, clear eyes and noble bearing—naturally exuded the grace of an aristocrat. His smile conveyed warmth and familiarity as if he had greeted the other person amiably.  

Little Fuzi, feeling at ease, chatted as they walked. “Is this your first time entering the palace, Young Master?”  

Fang Hanxiao held up two fingers.  

His casual manner erased any sense of distance between them. Little Fuzi chuckled. “Ah, you must have come before with Old Master Fang, then.”  

Fang Hanxiao nodded.  

The eunuch exchanged a few more words, to which Fang Hanxiao responded with nods or shakes of his head. His muteness inevitably created a communication barrier, and Little Fuzi couldn’t help sighing regretfully. “A man of your stature, Young Master—ah, what a pity…”  

Realizing that sympathy could also wound, Little Fuzi tactfully changed the subject. “Don’t worry, Young Master. His Majesty recalled Old Master Fang due to another matter and summoned you for questioning. Just answer truthfully.”  

Fang Hanxiao nodded gratefully, then fixed his gaze on Little Fuzi.  

Lowering his voice, the eunuch grinned. “You’re a clever one, Young Master. The way you’re looking at me tells me you’ve caught on. It’s no secret anyway—Marquis Longchang, the one who took over your uncle’s post, has caused trouble in office.”  

A flicker of understanding passed through Fang Hanxiao’s eyes. Old Master Fang had overseen the position for years without incident, yet within two or three years of Marquis Longchang’s succession, problems had arisen. The contrast must have reminded the emperor of his old minister’s merits—especially since the man was now gravely ill. Hence, summoning his descendant was both an inquiry and a gesture of consolation.  

Fang Hanxiao’s smile deepened, and he nodded again at Little Fuzi—but offered no monetary reward.  

To the eunuch’s delight. He wasn’t some money-grubbing fool; accepting gratuities depended on the situation. Taking a liking to Fang Hanxiao, he had spoken freely out of goodwill. Had the young master tossed him silver, it would have been an insult. Leaving it ungiven showed he appreciated the gesture.  

The two continued until they reached the Imperial Study. With no grand court session that day, the emperor was still in the Hall of Culture, discussing matters with several Grand Secretaries.  

Fang Hanxiao waited under the adjacent corridor.

Nearby was a side room where those waiting for an audience could rest for a while. However, Little Fuzi quietly shared a tip with him: “Since this isn’t an urgent matter for the young master, it’s best to wait right here. That way, when His Majesty finishes the minor court session and passes by, he’ll spot you immediately and avoid letting those officials cut in line.”

Fang Han Xiao wasn’t the only one waiting here. There were also a few officials whose rank wasn’t high enough to attend the minor court or who had come for other audiences.

Little Fuzi was right. After nearly an hour, the imperial procession arrived, and the emperor did notice Fang Han Xiao at once, recalling his summons. But at the same time, unfortunately, the emperor was in a foul mood. As he stepped over the vermilion threshold, the frustration in his stride was almost palpable.

Little Fuzi nearly burst into tears on the spot: How could he be so unlucky? After all his efforts to guide Fang Han Xiao here, they had to run into the emperor’s bad temper!

Had he known, he would have advised Fang Han Xiao to wait elsewhere and let other officials first soothe the emperor’s mood.

But it was too late now. The summons had already been issued—Fang Han Xiao was to be granted an audience.

Fang Han Xiao entered and performed the kowtow.

The emperor sat behind the imperial desk, his eyes still smoldering with anger.

His displeasure wasn’t due to court affairs. As a forty-two-year-old ruler without an heir, his most frequent clashes with ministers revolved around the issue of succession.

This time was no exception. After discussing routine matters, the grand secretaries had once again steered the conversation toward urging him to adopt an heir. Adoption, adoption—it wasn’t that he refused outright, but he needed more time to decide. Yet these officials kept nagging endlessly!

Each reminder only reinforced the bitter truth: he couldn’t produce an heir himself. Despite the vast fertility of his harem, not a single sprout had taken root.

The more he heard such talk, the more he resisted formally addressing the succession issue.

Now, his gaze lingered on Fang Han Xiao’s spear-straight posture. Here was a young man in his prime. If he had a son like this—even if the boy were mute—he would pour all his strength into securing the throne for him, leaving this magnificent empire in his hands…

Eunuch Zhang stood to the side, eyes downcast, pretending to be as immovable as a Nine-Dragon Pillar.

Having accompanied the emperor from Wenhua Hall, he knew exactly what had provoked His Majesty’s mood. He could also guess what the emperor was thinking now—the man was nearly obsessed with longing for a son. Once, he had yearned at the sight of infants; now, even young men in their twenties stirred the same desire. Any youth who could pass as his son made him wonder: what if this were my heir?

Who would dare disturb an emperor lost in such brooding? Better to let him indulge his thoughts.

Finally, the emperor snapped out of his reverie and remembered to bid Fang Han Xiao rise.

Fang Han Xiao had knelt for quite some time. Older officials would have staggered when standing, and even younger ones would sway slightly. But Fang Han Xiao moved as fluidly as drifting clouds, transitioning seamlessly from a kneeling spear to an upright one, as though his knees hadn’t pressed against the unyielding golden bricks at all.

The emperor observed this and remarked, “You’ve kept up your family’s martial traditions?”

Fang Han Xiao smiled and bowed in acknowledgment.

Interpreting this as humility, the emperor nodded. “Your grandfather remained vigorous even in old age. Before his illness, he would appear before Us just as spirited in his fifties and sixties. That you now uphold his legacy despite adversity is commendable.”

This “poverty” refers to a state of hardship. Fang Hanxiao had fallen to such a state that he couldn’t even take up an official post—certainly a dire situation. Hence, the emperor’s remark was apt, and to receive such words from the imperial lips was the highest praise.

Fang Hanxiao bowed again in gratitude.

The emperor asked him, “How is your grandfather’s health now? I’ve heard it has improved somewhat?”

This wasn’t a question that could be answered with a simple nod or shake of the head, nor was it appropriate to gesture wildly before the emperor. Fang Hanxiao made a sign requesting paper and brush.

The emperor nodded. “Give them to him.”

Fang Hanxiao knelt and wrote: This humble subject reports that my grandfather’s condition has improved compared to last month, yet he remains bedridden. According to the physician, it will take another month or so to determine his full recovery.

Once finished, Eunuch Zhang carried the paper to the emperor. After reading it, the emperor couldn’t help but glance at Fang Hanxiao again—the paper bore the term “humble subject” twice, yet Fang Hanxiao’s bearing was far from that of a commoner. He seemed more suited to the Golden Horse Jade Hall.

Five years ago, that would have been true. But fortune changes in an instant, and his life’s prospects had already been cut short.

The emperor nodded. “Take good care of your grandfather. I’ll send a royal physician later.”

As he spoke, he glanced at Eunuch Zhang, who hurriedly responded, “Yes, this old servant will remember. Your Majesty’s benevolence and care for your ministers are truly boundless. I’ve heard that this young master has just married. With this joyous occasion, the old earl’s illness may improve further, so Your Majesty need not worry too much.”

This was news to the emperor, who didn’t concern himself with such details. Raising an eyebrow, he said, “Oh? So it seems I’ve summoned a groom today.”

Eunuch Zhang chuckled obligingly. “Indeed, Your Majesty’s praise couldn’t have been more timely. What groom doesn’t look spirited? Speaking of which, the bride’s family is one Your Majesty knows well—the Xu family of the late Old Minister Xu. The eldest young master Fang has married his eldest granddaughter.”

Hearing of happy events always lightens the mood. The emperor’s earlier gloom momentarily lifted as he smiled. “Ah, I remember now. The old minister’s family. When he chose this son-in-law, Grand Secretary Wu once mocked him in court. These scholars are always so particular. In my view, what’s unworthy about such a son-in-law?”

Eunuch Zhang laughed. “Exactly—” His smile faded slightly when he noticed Fang Hanxiao wasn’t joining in but was instead writing something on the floor.

Even the slightest irregularity in the emperor’s presence could be significant.

And the paper Fang Hanxiao presented indeed made the emperor frown. “Not the eldest granddaughter? But the third sister?”

Eunuch Zhang was stunned. What was this about?

He quickly said, “Your Majesty, this old servant distinctly heard it was the eldest granddaughter. The betrothal was arranged while the old minister was still alive, and he’s been gone for nearly seven or eight years now. I couldn’t have misheard for so long—”

“Look,” the emperor interrupted, handing him the paper.

Eunuch Zhang took it and, after a glance, understood. “Ah, it seems the eldest daughter fell ill—”

Fearing the old earl’s condition wouldn’t wait, they had to substitute the third daughter instead.

For Fang Hanxiao, this was most unfortunate. Though both were daughters of the Xu family, switching from a legitimate daughter to a concubine’s child meant differences in upbringing, dowry, and more.

Eunuch Zhang sighed. “The eldest young master’s filial piety is truly commendable.”

To endure such a last-minute substitution in marriage was no small matter.

The emperor pondered for a moment before asking Fang Hanxiao, “How is Fang Zhengsheng doing now?”

Fang Zhengsheng was Lord Fang. The question seemed somewhat abrupt, but Fang Hanxiao suddenly realized that when the emperor summoned him instead of Lord Fang to inquire about Old Master Fang’s condition, this might have been the underlying intention all along.

Marquis Longchang had encountered trouble while in office.

The emperor had thought of Old Master Fang.

Old Master Fang was so ill he couldn’t even leave his bed. The emperor couldn’t possibly reinstate him, so asking about his condition was merely a formality.

But Lord Fang wasn’t sick—for now, he didn’t yet know exactly what trouble Marquis Longchang was in, and the emperor might not necessarily want to replace him over this matter. However, by asking this question, the emperor showed at least some dissatisfaction with Marquis Longchang and had begun considering alternatives.

This question, coming right after his report about his wife being switched, carried unspoken implications. Years ago, Marquis Longchang had ousted Lord Fang by insinuating that Lord Fang had obtained his position improperly and was suspected of plotting against his nephew. Now that this nephew had returned, only to have his marriage go awry immediately—though he hadn’t implicated Lord Fang—the emperor’s question at this moment likely meant those past events had been brought to mind.

The position of Grand Canal General Commander couldn’t be taken from Marquis Longchang’s hands by Lord Fang.

Fang Hanxiao lowered his eyes and raised his brush to write his response.

But after a long while, he hadn’t written a single word.

No, he wasn’t struggling for words—because being unable to write was itself a form of reply.

The emperor understood. He nodded and said, “Very well, you may go.”

Fang Hanxiao kowtowed and withdrew.

Upon leaving the Imperial Study, Little Fuzi once again came to escort him out of the palace.

Little Fuzi was deeply embarrassed. Even when accepting gifts, there was a code of conduct. Leading Fang Hanxiao into the emperor’s presence during a moment of anger had clearly been a misstep. Along the way, he repeatedly apologized.

Yet Fang Hanxiao showed no trace of resentment. With a gentle smile, he comforted Little Fuzi with his eyes, making the eunuch feel even more ashamed. Little Fuzi thought to himself, “This young master is truly a good man.”

This very good young master had nearly reached the palace gates when he encountered someone.

His steps faltered.

The other person passed by without pause, brushing past him and quickly moving inward.

Little Fuzi followed his gaze and exclaimed, “Isn’t that Marquis Longchang? My, who would’ve thought he’d returned to the capital already? Truly, speak of the devil.”

No sooner mentioned than appeared.

Fang Hanxiao frowned.

Marquis Longchang had actually returned to the capital.

This complicated matters considerably.

Author’s Note:

Yes, that’s right—Fang Hanxiao wants the position of General Commander to remain with Marquis Longchang rather than go to Lord Fang. The reasons will be explained later.