Chapter 14

Prince of Nanan’s Residence.

Mei Xuezhen, as usual, took the hidden path.

After attending the morning court session, he accompanied the Emperor back to the Wen Zhao Pavilion to handle state affairs.

Unexpectedly, a messenger arrived from the Empress Dowager’s side, bringing with them an imperial edict.

Everyone in court knew that, although the Emperor had been on the throne for many years, all significant matters still required the approval of Empress Dowager Zhao Yu. Even the imperial seal remained in her possession.

It was said that she shared in governance.

In truth, he was still under her control.

This decree was sent over, not only to inform His Majesty of this matter but also to have His Majesty issue it, leaving the court ministers with no room for objection.

—-

When the bell rang inside the room, Xie Qingya was reading a letter from the southern region.

Today, Chang Feng was attending to him.

Knowing who was behind the wall, Xie Qingya hurried over to open the door.

Mei Xuezhen, dressed in a cloak and holding a lantern, had not even taken off his black cap yet, showing that he was in a hurry.

“Lord Mei.”

Mei Xuezhen did not bother to greet Chang Feng.

He merely nodded and handed the lantern to Chang Feng before walking swiftly towards Xie Qingya, his expression grim.

“You’re coming quite often lately. What happened this time?”

Xie Qingya continued reading the letter, not even lifting his head when he spoke.

Mei Xuezhen spoke as he walked, “It’s important!”

Xie Qingya did not respond.

Their recent interactions were indeed mostly concerning important matters.

As Mei Xuezhen was now a close minister to the emperor, he had to be cautious not to draw suspicion from others. Even though they had a secret passage, they typically did not meet unless necessary.

Even if they happened to cross paths, they would act as strangers.

As the newly crowned top scholar of the year, Mei Xuezhen, who had once criticized Xie Qingya’s current behavior, held much dissatisfaction with him. No one knew about the close relationship they had in private.

Even fewer people knew that they also had a brotherly bond, though not by blood.

Mei Xuezhen’s mother had been saved by Xie Qingya’s mother years ago. At that time, Liu Yuan and the Prince of Nan’an had been traveling in the southern regions, and by chance, they saved Mei Xuezhen’s mother, who had initially planned to serve as a maid but was instead accepted by Liu Yuan as an adopted sister.

This was not widely known.

Now, only Xie Qingya and Liu Yuan’s old servant, Aunt Deng, knew of it. Even Ping’an and Xie Changning, siblings of the Prince of Nan’an, only heard their mother mention an elder brother and aunt from the south but never knew their names.

“Sit and talk.”

Xie Qingya motioned for Mei Xuezhen to sit.

The letter from the south mentioned that Quan Fangtong’s corruption was increasingly out of control, with the amount already reaching hundreds of thousands. It also mentioned that as the Deputy of the Jiangning Weaving Bureau, he had been increasingly dictatorial, and the officials from Suzhou and Hangzhou were very dissatisfied with him.

It inquired if they should allow the officials from Suzhou and Hangzhou to jointly impeach him.

Mei Xuezhen sat down before Xie Qingya and said, “The person from Shoukang Palace wants to promote you to the governor of Shuntian Prefecture.”

Xie Qingya, who was about to ask Chang Feng to prepare a reply letter, looked up in surprise at these words.

Seeing his reaction, Mei Xuezhen understood his surprise and said in a low voice, “When I first saw the decree with the emperor, I was just as shocked as you.”

“You don’t think it’s strange that the emperor suddenly wants to make you the governor for no reason?”

This was something Mei Xuezhen couldn’t figure out.

They all knew that both Cao Da and the person from Shoukang Palace were very wary of Xie Qingya.

They feared that he was hiding something.

Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been the earlier marriage decree.

He feared there might be some hidden conspiracy behind all this, one that he couldn’t figure out. So after the meeting, he hurried over to discuss this matter with Xie Qingya and think of a plan.

Xie Qingya remained silent, deep in thought.

After a while, he said, “Yesterday, I had a dispute with Xiao Baozhu in Xianyi Fang.”

“Xiao Baozhu?” Mei Xuezhen frowned upon hearing this name. “What happened this time?”

His tone was impatient.

Xie Qingya, however, didn’t want to talk more about Xiao Baozhu. He had never cared much for her.

“It was just some trivial matters.”

“But—”

He suddenly changed his tone, his voice slowing down for some unknown reason. “Xu Duanyi was there too.”

“Princess Jiashun?” Mei Xuezhen was surprised.

He seemed to have figured out something and looked at Xie Qingya with a questioning tone. “Do you think this is Princess Jia Shun’s doing?”

Xie Qingya pondered for a moment before answering, “I don’t know if it’s her doing, but it’s definitely related to her.”

“After all, the person from Shoukang Palace is now focused on her.”

When Xie Qingya said this, his gaze unintentionally drifted toward the two hand warmers placed side by side on the table.

Mei Xuezhen didn’t notice his actions.

Chang Feng came over to serve tea.

Mei Xuezhen continued thinking, frowning.

“So, this might be a good thing. You were only staying in the residence because of their suspicion. But as the governor of Shuntian Prefecture… even though it’s a civil post, it’s still a third-rank official and manages the affairs of an entire prefecture.”

“Things will be much easier for us in the future.”

“You won’t need to act like a useless playboy outside anymore.”

Now that he had figured out the reason, Mei Xuezhen’s earlier anxiety had dissipated.

“You really scared me.”

He relaxed in his chair, no longer exuding the aura of someone praised for their brilliance. Leaning back, he picked up his tea and took a sip.

He casually remarked, “Now that I think about it, your engagement with Princess Jia Shun doesn’t seem without its advantages.”

Xie Qingya didn’t respond to this comment.

Mei Xuezhen didn’t think much of it either. Soon, his attention was back on the letter, and after reading its contents, he furiously exclaimed, “Quan Fangtong’s audacity knows no bounds!”

“He thinks he’s safe because Cao Da is backing him, so he’s not afraid of anything,” Xie Qingya sneered. “He’s even inquiring about next year’s salt inspection censor.”

Baozhu had always been active in the capital—just ask around, and anyone could tell you who she was.

But that Liu Xun was truly formidable.

He stirred feelings of romance in a young girl’s heart, learned of her identity, and then deliberately started to distance himself from her.

He claimed he wasn’t worthy.

But his actions didn’t reflect that sentiment in the least.

If he truly believed he was unworthy and didn’t want to ruin Baozhu’s prospects, he should have made things clear and kept his distance, instead of retreating only to advance further, using pretense and hesitation.

Sister-in-law was right:

Baozhu had been spoiled by her family and didn’t know the depths of human nature outside.

But a disposition like hers wasn’t something just anyone could have.

It wasn’t something she herself could achieve.

“Cousin, since I’ve told you, you must take my side,” Xiao Baozhu pleaded, knowing her family disapproved of Liu Xun. She hoped to draw Xu Duanyi into her camp to speak up for her and Liu Xun in the future.

Xu Duanyi remained noncommittal and instead asked, “Were you really the one who took the initiative that time?”

“Cousin!”

Baozhu’s face flushed with shame. She released Xu Duanyi’s arm, covered her face, and whispered, “Liu Xun never wanted to. I forced him.”

Seeing Baozhu’s embarrassed face but her continued defense of Liu Xun, Xu Duanyi fell silent.

Could a man really be forced if he wasn’t willing?

But since things had come to this point, discussing it further would only harm their sisterly bond. Xu Duanyi gently stroked Baozhu’s head and said, “If Liu Xun ever bullies you, tell me and Sister-in-law.”

“Liu Xun would never bully me!” Baozhu declared confidently.

Glancing at her cousin’s concerned gaze, she smiled, linked arms with her, and added sweetly, “I know, I know.”

“But if he dares to bully me, I won’t need anyone else—I’ll handle him myself!”

—–

Unlike Xu Duanyi, Baozhu couldn’t sit still.

After two days of reluctantly staying with Xu Duanyi, she felt stifled and, without waiting for Madam Ming to pick her up, found an excuse to return home.

Since Baoshu was determined, Xu Duanyi didn’t stop her, but she made sure to have her escorted safely back to the Duke of Huguo’s residence. Before leaving, she instructed the guards to ensure Baoshu didn’t leave their sight.

She was worried Baoshu might seek out Liu Xun again.

If any trouble arose, she couldn’t absolve herself from blame.

For the next few days, Xu Duanyi remained at home, copying Buddhist scriptures.

Three days later.

She took a carriage to Huang’en Temple.

Every year, she visited the temple to pray for her mother’s blessings and for her father’s safety.

She had come so often that the monks recognized her.

Without needing a guide, Xu Duanyi went to the main hall, made her offerings, donated oil money, and placed her handwritten sutra in the small Buddha hall where her mother’s memorial tablet resided.

She spent a long time speaking to her mother’s memorial before finally leaving.

“Will you have lunch here before returning, or are you leaving now?” Shiyu, who had been waiting outside, asked.

“I have one more place to go. Have them prepare a meal,” Xu Duanyi replied.

Shiyu smiled with delight—she had long missed the delicious vegetarian dishes at Huang’en Temple.

Thinking Xu Duanyi was merely offering more prayers, Shiyu didn’t insist on following. She handed her a hand warmer and went to arrange lunch.

Once Shiyu left, Xu Duanyi called a guide monk and asked if anyone was in the Grand Princess’s Buddha hall.

If it was empty, she planned to offer incense.

Only the monks knew she brought two sutras each year—one for her mother and one for the Xie family.

The monk, aware of her routine and mindful of the temple abbot’s current guest, paused before replying that no one was there.

“Thank you, Master.”

Xu Duanyi pressed her palms together in gratitude.

But neither she nor the monk knew that Xie Qingya was already inside the hall.

Staring at the three memorial tablets, Xie Qingya’s hidden gaze was shadowed with remorse.

His guilt weighed heavily, and he could not bear to look.

He closed his eyes to escape.

Yet behind closed eyes, visions surged forth—battles, flames consuming the land, his father and brother lying lifeless, and his radiant mother wasting away in sorrow.

His clenched hands trembled.

“Father… Mother… Brother…”

His hoarse voice quivered, refusing to open his eyes.

But then footsteps sounded outside, snapping him back to the present.

His vulnerability vanished, replaced by dark resolve.

Before the door opened, he darted behind the altar.

Mei Xuezheng raised his head, astonished. “He wouldn’t dare…”

Xie Qingya nodded.

Mei Xuezhen chuckled in exasperation. “He sure dreams big. Cao Da put in a tremendous effort to secure him a position as an official at the Jiangning Weaving Bureau, and now he’s greedy for the role of Salt Censor.”

“However, Cao Da isn’t foolish enough to let him go that far.”

“Quan Fangtong’s capabilities are well-known to Cao Da. There’s no way he’d let him climb so high unchecked—if trouble arises, Cao Da wouldn’t escape blame either.”

Xie Qingya looked at him calmly. “That’s why we need your help.”

“Me?”

Mei Xuezheng blinked, puzzled.

Xie Qingya spoke unhurriedly. “Next spring, when officials return to the capital to report on their duties, all you need to do is subtly suggest to Quan Fangtong that His Majesty favors him for the position of Salt Censor, but he needs a recommendation.”

“But…”

Mei Xuezheng opened his mouth, then suddenly understood Xie Qingya’s intent. “You want him to clash with Cao Da?”

Xie Qingya remained noncommittal.

Mei Xuezheng, however, had grasped his meaning and laughed. “Xie Qingya, you’ve got quite the dark heart. Cao Da dreads his brother’s ambitions, but you’re afraid he’s not ambitious enough.”

He was two years older than Xie Qingya.

When they were children, Xie Qingya had stayed in Jiangnan with his aunt, and Mei Xuezheng already knew how sly he was.

Still, they got along quite well, both sharing a mischievous streak.

He grinned. “Leave this to me.”

Dinner time was approaching.

Xie Qingya usually ate separately from his siblings, having meals sent to him privately. But with Mei Xuezheng visiting, Changfeng had extra dishes prepared for them to dine together.

During the meal, Mei Xuezheng chuckled as he remembered something. “If Cao Da finds out you’ve been appointed as the Magistrate of Shuntian Prefecture, he’ll be even more furious.”

“If he falls out with that one in Shoukang Palace, it would be a great benefit to us.”

Xie Qingya remained silent but secretly hoped the rift would widen.

He had no deep personal enmity with the one in Shoukang Palace.

As long as she refrained from shielding Cao Da and returned the reins of governance to His Majesty, he and Xu Duanyi…

The sudden thought made Xie Qingya shudder.

How could he…

“What’s wrong?”

Mei Xuezhen noticed his distracted expression.

“Nothing,” Xie Qingya replied, regaining composure without betraying his thoughts.

Mei Xuezhen observed him briefly but dismissed it.

They continued drinking and eating.

When the meal ended, Mei Xuezhen prepared to leave but noticed two hand warmers on the table.

“Since when do you use hand warmers?” he asked, reaching for one.

Xie Qingya tapped his hand with a brush. “Go back to your own place.”

Mei Xuezhen clicked his tongue. “Who gave them to you? You’re so protective, not even letting me touch them.”

He glanced at the brocade silk wrapping and delicate pattern—clearly crafted by a woman’s hand.

Just as he was about to guess, Xie Qingya spoke indifferently, “Changning.”

Hearing it was from Xie Changning, Mei Xuezhen refrained from teasing.

Though Xie Qingya seemed distant toward his family, he cherished his twin siblings the most.

Unfortunately, his current position made it difficult to see them.

Mei Xuezhen, now serious, refrained from further remarks. “I’ll be going.”

Xie Qingya responded with a simple “Mmm.”

After Mei Xuezhen’s departure, Xie Qingya gazed at the hand warmers once more.

He wasn’t sure why he had brought them back.

When Chang Feng returned after locking the secret door, Xie Qingya resumed writing a letter. “Put those hand warmers…”

He had intended to say, “Throw them away.”

Better to dispose of them to avoid future prying eyes.

Especially Xu Duanyi’s.

But instead, he instructed, “…store them.”

Chang Feng, unaware of his thoughts, simply nodded and followed orders.

—-

In the imperial quarters.

As Mei Xuezhen predicted, Cao Da flew into a rage upon learning of the Empress Dowager Zhao Yu’s decree.

It had been done behind his back.

Cao Da, believing his influence was unparalleled, hadn’t expected such secrecy this time.

He trashed the room in his fury.

His anger wasn’t over the appointment itself—becoming Magistrate of Shuntian Prefecture wasn’t significant enough to matter.

What enraged him was the challenge to his authority.

The Empress Dowager Zhao Yu’s actions were a veiled warning.

Just as he had once “warned” her.

“Don’t be so upset, my lord. The decree hasn’t been issued yet. If you disapprove, perhaps you could arrange something,” a eunuch offered soothingly, handing him fresh tea.

Cao Da glowered. “You fool! Do you think the one in Shoukang Palace is to be trifled with?”

That woman’s cunning and ruthlessness were second to none.

She had sent the previous emperor to his grave.

Enough.

Cao Da, though furious, quickly calmed.

If he were ruled by temper alone, he wouldn’t have reached his position.

He understood that he and the one in Shoukang Palace were bound together—for now, an outright clash would benefit no one.

“That’s it.”

“It doesn’t really affect us,” Cao Da said, curling his lips.

He then added, “Besides, that boy from the Xie family, whether he’s human or a ghost, will be clearer once it’s out in the open.”

“You go and find someone to keep an eye on the Shuntian Prefecture government office.”

The eunuch quickly bowed and replied.

Time passed quickly.

—-

After the New Year’s Eve, it was the seventh year of Tianhe.

The wedding of Xu Duanyi and Xie Qingya was set for the 23rd of March, right after the spring equinox.

During this time, Xie Qingya was officially appointed as the governor of Shuntian Prefecture.

This move sparked much discussion among the lower ranks, but since it was an edict from the emperor himself and personally decided by Empress Dowager Zhao Yu, no one dared to speak against it.

Xu Duanyi also went out of the palace a few times and attended several banquets.

However, on all these occasions, she never once ran into Xie Qingya.

Soon, the spring equinox passed.

Xu Duanyi and Xie Qingya’s grand wedding was fast approaching.