Zhu Yu – Extra Chapter 2

Late spring brought frequent rain. The wet traces of night rain on the courtyard’s blue bricks hadn’t yet dried. After the shower, the vegetation in the flower beds displayed an alluring verdant hue, with water droplets on the leaf tips refracting a faint golden light in the early sun.

The doors stood wide open, and beneath the corridor hung a series of bamboo blinds at varying heights, scattering dappled sunlight into the room. Song Yan maintained his bowing posture, his jade-green scholar’s robe soaked with cold sweat at the back.

Amidst the wafting fragrance of tea, the diagonally worn tea-white brocade robe of Fan Changyu, embroidered with floral patterns in dark silver thread, began to blur. She lowered her eyes to the teacup, where a few brown-green tea leaves floated, and took a shallow sip, her expression inscrutable.

Wu Guangkun glanced at Song Yan, then at Fan Changyu, his heart sinking. He could only break the awkward silence with a forced smile, “This… Are the Great General and Scholar Song old acquaintances?”

Fan Changyu’s expression remained cold as she replied ambiguously, “This general hardly deserves the term ‘old acquaintance’ from Scholar Song.”

At these words, Wu Guangkun broke into a cold sweat. Song Yan’s form stiffened for a moment, then, like a broken bamboo branch, he lifted his robe and knelt. When he spoke, it was unclear whether bitterness or embarrassment prevailed: “The great kindness of the General’s family, Song will never forget. That incident from years ago…”

Fan Changyu interrupted him: “According to our dynasty’s laws, those with academic titles may see officials without kneeling.”

Her gaze swept towards her attendants: “Help Scholar Song up.”

Xie Wu stepped forward and lifted Song Yan with one hand. Song Yan, suddenly losing balance, staggered a step before steadying himself. He exuded an indescribable awkwardness, having lost all the affected calm and composure he had when entering the room.

Wu Guangkun’s face showed embarrassment. He wanted to plead again but didn’t know what grievance Song Yan had with the Huaihua Great General. He dared not speak rashly, his small eyes revealing bewilderment.

Fan Changyu looked at Song Yan: “The cost of the coffin and tuition fees that my father provided, Scholar Song has already repaid. Thus, the Fan and Song families are now even, with no great favor as you mentioned.”

Song Yan stared fixedly at Fan Changyu seated in a high position. His eyes, having weathered years of vicissitudes, churned with complex emotions. After a long while, he painfully uttered a single “Yes.”

Xie Wu, standing nearby, couldn’t help but frown. Unaware of the past events in Qingping County, he only felt that this failed scholar’s gaze toward his Great General seemed off.

Fan Changyu said, “I’m looking for a tutor to begin Ning’s education. You should know that I could never employ you.”

Wu Guangkun and Xie Wu listened in confusion, while Song Yan again painfully uttered a “Yes.”

“In that case, please leave,” Fan Changyu set down her teacup. “Xiao Wu, see our guests out.”

Xie Wu immediately made a “please” gesture towards Wu and Song.

Wu Guangkun regretted his decision, fearing that because of Song Yan, he had also offended an important person. He wanted to say something to remedy the situation, but seeing Fan Changyu’s cold face and Xie Wu’s outstretched hand towards the door, he dared not act presumptuously. He could only plaster a flattering yet stiff smile on his face as he was shown out along with Song Yan.

As they approached the door, a young girl with double buns came running from the end of the corridor, followed by a tall, handsome guard. Before entering the room, her loud, childish voice could be heard: “Elder Sister! I’ve packed everything in my room!”

Upon encountering Wu and Song, the girl’s ear-to-ear grin faded a bit. Her chubby hands grasped her clothes, and she somewhat shyly called out to Wu Guangkun: “Teacher.”

Wu Guangkun, as if seeing a lifeline, immediately responded kindly: “Ah, it’s Ning…”

However, Chang Ning caught sight of Song Yan walking behind him. Her jade-white little face immediately fell. Her small fists clenched at her sides, her large black grape-like eyes filled with hostility as she shouted: “Bad man!”

With that, she charged like a little bull calf to Fan Changyu’s side, lying across her knees and glaring at Song Yan.

Song Yan’s face paled further. Xie Wu, sensing something amiss, secretly observed Fan Changyu.

But Fan Changyu merely stroked Chang Ning’s hair and said, “Children’s words carry no malice. Xiao Wu, continue escorting our guests out.”

Xie Wu then led Song Yan and Wu Guangkun toward the exit.

Chang Ning’s dimpled fingers traced the lacquered gold patterns on Fan Changyu’s belt, her lips pursed in displeasure: “Elder Sister, why did that bad man come?”

When the Song family came to break off the engagement years ago, Chang Ning was over five years old and could already remember things. Even though two or three years had passed, she still clearly remembered those bad people who had bullied her and her elder sister.

Fan Changyu said, “Life is but a hundred years. Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west. He failed the imperial examination and came seeking a livelihood as your tutor.”

Chang Ning immediately refused: “Ning doesn’t want him to teach!”

Her cheeks, white with a hint of pink, puffed up in anger, and even a strand of hair stood up on her head, showing how strongly she objected.

Fan Changyu laughed: “Didn’t I just send him away?”

Chang Ning was finally pleased. Tugging at a section of Fan Changyu’s robe, she asked, “Elder Sister is a Great General now, why didn’t you cane him?”

Fan Changyu’s expression grew serious as she addressed Chang Ning: “Ning, Elder Sister is a Great General, but this authority is for protecting the peace of Great Yin’s citizens, not for personal vendettas. Do you understand? Song Yan may be low, but our grievances with his family were settled in the past. He has committed no wrong now. If Elder Sister were to use her authority to create obstacles for him out of past resentments, then Elder Sister would be the one at fault.”

Chang Ning nodded, lowering her head: “Ning remembers.”

Fan Changyu continued earnestly: “Everyone chooses their path. We’re on the right road; there’s no need to stray onto side paths because of some petty individuals. This official career is full of hidden currents. One misstep could lead to irreversible consequences. Even if Song Yan enters officialdom, there will be plenty of pitfalls waiting for him. It’s not worth our effort to add to his troubles and create more karmic entanglements.”

Chang Ning nodded even more vigorously.

Fan Changyu then asked: “Have you packed everything in your room?”

She had married Xie Zheng last month. With no parents above her, her grandfather being a loyal minister wrongly accused by the court for over a decade, and her only adoptive father being an upright old minister of modest means, no one was there to manage her wedding affairs. Yu Qianqian had taken charge of everything. Her dowry had been allocated from the national treasury after discussions with the court officials.

Fan Changyu had lived in the Imperial Residence for nearly two years and hadn’t had time to move some of her belongings.

Initially, to make it convenient to care for Chang Ning in the future, her Great General’s mansion was built right next to the Xie residence. After more than a year, the mansion was finally completed. The internal courtyard walls were connected to the Xie residence, essentially merging the two into one compound.

She came today firstly to move the remaining items from her wedding, and secondly to meet the tutor recommended by Wu Guangkun.

When Chang Ning heard about this, she immediately insisted on coming along to the Imperial Residence, saying she wanted to pack her things.

Given her young age, having a tutor with a scholar’s title to begin her education was already more than sufficient. However, Fan Changyu was surprised that Wu Guangkun had recommended Song Yan.

“It’s all packed! Ning wanted to help Elder Sister pack too, but Uncle Xiao Qi wouldn’t let me!” Chang Ning said, making a face at Xie Qi.

Xie Qi bowed and replied, “There are some books and delicate items in the General’s room that this subordinate dares not touch carelessly.”

At Fan Changyu’s position, her writings and letters, as well as items close to her, could only be packed by her trusted aides with her permission. Other servants wouldn’t dare touch those things.

Understanding Xie Qi’s concerns, Fan Changyu said, “There’s nothing urgent in the room. Take the books back and put them in the Xie family study. As for the delicate items, store them in the General’s mansion storehouse for now.”

She had already taken away important documents and items from her room. What remained on the bookshelves were just some military books, history books, and policy discussions she had read before. Knowing she was moving everything over, Xie Zheng had specially cleared half of the study for her. These books would need to be consulted frequently in the future, so it was convenient to put them all in the study, saving trouble later.

Having received Fan Changyu’s instructions, Xie Qi personally went to pack those books and delicate items.

After passing through a hanging flower gate, Xie Wu was about to lead Song and Wu out of the mansion when he saw a group of people descending the steps at the main gate. The leader wore a golden crown and the python robe of the Regent. His tall, straight figure exuded an innate, cold authority that even overshadowed his handsome features, chilling onlookers with just a glance.

Xie Wu hurriedly led Song and Wu to stand at the side of the path, heads bowed, waiting for Xie Zheng to pass.

Xie Zheng knew Fan Changyu was returning to the Imperial Residence today to move her remaining belongings, so he came to check on her progress as soon as he left the palace.

Xie Wu and the two men standing in the path before the hanging flower gate were particularly eye-catching. As Xie Zheng was about to pass, he suddenly stopped, gave them a cursory glance, and asked Xie Wu, “What’s this about?”

Xie Wu replied, “Miss Chang Ning’s tutor passed the imperial examination and came to resign today, along with recommending a scholar. The Great General found it unsuitable and didn’t retain him, ordering this subordinate to see them out.”

Xie Zheng had asked casually, but upon hearing that Fan Changyu hadn’t retained the recommended tutor, his oppressive gaze fell on the man in the green scholar’s robe who stood with his head bowed.

It must be said that this style of dress was the type of scholarly attire Xie Zheng disliked the most.

He frowned slightly, and the two men who had their heads bowed so low they could only see their own feet began to tremble uncontrollably under his gaze. The man in the green robe, perhaps due to his young age, was shaking almost like a sieve.

Xie Zheng knew he didn’t have a reputation for kindness in court circles. If even ordinary officials feared him, it was only natural for a scholar who hadn’t yet entered officialdom to be afraid. Since Fan Changyu hadn’t retained him anyway, Xie Zheng didn’t inquire further in front of these two, merely instructing Xie Wu, “Then see them properly out of the mansion.”

Only after Xie Zheng had completely passed did Xie Wu continue to escort the two men out. However, the green-robed scholar seemed too frightened by the Prince to move, his face pale as wax, looking as if he had died once over.

Xie Wu knew that because of the case that brought down Grand Tutor Li, scholars across the land held grudges against his master. But the Prince had only asked a couple of questions, yet it had frightened this scholar to such a state. Xie Wu felt somewhat displeased, and his tone cooled: “The Prince is fair in rewards and punishments. Even though the Great General didn’t retain Scholar Song, there’s no need for such fear.”

Song Yan mumbled a response, but when he tried to walk again, his legs were still as soft as noodles.

There was no mistake, that voice belonged to the husband Fan Changyu had taken in years ago.

That year at the New Year’s Lantern Festival, his words “When wild geese fly south, phoenixes find no place to land” had stayed with Song Yan for years. He couldn’t mistake that voice.

Recalling the rumors from last year when Fan Changyu got engaged to the Regent, that the Regent was indeed her former husband, Song Yan’s face turned ashen.

This sudden overwhelming terror was even more intense than when he learned that the high official he was meeting today was Fan Changyu.

Rumors in the city said the Regent was ruthless and killed without blinking, with thousands of lives on his hands. His private prison was said to have countless tortures. Criminals who wouldn’t confess under all the tortures in the imperial prison would spill everything within half a day in his private one.

The sun after the rain wasn’t harsh, but as Song Yan and Wu Guangkun walked out of the Imperial Residence’s main gate and down the steps, he felt dizzy. Looking up at the sky, the sun seemed to have turned into a ring of fire shining directly into his eyes. Beside him, Wu Guangkun was still complaining, asking if he had offended the Great General in the past. Song Yan’s vision went black, and he lost consciousness.

Xie Zheng went to the inner courtyard to find Fan Changyu. Before they could exchange more than a few words, Xie Wu hurriedly returned to report that the scholar who came to apply for the tutor position had fainted at the gate of the Imperial Residence.

Fan Changyu frowned upon hearing this. She hadn’t been overly harsh with Song Yan, so how did he faint after leaving the Imperial Residence?

Seeing her unusual expression, Xie Zheng asked, “What’s going on?”

Fan Changyu explained truthfully, “The person Wu recommended was Song Yan.”

Xie Zheng looked at Fan Changyu, clearly not recalling who this person was for a moment.

Fan Changyu had to rephrase, “The scholar I was engaged to when we were in Qingping County.”

Xie Zheng’s expression visibly darkened, his phoenix eyes turning exceptionally cold, “He came here seeking a position?”

Fan Changyu said, “Finding a tutor for Chang Ning can be a big or small matter. I was worried that if people knew our household was looking for a tutor, some ill-intentioned individuals might come forward. So I told Teacher Wu not to spread the word and to bring suitable candidates directly for me to see. Who knew we’d encounter Song Yan.”

Xie Zheng gave a faint “Mm,” his emotions indiscernible.

When Xie Zheng arrived, Chang Ning had gone to help Xie Qi pack up Fan Changyu’s former room. Fan Changyu gave Xie Wu a look, and after he withdrew, she said to Xie Zheng, “You seem displeased?”

Xie Zheng poured himself a cup of tea, his expression bland as he said, “Not at all.”

Fan Changyu’s expression became somewhat nuanced as she looked at Xie Zheng, “Xie Jiuheng, you can’t still be jealous of Song Yan at this point, can you?”

Xie Zheng raised an eyebrow, his thin lips uttering two words: “Nonsense.”

Fan Changyu nodded, “Indeed. In terms of scholarship, you’re a pillar of the state with vast knowledge. He only passed the provincial exam on his first try to become a scholar, nothing much to boast about. Now he’s failed the metropolitan exam twice, becoming so downtrodden. If you were to compare yourself to him, it would truly be lowering yourself.”

Initially, Fan Changyu had intended to humor him, but as she spoke, she became genuinely reflective: “Back then, I knew you were literate and said that when you became a high official, if you ever met Song Yan in court, you could suppress him a bit to vent my anger. But only two or three years have passed, and what seemed like earth-shattering events then are now just shallow pits on our journey. There’s no need for us to suppress Song Yan anymore. In this sea of officialdom, a single stumble could cost him half his life.”

Her tone was light and calm as if she had truly let go of the past. The irritation and darkness in Xie Zheng’s heart were completely soothed by her words.

He turned slightly, half his body bathed in the warm spring light, making his fair complexion even more apparent. His eyes, touched by a halo of warm sunlight, seemed to soften. The golden embroidery on his python robe glowed with a floating golden light. His long fingers held a sky-blue porcelain cup with half a cup of pale honey-colored tea remaining. Against this backdrop, his fingertips appeared like white jade, exuding an indescribable casual elegance.

He said, “Have you packed everything? I’ll take you home.”

Fan Changyu smiled, “Only the books and some delicate items in my room are left. Xie Qi is packing them, and it should be almost done.”

When they went out, Xie Qi had indeed finished packing everything from Fan Changyu’s room, with all the books packed in special book boxes.

They took Chang Ning back to the Xie residence. After dinner, Fan Changyu felt drowsy and took Chang Ning for an afternoon nap.

When Xie Zheng entered the study to handle government affairs, he saw several boxes of Fan Changyu’s books piled on the floor. Worried that the servants might not know her reading habits and misplace the books, making it inconvenient for her to find them later, he placed them on the half of the bookshelf that had been cleared for her.

The military books Fan Changyu read were mostly chosen by Xie Zheng, ranging from simple to complex, all with his annotations.

Therefore, when he came across a military book that he hadn’t chosen for her, Xie Zheng couldn’t help but take a closer look. Opening it, he found extremely detailed annotations, but the elegant and moist handwriting was not his own.

Xie Zheng’s face showed no emotion, but his eyes suddenly turned cold and deep. He sat behind the desk and spent the entire afternoon meticulously reading through the military book page by page, from beginning to end, not missing a single word of annotation.

After finishing, he calmly ordered someone to summon Xie Wu.

As soon as Xie Wu entered the study and saw the familiar military book on the desk, he froze for a moment, feeling as if his scalp was about to explode.

This military book was returned to Fan Changyu by Zheng Wenchang years ago, and the annotations in it were all by Li Huai’an, the grandson of Grand Tutor Li!

“Who gave her this military book?” Xie Zheng sat behind the desk, his voice seemingly calm at first listen, but it was this calmness that made Xie Wu’s entire body break out in a cold sweat.

He licked his lips, hesitating for just a moment between lying and telling the truth, before choosing to confess honestly. The Great General had no particular relationship with Li Huai’an, and if his intentional concealment led to his master’s misunderstanding, that would truly be outsmarting himself.

He said, “It was… it was a promotion gift given to the Great General by Grand Tutor Li’s grandson when she was promoted to Cavalry Commander on the Chongzhou battlefield.”

Xie Zheng’s expression remained unchanged, but the knuckles of the hand flipping through the military book seemed to protrude slightly. A strange pressure emanated from him, making Xie Wu feel as if the air in the study had thinned.

Fearing Xie Zheng might misunderstand, he quickly added, “When the Great General received the book, she immediately awarded it to her subordinate officers. It was only later when General Zheng borrowed military books from the Great General at the Imperial Residence that this book was returned along with the others.”

Xie Zheng still said nothing.

After a long while, just as Xie Wu felt a drop of cold sweat sliding down his temple, he finally heard Xie Zheng say, “You may go.”

Xie Wu breathed a slight sigh of relief, thinking the matter had been settled with Xie Zheng.

That night, however, Fan Changyu tasted the consequences.

Both being martial artists, their abundant energy was inevitable, but most of the time Fan Changyu could keep up. Often, they would carry on until late into the night, and after a thorough and satisfying bath, she would be pulled into Xie Zheng’s embrace to sleep deeply.

Xie Zheng wasn’t one for words in that aspect, just as in his martial arts and warfare, he always acted more fiercely than he spoke, holding her tightly, his advances deep and heavy.

This night, Fan Changyu was already exhausted, but he seemed still unsatisfied. He kept asking her questions about military tactics when she was too confused to think, and when she couldn’t answer, he had a legitimate reason to continue punishing her.

Finally, Fan Changyu’s broken voice carried an extreme note of crying, “Xie Zheng, Xie Jiuheng, enough!”

Xie Zheng lowered his head slightly to look at her, sweat-damp hair messily covering his eyes, his gaze deep and dark. The slightly protruding Adam’s apple below his neck moved up and down, swallowing emotions only he knew.

Lowering his head to kiss her swollen red lips, his cold and mellow voice held only the insatiable greed of a wolf as he hoarsely said, “Not enough!”

Far from enough.

Never enough!

If there truly was a way in this world, he would probably not be able to resist sucking her marrow dry to satisfy the greed in his heart.